Tax season means a significant increase in scammers attempting to take advantage of residents by posing as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

It’s time for another Mayor’s Minutes episode. New Hope Mayor Kathi Hemken provides an update on city projects, events and happenings.

On Jan. 16 and 17, the New Hope Police Department will host the 2021 United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) Region 12 Detector Dog trials in New Hope, Minnesota. The annual certification event consists of a series of events in which police canine teams demonstrate their ability to work effectively and safely as a team in the detection of narcotics.

Re-elected Mayor Kathi Hemken and Council Member Hoffe, along with newly elected Council Member Michael Isenberg, took the oath of office prior to the New Hope City Council’s first regular meeting of 2021.

The city of New Hope is hiring a building official.

The online application process opens Monday, Jan. 4 at noon. All applications must be submitted by Thursday, Jan. 14 at noon.

New Hope’s outdoor rinks at Hidden Valley, Liberty and Lions parks open tomorrow!

At his final New Hope City Council meeting on Dec. 14, Council Member Cedrick Frazier was commended for his devoted service and contributions to the New Hope community by Mayor Kathi Hemken and his fellow city council members.

The monthly In the Pipeline is now available.

At the Dec. 14 New Hope City Council Meeting, council approved increases to multiple incremental utility rates for 2021. The total impact of the utility fee increases on an “average” residential utility customer (who uses 5,000 gallons of water per month) is predicted to be approximately $4.34 per month.

The eleventh annual New Hope In Focus Photo Contest concluded on Monday night as the 2020 winning photos were presented at the New Hope City Council meeting.

The New Hope City Council approved the 2021 city of New Hope budget and tax levy at its Dec. 14 meeting. The 2021 budget focuses on continuing to provide existing services and programs with current resources and on public safety.

Hennepin County residents who test positive for COVID-19 and need assistance staying in isolation may reach out to Hennepin County’s COVID-19 Essential Services for support.

Aaron Thelen, New Hope Recreation Supervisor, was named New Hope’s 2020 Employee of the Year at the employee recognition event held Dec. 3.

At the Monday, Nov. 23 New Hope City Council meeting, council voted unanimously in favor of two resolutions to help the businesses most directly impacted by COVID-19 restrictions and shutdowns.

The city of New Hope has approved a two-year agreement with Hennepin County for an embedded social worker to be shared by the cities of New Hope, Crystal and Robbinsdale.

New Hope’s 10-year pavement management plan addresses the city’s street pavement needs. Each year, New Hope Public Works staff and the city engineer rate approximately one half of all New Hope streets.

The 2020 City Services Survey was conducted July 5 to Sept. 18, and more than 800 responses were received – the most feedback in more than four years. The top rated city services include police, snowplowing, water supply and sanitary sewer.