[0:06] I call the Monday, September 28, 2026, new Hope City Council meeting to order. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance.

[0:15] I

[0:17] pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

[0:34] Thank you. Mr. Farmers, take the roll, please. Mayor Elder here.

[0:39] Councilmember Coriel. Here. Councilmember Eisen. Here. Councilmember London. Yes. Councilmember

[0:46] Ray. Here. Item number three, City Council meeting minutes from September 14th, 2026.

[0:54] I'll move the meeting minutes of September 14th, 2026. I will second.

[1:00] Moved in second to take the vote. Councilmember Coriel. Yes. Councilmember Eisenberg. Yes.

[1:08] Councilmember

[1:09] Yes, Mayor Elder.

[1:11] Yes.

[1:12] Next on the agenda is open forum.

[1:14] This is open to anyone who wishes to get up and address the City Council.

[1:18] You have three minutes to do so.

[1:21] State your name and address for the record and step up to the podium if you'd like to.

[1:31] Going once.

[1:33] Going twice.

[1:37] Presentations.

[1:38] Emotion accepting the contributions for the 2026 Safety Camp.

[1:43] Good evening, director.

[1:44] Good evening, thank you Mayor, City Council members,

[1:47] Aaron Thielin, Personal Recreation Director.

[1:49] Tonight, I'd like to acknowledge and thank and accept the contributions made to the new Hope Safety Camp from this past year,

[1:55] and also acknowledge all of those that were involved.

[1:59] So, this year, Safety Camp took place Tuesday, Thursday, August 11th through the 13th.

[2:05] It was a very full days, three days with lots of learning and fun at the camp.

[2:09] This year, we had 75 campers that split into three teams, and each team, they have some

[2:16] phenomenal team names, if you haven't heard them before, the blue needos, the grassy

[2:20] assassins, and the orange wildfires.

[2:23] Whoa.

[2:25] So here's a few photos and activities throughout camp from the week and different sessions

[2:29] that took place.

[2:30] So there are multiple presenters in large group and in small group formats.

[2:34] Campers also had fun playing dodgeball, wiffleball, and then also playing at the playground.

[2:38] And then here's a couple of additional photos.

[2:41] If I could capture all of them, there would be a lot.

[2:44] But it's a great week.

[2:45] Some presenters were internal, like police captain Stanley.

[2:51] You hope SWAT officers, West Metro Fire Rescue District,

[2:54] staff or outside presenters like North Memorial Health

[2:58] and others.

[2:59] The campers learned a lot about safety

[3:00] and also spent time team building, playing games,

[3:03] and swimming at the aquatic park.

[3:05] And as you can see, a lot of the campers did a lot of different unique things during camp this week.

[3:12] And one of the things I want to acknowledge tonight is all those that donated this year.

[3:17] And again, this year was a very sizable group of donations that came in.

[3:21] We received $10,900 and $43.00.

[3:24] And the largest one came from the West Metro Fire Rescue District relief, which donated $8,500.

[3:31] And this year, because of their donation, we typically charge $55 per camper for

[3:37] the week, but that had brought down the registration to $20 per person.

[3:42] So it made for a great opportunity for campers to come for three full days at a very discounted rate, which was phenomenal.

[3:48] So huge thank you to each of these organizations, and I'm going to read and

[3:53] acknowledge each of them.

[3:54] So Jensen, Sandra, Persona, and Woods, Minneapolis Regional Chamber, the new hope women of today.

[4:00] Stantec Engineers and then West Metro Fire Rescue Relief.

[4:04] So thank you to each of those.

[4:06] And then additionally, there are various businesses that donated giveaways, lunchens, graduation dinner, or presented a session.

[4:13] And I'd also like to read each of them that donated their time or giveaways as well.

[4:18] So the AAA of St. Louis Park, Bike Alliance of Minnesota, Broadway Awards, Center Point Energy, Chick-fil-A of Plymouth, D.N.

[4:27] And Mark Graff, Dollar General Literacy Foundation, and I want to highlight this one.

[4:31] They awarded a $2,000 grant to the New Hope Crime Prevention Fund to purchase books for

[4:38] campers, talking about safety in different ways they can learn about different opportunities.

[4:43] So what a great opportunity that Dollar General awarded us the grant to be able to give books away to all the campers, too.

[4:50] And then we also had Frankie's Pizza, Hannah Pink County's Sheriff, ISD 281.

[4:55] Johnson, Johnny Pops, Linstrom Restoration, New Hope Aquatic Park, the New Hope Farmers

[5:02] Market, New Hope Lions, New Hope Police Department, New Hope Public Works Department, North Memorial

[5:07] Health, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, West Metro Fire Rescue District, VFW Post

[5:15] 494, Wright Hennepin Electric, and then the Zero Abuse Project.

[5:20] So each of them were very successful in being able to bring in something which made the campers

[5:25] and the camp just such a great opportunity for everyone.

[5:28] So, thank you to each of those.

[5:30] And another component that made safety camp successful were the volunteers, and we had quite a few this year.

[5:37] We had various volunteers from the Parks and Recreation Department, the Fire Department, Police Department, and our growth through opportunity that spent some time at camp as well.

[5:47] We had some volunteers for the first year and others that have been around for quite a while, which is really exciting that we have volunteers that come back year after year.

[5:54] They help with snacks, lunch and graduation dinner, assist in various safety

[5:59] sessions and we are very grateful to each of the volunteers. So thank you to each of

[6:03] those that are listed on that page. And then safety camps, a partnership between

[6:08] three departments, the Parks and Recreation Department, Police Department and West

[6:12] Metro Fire. And as coordinators, they plan and organize safety camp, which this year

[6:16] consisted of police liaison with Lee Larson, fire liaison, Hesu Soto, and then

[6:23] and Parks and Recreation staff, Rachel Salzer.

[6:25] So, huge shout out to each of the three of them,

[6:27] and also to Hesu, says this was his fifth year

[6:31] being a part of safety camp, which is exciting.

[6:34] And then additionally, we have leaders

[6:36] that help all week with the kids,

[6:38] and these are the ones that we couldn't do camp without.

[6:40] So, they split into the three groups,

[6:42] and there's three to four leaders from each department,

[6:46] police, fire, and Parks and Recreation.

[6:48] And these leaders, they're the ones

[6:49] that spend all the week with the campers.

[6:51] They are exhausted,

[6:52] But they have a ton of fun and gives them an opportunity to meet the kids, teach them some things, and just be a good role model, and an example to each of them.

[7:00] So a huge shout out and a big thank you to each of these leaders.

[7:05] New this year was a safety camp carnival.

[7:08] The carnival included a dunk tank, glitter tattoos, an inflatable obstacle course, and various yard games.

[7:15] It added another component for campers to connect with fire and police staff and those people they might not interact with.

[7:21] So there was a couple of photos taken right here and just a huge thank you to those that volunteered their time to bear

[7:27] Going into the dunk takes that day as it was a little chilly, but it was just a blast to be a part of it

[7:33] And lastly, there's many other staff from New Hope that helped with leading the sessions taking photos

[7:38] Making the graduation program and so much more so with all of those that listed here huge shout out and thank you to each of them

[7:45] And also thank you to city council members that were a part of the graduation coming to the dunk tank

[7:50] supporting safety camp in any way that you're able to, so thank you to each of you.

[7:56] And with that, just again, thank you to all those that were a part of safety camp, and with that any questions.

[8:04] This has been going on for nearly ever.

[8:08] And I remember when my kids went through it, and to see it, not just continue to happen, but to see it grow.

[8:18] and to see some of the same faces that were there when my kids were there it is an

[8:28] outstanding community service and I still hear from people that tell me about

[8:36] their experience some time ago and say to him so thank you for putting that

[8:41] together. It was it was a lot of fun to be a part of and a lot of fun to just stand

[8:45] in the outside and to watch the kids just have a ball.

[8:50] So, with that, is there a motion?

[8:52] I'll make a motion accepting contributions

[8:55] for the 2026 safety camera.

[8:57] Second.

[8:58] It's been moved in second to take the vote.

[9:01] Council member Eisenberg.

[9:02] Yes.

[9:03] Council member London.

[9:04] Yes.

[9:05] Council member Ray.

[9:06] Yes.

[9:07] Mayor Elder.

[9:08] Yes.

[9:09] And Council member Corio.

[9:10] Yes.

[9:11] Thank you very much.

[9:12] 5.2, the resolution authorizing acceptance of a grant from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, City Clerk Finney.

[9:22] Yes, thank you, Mayor and Council.

[9:24] The new Hope Police Department has participated in the Department of Public Safety grants specifically,

[9:30] toward zero deaths, TZD programs, under the Office of Traffic Safety for the past 10 years.

[9:36] In August, 2026, Police Department staff applied for this grant and were recently advised that they've been awarded 28,900 for impaired driving, seat belts enforcement, speed enforcement, distracted driving enforcement, and move over enforcement.

[9:52] Chief White and I recommend approval.

[9:55] There's very motion for 5.2.

[9:59] I'll make a motion for 5.2, the resolution authorizing the acceptance of a grant from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

[10:05] I will second it's been moved in second at any discussion

[10:11] chief hats off to your department and to your team for

[10:15] Getting a arduous grant put together

[10:18] I know there were a lot of other departments that put in that didn't get it so

[10:24] Thank you for finding ways to continue to deliver

[10:29] Exceptional service while holding the cost on for the residents

[10:34] Nothing else take the vote

[10:37] Council Member London.

[10:39] Yes.

[10:40] Council Member Ray.

[10:41] Yes.

[10:42] Mayor Elter.

[10:43] Yes.

[10:44] Council Member Corio.

[10:45] Yes.

[10:46] Council Member Eisenberg.

[10:47] Yes.

[10:49] Item number six, consent agenda is finished.

[10:52] Ready?

[10:53] It's a lot.

[10:56] Item 6.1, approval of financial claims

[10:59] through September 28th, 2026.

[11:02] This item involves routine financial claims.

[11:05] The check-distortionment report is included in your packet.

[11:09] Item 6.2, approval of business license.

[11:12] This item approves a second-hand dealer license for GLK vintage LLC located at 4124 Quebec Avenue North Suite 102.

[11:23] They deal in vintage home goods and housewares.

[11:26] All required paperwork and fees have been received.

[11:29] I recommend approval.

[11:30] Item 6.3, Emotion Accepting Donations for the New Hope Farmers Market.

[11:36] The City Run Farmers Market started in 2025 when it was brought back for

[11:41] its second year in 2026.

[11:43] It is held from June 4th through September 24th on Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m.

[11:51] in the New Hope Church parking lot with the final date of October 1st,

[11:55] running from 3 to 6 p.m.

[11:57] During each market date, there is the opportunity for businesses or organizations to sponsor a table for $50.

[12:05] In 2026, multiple organizations sponsored one or more market dates, with nearly all dates having a sponsor,

[12:14] a total of $1,050 was received in sponsorship.

[12:18] Director Thielin and I recommend acceptance of the contributions, and I'm also going to read each of the organizations.

[12:26] three rivers park district, her self-help, North Star vascular,

[12:32] treble tones, new hope women of today, new hope lions,

[12:37] school district 287, missions ink, new hope area,

[12:42] league of women voters, Dr. Isaac Audidrian of life clinic,

[12:48] Minnesota urology, rotary club of crystal, new hope,

[12:52] Robin Stale, and Thribon.

[12:55] Item 6.4, Emotion Accepting Contributions for the 2025-2026

[13:01] Community Connections Program.

[13:04] This item accepts contributions totaling $300 from organizations for the Community Connections Program.

[13:12] New hole parks and recreation department, along with neighboring cities, sponsor monthly events that attract many older adults.

[13:20] Director Thielin, and I recommend acceptance of the contributions.

[13:24] I'm also going to read the organizations that sponsored a program for this event.

[13:31] Crossings at Brookwood, Choice Connections, Margaret Wallace Insurance, and Woodlake.

[13:40] Item 6.5 is a resolution approving an amendment to the joint powers agreement with

[13:46] Hennepin County for the City of New Hope's embedded social worker.

[13:50] The embedded social worker project provides a variety of counseling, intervention, support

[13:55] and referral services for persons after police contacts, particularly where mental health

[14:01] services are needed.

[14:03] The most recent contract was approved by Council at the February 10, 2025 meeting.

[14:08] This amendment sets the contracted amount for January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2028,

[14:15] at $88,431 for each of the two years.

[14:20] This cost for the 2027 period is included in the police department's 2027 budget.

[14:26] Chief White and I recommend approval.

[14:29] Item 6.6 is a resolution approving a five year contract renewal with Thompson Rooters for clear investigative software.

[14:38] Clear is a valuable investigative tool that provides officers and investigators with the ability

[14:44] to quickly access and connect information from multiple data sources in one centralized

[14:50] platform.

[14:52] The contract has historically been renewed annually, but staff work with the vendor on a

[14:56] 5-year term to lower the year-over-year cost.

[15:00] passed over the course of the contract. Chief White and I recommend approval. Item 6.7, resolution

[15:07] approving in addition to the contract with axon for 10 additional software licenses, city council

[15:15] approved to 10 year contract with axon enterprises for $1,845,694 on April 27, 2026 for body

[15:26] and warn cameras, tasers, and squad cameras.

[15:29] This included 34 pro licenses for swimmer officers.

[15:33] An additional 10 licenses, seven pro and three basic are needed for

[15:38] the evidence technician, clerical staff, and community service officers to have administrative rights.

[15:45] These rights will allow staff to input evidence data into the already existing evidence.com software for operational use.

[15:52] The additional cost over the course of the 10-year contract is $45,904.

[15:58] Chief White and I recommend approval.

[16:01] Item 6.8, resolution approving an amendment to the joint powers agreement with Pups.

[16:07] At the Pets Under Police Security Pups Board meeting on August 20th, 2026, board members

[16:14] discussed efficiencies of operations at the Pups facility.

[16:17] It was decided that members' cities should be notified of problem

[16:21] impoundments so the city staff can work with residents on a solution before

[16:25] surge charges take place. This amendment revises the associated section of the

[16:30] joint powers agreement. Chief White and I recommend approval. Item 6.9 is a

[16:36] resolution approving a gang contract with Robinsdale School District 281 for the

[16:42] the 2026, 2027 High School Hockey Season.

[16:46] This game contract was discussed with council

[16:49] at the work session on September 21, 2026.

[16:53] District 281 has used the new hope ice arena

[16:56] as their whole ice for many years.

[16:58] The 2026 to 2027 season will include 11 dates for boys

[17:03] and 10 dates for girls games.

[17:06] As a part of the contract, the city will provide

[17:08] one police officer to be in attendance for each boy's varsity gain.

[17:13] Director Thielin and I recommend approval.

[17:16] Item 6.10 resolution approving Icerina advertising agreement with Armstrong Cooper Youth Hockey Association and

[17:24] Greenside Advertising Network.

[17:26] The current advertising agreement with ACYHA is from January 1, 2026 and expires on December 31, 2029.

[17:35] This agreement allows the association to subcontract the sales of advertising by a third-party vendor.

[17:43] The association expressed interest in working with ringside to keep up with running the advertising component.

[17:51] The addition of ringside is intended to increase advertising sales by providing dedicated sales and account management

[17:58] that ACYHA is currently unable to provide through its volunteer base.

[18:03] This agreement is set to take place starting October 1st, 2026.

[18:08] Director Thielin and I recommend approval.

[18:12] Item 6.11.

[18:14] Resolution authorizing the purchase of a Toro San Prole 3040

[18:18] in the amount of $27,524.63 for the golf course.

[18:25] The current trap break was used at the golf course

[18:28] beyond the original replacement year of 2020

[18:31] because it functioned well, as that is no longer the case staff requests that a new piece of equipment be purchased.

[18:38] $16,967.75 cents in funding will come from the Central Garage Fund.

[18:46] In $10,556.88 will come from a transfer from the Gulf Horse Fund to the Central Garage Fund.

[18:55] address your feeling and I recommend approval.

[18:58] Item 6.12, resolution approving 3-year contract renewal with ABDO for professional financial

[19:05] management services for years 2027 through 2029.

[19:10] This item approves a 3-year contract renewal with ABDO for financial management services.

[19:16] Funds are included in the city's annual budget.

[19:19] Council discuss the contract at the September 21 work session and express support.

[19:23] I recommend approval item 6.13 resolution approving a school resource officer

[19:30] agreement with independent school district 281 this item approves the school

[19:36] resource officer agreement with district 281 for the 2026 27 school year two

[19:42] officers have been assigned as a school resource as school resource officers for

[19:46] Cooper High School the school district will pay the city 56,627 dollars per

[19:53] or SRL for the school year.

[19:55] Director White and I recommend approval.

[19:59] Item 6.14, resolution established,

[20:02] establishing city's monthly contribution

[20:04] for health benefits programs,

[20:06] effective January 1, 2027.

[20:09] At the September 21 work session,

[20:11] Director Johnson presented information on premiums

[20:14] through health partners for employee health insurance costs

[20:18] and the city contributions for 2027.

[20:20] It is recommended that the city's contribution amount increase by $17, $37, and $44 for single employee plus one and family health insurance coverage respectively.

[20:34] It is necessary to set the contribution amounts prior to the open enrollment period, which begins October 23, 2026.

[20:42] This expenditure is included in the 2027 budget, Director Johnson and I recommend approval.

[20:48] Item 6.15 resolution proclaiming the month of October as domestic violence awareness month in the city of New Hope.

[20:56] The goal of domestic violence awareness month is to show our unwavering support for victims and their families to encourage conversations about domestic violence and to provide critical information for those who may need assistance.

[21:11] staff recommend that the City Council approve a resolution

[21:15] for claiming the month of October as domestic violence awareness month.

[21:20] Chief Point and I recommend approval.

[21:22] Item 6.16.

[21:24] Resolution appointing election judges for the general election of November 3, 2026.

[21:30] In accordance with Minnesota statute 204B.21,

[21:35] cities are required to appoint election judges who will serve

[21:38] at the general election of November 3rd, 2026.

[21:42] The city is grateful for those who are willing to serve in this capacity.

[21:46] I recommend approval.

[21:48] And that concludes the consent business.

[21:51] Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda?

[21:57] I will make a motion to approve item 6.136.16 on the consent agenda.

[22:04] I will second.

[22:05] Is there any discussion?

[22:07] It looks like we just remember stamped a whole bunch of stuff, when in fact each of these items have been discussed at a work session, and the conversation happened with each of these items, and any questions or concerns that council members had were addressed.

[22:27] So with that, would you take the vote?

[22:30] Council Member Rae.

[22:33] Yes.

[22:34] Mayor Alder.

[22:35] Yes.

[22:36] Council Member Corio.

[22:37] Yes.

[22:38] Council Member Eisenberg.

[22:39] Yes.

[22:40] Council Member London.

[22:41] Yes.

[22:42] 8.1 resolution approving amendment to conditional use permit for open outdoor storage area relating to the real property located at 3241 Wyn Park Drive.

[22:57] New Hope.

[22:57] New Hope Planning Case Number 2605.

[23:01] Thank you, Mr. Mayor, members of the Council, Jeff Sargent, Community Development Director.

[23:05] So as was stated, this is actually a amendment to a condition whose permit that was approved in 2023.

[23:11] For some open and outdoor storage area located at this property, 3241, Wind Park Drive.

[23:19] The property is about 1.65 acres in size, the property surrounding this property are zoned industrial as is this property.

[23:27] There's a little bit of property on the south that is zoned BW, which is our business warehousing district.

[23:37] So as stated before, in 2023, the conditions per freight or storage was approved on both the north side and the south side of this property.

[23:47] The amendment to the conditions permit would reduce the north storage area to 3,450 square feet.

[23:53] You could see the difference that gray area is the area that was approved in 2023.

[23:58] The boxed in the red dash line is the area that's going to be reduced to that amount.

[24:04] The reason for this is that the current property owners are working with a perspective tenant

[24:09] who needs the additional parking that would be freed up with this amendment.

[24:13] You might be asking why we are coming to you with a reduction in outdoor storage.

[24:17] the overall outdoor storage still exceeds the allowed amount to still require the conditions

[24:24] permit so because there is a formal request to reduce that amount we want to make sure it was

[24:28] taking care of through the resolution which is why we're here tonight. As far as setbacks are

[24:34] concerned the property will remain the same setback requirements same type of storage as was originally

[24:42] approved back in 2023. The difference here will be parking. So with the new tenant or

[24:51] prospective tenant that's going to go in there there's a different need for parking. So the parking

[24:56] spaces required for the prospective uses of the property are 21 and they are showing 25 parking

[25:05] stalls on the property I believe. So back in 2023 only 17 parking stalls were required so you could

[25:11] You can see the difference here and also the reason why the amendment to the conditions

[25:15] permit is required.

[25:21] Parking stalls will also meet all of our size requirements for drive out space, the

[25:25] dimensional standards, and there will also be one handicap accessible stall as depicted

[25:31] in the arrow and red.

[25:35] The zoning criteria for conditions permits, the proposal meets all of our zoning requirements

[25:41] to approve a condition use permit as it did in 2023.

[25:46] As far as public hearings are concerned, we held a public hearing at the September first planning commission meeting.

[25:52] Property owners within 500 feet were notified by mail.

[25:55] Obviously, we had the land use petition sign that was in the ground as well.

[25:59] And the public hearing notice was published in the Sun Post and the city website.

[26:02] We didn't receive any inquiries on this property.

[26:06] So staff would recommend that the city council approve the resolution for

[26:14] the amendment to the conditions permit for outdoor storage to allow for that additional parking at 32 41-wimp

[26:20] park drive. This is also recommended by approval from our planning commission with the 90 vote.

[26:25] I will spare going through all the 13 conditions of approval as they were the same in 2023.

[26:32] I could leave them up on the screen for a little bit if and when the council has any questions

[26:37] that I'd be happy to stand for. Is there a motion great point one?

[26:43] I don't make a motion, I'll make a motion for you.

[26:48] Is it second?

[26:49] I will second.

[26:50] It's been moved and seconded.

[26:51] Council member, why don't you have something?

[26:53] Yes, please.

[26:54] Director Sergeant, when we brought this up, these 13 conditions at the time.

[27:00] This was a landscaping business if I remember correctly.

[27:03] Is that correct?

[27:03] That's correct, yeah.

[27:04] Okay and it looks now based on your drawing

[27:10] that they've sublet some of the space in here and one of which happens to be the premium

[27:17] Minnesota cannabis company?

[27:21] Yes, so that's the company that the property owner was working with the city with or working

[27:28] with at the time of application. During that process it was indicated that they had not yet

[27:34] signed a lease with them, so they're still working with that prospective user. We don't

[27:39] I don't know right now if that user's been secured, but obviously going through this process would free up some parking for any new user of that space.

[27:49] Okay, but if my other concern, I guess, is the fact that these, depending on what specific types of candidates products are going to be selling, they also need a license from us, is that correct?

[28:00] This is not selling, this is going to be a cultivation, and for my understanding, this is a cultivation business, so it doesn't require any specific registrations from the city, does require a licensure from the state to do that.

[28:13] So, we also don't restrict the number of cannabis cultivators in the city, nor do we restrict them by buffer requirements as we do with the retail component.

[28:26] The only indication in this case is if they'd be zoned correctly for the type of use.

[28:31] This property is zoned industrial, which a cannabis cultivation operation would be allowed in this zoning district.

[28:40] Thank you.

[28:42] Yes, Councilmember Ray.

[28:44] Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

[28:46] Director, just for clarity, all of the businesses in this space are still, still meeting that industrial zoning requirement, correct?

[28:53] That's correct.

[28:54] Thank you.

[28:58] With nothing else, thanks for the planning commission for going over this.

[29:02] Mr. Flowers, take a vote.

[29:04] Mayor Elder.

[29:06] Yes.

[29:06] Council Member Coriel.

[29:08] Yes.

[29:08] Council Member Eisenberg.

[29:10] Yes.

[29:11] Council Member London.

[29:12] Yes.

[29:13] Council Member Ray.

[29:14] Yes.

[29:14] 5.3 resolution approving variance to parking lot setbacks and conditional use permit for deferment

[29:22] of parking, trucks,

[29:29] true acts, excuse me, I knew I knew I had a group LLC at 4300, Quebec,

[29:34] Avenue, North, New Hope Planning Case, 2, 6, Stash, 0, 3.

[29:39] Mr. Mayor, 8.2 will be next.

[29:43] You want to hear every agenda item today?

[29:46] All right, let's do 8.2, a resolution of approval of the amendment to conditional use permit

[29:52] for outdoor storage related to rural property located at 32-16 when at

[29:58] to Avenue North New Hope Planning case.

[30:00] 26-06. Good evening. Mr. Mayor, members of the council. Thanks for the introduction, Jeff

[30:07] Alger, Community Development Specialist. The applicant for this item is requesting another

[30:12] amendment to their conditional use permit for outdoor storage. In order to allow for the rental,

[30:17] storage, and display of U-Haul trucks at 32-16-1-NETCO. A conditional use permit or a CUP was approved in

[30:25] in 2017 to allow for the conversion of this warehouse

[30:28] into a self storage facility with an open outdoor storage area.

[30:33] It's about a six acre parcel that is zone BW Business Warehouse.

[30:39] So the north, we have industrial zone property in New Hope.

[30:43] And to the west, there's single family residential

[30:45] in the city of crystal.

[30:47] South would see multifamily residential in the city of crystal.

[30:51] And to the east industrial properties in the city of crystal.

[30:53] A condition of approval associated with that 2017 CUP prohibited all commercial uses other than storage at the property.

[31:03] The self storage facility is currently owned by U-Haul.

[31:06] The U-Haul company is requesting approvals to park a maximum of four U-Haul trucks at the property.

[31:13] Three new parking stalls would be added to the northwest corner of the existing open-outdoor storage area,

[31:19] and an area that's already paved.

[31:21] The northernmost all in the parking lot along Winnock Avenue North would be reserved

[31:27] for dropping off and the short-term storage of U-Haul trucks.

[31:33] If we look at the site plan and photos here, this kind of helps to pick the circulation

[31:38] on site.

[31:40] Drive-out lane provides customer access to the building for self-storage transactions.

[31:45] There's a separate lane on the south side of the property that provides access to that open

[31:49] out-door storage area.

[31:50] The U-Haul trucks would primarily be parked and stored within the outdoor storage area and that is east of the building.

[31:58] Rental truck drop-off would occur on the west side of the building along WNK Avenue North.

[32:04] So customers would pick up or would park their truck in the northern most parking stall.

[32:09] And then they would give their key to a U-Haul employee during regular business hours.

[32:14] An employee would then take the truck and move it to the back outdoor storage area.

[32:19] If the truck were to be dropped off outside of regular business hours, it would be, again, parked in that same stall.

[32:26] And then when employees arrived in the morning, they would move it to the back storage area.

[32:32] There would be a drop box for the key to be placed in.

[32:36] As far as pickup goes, that would involve customers getting keys from inside the building, going to the back to retrieve a truck from the storage area, and then exiting on a wind park drive.

[32:48] None of these vehicles, rented out the property, would exceed 15 feet in length, so they're not the huge trucks that you sometimes see, it's the more condensed version.

[32:58] New Hope City Code does not specify a parking standard for self storage facilities.

[33:03] Obviously due to the nature of this type of business and low traffic count, the parking demand is usually significantly less than standard warehouse or industrial type uses.

[33:11] the initial use permit that was approved in 2017 and included a total nine standard parking

[33:17] stalls and two accessible stalls along Winnett Gavin North as well as 12 proof of parking

[33:23] stalls directly north of that parking. The proof of parking area would only be required

[33:28] to be paved if the building used demonstrated a demand for parking that exceeded what was

[33:33] on site. We've witnessed no issues up to this point with parking since those approvals were

[33:39] granted.

[33:42] Contention upon the conditions of approval, the proposal was found to be consistent

[33:46] with the CUP review criteria outlined in the city code. And just wanted to mention in accordance

[33:51] with section 816 of the city code, a license is required for the rental of trucks and trailers

[33:58] in New Hope.

[34:00] Similar to the last item, the public hearing took place at the September 1st Planning

[34:04] Commission meeting, and aside from the applicant, no comments were submitted at that time.

[34:11] Planning Commission considered the request for an amendment to the CUP for open-out or storage

[34:15] to allow for the rental storage and display of U-Haul trucks at 3216 WNN North and recommended

[34:21] approval with a 9-0 vote subject to the following conditions.

[34:27] Number one, rental vehicles stored on site on the property shall be limited to four designated

[34:32] stalls shown on amended site plan, including one stall in the WNNN North parking lot and three

[34:38] Two stalls in the open outdoor storage area.

[34:41] Screening shall not be required for the vehicle located in the Winnocka Avenue North

[34:45] Stahl.

[34:46] Rental vehicles shall not exceed 15 feet in length.

[34:50] Two, all on-site parking shall occur in designated code compliance striped metuminous areas

[34:56] that meet city code dimensional standards.

[34:58] Parking in storage is prohibited within drive aisles, loading areas, fire lanes, unpaved

[35:04] surfaces, and public streets.

[35:07] three open-out storage areas shall be screened from adjacent public right away and

[35:11] residential properties. Four, vehicle display area shall be kept free from dirt,

[35:16] weeds, garbage trash and other debris. Five, the west side of Winnett Avenue

[35:21] North parking lot shall be striped and signed as no parking zone as required by the

[35:26] west-metrofire rescue district. Six, the fire department connection shall be painted

[35:31] and adjusted so that all components spin freely and an approved FDC sign shall be

[35:35] installed as required by the West Metro Fire Rescue District.

[35:39] Seven gate access card for the open outdoor storage area,

[35:42] shall be provided to the West Metro Fire Rescue District.

[35:45] Eight properties shall comply with all city licensing

[35:48] requirements related to the rental of trucks and trailers.

[35:52] Nine amended conditional use permit shall be recorded

[35:54] on the property in the office of the Hennepin County Recorder.

[36:00] We do have Lucia Vien West in attendance tonight.

[36:03] She is the applicant and I know she would

[36:05] be happy to address the council with any questions or comments. I do want to mention

[36:09] they have completed several of the items, outstanding, all of the outstanding items I'm told related

[36:18] to those conditions of approval. So with that staff is happy to answer any questions.

[36:24] Is there a motion for 8.2? I'll make a motion on 8.2, approving an amendment to conditional

[36:31] I also use permit for open outdoor storage area relating to real property located at 3216 when net cabin in north new hope, new home planning case, 26-06.

[36:42] I will second.

[36:44] It's been moved and seconded any discussion.

[36:48] Councilmember London.

[36:49] Thank you.

[36:50] Mayor.

[36:51] Mr. Alger.

[36:52] Is America is a franchisee of U-Haul?

[36:58] I believe right, U-Haul is a publicly traded company.

[37:01] America, real estate company is who owns this property now, is that correct?

[37:07] America is listed as the owner, yes.

[37:11] Okay,

[37:14] and we have, the applicant is here, America representative?

[37:20] Could you step up to the microphone, say, your name and address for the rest of the place?

[37:30] I'm Lucie Dean West, 3216, Wineca.

[37:32] Thank you.

[37:33] Ms. West, what other U-Haul facilities do you have here in the local area?

[37:40] I have 26 locations in Northern Minnesota.

[37:43] Northern Minnesota, so no other.

[37:45] So we also have additional locations in Southern Minnesota.

[37:47] In my marketing company, I have 26 locations.

[37:50] So I have one in Crystal, Plymouth, Blaine, New Hope, Minneapolis, St. Cloud, Brainer,

[37:57] Superior Wisconsin, Herman Town, Minnesota, Brainer, and recently purchased land in Bemidji,

[38:03] I'll be building there, as well as my new ground up building Ramsey.

[38:07] Okay, very good, so the Golden Valley I and the 169 in Plymouth by Medicine Lake, those are not yours.

[38:14] The Plymouth location off of 169 is mine.

[38:16] Oh, okay. Very good. All right. Well, so you've got plenty of building there for vehicles at the

[38:25] plentiful location, correct? That's pretty good. I go over there to get my propane gas.

[38:32] Nice. I appreciate that. But yeah, so I'm happy that you're here and everything. I'm not a fan of

[38:40] giving up a lot of commercial grade buildings for rental storage facilities.

[38:48] We have eight and new hope, which in my opinion is too many.

[38:52] And I'm not for really putting vehicles onto the property, but

[38:55] I'm going to get out loaded so you're lucky.

[38:58] So thank you and good luck with your business.

[39:01] Thank you, sir.

[39:02] Anything else?

[39:03] Anything else for the applicant?

[39:05] Thank you very much.

[39:07] Is there any other discussion for 8.2?

[39:13] Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

[39:15] Is there any concern about any nuisance coming to the neighbourhood and our friends in crystal from these new vehicles?

[39:27] Thank you, Council Member Ray, for the question.

[39:30] Given the limited scope, only four trucks, we didn't have huge concerns about that.

[39:36] the one drop-off location on WANETCA, you know, that people will drop off the vehicle, put their key either at the front desk or in the drop box and leave the site so, you know, certainly if there are issues, we can address it through the conditions of approval here, however, on the planning commission and staff did not really have any big concerns.

[40:00] Thank you.

[40:00] That's

[40:04] seeing anything else? Take the vote.

[40:06] Council Member Coriel. Yes.

[40:08] Council Member Eisenberg. Yes.

[40:11] Council Member London. No. Council Member Ray. Yes.

[40:15] Mayor Elder. Yes. Welcome. Thank you.

[40:20] How can I do 8.3? Thank you.

[40:22] 8.3, a resolution approving variance to parking lot setbacks and

[40:27] conditionally used permit for deferment of parking Truax Group LLC at 4,300 Quebec Avenue

[40:36] North New Hope Planning case 26-03. Thanks again Mr. Mayor, members of the council.

[40:44] The applicant for this item is requesting variances to parking lot setback standards as well as

[40:50] a conditionally used permit or again a CUP for the deferment of required parking. This is the same

[40:56] property that received City Council approval for an antenna tower back in May of this year.

[41:01] Property is about five acres in size. It's zone industrial. You'll see the surrounding

[41:05] land uses on screen.

[41:10] As we look at the site plan on screen, the south side of the property

[41:13] is going to be on the left and the north side is on the right. Should be noted that no

[41:17] new pavement is being proposed as part of this application, just the striping of currently

[41:22] paved areas. The variance requests relates to the north and south sides of the property.

[41:29] 28 proposed stalls would be located in area A on the left side of the screen.

[41:34] 3 proposed stalls and 17 proof of parking stalls would be located in area E on the right

[41:40] side of the screen. In addition to the parking setback variance, the applicant is requesting

[41:47] a CUP for the deferment of required parking.

[41:50] Based on the proposed and existing uses inside the building, the city code requires a minimum

[41:55] of 75 parking stalls for personal vehicles, as well as one stall for every company vehicle

[42:01] that's stored on the property.

[42:03] The site plan includes 30 stalls for 30 commercial vehicles in area G, area on your left, and

[42:11] When the applicant is proposing to stripe 64 of the 81 personal vehicle stalls shown

[42:17] on the site plan, they would defer the striping of the remaining 17 stalls, which are shown

[42:23] in area E, right side of the screen.

[42:26] As a result, 64 of the 75 required personal vehicle stalls would be striped, and 30 of

[42:32] the required 30 commercial vehicle stalls would be striped.

[42:37] The introduction of a new tenant, triple A movers, as well as commercial vehicles being

[42:42] stored on the site has resulted in a need for additional parking at the property.

[42:47] Parking stalls have not been striped at this property for many years.

[42:51] The applicant has prepared a plan that includes two clusters of parking stalls that would not

[42:56] meet setback requirements.

[42:58] The zoning code requires that off-street parking must be setback at least three feet from

[43:03] neighboring properties and that curbing must be set back at least five feet for

[43:08] neighboring properties. So the idea is to allow for that overhang with the vehicle

[43:12] parks. During the 2006 construction of village on Quebec, the retail center

[43:19] that's directly south of the subject property. Adjustments were made along the

[43:23] shared property line. You can see the aerial images before and after. A driveway

[43:28] The way that provided access to 4,300 Quebec located on the village on Quebec property was eliminated.

[43:35] Curving, landscaping, and parking stalls were added to the village on Quebec property.

[43:40] Helping to more clearly delineate that shared property line.

[43:45] In recent years, curbing was added around the parking areas and

[43:48] drive aisles to the south and west of 4,300 Quebec Avenue north.

[43:55] So if we look at the left side of the screen here,

[43:57] Here the proposed parking plan for 4,300 Quebec includes 28 stalls on the south side

[44:03] of the property that would be set back approximately 1.4 to 1.75 feet from that south property

[44:10] line.

[44:11] The right side of the screen, the application narrative states that the stalls and proof

[44:16] of parking stalls on the north side of the property would be located a similar proximity

[44:22] need to the lot line as the south stalls, but it does not list exact distances.

[44:28] There is no curbing on that north side of the property.

[44:32] Again, all proposed parking areas are currently paved and no new pavement is being proposed.

[44:40] A recommended condition of approval requires that parking stalls be set back at least

[44:45] one foot from the north and south property lines.

[44:49] As a result, the following two variances would be necessary.

[44:52] First, a two-foot variance to the off-street parking setback requirement and a four-foot variance

[45:00] to the curbing setback requirement along the south property line. Secondly, a two-foot variance

[45:06] to the off-street parking setback requirement along the north property line where there

[45:10] is no curbing.

[45:13] If we ship to the deferment of parking request based on the proposed and

[45:18] existing uses inside of the building, minimum parking requirements are shown on screen.

[45:27] The site plan includes 30 stalls for 30 commercial vehicles in area G. The applicant is proposing

[45:34] to Stripe 64 of the 81 personal vehicle stalls shown on the site plan and would defer the

[45:41] striping of the remaining 17 stalls in area E. Public Works staff is supportive of the applicant

[45:47] using the easement areas both inside and outside of the fence along that north property line for

[45:53] parking. Provided access to the sanitary sewer along the east property line is maintained through

[46:00] the gate and drive islands. Striped personal vehicle stalls would be located along the south,

[46:07] which is area A, southwest, area B, west, area C, northwest, area D, and northeast area F on this

[46:20] site plan.

[46:24] The applicant has calculated a maximum personal vehicle demand between the two tenants of 90

[46:29] parking stalls. This includes 10 spaces for TrueX Company and 80 spaces for

[46:34] AAA Movers. The application describes a dual-use system for the 30 commercial

[46:40] vehicle stalls that are circled on screen. When operators arrive for work, they

[46:45] would park their personal vehicles inside the same large stall that they're

[46:49] assigned commercial truck occupies. Each truck has two operators and the

[46:54] The commercial vehicle stalls are large enough to fit two personal vehicles.

[46:58] The truck departs for the day allowing for the two personal vehicles to be stored in each of these 30 parking stalls.

[47:05] The applicant states that up to 60 personal vehicle stalls could be parked in their manner.

[47:09] Therefore reducing the number of stalls that need to be striped.

[47:13] The city code does not address this type of scenario, and as a result, the city's analysis does not count the stalls as both commercial and personal vehicle stalls.

[47:24] In summary, 64 of the required 75 personal vehicle stalls would be striped.

[47:30] 17 proof of parking stalls would be reserved, if necessary in the future.

[47:35] And 30 of the required 30 commercial vehicle stalls would be striped.

[47:40] City code allows for a deferment of required parking, if not less than one half of the amount of parking required by ordinance is deferred.

[47:48] So this application is at 86%.

[47:51] If the deferred parking were to be approved, the city could require the proof of parking area to be converted into parking stalls in the future.

[48:00] Public hearing for this item took place at the September 1st Planning Commission meeting, no one aside from the applicant spoke at that public hearing.

[48:08] The Planning Commission considered the request for a two-foot variance to the off-street parking setback requirement and a four-foot variance to the curbing setback requirement to allow for the striping of 28 parking stalls along the self-property line.

[48:22] A two-foot variance to the off-street parking setback requirement to allow for the striping

[48:27] of three parking stalls and 17 proof of parking stalls along the north property line,

[48:33] and a CUP for the deferment of painting 17 parking stalls along the north property line

[48:40] at 4300 Quebec Avenue North and recommended approval with a 9-0 vote.

[48:46] The City Council directed staff to add a condition of approval, which is number 11 in the packet

[48:51] as a result of discussions that took place

[48:54] at the September 21st work session.

[48:57] The recommended conditions of approval

[48:59] for this item include the following.

[49:02] Number one, a total of 64 personal vehicle stalls

[49:05] and 30 commercial vehicle stalls shall be striped

[49:07] in areas shown on the site plan,

[49:09] no later than November 30th, 2026.

[49:12] All on site parking shall occur

[49:14] in designated code compliance striped

[49:16] betuminous areas that meet city code dimensional standards.

[49:20] Parking and storage is prohibited within drive aisles, loading areas, fire lanes, and unpaved surfaces.

[49:27] Two, all parking associated with the property shall be accommodated entirely on site within the designated private parking lot.

[49:35] Public streets, including Quebec Avenue North, shall not be utilized for the parking, staging, queuing, or queuing of any vehicle involved with the operations of businesses occupying the building on the property.

[49:47] Three parking stalls along the self-property line shall be located no less than one foot from the self-property line.

[49:55] Parking stalls and potential future parking stalls along the north-property line shall be located no less than one foot from the north-property line.

[50:04] Survey shall be updated by license surveyor to include distances between north and self-property lines and parking and proof of parking stalls and submitted to the city with a parking lot permit application.

[50:19] For a restrictive covenant, she'll mandate the construction of the proof of parking area

[50:23] if the city finds that the demand for the on-site parking exceeds the available supply.

[50:28] This covenant shall preserve the proof of parking area from any type of construction.

[50:32] If striping of proof of parking area along the north property line with an easement is required,

[50:37] excess of sanitary sewer along the east property line shall be maintained through gates and

[50:42] drive aisles or drive lanes.

[50:45] 5, ADA compliant parking stalls shall meet all required accessibility standards.

[50:50] 6 concrete curbing along the south property line shall be extended northward to delineate

[50:55] parking area and provide physical separation from the westernmost ADA compliant parking

[51:02] stall. Justments to the plan shall be subject to approval by the city engineer. 7, access

[51:08] gate at the southeast portion of the property shall be adjusted to align with the east drive

[51:12] The fire lane along the east property line shall remain unobstructed maintaining a minimum 20-foot clearance.

[51:19] No parking signs shall be installed along the east property line in accordance with the fire code requirements.

[51:27] 8 lock boxes with keys to gated areas shall be installed on gates to allow access to west metro fire rescue district and public works department.

[51:35] 9 all waste containers shall be located within closures constructed and maintained in accordance with city code requirements applicable to industrial trash enclosures.

[51:43] 10 snow storage shall not interfere with the parking drive out loading areas, fire lands, or be placed in the street or storm water plant.

[51:53] Excess snow that cannot be placed in designated storage areas shall be hauled off site.

[51:58] 11 the owners shall grant a 15 foot drainage and utility easement to the city along the east boundary of the property,

[52:06] which will be recorded on the property in the office of the Hennepin County recorder.

[52:12] And lastly, variances, 12 variances, conditional use permit, and restrictive covenant shall be recorded on the property in the office of the Hennepin County Recorder.

[52:23] So I believe we have a representative of the business in attendance this evening.

[52:28] I'm sure he would be happy to address the council and staff is happy to answer any questions.

[52:32] This is our motion for 8.3.

[52:36] I'll make a motion for 8.3, the resolution of proving variances to parking lot setbacks

[52:41] and conditional use permit for deferment of parking for Truex Group LLC at 4300 Quebec

[52:48] Avenue, North New Hope Planning Case, 26-03.

[52:53] I will second.

[52:54] It's been moved and seconded any discussion, Councilmember London.

[52:59] Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

[53:02] Mr. Alger, how much new asphalt, if you can go back to that photo, how much new asphalt

[53:09] are we talking about going down here because all these spaces that are proposed for what

[53:16] I'll call double cars to be parked in moving truck spots, there's no room as the building

[53:27] Since today, correct?

[53:29] Correct. Councilmember London, they are not proposing any additional asphalt or pavement

[53:35] at this time. It's all of this is existing pavement that was done. I believe within

[53:41] the last few years, they expanded the parking area.

[53:46] Okay, so that picture is all. Is that correct? That's not there's still. I mean, I, if you

[53:55] go to, no, the one, when the, it used to be, oh, in the, yeah, back to there, right there, yeah.

[54:06] Yeah, this, this would be the front of the building and just kind of gives you an idea of what the building looks like.

[54:11] All the, there's a parking lot on the left there that I think there's about six stalls that would be located there,

[54:19] but the majority of the parking is, you know, to the north-south and east of the actual building.

[54:25] Okay, I guess, I mean, I guess what it is throwing me off is the, that, Quebec, I'm thinking is the railroad tracks and so I've got everything turned around.

[54:40] But this, this is a significant amount, they're talking about 60 vehicles in those

[54:49] spaces and 30 moving trucks. And where, I mean, I'm just wondering when

[55:00] there's a heavy snowfall, the vast majority are going to have to be on Quebec

[55:05] Avenue. People are going to park there. How is the mall that's next door? They're going to be

[55:12] parking there as well. I just I don't I see this as as maximizing obviously every square inch

[55:25] of the property because they're obviously they in order to get the trucks through on the one side

[55:30] they don't even want to put the parking spaces in there because it would

[55:34] would run the risk of damaging vehicles or having accidents.

[55:39] So is it not fair to say that the vast majority of the cars are going to end up on the street

[55:45] or at the mall next door?

[55:50] Councilmember London, I know the applicant could also address that, however they are proposing

[55:58] using to use spot G if you look on the screen here at the bottom where the arrow is located.

[56:06] There are a total of 30

[56:13] commercial vehicle stalls in that purple area.

[56:17] So their statement is that those can house up to 60 personal vehicles.

[56:24] vehicles. So as the trucks are removed from the site, they'll be able to park two personal

[56:31] vehicles in each of those 30 stalls.

[56:36] And if that's not the case, I know you mentioned that the deferred striping could be required.

[56:44] What needs to take place for that to happen? I mean, if the landlord next door with the

[56:50] all says hey we're getting cars that are constantly parking over here in these spots and pub 42 and

[57:00] whatever is battling all the street parking on Quebec and they're like yeah you know

[57:06] now people have to walk you know a half mile from the ball fields what do you what do you state

[57:14] to that. What is it going to take in order to actually, because I just see that happening

[57:20] in the future, if in fact all these tenants are occupying their space in this building

[57:26] to the fullest extent.

[57:28] Mr. Mayor, members of the council, Jeff Sarge, a community volunteer. I'll jump in.

[57:31] We had staff actually worked with the applicant pretty closely on this site plan. Originally,

[57:38] they wanted the area F also deferred to say we don't want to have to straight either area

[57:44] E or area F. Staff had the very same concerns that you do, Councilor London, as far as how

[57:51] is this property going to actually function, right? So there is one way traffic only, which

[57:59] means that they come in from the south. So from the left side of the screen, they enter

[58:06] that south property and then they circle around the building, which means all of those parallel

[58:12] parking stalls in G are actually the wrong way.

[58:16] And what they are saying that they're going to do is be able to back into those stalls.

[58:22] So not only are they taking a truck out, they're going to back in two personal vehicles into those same stalls.

[58:29] Our code does not address tandem parking in any way shape or form, which is why we told them that we would not support at a staff level deferring the parking stalls on F.

[58:41] The reason why the applicant would like the parking stalls at E to be deferred.

[58:47] There's two reasons.

[58:47] Number one is that the north side is really where the TrueX company, their parking is.

[58:53] At any one time, they've never had more than 10 employees at the property.

[58:57] They wouldn't need that number of parking on an area E.

[59:01] Also, that is potentially where an easement will be created between the property owner and AT&T,

[59:07] for 18 T personnel to be able to gain access to the tower that the council proved in May.

[59:14] So we understood those two things.

[59:16] We said, okay, we understand why you shouldn't have to strike E, right?

[59:21] So now we go back to, well, what's going to happen when the parking becomes so undueable

[59:27] that you start parking on Quebec, you're parking on Pub 42, you're parking in the shop and

[59:32] off to the south, and that's why we put in that condition of approval that says that

[59:37] we are not going to allow for that parking to happen.

[59:41] Now to answer your question, Councilmember London, it's going to be by complaint that

[59:45] comes into us that says, we know that there's employees parking, I see them every day, they're

[59:53] parking at pub 42, they're walking across the street, they're grabbing their trucks and

[59:57] they're leaving, right?

[59:57] So it'll be by complaint basis

[1:00:00] Being that it's a condition of approval in this conditions permit, we would be able to use that to come back and say that we need to revoke the conditions permit or do something to amend the COP or to start issuing citations for not adhering to those conditions of approval. Obviously, that would take a council action and a public hearing to do that. But, again, we're trying to accommodate a new business that's been in that property.

[1:00:27] That's also reason for us recommending approval of the variances to the North and South property line.

[1:00:34] We feel that as much space as they can use out there, the better, in the amount of parking.

[1:00:39] Obviously, if no variance is approved, you probably wouldn't see any parking in A at all.

[1:00:44] So we wanted to make sure at least there's some parking on the property that the customers and

[1:00:49] the employees could use as well.

[1:00:51] So, yes, this is a very tricky property in the fact that there's a lock going on in what seems to be a small area.

[1:00:59] I'm just hoping that they're able to functionally use the property that the way they feel that they could functionally use it.

[1:01:06] So, that's a little bit of background as far as how we work through this application with the applicant.

[1:01:12] Okay. So as we know, there's going to be essentially three businesses, or is there

[1:01:19] more that we know of on this property? And I'm just going to use the AT&T cell tower

[1:01:25] as one business that's going to operate, the moving business A. What is it called?

[1:01:32] Trux. Triple A. No, Trux makes the equipment. Triple A. They were across the street,

[1:01:39] I think a 42nd in the office building, using an office building parking lot to park all their trucks.

[1:01:45] I originally called that in saying, I'm going to be these trucks in the parking lot of the office building.

[1:01:52] But I'm glad you guys took care of that.

[1:01:55] Now, there's somewhat more legitimate in the commercial district.

[1:02:01] Okay, that's all I've got.

[1:02:03] Thank you.

[1:02:05] Yes, Council Member Ray.

[1:02:07] Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

[1:02:07] Just a quick question, the concept of proof of parking for those at home can you help us understand the difference between striped parking spaces and then the 17 proof of parking potential spaces?

[1:02:22] Yeah, thank you for that, Council Member Ray.

[1:02:24] Essentially what proof of parking is is that we as a city understands that the need for parking is not there right now.

[1:02:30] So, rather than the expense made or green space taking up or whatever might be to install required parking ahead of time,

[1:02:42] what we're saying is that through the conditions permit we would allow for this proof of parking or deferment of parking,

[1:02:47] saying we understand that you're not meeting minimum standards.

[1:02:52] You're showing where you can put the parking into meet minimum standards.

[1:02:56] And if there is ever a time where the city feels that those parking stalls are required we will require or force you to install this parking.

[1:03:08] Generally, the proof of parking is used for not having to eat up green space.

[1:03:14] In this case, it's a little bit different. They want to save that area for different use.

[1:03:18] Okay, so we are normally our parking minimums are based on, you know, so many spots per square foot and what we're saying here is, we know you've got the space, it's there, we can eventually use that for parking if absolutely we recognize that currently, you know, your use is not actually using all the parking spaces that will be required by the technical minimums.

[1:03:45] That's correct, Council Member A. So another way for us as a city to be, you know, business friendly with people who are looking to utilize their space.

[1:03:55] We certainly appreciate that.

[1:03:57] Thank you.

[1:03:58] Council Member Eisenberg.

[1:03:59] I would like to invite the applicant up to address Council Member London's concerns, please.

[1:04:05] Mr. Truex.

[1:04:07] Would you step up to the microphone?

[1:04:23] Thank you for being here, sir.

[1:04:24] Councilmember London did you have any further questions? Councilmember Eisenberg is

[1:04:32] going to make me ask my questions again I guess. In terms of what do you

[1:04:39] envision obviously you do otherwise you wouldn't propose it but when it comes

[1:04:48] time and you've got people that are parking on Quebec Avenue or in the wall

[1:04:54] You're fine with the city then coming back and requiring you to stripe additional parking spaces.

[1:05:03] You would want us to ride the ranger with additional space.

[1:05:10] Well, what I'm saying is, if there's complaints from other property owners, because you have,

[1:05:19] I'll say tenants that are unable to or because of space in adequate space on your property.

[1:05:31] When the city comes to you to say we've received complaints and at the time of your application

[1:05:40] we were well aware and granted you the ability to go short on the parking.

[1:05:47] But now we're going to require you to put in more parking spaces.

[1:05:52] You're going to be fine with that, correct?

[1:05:53] No.

[1:05:55] Okay.

[1:05:56] Let's want to get that out on the record.

[1:05:58] It's fine.

[1:05:59] Yeah.

[1:06:00] If the renter would pay for it, pay for the additional parking.

[1:06:07] Right.

[1:06:08] And it really restricts us.

[1:06:12] The vehicles that was said it was one way traffic.

[1:06:14] That's not always the case, because the renter wants to go southbound on the back of the building.

[1:06:20] In order for semis to back into our dock bay, they have to come from the south northbound,

[1:06:27] so they can back into our end of the building.

[1:06:32] Because there's not enough room out there to make a 55-foot semi 180 after they come in on the north side.

[1:06:40] Right. And given a heavy snow are you are you going to keep equipment? I mean you're a heavy equipment manufacturer. No, we're not heavy equipment. Okay, from all right industrial equipment manufacturer.

[1:06:53] You're going to keep some kind of snow removal vehicle on site or are you going to outsource

[1:07:03] that to a third pile?

[1:07:05] We have never done our own snow falling.

[1:07:09] It shows on your drawings where we're stacking snow against our building that's very, very

[1:07:16] detrimental to concrete blocks.

[1:07:18] Yeah, furthermore, your plan to show where the snow is to be piled between the AT&T tower

[1:07:26] offense and the North property line.

[1:07:28] You can't pile snow against chain-line fences off them tipping over.

[1:07:32] We're done.

[1:07:33] Boa.

[1:07:34] Yeah.

[1:07:35] So, there is nowhere in your plan where the snow can go.

[1:07:40] Okay.

[1:07:41] So, what are we doing about this?

[1:07:44] It seems that we're adding impasse here staff in terms of whether or not we should

[1:07:51] approve this tonight or try and continue to work for a better solution.

[1:07:57] No, I think that the plan in front of you and that's on the screen as proposed is part

[1:08:02] of the application that's where the applicant will be asked for the site plan to be produced

[1:08:09] that needs a minimum requirements, this is what it has cut that they came up with.

[1:08:15] The conditions of approval, I think, are adequate right now, where we can give the property

[1:08:20] owner the benefit of the doubt that they will adhere to all those conditions until they don't.

[1:08:25] And then if they don't adhere to them, there's avenues that the council can take or staff can

[1:08:30] take to remedy the situation.

[1:08:32] We can start administratively with citations.

[1:08:35] We can give warnings, and then we can move on to revocation of the CUP if that's needed.

[1:08:42] But, Director Sargent, the problem that we have, Mr. Trax here, in he's going to say,

[1:08:47] okay, that's our tenants. They're the ones that went ahead and did that.

[1:08:54] And then they're going to get into a blame game, and they're going to say,

[1:08:58] well, the property was set up and such, and then they're going to keep going back and forth without compliance, right?

[1:09:03] So, how is that going to be resolved?

[1:09:07] You know, at that point it's between the property owner and the tenant or the building manager and the tenant to iron those that situation out.

[1:09:16] I know Mr. President, they as a property owner would not pay for the striping.

[1:09:22] Perhaps it's something that they need to add in to the lease with their tenants that would require them to pay for the striping if it's ever needed.

[1:09:32] If they violate the terms of this conditions permit. So again, what we do as a staff

[1:09:38] levels, we look at this at a city level and a zoning requirement, as far as do they

[1:09:44] or don't they meet the requirements of the code. In this case, obviously, they're not

[1:09:48] meeting with

[1:10:22] us questions that this plan is going to work for you. Is that correct?

[1:10:28] No. Okay. I don't say that. You do think it will work.

[1:10:38] Okay.

[1:10:42] Is that the understanding that you've got three minutes ago? No. Okay.

[1:10:48] Council member, right. Mr. Troops, I guess the question for us, or at least for me, I

[1:10:55] won't speak for anyone. I have kind of two questions. A, do you have any concerns that there will

[1:11:01] not be adequate parking for you and your tenants. It's striped parking.

[1:11:08] Do I have any concern?

[1:11:11] That people are going to have to park off, you know, on the street or, you know, in somebody else's

[1:11:17] parking lot.

[1:11:21] Are you asking for my company or for the rental? Well, yeah, I mean, it's your building,

[1:11:26] right? Yes, sir. Okay, so ultimately, and I guess this is the question I've been,

[1:11:31] Ultimately, you're the property owner, it's incumbent upon you to follow the rules that are set out by city ordinance.

[1:11:40] Are you concerned that you're not going to be able to do that?

[1:11:42] No, we can follow the rules.

[1:11:44] Excellent. Thank you very much, sir. That's what I need to do here.

[1:11:50] Mr. Trux, I would like to thank you for being a long-term community stakeholder in Newho.

[1:11:57] We've dealt with your company on a number of occasions and you've always been great to work with, so thank you for that.

[1:12:06] Is there any other questions?

[1:12:12] Seeing none, take the vote. Thank you, sir.

[1:12:16] Council Member Eisenberg. No. Council Member London. No. Council Member Ray. Yes. Mayor Elder. Yes. Council Member Corio. Yes.

[1:12:28] Yes.

[1:12:28] Okay.

[1:12:29] Thank you very much.

[1:12:33] 10.1.

[1:12:35] Resolution, Authorizing City Manager to amend the 2026 compensation plan to include the

[1:12:45] building superintendent position pursuant to council approval.

[1:12:51] Johnson, good evening.

[1:12:52] Good evening, Mr. Mayor and councilmembers, Rich Johnson, the Director of HR and admin services

[1:12:56] for the city.

[1:12:57] this evening, excuse me, this evening I bring to you.

[1:13:04] Sorry, I lost the number, a resolution authorizing the city manager to amend the 2026 compensation

[1:13:14] plan to include a position of building superintendents, item 10.1.

[1:13:22] Typically staff will bring the compensation plan to council in December for the following

[1:13:27] year.

[1:13:27] And in essence, what we would like to do is to amend the compensation plan for

[1:13:33] 2026, add the building superintendent position, excuse me, and

[1:13:38] begin recruiting for that role to be filled sometime, but

[1:13:42] probably around December 1st.

[1:13:46] We have a surplus of funding due to position vacancies and so on, in 2026.

[1:13:52] So funding is not an issue for this role.

[1:13:55] and it is included in the 2027 budget.

[1:14:00] I'd be glad to answer any questions.

[1:14:02] Is there a motion for 10.1?

[1:14:05] I'll make motion on 10.1,

[1:14:07] a resolution authorizing city manager

[1:14:08] to amend the 2026 compensation plans to include

[1:14:12] the building superintendent position pursuant

[1:14:15] to council approval.

[1:14:18] I'll second.

[1:14:19] It's been moved and seconded in any discussion.

[1:14:25] Seeing none, take the vote.

[1:14:27] Council member London.

[1:14:28] Yes. Council Member Ray. Yes. Mayor Elter. Yes. Council Member Coriel. Yes. Council Member

[1:14:35] Isomer. Yes.

[1:14:41] Okay. 12.1. Anybody have anything for the good of the order?

[1:14:49] I would just like

[1:14:50] to thank CCX for all of their work on putting together our town story, the New Hope

[1:14:57] addition, you have played the game of the game of the game of the game of the game.

[1:15:00] The other one night earlier last week, and it was up to CCX, outstanding standards. So a lot of fun to see the history of the city, as well as to hear it from people who were there and lived through it. So huge thanks to CCX. All right, upcoming meetings. Thursday, October 1st, 3 to 6th. The final New Hope Farmers Market of the season.

[1:15:29] that's at New Hope Church, 4225 Gettysburg Avenue, Saturday, October 3rd, 430 to 630 PM,

[1:15:37] Trucker Trot, Halloween event at Civic Center Park. Monday, October 5th, 6PM,

[1:15:42] Human Rights Commission meeting here at City Hall, Tuesday, October 6th, 7PM, New

[1:15:49] Hope Planning Commission meeting here at City Hall. Thursday, October 8th, 5 to 7PM,

[1:15:54] New Hope City Day happening here at City Hall. Saturday, October 10th, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., special material drop off day.

[1:16:02] That'll be at the Brooklyn Park Operations and Maintenance Facility, 8300, Noble Avenue North.

[1:16:08] And Monday, October 12th, 7 p.m. is a New Hope City Council meeting.

[1:16:16] Nothing else?

[1:16:17] I'll make a motion to adjourn.

[1:16:20] I'll second.

[1:16:21] It's been moved and seconded. All in favor say aye.

[1:16:23] Aye.

[1:16:24] Meeting adjourned.

[1:16:25] Thank

[1:16:31] you everybody.

New Hope City Council 9/28/2026

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