11 13 23 City Council MinutesNew Hope City Council November 13, 2023
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City of New Hope
4401 Xylon Avenue North
New Hope, Minnesota 55428
City Council Minutes November 13, 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:
Staff present:
Kathi Hemken, Mayor
John Elder, Council Member
Andy Hoffe, Council Member
Michael Isenberg, Council Member
Jonathan London, Council Member
Reece Bertholf, City Manager
Dan Boyum, City Engineer
Tim Hoyt, Director of Police
Beth Kramer, Communications Coordinator
Sarah Larson, WMFRD Chief
Valerie Leone, City Clerk
Peter Stanley, Police Sergeant
Bernie Weber, Director of Public Works
Stacy Woods, City Attorney
APPROVAL OF
MINUTES
Motion was made by Council Member Hoffe, seconded by Council Member Elder,
to approve the work session meeting minutes of October 16, 2023. Voted in favor
thereof: Hemken, Elder, Hoffe, Isenberg, London; and the following voted against
the same: None; Abstained: None; Absent: None. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Council Member London, seconded by Council Member
Hoffe, to approve the regular meeting minutes of October 23, 2023. Voted in favor
thereof: Hemken, Hoffe, Isenberg, London; and the following voted against the
same: None; Abstained: Elder; Absent: None. Motion carried.
OPEN FORUM
Mr. Rick Riley, 8001 37th Avenue North, recommended expansion of the Curbside
Appeal Reimbursement program.
Mayor Hemken acknowledged the presence of Cub Scout Pack 577 from Plymouth
and Boy Scout Troop 577 from New Hope.
HOME FREE
AGREEMENT
Item 5.1
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 5.1, Resolution approving
agreement with Home Free for the 2024 Domestic Assault Intervention Project.
New Hope City Council November 13, 2023
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Mr. Tim Hoyt, director of police, explained that Home Free provides 24‐hour
emergency housing and advocacy services for victims of domestic violence. He
stated the program cost is $36,900 which is the same funding level as last year.
Ms. Elsa Swenson, program manager of Home Free, was recognized. She reported
that Home Free has partnered with the city of New Hope since 1993. She reviewed
the organization’s services and stated approximately 200 persons from New Hope
are served per year.
Council commended the advocacy services provided through the Home Free
Domestic Assault Intervention Project.
RESOLUTION 2023‐116
Item 5.1
Council Member Elder introduced the following resolution and moved its
adoption: “RESOLUTION APPROVING AGREEMENT WITH HOME FREE
FOR THE 2024 DOMESTIC ASSAULT INTERVENTION PROJECT.” The
motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was seconded by Council
Member Isenberg, and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor
thereof: Hemken, Elder, Hoffe, Isenberg, London; and the following voted against
the same: None; Abstained: None; Absent: None; whereupon the resolution was
declared duly passed and adopted, signed by the mayor which was attested to by
the city clerk.
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. Reece Bertholf, city manager, reviewed the consent
items.
BUSINESS
LICENSE(S)
Item 6.1
Approval of business licenses.
FINANCIAL CLAIMS
Item 6.2
Approval of financial claims through November 13, 2023.
RESOLUTION 2023‐117
Item 6.4
Resolution reaffirming the City of New Hope’s commitment to Beyond the Yellow
Ribbon program. Mayor Hemken read the resolution.
RESOLUTION 2023‐118
Item 6.5
Resolution authorizing execution of Joint Water Commission wholesale agreement
with Minneapolis.
RESOLUTION 2023‐119
Item 6.6
Resolution approving Change Order No. 1 for $26,250.60 with GMH Asphalt
Corporation for the 42nd Avenue Infrastructure Improvements (Project No. 1029).
MOTION
Consent Items
Motion was made by Council Member Isenberg, seconded by Council Member
Elder, to approve the Consent items. All present voted in favor. Motion carried.
New Hope City Council November 13, 2023
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LIQUOR
VIOLATIONS
Item 7.1
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 7.1, Appearance by licensees
regarding liquor compliance check failures.
Mr. Tim Hoyt, director of police, stated the Police Department conducted 16
compliance checks and there were three businesses that failed the checks. He
reported the fine for failing a liquor compliance check for a first violation within
24 months is $250 plus a 3‐day suspension, and the fine for failing a second
compliance check within 24 months is $750 plus a 15‐day suspension. Businesses
may elect identification training in lieu of the 3‐day suspension for a first violation
and for 10 of the 15‐day suspension for a second violation. He stated Sergeant
Stanley will be in attendance if Council has questions regarding the compliance
checks.
Mayor Hemken called upon representatives of the three businesses. She
commented that the owner of Los Sanchez Taqueria notified staff that they admit
to the failure but cannot attend the meeting.
Mr. Rajesh Sunar of Viking Liquor and Mr. Zachary Pack of Cinema Grill
addressed Council and admitted to the allegations of the illegal sales. Both parties
requested identification training. Council Member Elder pointed out the
identification cards for persons under age 21 is a vertical format (instead of
horizontal) which makes it easy to prevent underage sales.
Mr. Pete Stanley, police sergeant, stated the primary cause of compliance check
failures is due to misreading the identification. He stated he encourages businesses
to contact him for identification training for new employees.
Mayor Hemken thanked the business owners for their attendance. She indicated
the city clerk will mail a notice to the businesses with instructions on paying the
fine and the option to schedule identification training for their employees.
CLOSE HEARING
Item 7.1
Motion was made by Council Member Elder, seconded by Council Member
Isenberg, to close the public hearing. All present voted in favor. Motion carried.
MOTION
Item 7.1
Motion was made by Elder, seconded by Council Member Hoffe, to impose fines
as outlined in city code 10‐23 for Viking Liquor, Los Sanchez Taqueria and
Cinema Grill. Voted in favor thereof: Hemken, Elder, Hoffe, Isenberg, London;
and the following voted against the same: None; Abstained: None; Absent: None.
Motion carried.
ASSESSMENT
HEARING
(IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT NO. 1054)
Item 7.2
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 7.2, Resolution adopting
assessments for improvement project no. 1054 (2021 Infrastructure Improvement
Project).
Mr. Dan Boyum, city engineer, stated this is the assessment hearing for the 2021
Infrastructure Project No. 1054. He stated there are two properties to be assessed
$3,815.63 each for the reclaim and overlay project. One property is owned by The
Salvation Army at 4860 Erickson Drive and the other is owned by the city (Lions
Park at 3810 Oregon Avenue North).
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Mayor Hemken opened the floor to comments from the audience. There was no
one present desirous of addressing the Council for the hearing.
CLOSE HEARING
Item 7.2
Motion was made by Council Member London, seconded by Council Member
Hoffe, to close the public hearing. All present voted in favor. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION 2023‐120
Item 7.2
Council Member Elder introduced the following resolution and moved its
adoption: “RESOLUTION ADOPTING ASSESSMENTS FOR IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT NO. 1054 (2021 INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT).”
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was seconded by Council
Member London, and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor
thereof: Hemken, Elder, Hoffe, Isenberg, London; and the following voted against
the same: None; Abstained: None; Absent: None; whereupon the resolution was
declared duly passed and adopted, signed by the mayor which was attested to by
the city clerk.
PHASE 2 PUBLIC
WORKS FACILITY
IMPROVEMENTS
(PROJECT NO. 1106)
Item 8.1
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 8.1, Resolution approving plans
and specifications and authorizing bids for Phase 2 Improvements at the Public
Works Facility (Improvement Project No. 1106).
Mr. Dan Boyum, city engineer, stated the public works facility was constructed in
1979 and has had several additions over the years. He stated Council supported
making improvements at the public works facility in two phases to avoid the need
for bonding. Phase 1 improvements were completed in 2021 and 2022. He stated
this item approves plans and specifications for phase 2 improvements for the
public works facility and authorizes advertisement for bids. Council reviewed the
proposed improvements for phase 2 at its May 15 work session and authorized
preparation of the plans and specs.
Mr. Boyum stated the improvements proposed include a 20,000 square foot
building expansion to begin in 2024, security system improvements, fuel
dispensing system, overhead door replacement, security improvements,
installation of electric vehicle charging stations, and pavement replacement and
site improvements. He stated the estimated cost of phase 2 improvements,
contingency and indirect costs is $6,164,157. The central garage fund has a balance
of $5,767,592, and the remaining project cost of approximately $397,000 will be
funded with the building replacement charge that was instituted in 2018.
Council Member London inquired of the additional operating costs after phase 2
is complete. He also inquired of the items that could impact for the contingency
fund.
Mr. Bernie Weber, director of public works, stated an annual increase of 3% is
projected. He stated the 2025 budget will reflect the additional operating costs.
Mr. Boyum stated the pricing of oil (and bituminous) for the site improvements
and material costs could impact the contingency fund. It was noted the majority of
the construction would be completed over the summer months in 2024 with final
completion in 2025.
New Hope City Council November 13, 2023
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RESOLUTION 2023‐121
Item 8.1
Council Member London introduced the following resolution and moved its
adoption: “RESOLUTION APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
AND AUTHORIZING BIDS FOR PHASE 2 IMPROVEMENTS AT THE
PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY (IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 1106).” The
motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was seconded by Council
Member Elder, and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor
thereof: Hemken, Elder, Hoffe, Isenberg, London; and the following voted against
the same: None; Abstained: None; Absent: None; whereupon the resolution was
declared duly passed and adopted, signed by the mayor which was attested to by
the city clerk.
CLOSED MEETING
Item 10.1
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 10.1, Resolution calling for a closed
meeting of the New Hope City Council authorized by Minn. Stat §13D.05, Subd.
3(b) to discuss and consider settlement strategies in PFAS Class Action Lawsuits.
RESOLUTION 2023‐122
Item 10.1
Council Member Elder introduced the following resolution and moved its
adoption: “RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A CLOSED MEETING OF THE NEW
HOPE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZED BY MINN. STAT §13D.05, SUBD. 3(B)
TO DISCUSS AND CONSIDER SETTLEMENT STRATEGIES IN PFAS CLASS
ACTION LAWSUITS.” 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, Elder, Hoffe, Isenberg, London; and the
following voted against the same: None; Abstained: None; Absent: None;
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
Elder, 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 7:48 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Leone, City Clerk