090820 CACIf you are unable to attend the meeting, please contact Susan Rader at 763-531-5152 or srader@newhopemn.gov
Citizen Advisory Commission Meeting
City Hall, 4401 Xylon Avenue North
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
7 p.m.
1.Call to Order.
2.Roll Call.
3.Approval of March 10, 2020 Minutes.
4.West Metro Fire-Rescue District update with Chief Sarah Larson.
5.Discuss 2020-21 Snowman Contest.
6.Park assignments for 2020.
7.Brainstorming – Ideas to bring attention to New Hope.
8.Update on Pool and Park projects.
9.Other business.
10.Adjournment.
New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission March 10, 2020
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CITY OF NEW HOPE
4401 XYLON AVENUE NORTH
NEW HOPE, MINNESOTA 55428
Citizen Advisory Commission
Regular Meeting
March 10, 2020
New Hope City Hall, 7 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER Chair Herman called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
ROLL CALL Present:
Absent:
Staff Present:
Commissioners Jon Bauer, Randy Herman, Mike Isenberg,
Scott Kulzer, Rick Riley, Mike Terres, Bill Wills
None
Susan Rader, Staff Liaison
Megan Hedstrom, Storm Water Specialist/Project Coordinator
Bernie Weber, Director of Public Works
WELCOME NEW
COMMISSIONER
The commissioners welcomed new commissioner, Scott Kulzer.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Isenberg made a motion to approve the minutes of the
February 11, 2020 meeting. Commissioner Terres seconded the motion. Voting
in favor: Commissioners Bauer, Herman, Isenberg, Kulzer, Riley, Terres, Wills.
Opposed: None. Motion carried.
DISCUSS MEADOW LAKE
PROJECT AND 2020 PUBLIC
WORKS PROJECTS
Megan Hedstrom, Storm Water Specialist/Project Coordinator, conducted a
brief PowerPoint presentation and reported that an improvement project
would begin this spring at Meadow Lake. She commented that this project was
scheduled to take between six and eight years to complete. She informed the
commissioners that the approximately 12-acre lake had an average depth of
about two feet, and included about 88 acres of drainage area. She explained
that the city received its water quality data through the Shingle Creek
Watershed Management Commission, and displayed a graph indicating
phosphorus, chlorophyll, and secchi depth levels within the lake. She noted
that both phosphorus and chlorophyll levels had exceeded acceptable
guidelines, while the secchi depth, or water clarity depth, was lower than
expectations at approximately ½ meter.
Ms. Hedstrom explained that the first step to improve water quality would be
to remove invasive species. She displayed a photo from 2016, and noted that at
that time, approximately 57% of the lake was covered in curly leaf pondweed.
She added that it was now closer to 75-80%. She reported that curly leaf
pondweed typically died off between late-June and mid-July, resulting in a
total lack of plant life within the lake. She added that this caused fish to
consume healthy invertebrates in the lake and to suspend sediment that
normally settled at the bottom.
Ms. Hedstrom displayed a photo of the turbid water state of Meadow Lake,
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and noted that several issues needed to be addressed , including the removal of
curly leaf pondweed. She added that the entire fish population, which
consisted only of mud minnows, would also need to be removed, and should
be accomplished through a lake drawdown.
Ms. Hedstrom displayed photos of the sediment core samples taken from
Meadow Lake, as well as minnows and curly leaf pondweed, and explained
that the goal would be to remove around 110 pounds of phosphorus from the
lake each year. She stated that several improvements had already been made,
including the installation of grit chambers, manholes and rain gardens, and
noted that street sweeping had also increased. She added that many residents
had also completed shoreline restoration projects, which reduced the amount
of phosphorus entering the lake.
Ms. Hedstrom explained that this summer’s project was designed to tackle
issues within the lake, and would begin with a lake level drawdown in mid-
August. She stated that the DNR would allow a drawdown up until early
September, to allow turtles and other wildlife to migrate to new locations. She
explained that this drawdown was designed to kill off the fish, consolidate
sediment, and kill the curly leaf pondweed. She added that a chemical
treatment may be necessary to completely kill the fish and curly leaf
pondweed.
Ms. Hedstrom stated that the goal for this first phase would be to establish a
healthy plant life within the lake. She added that once those results were
achieved, the lake would be treated with alum, which would essentially form
a film between the sediment and the water and keep phosphorus from re-
suspending in the lake.
Commissioner Riley inquired about dredging to improve the depth of the lake.
Ms. Hedstrom replied that it would not be financially feasible to dredge the
entire lake. She explained that Meadow Lake had been dredged in 2004 or
2005 as part of a street project, and noted that grit chambers had been installed
at that time to collect sediment.
Commissioner Terres wondered whether the lake froze thoroughly every year.
Ms. Hedstrom replied yes, but noted that the fish appeared to be relocating
during the winter months, rather than dying off. She added that the fish may
be temporarily relocating to the golf course pond, which is deeper, and
mentioned that staff planned to also install fish barricades.
Commissioner Bauer wondered whether the lake would eventually be
restocked with different fish.
Ms. Hedstrom stated that she was unsure, and commented that this would be
a decision for the DNR.
Commissioner Wills inquired about the number of turtles in Meadow Lake.
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Ms. Hedstrom replied that the DNR would make that determination after the
city applies for its drawdown permit.
Commissioner Terres referred to the pond on hole number 9 at the golf course,
and wondered where that water flowed.
Ms. Hedstrom explained that this pond flowed east into the Twin Lake/Ryan
Lake chain in Robbinsdale.
Ms. Hedstrom then reviewed upcoming public works projects. She displayed a
map of 2020 infrastructure improvement projects, and reported that the city
would be doing a full reconstruction of Northwood Parkway and 36 ½ Circle,
as well as several pavement projects near Hidden Valley Park. She noted that
some projects were also designated as alternates, for budgetary reasons. She
explained that alternate projects would include reclaim and overlays of the
trail along Erickson Drive, the parking lot between the fire station and Zealand
Avenue, and the trails around the sand volleyball and tennis courts.
Ms. Hedstrom reported that the signal light at 42nd and Boone avenues was
scheduled for replacement in 2020. She explained that this would be a
collaborative project involving MNDOT, Hennepin County and the city of
New Hope. She added that this project was necessary due to the planned
replacement of the bridge at 42nd Avenue and Highway 169. She also
mentioned that the signal lights at 42nd and Gettysburg avenues would
eventually be replaced as well.
Ms. Hedstrom then discussed water main improvements planned for
Winnetka Avenue. She explained that the city would replace the water main
between 27th and 29th avenues. She noted that this would be accomplished
through a process called pipe bursting, in which new piping was inserted
below ground without the demolition and reconstruction of the road surface.
She reported that CenterPoint Energy would be installing a new gas main
from 42nd Avenue in New Hope to 10th Avenue in Golden Valley as well. She
also mentioned that the cities of New Hope and Crystal would be replacing
manhole covers and utility boxes, and commented that Winnetka Avenue
would remain open during these projects, however there would be lane
closures.
Commissioner Isenberg asked for a brief description of the the 42nd
Avenue/Highway 169 project.
Ms. Hedstrom replied that the bridge on 42nd Avenue crossing over Highway
169 was scheduled for replacement. She explained that the pattern would be
changing to a folded diamond, with traffic signals on each side. She added that
there would also be a dedicated pedestrian trail along the south side of 42 nd
Avenue, connecting New Hope and Plymouth.
Ms. Rader mentioned that a lane closure on 42nd Avenue had been discussed at
a recent work session.
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Ms. Hedstrom explained that the closure would affect the south shoulder of
the bridge only. She added that barricades would be placed along the shoulder
this spring.
Commissioner Riley referred to the traffic signal work on 42nd and Boone
avenues, and wondered if it would involve any road improvements.
Ms. Hedstrom replied that road improvements would occur in the future. She
explained that this year’s project would include signal light replacement and
improvements to the pedestrian crossings.
Commissioner Kulzer inquired whether the city planned to keep the four lanes
of traffic on Winnetka Avenue following the street project.
Ms. Hedstrom replied yes, and noted that all curbing would remain in place
during the project.
The commissioners thanked Ms. Hedstrom and Mr. Weber for their
presentation. They excused themselves from the meeting at 7:35 p.m.
DISCUSS 2020 AGENDA
TOPICS
Ms. Rader noted that the topics originally scheduled for the March meeting
had been postponed due to the resignation of the communications
coordinator.
Ms. Rader mentioned that the City Council was planning to conduct a city
survey with the Morris Leatherman Company in 2020. She noted that this
would be an agenda topic for later this year.
Following a brief discussion, the commissioners requested updates on
CERT/Fire Department and Community Development at the next few
meetings.
There was some interest in meeting with representatives from the New Hope
Lions to discuss ways to help with this year’s festival.
2020 PARK ASSIGNMENTS Chair Herman and Ms. Rader reviewed the process for checking parks and
reporting issues of concern. The commissioners made their selections for 2020.
IDEAS TO BRING
ATTENTION TO NEW HOPE
Commissioner Kulzer suggested offering a skateboarding contest at the new
skate park.
UPDATE ON POOL AND
PARK PROJECT
Ms. Rader reported that outside work was being done at the pool area, and
noted that delivery of the slides was expected this week. She informed the
commissioners that the contractor had been given the approval to work over
the next few weekends. She also mentioned that staff had toured the
bathhouse the previous week. She stated that the skate park was primarily
done, although staff still planned to reposition some items. She added that
roofing of the picnic shelter was nearing completion, electrical work was
underway at the theater, and installation of the metal roofing on the theater
would begin soon. She also noted that much of the landscaping was yet to be
New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission March 10, 2020
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completed.
Commissioner Wills wondered about the landscaping on the south side of city
hall.
Ms. Rader replied that trees had been planted last fall, but final grading and
installation of fencing had not been completed. She added that trees had also
been planted on the north side of the building, but leveling of the landscaping
rock, additional plantings, construction of the pool parking lot and curbing,
and the final layer of the city hall parking lot still needed to be completed.
Ms. Rader reported that a phased opening was planned for the Aquatic Park,
and noted that the 50-meter pool was scheduled to open on June 6. She added
that a new manager had been hired and two hiring events were planned for
March 28 and April 4.
Commissioner Riley asked for an update on the boulder.
Ms. Rader replied that staff hoped to dig around it and rebury it in its current
location.
BEGIN PARK PLAYGROUND
PROJECT UPDATE
Commissioner Terres reported that the committee had met twice, although no
residents from the neighborhood had attended. He stated that the committee
discussed ideas with representatives from Flagship Recreation, who presented
options and color schemes.
Ms. Rader added that color options were sent to the four neighborhood
residents who had responded to the survey, asking for their opinions.
Commissioner Terres also mentioned that some components of the current
play system would be reused.
Ms. Rader informed the commissioners that Flagship Recreation was the only
manufacturer that offered refurbishing. She added that staff would seek
council approval of the plans on March 23. If approved, staff would then seek
bids for the new container and sidewalk. She thanked Commissioners Isenberg
and Terres for serving on the committee.
OTHER BUSINESS Ms. Rader reported that seven entries had been received for the
Snowman/Snow Sculpture contest, although two were nonresidents. She
added that the contest would remain open through March 31. Entries would
then be forwarded to the commissioners for judging, and prizes would be
awarded at the council meeting on April 27.
Commissioners Riley and Terres volunteered to present awards at the council
meeting.
Ms. Rader stated that Recreation Supervisor Aaron Thelen was looking for
volunteers for upcoming events, including Young M udder, an adventure
course planned for June 13, and Trick or Trot, a Halloween activity planned
New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission March 10, 2020
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for this fall.
Ms. Rader reminded the commissioners that there would be no regular
meeting in April. She added that the Citizen Advisory Commission would
hold its annual dialog with the City Council on April 20.
ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Isenberg made a motion to adjourn the regular meeting of the
Citizen Advisory Commission. Commissioner Wills seconded the motion. All
present voted in favor. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Penny Spitzer
Recording Secretary
CAC AGENDA ITEMS FOR 2019
AS OF 8/31/20
The following is a tentative listing of major agenda items that have either been assigned to CAC, a CAC
member has asked that the item be discussed, or city staff has asked that the item be discussed by CAC.
*Regular Meetings:
October 13 –
Communications Update with Beth Kramer, Communications Coordinator
November 10 –
Budget Update with Kirk McDonald, City Manager and Vicki Holthaus, AEM
December 8 –
*Note: A meeting may be cancelled if there are no agenda items.
On-going
Ideas to bring attention to New Hope
Promotion of existing City programs: In Focus, RAVE, Outstanding Business, Next Door.com
Updates
Pool and Civic Center Park projects
Park Projects
Possible Future Topics
Farmers Market Update
CD Update