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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 New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission December 14, 2021 Page 3 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. New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission December 14, 2021 Page 4 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 Page 5 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