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