New Hope Mayor’s Minutes: Spring Cleaning and Step To It
Spring Cleaning
In this New Hope Mayor’s Minutes, New Hope Mayor Kathi Hemken spoke with Dave Kiser about the many options available to residents to help them clean out their homes and yards this spring. Hemken also mentioned the upcoming Step to It Challenge and the benefits of participating.
Special Materials Drop-off Day
For New Hope residents with unusable household junk, the Special Materials Drop-off Day provides the perfect opportunity to get rid of some of it. The Hennepin Recycling Group hosts the event with four partner cities, including New Hope. The next event is on Apr. 29 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and takes place at Brooklyn Park’s Operations and Maintenance Facility at 8300 Noble Ave. N. in Brooklyn Park.
Drop off batteries (auto and home use), bicycles, cardboard boxes, used oil, oil filters, antifreeze, and scrap metal for free. There will also be free paper shredding on site.
Bring and dispose of other materials like appliances, electronics, mattresses, and tires for a small fee.
“You can bring that stuff that you don’t know what to do with,” Hemken said.
Check Hennepin Recycling Group’s webpage for the list of accepted items and prices.
Special Materials Drop-off Day
Maple Grove Yardwaste Site
The Maple Grove Yardwaste site is now open for the season. Residents of a handful of cities, including New Hope, can use the site free of charge. You must bring a valid photo ID or a current utility bill to prove residency in New Hope.
The site accepts leaves, grass, brush, and garden waste. Hours are Monday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sundays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m until Nov. 30. The Maple Grove Yardwaste Site is located at 10300 Maple Grove Parkway in Maple Grove. Visit mgyardwaste.com for more information about accepted materials and answers to FAQs.
Maple Grove Yardwaste Site
Citywide Garage Sale
Of course, if residents have household items that are still in great condition, there’s an opportunity coming up to pass them along as part of spring cleaning. New Hope’s Citywide Garage Sale is Friday, Jun. 16 and Saturday, Jun. 17.
Register your sale by Jun. 5 to be included on a map of the individual sales going on in the city. Hemken said you aren’t limited to holding your sale over just those two days either.
“You can have your garage sale longer than those two days, but those are the only two days [the map will] tell you about,” explained Hemken.
Register your sale for free at newhopemn.gov/garagesale.
Property Ordinance Reminders
Consequently, as residents do their spring cleaning, the city has some ordinance reminders regarding upkeep around their property.
Hemken wanted to remind residents that they cannot store anything outside, including materials or equipment. Items should be stored in a garage or shed or fully screened from view.
“Everything that is stored has to be behind a cover, so it can’t be seen from the street or from your neighbor’s property,” said Hemken.
Another important reminder was around dumpster bags. Please keep in mind they should be placed at least 15 feet behind the curb and five feet from the side property line. They also can only be on your property for 30 days.
“They’re a nice option, but you have to have them picked up and that costs a lot of money too,” Hemken added. She reminded residents that in order for dumpster bags to be removed, they need to be paid for first.
Step To It Challenge
Now that the nicer spring weather is here, Hemken wanted to encourage people to get active. One great way to do that is by participating in the Step To It Challenge. Participate by signing up at steptoit.org and then logging steps and other activities done during the challenge. The challenge runs May 1 to 28.
Cities have a friendly competition to see which community is the most active, complete with prizes. There are also some individual prizes.
“It’s just kind of a fun way to register your steps that you take every day and the activities you do. Get moving is the whole key,” Hemken said.
It’s free to participate in Step to It, and it’s open to everyone.
Commission and Board Openings
Lastly, two commission and board openings may be of interest to those residents who wish to be involved.
The New Hope City Council is accepting applications for a vacancy on the Planning Commission. Also, the West Metro Fire-Rescue District Board of Directors is looking for an individual to serve as trustee for the West Metro Firefighters Relief Association. That person would need to have a background in financial management.
For more information about either opportunity, go to newhopemn.gov/boardsandcommissions.
Recreation in New Hope: Pedal Over to the Bike Rodeo on Thursday, May 4
Step To It Challenge Website
