080823 CAC Agenda PacketCitizen Advisory Commission Meeting
New Hope City Hall, 4401 Xylon Ave N
August 8, 2023
7 p.m.
1. Call to Order.
2. Roll Call.
3. Approval of July 11, 2023 minutes.
4. Public Works project updates with Bernie Weber, Director and Nick
Macklem, Stormwater Specialist/Project Coordinator.
5. Brainstorming — Ideas to bring attention to New Hope.
6. Parks and Recreation project updates.
7. Other business.
8. Adjournment.
If you are unable to attend the meeting, please contact Susan Rader at 763-531-5152 or srader@newhopemn.gov
Citizen Advisory Commission
Regular Meeting
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
CITY OF NEW HOPE
4401 XYLON AVENUE NORTH
NEW HOPE, MINNESOTA 55428
July 11, 2023
New Hope City Hall, 7 p.m.
Chair Kulzer called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
Present: Commissioners Randy Herman, Jill Kaufman, Scott Kulzer,
Carrie Neuburger, Rick Riley
Absent: Commissioners Jeffrey Harper, Bill Wills
Staff Present: Susan Rader, Staff Liaison
Also Present: Tim Pratt, Hennepin Recycling Group (HRG)
Commissioner Kaufman made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 13,
2023 meeting as written. Commissioner Herman seconded the motion. Voting
in favor: Commissioners Herman, Kaufman, Kulzer, Neuburger. Opposed:
None. Abstained: Commissioner Riley. Absent: Commissioners Harper, Wills.
Motion carried.
HENNEPIN RECYCLING Tim Pratt, Hennepin Recycling Group (HRG) Manager, addressed the
GROUP (HRG) UPDATE commissioners and conducted a brief PowerPoint presentation. He explained
that the cities of Brooklyn Center, Crystal and New Hope had formed a joint
powers agreement to offer recycling to their residents. He added that the City
of Brooklyn Park, through which he was employed, administered the
program. He briefly reviewed HRG objectives:
• Contract for curbside recycling
• Recycling and waste disposal education
• Bulky waste curbside collection every two years
• Organics drop-off
• Special materials drop-off
• Yard waste site
• Event recycling resources
Mr. Pratt discussed public education and noted that in addition to attending
New Hope City Day last fall, he worked closely with Communications
Coordinator Beth Kramer to disseminate information. He also informed the
commissioners of the new HRG Recycling App, which had been created by the
four cities. He encouraged the commissioners to download it and briefly
reviewed its features.
Mr. Pratt informed the commissioners that the new contract for the Curbside
Recycling Program had gone into effect on July 1. He noted that the monthly
rate had increased from $2.60 to $3.89 but commented that the rate was still on
the lower end.
Mr. Pratt reported on the Maple Grove Yard Waste Site and noted that the
contract with HRG would be up for renewal at the end of 2023. He reported
that Lynde Greenhouse and Nursery, which owned and operated the site, had
expressed their commitment to continuing operations at that location. He
explained that HRG paid an annual fee for use of the site, which allowed its
residents free access to dispose of yard waste including grass clippings, leaves
and brush up to ten inches in diameter.
Chair Kulzer inquired about the cost of the contract.
Mr. Pratt explained that each city paid to participate based on their population
and estimated New Hope's fee at around $50,000 per year. He added that the
yard waste site was also used by City crews for disposal.
Commissioner Riley wondered whether garbage haulers had access to that site
for disposal of curbside yard waste collections.
Mr. Pratt did not think commercial loads were accepted at the site.
Commissioner Neuburger inquired how often the contract was renewed.
Mr. Pratt replied that the most recent contract had covered four years.
The Bulky Waste Curbside Cleanup event was then discussed. Mr. Pratt
reported that HRG was currently seeking proposals for the next curbside
cleanup, which would take place in 2024. He also mentioned that load limits
had been put into place in 2022 and noted that 50 homes had been tagged for
exceeding those limits.
Mr. Pratt next reviewed organics and noted that it included food scraps and
non -recyclable paper. He reported that based on studies, organics represented
approximately 20% to 40% of one's trash. Mr. Pratt explained that organics
could be captured and converted to compost and noted that the most efficient
way would be to compost on site. He informed the commissioners that each
spring HRG worked with Recycling Association of Minnesota to offer rain
barrels and compost bins to HRG residents at a $20 discount.
Mr. Pratt reported that curbside collection of organics was available to all New
Hope residents and noted that all garbage haulers had been required to offer
organics collection as of January 1, 2022. He explained that resident
participation was voluntary and mentioned that HRG would split the cost of
the first year of service up to $100. He added that approximately 50 residents
currently participated. Other options for organics disposal included the drop-
off facility in Brooklyn Park and a new drop-off site near the aquatic center in
Crystal. He added that approximately 250 people had registered to use the
drop-off site in Crystal.
Mr. Pratt explained that Hennepin County had required that all its residents
be given access to organics recycling. He informed the commissioners that
beginning January 1, 2024, all garbage haulers would be required to charge a
fee for organics recycling to all their customers even if they currently utilized
curbside collection or the drop-off sites.
New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission July 11, 2023
Page 2
Mr. Pratt briefly reviewed the pumpkin recycling program, which occurred
the week following Halloween, and noted that it provided another
opportunity to educate residents on the value of organics recycling.
Mr. Pratt then discussed the Special Materials Drop -Off events offered in the
spring and fall. He felt these events provided an opportunity for residents to
dispose of items that are difficult to recycle, including appliances, batteries
and electronics. He also mentioned the new Building Material Drop-off event
that would take place September 23 from 9 a.m. to noon and noted that a list of
accepted materials could be found on the HRG website. He added that
collected materials would be distributed to Habitat for Humanity's ReStore
and to Better Futures Minnesota.
Mr. Pratt also reported on the Event Recycling program and explained that
Hennepin County had donated recycling and organics containers that were
free to reserve for use at an event.
Commissioner Kaufman wondered whether neighboring cities offered
comparable recycling programs.
Mr. Pratt replied that each city offered a different program based on resident
preferences.
Commissioner Kaufman wondered how HRG worked with school districts or
large businesses to increase awareness of disposal options.
Mr. Pratt replied that Hennepin County offered a business recycling assistance
program as well as a school recycling assistance program and noted that the
schools tended to work directly with the County.
Chair Kulzer asked for an estimate of the organics fee that would be charged
to residents. He also expressed concern that residents might be upset with the
new fee.
Mr. Pratt guessed the cost would be around $5-6 per month. He stated that
designated spokespeople were available at both the state and county levels to
address resident concerns but noted that the first point of contact would be the
garbage hauler.
Commissioner Herman wondered if residents would be required to store an
additional cart for organics recycling.
Mr. Pratt informed the commissioners that some companies provided
compostable bags to their customers that could be placed into the garbage cart.
Mr. Pratt reported that Hennepin County had recently received funding to
add an anaerobic digestion facility in Brooklyn Park. He explained how
organics at this facility would be placed into a sealed vessel for decomposition.
The result would be the release of methane gas that could then be captured
New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission July 11, 2023
Page 3
and converted to natural gas.
Commissioner Riley mentioned the building material drop-off event and
wondered if there were any locations where items could be dropped off at any
time.
Mr. Pratt replied yes and noted that the closest facility was the Habitat for
Humanity Restore in New Brighton. He added that items could also be
dropped off at Better Futures of Minnesota's facility in south Minneapolis, and
noted that this information could be found on the HRG website or on the app.
Chair Kulzer wondered what happened to the compost collected at the Maple
Grove Yard Waste site.
Mr. Pratt replied that it was sold to various contractors and noted that the
supply had run out each year.
Chair Kulzer wondered if there were any concerns that nearby residents might
try to force the closure of the site.
Mr. Pratt did not think so and commented that the yard waste site had been at
that location for several decades with owners who were dedicated to the
community and the service they provided.
The commissioners thanked Mr. Pratt for his presentation. He excused himself
from the meeting at 7:34 p.m.
CITY MANAGER The commissioners welcomed new City Manager Reece Bertholf, who
INTRODUCTION provided a brief review of his background.
DISCUSS AGENDA ITEMS Ms. Rader briefly reviewed upcoming agenda items and noted that the annual
FOR REMAINDER OF 2023 dialogue with the City Council was scheduled for September 18 and the
annual commissioner bus tour was tentatively scheduled for September 19.
She added that following a brief discussion with Chair Kulzer a decision was
made to cancel the September 12 meeting of the Citizen Advisory
Commission.
Commissioner Kaufman brought up the idea of sponsoring a collaborative
Earth Day event with New Hope schools in the spring of 2024 and explained
that the goal would be to work with high school students to motivate
elementary students and their families to get involved. She suggested this
topic for the December agenda and wondered if she should reach out to the
student council liaison and report back in the fall.
The commissioners briefly discussed the idea of meeting with representatives
of the Cooper High School student council on an annual basis.
Commissioner Neuburger thought December might be too early for the
students, based on their elections process and suggested holding off until early
2024.
New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission July 11, 2023
Page 4
BRAINSTORMING - IDEAS Ms. Rader reviewed that the citywide garage sale had been held June 16 and
TO BRING ATTENTION TO 17 with roughly the same number of participants as 2022. She thanked the
NEW HOPE commissioners for putting up signs in advance of the sale and removing them
following its completion.
Commissioner Herman wondered about planting a pollinator garden in a
public space that would be noticed by residents and would encourage them to
create their own gardens.
Commissioner Riley thought that an educational component might be needed
and mentioned that there were currently a few pollinator gardens located on
park property, including one at Northwood Park. He added that these gardens
required maintenance every five years or so and wondered about creating
small gardens behind a few of the new park signs, including at Liberty Park.
Ms. Rader reminded the commissioners that the perennial flowers that had
been planted around the sign at Liberty Park were bee pollinator plants. She
also expressed concern that staff might not be able to accommodate additional
maintenance duties.
PARKS AND RECREATION Ms. Rader reported that the Liberty Park playground project was nearing
PROJECT UPDATES completion. She informed the commissioners that staff had discovered a water
main leak during demolition of the basketball court at that location and noted
that staff would repair the leak in-house. She added that installation of the
new court was anticipated to begin in August.
Ms. Rader reported that other projects currently in the works included the
Meadow Lake Elementary pickleball courts conversion, improvements to
Lighted baseball field beginning in mid -August, and replacement of the south
scoreboard at the ice arena in the next month or two.
Commissioner Kaufman referred to a recent article in the Star Tribune
regarding controversy surrounding pickleball, specifically the noise. She
wondered whether the city had received any complaints.
Ms. Rader replied no and reminded the commissioners that most of the City's
tennis courts had been lined for pickleball use.
OTHER BUSINESS Ms. Rader made the following announcements:
• The next Movie in the Park, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of
Secrets" was scheduled for July 13 at approximately 9:15 p.m.
• A regional swim meet would take place at the New Hope Aquatic
Park July 14-16. There would be no open swimming during that time.
• No food trucks on Friday, July 14.
• The summer musical, "The Sound of Music" was scheduled for
Wednesdays through Saturdays, July 19-29 at 8 p.m.
• Music in the Park was scheduled for August 2 at 7 p.m. with a
performance by Kashimana.
New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission July 11, 2023
Page 5
Commissioner Riley referred to the regional swim meet and wondered when
the contract would be up for renewal.
Ms. Rader replied that this would be the third of four annual meets that had
been determined by the contract. She added following the completion of the
contract staff and council would discuss whether to continue with the meets.
Commissioner Riley inquired about the timeline for the sound wall north of
Rockford Road and noted that brush had been cleared.
Mr. Bertholf requested the floor and reported that it was scheduled for
completion this fall.
Commissioner Riley also felt the sound wall between 36", Avenue and
Medicine Lake Road needed repair and painting.
Ms. Rader explained that the City of New Hope was not responsible for
maintenance.
Mayor Hemken requested the floor and commented that the Minnesota
Department of Transportation did not appear to have adequate funding to
cover maintenance, just construction.
Commissioner Kaufman reported that the address of 2022 RAVE! Award
winners Max and Allen had been selected for inclusion in the garden tour for
the University of Minnesota the previous weekend.
ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Kaufman made a motion to adjourn the regular meeting of the
Citizen Advisory Commission. Commissioner Riley seconded the motion. All
present voted in favor. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at
8:09 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Penny Spitzer
Recording Secretary
New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission July 11, 2023
Page 6
CAC AGENDA ITEMS FOR 2023
AS OF 7/26/23
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.
August 8 — Public Works Project Update w/Bernie Weber, Director and
Nick Macklem, Stormwater Specialist/Project Coordinator
September 12 — no meeting
September 18 — Annual Dialogue with City Council
September 19? (tentative) — Annual Commissioner Bus Tour
October 10 — Liberty Park clean-up
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
• Fire Department update