101320 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, October 13, 2020
7 p.m.
1. Call to Order.
2. Roll Call.
3. Approval of September 8, 2020 Minutes.
4. Communications update with Beth Kramer, Communications Coordinator.
5. Brainstorming – Ideas to bring attention to New Hope.
6. Park Reports.
7. Other business.
8. Adjournment.
New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission September 8, 2020
Page 1
CITY OF NEW HOPE
4401 XYLON AVENUE NORTH
NEW HOPE, MINNESOTA 55428
Citizen Advisory Commission
Regular Meeting
September 8, 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:
Also Present:
Commissioners Jon Bauer, Randy Herman, Mike Isenberg,
Scott Kulzer, Rick Riley, Mike Terres, Bill Wills
None
Susan Rader, Staff Liaison
Sarah Larson, West Metro Fire-Rescue District Chief (arrived
7:04 p.m.)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Isenberg made a motion to approve the minutes of the March
10, 2020 meeting. Commissioner Bauer seconded the motion. Voting in favor:
Commissioners Bauer, Herman, Isenberg, Kulzer, Riley, Terres, Wills.
Opposed: None. Motion carried.
DISCUSS 2020-21 SNOWMAN
CONTEST
Ms. Rader reminded the commissioners that the contest had been held
through the end of March. She stated that awards had been planned for the
last council meeting in April, but due to COVID, they had been held at a
virtual council meeting in May, with a slide presentation and announcement
of the winners.
Ms. Rader shared a write-up from the 2019-20 contest and suggested minor
revisions for the 2020-21 contest. She explained that in years past, this
information was included in the winter edition of In Motion, which was
distributed in early November.
Discussion of this item was tabled.
WEST METRO FIRE-RESCUE
DISTRICT UPDATE
Sarah Larson, West Metro Fire-Rescue District (WMFRD) Chief, addressed the
commissioners and reported that as of August 31, New Hope had received 676
calls for service. She stated that the WMFRD had responded to a total of 1267
calls through August 31, and noted that this figure included 553 calls for
service within the city of Crystal and 38 calls for mutual aid. Chief Larson
further explained that the WMFRD participated in an auto-aid program with
the cities of Brooklyn Park, Plymouth and Golden Valley, in which they had
responded to 56 fires, 311 EMS calls, 59 hazardous condition calls, 78 service
calls, 8 “good intent” calls, eight fire false alarms, and one severe weather call.
Commissioner Isenberg inquired about “good intent” calls.
New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission September 8, 2020
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Chief Larson replied that it referred to calls that did not fall into any of the
other categories, and cited the example of an item stuck in a storm drain.
Chief Larson reported that of those calls for service, six were significant fires in
New Hope.
Commissioner Wills wondered how the quantity of service calls this year
compared to prior years.
Chief Larson reported that last year there were 2018 calls for the entire year ,
which was down by about 100 calls. She noted however, that due to COVID-
19, the WMFRD did not respond to every call.
Commissioner Isenberg wondered about the calls that the department had not
responded to.
Chief Larson explained that in cases of illness where an ambulance was
needed, firefighters may or may not respond to those calls, in an effort to limit
their risk of exposure. She added that firefighters would still respond to all
calls for a lift assist.
Chair Herman wondered how COVID-19 had affected the fire department
overall.
Chief Larson stated that the overall goal was to provide core fire services while
protecting the community and firefighters from the spread of COVID-19. She
explained that the department had switched to a four-person duty crew who
responded to all calls for service, rather than the seven full-time firefighters
and all paid on-call firefighters responding to all calls. She added that
everyone available would still respond to a fire. Chief Larson also reported
that training had been suspended earlier this year due to COVID, but noted
that the department had begun training again in small groups.
Chief Larson informed the commissioners that CERT (Citizens Emergency
Response Team) had been placed on an indefinite suspension of activity, due
in part to low participation and a lack of opportunities for use of services. She
stated that current CERT members were encouraged to offer their volunteer
services to other community-based organizations.
Commissioner Isenberg explained that CERT was originally formed to assist
first responders during overwhelming situations, such as a tornado.
Commissioner Wills inquired whether the group was specifically designed to
help the fire department.
Commissioner Isenberg replied that when it was formed in 2012, CERT was
considered a joint venture between the fire department and Animal Control. It
was noted that CERT members had assisted with firefighter rehab during fire
calls, as well as a few search and rescue calls.
New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission September 8, 2020
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Chief Larson reported that all public events had been suspended, but
mentioned that the department had been conducting “birthday brigades”, and
noted that 234 had been conducted to date. She stated that anyone could sign
up for this service by calling Joel Nelson at the fire department. She also
mentioned that a blood drive had been held on August 5.
Chief Larson stated that the department typically hired firefighters every two
years, but reported that no hiring had been done in 2020 due to COVID-19. She
informed the commissioners that new recruits were last hired in 2018, and
explained that the first two years consisted primarily of training. She
explained that training consisted of a twice weekly academy from January to
June, followed by Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) training in the fall.
She added that recruits were then promoted to apprentice firefighters. She
further explained that the entire second year was spent working on skills and
becoming certified as fire apparatus operators. She added that at the end of the
second year, those recruits would be promoted to firefighter status.
Ms. Rader wondered how many of the new recruits typically completed the
two-year program.
Chief Larson replied that the department might lose one, and noted that they
preferred to recruit in groups of ten. She also mentioned that over half of the
current staff of firefighters had been with the department for five years or less.
Mayor Hemken requested the floor and asked Chief Larson to discuss how the
department had changed its training measures, which had resulted in a cost
savings.
Chief Larson explained that recruits were previously trained at area technical
colleges, which had included more generic firefighting methods. She info rmed
the commissioners that a mutual training academy had been formed by the
WMFRD and the cities of Plymouth, Golden Valley and Maple Grove to train
firefighters in-house on an annual basis. She stated that this change had
provided a cost savings while offering training that was more specialized to
the specific departments. She also noted that the WMFRD received a training
reimbursement of $1200 per recruit from the state training board.
Commissioner Terres wondered whether incoming recruits received paid
training.
Chief Larson replied yes, and explained that recruits received $10 per hour
during their first year and $12.50 per hour in their second year. She added that
following completion of their second year, recruits would be promoted to
firefighter status and would receive a salary of approximately $17 per hour.
Commissioner Terres also wondered at what point recruits were eligible to
participate in calls for service.
Chief Larson responded that recruits could respond to calls for service right
away, but noted that their level of participation would initially be limited.
New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission September 8, 2020
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Commissioner Terres inquired about full-time firefighter positions.
Chief Larson explained that the WMFRD was different from other fire
departments in that it provided services for the cities of New Hope and
Crystal, but was considered a separate entity. She stated that the full-time
firefighters all held management roles covering the areas of administration,
operations, logistics, training, public education and construction inspections.
Chief Larson informed the commissioners that new self-contained breathing
apparatus had been placed into service this year, and were expected to last for
15 years. She also mentioned that a new utility vehicle , a Chevrolet Silverado,
had been placed into service this year, and was used to haul equipment that
had been contaminated during calls for service. She also reviewed the
WMFRD’s Duty Lieutenant-in-Training program, in which trainees
participated in a rotation that responded to all calls for service.
The home inspection program was briefly discussed, and Chief Larson
mentioned that the program had been suspended due to COVID-19. She
explained that this program consisted of a free home safety survey, as well as
new smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and a fire extinguisher, if
needed. She added that this program was supported by the WMFRD Relief
Association.
Commissioner Kulzer wondered how the department had prepared to
mobilize during the civil unrest that had occurred earlier this summer.
Chief Larson replied that the WMFRD had coordinated with the New Hope
and Crystal police departments to staff all three stations with a duty crew of
four people at all times, and noted that contingency plans had been created to
relocate equipment, if it was deemed necessary.
The commissioners thanked Chief Larson for her presentation. She excused
herself from the meeting at 7:38 p.m.
CONTINUE DISCUSSION OF
2020-21 SNOWMAN CONTEST
The commissioners resumed their discussion of the Snowman Contest and
expressed support for continuing the program.
Commissioner Kulzer inquired about prizes.
Ms. Rader explained that prizes were funded from the recreation budget, and
noted that a $70 recreation gift certificate or $50 cash was awarded for first
place, and a $40 recreation gift certificate or $25 cash was awarded for second
place.
Commissioner Isenberg wondered about increasing the amount of the gift
certificate, and also wondered if it could be used at the new pool.
Ms. Rader replied that an increase could be considered, and noted that it could
be used at the new pool.
New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission September 8, 2020
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Commissioner Bauer wondered if the list of prizes should be included in the
write-up.
Ms. Rader expressed concern that people may either submit multiple entries in
an effort to win, or may think the prize is not worth it. She felt it should be
excluded from the write-up.
PARK REPORTS Ms. Rader informed the commissioners that due to COVID-19 and concerns
over social distancing, the city had not hired seasonal parks staff this summer.
She commented that full-time staff maintained responsibility for all park-
related maintenance and issues, and were sometimes forced to prioritize tasks.
Commissioner Kulzer mentioned that one of the cell towers at Northwood
Park had fallen during a recent storm.
Ms. Rader commented that it had appeared to have been struck by lightning,
and noted that the contractor was in the process of replacing it.
Commissioner Kulzer complimented the city on the new basketball courts at
Northwood Park.
Ms. Rader reported that the project had included adjustable basketball hoops,
and mentioned that they had also been installed at Sunnyside and Begin parks.
Commissioner Isenberg asked for an update on Begin Park.
Ms. Rader replied that the play equipment had been installed and site
restoration was mostly completed. She informed the commissioners that
Corner Park was scheduled to receive new play equipment in 2021, and noted
that this equipment was last replaced in 1997.
Chair Herman commented that he often observed patrons at Hidden Valley
Park who were not wearing masks or social distancing at the playground,
pavilions and tennis courts. He wondered whether more signage could be
placed at those locations.
Ms. Rader expressed hesitation at adding more signage, and noted that signs
posted at the entrances included general guidelines for COVID-19, including
social distancing recommendations, a warning that park equipment and tables
were not sanitized, and a reminder to adhere to maximum group sizes for
outdoor gatherings. She also mentioned that masks were not required while
exercising or maintaining six feet of social distancing.
Commissioner Kulzer inquired about the softball tournament at Northwood
Park and wondered if it was still an annual event.
Ms. Rader replied yes, and explained that while it was not hosted by the city,
the city did provide field space. She added that approval for beer sales was
given by the city council.
New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission September 8, 2020
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BRAINSTORMING – IDEAS
TO BRING ATTENTION TO
NEW HOPE
Commissioner Kulzer mentioned that he had previously suggested hosting a
skateboard contest, and thought about offering one in 2021.
UPDATE ON POOL AND
PARK PROJECTS
Ms. Rader reported that the pool project was mostly completed, with a few
punch list items remaining, and noted that staff training on all areas of the
facility was underway. She informed the commissioners that the pools had
been filled for a brief period of time this summer to cure the plaster, and
commented that a few staff members had performed some test runs on the
slides. She added that the facility was expected to open in June 2021, and a
grand opening celebration was being planned.
Ms. Rader also reported that the skate park, performance center and picnic
pavilion had been completed. She informed the commissioners that the
contractor responsible for the area between the performance center and picnic
pavilion had contacted the city requesting to add irrigation and sod, rather
than blow mulch to that area. She stated that staff had agreed to the change,
and noted that it was done at no extra cost to the city. She added that grass
throughout the rest of the park was still working to establish. Ms. Rader also
mentioned that an outdoor movie had been shown at the performance center
in August, but noted that it was cut short due to rain. Additional movies were
planned for September and October.
Commissioner Riley wondered if the blow mulch used this year was different
from that used in previous years. He commented that the color appeared
brown, rather than the green color he had seen in the past.
Ms. Rader replied that the product should be the same, and noted that the
green layer was used to prevent erosion. She added that the city had had good
success with blow mulch in the past, but felt that the blow mulch at the Civic
Center complex was performing poorly due to improper watering by the
contractor.
Commissioner Bauer wondered whether the theater troupe would be
returning.
Ms. Rader replied yes, and noted that Off Broadway Musical Theater (OBMT)
planned to resume its musicals in 2021.
Ms. Rader also reported that sections of the sidewalk near the entrances to city
hall had been replaced by the contractor due to the city’s dissatisfaction with
the original product. She added that touch-up work was in process in other
areas of the parking lot and, once completed, the contractor would apply the
final wear course to the parking lot and stripe it.
OTHER BUSINESS Chair Herman mentioned that underground piping had been replaced in his
neighborhood, and expressed dissatisfaction with the lawn repairs that had
occurred following the project.
New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission September 8, 2020
Page 7
Ms. Rader suggested contacting Public Works to request contact information
for the contractor.
Ms. Rader made the following announcements:
The farmer’s market would be open from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. through
October 3 in the city hall parking lot.
The “In Focus Photo Contest” was currently underway, and photos
would be accepted through October 16.
Commissioner Riley wondered whether Officer Nichole Korth’s position had
been replaced.
Ms. Rader replied that the position was still vacant, but noted that two officers
had been handling some of her duties in the interim. She informed the
commissioners that the police department was in the process of hiring a new
sergeant position as well as two police officer positions. Ms. Rader also
reported that Tim Fournier, Director of Police, had recently announced his
retirement, effective in early October.
Commissioner Wills reported that he, Commissioner Riley, and Donna Meyer
from the Human Rights Commission, had participated in judging for the
RAVE! Award nominations. He noted that there were approximately 20
nominations, and commented on the quality of the projects.
Commissioner Riley added that outdoor projects were judged in-person while
interior projects were judged virtually. He added that winners would be
recognized at the council meeting at the end of October.
ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Isenberg made a motion to adjourn the regular meeting of the
Citizen Advisory Commission. Commissioner Kulzer seconded the motion.
All present voted in favor. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Penny Spitzer
Recording Secretary
CAC AGENDA ITEMS FOR 2020
AS OF 9/30/20
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:
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
Park Projects
Possible Future Topics
Farmers Market Update
CD Update
PW Update