121421 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
December 14, 2021
7 p.m.
1. Call to Order.
2. Roll Call.
3. Approval of November 9, 2021 minutes.
4. Legislative Update with Senator Ann Rest.
5. Discuss 2022 agenda topics.
6. Review Commissioner terms.
7. Brainstorming – Ideas to bring attention to New Hope.
8. Parks and Recreation project updates.
i. Hidden Valley Park Playground
9. Other business.
10. Adjournment.
CITY OF NEW HOPE
4401 XYLON AVENUE NORTH
NEW HOPE, MINNESOTA 55428
Citizen Advisory Commission
Regular Meeting
November 9, 2021
New Hope City Hall, 7 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER Chair Herman called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Absent:
Staff Present:
Commissioners Randy Herman, Scott Kulzer, Carrie
Neuburger, Rick Riley, Mike Terres, Bill Wills
Jill Kaufman
Susan Rader, Staff Liaison
Kirk McDonald, City Manager
Vicki Holthaus, Abdo Financial Solutions
APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Wills made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 10,
2021 meeting. Commissioner Kulzer seconded the motion. Voting in favor:
Commissioners Herman, Kulzer, Neuburger, Riley, Terres, Wills. Opposed:
None. Absent: Commissioner Kaufman. Motion carried.
BUDGET UPDATE Kirk McDonald, City Manager, addressed the commissioners and conducted a
PowerPoint presentation. He stated that the purpose of this meeting was to
review the 2022 budget and discuss the long-term sustainability of the golf
course, ice arena and swimming pool. He explained that staff typically began
the budget process in the spring and goals were discussed at the June work
session. He stated that the preliminary budget had been presented to the city
council in August and had been approved at the September 13 council
meeting. Mr. McDonald also reported that general fund budgets had been
reviewed at the September work session, and enterprise, utility and recycling
budgets had been reviewed at the October work session. He added that
information from the county assessor, city services survey results, and the
budget public hearing presentation would be reviewed at the November work
session. Lastly, Mr. McDonald reported that a public hearing was scheduled
for December 6 and final budget approval was scheduled for the December 13
council meeting.
Mr. McDonald briefly reviewed past levies and bonds, as well as use of Local
Government Aid (LGA). He reported that the 2022 budget included a 4.67%
levy increase over 2021, and reminded the commissioners that LGA would be
used for central garage equipment and building replacement costs. He
explained that equipment would be replaced whenever it was necessary, but
noted that purchases could sometimes be delayed. He also reported that the
city had entered into a leasing agreement for new police vehicles, which had
resulted in savings on replacement costs.
New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission November 9, 2021
Page 2
The general fund budget was then reviewed. Mr. McDonald reported that
increases to the budget included approximately $280,000 for wages and
benefits; $105,000 for IT services; $65,000 for the West Metro Fire-Rescue
District joint powers agreement; $50,000 for the Emerald Ash Borer
removal/replacement program; and $39,000 for elections. He also reported a
decrease of $315,000 in central garage charges in the police and street
departments due to leasing vehicles and a reduction in equipment purchases.
Mr. McDonald then reviewed the street and park infrastructure budgets, and
reminded the commissioners that the city did not assess taxable properties for
street improvements. He noted that the street infrastructure and park
infrastructure budgets had each included a 5% increase for 2022.
Mr. McDonald then highlighted some of the 2022 budget initiatives, including
the joint social worker program and community engagement programs with
the cities of Crystal and Robbinsdale; support for West Metro Fire-Rescue
District in partnership with Crystal; redevelopment of city center area and
planned expansion of St. Therese Nursing Home campus; property
maintenance and inspections; infrastructure improvements, including future
replacement of the 42nd Avenue bridge over Highway 169; operate aquatic
park for second season and replace play equipment at Hidden Valley Park;
facility improvements including replacement of glass and boards at north rink
and HVAC upgrades; continue Emerald Ash Borer program; continue
contractual services with Solution Builders for IT services and Abdo Financial
Solutions for financial services; conduct city-wide survey with Morris
Leatherman; continue MN Green Step Cities Program; conduct 2022 elections.
Vicki Holthaus, Abdo Financial Solutions, addressed the commissioners and
reviewed impacts of the 2021 legislative session. They included: No levy
limits; increase in LGA budget to $866,642; and no change to PERA employer
retirement contributions. She displayed a graph comparison of LGA over the
past 10 years, and noted that LGA for 2022 would be at a 10-year high.
Commissioner Riley noted that LGA had been drastically reduced for a few
years beginning in 2008, and wondered if it had been the result of economic
conditions.
Ms. Holthaus replied yes.
Ms. Holthaus discussed general fund revenues and expenditures. She
explained that the general fund was the largest service fund and was used to
support public safety, parks and recreation, public works and general
government through property taxes. She reported that the preliminary general
fund tax levy had been set at about $11.3 million, which was an increase of
4.72% over the 2021 general fund levy. She then explained the total tax levy,
and noted that it included the general fund, street and park infrastructure
funds, EDA levy, HRA levy and prior debt levies, and noted that it had totaled
$18,231,011, or a 4.67% increase over the 2021 total levy. She also mentioned
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Page 3
that this increase had included an increase of 5% to the Park Infrastructure
Levy, of which $500,000 would go toward Ice Arena debt service.
Tax capacity information was then reviewed. Ms. Holthaus explained that the
2022 tax levy impact would vary by property type, and noted that commercial
and industrial properties were taxed at a higher rate than residential and
apartment properties. She also reported that property valuations had
increased by 8.44% for residential properties, a little over 1% for
commercial/industrial, and around 6% for apartment properties.
Ms. Holthaus briefly explained the city’s tax rate, which was determined by
dividing the city’s tax levy by the tax capacity. She noted that it was similar to
last year’s rate at 62.719%. She reviewed that based on the 4.67% increase in
the city’s tax levy, the current impact on residential homes would be around
7%.
Ms. Holthaus reported that staff continued to plan for a reserve of nearly 50%
in the general fund, and noted that the office of the State Auditor
recommended that cities maintain reserves of between 35-50%.
Commissioner Wills wondered if that reserve balance offered the city a better
credit rating.
Ms. Holthaus replied yes, and explained that reserves were necessary to
provide operating cash between property tax distributions, which occurred
annually in June and December.
Ms. Holthaus also briefly reviewed property tax relief programs that were
available to residents.
Sustainability of the Ice Arena, Golf Course, Swimming Pool and Park
Infrastructure was then discussed. Mr. McDonald reminded the
commissioners that a Park Infrastructure levy of $200,000 had been
implemented in 2018 to help stabilize operations, capital and debt service
needs at the Ice Arena. He explained that this amount had been increased by
$100,000 per year and was currently set at the maximum of $500,000 for 2022.
Ms. Holthaus referred to the memo included in the commissioners’ packets,
and commented that cash receipts at the Ice Arena had been significantly
lower in 2020 due to the impact of COVID-19. She reported that the 2022 Ice
Arena revenue budget was approximately $1.4 million while the operating
budget was set at approximately $1.3 million, which included $260,000 for
capital items. She informed the commissioners that the city had refinanced the
bonds that had been issued in 2011, and noted that this action was expected to
result in an overall savings of almost $150,000 over the next seven years. She
also mentioned that the city had reduced the principle balance on the bonds by
transferring the $1.5 million balance from the escrow account. Ms. Holthaus
also reported that the city planned to issue a loan from the Temporary
Financing Fund to cover upcoming capital improvement projects at the ice
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arena.
The sustainability of the Golf Course was then discussed. Mr. McDonald
reported that 2020 had been a record year for number of rounds played, and
added that rounds played in 2021 had slightly exceeded those of 2020.
Ms. Holthaus reported that the financial condition of the Golf Course was
considered to be good, and noted that it had been able to generate sufficient
revenue to cover all operating and debt service costs. Staff continued to plan
carefully for funding of capital improvements.
The Aquatic Park was then discussed. Mr. McDonald mentioned that total
open swim attendance in 2017 had been about 19,000 people. He then reported
that open swim attendance in 2021, the first year of the new Aquatic Park, had
been about 46,000.
Ms. Rader added that it was closer to 46,500 people, and noted that that figure
did not include children under age two, who were admitted at no charge.
Ms. Holthaus reported that revenue was anticipated to be around $700,000 in
2022, and noted that staff would work to create a 10-year capital improvement
plan for this facility.
Ms. Holthaus also discussed the Park Infrastructure Fund, and noted that this
fund covered capital improvements to the pool and parks. Some of the
upcoming projects for 2022 were mentioned and included new play
equipment at Hidden Valley Park, a planned hockey rink at Civic Center Park,
and miscellaneous maintenance items.
The commissioners thanked Mr. McDonald and Ms. Holthaus for their
presentation. They excused themselves from the meeting at 7:3 5 p.m.
DISCUSS DECEMBER
AGENDA AND 2022 TOPICS
Ms. Rader reported that a legislative update with Senator Ann Rest and/or
Representative Cedric Frazier had been tentatively scheduled for the
December meeting. She also reviewed that a discussion with Emily Wallace-
Jackson of the Seven Dreams Foundation was scheduled for January; there
would be no meetings in August or November due to primary and general
elections; no regular meeting in September, although a bus tour and annual
dialogue with council would be held; the 2023 budget discussion would be
held in October.
Ms. Rader then reviewed a list of potential future topics for 2022, including an
update on the Hennepin Recycling Group.
Commissioner Riley thought that all cities in Hennepin county were required
to offer composting by 2022.
Mayor Hemken requested the floor and reported that haulers would be
required to offer organics recycling in 2022, but noted that they had been
New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission November 9, 2021
Page 5
permitted to charge extra for that service. She added that drop-off sites would
also be identified.
It was noted that another potential topic of discussion was “plant flower pots”.
Mayor Hemken mentioned that volunteers were needed to plant flowers in the
eleven large pots located along 42nd Avenue.
MOTION Commissioner Wills made a motion to adopt the planters on 42nd Avenue.
Commissioner Terres seconded the motion. All present voted in favor. Motion
carried.
Mayor Hemken stated that she would follow up with the commissioners in
April or May regarding implementation of this project.
Commissioner Riley expressed interest in receiving an update on Emerald Ash
Borer and boulevard tree replacements.
Commissioner Wills expressed interest in receiving an update on National
Night Out and community relations in the city.
DISCUSS 2022 CITY-WIDE
GARAGE SALE
Ms. Rader reported that planning for the summer brochure would begin soon,
and noted that the garage sale had been advertised in it in the past. She stated
that 2022 would be the third annual sale, and noted that there had been
approximately 50 participants in 2019 and 100 participants in 2021. She
reminded the commissioners that the event had been cancelled in 2020 due to
COVID-19 concerns.
Ms. Rader reported that the mayor had received feedback, including that the
event had been held too early in the season, too late, and that it was not long
enough. She reminded the commissioners that participants were able to list a
few items for their sale. She wondered about dates for 2022.
Chair Herman commented that he felt comfortable with the third weekend in
June, as in previous years.
Commissioner Terres agreed, and stated that he liked the two-day
Friday/Saturday event.
Commissioner Wills wondered about holding it earlier in the season and
incorporating a plant sale.
Mayor Hemken requested the floor and noted that a plant sale benefitting the
Golf Course was typically held around the second Saturday in May.
Commissioner Wills stated that he did not wish to compete with that sale, and
recommended that the garage sale again be set for the third weekend.
Ms. Rader noted that advertising plants for sale had been included on the
registration form, and reported that an interactive map listing sale items had
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Page 6
been published on the city’s website. She added that paper copies of the map
had also been made available at city hall but did not include sale items.
Commissioner Neuburger suggested that a checkbox advertising that an
individual’s sale is “Open Thursday” be included on the registration form.
BRAINSTORMING – IDEAS
TO BRING ATTENTION TO
NEW HOPE
Commissioner Terres wondered about holding a car show, and mentioned
that he had observed a banner displayed on a building in St. Paul Park,
advertising a classic car meet-up every Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. at a local
park.
Chair Herman commented that he would prefer to hold a car show on a
weekend and include food trucks.
Discussion ensued regarding possible locations. Ms. Rader commented that if
Civic Center Park was being considered for a possible location, she would
suggest holding the event prior to or after the aquatic park season due to
parking concerns.
Commissioner Terres mentioned Northwood Park for a possible location, and
wondered about selling adult beverages.
Ms. Rader replied that liquor sales would need to be approved by the city
council.
Commissioner Wills thought a restaurant/bar parking lot might be a better fit,
as they would also be able to accommodate food/liquor sales.
Mayor Hemken requested the floor and suggested Frankie’s as a possible
location.
Commissioner Neuburger wondered if there would be a summer festival in
2022.
Ms. Rader responded that she had not yet heard anything regarding a Hey
Day festival for 2022.
PARKS AND RECREATION
PROJECT UPDATES
Ms. Rader reported that the Ice Arena roofing project had been largely
completed. She also mentioned that security cameras had been ordered for the
Ice Arena and Golf Course.
Ms. Rader mentioned that Hidden Valley Park was scheduled to receive new
play equipment in 2022. She noted that this would not include the tot play
area, which had been replaced in 2018 due to vandalism. She asked the
commissioners to let her know if they were interested in serving on the
planning committee, which would also consist of staff and residents. She
explained that meetings would probably be held in January and February, and
noted that a neighborhood survey would be mailed to residents in about a
week.
New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission November 9, 2021
Page 7
Commissioner Riley wondered whether all of the city’s park signs would be
replaced.
Ms. Rader replied that all of the older wooden signs had been scheduled for
replacement with signage consisting of recycled materials.
OTHER BUSINESS Mayor Hemken requested the floor and reported that the Planning
Commission was currently seeking new members. She encouraged the
commissioners to help recruit new members.
Ms. Rader made the following announcements:
• Coat and food drives were currently underway. A toy drive would
begin soon.
• In Focus photo contest was in process. The commissioners were
encouraged to vote in the “People’s Choice” category.
• The Parks and Recreation department is seeking volunteers for Family
Fun Night, which is scheduled for March 4 from 6-8:30 p.m.
• The Snowman Contest had been advertised in the winter In Motion
brochure. She encouraged the commissioners to post signs advertising
the contest.
• Election of officers will take place at the January meeting.
ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Terres made a motion to adjourn the regular meeting of the
Citizen Advisory Commission. Commissioner Neuburger seconded the
motion. All present voted in favor. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at
8:28 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Penny Spitzer
Recording Secretary
CAC AGENDA ITEMS FOR 2022
AS OF 12/1/21
The following is a tentative listing of major agenda items that have either been assigned to the CAC, a
CAC member has asked that the item be discussed, or city staff has asked that the item be discussed by
the CAC.
January 11 – Discussion with Emily Wallace-Jackson, Seven Dreams Foundation
February 8 – Emerald Ash Borer update with Shawn Markham, Contract Manager/Forester
March 8 – Discussion with Officer Brad Kallio, Community Relations and Crime Prevention Officer
April 12 –
May 10 – No meeting
May 17 (?) – Liberty Park Clean-up; pick up plants for 42nd Avenue pots
June 14 –
July 12 –
August 9 – No meeting due to Primary Election
September 13 – Liberty Park Clean-up (no regular meeting)
September xx – Commissioner Bus Tour
September 19 – Annual Dialogue with Council
October 11 – Budget Discussion
November 8 – No meeting due to General Election
December 13 –
*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
• Promotion of existing City programs: In Focus, RAVE, Outstanding Business
• Volunteering at P&R/City events
Updates
• Park/Facility Projects
Possible Future Topics for 2022
• CD Projects incl St. Therese Renovation
• PW Projects incl Meadow Lake Drawdown
• Organics and HRG Reimbursements, Curbside Cleanup and Load Limits
• Police Department – Joint Community Police Partnership
• P&R Update