06 15 20 Work Session Minutes
City Council Work Session June 15, 2020
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City of New Hope
4401 Xylon Avenue North
New Hope, Minnesota 55428
City Council Minutes
Work Session Meeting
June 15, 2020
Civic Center Conference Room
Virtual Meeting via WebEx
CALL TO ORDER The New Hope City Council met in work session pursuant to due call and notice thereof;
Mayor Hemken called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL Council present:
Kathi Hemken, Mayor
John Elder, Council Member
Cedrick Frazier, Council Member
Andy Hoffe, Council Member
Jonathan London, Council Member
Staff present:
Kirk McDonald, City Manager
Brandon Bell, Community Development Assistant
Dan Boyum, City Engineer
Tim Fournier, Director of Police
Megan Hedstrom, Stormwater Specialist
Vicki Holthaus, AEM
Rich Johnson, Director of HR/Admin. Services
Beth Kramer, Communications Coordinator
Valerie Leone, City Clerk
Susan Rader, Director of Parks & Recreation
Jeff Sargent, Director of Community Development
Stacy Woods, Assistant City Attorney
Also present: Bonnie Schwieger, AEM
Stacie Kvilvang, Ehlers
Tim Pratt, HRG
2019 TIF
PROJECTIONS
Item 11.1
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion item 11.1, Update on Tax Increment Finance
(TIF) 2019 cash flow projections.
Ms. Bonnie Schwieger, AEM, explained tax increment financing is a financial tool to
spur development. She reviewed the 2019 Cash Flow Projections report for the city’s
12 TIF districts. She noted three districts are inactive. She stated by using tax increment
as an economic development tool, the city’s total market value has increased over $145
million.
Ms. Schwieger noted over the next ten years the cash balance is expected to decrease,
largely due to ongoing support of the city’s scattered site housing program and
increasing operating costs. The scattered site housing program is expected to require
more city support as funding from the community development block grants
decreases. She stated to improve the EDA cash position, the following opportunities
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are being considered: 1) reallocating excess increment received to the EDA budget to
achieve $30,000 annually; 2) utilize available district funds to support the scattered site
housing program; and 3) review payroll cost allocations and payroll documentation
procedures for reallocation of TIF related payroll expenses to the related districts.
Ms. Schwieger reviewed the TIF districts that provided interfund loans to other TIF
districts. She noted the loans cover cash deficits or costs associated with the purchase
and sale of redevelopment property.
Council Member London inquired of the reason for the negative cash balances on some
districts.
Ms. Schwieger reviewed TIF District 04‐1. She stated as the value increases, increment
is earned and the district is repaid to reduce the negative balance.
Ms. Stacie Kvilvang, Ehlers, was recognized. She commented that in a district where
money is paid up front, there will be a negative balance whereas there would not be a
negative balance for a “pay as you go” scenario.
Ms. Schwieger addressed administrative fees. She stated TIF districts are allowed to
charge up to 10 percent for allowable administrative costs. She stated the goal is to
capture and report time spent working on TIF districts or related costs.
Council Member London noted the city has many financing tools. He cautioned
against allowing properties to become blighted. He asked how the city can determine
if a good decision was made issuing TIF for a project. He also inquired if there is a
maximum amount of TIF that can be issued through a city.
Ms. Schwieger indicated the report reflects cash flows and projections to pay off
obligations. She explained interfund loans and pooled resources. She stated the IRS
does not permit cities to report a negative cash balance in a TIF district.
Ms. Schwieger stated there is no limit on the amount of TIF issued by the city. Ms.
Kvilvang stated it is a local decision based on needs for economic development in the
city. She commented that the city’s market value would not have increased the $145
million without the use of tax increment financing.
Mayor Hemken thanked Ms. Schwieger and Ms. Kvilvang for the report.
POOL/CIVIC CENTER
PARK/CITY HALL
LANDSCAPING
PROJECTS UPDATE
(IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT NOS.
995/941/994)
Item 11.2
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion item 11.2, Update on Pool/Civic Center
Park/City Hall Landscaping projects by Stantec Engineering (Improvement Project
Nos. 995/941/994).
Mr. Dan Boyum, city engineer, and Ms. Susan Rader, director of parks and recreation,
provided a project update.
Mr. Boyum explained that Sunram, the contractor for the green contract, has started
placing remaining trees as well as plants around the City Hall site and parking lot.
Rock for the front is expected the first part of July, and final plantings will take place
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following the rock installation. They have also installed the final storm sewer piping
and structures around the vortex pool. Irrigation drip lines for plants have been
installed. Blow‐mulch has been placed throughout the park area. Sunram’s electrical
subcontractor continues to work on light poles, bollards, and wiring throughout the
park areas. Remaining concrete sidewalk along the north side of the city hall parking
lot as well as stand‐up curb near the theater area is scheduled to be placed after final
fencing is placed by the pool contractor. The bituminous trail around the park areas is
scheduled to be placed this week.
Mr. Boyum reported on the performance center and picnic shelter project, the
contractor has finished staining and sealing wood, stonework, concrete stage, and
concrete slab at the picnic shelter. He stated staff recommends a change order for with
American Liberty Construction for the theatre construction project to include
installation of the 12” curb that was originally planned as part of the landscaping
project for $7,693.75 to allow the performance center and picnic shelter contractor to
finish the sidewalk, topsoil, irrigation, seeding, and sodding. He stated the change
order would also include a deduct in the amount of $1,250 for not staining wood
beams/roof decking above the theatre stage. He stated the change order would be
$6,443.75, and the cost of the curb installation will be deducted from Sunram’s contract.
Mr. Boyum stated American Liberty Construction is also preparing to complete the
lighting at the performance center.
He stated at the 50‐meter pool, the pool contractor is finishing up grout and tile work
and the pool has been filled for the “curing” time. Sodding and irrigation is also
installed in this area. In the bathhouse, the contractor continues work on the punchlist.
A punchlist has also been prepared on the mechanical building, and work has started
on addressing that list. The parking lot by the mechanical building has been paved.
The vortex pool walls have been poured and backfilling was completed. The shallow
water area, current channel and vortex pool were filled for a leak test this past
weekend. The test was successful, so the pools were drained to prepare for the
installation of the plaster. Foundations and posts for the south fence area were
expected to be installed the week of June 8, with the chain link fencing installation
expected this week.
Mr. Boyum commented that staff has been meeting with Donlar regarding potential
extensions for project completion. He stated it is unlikely that contractors will be
eligible for any incentive pay for early or on‐time project completion. He commented
the city has the right to pursue liquidated damages if contractors do not finish by the
completion date and this can be a negotiation tool. He reviewed intermediate
inspection notices performed by Stantec for items that must be completed by the
contractor prior to preparation of a final punchlist.
Council Member London inquired of plans for trees and plantings for the trailhead
located near Zealand and 44th. He stated plantings may help provide privacy for the
homeowner.
Director Rader stated staff met with the homeowner last fall to discuss plantings and
installation will take place after completion of the trail. She stated after grading is
complete, staff will review the traffic pattern and try to find ways to address concerns.
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Council supported placing the change order regarding the performance center on the
consent agenda of June 22, 2020.
POLICE POLICIES
Item 11.3
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion item 11.3, Dialogue between police
department and Council regarding police policies.
Mr. Tim Fournier, director of police, thanked Council for the opportunity to review
policies and procedures of the New Hope police Department. He stated Sergeant Pete
Stanley handles officer training and is available to answer any questions as well.
Chief Fournier provided history and background of standardizing police training in
the state. He stated the Minnesota Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board
requires ongoing training for police officers. He stated there are several mandated
policies including: use of force, vehicle pursuit and emergency vehicle operations,
allegations of misconduct, professional conduct of officers, response to reports of
missing and endangered persons, domestic abuse policies, predatory offender
registration community notification, criminal conduct on school buses, lighting
exemption of law enforcement vehicles, impartial policing, and procession of property
seized for administrative forfeiture.
Chief Fournier stated the New Hope Police department has a history of proactive
policy development, up‐to‐date training procedures, and officer accountability
measures that continuously pass POST licensing annual audits. He stated the policies
provided to Council included: mission and vision statements, community oriented
policing, authorized use of force, firearms, firearms weapons training, operation of the
MRAP, mobile audio and video recording, impartial policing, authorized use of
protected helmets.
He commented regarded the authorized use of force (verbal skills, empty hand
techniques, intermediate weapons, and deadly force). He also pointed out officer
performance in extremely stressful situations may cause physical and mental change
such as sensory perception and motor skills.
Mayor Hemken stated it is important to ensure a tragedy like the recent George Floyd
death in Minneapolis not occur in New Hope.
Chief Fournier commented that officers are equally responsible for each other’s actions
and must speak up. He stated officers should feel empowered to intervene when
appropriate.
Chief Fournier and Sgt. Stanley responded to questions and comments by Council.
Chief Fournier emphasized the importance of police personnel being involved in the
community in a non‐official capacity to build relationships. He stated New Hope has
not had any complaints regarding excessive use of force.
He also spoke of resources and expressed support to join forces with other cities to
fund a social worker position that could meet community needs. He stated the city has
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squad car cameras and body cameras are being proposed for the 2021 budget. He
stated the cameras help provide “transparency” with the public.
Chief Fournier reviewed an email from resident Sara L’Heureaux that addressed the
“8 Can’t Wait Campaign”. He responded to the eight items in the e‐mail: 1) ban
chokeholds and strangleholds; 2) require de‐escalation; 3) require warning before
shooting; 4) require exhaust all alternatives before shooting; 5) duty for other officers
to intervene when excessive force is being taken by another officer; 6) ban shooting at
moving vehicles; 7) require use of force continuum; and 8) require comprehensive
reporting.
Officer training was discussed. Sgt. Stanley noted New Hope’s officers receive 32‐40
hours of training per year which is greater than is required. He stated scenario‐based
training is a large part of training.
Chief Fourier provided Council with an open invitation to observe training or FATS
machine. Sgt. Stanley stated the next simulation‐based training will be held September
17 and 20.
Council Member Frazier inquired of Chief Fournier’s opinion regarding a residency
rule. Chief Fournier responded that mandating that officers live in the city should be a
decision made by each individual city. He stated while interaction in the community
is helpful, there is merit in officers disengaging from the job and that could be difficult
to do if you lived and worked in the same city. Council Member Elder concurred there
are benefits and disadvantages.
Council thanked Chief Fournier and Sgt. Stanley for the information.
Council Member Frazier stated his intention to meet with Donna Meyer, chair of the
New Hope Human Rights Commission, to discuss ways that the HRC can work on
policing.
ADA TRANSITION
PLAN
Item 11.4
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion item 11.4, Receive presentation on the city’s
ADA Transition Plan.
Ms. Megan Hedstrom, storm water specialist/project coordinator, was recognized. She
explained that staff began developing the ADA (American’s with Disabilities Act)
Transition Plan in fall of 2019. Beginning in 2020, MnDOT will not allow any federal
funding to be distributed to communities without an ADA Transition Plan in place or
in progress. She stated the goal of the ADA Transition Plan is to bridge the gap between
the Federal ADA requirements and our goal to provide an accessible community for
all of our residents. This plan will work in conjunction with the existing
Comprehensive Plan and the Complete Streets Policy.
Ms. Hedstrom stated the ADA Transition Plan identifies physical obstacles that limit
accessibility of programs or activities to persons with disabilities. She stated the plan
also identifies the city’s methods for the replacement of out‐of‐date and non‐compliant
pedestrian facilities within the city of New Hope. The plan states that the city will
prioritize pedestrian improvements by following the 10‐Year Pavement Management
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Plan, as well as coordinating with Hennepin County and adjacent cities on projects.
Ms. Hedstrom noted that if an ADA concern is expressed by a resident, improvements
may be undertaken separate from an infrastructure project as mobility is an important
matter.
Ms. Hedstrom stated an inventory has been done of curb pedestrian ramps, sidewalks
and trails, traffic signaled street intersections, and bus stops.
Council Member London inquired of the different colors of pedestrian pedestrian curb
ramps and suggested they be uniform.
Ms. Hedstrom stated the pads are yellow, gray, and brown. She stated yellow was a
plastic material that is no longer ADA compliant. She stated since 2015 the city has
been using the gray colored product.
Council supported the plan and authorized placing the item on the consent agenda of
the June 22, 2020, Council Meeting.
2020 PERFORMANCE
MEASUREMENTS
SURVEY
Item 11.5
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion item 11.5, Discuss and/or approve the 2020
Performance Measurements Survey.
Mr. Kirk McDonald, city manager, stated the Council recently decided to postpone the
professional Morris Leatherman city‐wide survey due to the pandemic. He stated
Brandon Bell of the community development department prepared a 2020 survey
similar to 2019 with additional questions requested by Council regarding staying in
the city, appearance of city hall, newsletter delivery preference, and opportunities for
input and feedback. He stated if Council approves the survey at this meeting it can be
inserted with the July utility bills.
The consensus of Council was to proceed with the community survey as presented.
ORGANIC
COLLECTION
Item 11.6
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion item 11.6, Review proposed revision to New
Hope City Code regarding organics collection.
Mr. Brandon Bell, community development assistant, stated in 2018, the Hennepin
County Board passed a mandate that all cities in the county must provide curbside
collection of organics by January, 2022. Waste Management, the current provider of
recycling services in the city, has offered to add the citywide collection of organics to
its contract at a cost of $2.15 per month, per household. This requires a separate cart
for customers to use and a separate truck must pick up these carts. The only hauler
currently offering joint organics collection is Randy’s Sanitation. Randy’s utilizes a
patented blue bag that residents can place in their trash container that gets separated
later from the garbage at a facility. Currently this service is offered at $58 per year
($4.83 per month).
After discussion with all three City Councils, the HRG Board consisting of New Hope,
Crystal and Brooklyn Center has decided that the best approach to fulfilling this
obligation with the county is to amend the garbage and recycling code, so that all
garbage haulers licensed in the city will be required to offer an organics collection
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service of some sort to their customers. Staff has worked with Tim Pratt, Administrator
of the Hennepin County Recycling Group, to write language in the code that would
implement this requirement. Along with this change, Tim Pratt offered potential
changes to the current City Code to bring the verbiage up to more modern day
standards. Staff agrees with these changes.
Mr. Bell asked for Council input on three potential policy changes: 1) section 9‐11 to
require all properties including businesses to have waste and recycling services and
allow the sharing of a refuse cart with a neighbor (for persons who do not generate
much trash); 2) allow garbage service collection every other week instead of weekly
(less garbage is create with recycling and organics collection); 3) section 9‐42 remove
the reference that deals with noise restrictions for a resident handling refuse.
It was noted that many people currently share carts.
Mayor Hemken asked how such measures could be controlled.
Mr. Tim Pratt, HRG, stated education is crucial and new businesses would see the list
of licensed haulers. Mr. Pratt stated the every other week trash collection was proposed
because there will be a cost increase to add organics collection and the less frequent
collection could reduce service fees. He stated at this point the only haulers that offer
the less frequent collection is in cities with organized collection.
Council Member London noted sharing a cart could be viewed as a benefit and it could
reduce the number of stops made by haulers but it could also lead to trash cans being
left outdoors and extra bags of trash at properties.
Mr. McDonald advised that no decisions are required by Council at this time, and the
matter will be discussed again this fall when the HRG rates are discussed as part of the
budget process.
2021 BUDGET
Item 11.7
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion item 11.7, Preliminary Discussion on 2021
Budget.
Mr. Kirk McDonald, city manager, reported on the goals/priorities for 2021 budget
cycle. He briefly reviewed the budget schedule indicating a special meeting could be
held September 8 if necessary; he reported on local government aid, central garage
funding, PERA contribution rates, administrative charges, IT charges, election cost
decrease, council salaries, employee compensation and insurance, park and street
infrastructure levies, the EDA levy, and debt service levies. Mr. McDonald also
recommended conducting a professional city survey by Morris Leatherman in 2021.
Mr. McDonald stated the goal for 2021 is to hold the line on spending that results in a
tax increase of no more than 3 percent if possible. He noted there are no new levies and
the past levies for city hall and the pool are decreasing. He stated a special meeting
could be held September 8 if necessary.
Council Member London requested that the dollar amount be included as well as
percentage of increases when preparing the budget documents.
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Council agreed with the recommended schedule for reviewing the proposed budget
during the next three months.
FIRE BOARD/
CITY COUNCIL
TENTATIVE WORK
SESSION
Item 11.8
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion item 11.8, Discuss Joint August Fire
Board/Council Tentative Work Session.
Mr. Kirk McDonald, city manager, asked whether Council would like to hold a joint
work session with Crystal in August or not. He noted due to increased communication
with the fire chief through quarterly updates the joint work session has been cancelled
in recent years. Mr. McDonald noted the cost of the duty crew staffing is currently the
item of most concern. He stated it will be eliminated once there is a 14‐day decrease in
COVID‐19 which could be in July. He noted it is likely the district will receive full
reimbursement for the costs due to the pandemic.
Council Member Elder commended Chief Larson on her transparency with Council on
fire‐related matters.
Council advised the city manager they did not believe a joint meeting is necessary this
year.
CITY COUNCIL
MEETINGS
DISCUSSION
Item 11.9
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion item 11.9, Discussion with Council
regarding resuming meetings at city hall.
Mr. Kirk McDonald, city manager, explained since March 23, 2020, the city has been
conducting council meetings remotely through WebEx due to COVID‐19. While this has
been an acceptable alternative during the Stay Safe Order, it provides a number of
challenges.
He stated Phase III of the Stay Safe Order has loosened many restrictions and the Council
Chambers is of sufficient size to accommodate some meetings with social distancing. He
explained the restrictions of the dias and suggested alternatives to having the full Council
and staff at the dias.
Mr. McDonald noted that CCX has advised that it is not possible to televise a meeting
with some persons on site and others participating remotely from home. He asked
whether Council is comfortable with resuming meetings on site.
Following discussion, it was agreed to hold the June 22 Council Meeting remotely by
Webex and potentially hold the July 27 Council Meeting in the Council Chambers if
necessary precautions can be achieved such as ways to allow for public comments and
sanitizing of surfaces.
ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:06 p.m. as there was no further business to come
before the Council at its work session.
Respectfully submitted,
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Valerie Leone, City Clerk