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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 Page 2 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 Page 3 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 Page 4 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 Page 5 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 Page 6 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