011023 CAC Agenda PacketCitizen Advisory Commission Meeting
City Hall, 4401 Xylon Avenue North
January 10, 2023
7 p.m.
1. Call to Order.
2. Roll Call.
3. Approval of December 13, 2022 minutes.
4. Approval of 2022 Annual Report.
5. Community Development update with Director Jeff Sargent.
6. Election of 2023 officers.
7. Park assignments for 2023.
8. Brainstorming — Ideas to bring attention to New Hope.
9. Parks and Recreation project updates.
10. Other business.
11. Adjournment.
If you are unable to attend the meeting, please contact Susan Rader at 763-531-5152 or sraderCnewhopemn.gov
Citizen Advisory Commission
Regular Meeting
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
CITY OF NEW HOPE
4401 XYLON AVENUE NORTH
NEW HOPE, MINNESOTA 55428
December 13, 2022
New Hope City Hall, 7 p.m.
Chair Kulzer called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
Present: Commissioners Jeffrey Harper, Randy Herman, Jill Kaufman,
Scott Kulzer, Carrie Neuburger, Rick Riley
Absent: Commissioner Bill Wills
Staff Present: Susan Rader, Staff Liaison
Also Present: Cooper High School Student Council Representatives
APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Herman made a motion to approve the minutes of the October
11, 2022 meeting as written. Commissioner Kaufman seconded the motion.
Voting in favor: Commissioners Harper, Herman, Kaufman, Kulzer,
Neuburger. Opposed: None. Abstained: Commissioner Riley. Absent:
Commissioner Wills. Motion carried.
DISCUSSION WITH COOPER Representatives from the Cooper High School Student Council introduced
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT themselves and conducted a brief PowerPoint presentation. Representatives
COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES present included Connor Brynteson, President; Darien Muhen, Vice President;
Billiah Otero, Public Relations; Theolyn Reeves, Honorary Officer; and Charles
Rush Reese, Junior Class President.
Ms. Otero reviewed the role of the student council and explained that it was
designed to bring the student voice to administration, exhibit leadership
within the school, and seek ways to incorporate new activities and events. It
was further explained that the goals of student council members included
community involvement for the benefit of the school and the community.
Ms. Reeves reviewed that individuals interested in serving on the student
council must complete an application at the beginning of the school year and
explained that each grade elected six students. She briefly reviewed leadership
roles which included president, vice president, secretary, public relations
officers, treasurer, Students in Action liaison, honorary officer, and class
president.
Mr. Rush Reese explained that the election process for freshmen, sophomores
and juniors involved writing a speech and delivering it to the student council
on a designated election day. The student council would then vote on the
various leadership roles within each grade. He further explained that those
seeking the position of senior class president were required to write a speech
and record a video and noted that the entire student body would have the
opportunity to vote for that position.
Mr. Rush Reese felt that students often sought positions on the student council
to have a voice within their school and community.
Ms. Muhen informed the commissioners that mandatory student council
meetings were held each Wednesday and stated that Student Council Advisor
Caroline Giese typically reviewed the agenda with officers the evening prior.
She explained that agenda topics often involved planning for upcoming events
and the division of duties. She stated that the student council communicated
with students via school and community events and direct contact.
Mr. Brynteson discussed civic engagement and explained that the student
council was currently focused on two events: Cooper Student Summit, in
which students share ideas within the school and the student council, and an
MLK event to address social issues within the school. He stated that student
participation was a challenge and noted that council members had reached out
to athletics and activities groups as well as posting to social media, Schoology,
and the weekly student newsletter.
Mr. Brynteson also discussed leadership and noted that the student council,
national honor society, and spirit committee ran most of the student -led
programs within the school.
Commissioner Herman asked for an example of an issue that had been
addressed via the Student Summit.
Mr. Brynteson replied that a feminine products drive had been organized in
response to concerns that not all students had access to products.
Commissioner Kaufman inquired about the issues students faced within the
school as well as within the community.
Mr. Brynteson replied that the student council had organized a toy drive as
well as winter clothing and food drives and commented that those programs
directly affected the student population.
Ms. Muhen also felt there were concerns over teen mental health as well as
gun violence.
Commissioner Herman wondered about communication with school
administrators.
Mr. Brynteson commented that he was satisfied with the level of email and in -
person communication he had received. He reported that earlier this year
students had expressed concerns over building security and noted that he was
able to meet with the head of security to discuss those concerns.
New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission December 13, 2022
Page 2
Ms. Muhen added that the student council had been able to schedule meetings
with the principal and top administration, including hall monitors and
security.
Mayor Hemken requested the floor and mentioned that the City of New Hope
Human Rights Commission typically included a student member from each of
the high schools and reported that there was currently no member from
Cooper High School. She encouraged the students to apply.
Mayor Hemken also inquired about their relationship with the School
Resource Officers.
Mr. Brynteson replied that he had not had the opportunity to interact with
them personally but felt they truly cared about the students based on his
observations.
Commissioner Kaufman wondered whether there were any other concerns
relating to the community at large.
Mr. Rush Reese mentioned vaping and smoking and the concerns about
addiction.
Ms. Otero added that drugs were also a concern.
Chair Kulzer wondered whether the student council had been able to meet
during the extended school closures due to COVID.
Mr. Brynteson replied that they had been able to meet via Google Meets but
felt it was not quite as productive as meeting in person.
The commissioners thanked the student council representatives for attending
the meeting. They excused themselves from the meeting at 7:35 p.m.
DISCUSS 2023 TOPICS Ms. Rader reviewed the upcoming schedule and reminded the commissioners
that there would be no February meeting.
The commissioners scheduled Adopt -A -Park for May 9.
Commissioner Riley requested an update from the Hennepin Recycling Group
(HRG).
Ms. Rader stated that she would contact HRG representative Tim Pratt to
check on his availability for July or August.
Commissioner Kaufman inquired about an update on public safety.
Ms. Rader replied that she would contact police staff to discuss October
availability.
New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission December 13, 2022
Page 3
Chair Kulzer also suggested a discussion on vaping and THC.
DISCUSS 2023 CITY-WIDE The commissioners set the date for the third weekend in June, on June 16 and
GARAGE SALE 17.
REVIEW COMMISSIONER Ms. Rader reported that Commissioners Herman, Kaufman, Neuburger and
TERMS Wills had been reappointed to another two-year term on the Citizen Advisory
Commission.
Ms. Rader reminded the commissioners that election of officers would occur in
January.
BRAINSTORMING - IDEAS Commissioner Kaufman suggested utilizing high school students to promote
TO BRING ATTENTION TO the snowman/snow sculpture contest in the elementary schools.
NEW HOPE
Commissioner Riley suggested working with Beth Kramer, Communications
Coordinator to promote the contest.
Commissioner Neuburger suggested advertising the snowman contest via
Peachjar (a flyer distribution link) through the school district.
Mayor Hemken reported that the owner of Frankie's Pizza had expressed
interest in holding a car show this summer.
Commissioner Riley stated that he would follow up.
PARKS AND RECREATION Ms. Rader reported that representatives from Three Rivers Park District had
PROJECT UPDATES attended the October work session to review the preferred route for the CP
Rail Regional Trail. She explained that the route would begin at Becker Park in
Crystal, travel south on Douglas Drive, east on Fairview/49t" Avenue, south on
Quebec Avenue to Winnetka Avenue, south to 36th Avenue and connect with
the Bassett Creek Regional Trail. She thanked the commissioners for their
input on this proposal.
Ms. Rader stated that the Hidden Valley Park playground project was mostly
complete, with final concrete work to be done in the spring as well as site
restoration.
Ms. Rader reported that the City Council had approved the Liberty Park
playground project for 2023. She added that the council had also approved the
retrofitting of outdoor lights at Lighted Baseball field. She stated that this
project would also include grading and fencing and was scheduled for the fall.
Ms. Rader also mentioned that a large Osprey nest on one of the light poles
had restricted the project timeline to between October 1 and April 1.
Ms. Rader informed the commissioners that lighting at the courts at Meadow
Lake Elementary would also be retrofitted. She added that council had
approved resurfacing those courts for pickleball only and stated that quotes
for that project would be sought after the first of the year.
New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission December 13, 2022
Page 4
Ms. Rader reported that upcoming improvements to the south sheet of ice at
the Ice Arena would include removal of the dasher boards and glass, and
removal of the cement floor, refrigeration piping, and heat piping within the
floor. She added that the project was scheduled to begin in mid -March.
Commissioner Herman mentioned that staff had begun flooding the hockey
rink at Hidden Valley Park and noted that runoff had frozen onto the path,
creating a hazard.
Ms. Rader replied that it was an unfortunate situation due to the location of
the rink in relation to the warming house. She added that caution signs would
be posted.
OTHER BUSINESS Ms. Rader made the following announcements:
• A toy drive would be held through December 14 at city hall.
• A holiday food drive would be held through December 16.
• Skate with Santa would take place on December 16 at the Ice Arena.
• "Skate and a Movie' was scheduled for December 27 at the Ice Arena.
• The City Council had approved the 2023 budget on December 12. She
added that a golf course superintendent position had been reinstated
in that budget.
Chair Kulzer wondered about the hiring process for the city manager position.
Mayor Hemken reviewed that most of the city council had preferred to hire
from within and noted that Chief Hoyt had been selected from the two
applicants. She explained that he had served in a dual role of city
manager/police chief on a trial basis but had expressed concerns over the
difference in the city's pension contributions to police versus non -police
personnel. She stated that to protect his police pension, Mr. Hoyt would be
required to devote 51% of his time to the police department. She added that a
council majority had decided to extend the dual role arrangement for another
two months to collect financial data and noted that a cost savings of around
$150,000 had been projected. She stated that if the arrangement became
permanent one of the police captains could be promoted to assistant chief. She
added that this dual arrangement was permitted by the League of Minnesota
Cities as well as the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA).
Ms. Rader felt that Mr. Hoyt had performed well thus far but reminded the
commissioners that the council possessed the ability to separate the roles in the
future.
Commissioner Riley mentioned an article in the Sun Post regarding this topic
and encouraged the commissioners to read it and share their thoughts with the
city council. He assumed that the promotion of an assistant police chief would
come with a salary increase and wondered whether there would be an
assistant city manager as well.
New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission December 13, 2022
Page 5
Mayor Hemken replied that there were no plans for the position of assistant
city manager and noted that Mr. Hoyt had streamlined his city manager role
through the proficient use of technology. She explained that the city council
supervised the city manager position while the city manager supervised all
other positions including the police chief. She added that council would need
to address that supervisory issue if the dual role became permanent.
Commissioner Riley recalled that Senator Ann Rest had discussed a $9 billion
state budget surplus back in February. He reported that the surplus was now
at $17.3 billion and encouraged the commissioners to reach out to their
legislators with suggestions for disbursements.
Commissioner Kaufman wondered whether there was a coalition for
distributing funds.
Mayor Hemken replied that the city of New Hope held memberships within
the Minnesota Mayors Association and the League of Minnesota Cities and
noted that suggestions would be submitted through those organizations.
ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Kaufman made a motion to adjourn the regular meeting of the
Citizen Advisory Commission. Commissioner Neuburger seconded the
motion. All present voted in favor. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at
8:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Penny Spitzer
Recording Secretary
New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission December 13, 2022
Page 6
NEW HOPE CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMISSION
2022 ANNUAL REPORT
The following is a listing of items discussed during 2022 by the New Hope Citizen
Advisory Commission. The Commission met eight times in 2022.
• Accepted the 2021 Citizen Advisory Commission Annual Report.
• Elected Scott Kulzer to serve as Chair in 2022.
• Elected Bill Wills to serve as Vice Chair in 2022.
• Elected Jill Kaufman to serve as Secretary in 2022.
• Emily Wallace -Jackson presented information on the Seven Dreams Education
Foundation.
• Commissioner Mike Terres resigned from the Citizen Advisory Commission
following his appointment to the Planning Commission.
• Welcomed new commissioner Jeffrey Harper.
• Participated in a discussion with Three Rivers Park District staff regarding plans
for the CP Rail Regional Trail and received an update on potential routes.
• Reassigned parks for 2022.
• Discussed community relations and crime prevention measures within the city.
• Received an update on Emerald Ash Borer and New Hope's tree removal/tree
replacement measures.
• Conducted the 2021-22 Snowman/Snow Sculpture Contest and discussed plans
for the 2022-23 contest.
• Discussed plans for the 2022 City -Wide Garage Sale.
• Received an update on Public Works projects.
• Attended Commissioner Bus Tour of New Hope.
• Participated in an annual dialog with the City Council.
• Received an update on the 2023 budget process.
• Participated in a discussion with representatives from the Cooper High School
Student Council.
• Discussed brainstorming ideas to bring attention to New Hope.
• Received updates on Parks and Recreation projects including the Hidden Valley
Park playground improvement project.
• Planted flowers in the planters along 42nd Avenue.
• Volunteered for several Parks and Recreation events.
• Participated in two clean-up events at Liberty Park.
• Commissioners Herman, Kaufman, Neuburger and Wills were reappointed for
additional 2-year terms.
Citizen Advisory Commission 2
2022 Annual Report
CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMISSION
PARK ASSIGNMENTS
(as of February S, 2022)
Jeffrey Harper
Civic Center Park (north)
Sunnyside Park
Hidden Valley Park
Randy Herman
Holiday Park
Lighted Field Park
Jaycee Park
Jill Kaufman
Lions Park
Terra Linda Park
Scott Kulzer
Fred Sims Park
Northwood Park
Civic Center Park (south)
Carrie Neuburger
Corner Park
Little Acre Park
Begin Park
Rick Riley
Elm Grove Park
Meadow Lake Park
Dorothy Mary Park
Bill Wills
Liberty Park
Victory Park
CAC AGENDA ITEMS FOR 2023
AS OF 1/3/23
The following is a tentative listing of major agenda items that have either been assigned to the CAC, a
CAC member has asked that the item be discussed, or city staff has asked that the item be discussed by
the CAC.
January 10 - Community Development Update with Jeff Sargent, Director of CD
February 14 - No meeting
March 14 - DEI Plan Discussion with Rich Johnson, Director of HR/Admin Services
April 11- Communications Update with Beth Kramer, Communications Coordinator
May 9 - Adopt -a -Park
June 13 - Ice Arena Operations Discussion w/Mark Severson, Recreation Facilities Manager & Tour
(Meet at ice arena)
July 11- Hennepin Recycling Group (HRG) Update with Tim Pratt, Manager
August 8 -
September 12 - ? Commissioner Bus Tour
September 18 - Annual Dialogue with City Council
October 10 -
November 14 - Budget Discussion
December 12 -
*Note: A meeting may be cancelled if there are no agenda items.
On -going
• Continue to sponsor Snowman Contest, City-wide Garage Sale
• Ideas to bring attention to New Hope
• Promotion of existing City programs: In Focus, RAVE, Outstanding Business
• Volunteering at P&R/City events
• Adopt a Park (2x/year)
Updates
• Park/Facility Projects
Possible Future Topics
• Police Department - Joint Community Police Partnership; violent crime; violence in schools; hate
speech
• P&R Update
• THC Ordinance update/discussion (late summer/fall?) CD?
• Tobacco licenses
0 Fire Department update