10 25 21 City Council MinutesNew Hope City Council October 25, 2021
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City of New Hope
4401 Xylon Avenue North
New Hope, Minnesota 55428
City Council Minutes October 25, 2021
Regular Meeting City Hall, 7:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER The New Hope City Council met in regular session pursuant to due call and notice
thereof; Mayor Hemken called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE
The City Council and all present stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL Council present:
Staff present:
Kathi Hemken, Mayor
John Elder, Council Member
Andy Hoffe, Council Member
Michael Isenberg, Council Member
Jonathan London, Council Member
Kirk McDonald, City Manager
Dan Boyum, City Engineer
Tim Hoyt, Director of Police
Rich Johnson, Director of HR/Admin. Services
Valerie Leone, City Clerk
Bernie Weber, Director of Public Works
Stacy Woods, Assistant City Attorney
APPROVAL OF
MINUTES
Motion was made by Council Member Hoffe, seconded by Council Member
Isenberg, to approve the regular meeting minutes of October 11, 2021. Voted in
favor thereof: Hemken, Elder, Hoffe, Isenberg, London; and the following voted
against the same: None; Abstained: None; Absent: None. Motion carried.
OPEN FORUM
Mr. Ron Stoffel, 8004 55th Lane North, inquired of the project status of the Shell Gas
Station located at 7900 Bass Lake Road.
Mr. Kirk McDonald, city manager, indicated he would refer the inquiry to the
director of community development for a response directly to Mr. Stoffel.
OATH OF OFFICE Chief Tim Hoyt introduced and provided information regarding Officer Marylee
Larson’s background. City Clerk Leone administered the oath of office. Council
extended their congratulations to Officer Larson and thanked the department and
Larson’s family members for attending the ceremony in a show of support.
Council Member Elder commended Chief Hoyt for facilitating the department’s
camaraderie.
ROTATING VOTES
Please note that votes taken on each agenda item are called by the secretary on a
rotating basis; however, the written minutes always list the mayor’s name first
followed by the council members’ in alphabetical order.
New Hope City Council October 25, 2021
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CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Hemken introduced the consent items as listed for consideration and stated
that all items will be enacted by one motion unless requested that an item be
removed for discussion. Mr. Kirk McDonald, city manager, reviewed the consent
items.
FINANCIAL CLAIMS
Item 6.2
Approval of financial claims through October 25, 2021.
MOTION
Item 6.4
Motion supporting the participation in national settlements regarding opioid
claims.
RESOLUTION 2021‐97
Item 6.5
Resolution approving the Sandburg Middle School Facility Use Agreement.
MOTION
Item 6.6
Motion to accept a $7,500 donation in support of the New Hope Police
Department’s K9 program.
MOTION
Item 6.7
Motion accepting donations from the Minneapolis Regional Chamber for the New
Hope Crime Prevention Fund and the 2022 Safety Camp.
MOTION
Consent Items
Motion was made by Council Member Elder, seconded by Council Member
Isenberg, to approve the Consent items. All present voted in favor. Motion
carried.
PUBLIC HEARING
2022
INFRASTRUCTURE
PROJECT 1074
Item 7.1
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 7.1, Resolution ordering the
construction of and preparation of plans and specifications for the 2022
Infrastructure Project (Improvement Project No. 1074).
Mr. Dan Boyum, city engineer, illustrated the proposed project area in the
northwest portion of the city near Liberty Park. He stated the streets included in
the project were recommended based upon pavement conditions identified in the
2019 pavement management plan as well as underlying utility conditions. Mr.
Boyum stated the improvements include utility replacement on Independence
Avenue North as well as the mill and overlay or reclaim and overlay of pavement.
He stated utility improvements on the mill and overlay streets will include the
replacement of the sanitary sewer manhole casting and rings to reduce inflow and
infiltration. The feasibility report also recommends replacement of the water main
located on TH 169 ramp, Bass Lake Road to Gettysburg Avenue, and
Independence Avenue. He illustrated areas where trenchless water main
construction via directional drill and/or pipe bursting methods will be used for
replacement of the water main.
Mr. Boyum stated some of the trees along the east side of Independence Avenue
will be affected by the water main improvements. He stated many trees that will
be removed are ash trees and are susceptible to the Emerald Ash borer disease. He
explained that preliminary discussions regarding trees were held with residents
during the October 20 walk‐n‐talk meeting.
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Mr. Boyum stated the estimated total project cost is $2,050,069 including indirect
costs. He stated the funding sources include the street infrastructure fund, utility
funds, and special assessment (for Liberty Park as it is a tax‐exempt property). He
reviewed the project schedule with plans and specifications to be reviewed by
Council on January 10, 2021.
Council Member London called attention to the city’s 10‐year pavement
management plan that is updated annually. He asked the city engineer whether
staff works with the financial consultant to plan for street work without the use of
bonding. Mr. Boyum confirmed the pavement management strategy.
Council Member Elder inquired regarding the use of blow mulch versus sod for
boulevard restoration. City Engineer Boyum stated the project will include blow
mulch as the city has found it provides a better root system of new grass compared
to sod. Council discussed the importance of adequate watering to establish new
grass.
Mayor Hemken opened the public hearing for comments. There was no one
present desirous of addressing the Council for the public hearing.
CLOSE HEARING
Item 7.1
Motion was made by Council Member Elder, seconded by Council Member
London, to close the public hearing. All present voted in favor. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION 2021‐98
Item 7.1
Council Member Hoffe introduced the following resolution and moved its
adoption: “RESOLUTION ORDERING THE CONSTRUCTION OF AND
PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2022
INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT (IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 1074).” The
motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was seconded by Council
Member London, and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor
thereof: Hemken, Elder, Hoffe, Isenberg, London; and the following voted against
the same: None; Abstained: None; Absent: None; whereupon the resolution was
declared duly passed and adopted, signed by the mayor which was attested to by
the city clerk.
AWARD CONTRACT
PROJECT NO.
1037/1053
Item 8.1
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 8.1, Resolution awarding contract
to West Central Environmental Consultants (WCEC) for construction of Public
Improvement Project No. 1037/1053 (Meadow Lake Drawdown) and approving
cooperative and subgrant agreement with Shingle Creek Watershed Management
Commission (SCWMC).
Mr. Dan Boyum, city engineer, stated work for the Meadow Lake drawdown
began in 2019. He stated the Meadow Lake Management Plan was prepared by the
Shingle Creek Watershed Management engineer. He stated the plan targets
reducing the internal phosphorus loading in Meadow Lake and includes a
drawdown of the lake in the fall of 2021 and future alum treatment. He reported
four bids were received for the project, and the low bid (including the additional
pumping after the initial drawdown) was submitted by West Central
Environmental Consultants (WCEC) for $59,430 ($44,430 base bid plus $15,000 for
two extra weeks of drawdown). Per the cooperative and subgrant agreement, the
city will be reimbursed by the Shingle Creek Watershed Management Commission
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through grant funds. The DNR recently approved the permit for the drawdown.
The DNR will also provide guidance regarding relocation of the turtle population
and is hosting a turtle handling workshop on November 2.
Mr. Boyum recommended awarding the contract to West Central Environmental
Consultants for the drawdown and approval of the cooperative and subgrant
agreement with Shingle Creek Watershed Management Commission. He stated
the cooperative and subgrant agreement includes two grants received from the
Board of Water and Soil Resources for $153,510 and $40,000. He explained the
project will be fully funded by the watershed commission (the city will pay the
costs and be reimbursed with grant funds). He stated the work will begin in
November.
Mr. Boyum also informed Council of a city project to replace the culvert between
the golf course pond and Meadow Lake. He noted quotes will be obtained in the
near future and presented to Council for consideration.
Council briefly discussed the turtle relocation project. Mr. Boyum stated the
relocation will occur after the DNR holds the November 2nd workshop. He stated
the workshop and turtle relocation dates will be communicated with interested
parties including the Meadow Lake Association.
RESOLUTION 2021‐99
Item 8.1
Council Member Isenberg introduced the following resolution and moved its
adoption: “RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT TO WEST CENTRAL
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS (WCEC) FOR CONSTRUCTION OF
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 1037/1053 (MEADOW LAKE
DRAWDOWN) AND APPROVING COOPERATIVE AND SUBGRANT
AGREEMENT WITH SHINGLE CREEK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT
COMMISSION (SCWMC).” The motion for the adoption of the foregoing
resolution was seconded by Council Member Elder, and upon vote being taken
thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Hemken, Elder, Hoffe, Isenberg,
London; and the following voted against the same: None; Abstained: None;
Absent: None; whereupon the resolution was declared duly passed and adopted,
signed by the mayor which was attested to by the city clerk.
2022 JOINT
COMMUNITY POLICE
PARTNERSHIP
Item 8.2
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 8.2, Resolution approving
agreement between the city of New Hope and Hennepin County for the 2022 Joint
Community Police Partnership (JCPP) to be shared by the cities of Crystal, New
Hope and Robbinsdale, at a cost of $27,000 per city (total cost $81,000).
Mr. Tim Hoyt, director of police, explained this item approves a contract between
Hennepin County and the city of New Hope for the Joint Community Police
Partnership (JCPP) to be shared by the cities of Crystal, New Hope and
Robbinsdale for the year 2022. The JCPP is a Hennepin County program that works
collaboratively to enhance relationships between police and specifically with
immigrants, people of color, indigenous people, and faith communities. He
pointed out each participating city tailors their program to meet their specific
community’s needs. Chief Hoyt indicated Commissioner Lunde gave a brief
overview of the program during his presentation on March 8, 2021. He stated the
New Hope City Council October 25, 2021
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program was also discussed during the police department budget review process
this fall.
Chief Hoyt stated the cost per each of the three cities is $27,000, and the 2022
budget contains funds for the program.
Chief Hoyt stated the city of Crystal has a liaison in place (through a previous grant
program) and has been able to develop a good relationship with its minority
population and police department.
Council expressed support for the partnership. Council Member London asked
Chief Hoyt to consider ways to measure the program’s effectiveness.
RESOLUTION 2021‐100
Item 8.2
Council Member Isenberg introduced the following resolution and moved its
adoption: “RESOLUTION APPROVING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY
OF NEW HOPE AND HENNEPIN COUNTY FOR THE 2022 JOINT
COMMUNITY POLICE PARTNERSHIP (JCPP) TO BE SHARED BY THE
CITIES OF CRYSTAL, NEW HOPE AND ROBBINSDALE, AT A COST OF
$27,000 PER CITY (TOTAL COST $81,000).” The motion for the adoption of the
foregoing resolution was seconded by Council Member Hoffe, and upon vote
being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Hemken, Elder, Hoffe,
Isenberg, London; and the following voted against the same: None; Abstained:
None; Absent: None; whereupon the resolution was declared duly passed and
adopted, signed by the mayor which was attested to by the city clerk.
2022 CITY
CONTRIBUTION FOR
HEALTH BENEFITS
Item 10.1
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 10.1, Resolution establishing city’s
monthly contribution for health benefits program effective January 1, 2022.
Mr. Rich Johnson, director of HR/Administrative Services, stated insurance
information was presented to Council at the October 18 work session. Director
Johnson explained that the city contributions have fallen below the city’s 12
comparable cities, and it is recommended that the city’s contribution amount
increase by $95, $155, and $176 for single, employee plus one, and family health
insurance coverage, respectively, effective January 1, 2022. He stated the
expenditure is included in the 2022 proposed budget.
Council Member London questioned the need to increase the contribution since
there is no premium increase by Health Partners. Director Johnson explained the
increase will bring the city’s contribution levels closer to its comparable cities. He
also noted the city solicits insurance quotes every five years.
Mr. Kirk McDonald, city manager, pointed out the need to be competitive in terms
of benefits in order to retain good employees.
RESOLUTION 2021‐101
Item 10.1
Council Member Elder introduced the following resolution and moved its
adoption: “RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING CITY’S MONTHLY
CONTRIBUTION FOR HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM EFFECTIVE
JANUARY 1, 2022.” The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was
seconded by Council Member Hoffe, and upon vote being taken thereon, the
following voted in favor thereof: Hemken, Elder, Hoffe, Isenberg, London; and the
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following voted against the same: None; Abstained: None; Absent: None;
whereupon the resolution was declared duly passed and adopted, signed by the
mayor which was attested to by the city clerk.
EXCHANGE OF
COMMUNICATION
Item 12.1
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 12.1, Exchange of communication
between members of the City Council.
Mayor Hemken reported on upcoming events.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Council Member Isenberg, seconded by Council Member
Elder, to adjourn the meeting, as there was no further business to come before
the Council. All present voted in favor. Motion carried. The New Hope City
Council adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Leone, City Clerk