12 14 20 City Council MinutesNew Hope City Council December 14, 2020
Page 1
City of New Hope
4401 Xylon Avenue North
New Hope, Minnesota 55428
City Council Minutes December 14, 2020
Regular Meeting City Hall, 7:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER The New Hope City Council met in regular session pursuant to due call and
notice thereof; Mayor Hemken called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge was not recited since the virtual meeting was not held in the council
chambers.
ROLL CALL Council present:
Staff present:
Kathi Hemken, Mayor
John Elder, Council Member
Cedrick Frazier, Council Member
Andy Hoffe, Council Member
Jonathan London, Council Member
Kirk McDonald, City Manager
Jeff Alger, Community Development Specialist
Tim Hoyt, Director of Police
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
Bernie Weber, Director of Public Works
Stacy Woods, Assistant City Attorney
APPROVAL OF
MINUTES
Motion was made by Council Member Elder, seconded by Council Member
Frazier, to approve the work session meeting minutes of November 16, 2020,
regular meeting minutes of November 23, 2020 and the special session meeting
minutes of December 7, 2020. Voted in favor thereof: Hemken, Elder, Frazier,
Hoffe, London; and the following voted against the same: None; Abstained:
None; Absent: None. Motion carried.
OPEN FORUM
There was no one present desirous of addressing the council.
PRESENTATIONS:
2020 NEW HOPE IN
FOCUS AWARDS
Item 5.1
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 5.1, Presentation of the 2020 New
Hope In Focus Contest Awards.
Ms. Beth Kramer, communications coordinator, shared with Council the purpose
of the photo contest, in its 11th year, which is to inspire civic pride and motivate
those who live and work in New Hope to explore and take photos of their city.
Ms. Kramer apprised the Council of the guidelines for participating in the contest,
and that there were 22 participants with 57 photographs.
New Hope City Council December 14, 2020
Page 2
She stated six judges from the community with extensive knowledge of
photography and visual communication came together to evaluate each
photograph. The judging criteria included subject matter, composition, clarity,
lighting, difficulty of photo, and overall impact. She also reported that
community members were invited to vote for their favorite photograph in the
“People’s Choice Award” category.
Ms. Kramer recognized the contest winners: Dack Nehring, Julie Foreman,
Theodore Jantzen, and Marguerite Winker.
Council thanked photo contestants and the judge panel for their participation.
ROTATING VOTES
Please note that votes taken on each agenda item are called by the secretary on a
rotating basis; however, the written minutes always list the mayor’s name first
followed by the council members’ in alphabetical order.
CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Hemken introduced the consent items as listed for consideration and
stated that all items will be enacted by one motion unless requested that an item
be removed for discussion. Mr. Kirk McDonald, city manager, reviewed the
consent items.
Council discussed the possible acquisition of Randy’s Sanitation by Republic
Waste and the reduction of garbage hauler licenses through attrition.
BUSINESS LICENSES
Item 6.1
Approval of business licenses
FINANCIAL CLAIMS
Item 6.2
Approval of financial claims through December 14, 2020.
RESOLUTION 2020‐117
Item 6.4
Resolution approving re‐appointments to Citizen Advisory Commission, Human
Rights Commission, Personnel Board, and West Metro Fire‐Rescue District Board
of Directors.
RESOLUTION 2020‐118
Item 6.5
Resolution approving final payment to Allied Blacktop Company for $8,595.66
for the 2020 Crack Repair and Seal Coat Project (Improvement Project No. 1045).
RESOLUTION 2020‐119
Item 6.6
Resolution approving agreement with Reach for Resources, Inc. for provision of
therapeutic recreational inclusion services for persons with developmental
disabilities.
MOTION
Item 6.7
Motion accepting donations from the Minneapolis Regional Chamber for the New
Hope Crime Prevention Fund and the 2021 Safety Camp.
MOTION
Consent Items
Motion was made by Council Member Elder, seconded by Council Member
Frazier, to approve the Consent items. All present voted in favor. Motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARING
PACK FAMILY
ENTERTAINMENT
Item 7.1
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 7.1, Motion approving an on‐sale
liquor license to Pack Family Entertainment LLC dba Cinema Grill & Outtakes
Bar at 2749 Winnetka Avenue North.
New Hope City Council December 14, 2020
Page 3
Mr. Kirk McDonald, city manager, explained that the business is being sold, and
the new owner, Zachary Pack, has submitted the necessary application and fees.
Mr. McDonald stated a background investigation was conducted by Detective
Tony Loser and there was nothing detrimental in the background investigation
that would prohibit issuance of the license. Mr. McDonald noted Zachary Pack is
a current employee at the business and is familiar with the operations.
Mayor Hemken opened the floor for comments; there was no one desirous of
addressing the Council.
Mayor Hemken welcomed Mr. Pack as a new business owner and reminded him
of the city’s alcohol compliance checks.
CLOSE HEARING
Item 7.1
Motion was made by Council Member Elder, seconded by Council Member
Frazier, to close the public hearing. All present voted in favor. Motion carried.
MOTION
Item 7.1
Motion was made by Frazier, seconded by Council Member Elder, approving an
on‐sale liquor license to Pack Family Entertainment LLC dba Cinema Grill &
Outtakes Bar at 2749 Winnetka Avenue North Voted in favor thereof: Hemken,
Elder, Frazier, Hoffe, London; and the following voted against the same: None;
Abstained: None; Absent: None. Motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARING
2021 LIQUOR LICENSE
RENEWALS
Item 7.2
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 7.2, Motion approving liquor
license renewals for year 2021.
Mr. Kirk McDonald, city manager, stated staff recommends the Council consider
liquor license renewals for establishments with on‐sale, off‐sale, and malt liquor
licenses.
Mr. McDonald indicated the license holders have furnished the necessary renewal
applications for the 2021 license period to the city clerk. He stated the director of
police supports renewal of the licenses, provided a summary of incidents over the
past year, and is available to answer any questions. He noted the license holders
are not required to attend the public hearing.
He reviewed the various licenses and liquor establishments requesting renewal:
On‐Sale Restaurant (fee $6,200)
Applebee’s, 4203 Winnetka Avenue North
Hy‐Vee Market Grille, 8200 42nd Avenue North
Los Sanchez Taqueria LLC
New Hope Golf Course, 8130 Bass Lake Road
Palm Entertainment (Pub 42), 7600 42nd Avenue North
Winnetka Pizza (Frankie’s), 3566 Winnetka Avenue North
On‐Sale Bowling Center (fee $6,200)
New Hope Bowl, 7107 42nd Avenue North
Off‐Sale (fee $380)
Hy‐Vee Wine & Spirits, 8202 42nd Avenue North
New Hope City Council December 14, 2020
Page 4
New Hope Liquor, 8001 Bass Lake Road
Viking Liquor Wine & Tobacco, 7141 42nd Avenue North
Winnetka Liquors, 3544 Winnetka Avenue North
Off‐Sale Malt Liquor (fee $100)
Hy‐Vee Food Store, 8200 42nd Avenue North
Speedway, 6144 West Broadway
Mr. McDonald recommended the Council accept any comments, close the
hearing, and take action on the license renewals.
Mayor Hemken opened the public hearing. There was no one present to address
Council for the public hearing.
CLOSE HEARING
Item 7.2
Motion was made by Council Member Elder, seconded by Council Member
Frazier, to close the public hearing. All present voted in favor. Motion carried.
MOTION
Item 7.2
Motion was made by Elder, seconded by Council Member London, Motion
approving liquor license renewals for year 2021. Voted in favor thereof:
Hemken, Elder, Frazier, Hoffe, London; and the following voted against the same:
None; Abstained: None; Absent: None. Motion carried.
ICE ARENA
(IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT NO 1057)
Item 8.1
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 8.1, Resolution authorizing the
appropriation of funds in the amount of $153,990 to replace the desiccant
dehumidifier unit in the south rink at the New Hope Ice Arena (Improvement
Project No. 1057).
Ms. Susan Rader, director of parks and recreation, explained the need for a new
desiccant dehumidifier unit. She stated each rink has a desiccant dehumidifier to
ensure that the dew point of the air will be kept low and close to the ice surface
temperature. The unit does this by removing moisture from the air at low
temperatures and low humidity levels which produces the low dew point levels
needed to maintain a healthy ice rink.
Without the proper dehumidification, excess moisture condenses on the ice surfaces,
ceiling/roof, glass, and the building walls. The moisture will then drip on the ice and
into the bleachers. Build‐up on the ice surface forms a risk for skaters and as the
ice surface softens, skaters will experience poor performance. The condensation
can also lead to the growth of mold and bacteria throughout the facility, as well as
causing corrosion on metal surfaces. She stated during events with an audience, the
issues increase as the humidity rises further and fog appears over the ice rink,
disturbing the visibility. She emphasized proper dehumidification is a necessity
from late spring to early fall, when the outside temperatures and dew points are
much higher than the inside of the ice arena. During the warm months, ice
operations would not be able to continue without one.
Ms. Rader stated the current desiccant dehumidifier unit in the south rink is
original (1996) and had an original life expectancy of 20 years. It was initially
identified for replacement in 2017, and was extended another three years.
New Hope City Council December 14, 2020
Page 5
She reported the project will be a direct replacement with a similar unit and
shouldn’t require any structural engineering or modifications. Building Official
Blom has been consulted on the project and agrees with the work to be performed.
Ms. Rader stated the city received three quotes and recommends approval of the
low quote from Corporate Mechanical for $153,990. Corporate Mechanical is a
New Hope based commercial/industrial HVAC company and has previously
completed HVAC repairs at the arena. The work would be performed in the
spring in coordination with the roof replacement project.
The replacement is included in the 2020 CIP for the Ice Arena Fund with a
budgeted amount of $200,000.
She indicated Recreation Facilities Manager Mark Severson has also joined the
meeting remotely if there are any questions from Council.
Council Member London inquired of the anticipated total cost as the quotation
describes a number of exclusions (engineering, electrical upgrades, structural
engineering or modifications). Director Rader reported that staff believes the total
cost will be the quoted amount of $153,990 as the replacement is similar unit to
the existing unit.
RESOLUTION 2020‐120
Item 8.1
Council Member Elder introduced the following resolution and moved its
adoption: “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE APPROPRIATION OF
FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $153,990 TO REPLACE THE DESICCANT
DEHUMIDIFIER UNIT IN THE SOUTH RINK AT THE NEW HOPE ICE
ARENA (IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 1057).” The motion for the adoption
of the foregoing resolution was seconded by Council Member Frazier, and upon
vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Hemken, Elder,
Frazier, Hoffe, London; and the following voted against the same: None;
Abstained: None; Absent: None; whereupon the resolution was declared duly
passed and adopted, signed by the mayor which was attested to by the city clerk.
2021 EDA LEVY
Item 10.1
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 10.1, Resolution approving the
2021 Final EDA Levy.
Mr. Kirk McDonald, city manager, stated the EDA levy is set at $365,000 which is
an increase of $17,000 from last year. He stated EDA funding is one source of
funding for the scattered site housing program.
Mr. McDonald explained action on the EDA levy is required by both the City
Council and the EDA. He recommended adoption of the resolution followed by
suspension of the council meeting in order to conduct the EDA meeting.
Council Member London noted in a past work session during budget reviews he
pointed out a large portion of the EDA budget was comprised of employee costs
(salaries) and asked how that impacts the scattered site housing program.
New Hope City Council December 14, 2020
Page 6
Mr. McDonald suggested a more in‐depth discussion to take place in the spring
when tax increment district funds are reviewed. He noted wages are shared
between the city and EDA budgets.
RESOLUTION 2020‐121
Item 10.1
Council Member Frazier introduced the following resolution and moved its
adoption: “RESOLUTION APPROVING THE 2021 FINAL EDA LEVY.” The
motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was seconded by Council
Member Elder, and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor
thereof: Hemken, Elder, Frazier, Hoffe, London; and the following voted against
the same: None; Abstained: None; Absent: None; whereupon the resolution was
declared duly passed and adopted, signed by the mayor which was attested to by
the city clerk.
MEETING
SUSPENDED
The Council Meeting was suspended at 7:30 p.m. to conduct the EDA Meeting,
and the Council Meeting was reconvened at 7:45 p.m.
TAX LEVY
Item 10.2
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 10.2, Resolution adopting general,
special revenue, debt service, enterprise, and internal service fund budgets for the
city of New Hope for the year 2021 and establishing a tax levy for the year payable
2021.
Mr. Kirk McDonald, city manager, explained the city held a public hearing on the
proposed 2021 budget on December 7, 2020. He stated the general fund budget is
$15,936,977 and the tax levy for the general fund is $10,879,465. He noted the
general fund tax levy is only increasing 3.5% or $368,034.
Mr. McDonald stated the total tax levy for 2021, including the general fund, street
and park infrastructure funds, economic development authority, and prior levies
for City Center, Northwood South and Northwood North infrastructure bonds,
the 2017 police station/city hall facility bonds, and the 2018/2019 pool and park
improvement bonds is $17,417,601, which represents a 3.4% increase.
Mr. McDonald pointed out that although the tax levy is increasing, the city’s tax
capacity has also increased and the estimated tax rate is expected to decrease by
two points so the overall impact to residential property owners in the city portion
of the tax levy is approximately two percent.
He stated if Council approves the 2021 budget and tax levy, staff will certify the
tax levy to Hennepin County. He stated the budget will be posted on the city’s
website.
RESOLUTION 2020‐122
Item 10.2
Council Member Elder introduced the following resolution and moved its
adoption: “RESOLUTION ADOPTING GENERAL, SPECIAL REVENUE,
DEBT SERVICE, ENTERPRISE, AND INTERNAL SERVICE FUND BUDGETS
FOR THE CITY OF NEW HOPE FOR THE YEAR 2021 AND ESTABLISHING
A TAX LEVY FOR THE YEAR PAYABLE 2021.” The motion for the adoption of
the foregoing resolution was seconded by Council Member Frazier, and upon
vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Hemken, Elder,
Frazier, Hoffe, London; and the following voted against the same: None;
New Hope City Council December 14, 2020
Page 7
Abstained: None; Absent: None; whereupon the resolution was declared duly
passed and adopted, signed by the mayor which was attested to by the city clerk.
2021 WAGE
ADJUSTMENTS
Item 10.3
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 10.3, Resolution authorizing the
city manager to implement 2021 wage adjustments for non‐union employees,
pursuant to Council approval.
Mr. Kirk McDonald, city manager, stated the resolution approves a 3% wage
increase for non‐union employees effective January 4, 2021. He stated this item
was discussed during the budget review process at work sessions, and the
increase is the average increase being considered by the city’s 12 comparable
cities. He stated the increase applies to all non‐union employees, union employees
(due to the “me‐too” clause), and the city manager. He stated the city manager
position can be excluded if so directed by Council. He explained that his annual
performance review is scheduled for the December 21 work session.
The consensus of the Council was to include the city manager position in the 3%
wage increase.
RESOLUTION 2020‐123
Item 10.3
Council Member Frazier introduced the following resolution and moved its
adoption: “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
IMPLEMENT 2021 WAGE ADJUSTMENTS FOR NON‐UNION EMPLOYEES,
PURSUANT TO COUNCIL APPROVAL.” The motion for the adoption of the
foregoing resolution was seconded by Council Member Elder, and upon vote
being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Hemken, Elder, Frazier,
Hoffe, London; and the following voted against the same: None; Abstained:
None; Absent: None; whereupon the resolution was declared duly passed and
adopted, signed by the mayor which was attested to by the city clerk.
FEE SCHEDULE
Item 10.4
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 10.4, Resolution adopting an
updated Fee Schedule.
Mr. Kirk McDonald, city manager, stated the fee schedule is an all‐inclusive
document for city charges that can be amended by resolution.
He stated the 2021 Fee Schedule includes increases to several park and recreation
program user fees, utility rates, and an increase to the right‐of‐way permit fee. He
pointed out the budget is based on the established fees, and the new fees will be
implemented in January.
RESOLUTION 2020‐124
Item 10.4
Council Member Frazier introduced the following resolution and moved its
adoption: “RESOLUTION ADOPTING AN UPDATED FEE SCHEDULE.” The
motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was seconded by Council
Member Elder, and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor
thereof: Hemken, Elder, Frazier, Hoffe, London; and the following voted against
the same: None; Abstained: None; Absent: None; whereupon the resolution was
declared duly passed and adopted, signed by the mayor which was attested to by
the city clerk.
New Hope City Council December 14, 2020
Page 8
APPRECIATION TO
COUNCIL MEMBER
CEDRICK FRAZIER
Item 10.5
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 10.5, Resolution expressing
appreciation to Council Member Cedrick Frazier for his service on the New Hope
City Council.
Mayor Hemken read the proclamation expressing the city’s appreciation to
Council Member Frazier for his service as council member. Council extended
their gratitude to Council Member Frazier and wished him well as his future role
as a state representative.
Council Member Frazier extended his gratitude to Council and staff for caring
about the New Hope community and noted he will continue to advocate for the
city in his new role.
RESOLUTION 2020‐125
Item 10.5
Council Member Elder introduced the following resolution and moved its
adoption: “RESOLUTION EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO COUNCIL
MEMBER CEDRICK FRAZIER FOR HIS SERVICE ON THE NEW HOPE CITY
COUNCIL.” The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was
seconded by Council Member London, and upon vote being taken thereon, the
following voted in favor thereof: Hemken, Elder, Hoffe, London; and the
following voted against the same: None; Abstained: Frazier; Absent: None;
whereupon the resolution was declared duly passed and adopted, signed by the
mayor which was attested to by the city clerk.
EXCHANGE OF
COMMUNICATION
Item 12.1
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 12.1, Exchange of communication
between members of the City Council.
Mayor Hemken reported on upcoming events.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Council Member Frazier, seconded by Council Member
Elder, to adjourn the meeting, as there was no further business to come before
the Council. All present voted in favor. Motion carried. The New Hope City
Council adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Leone, City Clerk