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City of New Hope, Minnesota4401 Xylon Avenue NorthNew Hope, MN 55428 Telephone: 763-531-5100 Website: www.ci.new-hope.mn.us |
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City of New Hope
4401 Xylon Avenue North
New Hope, MN 55428
Phone: 763-531-5100
Fax: 763-531-5136
www.ci.new-hope.mn.us
Email
Civic Center Park Celebration --
Monday, June 17, 5 p.m., Civic Center Park (next to City Hall),
4401 Xylon Ave. N.
City Council Work Session -- agenda packet
Monday, June 17, 6:30 p.m., City Hall, 4401 Xylon Ave N.
New Hope City Day
Saturday, June 22, 9 a.m. to noon, City Hall, 4401 Xylon Ave. N.
New Hope City Council Meeting
Monday, June 24, 7 p.m., City Hall, 4401 Xylon Ave. N.
New Hope City Day is Saturday, June 22
City Day, on Saturday, June 22, will be a great opportunity to have some fun and get a little better idea of what’s going on at New Hope City Hall. The open house event, which is scheduled from 9 a.m. until noon, will provide residents with a chance to ask questions or share concerns with members of the New Hope City Council and city staff or learn about current projects and city programs. City Day will also feature a variety of fun activities for the entire family. (more)
Lahti receives New Hope Good Citizenship Award
The New Hope City Council presented a New Hope Good Citizenship Award to Little Canada resident Jacob Lahti for his volunteer work at Ambassador Good Samaritan nursing home in New Hope. Lahti, a seventh grader, has volunteered more than 375 hours at the care facility over the last two years. He began volunteering at Ambassador during school breaks because his mom works there. He has worked in multiple departments at Ambassador, providing assistance in the office as well as directly with nursing home residents. Lahti is also an active volunteer at his church, school and for a number of other organizations. (more)
New Hope receives
defibrillator
grant from Center Point Energy
On June 10, the New Hope City Council accepted a $1,900 Community Partnership Grant from Center Point Energy to help the city purchase two automatic external defibrillators (AED). The new AEDs will replace older units currently used at city facilities. The Community Partnership Grant is a yearly program through Center Point Energy which awards matching grants of up to $2,500 for eligible safety and emergency response equipment. New Hope will provide $1,900 in matching funds for the defibrillators, which cost about $1,900 each.
Motorists who take a shortcut around closed intersection face ticket
New Hope Police Chief Tim Fournier reminds motorists to follow the marked detours for the intersection closure at 42nd and Winnetka Avenues. During the first three days that the intersection was closed, New Hope police officers issued about 100 citations to motorist who were cutting through the commercial areas adjacent to the closed intersection in an attempt to shorten their detour. Minnesota statute and city ordinance prohibits drivers from driving through public or private property - including commercial areas - in an effort to circumvent a marked detour. "We encourage motorists to continue to visit businesses in the construction area throughout the intersection closure," said Chief Fournier. "However, if your intention is to use the business area as a way to avoid the detours you may be stopped and ticketed by officers. We understand the intersection closure is an inconvenience for motorists and the detours take people out of their way. But, they are necessary to keep pedestrians safe and the business lots free of increased traffic.” According to Chief Fournier, the law also applies to nearby apartment lots, Gethsemane Cemetery, and the Robbinsdale 281 School District property. The intersection closure at 42nd and Winnetka is scheduled to last through July 7, weather permitting.
Larson sworn in as chief of West Metro Fire-Rescue
The board of directors of the West Metro Fire-Rescue District unanimously selected Sarah Larson as the new fire chief for the district in May. Larson was sworn in at the board meeting on June 5. The district serves the communities of New Hope and Crystal. Larson had been serving as acting chief since June 2012.
Larson has 17 years of experience in the fire service including as a firefighter at Golden Valley and St. Louis Park fire departments, as training coordinator at Golden Valley Fire Department, as a fire inspector at city of Maple Grove, and as administrative captain and deputy chief at West Metro before becoming acting chief. Click on the photo at right to see additional photos from the swearing in ceremony on June 5.
Have fun at the New Hope pool this summer!
The New Hope pool is an awesome place to get some sun, relax, get a little exercise, and hang out with friends or family on a summer afternoon. And, a New Hope/Crystal pool pass is an affordable way for the whole family to enjoy the pool all summer long. A pool pass provides unlimited access to both the New Hope pool (located at 44th and Xylon avenues, just south of New Hope City Hall), and the Crystal pool (located next to the Crystal Community Center at 4800 Douglas Drive). Pool pass rates for residents of New Hope and Crystal range in price from $55 for an individual to $130 for a family of four for an entire summer of swimming. Nonresident rates are higher. Daily admission and admission coupon books are also available.
New Hope also offers Red Cross certified swimming lessons for kids from age 3 to Level 6. Four, two-week sessions begin June 17, July 1, July 15, and July 29. Each sesson is $53 for residents, $60 for nonresidents.
For more information or to purchase a pool pass or register for swimming lessons with a credit card, call the New Hope Parks and Recreation office at 763-531-5151.
Watch a video about season pool passes and swimming lessons
Highway 169 weekend road closures began June 7
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)is reconstructing Highway 169 from Highway 55 to Brooklyn Boulevard this summer. Weekend road closures for the project began on Friday, June 7, weather permitting. Southbound Highway 169 will be closed completely from 9 p.m. on Fridays to 5 a.m. on Mondays for about four weekends. In about the fourth or fifth weekend of construction the weekend closures will shift to the northbound lanes of 169. There will be no work on the project on the July 4 weekend. There will be single lane closures and the contractor will be working on ramps in the project area on weeknights between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. MnDOT expects to complete the project by the end of August, depending on the weather.
Intersection of 42nd and Winnetka is closed for construction
A contractor for Center Point Energy began replacing the gas pipeline along Winnetka Avenue, between Bass Lake Road and 42nd Avenue, in mid-April. The most challenging part of the project began June 10, when the contractor started work on a number of gas pipeline system improvements under the intersection of Winnetka and 42nd avenues. This work will require the complete closure of the intersection for approximately four weeks. The intersection is scheduled to partially reopen on July 7, with one lane of traffic in each direction.
Access will be maintained to all of the businesses near the intersection, and marked detours to both the north and south will take motorists less than two miles out of the way. The north detour will route traffic along Xylon Avenue, 45th, and Winnetka north to 49th, and back south along Quebec Avenue. The south detour will route traffic south along Boone Avenue to 36th, and back north along Winnetka and Quebec avenues.
For more information about the project, visit Center Point Energy's construction website, www.centerpointenergy.com/construction, or call the Construction Activity Information Hotline at 612-321-5329.
Developers present proposals to City Council for 55th and Winnetka site
New Hope is the the process of purchasing the former Winnetka Learning Center site and adjacent playfields from Robbinsdale Area Schools (the sale is scheduled to close in July). On May 29, the City Council listened to presentations from two housing developers - Centra Homes and Pulte Homes - who are interested in redeveloping the 17-acre site. A link to a video of that presentation, the PowerPoint presentation, and supporting information provided in the City Council's agenda packet are provided below. The City Council will discuss the preliminary proposals in more detail at their June 17 work session. If you would like to share your thoughts about the preliminary proposals for 55th and Winnetka with the City Council, click on Contact (on the top right of this page) and "Contacts for New Hope City Council" to send a council member an email.
- Video of housing developer proposals
- Centra Homes PowerPoint presentation
- Pulte Homes PowerPoint presentation
- May 29 agenda packet information
Metro Mobility and Metro Transit Services in New Hope
Representatives of Metro Mobility and Metro Transit were invited to the May 20 City Council work session to discuss the transit program, schedules, routs and upcoming changes. For more information, click on the link below:
Metro Mobility and Metro Transit Services
Route Detour: Metro Transit routes 755 and 756
will be detoured during Boone Ave. construction
Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-April on Boone Ave. between Bass Lake Road and 54th Ave. N. and on East Research Center Road. For approximately two months, there will be no buses on East Research Center Road between Boone Ave. and International Pkwy or on Boone Ave. between 54th Ave N and Bass Lake Road. (more...)
For additional stories click on a headline below or go to the Media Releases page.
(Click on a headline below to expand that story)
2012 Water Quality Report
The Minnesota Department of Health requires water suppliers, including the city of New Hope, to prepare annual water Consumer Confidence Reports to report the water quality for the previous year. To read New Hope's 2012 report, click on the link below.
Raingardens and Beyond workshops
The Bassett Creek and Shingle Creek watershed management commissions, which include New Hope and several neighboring communities, are sponsoring a rain garden workshops through Metro Blooms.
"Raingardens & Beyond: Healthy Yards, Clean Water" is a fast-paced, three-hour workshop that explores the simple changes you can make to your yard to help protect water quality. It includes the latest information in healthy yard care practices combined with a popular do-it-yourself approach to raingarden design and installation. This workshop moves participants quickly from an overview of healthy yard card practices to focus on a raingarden and native planting design for their property with expert help from a landscape design professional and Master Gardener.
For more information or to register, go to metroblooms.org or call 651-699-2426.
Severe weather awareness information
Take a few minutes to read about weather topics that can impact Minnesota in the spring and summer. Links to information from Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management are provided below:
Maple Grove yard waste site is open
As you begin to spruce up your lawn and landscaping after its long winter nap, remember that the Maple Grove yard waste site accepts and recycles leaves, grass, brush and branches. The site, located at 14796 101st Ave. N., opens for the season on April 1. The site is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 7 p.m. through November 30. Visit www.mgyardwaste.com or call 763-420-4886 for directions and details about materials accepted.
New Hope plans minor utility improvements along Winnetka
The City of New Hope plans to make several minor utility improvements at three locations along Winnetka Avenue this summer at the same time that a contractor for Center Point Energy is replacing the 24-inch gas main beneath the street. By coordinating the work with the Center Point project, the city will avoid disturbing the street surface again in the near future and substantially reduce the cost of the improvements. The Council also approved plans and specifications for utility work near city-owned redevelopment sites at Winnetka and 45th avenues and Winnetka and 55th avenues. (more)
Triplett receives New Hope Good Citizenship Award
The New Hope City Council presented a New Hope Good Citizenship Award to Brooklyn Park resident Harold Triplett for his volunteer work at Ambassador Good Samaritan nursing home in New Hope. Triplett began volunteering at Ambassador in 1997, when his wife became a long-term care resident. He helps to organize and implement a monthly Lunch Bunch program and assists with frequent barbeques at the care center. Triplett has served on Ambassador’s Advisory Board for many years and helps them with fundraising efforts. (click on photo for larger version) (more...)
Spring Load Restrictions end May 6
The Spring Load Restrictions in the Metro, South and Southwest zones began Friday, March 15, 2013 at 12:01 a.m. The Spring Load Restrictions in the Metro and Southeast frost zones will end Monday, May 6, 2013 at 12:01 a.m.
For additional information, read the Minnesota Department of Transportation's Seasonal Load Limit Notification or visit MnDOT's Seasonal Load Limits page.
New CEE programs approved
The New Hope City Council recently approved a contract with Center for Energy and Environment to administer three new home improvement loan programs and a home energy visit program to New Hope homeowners.
- The New Hope Revolving Loan Program will provide loans of from $1,500 to $5,000 to finance most interior and exterior home improvements that improve basic livability.
- The New Hope Interest Subsidy Loan Program provides somewhat larger loans. City funds are used to “buy down” the current Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Community Fix-up Fund interest rate.
- The New Hope Emergency Deferred Loan Program makes loans available to homeowners who have an emergency home improvement need and who do not qualify for other home improvement loan or grant programs.
- The New Hope Home Energy Squad Enhanced Visit Program involves an extensive home energy visit by a qualified CEE inspector, with the homeowner paying only $50 of the visit’s cost.
For more information about these and other programs visit CEE's website at mncee.org.
City receives award for financial reporting
The city of New Hope recently received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. New Hope’s 2011 report was judged by an impartial panel to demonstrate a constructive “spirit of full disclosure,” to clearly communicate the city’s financial story, and to motivate potential users and user groups to read the report. (more)
Winnetka Learning Center purchase agreement
On February 11, New Hope City Council members, acting in their role as Economic Development Authority commissioners, approved a purchase agreement with the Robbinsdale School District to purchase the former Winnetka Learning Center site at 7940 55th Ave. N. After months of negotiation and compromise, the city and School District finalized the terms of the purchase agreement, which calls for the city to purchase the 16.9-acre site for $1.75 million. The site consists of three parcels, including the 5.25-acre Winnetka Learning Center property at Winnetka and 55th avenues. The closing date for the purchase is tentatively scheduled for May. The former school building will likely be demolished to make way for future redevelopment.
Winnetka Shell receives Winter Outstanding Business Award
The New Hope City Council recently presented the Winter 2013 New Hope Outstanding Business Award to Pam Showalter of Winnetka Shell/Jade Auto Service, 7900 Bass Lake Road. The Council recognized Winnetka Shell because it is longtime New Hope business that is family-owned and operated. The business provides good, fast, and friendly service and is committed to the community. (click on the photo to view a larger version)
2012 City Services Survey Results
In 2012, New Hope's City Services Survey was conducted both online and with paper surveys from August through November.
The city coordinated its survey preparation with the League of Minnesota Cities. The League posted the online survey on Survey Monkey and sent the results along to the city.
This year's survey included 15 multiple choice. Most of the questions were about core city services. The city did add a few questions about recreation facilities, redevelopment and fiscal management. A total of 189 residents participated in the survey in 2012.
Click on the link below to see a summary of the 2012 New Hope City Services Survey results.
Alarm systems must be registered
New Hope city ordinance requires that all business and residential property owners register their alarm systems. Businesses are required to reregister their alarm systems annually and pay a $25 fee. Residential alarm owners are only required to register their system once and pay a one-time fee of $25 unless they drop and reinstate service, change service providers, or sell their property. Residential alarm users should contact the city promptly if their contact or keyholder information changes.
The alarm ordinance limits alarm users to three false alarms within a 12-month period without penalty. An alarm user who has not registered their alarm system and has a false alarm, however, is charged $100 per false alarm until they register their system.
Residential alarm registration forms are available by following the link below or by calling the Finance Department at 763-531-5130.
Residents can now manage and pay their utility bill online
The city is now offering a feature called eUtilityBilling. Utility customers can pay their bill online with a credit card 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Customers are also able to create an online account to receive their monthly utility bill by email instead of receiving a paper copy.For more information about about eUtilityBilling watch the video at left or call the utility billing clerk at 763-592-6760.To register, click on the eUtilityBilling button at left.
Utility service line insurance caution
It has come to the city of New Hope’s attention that a company has been aggressively promoting exterior sewer line and water line insurance coverage to New Hope residents. The company appears to have targeted older residents. The company’s claims that repairs to the water and sewer line from a resident’s home to the city main in the street are the homeowner’s responsibility and that replacement of that service line can be expensive are correct. What the company fails to explain is that it is extremely rare for a resident to need to replace an entire water service line (it’s only happened twice in 25 years in New Hope), and is also uncommon for sewer service lines to need complete replacement. If a resident is concerned about their sewer service line, many homeowner insurance providers have insurance riders available.