New Hope City Council has officially appointed current New Hope Police Chief Tim Hoyt as acting city manager for a six-month trial period beginning June 2. The action ratifies the Council's unanimous agreement at the March 7 work session and directs current City Manager Kirk McDonald to coordinate with Hoyt on job training leading up to McDonald's June 1 retirement.
New Hope City Council discussed the terms of the acting city manager appointment at its March 21 work session and directed city staff to prepare a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the terms of employment during the six-month trial period. Hoyt's appointment is effective until Dec. 1, 2022. As part of the agreement, if Council does not formally appoint Hoyt at the end of his term as acting city manager, or Hoyt declines an appointment to the city manager position, he would return to his role as police chief.
The resolution grants Hoyt full authority to act as city manager for the City of New Hope, conduct financial transactions on behalf of the city and appoints Hoyt as the acting executive director of New Hope's Economic Development Authority.
Additional terms include Hoyt's agreement to serve on the West Metro Fire-Rescue District Board, North Metro Mayor's Association, Hennepin Recycling Group and Joint Water Commission serving New Hope, Crystal and Golden Valley. Hoyt may also serve on or participate in all other committees, commissions, boards or groups customarily filled by the city manager or elect to appoint or assign other qualified individuals to serve.
Hoyt has worked for the city for more than 16 years. He was named Police Chief in October 2020 after 14 years with the New Hope Police Department as an officer and sergeant, overseeing the department's field training and K-9 programs. During his time as chief, Hoyt has focused on community engagement and outreach, recruitment and retention of police staff, officer wellness and implementation of body-worn cameras.
Current City Manager Kirk McDonald announced his retirement in February. McDonald has been the city manager for 15 years and has worked for the city for 32 years.