02 27 23 City Council MinutesNew Hope City Council February 27, 2023
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City of New Hope
4401 Xylon Avenue North
New Hope, Minnesota 55428
City Council Minutes February 27, 2023
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:
Absent:
Staff present:
Kathi Hemken, Mayor
Andy Hoffe, Council Member
Michael Isenberg, Council Member
Jonathan London, Council Member
John Elder, Council Member
Jeff Sargent, Director of Community Development
Jeff Alger, Community Development Specialist
Brandon Bell, CD Coordinator/Management Analyst
Valerie Leone, City Clerk
Nick Macklem, Stormwater Specialist
Bernie Weber, Director of Public Works
Stacy Woods, City Attorney
APPROVAL OF
MINUTES
Motion was made by Council Member Hoffe, seconded by Council Member
London, to approve the regular meeting minutes of February 13, 2023. Voted in
favor thereof: Hemken, Hoffe, Isenberg, London; and the following voted against
the same: None; Abstained: None; Absent: Elder. Motion carried.
OPEN FORUM
Ms. Bonnie Bolash, resident of Crystal, invited women business owners and the
community to the Women’s Expo on Saturday, April 22, from 10 am – 2 pm at
Sacred Heart Church in Robbinsdale. The networking event is to learn more about
local women‐owned businesses and share resources for women interested in
starting their own businesses. Mayor Hemken thanked Ms. Bolash and referred
her to the “Elevate Hennepin” website for resources.
Mr. Ron Stoffel, 8004 55th Lane North, was recognized. He pointed out issues
related to streets in the Parkview development (streets not sealcoated and street
damage caused during snow removal). He also inquired regarding the status of
the Shell Gas station on Bass Lake Road. Public Works Director Weber indicated
he would follow up on the street issues. Community Development Director
Sargent provided an update on the gas station construction project, city
involvement and the citation process to spur action.
New Hope City Council February 27, 2023
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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.
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. Jeff Sargent, community development director, stated
he is serving in Tim Hoyt’s absence for tonight’s meeting. Mr. Sargent reviewed
the consent items.
BUSINESS
LICENSE(S)
Item 6.1
Approval of business licenses.
FINANCIAL CLAIMS
Item 6.2
Approval of financial claims through February 27, 2023.
RESOLUTION 2023‐25
Item 6.4
Resolution approving a contract with Allied Blacktop Company for 2023 street
sweeping services.
RESOLUTION 2023‐26
Item 6.5
Resolution approving a contract with Warning Lites of Minnesota, Inc. for New
Hope’s 2023 street paint striping/marking services.
RESOLUTION 2023‐27
Item 6.6
Resolution of concurrence for the proposed Shingle Creek Watershed
Management Commission legal boundary change.
MOTION
Consent Items
Motion was made by Council Member Isenberg, seconded by Council Member
Hoffe, to approve the Consent items. All present voted in favor. Motion carried.
EL LORO ON‐SALE
LICENSE
Item 7.1
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 7.1, Motion approving an on‐sale
liquor license to El Loro of New Hope Inc. dba El Loro Mexican Restaurant at 7849
42nd Avenue North.
Mr. Jeff Sargent, community development director, explained the public hearing
is to consider granting an on‐sale intoxicating liquor license to El Loro of New
Hope Inc., dba El Loro Mexican Restaurant, at 7849 42nd Avenue North. He stated
the business will be operating out of the former Country Kitchen site. He reported
the background investigation was conducted and there is nothing detrimental to
report, and staff recommends approval. He stated the owner, Mr. Marcos Gomez,
is in attendance if Council has questions.
Council Member London welcomed El Loro to the city. He inquired of the status
of the restaurant in Crystal.
Mr. Marcos Gomez, owner of El Loro, was recognized. He stated the lease in
Crystal was costly and the restaurant closed February 26. He stated they plan to
open the restaurant in New Hope after March 15.
Council welcomed Mr. Gomez and wished him well at the new location.
New Hope City Council February 27, 2023
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CLOSE HEARING
Item 7.1
Motion was made by Council Member Isenberg, seconded by Council Member
Hoffe, to close the public hearing. All present voted in favor. Motion carried.
MOTION
Item 7.1
Motion was made by Isenberg, seconded by Council Member Hoffe, to approve
an on‐sale liquor license to El Loro of New Hope Inc. dba El Loro Mexican
Restaurant at 7849 42nd Avenue North. Voted in favor thereof: Hemken, Hoffe,
Isenberg, London; and the following voted against the same: None; Abstained:
None; Absent: Elder. Motion carried.
7716 WINPARK
DRIVE CUP
(PLANNING CASE
22‐04)
Item 8.1
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 8.1, Resolution approving
Conditional Use Permit for Open Outdoor Storage Area relating to real property
located at 7716 Winpark Drive (Planning Case 22‐04).
Mr. Brandon Bell, community development coordinator/Management Analyst,
explained Winsupply, located at 7716 Winpark Drive, submitted an application for
a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for open outdoor storage as a principal or
accessory use in the industrial district. He stated the applicant is proposing to
utilize a portion of the site’s rear and side yards for open outdoor storage. The
proposed storage area would exceed 20 percent of the building’s 30,000 square foot
area, which triggers the need for a conditional use permit. The storage would be
screened from the adjacent residential properties and secured with locked fence
gates.
Mr. Bell illustrated the site plans, screening, fence and entrance gates, rear storage
area, and parking. He stated the Planning Commission reviewed the request at its
meeting of February 7 and recommends approval subject to the conditions
outlined in the resolution.
RESOLUTION 2023‐28
Item 8.1
Council Member Isenberg introduced the following resolution and moved its
adoption: “RESOLUTION APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR
OPEN OUTDOOR STORAGE AREA RELATING TO REAL PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 7716 WINPARK DRIVE (PLANNING CASE 22‐04).” 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, Hoffe, Isenberg, London; and the following voted against the same:
None; Abstained: None; Absent: Elder; whereupon the resolution was declared
duly passed and adopted, signed by the mayor which was attested to by the city
clerk.
5701
INTERNATIONAL
PARKWAY
VARIANCE
(PLANNING CASE
23‐01)
Item 8.2
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 8.2, Resolution approving
Variances for Property at 5701 International Parkway (Planning Case 23‐01).
Mr. Brandon Bell, community development coordinator/Management Analyst,
stated Council is asked to consider approval of two variances for the property
located at 5701 International Parkway occupied by Paul Bunyan Plumbing and
companies under its umbrella. He explained the property is unique in that it has
three sides with public right‐of‐way with no space for side yard storage and
minimal usable space for rear yard storage. The outdoor storage would be
screened and secured within a locked fence. Variances may be granted when they
are in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the zoning code, consistent
New Hope City Council February 27, 2023
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with the comprehensive plan, and there are practical difficulties in complying with
the city’s zoning code.
Mr. Bell illustrated the site plans, screening, gates, landscaping and parking.
Mr. Bell reported at its February 7 meeting, the Planning Commission considered
the request for a variance for open outdoor storage in a side yard and a variance
for a 20‐foot setback in the side yard and recommended approval subject to
conditions outlined in the resolution.
Council Member Isenberg questioned whether the applicant agreed to the
conditions. Mr. Bell responded affirmatively.
RESOLUTION 2023‐29
Item 8.2
Council Member Isenberg introduced the following resolution and moved its
adoption: “RESOLUTION APPROVING VARIANCES FOR PROPERTY AT
5701 INTERNATIONAL PARKWAY (PLANNING CASE 23‐01).” 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,
Hoffe, Isenberg, London; and the following voted against the same: None;
Abstained: None; Absent: Elder; 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
Hoffe, 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 7:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Leone, City Clerk