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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3rd Q 12 City of Oak Tree City USA Third Quarter 2012 Newsletter Inside this issue: Lyme Disease in Washington County Volunteers Needed 2 Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmit- 4 For Community ted to humans by deer ticks (Ixodes scapu- Playground Build saris- official common name is the black leg- WEN n EPN _ ged tick). A Lyme infection can most notably CARVER • Green lawn for s affect the joints, nervous system, and heart. blue water The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District's �W_,-r Lyme Disease Program identifies and monitors 1 scorr* DAKOTA What's Included s the distribution of deer ticks within the seven- ME In Trash Pickup county Twin Cities metropolitan area. The I Door ticks found deer tick occurs in northern and eastern Anoka County, northern Permit 4 Ramsey County, and most of Washington County. Isolated popula- Information tions have also been found in Hennepin, Dakota, Scott, and Carver Counties. Arborist s Both wood ticks and deer ticks can be found in the spring and ear- News ly summer, but wood ticks are generally not disease transmitters in Minnesota. Adult wood ticks have white markings and are main- Pet Owner 6 ly out in the spring. Adult deer ticks do not have white markings Reminders and are out in both spring and fall. Infected deer tick females can transmit disease as they feed. Male deer ticks do not transmit dis- St. Croix River 6 ease because they generally don't feed. Sometimes the males do Crossing Update briefly attach to their host, but their attachment time is too short for disease transmission to occur. Although less likely to be infect- Water Quality 7 ed, the immature deer tick nymph transmits Lyme disease more Report often than adult ticks because their small size keeps them unde- tected. Nymphs are most common May - July. Prevent Sewer 10 Backups Prevention: Deer ticks are found in brushy and/or wooded habi- tat. Check yourself for ticks after being in wooded areas. The best Park Shelter 11 disease prevention tool is you! Ticks transmit disease during the Reservation Info feeding process, but simply finding an attached tick does not mean you will get a tick-borne illness. Not all deer ticks are infected and Party in the Park 12 at least 24 - 48 hours of attachment time must occur before an in- Announcement fected tick could infect you. continued on page 2... Page 2 d Quarter 2012 Playful City Community Playground Build—August 18 Playful City USA is a national recognition pro- the community with areas to play and In- gram honoring cities and towns across the na- crease physical activity and has developed a tion that are creating an agenda for play. The local action plan to increase the quantity and Playful City USA program is a unique self- quality of play in the City. The City of Oak assessment tool that assists communities in Park Heights was selected for the designation identifying local play assets and play deficits, because of its commitment to children and and in developing a rigorous action plan driven play. towards increasing quality, quantity, and ac- cess for play in your city or town. The City of Oak Park Heights is seeking volunteers for a community playground Once again the City of Oak Park Heights was build of a playground in the City on August one of only 213 cities across the country to be 18, 2012. If you are interested in volunteer- awarded the 2012 Playful City USA designa- ing, please contact Councilmember Mary tion and only one of three in the State of Min- McComber at 651-351-7879. nesota. The City is committed to providing Lyme Disease ...continued from page 1 City Meetings Cases: Lyme disease is the most commonly di- (subject to change) agnosed tick-borne illness in Minnesota each year. Since 2000 the Minnesota Department of City Council: Health (MDH) has been consistently tabulating 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at7:00 record-setting human tick-borne disease case to- p.m. tals (they have counted > 463 human Lyme cas- es per year since 2000). Their all-time high statewide tabulation occurred in 2007 with 1239 Planning Commission: Lyme cases. Typically the 2nd Thursday at 7:00 p.m. District deer tick surveillance results: The numbers of deer ticks collected and our total Parks Commission: number of positive collection sites in our Lyme 3rd Monday at 6:30 P.m. tick distribution study have been higher than av- erage since 2000, suggesting an upward trend in the local deer tick population. This means Agendas and Minutes are post- greater potential for you to come into con- ed on the City's website: tact with deer ticks. www.cityofoakparkheights.com If you find an unusual tick or collect a tick in an unusual place, MMCD is interested in knowing about it. Call MMCD at 651-645-9149. Deer ticks and Lone star ticks are found in brushy and/or wooded habitat. Again, check yourself for ticks after being in wooded areas! Tree City USA Page 3 Green lawns for blue water You probably know that pesticides and fertilizers are powerful chemicals that can injure wildlife if over- used, but a 2010 report from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) indicates that a "no-care" approach to lawn care can be bad for our water too. The MPCA study showed that lawns given no fertiliz- er at all contributed just as much phosphorus to runoff as lawns given several applications per year of phosphorus fertilizer. The reason, it appears, is that poor quality lawns leave the soil beneath vulnerable to erosion caused by rain and melting snow. Once phosphorus-laden runoff reaches nearby lakes and rivers, it contributes to algae growth, which turns the water green. Here are a few lawn care tips for this summer that will help to keep our lakes and rivers blue: • The less lawn the better. If there are parts of your lawn that you only visit when you are mowing, consider replacing these areas with gardens, shrubs or even native plantings. Go to www.BlueThumb.om to find the best native plants for your yard. • Take care of the lawn you do have. Mow regularly with a sharp blade to prevent injury to your grass. Taller grass (2.5-3 inches) will have deeper roots and will be more resistant to drought and weeds. The University of Minnesota Extension recommends one application of non-phosphorus, slow-release nitrogen fertilizer per year, generally around Labor Day. • Water less. Frequent watering encourages shallow root growth, which makes the grass weaker over time. Instead, only give your grass one inch of water per week on weeks when there is no rain. Remember, the water we use for our lawns comes from the same aquifers we need for drink- ing water. • Rake up, sweep up, clean W. Grass clippings, leaves and fertilizer on sidewalks and driveways get washed into storm sewers that connect to our waterways. Keep your pavement clean to protect our water. What's included in trash pickup? In addition to the typical garbage and recycling pickup, the City also co- vers the disposal of yard waste, large household items, and `white-goods' such as televisions, refrigerators, couches, chairs, desks, water-heaters, EIh1V1wIRONIh.+IENTAL stoves, dishwashers, dryers, etc. for single family residences and complex- SERVICES es 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, 65 1-439-4439, 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 additional services, please call the City Administrator at 65 1-439-4439 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 Third Quarter 2012 Home Occupation Permits A Home Occupation Permit is required by the City of Oak Park Heights Zoning Ordinance 401 for all home based businesses, including licensed daycare operations. The purpose of the permit is to provide a means through the establishment of specific standards and procedures by which home occupations can be conducted in residential neighborhoods with- out jeopardizing the health, safety and general welfare of the surrounding neighborhood. Oak Park Heights' issues two types of home occupation permits which distinguish between a permitted home occupation (typically no retail traffic), such as a home based office and a special home occupation that may entail cliental traffic or have other criteria that does not meet the spe- cific requirements for a permitted home occupation. A permit application is required for both types of home occupation. Annual renewal is required for all approved home occupation permits. Information regarding home occupations and permit application can be found at the City Hall or on the City web page at www.cityofoakparkheights.com Questions regarding whether or not your home occupation requires a permit or what is needed to obtain a permit should be directed to Julie Hultman, Planning & Code Enforcement Officer at 651 -439-4439, extension 1105 or via email at jhultman@cityofoakparkheights.com. o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•o•c•c•c•c•c•c•c•c•c•c•c•c•c•c•c• Will I need a building permit? When planning your project, keep in mind that www.cityofoakparkheights.com. If you don't many projects require a building permit prior find what you are looking for, let us know. We to the project starting. will do our best to get you the information you need. Some common do-it yourself projects such as decks, porches, gazebos, fences, sheds, re- You are encouraged to include a call or visit to roofing, re-siding, new plumbing or heating or the Building Official to discuss what may be alterations to your existing services, window needed to make your project safe but also replacement, driveway replacement and park- compliant with adopted local ordinances and ing pads typically require a permit to ensure construction industry codes. compliance to adopted construction and local ordinance codes. Please take the opportunity to utilize the Build- ing Official and City Staff as another set of If you are hiring a contractor for your project, knowledgeable eyes on the projects and work make sure they are licensed, have obtained a being done on your property. It is the goal of permit for the work you that you have hired the City to also make your project a success them for, and that the inspections appropriate and we are here to help! to your project are being scheduled while they are working. The City's Building Department may be reached at 651-439-4439. No question is too Building permit applications and information small! Our goal is to help make your project on a variety of projects are available at City Hall safe and successful! and can also be found on the City webpage at Tree City USA Page 5 Emerald Ash Borer Tree Problems? Emerald ash borer (EAB) has not yet been contact the Arborist. Do not move ash confirmed in Washington County. Every- wood with intact bark from one area to If you are an one with ash trees should be examining another, as this is one way that emerald Oak Park them for signs of EAB activity. Top thin- ash borer is easily spread. ning and dieback is one of the first symp- toms of EAB infestation, but may not ap- In an effort to continue to reduce the pop- resident, and pear until trees have been infested for a ulation of ash trees on boulevards and in have a problem year or more. Check trunks and branches parks, the city is continuing to remove ash with a tree or for "D-shaped" adult exit holes and "S- trees which are doing poorly, are interfer- shrub such as shaped" larval galleries under the bark. If ing with power lines, competing with oth- ' an insect or a larvae are present there may be a lot of er trees, have storm damage, or are block- woodpecker activity, particularly in the top ing sight lines along the street. If you disease, have half of the tree. have an ash tree that you think should be p l a n t i n g removed, contact the Oak Park Heights questions, or If you see any signs of EAB activity, please Arborist. just want to have a plant identified, call Oak Wilt Dr. Kathy Oak trees can be pruned up to April 1 in most years. Due to insect transmission avidin, the OPH of the oak wilt fungus to fresh wounds on healthy oaks, oaks should not be Arborist, at 439 wounded or pruned from April 1 to July 1. If they are wounded during the grow- -4439 Ext. 11o6. ing season (April 1- October 1), the wounds should be painted with latex house She can either paint to prevent oak wilt infection. It is best to prune oaks between October 15 and March 15. answer your question over the phone or Boulevard Trees m a k e a n appointment Oak Park Heights will again be planting boulevard trees in August 2012. If you are for a site visit. interested in getting a new or replacement boulevard tree, contact the Oak Park This service is Heights Arborist. She can come out and take a look at the frontage of your property paid for by the and see if there is room for a new tree. City of Oak Requests for new trees for 2012 can only be taken until July 15`, after which time a list Park Heights. will be started for tree planting in 2013. Diseased Elms and Oaks Trees which are currently wilting due to Dutch elm disease or oak wilt (red or pin oaks) will be removed by the city at no charge to the homeowner. If you have a tree on your property which you think might have Dutch elm disease or oak wilt, contact the Oak Park Heights Arborist to come out and take a look. Page 6 Third Quarter [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 infor- mation, please call City Hall at 651-439-4439. City Ordinances can be viewed on the City's web- site: www.cityofoakparkheights.com. St. Croix River Crossing Update MNDOT has informed the City that it anticipates commencing construction of the bridge project in 2013; however, an updated schedule can be found at their website: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/stcroixcrossing/. The City Council continues to work toward finding financial and layout solutions with the Minnesota De- partment of Transportation that would protect the City from over-burdensome costs and that also pro- duces a viable Project for City residents and businesses. In the interim, the public should be seeing MNDOT crews performing various soil borings throughout the City as well as survey crews delineating the Project limits. City staff are preparing for contingencies related to utility relocations in the frontage roads, trail layouts, and overhead power line burial. In total, the project is estimated to take approximately three years to complete including both the east and west approaches as well as the bridge span itself. While this work is ongoing, this summer the City has been informed that we will be approached by MNDOT with final layout plans for consideration. It is under this process the City will be able to offer its final opinions and perspectives on the project, seeking changes or alterations that protect the City's inter- ests and local transportation needs, as well as review it for compliance with the 1995 layout plans. It is hoped that with the submission of these construction plans that all related financial questions would be clarified, substantially reducing the City's costs, which range widely between $2 million to $20 million dollars, depending on various aspects of the plan. Please contact Eric Johnson, City Administrator at 651-439-4439 for any questions you may have. 2011 Water Quality 2011 CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 14168 Oak Park Blvd N.- Box 2007 - Oak Park Heights,NIN 55082- (651)439-4439 - Fax 439-0574 it PWSID: 1820020 2011 Drinking Water Report The City of Oak Park Heights is issuing the results of monitoring done on its drinking water for the period from January 1 to De- cember 31,2011. The purpose of this report is to advance consumers' understanding of drinking water and heighten awareness of the need to protect precious water resources. Source of Water The City of Oak Park Heights provides drinking water to its residents from a groundwater source: two wells ranging from 290 to 310 feet deep,that draw water from the Jordan aquifer. The water provided to customers may meet drinking water standards,but the Minnesota Department of Health has also made a determination as to how vulnerable the source of water may be to future contamination incidents. If you wish to obtain the entire source water assessment regarding your drinking water,please call 651-201-4700 or 1-800-818-9318(and press 5)during normal business hours. Also,you can view it online at www.health.state.nm.us/divs/eh/water/swp/swa. Call Public Works Director,Andy Kegley(651)439-4439 if you have questions about the City of Oak Park Heights drinking wa- ter or would like information about opportunities for public participation in decisions that may affect the quality of the water. Results of Monitoring No contaminants were detected at levels that violated federal drinking water standards. However, some contaminants were detect- ed in trace amounts that were below legal limits. The table that follows shows the contaminants that were detected in trace amounts last year. (Some contaminants are sampled less frequently than once a year;as a result,not all contaminants were sam- pled for in 2011. If any of these contaminants were detected the last time they were sampled for,they are included in the table along with the date that the detection occurred.) Key to abbreviations: MCLG—Maximum Contaminant Level Goal: The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or ex- pected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety. MCL—Maximum Contaminant Level: The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLS are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology. AL—Action Level: The concentration of a contaminant which,if exceeded,triggers treatment or other requirement which a water system must follow. 90th Percentile Level—This is the value obtained after disregarding 10 percent of the samples taken that had the highest levels. (For example,in a situation in which 10 samples were taken,the 90th percentile level is determined by disregarding the highest result,which represents 10 percent of the samples.) Note: In situations in which only 5 samples are taken,the average of the two with the highest levels is taken to determine the 90th percentile level. ppm—Parts per million,which can also be expressed as milligrams per liter(mg/1). ppb—Parts per billion,which can also be expressed as micrograms per liter(µg/1). N/A—Not Applicable(does not apply). 2011 Water Quality Level Found Contaminant MCLG MCL Typical Source of Contaminant (units) Range Average/ (2011) Result* Fluoride(ppm) 4 4 1.1-1.4 1.3 State of Minnesota requires all municipal water sys- tems to add fluoride to the drinking water to pro- mote strong teeth;Erosion of natural deposits;Dis- charge from fertilizer and aluminum factories. Nitrate(as Nitro- 10.4 10.4 3.1-3.4 3.4 Runoff from fertilizer use;Leaching from septic gen)(ppm) tanks, sewage;Erosion of natural deposits. *This is the value used to determine compliance with federal standards. It sometimes is the highest value detected and sometimes is an average of all the detected values. If it is an average,it may contain sampling results from the previous year. Contaminant 90%Lev- #sites over (units) MCLG AL el AL Typical Source of Contaminant Copper(ppm) 1.3 1.3 .19 0 out of 20 Corrosion of household plumbing systems;Erosion of natural deposits. Lead(ppb) 0 15 4.9 0 out of 20 Corrosion of household plumbing systems;Erosion of natural deposits. If present,elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems,especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. City of Oak Park Heights is responsible for providing high quality drinking water,but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing com- ponents. When your water has been sitting for several hours,you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water,you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water,testing methods,and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead. 2011 Water Quality Some contaminants do not have Maximum Contaminant Levels established for them. These unregulated contaminants are as- sessed using state standards known as health risk limits to determine if they pose a threat to human health. If unacceptable levels of an unregulated contaminant are found,the response is the same as if an MCL has been exceeded;the water system must inform its customers and take other corrective actions. In the table that follows are the unregulated contaminants that were detected: Level Found Contaminant(units) Range Average/ Typical Source of Contaminant (2011) Result Sodium(ppm) (12/07/10) N/A 7.05 Erosion of natural deposits. Sulfate(ppm) (12/07/10) N/A 9.93 Erosion of natural deposits. Compliance with National Primary Drinking Water Regulations The sources of drinking water(both tap water and bottled water)include rivers,lakes, streams,ponds,reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground,it dissolves naturally[]occurring minerals and,in some cases,radioactive material,and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Contaminants that may be present in source water include: Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria,which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations,and wildlife. Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals,which can be naturally[]occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff,industrial or domestic wastewater discharges,oil and gas production,mining or farming. Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture,urban stormwater runoff,and residential uses. Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals,which are by[]products of industri- al processes and petroleum production,and can also come from gas stations,urban stormwater runoff,and septic systems. Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally[]occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining ac- tivities. In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink,the U. S.Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. Food and Drug Administration regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health. Drinking water,including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 11180011426114791. Some people may he more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy,persons who have undergone organ transplants,people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders,some elderly, and infants can he particularly at riskfrom infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPAICDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Wa- ter Hotline at 111800❑426❑4791. Page 1 Third Quarter 2012 Help prevent sanitary sewer backups The City of Oak Park Heights Public Works Department provides for the operation and maintenance of a sanitary sewer system that conveys wastewater to the metropolitan council's treatment facility. The treat- ment facility is the final stage conveying wastewater to an environmentally safe level for returning the wa- ter back to the ecological system (St. Croix River). Oak Park Heights maintains roughly 28 miles of sanitary sewer mains. Each year nearly one quarter of the City's sanitary sewer mains are inspected and cleaned. This routine maintenance helps to prevent blockages and sewer backups. As a resident, you can play a key role in preventing sanitary sewer backups. To help prevent backups, please dispose of the following items properly, by NOT dumping in a drain or flushing down the toilet: • Diapers • Grease • Sanitary napkins • Rags or towels (both cloth or paper) • Garage waste products such as oil, grease, gasoline, antifreeze • Household waste such as ashes, corrosives, glass, metals, paint, poisons, or solvents • Yard waste such as sand, soil, or mud Inflow and infiltration (I&I) is also a potential cause of sewer backups. I&I refers to clear water getting into the sanitary sewer system. This might occur through cracks or leaks in sewer pipes and manholes or from sump pumps incorrectly connected to the sanitary sewer system. Investigation completed by the Metropolitan Council confirms OPH does not have a significant I&I issue to date. Because of the potential for I&I to create system issues, City ordinance prohibits property owners from disposing of clear water into the sanitary sewer system. This includes water from any roof, surface or ground sump pump, foundation drain, or swimming pool. The sewer line from your home, business or other property to the City sewer main is your responsibility. That means that you as the property owner are responsible for clearing any blockages. Property owners must schedule service and pay the cost of clearing any blockage located in the individual sewer line on their property. If you have questions regarding the City's sanitary sewer maintenance program, sewer backup response or a specific incident, please contact City Hall at (651) 439-4439. To report emergencies after hours please call the Public Works emergency on call phone at (651) 485-2304. Summer watering ban—even/odd schedule Summer is here! It is time to remind everyone that systems and practices shall be regulated to allow wa- Oak Park Heights has an even-odd watering ban ex- ter sprinkling and irrigation systems to operate in the cept for the watering of new sod and young trees. following manner: as to all properties which property While the City's water supply is adequate, the regula- address ends in an even number, those properties will tion is intended to consern,e water and balance de- be allowed to sprinkle or irrigate on even numbered mands on the City's water system. calendar days. As to all properties whose property, address ends in an odd number, their right to use To secure the consen ation of municipal water as a sprinkling and irrigation systems shall be limited to resource for the benefit of the people of the City of calendar number days ending in odd numbers. Oak Park Heights, all water sprinkling and irrigation Tree City USA Page 11 Reserve 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. - : 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.steroixvallyyellowribbon.org or e-mail them at info@stcroixvalleyyellowribbon.org. You may also contact Oak Park Heights Police Chief Brian DeRosier at 651-439-4723• City of Oak Park Heights - 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N. PO Box 2007 PARTY IN THE PARK Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 Phone:651-439-4439 Fax:65 1-439-0574 The City's annual Party in the Park will take place on National Night Out: Tuesday, August 7, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Brekke Police non-emergency:651-439-4723 park, 5500 Omar Avenue. Police Emergency:911 Office Hours: National Night Out is designed to help increase and promote crime Monday through Friday prevention awareness. It is a great way for neighbors to get to know 8:00 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. excluding legal holidays one another, celebrate community and to take steps to make neighbor- hoods safer for children, elders and all residents. It also provides an opportunity for residents to get to know councilmembers, City staff, MAYOR David Beaudet:439-2582 and local business owners. COUCILMEMBRS Les Abrahamson:r35E0807 At this year's event, the City will be serving food, beverages, and snow Mary McComber:351-7879 cones. There will be an inflatable obstacle course, games, prizes and Mike en on:270-58 live music. There will also be face paintingand games for the children. Mark Swenson:270-5385 CITY ADMINISTRATOR For questions or directions to the park, please contact City Hall at 651- Eric Johnson 439-4439. SECOND QUARTER UTILITY BILLS The Oak Park Heights Utility bills for the second Quarter of 2012 (April—June) will be mailed newsletter to residents soon and will be due August 9, 2012. Auto pay is available. is published by the City Please contact Judy Tetzlaff at City Hall for more details. of Oak Park Heights. Comments are welcome. 651-439-4439 8SS 'oN I?�ad NW`JOVIIA119S (11Vd 3&'1SOd.S.n LOOZ-Z80SS NW `SIu�?aH AJPd AU0 PUPS LOOZ xog `N PAIS AJP-d VO 891K paIJosaid slu-'diaH 1"d V0 JO 1A4T)