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041321 CAC Agenda PacketIf you are unable to attend the meeting, please contact Susan Rader at 763-531-5152 or srader@newhopemn.gov Citizen Advisory Commission Meeting City Hall, 4401 Xylon Avenue North Tuesday, April 13, 2021 7 p.m. City Hall will be open to the public for this meeting; however, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the city will be making the meeting available via Webex. The public may participate in this meeting by phone by calling 415-655-0001 and entering meeting/access code 177 167 2912 followed by the # sign. When prompted for a password, simply press #. 1.Call to Order. 2.Roll Call. 3.Approval of March 9, 2021 minutes. 4.Update on Farmer’s Market with Kris Frey. 5.Update on Snowman/Snow Sculpture Contest. 6.Park Reports/Assignments. 7.Discuss possible park adoption. 8.Brainstorming – Ideas to bring attention to New Hope. 9.Parks and Recreation project updates. 10.Other business. 11.Adjournment. CITY OF NEW HOPE 4401 XYLON AVENUE NORTH NEW HOPE, MINNESOTA 55428 Citizen Advisory Commission Regular Meeting March 9, 2021 New Hope City Hall, 7 p.m. CALL TO ORDER Chair Herman called the meeting to order at 6:59 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Staff Present: Commissioners Randy Herman, Jill Kaufman, Carrie Neuburger, Rick Riley, Bill Wills Commissioners Scott Kulzer, Mike Terres Susan Rader, Staff Liaison Megan Hedstrom, Stormwater Specialist/Project Coordinator WELCOME NEW COMMISSIONERS The commissioners welcomed new commissioners Jill Kaufman and Carrie Nueburger. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Wills made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 9, 2021 meeting. Commissioner Riley seconded the motion. All present voted in favor. Motion carried. UPDATE ON PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS Megan Hedstrom, Stormwater Specialist/Project Coordinator addressed the commissioners and conducted a PowerPoint presentation. She began by discussing the improvement project at Meadow Lake, and reported that a drawdown was being planned for September. She stated that the goal would be to reduce phosphorus, chlorophyll and algae, and improve water clarity. She explained that while the city had performed several Best Management Practices (BMP) to reduce the amount of phosphorus entering the lake, there was still a desire to reduce the amount currently in the lake. She added that other issues included invasive fish species and curly leaf pondweed. Ms. Hedstrom mentioned that staff had hoped to start the drawdown at Meadow Lake last September, but was unable to secure the permits in a timely manner. She explained that beginning the drawdown in early September would allow the turtle population to migrate to other bodies of water prior to their hibernation. Ms. Hedstrom explained that following the drawdown, staff would observe the lake over the next two years to ensure the invasive fish and curly leaf pondweed had been eliminated. She added that a few years after that, staff may consider alum treatments to control phosphorus in the lake, if needed. She also mentioned that the golf course pond between the seventh and eighth holes would be drawn down as well. New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission March 9, 2021 Page 2 Commissioner Wills inquired how long the lakebed would remain dry. Ms. Hedstrom replied that the plan would be to keep it drawn down all winter. She explained that pumping water would only occur during daytime hours, and added that staff anticipated it would take one week to draw down. She noted that staff planned to leave it drawn down through the first snow melt next spring. Commissioner Riley wondered whether staff planned to relocate the turtles or whether they felt the turtles would migrate on their own. Ms. Hedstrom replied that staff hoped the turtles would migrate on their own, but noted that barriers would also be installed to prevent them from trying to enter the water. She added that the Meadow Lake Association had also planned to hold a volunteer event to capture and relocate turtles that had not migrated. Commissioner Wills wondered where the turtles would be relocated. Ms. Hedstrom replied that the plan would be to relocate them to a smaller pond to the south, and potentially Bass Lake to the northwest. Ms. Hedstrom then discussed 2021 infrastructure projects. She explained that pavement projects were planned for the Lions Park neighborhood between 36th and 42nd avenues, and Erickson Drive. She added that trail work at Liberty Park and a new parking lot at Lions Park would also be included in this project. She also mentioned that utility work would include replacing a section of water pipe just west of Lions Park, adding a storm sewer catch basin at the intersection of 38th and Maryland avenues, and relining a storm sewer pipe on Oregon Avenue just south of 42nd Avenue. Ms. Hedstrom referred to the above-mentioned street improvements and noted that the city of Crystal had its own pavement projects planned for the area to the east of Lions Park. She explained that it was often beneficial to coordinate pavement projects with neighboring cities when possible. Chair Herman wondered if the city of Crystal would be using the same contractor. Ms. Hedstrom replied that the city of Crystal had not yet received bids on their project, but added that New Hope’s contractor had placed a bid. Ms. Hedstrom also reviewed 2020 infrastructure improvement projects, and noted that they were mostly completed, with minor touch-up work to be completed this spring. She added that these projects had also included trail work on Erickson Drive and south of the tennis courts at Civic Center Park. Ms. Hedstrom informed the commissioners that staff planned to update the signal light at 42nd and Boone avenues to include a flashing left turn signal on New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission March 9, 2021 Page 3 Boone Avenue and improved pedestrian crossings. She explained that this would be a cost-share project with Hennepin County, and noted that it would most likely occur in 2023 when Hennepin County planned to reconstruct 42nd Avenue as well as the bridge over Highway 169. She reported that as part of that bridge project the cities of New Hope and Plymouth, along with the State of Minnesota and Hennepin County, had also planned for a 10-foot pedestrian trail along the south side of the bridge. She also reported that the State of Minnesota planned to replace the bridge deck at 36th Avenue and Highway 169, but noted that the pedestrian bridge on 36th Avenue would not be impacted. Ms. Hedstrom briefly reviewed the 2020-21 Sanitary Sewer Lining Project. She displayed a map and identified areas in the northwest corner of the city in which piping had been lined in 2020 or would be lined in 2021. She explained that lining sewer pipes was done to prevent storm water from entering into the sanitary sewer system, which impacted the city’s wastewater surcharge. She added that staff planned to line a few miles of sewer pipe each year. Ms. Hedstrom also shared the link to the 10-year pavement management plan on the city’s website. She noted that users could sort projects by year or search for specific projects that were being planned. Commissioner Kaufman referred to the phosphorus problem at Meadow Lake and wondered what measures would be taken to prevent it from happening in the future. Ms. Hedstrom replied that the drawdown was designed to address the condition of the lake itself and noted that the entire process would be closely monitored by staff. Commissioner Kaufman referred to the 36th and 42nd Avenue bridge projects, and wondered how residents would be notified. She expressed concern over keeping bus routes open. Ms. Hedstrom replied that the City of New Hope and the State of Minnesota would coordinate notifications for the 36th Avenue bridge, while Hennepin County would provide notifications for 42nd Avenue. She reported that Hennepin County had already discussed this project with the school district, and added that their goal was to complete the bridge replacement during the summer months. Commissioner Riley wondered whether there were any plans to dredge Meadow Lake. Ms. Hedstrom replied that it had been discussed. She informed the commissioners that staff had researched a full dredge approximately 15 years ago, but expressed concern over the estimated $1 million price tag. She reported that the inlet had been dredged approximately 12 years ago and might be dredged again as part of this project, depending on the results of the New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission March 9, 2021 Page 4 lake survey. She added that the project was fully grant-funded at this time. Ms. Hedstrom also mentioned the planned Public Works expansion project, and noted that it would include improvements to the parking lot and storage yard, and renovation and expansion of the garage and equipment storage space. Mayor Hemken requested the floor and added that the main goal of this project would be to create space to store vehicles and equipment indoors , as well as to address security concerns. The commissioners thanked Ms. Hedstrom for her presentation. She excused herself from the meeting at 7:38 p.m. PARK ASSIGNMENTS Chair Herman briefly reviewed the park reporting process for the benefit of new commissioners. Parks were reassigned for 2021. DISCUSS 2021 AGENDA TOPICS Council Member Mike Isenberg requested the floor and inquired whether the Citizen Advisory Commission would be interested in holding a discussion with Crime Prevention Officer Brad Kallio. Ms. Rader noted that Police Chief Tim Hoyt would attend the July meeting to discuss police worn body cameras as well as community engagement. She thought Officer Kallio might be in attendance as well. DISCUSS POSSIBLE LIBERTY PARK ADOPTION Chair Herman reviewed that the commissioners had expressed interest in adopting a park, and were considering Liberty Park. Commissioner Kaufman wondered why this park was being considered. Commissioner Wills mentioned that some possible improvements had been identified at Liberty Park. He added that he would be open to adopting another park if the commissioners preferred. Ms. Rader stated that available parks included Liberty, Holiday, Jaycee, Terra Linda and Victory. She reviewed that park adopters typically conducted a park cleanup twice per year and were recognized with a small sign at the park. The commissioners briefly discussed park adoption and ultimately expressed interest in Liberty Park. Commissioner Wills stated that he would contact the city forester to discuss adopting Liberty Park. BRAINSTORMING – IDEAS TO BRING ATTENTION TO NEW HOPE For the benefit of new commissioners, Chair Herman briefly reviewed some of the ideas the commissioners had developed, including the snowman/snow sculpture contest. New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission March 9, 2021 Page 5 Ms. Rader reported that 14 entries had been received, and noted that the contest would end on March 31. She stated that photos would be emailed to the commissioners the first week of April for judging. She added that first and second place prizes would be awarded at the council meeting on April 26, and encouraged the commissioners to attend. Commissioner Riley stated that he would plan to attend and conduct the PowerPoint presentation. Chair Herman reviewed other ideas the commissioners had brought forward, including the city-wide garage sale and a pumpkin painting event. PARKS AND RECREATION PROJECT UPDATES Ms. Rader reported that the final plan for the Corner Park playground project would be presented to the City Council on March 22, along with a request to seek bids for the site work. She explained that quotes for the site work and the playground equipment list would then be presented to council on April 26 for approval. She added that staff hoped to begin construction in late spring or early summer. She also mentioned that the basketball court at Corner Park would be resurfaced this summer. Additionally, the basketball court at Little Acre Park would be replaced, along with the trail at Liberty Park. Commissioner Riley mentioned the Liberty Park trail and noted that trail loops had been completed in some of the city’s parks in recent years. He wondered if any of the city’s remaining parks could benefit from and/or accommodate a looped trail. Ms. Rader replied no, not at this time. Ms. Rader briefly reviewed other projects, and noted that the City Council had recently approved retrofitting the tennis court lights at Hidden Valley and Begin parks to LED lights, re-siding the maintenance shops and replacing the service doors at Lighted Field and Victory Park, and replacing the roof and dehumidification system on the south rink at the Ice Arena. She added that staff was currently seeking quotes to replace the skylight on the south rink. OTHER BUSINESS Chair Herman referred to the Friday Update, and noted that residents could receive a discount on rain barrels or compost bins. He also mentioned that a unique program entitled “Gnome Hunt” would be held over spring break. Ms. Rader stated that Recreation Coordinator Aaron Thelen had compiled a list of special events for summer and fall, and noted the potential for volunteer opportunities. She added that she would provide additional information at the April meeting. Commissioner Neuburger noted that there were still parks in need of adoption and wondered about advertising and recognition. New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission March 9, 2021 Page 6 Ms. Rader noted that a list of park adopters would be published in the summer brochure, as well as a list of available parks. She added that City Forester Shawn Markham served as the contact for this program. Commissioner Neuburger also wondered how staff was made aware of adopters who no longer wished to participate. Ms. Rader replied that Shawn Markham periodically contacted adopters to verify their continued interest in the program. Commissioner Kaufman mentioned the upcoming city-wide survey and wondered if the results would be shared with the commissioners. She felt it might yield ideas for future topics. Commissioner Kaufman referred to Mayor Hemken’s recent CCX media address regarding the city’s preparation for the upcoming trials in Hennepin county. She referred to the mayor’s comments regarding community engagement and wondered whether staff had attempted to reach out to groups who might be likely to protest, in order to build relationships. Mayor Hemken replied that the police chief would be better able to answer that question, but commented that it had been difficult to find a group willing to meet with staff or city officials. She added that the police department was currently focused on providing security to city hall and businesses throughout the city. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Wills 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 8:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Penny Spitzer Recording Secretary CAC AGENDA ITEMS FOR 2021 AS OF 4/1/21 The following is a tentative listing of major agenda items that have either been assigned to CAC, a CAC member has asked that the item be discussed, or city staff has asked that the item be discussed by CAC. *Regular Meetings: April 13 – Farmer’s Market Discussion with Kris Frey May 11 – Pool Update with Recreation Facilities Supervisor, Tony Portesan June 8 – July 13 – Police Department Update with Chief Hoyt re: Body Worn Cameras and Community Engagement program August 10 – Community Development Update: Projects and Programs with Director Sargent September 14 – Commissioner Bus Tour? September 20 – Work Session with the City Council October 12 – November 9 – Budget Update December 14 – possible Legislative Update (Susan to work w/Mayor Hemken) *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 (possible activities/events - skatepark event; pumpkin painting; curling; food truck event; Shop Neighborly New Hope revival)  Promotion of existing City programs: In Focus, RAVE, Outstanding Business  Volunteering at P&R/City events Updates  Park Projects: Corner Park Possible Future Topics  Planning Commission Update  ?Residential Organics Recycling Implementation (later in the year)  ?Look at adopting an available park