051121 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
May 11, 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 April 13, 2021 minutes.
4. Update on New Hope Aquatic Park with Tony Portesan, Recreation
Facilities Supervisor.
5. Liberty Park Adoption.
6. Update on Garage Sale.
7. Brainstorming – Ideas to bring attention to New Hope.
8. Parks and Recreation project updates.
9. Other business.
10. Adjournment.
CITY OF NEW HOPE
4401 XYLON AVENUE NORTH
NEW HOPE, MINNESOTA 55428
Citizen Advisory Commission
Regular Meeting
April 13, 2021
New Hope City Hall, 7 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER Chair Herman called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Absent:
Staff Present:
Also Present:
Commissioners Randy Herman, Jill Kaufman, Scott Kulzer,
Carrie Neuburger, Rick Riley, Mike Terres (joined 7:04 p.m.),
Bill Wills
None
Susan Rader, Staff Liaison
Kris Frey, New Hope Farmers Market Board
APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Wills made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 9,
2021 meeting. Commissioner Riley seconded the motion. Voting in favor:
Commissioners Herman, Kaufman, Kulzer, Neuburger, Riley, Wills. Opposed:
None. Absent: Commissioner Terres. Motion carried.
UPDATE ON FARMERS
MARKET
Kris Frey, New Hope Farmers Market board member, addressed the
commissioners. She reported that the Farmers Market would take place on
Saturdays, June 19-September 25, and noted that it would not be held on July
17 due to a swim meet at the New Hope Aquatic Park.
Ms. Frey informed the commissioners that there would be several returning
vendors, along with some new ones. She added that she would like to offer
music and entertainment as in past years, but was unsure due to possible
COVID restrictions. She noted that the market would follow current state
guidelines.
Ms. Frey informed the commissioners that PRISM would be returning to the
Farmers Market to offer EBT and SNAP support to residents. She also
mentioned a possible collaboration with an organization called “Healthy
Savings”, which provided coupons or “bucks” to their participants that could
be redeemed at farmers markets. She commented that while the program may
provide more traffic to the market, the challenge would be absorbing that
unknown cost.
Ms. Frey also reported that she was working with an organization called
Artrageous, to offer a COVID-friendly art booth for youth and family activities
once a month. She also mentioned that the market would again provide
support for Empty Bowls, Rockford Road Library, and other nonprofits.
New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission April 13, 2021
Page 2
Chair Herman inquired about attendance numbers for 2020 and prior years, as
well as expectations for 2021.
Ms. Frey replied that attendance historically had been between 700 and 1400
people per week, with higher numbers during special events. In 2020, she
estimated that up to 700 people had attended the market each week. She felt
that number could increase for 2021.
Commissioner Wills inquired about the new vendors at the market and
wondered whether they would be offering items similar to or different from
other vendors.
Ms. Frey replied there would be both. She explained that, with the exception
of farmers, the market was committed to limiting the number of vendors
selling the same types of products. She briefly reviewed some of the new
vendors for 2021, which included pet food items, edible cookie dough and
goat’s milk soaps. She added that she was still in the process of recruiting
vendors.
Commissioner Riley inquired whether there would be any special event
weekends, and whether there would be an arts and crafts weekend.
Ms. Frey stated that the board would work on determining special event
weekends in the next few weeks. She added that a craft show would be held
on the last Saturday of the market, September 26.
Commissioner Kaufman wondered about incorporating a Founders Day-type
event, which would identify some of the early settlers to the area and
potentially offer activities for kids.
Ms. Frey reported that the Farmers Market website, newhopemarket.org, was
in the process of being redesigned.
Commissioner Wills wondered whether there was a link to the Farmers
Market website from the city’s website.
Ms. Rader thought that the link would be provided, and noted that it was also
advertised in the In Motion brochure.
Commissioner Riley wondered whether there had been any changes to the
number of volunteers. He also noticed that the current board members
appeared to be different.
Ms. Frey reported that there had been a complete turnover on the board,
although it was still a small group. She also mentioned that it had been
difficult to retain volunteers.
New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission April 13, 2021
Page 3
Ms. Frey stated that there may be a need for tables and chairs this year, if
people are allowed to stay and consume food items. She stated that a storage
pod or other storage space would be needed to accommodate those items.
Mayor Hemken requested the floor and wondered whether there would be
any storage space available at the new performance center.
Ms. Rader replied no. She stated that staff would need to look into a location
for a pod.
Mayor Hemken inquired whether the market would be able to utilize the
pavilion for food consumption.
Ms. Rader replied yes, and noted that it was open to the public.
Ms. Frey commented that one challenge for 2021 would be the budget, which
consisted of vendor fees, less expenses. She added that she would be looking
into sponsorships to help cover expenses.
Ms. Rader inquired about the ideal number of vendors for the farmers market.
Ms. Frey remarked that her goal for 2021 would be 40 vendors. She noted that
approximately 28 or 29 vendors had committed thus far.
Ms. Rader mentioned that the aquatic park would open at 11 a.m. on
Saturdays, and noted that parking space could be at a premium. She
wondered whether the Farmers Market planned to close Xylon Avenue as in
past years, and move the market back to the street.
Ms. Frey replied that she was unaware of that aspect. She commented that
although vendors preferred to set up in a parking lot versus the street, there
may not be another option.
Ms. Rader stated that she would follow up with the city manager and public
works director regarding moving the market back to Xylon Avenue.
Commissioner Riley inquired about the hours of the market.
Ms. Frey replied that it would be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Commissioner Kaufman wondered whether closing Xylon Avenue would
impact Hy-Vee.
Ms. Frey replied that it would not block the entrances.
Chair Herman wondered if artists would be at the market every weekend or a
specific weekend, and whether they would be selling items or simply showing
them.
New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission April 13, 2021
Page 4
Ms. Frey replied that the market would incorporate a craft fair into the final
weekend, and noted that vendors would be advertising items for sale.
Chair Herman mentioned that he was a member of the North Hennepin
Kiwanis Club, and encouraged Ms. Frey to contact the club to solicit a
donation.
The commissioners thanked Ms. Frey for her presentation. She excused herself
from the meeting at 7:38 p.m.
UPDATE ON SNOWMAN/
SNOW SCULPTURE CONTEST
Ms. Rader informed the commissioners that a total of 14 submissions had been
received. She thanked the commissioners for participating in the voting
process and announced the following winners:
First Place: “The Snowmen of New Hope are also Slowing the Spread”
Second Place: “Flash & Frosty”
Third Place: “Dagda”
Ms. Rader noted that due to the increased number of entries, a third place
award had been included. She briefly reviewed the prizes:
First Place: $70 Parks & Recreation gift certificate or $50 check
Second Place: $40 Parks & Recreation gift certificate or $25 check
Third Place: $20 Parks & Recreation gift certificate or $20 check
Ms. Rader reminded the commissioners that winners would receive
recognition at the council meeting on April 26. Commissioner Riley would
conduct a brief PowerPoint presentation.
PARK REPORTS/
ASSIGNMENTS
All commissioners opted to keep their current park assignments. The
commissioners were encouraged to check their parks.
DISCUSS POSSIBLE LIBERTY
PARK ADOPTION
Commissioner Wills reported that he had communicated with City Forester
Shawn Markham, who had offered two options: Liberty Park, which is located
within a neighborhood, and Victory Park, which is located within an industrial
area.
Ms. Rader mentioned that a business located near Victory Park had recently
expressed interest in adopting that park.
Commissioner Wills suggested that the commissioners move forward with the
adoption of Liberty Park. He also suggested that the commissioners meet there
to conduct a cleanup and survey the park to look for a potential beautification
project to complete.
Ms. Rader noted that she had previously recommended meeting at the park in
lieu of the June meeting. The commissioners were in agreement with this
recommendation.
Commissioner Wills stated that he would follow up with Shawn Markham to
find out about potential upcoming projects at Liberty Park of which the
New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission April 13, 2021
Page 5
commissioners could provide assistance.
BRAINSTORMING – IDEAS
TO BRING ATTENTION TO
NEW HOPE
Commissioner Riley wondered whether City Day would be held in 2021.
Ms. Rader replied that she had not heard, but would let the commissioners
know if it was scheduled.
PARKS AND RECREATION
PROJECT UPDATES
Ms. Rader reported that bids for the Corner Park playground replacement and
the Little Acre Park basketball court replacement would be opened later this
week and would go before the city council on April 26. She added that the Ice
Arena roof project would be starting soon, and noted that the
dehumidification system on the south rink had been removed and would be
replaced in about a week.
OTHER BUSINESS Ms. Rader mentioned that the commissioners had previously discussed
volunteer opportunities. She reported that Recreation Supervisor Aaron
Thelen had prepared a list of upcoming events in which volunteers could be
utilized. She stated that she would email this information to the
commissioners.
Chair Herman inquired about the Gnome Hunt that had been held during
spring break.
Ms. Rader reported that the gnome had been broken by vandals on the first
day, and a laminated photo had been hidden for the remainder of the week.
Ms. Rader also reported on vandalism that had occurred at the new Aquatic
Park the previous week.
It was noted that approximately 25 families had participated in the Gnome
Hunt, with a few prize packs awarded. Photos had been published on
Facebook.
Ms. Kaufman wondered about the potential addition of pickleball courts, as
mentioned in the Friday Update.
Ms. Rader replied that staff was looking at converting the tennis courts at
Meadow Lake School Park to pickleball courts. She explained that this would
be accomplished by lowering the nets by two inches and adding lines. She also
mentioned that lines had previously been painted on two of the tennis courts
at Hidden Valley Park, as well as two courts at Civic Center Park. She added
that for those locations, staff was looking into adding a strap to the nets for the
purpose of raising and lowering the middle part of the net based on the sport.
She also mentioned that staff was looking into the cost of constructing
pickleball courts, and noted that it might be identified as a future capital
improvement project.
Commissioner Wills inquired about the plant sale at the Golf Course.
Mayor Hemken replied that it would be held on May 8 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission April 13, 2021
Page 6
She added the sale would consist of perennials only, and commented that she
was currently accepting plant donations.
Commissioner Kaufman mentioned that April was National Volunteer Month
and wondered whether the city recognized its volunteers.
Ms. Rader replied that the police department held a recognition event each
year for its volunteers. She added that a commissioner bus tour was typically
held in the fall, to inform commissioners of current city projects as well as to
thank them for their service.
Commissioner Kaufman wondered whether volunteers could be recognized
on the city’s signboard this month, as well as the city’s website.
Ms. Rader replied that she would share that request and informed the
commissioners that each department worked with its own volunteers.
Commissioner Kaufman also wondered whether information on the number
of volunteers and volunteer hours could be included in the city’s annual
report.
Mayor Hemken offered to work with Commissioner Kaufman to gather that
that information.
ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Kaufman made a motion to adjourn the regular meeting of the
Citizen Advisory Commission. Commissioner Kulzer seconded the motion.
All present voted in favor. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:16 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Penny Spitzer
Recording Secretary
Dear Adopt-A-Park Participant,
The City of New Hope thanks you for participating in the Adopt-A-Park program. As you
know, the main focus of this program is for you and your organization to help us keep our city
parks clean and attractive.
To help make this program a success, the City of New Hope’s Parks and Recreation Department
will:
•Provide recognition of the adoptee or donor with a sign in the park, and periodically in
the city newsletter. Parks management will provide recognition as long as the terms of the
agreement are being met by the adoptee or donor.
•Identify the job assignments best suited for volunteers.
•Provide volunteer leaders proper orientation and training.
•Maintain records of volunteer groups, their training and acknowledgement by volunteers
of such training.
•Keep records of all Adopt-A-Park agreements and all individual volunteer service
projects.
•Provide trash bags for litter pick-up.
•Pick up filled trash bags after litter pick-up.
•Correct hazardous situations where they occur and/or pick up heavy, large, or hazardous
material after being made aware of such by volunteer leaders.
The volunteers will:
•Agree to adopt a park for a minimum of two years.
•Provide their own supervision.
•Arrange litter pick-up date in advance.
•Pick up litter, weeds, and glass from parks three times per year (more often if desired).
•Pick up litter and sweep glass, sand, and grass clippings from inside basketball or tennis
courts three times per year (more often if desired).
•Pull weeds and rake sand in playground areas and horseshoe pits three times per year
(more often if desired).
•Place filled trash bags in an agreed upon location.
•May elect to purchase flowers or bulbs and plant in prepared soil inside a designated plot
and provide any and all required care and maintenance.
•May elect to purchase approved shrubs(s), tree(s), or roses and transplant in a designated
plot and provide the required care and maintenance.
•Notify the Parks & Recreation Department if you encounter any of the following
conditions:
broken playground equipment
people dumping garbage, brush, or grass clippings in the park
shattered glass in the parking lots or tennis courts
vandalism (graffiti, broken windows, tire ruts, etc.)
signs missing
tree limbs broken, dead trees or shrubs
broken picnic tables or benches
lights broken or not operating
•Notify the Parks & Recreation Department if you wish to discontinue the volunteer
contract.
•Notify the Parks & Recreation Department if there are any other special projects you
would like to perform within your park.
Thank you for your participation in this program. Please return the volunteer worksheets and
contract agreement to me at: 5500 International Parkway, New Hope, MN 55428. If you have
any questions or comments, please contact me at (763) 592-6763.
Shawn Markham
Contract Manager
Susan Rader, Director of Parks and Recreation
CITY OF NEW HOPE
ADOPT-A-PARK AGREEMENT
I/we agree to maintain__________________________________ park, and the duties would consist of
_____________________________________________________________________
I/we understand that as a volunteer(s), I/we will receive no fee or remuneration for my/our services and
that as a volunteer we will in no way be considered an employee of the City.
I/we understand that as a volunteer we assume all liability for injury, damages, actions, or causes of action
arising out of the work to be done. I/we understand that I/we am/are not eligible for any of the insurance
services and benefits provided to regular paid staff personnel. This includes worker’s compensation. It is
the responsibility of each volunteer to obtain and carry any insurance he/she feels is necessary. Any injury
or illness suffered by a volunteer during the time they are performing their volunteer assignment will be
entirely his/her own responsibility.
I/we understand that performance of the services specified in this agreement may involve some risk of
injury to the volunteer. I/we agree to assume the risks which accompany the performance of the volunteer
services and hold the city, its agents, or employees harmless from claims for damages or injuries which
may arise from the performance of the volunteer services.
I/we understand that all volunteers must read the guidelines, safety tips, participant letter, and agreement
and sign the volunteer worksheet before the volunteer assignment begins.
The City of New Hope reserves the right to refuse, cancel, or revise this agreement if in its sole judgment
the nature of the group or its sign is political, controversial, or in questionable taste or if the group is not
meeting the terms and conditions of the agreement.
Name of Group_________________________________________________________________
Name of Group Representative_____________________________________________________
Signature______________________________________________________________________
Address_________________________________________________________Zip___________
Phone(Home)______________________________ (Work)______________________________
Executed this _______________day of _________________________, 20______ .
The adoption of the park will go into effect on the _______day of _______________, 20______
.
____________________________________
Susan Rader, Director
Parks and Recreation Department
CITY OF NEW HOPE
ADOPT-A-PARK PROGRAM
SAFETY TIPS
The group should provide adequate supervision to participants eighteen years of age or younger.
The group should work only during daylight hours and good weather. The supervisor of the
group must inform the participants of these safety suggestions.
Participants should be mentally alert and use good judgment and common sense.
Groups should stay away from construction sites and avoid all light and heavy equipment (i.e.,
mowers, tractors, etc.)
Avoid poison ivy or other noxious weeds. Stay away from recently applied herbicides.
Groups should avoid open water, unless otherwise specified.
Never pick up heavy, large, or hazardous material. Notify the City Park Department for pick up
of these items.
Participants should wear work gloves, light colored clothing, and heavy leather shoes or boots.
Participants should wear a cap and long sleeves to avoid sunburn. Use of sunscreen, insect and/or
tick repellent is recommended.
Bring along a first aid kit. Identify the nearest phone in case 911 needs to be used for emergency
assistance.
Don’t over exert yourself. Bring along a supply of drinking water and take breaks.
Be aware of park users such as bicycle riders. Stay alert and with your team and avoid dangerous
horseplay on bike paths or near roads and streets
Do not crush collected trash to make more room in the bag; broken or jagged objects could cause
accidental injuries. Do not put syringes or hypodermic needles in the trash bag as they can easily
puncture the bag and cause serious injury. Take care to dispose of them properly and contact the
City Park Department for proper disposal.
CITY OF NEW HOPE
ADOPT-A-PARK VOLUNTEER WORKSHEET
Group Name____________________________________
The individuals listed below understand the role and assignments of a volunteer for the Adopt a
Park Program according to the Adopt a Park Agreement. These volunteers also agree to follow
direction from the designated group supervisor. An individual must be listed on this form to
take part in the program.
• If under the age of 18, a legal guardian must sign for you.
Name Signature Date
CAC AGENDA ITEMS FOR 2021
AS OF 5/3/21
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:
May 11 – Pool Update with Recreation Facilities Supervisor, Tony Portesan
June 8 – No meeting. Clean-up at Liberty Park
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; 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)