09 19 22 Work Session MinutesCity Council Work Session September 19, 2022
Page 1
City of New Hope
4401 Xylon Avenue North
New Hope, Minnesota 55428
City Council Minutes
Work Session Meeting
September 19, 2022
Northwood Conference Room
CALL TO ORDER The New Hope City Council met in work session pursuant to due call and notice thereof;
Mayor Hemken called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL Council present:
Kathi Hemken, Mayor
John Elder, Council Member
Andy Hoffe, Council Member
Michael Isenberg, Council Member
Jonathan London, Council Member
Staff present:
Tim Hoyt, Acting City Manager
Erin Enstad, Abdo
Vicki Holthaus, Abdo
Rich Johnson, Director of HR/Admin. Services
Valerie Leone, City Clerk
Walker MacBeath, HR Specialist/IT Coordinator
Susan Rader, Director of Parks & Recreation
Jeff Sargent, Director of Community Development
Mark Severson, Recreation Facilities Manager
Bernie Weber, Director of Public Works
CITY SURVEY
RESPONSES
Item 11.1
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 11.1, Review results of the 2022 Morris
Leatherman Survey.
Mr. David Leatherman of The Morris Leatherman Company reviewed the results of
the community‐wide survey that was conducted between April and May, 2022,
involving 400 households. He reviewed each category of the survey and noted overall
the responses were positive with 90% indicating they are pleased with the city’s
direction. He noted there were four moderate concerns regarding growth, high taxes,
rising crime, and redevelopment. He indicated the survey responses are typical of a
first or second ring suburb.
Discussion ensued regarding taxes. Mr. Leatherman noted the survey showed 70% of
residents are willing to pay additional taxes to maintain current services/programs. He
noted the city is in a stable position.
Council expressed their gratitude to all city staff for their work and asked directors to
share the survey results with employees.
Mayor Hemken thanked Mr. Leatherman for his presentation.
DIALOGUE WITH
CAC
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion item 11.2, Dialogue with Citizens Advisory
Commission.
City Council Work Session September 19, 2022
Page 2
Item 11.1
Ms. Susan Rader, director of parks and recreation and staff liaison to the citizens
advisory commission introduced commission members in attendance: Scott Kulzer
(chair), Jeff Harper, Jill Kaufman, Randall Herman, Carrie Neuburger. Members Rick
Riley and Bill Wills were not in attendance.
Chair Scott Kulzer reported on the commission’s 2021 activities. He noted the CAC has
adopted the Liberty Park through the city’s adopt‐a‐park program and held two clean‐
up events.
Discussion ensued regarding commissioners’ observations and interactions with New
Hope residents including complaints about property maintenance issues. Council
thanked CAC members for informing others that New Hope does not assess for street
projects due to the Street Infrastructure Fund levy. CAC members noted they assisted
with the Tobacco 21 ordinance change and would be willing to assist with implantation
of an ordinance regulating THC products.
Director Rader noted the CAC are great ambassadors of the city.
Mayor Hemken suggested the CAC rotate volunteering at the community farmers
market to greet residents.
Council thanked the commission for planting flowers in the 13 planters along 42nd
Avenue to beautify the city, conducting park inspections/reports, and for their
community outreach.
2023 GENERAL FUND
BUDGETS
Item 11.2
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion item 11.3, Discussion of 2023 general fund
budgets with city manager, Abdo and department heads.
Mr. Tim Hoyt, acting city manager, stated the 2023 general fund budget is $17,235,207,
which is an increase of $1,056,014 (6.5%) over 2022. He stated the tax levy for the
general fund is $12,076,955 which is a $683,601 or 6% increase over the 2022 general
fund levy; and the total tax levy for 2023 is $19,053,316 which is a 4.51% increase over
the 2022 levy. He noted the 4.51% increase is less than levies proposed by many
surrounding suburbs. He stated directors will review their respective budgets and if
any matter requires extensive discussion he recommended postponing it until the
October work session to permit the review of all budgets at this meeting. Mr. Hoyt
advised Council the enterprise and utility fund budgets will be presented at the
October 17 work session. He encouraged an open, respectful dialogue with directors
and Abdo staff.
The city manager and department directors reviewed major projects or changes
planned for 2023 as outlined in the budget narratives:
Mr. Hoyt reported on the proposed budgets for Mayor and Council, City
Manager, Assessing, City Hall, Elections, Fire Services, Police, Police Reserves,
and Animal Control.
Mr. Rich Johnson, director of human resources, reported on the proposed
budgets for Human Resources, Finance, Communications, and IT.
Mr. Jeff Sargent, director of community development, reported on the
proposed budgets for Planning, Inspections, Legal Services, and EDA.
City Council Work Session September 19, 2022
Page 3
Mr. Bernie Weber, director of public works, reported on the proposed budgets
for Streets, Engineering, Street Infrastructure Fund, and Central Garage.
Ms. Susan Rader, director of parks and recreation, reported on the proposed
budgets for Recreation, Parks, Swimming Pool, and Park Infrastructure Fund.
Council discussed the need for a capital improvement fund for the city hall/police
station. Ms. Holthaus noted originally $100,000 was proposed as part of the 2023
budget but it was excluded to keep the levy as low as possible. She stated the matter
will be discussed when Council reviews the long‐term financial plan for 2024.
Discussion was also held regarding the fire district and staffing issues, the gate fees for
the aquatic park, personnel wages and staff retention, CIP funding for refurbishing
tennis courts to pickleball courts and tree replacement at city facilities.
Council thanked the department heads for their presentations.
WAGES AND
BENEFITS
ITEM 11.4
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 11.4, Discussion regarding the Cost‐of‐
Living Adjustment (COLA) for non‐represented employees in 2023 and the city’s
monthly contribution towards insurance coverage for 2023.
Mr. Rich Johnson, director of HR/Admin. Services, shared information regarding the
Consumer Price Index and recommended a 3% COLA for non‐represented employees
for 2023. He stated the city’s collective bargaining units settled on a 3% COLA as well
as market increases for 2023. He also recommended a compensation study be
undertaken in 2023 and stated there is $30,000 budgeted for this expense.
Mr. Johnson explained the proposed 2023 budget contains a 4.5% increase for the city’s
contribution towards insurance. He noted there is a slight decrease in health insurance
premiums through Health Partners due to lower than expected usage. He emphasized
the need to ensure the city remains competitive in wages and benefits and
recommended the city’s monthly contribution be increased by $45, $76, and $86 for
single, employee plus one and family, respectively.
Discussion ensued regarding the large percentage of the budget devoted for wages.
Council Member Isenberg pointed out the recent community survey indicated
residents are willing to pay greater taxes to retain city services.
Council supported placing the item on the September 26 Council Meeting agenda.
ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:17 p.m. as there was no further business to come
before the Council at its work session.
Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Leone, City Clerk