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

The latest issue of In the Pipeline is available online. This news brief can be found in the monthly utility bill or online and includes details about upcoming events, important reminders and news tidbits.

The city of New Hope is hiring a full-time building inspector.

The infrastructure improvements coming in 2021 include street, water main, sanitary sewer and storm sewer improvements in residential areas along Erickson Drive and the Lions Park neighborhood.

Roof improvements are coming to New Hope Ice Arena. New Hope City Council awarded the construction contract for the project to Jackson & Associates at its Feb. 22 meeting.

The New Hope Police Department is anticipating the implementation of body-worn cameras in 2021.

New Hope has received a ‘AA’ long-term credit rating from Standard & Poor’s on $2,020,000 in general obligation tax abatement bonds and a reaffirmed ‘AA’ rating on the city’s existing general obligation bonds.

The New Hope Police Department is increasing community engagement efforts with a new app, helping residents connect with the police department, view alerts and submit anonymous tips from their mobile device or computer.

Have some fun in the snow! The New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission is sponsoring the fourth-annual snowman/snow sculpture contest this winter.

The city of New Hope understands the importance of being sustainable and environmentally-friendly. One way the city achieves this is through participation in the Minnesota GreenStep Cities Program. The program's framework is used to guide projects, initiatives and goals by implementing proven best practice actions.

It’s that time of year when many are working on filing their state and federal taxes. Preparing your taxes can be daunting, but help is available. Here are details about programs available to New Hope residents.

New Hope K9 Kody is retiring after serving the New Hope community for the past eight years.

Mayor Kathi Hemken and City Manager Kirk McDonald presented a virtual State of the City presentation on Wednesday, Feb. 3. The presentation is being replayed several times on cable and may also be watched online.

The city of New Hope knows not all home improvement projects are completed during normal business hours. That’s why we’re making it easier to apply and pay for permits as well as schedule inspections when it works for you.

The New Hope Police Department is aware of a scam involving Minnesota Unemployment Insurance.

The New Hope Aquatic Park is getting ready to open this summer and now hiring for a number of positions.

New Hope Public Works is now hiring for parks, utilities and stormwater full-time seasonal positions.

The city of New Hope and Home Energy Squad are partnering to bring warmth and energy savings into your home this winter.

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

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.

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.

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.

Each year, New Hope City Council, Commissioners, legislators and staff take a tour of the city’s development and redevelopment projects. This year looked a bit different due to COVID-19, with a virtual tour map and booklet created for self-guided tours.

Funding available for tenants and landlords to cover costs of unpaid rent due to COVID-19.

The city of New Hope now offers eScheduling for most inspection types, via the ePermits Portal.

The Home Energy Squad can help show you ways your home is using energy, as well as recommend ways to decrease your energy use.

New Hope City Council approved a resolution adopting the city’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan and placing it into effect at its meeting on Sept. 12.

The city of New Hope will resume in-person inspections for single-family rental, point-of-sale and business use certificate of occupancy (BUCO) permits on Monday, July 27.

Summer is here and more people are getting outside, including door-to-door solicitors. As salespeople are making their way through the streets, it’s important to know the dos and don’ts of solicitation in New Hope.

The Home Energy Squad is offering free virtual home energy visits to help residents identify ways to be more energy efficient.

A number of state and federal programs are available to help small businesses strugling during the COVID-19 pandemic.