04 19 21 Work Session MinutesCity Council Work Session April 19, 2021
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City of New Hope
4401 Xylon Avenue North
New Hope, Minnesota 55428
City Council Minutes
Work Session Meeting
April 19, 2021
Civic Center Conference Room
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
Andy Hoffe, Council Member
Michael Isenberg, Council Member
Jonathan London, Council Member
Council absent: John Elder, Council Member
Staff present:
Kirk McDonald, City Manager
Brandon Bell, Community Development Assistant
Dan Boyum, City Engineer
Sarah Larson, WMFRD Chief
Valerie Leone, City Clerk
Jeff Sargent, Director of Community Development
Bernie Weber, Director of Public Works
Others present: Marcus Bush, Metropolitan Council Environmental Services
(MCES) – participated virtually by WebEx
WEST METRO FIRE-
RESCUE UPDATE
Item 11.1
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion item 11.1, Update from West Metro-Fire
Rescue District.
Ms. Sarah Larson, West Metro Fire-Rescue District Chief, reported during first quarter
of 2021 there were 384 calls for service. She stated the department ended the duty crew
staffing that was implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic and transitioned back
to normal response on April 1, 2021. The district assisted the police in both cities during
the civil unrest that stemmed from an officer involved shooting in Brooklyn Center by
activating crews to cover medical calls. Chief Larson explained that 18 members of the
district are assisting with the design for the new fire engines. She stated the district
received a clean audit from MMKR. She reported on FEMA public assistance grants
for a total funding of $448,584.88. Chief Larson stated the home safety surveys have
resumed, and the goal is to complete 30 during year 2021.
Chief Larson presented the preliminary 2022 fire budget of $2,782,100 which is a
$108,050 or 4.04% increase over last year’s budget. She stated New Hope’s share of the
budget is $1,418,222.38 or 50.9767% based on market values. She reviewed the timeline
for budget approval.
Mr. Kirk McDonald, city manager, commented that he and the Crystal city manager
have thoroughly reviewed the fire budget. He asked if Council had any concerns
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regarding the proposed budget and if the council believes a joint council/board work
session is necessary in August. He stated both councils must adopt the budget by
August 31. He commented on the fire chief’s high level of communication including
the quarterly meetings with Council. The Council expressed support for the proposed
budget and declined holding the August work session.
Council thanked Chief Larson for the budget presentation.
INFLOW &
INFILTRATION
PRESENTATION
Item 11.2
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion item 11.2, Receive presentation on Inflow
and Infiltration (I/I) Point of Sale Programs.
Mr. Brandon Bell, community development assistant, explained that inflow and
infiltration, also known as I/I, is the flow of stormwater into a city’s main sewer system.
There is public I/I, where I/I occurs on public property or public facilities; and private
I/I where I/I occurs on a private residential or commercial property. Inflow, which is
where a private owner has their sump pump empty directly into their sewer line.
Infiltration means a sewer line, either private or public, has cracks and/or roots
growing through the pipe that allows stormwater to penetrate into the sewer line. The
wastewater in the sewer has to be treated at the regional wastewater treatment center,
while stormwater does not. This means that the stormwater that penetrates into the
sewer system has to be treated as sewage water. The cost for treating this excess
stormwater is passed on to cities in the metro area via the Metropolitan Council
Environmental Services (MCES), and treating the excess stormwater as sewer water is
also an immense burden on the water treatment system.
Mr. Bell explained that some cities have I/I point of sale programs that require
homeowners to have their sewer line connection from their house to the city main line
inspected before they can close on the sale of their property. He reported on the cities
that have a program in place and methods used by the cities to reduce I/I. He stated
repairs typically cost between $3,000 to $5,000; and a full replacement could cost
$10,000.
Mr. Bell reported that per the city engineer’s correspondence, the city has re-lined
68,423 feet (or 18%) of the city’s 377,178 feet of sanitary mainline sewer pipe with CIPP
(cure in place pipe). He stated staff plans to obtain quotes for additional sanitary sewer
lining work in the northwest corner of the city in 2021. The city has obtained a Green
Infrastructure Grant for $50,000 to help study I/I reduction in that area once the lining
work is completed. New Hope’s wastewater flow charges increased in 2021, resulting
in a 7.14%, or $130,944, increase in annual charges to New Hope from 2020 to 2021.
Reducing I/I flow into the sanitary sewer system would help reduce charges from
MCES. The last surcharge (I/I flow exceedance) to New Hope was in May of 2019. The
exceedance flow volumes has decreased over the last few events compared to the
exceedance volumes in 2013 and 2014 due to the public I/I measures taken.
Mr. Marcus Bush from the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) was
recognized. Mr. Bush reviewed the I/I program goals to protect public health by
avoiding backup of sewage into basements, protect water quality by avoiding spills to
lakes and rivers, and maintain economic efficiency by avoiding unnecessary expansion
of sewers and treatment plants. He stated the long-term I/I reduction approach is the
I/I point of sale program to protect public health. He cited a case study in West St. Paul
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that resulted in over 100 sewage backups into homes. It was noted that more than 50%
of the services in New Hope are over 50 years old. He stated the city has nearly twice
the amount of private service pipes compared to public lines.
Council discussed the burden to homeowners if expensive repairs are needed. It was
noted that tree roots pull water into the sewer.
Council Member London inquired of sump pump connections. Mr. Bernie Weber,
director of public works, reported that from 2009-2012 the city conducted a city-wide
inspection of sump pump connections.
Mr. Kirk McDonald, city manager, noted the city performs ongoing sewer pipe
relining. He stated the city should determine the most cost-effective approach to
reduce I/I.
Mr. Bush stated a balanced approach with both public and private lines is best. He
commented that the I/I point of sale program does not hinder home sales.
Mr. McDonald advised Council that the discussion is informational only and no
decision needs to be made immediately regarding the proposed I/I point of sale
program and that an update would be provided after completion of the Green Grant
study.
Council emphasized the need to educate the public regarding ways to reduce utility
fees through proper sump pump and rain gutter discharge, inspection of private sewer
service laterals, and making repairs to address sources of I/I.
Council thanked staff and Mr. Bush for the informative presentation.
2021 PERFORMANCE
MEASURES SURVEY
Item 11.3
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion item 11.3, Discuss participation in 2021
performance measures survey program.
Mr. Kirk McDonald, city manager, explained the Council discussed the survey at its
February work session. He stated staff has drafted the 2021 survey for Council’s
review.
Mr. Brandon Bell, community development assistant, stated three questions have been
added: 1) how would you rate the appearance and function of the civic center park,
including the new aquatic park; 2) how do you obtain the majority of your city
information (city website, city publications, social media, sun post/ccx media); and 3)
how do you feel the city reacted to the covid-19 pandemic in the following areas
(overall, parks and rec, elections and permits and inspections).
The Council was in agreement with the survey questions and was advised that the
survey would be distributed with the utility bills, through the city’s website, and at
city events such as the Farmers Market and National Night Out.
Mr. McDonald stated the survey will be presented at the next council meeting for
formal approval.
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OTHER BUSINESS Council Member London suggested Council consider reviewing the definition of a
“nuisance” and asking the police chief to address the Council on the matter. He stated
some issues such as noise complaints are referred to the police department and it does
not seem to be a good use of resources.
Council Member Isenberg commented that oftentimes problems can be eliminated if
neighbors simply hold a conversation about issues. Mayor Hemken pointed out that
community development inspectors can issue citations for property violations such as
outdoor storage but not for vehicular moving violations.
ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:17 p.m. as there was no further business to come
before the Council at its work session.
Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Leone, City Clerk