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121223 CAC Agenda PacketCitizen Advisory Commission Meeting New Hope City Hall, 4401 Xylon Ave N December 12, 2023 7 p.m. 1. Call to Order. 2. Roll Call. 3. Approval of November 14, 2023 minutes. 4. Rain Garden Alliance discussion. 5. Discuss 2024 agenda items. 6. Brainstorming - Ideas to bring attention to New Hope. 7. Parks and Recreation project updates. 8. Other business. 9. 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 CITY OF NEW HOPE 4401 XYLON AVENUE NORTH NEW HOPE, MINNESOTA 55428 November 14, 2023 New Hope City Hall, 7 p.m. Chair Kulzer called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Present: Commissioners Jeffrey Harper, Randy Herman, Scott Kulzer, Carrie Neuburger, Rick Riley, Bill Wills Absent: Commissioner Jill Kaufman Staff Present: Susan Rader, Staff Liaison Reece Bertholf, City Manager Erin Enstad, Abdo Financial Solutions APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Riley made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 8, 2023 meeting as written. Commissioner Harper seconded the motion. Voting in favor: Commissioners Harper, Herman, Kulzer, Neuburger, Riley, Wills. Opposed: None. Absent: Commissioner Kaufman. Motion carried. BUDGET UPDATE Erin Enstad, Abdo Financial Solutions, addressed the commissioners and conducted a brief PowerPoint presentation. She began by reviewing the budget process and explained that the preliminary 2024 budget and tax levy had been approved by the City Council on September 11. She noted that general fund budgets had been reviewed by the city council and staff on September 18, and utility and enterprise budgets had been reviewed at the October 16 work session. She stated that the budget public hearing presentation would be reviewed at the November 20 work session along with county assessor information and the city services survey results. The budget public hearing would be conducted on November 27, and final approval of the 2024 budget would take place at the December 11 council meeting. Ms. Enstad displayed the 2024 revenue fund budgets and pointed out that they contained all non -tax revenue including grants and internal service funds. She noted that an overall increase in revenue of 11.48% had been projected. Expenditure budgets were then reviewed. Ms. Enstad noted that there were a few large increases and decreases within the budget and commented that much of that related to capital expenditures. Commissioner Riley inquired about the large decrease in the water fund budget. Ms. Enstad thought that it was related to a street project but stated that she would follow up with that information. Major changes to the revenue budget were then discussed. Ms. Enstad reported increases of $458,326 in Local Government Aid, $203,500 in Public Safety Aid, $2,037,333 in Municipal State Aid for the 3611, Avenue bridge replacement and 5611,, Xylon and Louisiana street projects, and $273,000 in franchise fees. Ms. Enstad discussed some of the major changes to the expenditure budget. They included increases of $601,737 to fund 3% increase in wages/benefits, step increases, adjustments to health insurance contributions and Council salary increases; $177,132 for the West Metro Fire -Rescue District joint powers agreement; $58,366 in IT charges; $272,960 in central garage charges; and $64,768 for elections. Ms. Enstad reported that the proposed levy for 2024 was $20,075,245, an increase of 5.36% over 2023. She identified three proposed new levies of $100,000 each for fire, aquatic park, and city hall capital, and explained that they had been created to build reserves for future capital needs. Ms. Enstad reported that the preliminary general fund tax levy had been set at $12,674,488, an increase of 4.95% over 2023. She briefly reviewed some of the funds that had proposed increases for 2024. They included street infrastructure at 5%, park infrastructure at 2.3%, EDA at 5%, and HRA at 5%. Commissioner Wills referred to the proposed levies for fire, aquatic park and city hall and wondered how long they would continue to accumulate. Ms. Enstad replied that those levies had been included in the long-term capital plans for the next 10 years. Commissioner Wills inquired whether those funds could be used for other things. Ms. Enstad replied yes. Commissioner Wills wondered how residents would be notified if the City planned to reallocate those funds. Mr. Bertholf replied that notification would occur as part of the annual budget process. Chair Kulzer wondered whether any of the debt services had been refinanced. Ms. Enstad reported that one of the service items had been refinanced in 2021 at a lower rate. Prior debt levies from 2015 to 2019 were then reviewed. Ms. Enstad noted an overall decrease of $11,720 in combined debt levies and explained that the City was required to levy 105% of the next year's bond payments. Ms. Enstad then reviewed the estimated tax impact. She reported that the median home value in 2023 was $326,050, or a 0.32% increase over 2022. She added that the estimated tax impact on residential homes was around 3% and noted that this would result in a tax increase of $29 to $93 for homes valued New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission November 14, 2023 Page 2 between $175,000 and $500,000. Ms. Enstad reported that the City's tax rate was projected at 58% for 2024 and the total tax rate was projected at 127%. She added that the City did not yet have figures for county, school, or other miscellaneous taxes. Commissioner Riley wondered how the Emerald Ash Borer program was budgeted. Ms. Enstad replied that the general fund, street infrastructure fund and the park infrastructure fund each contributed to this program. Mr. Bertholf reported that thousands of Ash trees had been removed from public property to date, with over 50% mitigation completed. Ms. Enstad referred to the memo in the commissioners' packets and briefly discussed the sustainability of the ice arena. She noted that hours rented in 2022 had decreased slightly compared to 2021 and reminded the commissioners that operations had been suspended in December 2020 due to COVID, which had caused the high school hockey season to extend further into the spring of 2021. Ms. Rader also mentioned that the dasher boards had been replaced on the north rink in 2022, which had caused it to be shut down for a period. Ms. Enstad reviewed future capital needs for the ice arena and noted that the cement floor, dasher boards and glass had been replaced on the south rink in 2023. She reported that parking lot improvements were planned for 2026 at a cost of $825,000 and noted that funding would come from a temporary inter - fund loan that would be repaid over 15 years. She also mentioned that a park infrastructure levy of $500,000 would again be transferred to the ice arena in 2024. Golf Course sustainability was then discussed. Ms. Enstad reported that as of October 21 the number of rounds played was higher than in 2022. She noted that budgeted revenue for 2024 was projected at $435,500 and expenses were budgeted at $561,490, which included $60,000 for capital needs. Ms. Enstad noted that replacement of the irrigation system was planned for 2026 at a cost of $700,000 and explained that funds would be transferred from the park infrastructure fund to cover this expense. She added that an addition of cold storage was also planned for 2026 and would be financed through an inter - fund loan. Ms. Enstad referred to aquatic park operations and noted the increase in season pass sales from 2022 to 2023. She reported that operating revenue was budgeted at $718,000 for 2024 while expenses were projected at $835,000. She added that seasonal wages continued to impact aquatic park expenses. The park infrastructure fund budget was briefly reviewed. Ms. Enstad pointed out where the Emerald Ash Borer program was earmarked in this fund. New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission November 14, 2023 Page 3 Ms. Rader referred to the 10-year capital improvement plan. She explained that the plan was reviewed each year and noted that items were sometimes reprioritized due to unforeseen events. She reminded the commissioners that prior to 2013, all capital improvements for the golf course, ice arena and aquatic park were funded from the park infrastructure fund. The commissioners thanked Ms. Enstad for her presentation. She excused herself from the meeting at 7:25 p.m. 2024 CITYWIDE GARAGE Following a brief discussion, it was the consensus of the commissioners to SALE hold the citywide garage sale on Friday and Saturday, June 14 and 15. DISCUSS 2024 AGENDA Chair Kulzer mentioned that Commissioner Kaufman had reached out to the ITEMS Cooper High School Student Council to discuss a potential collaboration on an environmental event with Meadow Lake Elementary students. Ms. Rader added that she would prefer the commissioners served in more of a supporting role, rather than a planning role. She also mentioned the Great Shingle Creek Watershed Cleanup event as a potential Earth Day event for the students or planting seedlings in the natural areas of Northwood and Dorothy Mark parks. Ms. Rader mentioned that a representative from the Rain Garden Alliance would give a brief presentation at the December meeting. The commissioners would be asked to forward their recommendations to the City Council following that meeting. Ms. Rader brought up other potential topics including an update on the 10- year pavement management plan as well as an update from Three Rivers Park District staff regarding their Parks to People initiative. The commissioners expressed interest in receiving updates on West Metro Fire -Rescue District operations and Emerald Ash Borer. Chair Kulzer asked for an update on the proposed THC ordinance. Mr. Bertholf replied that there was no new information at this time. He noted that an ordinance had been adopted this summer prohibiting the use of THC products on public property. Commissioner Riley inquired about alcoholic beverages in the parks. Ms. Rader replied that alcoholic beverages were permitted, however glass containers were not allowed. She also mentioned that all the city's parks were tobacco -free. Ms. Rader stated that she would invite a representative of the West Metro Fire - Rescue District to the January meeting. She added that student representatives from Cooper High School could potentially be invited to the February or New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission November 14, 2023 Page 4 March meetings, dependent upon feedback from Commissioner Kaufman. BRAINSTORMING - IDEAS Chair Kulzer reported that the snowman contest would again be held this TO BRING ATTENTION TO winter. NEW HOPE Ms. Rader stated that submissions would be accepted through March 31 and signs could be picked up by the commissioners following the meeting. Commissioner Herman expressed interest in holding an art fair. Commissioner Riley mentioned that art and craft vendors had participated on a designated Saturday of the farmers market during its operation. He also noted that a group of local artists based in Robbinsdale had previously displayed artwork at the former city hall. Mr. Bertholf stated that he would be interested in speaking with volunteers who may be interested in restarting the farmers market. Commissioner Riley felt that the operation of the aquatic park had created parking challenges for the farmers market in its final year at the city hall location. There was some interest in offering a lighted trail walk as well as viewing the nighttime sky. Ms. Rader pointed out that the Parks and Recreation department occasionally offered a Skywatch program during the summer. Commissioner Riley expressed interest in offering cross country skiing at the golf course, possibly in conjunction with the winter golf event. Ms. Rader replied that while it was possible, the city did not have the equipment needed to groom trails. She added however, that there were individuals who skied there on their own. PARKS AND RECREATION Ms. Rader reported that the Liberty Park playground project had been PROJECT UPDATES completed and staff had installed the new portable enclosure. She added that the basketball court and turf restoration were mostly complete, and installation of the new drinking fountain would occur in the spring. The pickleball courts at Meadow Lake Elementary were also completed. She noted that the Lighted Baseball Field improvement project had been delayed but reported that sod had been placed two weeks ago, the bituminous trail had been completed, and the fence fabric had been installed. She added that artificial turf for the batting cage would be installed next spring. Commissioner Wills commented that the seeded grass at Liberty Park looked great. New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission November 14, 2023 Page 5 OTHER BUSINESS It was reported that food, coat, and toy drives were currently underway at city hall. Commissioner Herman wondered about placing dog bag dispensers within the parks. Ms. Rader informed the commissioners that a dispenser had been placed at Meadow Lake Park due to its proximity to an apartment complex but noted that it was expensive to maintain. Commissioner Riley commented that the creek on the east side of Boone Avenue in Northwood Park was overgrown. Ms. Rader stated that the creek was monitored by staff on an ongoing basis. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Herman 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 November 14, 2023 Page 6 CAC AGENDA ITEMS FOR 2024 AS OF 11/30/23 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 9 - West Metro Fire Update with Chief Larson February 13 - March 12 - April 9 - Three Rivers Parks 2 People Initiative (tentative) May 14 - Adopt a Park? Plant planters later in month? June 11- July 9 - August 13 - No meeting September 10 - Adopt a Park? September 16 - Council Work Session September TBD - Commissioner Bus Tour? October 8 - November 12 - No meeting December 10 - Budget Update *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 • PD - Joint Community Police Partnership; violent crime; violence in schools; hate speech • P&R Update • THC Ordinance update/discussion • PW 10-year pavement management plan • Cooper High School students • Emerald ash borer update