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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2nd Q 12 City of Oak Tree City USA Second Quarter Inside this issue: St. Croix River Crossing Project Update and Position As many are now aware, President Obama recently signed into law, legislation Summer Park 2 providing an exemption to the proposed St. Croix River Crossing Project from the Program Schedule Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. What this generally means is that the Project can pro- ceed without further review from laws under such Act which limited the further Prescription Drug 3 development of the Project in the past. Discount Card While there are supporters and detractors of this Project, the City of Oak Park heights has not engaged into the merits of these positions, rather focusing its at- What's Included 3 tention on ensuring that costs associated with any Project do not fall dispropor- In Trash Pickup tionately on the shoulders of local Oak Park Heights City Taxpayers. The City does not believe that a project of such regional magnitude should be the responsibility Article by 4 of a community of 4,300+ and has firmly stated this position. Jyneen Thatcher Financially, the City is not in a position to take over frontage roads, maintain miles Arborist 5 of newly created trails, maintain new signalizations, or manage substantial new News storm water ponding. In addition, utility relocations alone are estimated to cost into the millions of dollars for which the City will require State, Federal, or other outside financial assistance. Pet Owner 6 Reminders To date, the City Council has worked with our Federal and State Transportation authorities as well as State and Federal Legislators to ensure these costs are pro- Utility Bill 6 vided for. As the City looks positively to continue to work to secure needed funds Information for these basic infrastructure needs, the City will also explore additional opportu- nities relative to the Project,allowed under Minnesota law or otherwise, and con- tinue to advocate an equitable resolution for local governments when faced with Recycling Information significant State and regional projects. The proposed timeline of the Project commences construction in late 2013 or Planning Commission 8 early 2014, with earlier load testing, land acquisition and survey work throughout Vacancy the area. Accordingly,there is some reasonable time afforded to all parties to iden- tify and provide real resources to the City to address the costs mentioned above. Notes from 10 The City has and will continue to seek aid and partnerships throughout this period Public Works so that the City can affirmatively and positively address the needs and interests of its citizens and businesses. Spring Clean-Up 12 The City y anticipates p holding public open houses in the coming months to provide more information on the St. Croix River Crossing Project as it becomes available. Please visit the City's website at www.cityofoakparkheights.com for updates. Page 2 Second Quarter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CLIP AND SAVE! 2012 Summer Park Activities Schedule All events are free! Look over the following schedule, and mark the dates on your calendar. Please check the City's website for further updates on summer programming in the parks. All ages are welcome to attend the activities. Children under six must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is appreciated for the craft activities. E-mail Gina at gzeuliCq.com with number and ages of children attending. June 1—Stillwater Area High School Band Outdoor Concert: Autumn Hills Park from 5-7:30 pm June 14—PLAYFUL CITY PLAYDAY! Sand Art: Valley View Park from 10 am to noon. June 19—Crafts in the Park—Fun Frames: Valley View Park from 10 am to noon. June 26—Minnesota Zoomobile: Autumn Hills Park from 10:30 am to noon. June 28—Family Movie in the Park: Autumn Hills Park. Face painting begins at 7:30 pm, movie begins at dark. Popcorn/beverages available for purchase. July 10—Craft in the Park—Painting: Brekke Park from 10:30 am to noon. July 17—Minnesota Raptor Center Presentation: Autumn Hills Park from 10:30 am to noon. July 24—Crafts in the Park—Beading: Autumn Hills Park from 10 am to noon. July 26—Family Movie in the Park: Autumn Hills Park. Face painting begins at 7:30 pm, movie begins at dark. Popcorn/beverages available for purchase. ;July 31—Crafts in the Park—T-Shirt/Pillowcase/Bag Decoration: Brekke Park form 10 am to noon. ' August 7—Craft in the Park—Stepping Stones: Autumn Hills Park from 10 am to noon. August 7—Party in the Park: Brekke Park from 5-7 pm. Join us for free food, fun, and prizes. August 14—Science Museum's "Solid, Liquid 6t Gas": Autumn Hills Park from 10 am to noon. ;August 21—Crafts in the Park: Support the Troops/Ice Cream Social: Brekke Park 10 am to noon. Make cards/care packages for the U.S. Troops serving overseas. August 28—Mini Dish Gardens: Brekke Park from 10 am to noon. August 30—Family Movie in the Park: Autumn Hills Park. Face painting begins at 7:30 pm, movie begins at dark. Popcorn/beverages available for purchase. September 4—Tennis Camp: Swager Park. Two sessions: 10 am to 10:45 am and 11 am to 11:45 am. Tree City USA Page 3 Lower the Cost of Recycling incentive program Your Prescriptions. The City of Oak Park Heights has a recy- Start Saving Today! cling incentive program. The City awards a prize of $25.00 or a fire extinguisher and/ The Prescription Discount Card is easy to use or smoke detector. Residents participating and can be used any time your prescription is not covered by insurance. in curbside recycling are picked randomly The program includes: twice a month. y Average savings of 20% • •It's FREE,noenrollment or membership fees m All family members are covered Recycling clip benefits the environment in • et prescriptions are covered Even some P P P countless ways: it reduces the amount of • •No limit 10 how many times you use the card natural resources used to make new prod- ' •9 out of 10 pharmacies accept the card • ucts, it saves energy, it prevents water and � r Start Saving Today with the City of Oak Park Heights air pollution including greenhouse gas Prescription Discount Card emissions, and it reduces waste. This means that the simple act of recycling in City of is easy to get a card from the Internet, your daily life provides significant protec- Oak Park Heights go to www.caremark.com/nicandselect tion for our environment and reduces 'Print a Card Now'and follow the easv steps. The City of Oak Park Heights Prescription global warming. a" Discount Card can be picked up at City Hall. Thank you for recycling! For more program �© information visit www.ca remark.com/n Ic or call toll-free 1-885-620-1749. National League of Cities What's included in trash pickup? In addition to the typical garbage and recycling pickup, the City also cov- ers the disposal of yard waste, large household items, and `white-goods' such as televisions, refrigerators, couches, chairs, desks, water-heaters, C NV I RON M i�N-Al- stoves, dishwashers, dryers, etc. for single family residences and com- SERVICES plexes with four units or less in Oak Park Heights. In order to have these items picked up in a timely fashion, please contact Judy Tetzlaff at City Hall, 651-439-4439, at least two days prior to collection day so that the special truck may be dispatched to your home. If you receive a bill from Veolia for these ad- ditional services, please call the City Administrator at 651-439-4439 as most, if not all, of these items are covered under the City's contract, and you should not be billed. Some items are not included in your monthly fee are extra bags of garbage not placed in your container. The City's waste hauler, Veolia, will bill you $1.50 per bag. Some other items that are picked up for a fee are sinks, toilets and construction debris. You will be billed by Veolia at a regulated rate as monitored by the City. REMINDER!! Waste and Recyclable pick-up is every THURSDAY. However, if one of the six holidays—New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas—falls on a weekday, collection may occur on FRIDAY of that week. Page 4 SecondQuarter 2012 Reviewing the Past; Planning the Future by Jyneen Thatcher One of the projects I'm planning she'd step on one of those VII for my retirement years is writing plants when she was a kid, and the history of my ancestor's im- how much it hurt. I carefully pot- migration to Minnesota. Not the ted up the little cactus and took it genealogy — I'm lucky to have to school, for show-and-tell. My m " cousins doing that task — but the teacher surprised me with a rep- stories of their experiences. rimand for telling stories, since When I first started asking ques- everyone knew that a cactus tions of the old folks, I was told wouldn't grow in Minnesota win- that Great-grandpa Nick bought ters. I now know that two spe- his land from a soldier who didn't cies of cacti are found here, al- Prickly pear cactus at Blue Mounds State want it. I was relieved to hear though both are rare and associ- Park that it wasn't my relative who ated with a small group of spe- first broke the prairie sod. Even- cialized prairie plants adapted to tually I learned the full truth, that growth on and around granite Through observation and analy- Nick had purchased a military rock outcroppings. sis of those observations we can bounty land warrant, essentially see which of the great ideas a voucher given to veterans of As we at the Washington Con- from the past has been a suc- the War of 1812 as payment for servation District work with land- cess, and which deserve to be their services. Nick used that owners on vegetation enhance- reconsidered. These days, as in warrant to purchase 160 acres ments, we are often asked our great-grandparents' day, we of land in Stearns County, which whether using native plants is try to get as much value as pos- included prairie, savanna, wet- better than introduced plants or sible from our efforts. I don't ex- lands and oak woods. He did cultivars. Our response depends pect to know if Great-grandpa plow the prairie; the fields he on the functional characteristics Nick preserved the woods for its created are noted on the public needed for the project. The re- shade and wind protection, a land survey documents. He did- cent emphasis on native grasses future firewood supply, or if it n't clear the forests; instead he and wildflowers is due to the was just too much work to con- built the homestead at the transi- value of their deep roots. Ever vert that land to crop fields. tion of the woods and prairie. since the 1930s, resource con- Grandma valued her produce, When I visited the property last servation groups have recom- and invested time in weeding out summer, the oak forest plant mended planting trees for soil the competition for her cab- community is still there, with a stabilization, counting on the bages. I value the finding of un- diverse ground layer of wild ge- network of fine feeder roots to charted colonies of species of raniums, shin leaf, wood anem- anchor the soil on hillsides and concern, like prickly pear cactus. one and even a few scattered stream banks. A diverse planting clumps of little bluestem grass. provides extra benefits, and Most of the landowners I meet The farmstead had plants such even a rigidly designed wind- value the presence of wildlife. A as arbor vitae (white cedar), Ii- break can replicate the diversity sighting of warblers pausing on lacs and day lilies, but a few and structure of a natural wood- their migration might reveal grand old oak trees still gave land plant community. The tradi- some warblers seeking shelter in shade. Old photos clearly show tional components of a wind- the pines, others gleaning the daisies and morning glories bor- break include pines or spruces, upper branches of red maples dering the kitchen garden. some hardwood canopy trees for insect larvae. Other species such as oaks, maples, or elms. of warblers are on the ground, On a visit there, when I was in Shrubs such as hazelnut or scratching in the leaf litter for grade school, I found a cactus serviceberry provide understory. seeds or grubs. Like the animal plant growing in the backyard. If you add a suitable ground- kingdom in general, each spe- Grandma told me to dig it out, cover, you'll have a small north- cies of warbler has a distinct set she didn't want that "weed" in ern hardwood forest. of conditions needed to support her garden. Mom told how often Continued on page s... Tree City USA Page 5 Gypsy Moth Time Piv,b/ems9 In 2010, a large infestation of gypsy moths length, and may be found on objects such was found in the City of Grant. The MN as firewood, wheel wells of cars, play If you are an Dept. of Agriculture treated that infesta- structures, tree trunks, and outdoor furni- tion in the spring of 2011 and it appears to ture. Females are large white moths Oak Park be controlled. which do not fly, while male moths are H e i g h t s brown and do fly. Larvae are bluish/black resident, and Gypsy moths have been found repeatedly and hairy. Gypsy moth larvae feed readily have a problem in Minnesota, and, with treatment, this in- on oaks and other tree species, weaken- sect has not yet become established here, ing trees with repeated years of feeding. with a tree or though it is well-established in the eastern Contact the arborist if you think you have shrub, such as half of Wisconsin. Egg masses are light found gypsy moth larvae, adults or egg an insect or a brown and velvety, an inch or more in masses. disease, have Oak Wilt planting questions, or Oak trees can be pruned up to April 1 in most years. Due to insect transmission of just want to the oak wilt fungus to fresh wounds on healthy oaks, oaks should not be wounded have a plant or pruned from April 1 to July 1. If they are wounded during the growing season identified, call (April 1- October 1), the wounds should be painted with latex house paint to prevent oak wilt infection. It is best to prune oaks between October 15 and March 15. D r. Kathy Widin, the OPH Emerald Ash Borer Arborist, at 439 -4439 Ext. 11o6. Emerald ash borer (EAB) has not yet been confirmed in Washington County. Every- She can either one with ash trees should be examining them for signs of EAB activity. Winter is a good time to check trunks and branches for "D-shaped" adult exit holes and "S- answer your shaped" larval galleries under the bark. If larvae are present there may be a lot of question over woodpecker activity, particularly in the top half of the tree. the phone or If you see any signs of EAB activity, please contact the arborist. Do not move ash make an wood with intact bark from one area to another, as this is one way that emerald ash appointment borer is easily spread. for a site visit. This service is ...Continued from page 4 paid for by the its existence, and since warblers migrate in mixed flocks, the wider the variety of habitats City of Oak you can provide, the greater the possibility you will see all of those species. That is why Park Heights. the Washington Conservation Districts annual tree order list includes a range of species, as a means of expanding the variety of trees and shrubs in backyards throughout Wash- ington County. While I've investigated the past, I've also viewed my era as my ancestors' future. Did Nick preserve the woods expecting that a hundred years later a great-granddaughter would sit in its shade and watch the birds in the canopy? And I wonder if someday, will a future generation walk through my reconstructed prairie and woods, and ask the same question. Jyneen Thatcher is a Natural Resource Specialist with the Washington Conservation Dis- trict. She can be reached by e-mail at jyneen.thatcher@mnwcd.org or 651-275-1136 x37. Page 6 SecondQuarter 2012 Attention Pet Owners Leash Law Reminder The City of Oak Park Heights has a leash law in effect that prohibits pets from running at large. Any dog or cat that is off the premises of the owner and not under the physical control (by leash or by voice) of the owner or another designated person is in violation of this Ordinance. When you are out walking your pet, please remember to bring a plastic bag. Pet owners are re- quired by City Ordinance to clean up pet waste on public and private property. Removal and proper disposal of pet waste helps keep our City clean and healthy. Pet Licenses All dogs and cats in the City for more than 30 days are required to have a City Pet License. There is no charge for this service and it could save your pet from a trip to the animal shelter. Bring proof of your pet's rabies vaccination to City Hall to receive a pet license and tag. For more information, please call City Hall at 651-439-4439. City Ordinances can be viewed on the City's web-site: www.cityofoakparkheights.com. First quarter 2012 utility bills City Meetings Utility bills for the first Quarter of 2012 (January—March) will be mailed (subject to change) to residents soon and will be due May 9, 2012. City Council: The City Council considered a proposal to include the minimum utility 2nd and 4th Tues- bill for water and sewer ($91.21/qtr) in the 2012 general fund budget days at 7:00 p.m. which would be funded with a property tax increase. This was discussed at budget workshops and at the budget hearings held by the Council. The final budget adopted by the Council however did not include this pro- Planning Commis- posal due to overall equity of charges and benefits. Therefore the 2012 sion: Utility Billings will include the minimum charge as it has in the past. Ex- Typically the 2nd pect your first quarter bills (Jan-March) to be received in April. The fol- Thursday at 7:00 lowing rates will apply: p.m. Quarterly Rates for Water: 1. Minimum charge of$30.70 for the first 15,000 gallons of water 2. $2.55 per 1,000 gallons of water used above 15,000 gallons up to Parks Commission: 50,000 gallons 3rd Monday at 6:30 3• $3.05 per 1,000 gallons of water used above 50,000 up to p.m. 99,000 gallons 4• $3.92 per 1,000 gallons of water used above 99,000 Agendas and Min- 5• $4.74 per 1,000 gallons for water use above 200,000 utes are posted on Quarterly Rates for Sewer: the City's website: 1. Minimum charge of$62.10 for the first 15,000 gallons of water www.cityofoakpark 2. $4.43 per 1,000 gallons of water used above 15,000 up to 50,000 heights.com 3• $4.74 per 1,000 gallons of water used above 50,000 gallons Tree City USA Page 7 Recycling cans and bottles You've just finished your afternoon bottle of soda, what do you do with it? Do you take the extra step to ensure that it is recycled? How important is it that your can or bottle ends up in a recycling bin? Recycling cans and bottles not only decreases the materials going to landfills; it helps ; keep our environment healthy. ton 1�14 By recycling, residents can: h Use less energy Recycling a single aluminum can saves enough energy to power a television for three hours. In total, metro area recycling of metal, glass and plastics in 2006 saved enough energy to heat over 78,000 houses for the year. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions In 2006, recycling of cans and bottles in the Twin Cities metro area reduced greenhouse gas emissions equal to taking 125,000 cars off the road. Save natural resources Recycling aluminum reduces water consumption and air pollutants by 95 percent and air pollutants by 95 percent. Making glass from recycled material cuts water pollution by 50 percent. Create jobs The plastic recycling industry provides jobs for more than 52,000 American workers. Reduce taxes Recycling generates $64 million in Minnesota tax revenue every year! So the next time you go to dispose of your bottle or can, remind yourself how much recycling can do! You may recycle curbside, or you may drop off your recyclables at the Washington County Environmental Center. For details and directions, call 651-430-6655. Paper recycling has many benefits Believe it or not,your old catalogs and magazines may be tomorrow's news. What many people don't know is that magazines and other forms of glossy paper are recyclable. When recycled, that glossy paper may be used for many purposes: To make new newspapers In the manufacturing of tissue products 44s • 10 n �® • In the production of writing and printing paper About two million tons of catalogs and magazines are produced each year in i the U.S.,but only about 32% of that is recycled. One of the reasons for that gap is that many people are uncertain about whether glossy paper is recycla- ble. Glossy paper was once excluded from recycling, but today it is a valuable recycling commodity. Recyclers and manufactures in Minnesota are anxious to get as much of it as possible because the demand for recyclable pa- per is greater than the supply. Every bit counts, so add your catalogs and magazines to your recycling bins. RETHINKta Rethink Recycling. To learn more, contact City Hall or visit www.RethinkRecycling.com, the metro area's resource for recycling and RECYCLING. waste disposal. Page 8 SecondQuarter Planning Commission Vacancy Applications are now being accepted for consideration to fill an upcoming vacancy on the Oak Park Heights Plan- ning Commission. The anticipated term for the vacated seat is June 1, 2012 to May 31, 2015, subject to City Coun- cil approval. The Planning Commission is comprised of five members, who are appointed by the City Council to serve on the Commissions in an advisory capacity. The Planning Commission serves as the City's planning agency and conducts public hearings on matters affecting zoning, subdivision and building regulations, land use development and comprehensive planning. Other matters are referred to the Planning Commission by the City Council from time to time. The Commission typically meets on either the 2"d or 3rd Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. and periodically holds workshops or other special meetings. If you are a resident of Oak Park Heights and are looking for an interesting and rewarding opportunity to partici- pate in the development of Oak Park Heights, please contact Julie Hultman at the City of Oak Park Heights for more information and an application. She can be reached by phone at 439-4439 or by email at ihultman@cityofoakparkhei�hts.com Applications may also be printed from the City's web page—www.cityofoakparkheights.com. City Hall is located at 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N., Oak Park Heights, MN 55082. Applications shall be accepted until the 4:30 p.m., Friday, April 27, 2012. It is anticipated that interviews will be held prior to the regular Planning Commission meeting on Thursday, May 10, 2012. Applicants will be contacted for an interview. Parking pads City Ordinance state that cars, trucks, trailers, boats, snowmobiles, water-skis, four-wheelers, motor homes and other similar items shall be parked in your garage or other accessory building, upon your driveway or an approved parking pad. What is an approved Parking Pad? An approved Parking Pad is a parking pad that is hard surfaced constructed of asphalt, concrete, cobblestone, pav- ing block or crushed rock that meets minimum Class 5 material specifications and has at least a 4 inch deep base. Designated parking pads shall extend directly from the driveway, away from the house and may be located within the front, side or rear yard setback. Parking pads must be set back at least 5 feet from rear yard property lines. There are Limitations to What You Can Place on a Parking Pad Your parking pad may be used for the placement of: • No more than a total of two (2) recreational vehicles (boats, snowmobiles, etc.) or pieces of equipment (trailers, etc.), not including racing cars. • Registered and operable passenger vehicles. • No more than one (1) truck and/or trailer not to exceed a gross vehicle weight of 12,000 pounds, except when loading, unloading or rendering a service. • Construction and landscaping materials currently being used on the premises. Firewood Storage shall not be on a parking pad. Firewood shall be neatly stacked and stored in the side yard or rear yard or residential premises. Tree City USA Page 9 Will I need a building permit? When planning your project, keep in mind that many projects require a building permit prior to the project starting. Some common do-it yourself projects such as decks, porches, gazebos, fences, sheds, re- roofing, re-siding, new plumbing or heating or alterations to your existing services, window re- placement, driveway replacement and parking pads typically require a permit to ensure compli- ance to adopted construction and local ordinance codes. If you are hiring a contractor for your project, make sure they are licensed, have obtained a per- mit for the work you that you have hired them for, and that the inspections appropriate to your project are being scheduled while they are working. Building permit applications and information on a variety of projects are available at City Hall and can also be found on the City webpage at www.cityofoakparkheights.com. If you don't find what you are looking for, let us know. We will do our best to get you the information you need. You are encouraged to include a call or visit to the Building Official to discuss what may be needed to make your project safe but also compliant with adopted local ordinances and construc- tion industry codes. Please take the opportunity to utilize the Building Official and City Staff as another set of knowl- edgeable eyes on the projects and work being done on your property. It is the goal of the City to also make your project a success and we are here to help! No question is too small. Our goal is to make your project safe and successful! ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ Who's Who in City Government The local government in the City of Oak Park Heights is made up of a City Council and a Mayor. The Mayor and four Councilmembers are elected to the Council. The Mayor and Councilmembers are elected in even years. Officials are elected for a four-year term, but may be re-elected for any number of additional terms. The City Council meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. The Council agenda is posted at City Hall and on the City's website. The Mayor and Councilmembers work closely with City staff and the City Administrator to ensure that the best interest of the citizens of Oak Park Heights always comes first. The City Hall houses five departments: City Administration, Finance, Building, Public Works, and Police. The City contracts with other firms to provide legal services, planning services, engineering services, and forestry services. The City also contracts with Bayport Fire to provide fire services. Contact information for City Hall and the Mayor and Councilmembers can be found on the back of this newsletter. Page 1 Second Quarter Notes from Public Works Landscaping around hydrants Plow damage repair City Hydrants will be flushed in the fall; al- Although this winter did not require as much though any of the roughly 265 city hydrants plowing as previous winters, some plow dam- may need maintenance at any time. Please re- age to lawns did occur. City crews will be out member that hydrants are a working component repairing major plow damage this spring. of the water system, as such require routine Please contact Andy Kegley, Public Works Di- maintenance. The public works department rector (651) 439-4439 to report yard damage tries to not disturb landscaping and gardens from snowplowing. around hydrants; however cannot guarantee that plantings will not be inadvertently tram- Potholes pled. It is also important that hydrants remain visible and freely accessible for the fire depart- Spring is the prime season for the birth of new ment at all times in case of emergency. potholes. Standard yearly pothole patching begins as soon as feasible with respect to Flushing diapers weather and temperature. Although major potholes are fixed all season long, most yearly Over the last two quarters, the public works patching is completed in March, April and department has responded to lift station fail- May. Streets are visually surveyed for pot- ures due to four diapers becoming tangled in holes each year; however it is possible that a pump impellers. Please be reminded that not pothole returns, is newly formed or was inad- only could disposing of diapers into the sani- vertently overlooked. Please call Public Works tary sewer cause backups for you and your Director Andy Kegley at (651) 439-4439 if you neighbors, doing so violates City Ordinance notice a major pothole on a City street that CC 11o1.16.A.3(g). Please do not flush diapers has not been patched by the end of May. down the toilet. Park shelter restrooms Birth of a Pothole Oak Park Heights Park shelter restrooms typi- cally open at the end of May. Due to uncharac- teristically warm temperatures, restrooms may MENT be open sooner if possible. Public Works will PAVE----- _ , open restrooms when the vulnerability of possi- SUBr A$E ble damage due to freezing water pipes has passed. Each park does have portable restrooms Potholes begin after snow or rain seeps The moisture freezes when temperatures available for use when Shelter restrooms are not into the soil below the road surface. drop,causing the ground to expand and push the pavement up. available. Stay updated by visiting the City's website at www.cityofoakparkheights.com. Street sweeping GAP r Spring street-sweeping is underway. When Al sweeping sand from the edge of your yard into the roadway, please sweep sand into rows, not As temperatures rise,the ground returns When vehicles drive over this cavity,the to normal level but the pavement often pavement surface cracks and falls into remains raised.This creates a gap between the hollow space,leading to the birth of piles. the pavement and the ground below It. another pothole. Tree City USA Page 11 F serve a City Park Shelter Are you thinking about having a get-together or a family reunion? The Brekke, Cover, Valley View, and Autumn Hills Park shelter buildings can be reserved free of charge for your event. The Autumn Hills Park Shelter does require a refundable $100 deposit. Brekke Park is located on Omar Avenue south of the former St. Croix Mall. The park has a covered shelter building with restrooms as well as a tot lot, baseball diamonds, playground equipment, and barbeque grills. Valley View Park is located on Osgood Avenue at the edge of the city limits. This park has a covered shel- ter building, picnic areas, play-grounds and a beautiful passive park area with trails, a prairie restoration area and wetlands. Autumn Hills Park is located at 5697 Norwich Parkway off of 58th Street adjacent to the Boutwells Landing campus. The park contains meandering trails, trail access parking, and playground equipment. 3 It has a 2,000+ square foot shelter, which includes a covered gath- ering area with a small kitchen/serving area, men's and women's restrooms, and a water fountain. "`'You may use the City's online reservation form to reserve either the . .. Brekke Park or Valley View Park shelters. You may obtain the Au- tumn Hills Park Shelter reservation documents and information online as well. Or, you may call or visit City Hall anytime to reserve any of the shelters for your next event! Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Community The Minnesota National Guard has pioneered a program which employers community leaders to synchronize efforts and build an enduring network of support for service members and families throughout the deployment cycle. The Yellow Ribbon Community Campaign is a reminder that supporting service members cannot end when they return home from deployment and the yellow ribbons are untied. A Yellow Ribbon City develops an action plan and organizes groups to sup- port military families. The City of Oak Park Heights has been recognized as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Community for its effort in supporting military members and their families while defending the democratic val- ues of the United States of America. The City is proud to support, appreciate, and say thank you to our military members and their families for their service sacrifices and all they do. If you are interested in helping with this initiative or want more information, please visit the St. Croix Valley Yellow Ribbon organization's website at www.stcroixvallyyellowribbon.org or e-mail them at info@stcroixvalleyyellowribbon.org. You may also contact Oak Park Heights Police Chief Brian DeRosier at 651-439-4723. rity • Quarter City of Oak Park Heights • . ' •- 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N. PO Box 2007 OAK PARK HEIGHTS SPRING CLEAN-UP DAY Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 Saturday, A ri128, 2012, �7: 0 a.m. t0 1:00 p.m. Phone:65 1-439-4439 Y F / 3 p Fax:651-439-0574 Police non-emergency:651-439-4723 Police Emergency:911 The City of Oak Park Heights will be hosting a Office Hours: Spring Clean-up on Saturday, April 28, 2012 Monday through Friday from 7:,w a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. excluding legal holidays The Clean-up will be in the southwest corner of the former St. Croix Mall (Andersen Corporation) parking lot, 14167 59th Street North in MAYOR Oak Park Heights. David Beaudet:439-2582 COUNCILMEMBERS Proof of residency such as a utility bill or driver's license will be re- Les Abrahamson:351-0807 Mary McComber:351-7879 quired. Common items disposed of include appliances, brush, con- Mike Runk:439-5458 struction materials, furniture, cardboard, scrap metal, carpet, TVs, and Mark Swenson:270-5385 computers. CITY ADMINISTRATOR Eric Johnson Hazardous waste (such as paints, stains, oil, gas, pesticides, or other chemicals from your home), tires, stumps, and firewood will not be Visit our Website! accepted. If you have any questions please call City Hall at 651-439- 4439 or Veolia Environmental Services at 651-459-3029• The Oak Park Heights PARK HOURS newsletter is published by the City Park and trail hours are October 1—April 30 from 6:00 a.m.to 10:00 of Oak Park Heights. P Comments are welcome. p.m. and May 1—September 30 from 5:00 a.m.to 10:00 p.m. 651-439-4439 8SS 'oN I?�ad NW`J31VIA119S (11W 3&'Isod.S.n LOOZ-Z80SS NW `sVgWj3H JJv-d AP-0 PiEPupiS LOOZ xog `N PAIS JJv-d AP-0 891t,t paliosaid S111-'diaH 1"d V0 JO 1A4T)