020822 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
February 8, 2022
7 p.m.
1. Call to Order.
2. Roll Call.
3. Welcome new Commissioner Jeffrey Harper.
4. Approval of January 11, 2022 minutes.
5. Canadian Pacific Rail Regional Trail introduction with Danny
McCullough, Three Rivers Park District.
6. Park Assignments for 2022.
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.
CAC AGENDA ITEMS FOR 2022
AS OF 2/1/22
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.
February 8 – Canadian Pacific Rail Regional Trail Introduction with Danny McCullough, Three Rivers
Park District
March 8 – Discussion with Officer Brad Kallio, Community Relations and Crime Prevention Officer
April 12 – Canadian Pacific Rail Regional Trail additional discussion with Three Rivers Park District staff
May 10 – No meeting
May 17 (?) – Liberty Park Clean-up; pick up plants for 42nd Avenue pots
June 14 – Emerald Ash Borer update with Shawn Markham, Contract Manager/Forester
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
• Ice Arena Operations Discussion w/ Mark Severson, Recreation Facilities Manager & Tour
• CD Projects incl St. Therese Renovation
• Organics and HRG Reimbursements, Curbside Cleanup and Load Limits
• Police Department – Joint Community Police Partnership
• P&R Update
• Discussion with Cooper High School students
CITY OF NEW HOPE
4401 XYLON AVENUE NORTH
NEW HOPE, MINNESOTA 55428
Citizen Advisory Commission
Regular Meeting
January 11, 2022
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:
Also Present:
Commissioners Randy Herman, Jill Kaufman, Scott Kulzer,
Carrie Neuburger (arrived 7:02), Rick Riley, Mike Terres
(arrived 7:02), Bill Wills
None
Susan Rader, Staff Liaison
Emily Wallace-Jackson, Seven Dreams Foundation
APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Wills made a motion to approve the minutes of the December
14, 2021 meeting. Commissioner Kaufman seconded the motion. Voting in
favor: Commissioners Herman, Kaufman, Kulzer, Riley, Wills. Opposed:
None. Absent: Commissioners Neuburger, Terres. Motion carried.
APPROVAL OF 2021 ANNUAL
REPORT
Motion was made by Commissioner Wills to approve the 2021 Annual Report
as written. Commissioner Kulzer seconded the motion. Voting in favor:
Commissioners Herman, Kaufman, Kulzer, Neuburger, Riley, Terres, Wills.
Opposed: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
DISCUSS SEVEN DREAMS
EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Emily Wallace-Jackson, Executive Director of Seven Dreams Education
Foundation addressed the commissioners and conducted a brief PowerPoint
presentation. She reported that the foundation had been established in 2003 by
board members of the Robbinsdale School District. She stated that a separate
board of 16 members provided oversight for the foundation and noted that
there were currently two vacancies on the board. She explained that the
organization was an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit whose goal was to
support the school district through grant initiatives.
Ms. Wallace-Jackson reported that teachers and staff could apply for small,
hands-on learning grants of $500 to $3,000, although this year the amount had
been capped at $2,500. She also mentioned that one large initiative, typically
around $50,000, would be distributed as well and was usually determined
through a collaborative effort with the school district.
Ms. Wallace-Jackson reported that over $1 million had been raised since 2003
and listed the primary ways funds had been raised. They included:
New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission January 11, 2022
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• Bird Bash gala and fundraiser
• Annual giving campaign
• Donations from individuals and businesses
• Community-sponsored events
• Staff Appreciation events
• Instruments 4 Kids program
• Staff charitable giving campaign
Ms. Wallace-Jackson reported that approximately 245 grants had been
awarded to teachers and staff thus far. She stated that approximately $14,000
had been awarded last spring but noted that pre-pandemic grant awards had
totaled between $30,000 and $37,000 annually. She explained that grants were
awarded annually in the spring but added that she hoped to expand that to
the fall as well.
The Instruments 4 Kids program was then discussed. Ms. Wallace-Jackson
reported that approximately 50% of the 12,000+ students within the district
were considered low income and commented that many students were not
able to rent or buy an instrument to participate in band or orchestra. She
explained that the foundation collected instruments, paid for repairs, then
donated them to the school district for students to rent at a lower rate.
Ms. Wallace-Jackson then reported on the Bird Bash. She stated that this gala
event had first been held in 2014 and was considered their primary fundraiser.
She explained that the event typically raised around $50,000 to fund a large
project. She displayed a list of projects that had been funded since 2014 and
noted that they had included engineering and STEM, flexible learning spaces,
literacy and diversity, media center upgrades, virtual and augmented reality
equipment, social/emotional mental health, and the purchase of multicultural
books for secondary media centers.
Ms. Wallace-Jackson announced that funding from the 2022 Bird Bash
initiative would be used for band and orchestra programs within the district
and would include:
• Purchase additional gently used instruments
• Increase music library to include more composers of color and a
broader range in styles of music
• Partner with music professionals from the community to work directly
with students or to provide professional development to teachers
Ms. Wallace-Jackson informed the commissioners that the Bird Bash was
scheduled for February 5 but noted that it might be postponed due to the
surge in COVID cases. She added that the event, which typically attracted 350-
400 people, included a one-hour program as well as dinner and an auction.
Chair Herman wondered whether the music professionals would also provide
musical tutoring to the students.
New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission January 11, 2022
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Ms. Wallace-Jackson replied that the objective for music professionals would
be to inspire students by demonstrating a particular style of music or
discussing their career. She guessed that a short-term artist in residence might
have the opportunity to speak with students on a more informal level or to
teach different ways of engaging students in music.
Ms. Rader wondered how the foundation determined how the Bird Bash funds
would be used each year.
Ms. Wallace-Jackson stated that the Seven Dreams board met to discuss ideas
which were then narrowed-down and shared with school administrators and
department heads. She added that school officials would ultimately submit a
proposal for their idea of choice.
Commissioner Kaufman wondered if staff had ever worked with outside
organizations to award grants that ultimately benefitted the school district.
Ms. Wallace-Jackson replied no and stated that grants were only available to
District #281 staff.
Commissioner Kaufman explained that she was currently working with the
New Hope Police Department on an initiative with Robbinsdale Spanish
Immersion and wondered whether a grant could be awarded if it included an
outside collaborator such as a police department.
Ms. Wallace-Jackson replied that it might be possible, depending on the
details.
Commissioner Kaufman inquired whether there was any expectation that
grants that had been awarded would be sustainable.
Ms. Wallace-Jackson replied that sometimes grants were sustainable for a time
and cited the example of science equipment. She also supposed that funding
for successful projects could be assumed by the school district once grant
funding had been depleted.
Commissioner Wills wondered about a grant opportunity that would involve
the Bakken Museum and the potential for seeking sponsorship from
Medtronic. He stated that he would search for a potential contact within
Medtronic and provide that information to Ms. Wallace-Jackson.
The commissioners thanked Ms. Wallace-Jackson for her presentation. She
excused herself from the meeting at 7:33 p.m.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS Ms. Rader reported that Commissioner Terres would be resigning from the
Citizen Advisory Commission following this meeting and would be moving to
the Planning Commission.
New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission January 11, 2022
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Ms. Rader also reported that new member Jeffrey Harper would be joining the
Citizen Advisory Commission next month.
Commissioner Riley made a motion to nominate Scott Kulzer to serve as Chair
in 2022. Commissioner Wills seconded the motion. Voting in favor:
Commissioners Herman, Kaufman, Kulzer, Neuburger, Riley, Terres, Wills.
Opposed: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Commissioner Wills nominated himself to serve as Vice Chair of the Citizen
Advisory Commission in 2022. Commissioner Kaufman seconded the motion.
Voting in favor: Commissioners Herman, Kaufman, Kulzer, Neuburger, Riley,
Terres, Wills. Opposed: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Commissioner Kulzer to nominate Jill Kaufman to serve
as Secretary in 2022. Voting in favor: Commissioners Herman, Kaufman,
Kulzer, Neuburger, Riley, Terres, Wills. Opposed: None. Absent: None.
Motion carried.
2022 AGENDA TOPICS Ms. Rader noted that a discussion of Ice Arena operations had been scheduled
for April 12 and noted that it would include a brief tour of the facility. She also
mentioned that a Public Works update had been scheduled for July 12.
Ms. Rader reported that a representative from Three Rivers Park District
would like to attend a future meeting to discuss the proposed CP Rail
Regional Trail, however she was unsure on the timing of the meeting.
Ms. Rader also mentioned that Commissioner Kaufman had brought up the
idea of contacting the Cooper High School student council to discuss the
possibility of adding a student representative to the Citizen Advisory
Commission.
Commissioner Kaufman suggested that this topic be moved to “Other
Business”.
Commissioner Kulzer mentioned that Hennepin County had implemented the
curbside organics recycling program and wondered whether a sustainability
expert on staff would be willing to speak on that topic.
Ms. Rader replied that Tim Pratt, Administrator for Hennepin Recycling
Group and Recycling Manager for the city of Brooklyn Park, could best
address that topic.
BRAINSTORMING – IDEAS
TO BRING ATTENTION TO
NEW HOPE
Chair Herman brought up his idea “Shop Neighborly” to encourage residents
to shop locally. He mentioned “Small Business Saturday”, which typically
occurred the Saturday following Thanksgiving, but wondered if there was
interest in promoting another day during the year.
Commissioner Terres reported that he had spoken with Kent Garber, owner of
Frankie’s Pizza who supported the idea of holding a car show at his location
New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission January 11, 2022
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once per month during the summer.
Commissioner Wills wondered if it was permissible for the Citizen Advisory
Commission to assist with sponsoring an event at a private business.
Mayor Hemken requested the floor and responded yes. She also mentioned
that a Shop Neighborly New Hope campaign had been held many years ago
and had been planned in cooperation with the Business Ne tworking Group.
Commissioner Neuburger wondered who published the Town Planner, which
included coupons for local businesses.
Ms. Rader replied that it was a private company who worked closely with the
city and area businesses.
PARKS AND RECREATION
PROJECT UPDATES
Ms. Rader reported that the City Council had approved moving forward with
authorizing plans and specifications for the Hidden Valley Park playground
project. She stated that 677 surveys had been sent to the neighborhood last fall
and around 70 responses had been received. She also mentioned that 24 of the
respondents indicated their interest in selecting the equipment. She added that
planning meetings would be held in late January or February with final
designs to council in March and installation planned for this summer.
Ms. Rader also reported that picnic tables at Hidden Valley Park would be
replaced at the pavilion. Staff also planned to finish installation of the new
park signs at several parks. She noted however that the wooden sign at
Dorothy Mary Park would remain, as staff felt it was a better fit for the natural
area.
Commissioner Terres wondered if there were any “supply chain” concerns for
the new playground equipment.
Ms. Rader replied no but noted that inflationary factors could affect pricing for
the site work.
Ms. Rader informed the commissioners that indoor and outdoor cameras were
currently being installed at the golf course and ice arena. She added that new
concession equipment had been purchased for the Golf Course and included
an ice maker, refrigerator, freezer, and a new keg cooler. She also mentioned
that some large cottonwood trees would be taken down at the golf course.
OTHER BUSINESS Ms. Rader reported that a Winter Golf event would be held on Saturday,
January 29.
Commissioner Kaufman expressed interest in holding a dialog with
representatives of the Cooper High School student council and offered to
contact an advisor to invite them to a meeting.
New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission January 11, 2022
Page 6
Commissioner Neuburger wondered why Armstrong High School had not
been considered.
Commissioner Kaufman replied that she had selected Cooper High School due
to its location within the city but would be open Armstrong High School as
well.
Commissioner Neuburger pointed out that a portion of New Hope fell within
Armstrong High School’s boundary.
Discussion ensued. The commissioners felt it might be difficult to schedule a
dialog prior to the end of the school year due to current agenda items.
Commissioner Kulzer suggested inviting student representatives to come and
observe a meeting in the future.
Commissioner Kaufman stated that she would follow up with Cooper High
School.
Ms. Rader made the following announcements:
• One submission had been received for the Snowman Contest.
• State of the City presentation would be held on February 2 at 8:30 a.m.
at New Hope City Hall.
Commissioner Riley inquired about any potential projects that the
commissioners could take on at Liberty Park.
Commissioner Wills stated that he would contact Shawn Markham.
Ms. Rader reminded the commissioners that the play equipment, and
potentially the basketball court at Liberty Park were scheduled for replacement
in 2023. She thought a potential project could be to plant around the new park
sign once it had been installed.
ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Terres made a motion to adjourn the regular meeting of the
Citizen Advisory Commission. Commissioner Kaufman seconded the motion.
All present voted in favor. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at
8:09 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Penny Spitzer
Recording Secretary
CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMISSION
PARK ASSIGNMENTS
(as of March 9, 2021)
Randy Herman
Hidden Valley Park
Holiday Park
Lighted Field Park
Jill Kaufman
Jaycee Park
Terra Linda Park
Scott Kulzer
Fred Sims Park
Northwood Park
Carrie Neuburger
Civic Center Park
Corner Park
Little Acre Park
Rick Riley
Begin Park
Meadow Lake Park
Mike Terres
Elm Grove Park
Lions Park
Sunnyside Park
Bill Wills
Dorothy Mary Park
Liberty Park
Victory Park
CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMISSION
PARK ASSIGNMENTS
Begin Park – 5407 Wisconsin Ave N
Civic Center Park – 4401 Xylon Ave N
Corner Park – 4653 47th Ave N
Dorothy Mary Park – 8030 60 ½ Ave N
Elm Grove Park – 5500 Quebec Ave N
Fred Sims Park – 4350 Nevada Ave N
Hidden Valley Park – 8800 32nd Ave N
Holiday Park – 9024 47th Ave N
Jaycee Park – 3028 Independence Circle
Liberty Park – 9015 60th Ave N
Lighted Field – 8810 49th Ave N
Lions Park – 3810 Oregon Ave N
Little Acre Park – 4948 Zealand Ave N
Meadow Lake Park – 8400 E. Meadow Lake Rd
Northwood Park – 3815 Boone Ave N
Sunnyside Park – 8808 27th Ave N
Terra Linda Park – 2701 Lamphere Drive
Victory Park – 5550 International Pkwy