011122 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
January 11, 2022
7 p.m.
1. Call to Order.
2. Roll Call.
3. Approval of December 14, 2021 minutes.
4. Approval of 2021 Annual Report.
5. Discussion with Emily Wallace-Jackson, Seven Dreams Foundation.
6. Election of 2022 Officers.
7. Continue discussion of 2022 agenda topics.
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
December 14, 2021
New Hope City Hall, 7 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Kulzer called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Absent:
Staff Present:
Also Present:
Commissioners Jill Kaufman, Scott Kulzer, Rick Riley, Mike
Terres (arrived 7:01), Bill Wills
Commissioners Randy Herman, Carrie Neuburger
Susan Rader, Staff Liaison
Senator Ann Rest
APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Riley made a motion to approve the minutes of the November
9, 2021 meeting. Commissioner Kaufman seconded the motion. Voting in
favor: Commissioners Kaufman, Kulzer, Riley, Wills. Opposed: None. Absent:
Commissioners Herman, Neuburger, Terres. Motion carried.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE Senator Ann Rest addressed the commissioners and noted that District 45
included the cities of New Hope, Crystal and Robbinsdale, as well as the
northern half of Golden Valley and the northeast side of Plymouth. She
reported that over 2,300 subscribers currently received her weekly Capitol
Update, which consisted of current as well as community events. She noted
that the most recent issue had included a summary of the budget and
economic forecast. She also mentioned that she frequently conducted listening
sessions on Saturday mornings at 11 a.m. at Frankie’s. She stated that the next
listening sessions would be held on December 18, January 8 and January 22,
and noted that Mayor Hemken and Council Member Isenberg planned to
participate in the January 22 listening session.
Senator Rest discussed the budget and economic forecast and noted that the
state’s fiscal year end is June 30. She informed the commissioners that the
economic forecast had been released on December 7 and noted that it had
indicated a budget surplus of $7.654 billion. She added that this figure did not
account for inflation and commented that when included, the surplus would
be closer to $6 billion. She stated that the main contributing factors for the
surplus included strong growth in income, resulting in an increase in income
tax revenue, and strong consumer spending, resulting in increased sales tax
receipts.
Senator Rest referred to the budget surplus and reviewed that in 2016 a state
law had been enacted that required that one-third of any budget surplus be
New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission December 14, 2021
Page 2
put into reserve and noted that it was fully funded. She stated that options for
the remaining surplus included refunding to individual taxpayers, as occurred
in 2001. She added that another option would be to lower the sales tax rate,
which would offer a break to all consumers.
Senator Rest reported that the state of Minnesota had incurred $1 billion in
debt to the federal government to cover the state’s unemployment insurance
trust fund. She commented that some of that budget surplus could be used to
pay off that debt, but also thought that the state would first attempt to receive
debt forgiveness from the federal government. She added that another option
would be to require businesses to cover the $1 billion shortfall but commented
that the governor and legislative leaders had expressed hesitation over
transferring that burden to businesses.
Senator Rest also mentioned that discussion of payments to frontline workers
would be taken up again in the next session. She reported that a bipartisan
group had met but could not come to an agreement on who to compensate and
how to distribute the funds.
Senator Rest next discussed issues related to housing and reported on the
challenges landlords faced in dealing with unpaid rent. She explained that the
state had provided rental assistance which allowed renters to receive and
transfer funds to their landlords but added that complexities with the
application process had made it difficult for some to complete.
Senator Rest informed the commissioners that the Capital Investment
Committee for both the house and senate had been touring potential projects
for a 2022 bonding bill and noted that Representative Mike Freiberg, who
represents a New Hope precinct, served on that committee.
Senator Rest reported that she had received petition requests for funding for
K-12 schools. She noted that absenteeism among teachers sometimes reached
40% and noted that the need for substitutes was great.
Social Security income was then briefly discussed. Senator Rest reported that
Social Security recipients would receive the highest cost of living increase in 40
years in 2022, at 5.9%, but also noted that inflationary increases in food,
housing and Medicare had negatively impacted senior citizens. She
commented that another option for the budget surplus might be to provide
some type of state income tax relief on social security income.
Senator Rest informed the commissioners that the 2020 census had indicated
an eight percent growth in New Hope’s population since 2010 and explained
that this data would be used to determine the type and amount of federal
funds to be distributed to local communities for items such as housing,
education, and infrastructure.
Redistricting was then discussed. Senator Rest explained that redistricting
would occur based on the 2020 census data and reported that House
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Democrats and House Republicans had each drawn their preferred maps but
had been unable to reach a consensus thus far. She informed the
commissioners that the Minnesota Supreme Court had appointed a special
redistricting panel to hear and decide challenges to the legislative and
congressional districts in the event a consensus could not be reached. She
stated that this panel included five judges, two appointed by a Democrat
governor, two appointed by a Republican governor, and one appointed by an
Independent governor. Senator Rest reported that four lawsuits had been filed
challenging current district boundaries and offering their own maps for
consideration. She stated that the plaintiffs included Anderson (Republican),
Sachs (DFL party), Wattson (League of Women Voters), and Common Cause
Minnesota. Senator Rest explained that there were several priorities set by the
court that must be considered. They included:
1. Every senate district must be within two percent of its population
when divided by 67.
2. Districts must be drawn to protect and provide equal opportunity for
racial, ethnic and language minorities to participate and elect
candidates of their choice. It was explained that districts with at least
30% racial minority among eligible voters were known as Minority
Opportunity Districts. Districts with at least 50% racial minority
among eligible voters were known as Minority Majority Districts.
3. Indian reservations may not be divided more than necessary.
4. Districts must offer convenience.
5. Districts must be contiguous.
6. Districts must be easily navigated.
7. Districts must not be divided more than necessary.
8. Districts must not protect or set up to defeat incumbents, candidates,
or a political party.
Senator Rest announced that she did have maps available to view the four
redistricting plans offered by the plaintiffs and reported that New Hope
remained in one district in all of the plans. She expressed concern over one
plan that placed Robbinsdale in a district removed from New Hope and
Crystal. Senator Rest commented that if the legislature could not reach a
consensus on redistricting by February 15 the courts would decide and would
probably announce their decision within five days. She also mentioned that
the law stated that candidates and elected officials must live within the district
they intend to serve six months prior to election day.
Senator Rest also mentioned other issues she felt were of importance,
including public safety, economic development, and public transit, and briefly
reported on her ongoing efforts to bring light rail transit to her district.
Commissioner Wills referred to the unemployment trust fund shortfall and
wondered when that had begun to build up.
Senator Rest recalled that the fund had been solvent in 2019. She felt that
issues related to the pandemic had created the shortfall.
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Commissioner Kaufman wondered if there would be an impact to taxpayers if
the federal government forgave the shortfall.
Senator Rest replied that it would not affect Minnesota income taxpayers but
noted that it would most likely increase the federal debt.
Vice Chair Kulzer referred to redistricting and wondered whether the courts
considered the federal congressional map layouts equally with the state
legislative district maps.
Senator Rest responded yes and noted that the courts also approved the maps
for the federal congressional districts.
Commissioner Riley commented that he was unsure of the need for light rail
transit due to the increased number of remote workers. He also expressed
concern over the future need for brick-and-mortar buildings, also due to the
increased number of remote workers.
Senator Rest stated that she felt committed to light rail transit but
acknowledged that shifts in the workforce may have created challenges and
uncertainties over its future.
Commissioner Kulzer mentioned that he had heard that Minnesota was
scheduled to receive around $6.7 billion from the federal government for
infrastructure funds.
Senator Rest replied that funding was available and explained that the
governor would need to make a formal request and submit an application. She
added that if funding were approved the state would most likely be required
to contribute 20% of the project cost.
The commissioners thanked Ms. Rest for her presentation.
Ms. Rader reminded the commissioners that Senator Rest had worked to
secure a $2 million bonding bill for the city, which had been applied to the
construction of the 50-meter portion of the aquatic park project. She expressed
her appreciation for that assistance.
DISCUSS 2022 AGENDA
TOPICS
Ms. Rader noted that Shawn Markham would attend the February meeting to
discuss the Emerald Ash Borer Program, and Office Brad Kallio would attend
the March meeting to discuss community relations and crime prevention.
Ms. Rader brought up the idea of holding a meeting at the ice arena and noted
that it could include a review of operations as well a tour of the facility.
The commissioners approved of the idea. Commissioner Wills suggested that
it be scheduled for April.
New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission December 14, 2021
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Vice Chair Kulzer stated that he would be interested in receiving an update on
public works projects.
Commissioner Riley wondered whether staff was able to proceed with the
drawdown at Meadow Lake.
Ms. Rader replied yes and replied that she would check with public works
staff regarding their availability for a future meeting.
REVIEW COMMISSIONER
TERMS
Ms. Rader reported that Commissioners Kulzer, Riley and Terres had renewed
their terms for two more years.
BRAINSTORMING – IDEAS
TO BRING ATTENTION TO
NEW HOPE
Vice Chair Kulzer mentioned the Snowman/Snow sculpture contest and
encouraged the commissioners to place signs in their yards.
Ms. Rader mentioned that staff had not yet received any entries for the contest.
Mayor Hemken requested the floor and reported that a holiday parade of
police and fire vehicles would travel through the cities of New Hope, Crystal
and Robbinsdale on December 18. Details could be found on the city’s website.
Commissioner Kaufman reported that a goal of the Robbinsdale School
District was to amplify student voices and wondered about ways to encourage
their participation in civic engagement.
Mayor Hemken wondered if a student representative could serve on the
Citizen Advisory Commission.
Ms. Rader thought it was possible and noted that a student representative
currently served on the Human Rights Commission.
Commissioner Kaufman wondered about meeting with Cooper High School
principal Frank Herman to promote the idea. She also wondered about
recruiting students from the AVID program (Advancing Via Individual
Determination), and informed the commissioners that this national program
focused on students who would be the first in their family to attend college.
PARKS AND RECREATION
PROJECT UPDATES
Ms. Rader reported that in January, staff would be asking Council to authorize
preparation of plans and specifications for the Hidden Valley Park playground
project. She stated that 766 surveys had been sent to the surrounding
neighborhood and noted that 60 completed surveys had been received.
She reminded the commissioners that a planning committee consisting of staff,
consultants and residents would hold meetings in January or February.
Commissioner Riley volunteered to serve on the committee.
New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission December 14, 2021
Page 6
Ms. Rader also reported that the city council had recently approved funding
for the replacement of the dasher boards and glass on the north rin k at the
New Hope Ice Arena. She added that these items had last been replaced in
1998.
OTHER BUSINESS Ms. Rader noted that holiday toy and food drives would be held through
December 16. A drive-through drop-off of toys and food would also be held
that evening at city hall.
Ms. Rader reported that outdoor skating rinks would not open on December
18 as planned, due to poor ice conditions. She also mentioned that it had been
difficult to hire warming house staff this season and noted that buildings may
not be open as scheduled. She added that skating rink lights would be set by a
timer and benches would be placed nearby to accommodate skaters when
warming houses were closed.
Ms. Rader reminded the commissioners that election of officers would take
place at the January meeting.
ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Kaufman made a motion to adjourn the regular meeting of the
Citizen Advisory Commission. Commissioner Wills seconded the motion. All
present voted in favor. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at
8:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Penny Spitzer
Recording Secretary
NEW HOPE CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMISSION
2021 ANNUAL REPORT
The following is a listing of items discussed during 2021 by the New Hope Citizen
Advisory Commission. The Commission met nine times in 2021.
• Accepted the 2020 Citizen Advisory Commission Annual Report.
• Elected Randy Herman to serve as Chair in 2021.
• Elected Scott Kulzer to serve as Vice Chair in 2021.
• Elected Mike Terres to serve as Secretary in 2021.
• Participated in a joint discussion with members of the Human Rights
Commission.
• Received an update on the French Regional Park Master Plan.
• Welcomed new commissioners Jill Kaufman and Carrie Neuburger.
• Received an update on Public Works projects.
• Reassigned parks for 2021.
• Adopted Liberty Park through the city’s Adopt-a-Park Program. Participated in
two clean-up events.
• Received an update on the New Hope Farmer’s Market.
• Conducted the 2020-21 Snowman/Snow Sculpture Contest and discussed plans
for the 2021-22 contest.
• Received an update on the New Hope Aquatic Park and attended the ribbon
cutting ceremony.
• Discussed plans for the 2021 City-Wide Garage Sale.
• Received an update on Police Department body worn cameras and community
engagement.
• Received an update on Community Development projects.
Citizen Advisory Commission 2
2021 Annual Report
• Attended Commissioner Bus Tour of New Hope.
• Participated in an annual dialog with the City Council.
• Received an update on the 2022 budget process.
• Senator Ann Rest gave a presentation on legislative current events.
• Discussed brainstorming ideas to bring attention to New Hope.
• Received updates on the Corner Park playground improvement project.
• Volunteered for several Parks and Recreation events.
• Commissioners Kulzer, Riley and Terres were reappointed for additional 2-year
terms.
CAC AGENDA ITEMS FOR 2022
AS OF 1/3/22
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 – Ice Arena Operations Discussion w/ Mark Severson, Recreation Facilities Manager & Tour
May 10 – No meeting
May 17 (?) – Liberty Park Clean-up; pick up plants for 42nd Avenue pots
June 14 –
July 12 – Public Works Update w/Bernie Weber, PW Director and Nick Macklem, Stormwater
Specialist/Project Coordinator
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
• Organics and HRG Reimbursements, Curbside Cleanup and Load Limits
• Police Department – Joint Community Police Partnership
• P&R Update