01 19 21 Work Session MinutesCity Council Work Session January 19, 2021
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City of New Hope
4401 Xylon Avenue North
New Hope, Minnesota 55428
City Council Minutes
Work Session Meeting
January 19, 2021
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 (joined meeting at 6:40 p.m.)
Andy Hoffe, Council Member
Michael Isenberg, Council Member
Jonathan London, Council Member
Staff present:
Kirk McDonald, City Manager
Jeff Alger, Community Development Specialist
Dan Boyum, City Engineer
Josh Kunde, WMFR Assistant Chief
Sarah Larson, WMFR District Chief
Valerie Leone, City Clerk
Jeff Sargent, Director of Community Development
Bernie Weber, Director of Public Works
WMFRD UPDATE
Item 11.1
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion item 11.1, Update from West Metro Fire‐
Rescue District.
Fire Chief Sarah Larson provided a quarterly update to the Council. She shared
information regarding calls for service, duty crew staffing that will be reduced after
firefighters receive the COVID‐19 vaccinations, outreach programs (Be a Santa to a
Senior and Birthday Brigade drive‐bys), promotion of apprentice firefighters, FEMA
public assistance grants, facility improvements that included an LED lighting project
at all three stations, and virtual fire prevention education programs.
Council Member London referred to a past StarTribune article about the ownership
change of North Ridge and the operational changes. He asked the fire chief if WMFR
District is handling more calls for lift assists than in past years. Ms. Larson stated she
will research the data and provide a response through the city manager.
Mr. Kunde responded to Council Member London’s inquiry about the funding sources
for the LED project (Xcel Energy rebate and a state grant).
Next Chief Larson and Assistant Chief Josh Kunde presented a report on options to
replace major apparatus. Chief Larson explained the history of the district’s current
four front‐line engines. She stated the fire engine is the work horse of any fire
department. She stated the decision to replace a vehicle is usually made based on age
and mileage. She pointed out there are many other factors that affect vehicle life. She
City Council Work Session January 19, 2021
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explained the American Public Works Association (APWA) has developed a point
system for vehicle replacement and includes factors such as age, miles/hours, type of
service, reliability, maintenance/repair, and body condition. Mr. Kunde reviewed the
point ranges and engine conditions with scores from 22 to 24 points. He stated
potential maintenance costs to retain an apparatus beyond 11 years would require the
district’s budget for repairs to increase nearly double (from $35,000 to $65,000). They
reviewed the seven different options that were developed for potential replacement of
the engines. Mr. Kunde spoke of the importance of maintaining standardization of
apparatus which would require replacing all four apparatus within a 12‐month
window. He stated the District’s Board of Directors’ recommendation is option 2 which
replaces two engines at 11 years and two engines at 12 years with leases commencing
in 2022 and 2023. He stated this would garner the lowest cost per engine, avoid
escalating maintenance costs and achieve the highest resale value per engine.
Mr. Kirk McDonald, city manager, explained that the fire board will make the final
decision on equipment but it desires Council’s input. He stated the major apparatus
report was shared with the city of Crystal last week. He stated the feedback received
from both city councils will be taken back to the February fire board meeting.
Mr. McDonald pointed out that Option 2 would equate to the lowest annual lease cost
per engine, it would avoid escalating maintenance costs for the existing engines, and
it would bring the highest resale value per engine (estimated between $125,000‐
$175,000 per engine).
Mr. McDonald stated similar to when the aerial ladder truck (tower) was acquired via
lease in 2017, the cost of the lease payment for the new engines would be incorporated
into the West Metro Fire‐Rescue District annual operating budget; the cities would not
have a large outlay of capital upfront as the cost would be spread over a number of
years.
He informed Council at its December meeting the board also voted to amend the
Capital Fund Policy to reserve the proceeds from the future sale of major apparatus to
purchase/lease new major apparatus or to pay down an existing lease. AEM has been
coordinating with the District to show how the proceeds from the sale of the engines
could be utilized to offset the cities capital fund contribution.
Mr. McDonald stated funds have been saved in the fire capital fund for the potential
future purchase of major fire apparatus and the balance of the fund as of September
30, 2020 was $767,336. If the acquisition of the new engines is by lease, the capital funds
could be used to “buy down” the impact of the new lease payments on the general
fund budget, saved for future major apparatus purchases and/or used for future capital
improvements to Station #3 that are the city’s responsibility (roof, boiler, etc.). It was
noted that squad 1 (heavy‐duty rescue) will be the next vehicle due for replacement.
Council expressed support for Option 2, replacing the engines with leases commencing
in 2022 and 2023.
Council thanked Sarah Larson and Josh Kunde for the informative report.
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PUBLIC WORKS
FACILITY
EXPANSION
DISCUSSION
(IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT NO. 1039)
Item 11.2
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion item 11.2, Discuss next steps related to Phase
1 Improvements at the Public Works Facility (Improvement Project No. 1039).
Mr. Dan Boyum, city engineer, indicated Bruce Paulson, architect with Stantec, is
attending the meeting in a virtual capacity for any questions from Council. He stated
the original feasibility study for a 20,000 square foot addition was presented to Council
on August 24, 2020. He stated central garage services approximately 173 pieces of
equipment, 34 police vehicles, and several heavy‐duty trucks. There are 29 vehicles
and pieces of equipment that are always stored outside and 12 vehicles and pieces of
equipment that are stored outside when not in use. Mr. Boyum stated the building was
constructed in 1979 and a garage bay, additional storage and lift was added in 2000.
He illustrated the interior and exterior of the existing facility as well as the equipment.
Mr. Boyum stated a phased approach to the public works expansion is proposed. Phase
1 could occur in 2021 that would include a 3,000 square foot detached soil storage
building; renovations to the existing building; air conditioning and parts storage in the
mechanic’s bay; security improvements (fence gate and cameras); partial parking
lot/pavement improvements; and storm water treatment improvements. He noted
immediate storage space would be provided moving soil storage from the existing
facility. The estimated cost of phase 1 is $1,690,001 and would be paid by the building
reserve fund.
Mr. Boyum stated Phase 2 (proposed for 2024) would include a 20,000 square foot
addition and other improvements. He noted electronic vehicle charging stations would
be added. He stated phase 2 is estimated to cost $5.7 million and could be partially
funded by a state bonding bill.
Mr. Boyum stated a 30‐year replacement analysis was prepared to identify equipment
replacement savings associated with storing vehicles and equipment indoors versus
outside. He stated the estimated cost savings to the city by moving fleet vehicles inside
is $33,013 annually or $990,393 over 30 years.
Mr. Boyum reviewed past questions from Council. He reported that neighboring cities
have indoor storage for vehicles including the cities of Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park,
Coon Rapids, Crystal, Fridley, Golden Valley, Maple Grove, and Plymouth. Council
Member Elder noted that none of the cities have reverted back to outdoor storage of
vehicles/equipment.
Mr. Boyum stated the estimated operating costs are $1,900/year for air conditioning for
the mechanics bay (phase 1), and $21,000/year for lighting, power costs and heating
costs (phase 2).
Mr. Boyum stated the next step is authorization to prepare plans and specifications for
Phase 1. Staff was directed to present information at the January 25 Council Meeting.
Mr. McDonald inquired of the bidding environment this spring.
Mr. Boyum stated it is beneficial to seek bids as early in the year as possible.
Council thanked Mr. Boyum for the presentation.
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GREENSTEP CITIES
PROGRAM UPDATE
Item 11.3
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion item 11.3, Update on city’s participation in
the Minnesota GreenStep Cities Program.
Mr. Jeff Alger, community development specialist, stated the city has been involved
with the Minnesota GreenStep Cities Program since 2015. He stated New Hope has
attained step 3 of the program and has 91 completed best practice actions. The city was
presented with the Sustainable City Award in 2017 by the League of Minnesota Cities.
Mr. Alger reviewed the 2020 actions (energy efficient and environmentally friendly
technology, equipment and building material used in construction of new police
station/city hall; stormwater treatment and draintile system installed with parking lots
at new police station/city hall; water bottle filling stations at new police station/city
hall; employee initiated plastics recycling program at city hall; re‐use of appliances
from EDA acquired property; establishment of solar energy system regulations
allowing for roof and ground mounted solar energy systems.
He indicated steps 4 and 5 challenge cities to measure and report the aggregate and
quantitative results of multiple actions taken in an attempt to present the “state of
sustainability” achieved by a city. The purpose is to make cities accustomed to
gathering data annually and comparing the data over time. It gives cities the
opportunity to find out where they stand and compare to others. In order to receive
“Step 4” recognition, cities must record eight required core metrics selected by the
program and five metrics of choice selected by the city. Each metric contains multiple
metric elements, all of which must be completed. In order to receive “Step 5”
recognition, over the course of one year, cities must improve upon any three of the
eligible metric elements.
Staff does not believe all of the required core metric data is tracked and/or easily
attainable. It is estimated that it would take between 70‐100 hours of staff time to gather
and submit the required data. He stated staff will continue to utilize the program to
help the city achieve its sustainability goals through the implementation of the 29 best
practices.
Mr. Alger reported that New Hope ranks third of the 141 participating cities in total
number of best practice actions.
Council Member Isenberg inquired which of the cities that are in the lead. Mr. Alger
stated he believes Roseville and West St. Paul rank higher than New Hope.
Mr. Kirk McDonald, city manager, indicated the city will continue to track initiatives
and participate as time permits.
Council thanked Mr. Alger for the update.
JUST DEEDS
COALITION
DISCUSSION
Item 11.4
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion item 11.4, Discuss Just Deeds coalition.
Mr. Kirk McDonald, city manager, stated the city was contacted in December of 2020
regarding this initiative and he asked Jeff Alger to research the matter.
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Mr. Jeff Alger, community development specialist, stated the city of Golden Valley
recently formed the coalition, which “is committed to acknowledging and addressing
systemic racism in housing in Minnesota.” The cities of Golden Valley and Robbinsdale
have passed resolutions in support of the work and several western and southern
suburbs have expressed interest in joining the coalition.
In 2019, the Minnesota Legislature passed a law allowing property owners the ability
to renounce covenants on their properties. Just Deeds provides free legal and title
services to help property owners find discriminatory covenants and remove them from
their property titles. In October of 2020, Hennepin County’s Board of Commissioners
passed a resolution disavowing past practices of placing discriminatory covenants in
real estate titles.
In late 2020, staff with the University of Minnesota’s Mapping Prejudice initiative
determined that there are no know discriminatory covenants recorded for properties
in New Hope. The city attorney for the city of Golden Valley also confirmed that was
the case. The United States Supreme Court ruled in 1948 that the covenants could not
be enforced. Much of the housing stock in New Hope was constructed after that ruling,
in the 1950s and 1960s. As such, the legal and title services provided by Just Deeds
would not be applicable to properties in New Hope. Instead, representatives of Just
Deeds have recommended that New Hope’s involvement in the coalition be centered
on the educational components. Examples might include further exploring why the
practice never occurred in New Hope, how the absence of covenants impacted
development of the city, and what barriers the city has faced, despite the absence of
covenants.
Mr. Alger indicated the New Hope Human Rights Commission discussed the topic at
their January 4, 2021, meeting and expressed support for the initiative. It was
recommended that New Hope participate in the coalition. The City Council has the
option of passing a resolution in support of the work and agreeing to have the New
Hope logo included on Just Deeds’ website, which is currently under development.
Council Member London pointed out he was not able to find any materials on‐line for
the coalition. Mr. Alger stated the website is being developed. Mayor Hemken noted
the realtors association is supportive of the coalition.
Mr. Alger requested Council’s feedback on the topic.
Council directed staff to prepare a resolution in support of the coalition for adoption
at the January 25 Council Meeting.
ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m. as there was no further business to come
before the Council at its work session.
Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Leone, City Clerk