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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2nd Q 14 City of Oak Tree City USA Second Quarter Inside this issue: OAK PARK HEIGHTS SPRING CLEAN-UP DAY Saturday, May 3, 2014, 7:3o a.m. to 1:oo p.m. Home Improvement 2 Program The City of Oak Park Heights will be hosting a Spring Clean-up on Saturday, May 3, 2014 from 7:.o a.m. to 2014 Frozen Water 3 1:oo m. This date was incorrect) marked in the Oak May 3, p• y Spring Clean-up Piles Park Heights city calendar that was mailed to you in Jan- Day' 7:30 a.m. uary. Please use the sticker to mark your calendar with to I P.M. Utility Bill 4 Information the correct date. We are sorry for any inconvenience the error may have caused. Arborist 5 News The Clean-up will be in the southwest corner of the former St. Croix Mall (Andersen Corporation) parking lot, 14167 59th Street North in Oak Park St. Croix River 6 Heights. Proof of residency such as a utility bill or driver's license will be re- Crossing Update quired. Common items disposed of include appliances, brush, construction materials, furniture, cardboard, scrap metal, carpet, TVs, and computers. Garbage and 7 Recycling Hazardous waste (such as paints, stains, oil, gas, pesticides, or other chemi- cals from your home), tires, stumps, and firewood will not be accepted at the Road Construction 8 City's event. The Washington County Environmental Center will be hosting Update a one-day hazardous waste collection and document shredding service for all Pet Owner 9 Washington County residents at the Lily Lake Ice Arena on Saturday, May 17 Reminders from 8:oo a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For more information about that event and Business and 10 what types of items will be accepted, contact Washington County at 651-430- Development News 6655 Deck Safety 11 ***The City will be collecting items for the local food shelf. Please bring non- Information perishable food items for collection at the event. You are not required to make a donation to participate in the Clean-up event.*** Code Red 13 Notification System If you have any questions about Spring Clean-up Day, please call City Hall at 651-439-4439 or Advanced Disposal at 651-459-3029• Notes from 14 Public Works The City of Oak Park Heights is on Facebook! Summer Park 15 Program Schedule "Like" the City's Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/City-of-Oak-Park-Heights/501816333214972 Park Shelter 16 to receive up-to-date information on events, meetings, Reservations programs, and city news. Page 2 Second Quarter Washington County Home Improvement Program assists low-income homeowners Washington County offers low-income homeowners the opportunity to repair or improve their home with a no-interest deferred loan. The Washington County Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Loan Pro- gram is money set aside by Washington County to aid in improving homes within the county, specifical- ly homes that are in need of repair. (All communities are participating except Marine on St. Croix, Grey Cloud Island Township, and the City of Woodbury.) Loans can be made up to $18,000 and have no monthly payments or interest. The full loan amount will become due when the homeowner sells, transfers title, refinance for cash or no longer occupies the property as their primary residence. The program identifies hazards in the home directly effecting building code, safety, habitability or energy consumption. To be eligible for the program, the home must have been purchased and owner-occupied for a mini- mum of one year. Single-family detached homes are eligible for interior and exterior improvements. Condominiums, townhouses, and duplexes are eligible for interior improvements only. Mobile homes are not eligible, nor is any property located in a flood zone. The estimated market value of the home must be at or below $239,250 as listed on the current year's Washington County Property Tax State- ment. Income and asset restrictions apply. Household gross annual income cannot exceed 80% of the Area Median Income as determined by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, adjusted by household size. The following table provides income limits by household size for the current year. Household Size: 80% Area Median Income 1 $44,750 2 $51,150 3 $57,550 4 $63,900 5 $69,050 6 $74,150 7 $79,250 8 $84,350 The loan program is administered on behalf of the county by the Greater Metropolitan Housing Corpo- ration. For more information contact: Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation Housing Resource Center - North & East Metro 1170 Lepak Court Shoreview, MN 55126 Phone: (651) 486-7401 Tree City USA Page 3 Frozen water pipes Some private water service lines have been impacted by deeper than normal frost levels. Your private line funs from your home to the main in the street. One solution is to run your cold water faucets fully open until flow rate returns to normal, and then you may need to keep a faucet at a constant trickle until warmer temps allow the frost level in the ground to recede. If you experi- enced a frozen water pipe, and you turned your water line on to prevent a reoccurrence, the City is asking you to carefully monitor the running of your faucets for both volume and duration as the City Council may consider rebates in the future. To help prevent this from happening next winter, you can take easy and inexpensive steps to prevent the damage, expense, and inconvenience associated with freezing pipes and meters. Temperatures are colder along the floor and cement block wall of the basement than near the ceiling. Circulating the warmer air can help prevent frozen meters. In some homes, meters are in separate unheated rooms or boxes; open the doors to rooms or open a meter box to allow warmer air to circulate. Simply keeping your home and basement warm enough will help prevent freezing. In addition: • Check along the foundation for areas where cold wind can enter the basement or a crawl space and plug them with insulation. • Close off crawl space vents and doors. • Replace broken or cracked basement windows or doors. • Install a storm window or cover basement windows with weather insulation kits • Make sure basement doors and windows close tightly. • Seal or caulk cracks in the walls. • Insulate pipes. • Don't forget to turn off the water supply and drain all outdoor faucets before tempera- tures drop for the season! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NLC Service Line Warranty Program The City of Oak Park Heights has partnered with Service Line Warranties of America to offer the NLC Service Line Warranty Program to homeowners in Oak Park Heights. The NLC Service Line Warranty Program offers voluntary warranty protection at an affordable price for sewer lines in the event of a fail- ure. The NLC Service Line Warranty Program offers protection against normal wear and tear, which is not covered under most traditional homeowners policies. If lines break, leak, or clog—Service Line War- ranties of America will repair the line using local, licensed contractors who are familiar with local code and can ensure a timely response. This program provides up to $4,000 in coverage with an additional allowance for public street or sidewalk cutting. Additionally, the program has no annual or lifetime limits, services fees, or deductibles—just protection when you need it most. The program is offered at no cost to the City and no public funds are used to promote or administer the program. The program is entirely optional to homeowners in Oak Park Heights. To enroll, or to learn more about the program, please call 1-855-535-7141, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., to speak with Service Line Warranties of America directly, or visit their website at www.SLWofA.com. Page 4 SecondQuarter 2014 Go GREEN: Pay & View Oak Park Heights Utility Bills Online Pay ONLINE WHY? Help save natural Go to www.CityOfOakParkHeights.com resources by vfeuving 1. Click"Pay Utility Bill" and paying online 2. You will go to our payment processor's website where you should register and make your payment • Easy,fast and secure ' • Pay immedfatefy, Or CALL schedufe a payment 3= onset up Auto-Pay 1-877-886-7968(have your bill handy to provide your account number) . Keep costs down; . " opt out of paper tiffs A View Bills Online • PnOrec0ts,view payment hrstory Go to www.CityOfOakParkHeights.com and more 1. Click"View Utility Bill" We accept... 2. You will go to our payment processor's website to register 3. You will get an email each time your bill is ready @Check , VISA You don't have to pay online to view your bills online. FSH First quarter 2014 utility bills City Meetings Utility bills for the first Quarter of 2014 (January 1 — (subject to change) March 31) will be mailed to residents in April and are City Council: due May 9, 2014 . 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 7:00 Auto pay is available. With p.m. auto pay, there is no need to waste time writing and Planning Commission: mailing a check. Paying i . .w '' your utility bill electroni- Typicallythe 2nd Thursday at tally allows you to save 7:00 P.M. time and money on stamps ., and late fees. The amount Parks Commission: x ` you owe on your utility bill 3rd Monday at 6:30 P.M. is automatically withdrawn from the ac-count you designate on the billing due date each month. You will continue to receive your bill so Agendas and Minutes are post- that you know the date and amount to be withheld from ed on the City's website: your account. www.cityofoakparkheights.com If you are interested in participating, please call or stop by City Hall to obtain an enrollment form. The form is also available on the City's website, under City Infor- mation, Forms & Handouts. Call Judy Tetzlaff at City Hall, 651-439-4439, if you have questions. Tree City USA Page 5 Tree City, USA 2013—Arbor Day Foundation Tree Problems? The City of Oak Park Heights has been approved to receive the Tree City USA award for their work with trees and tree planting, maintenance and education If you are an for 2013. Oak Park Heights has been a Tree City for 31 years! Oak Park H e i g h t s Oak Wilt and Dutch Elm Disease resident, and DO NOT prune oak trees from April 1 to July 1 (high risk period for insect trans- have a problem mission of the oak wilt fungus). There is also a slight risk of oak wilt spread via with a tree or insects to fresh wounds from July 1 to September 15. If oaks are pruned or shrub, such as wounded during the growing season, wounds should be painted immediately an insect or a with latex house paint. It is best to prune oaks between October 15 and March disease, have 15. Currently wilting oaks and elms will be removed by a contractor hired by the p 1 a n t i n g City at no cost to the property owner. Contact the Oak Park Heights Arborist if you think you have diseased trees on your property. questions, or just want to Emerald Ash Borer have a plant identified, call Emerald ash borer (EAB) is present in Arborist, who is also a Minnesota For- Dr. Kathy Ramsey and Hennepin Counties, but est Pest First Detector. Do not move Widin, the Oak has not yet been confirmed in Wash- ash wood with intact bark from one ar- park Heights ington County. Check tree trunks and ea to another to avoid spreading EAB Arborist at branches for "D-shaped' larval galler- to new areas. If you would like infor- 439 ies. These galleries are under the mation regarding insecticide injection -4439 Ext. bark, and the bark may be cracked to protect ash trees in your yard, con- 11o6. She can open over the gallery and wound tis- tact the Oak Park Heights Arborist. either answer sue. There may be a lot of woodpeck- your question er activity, particularly in the top half of Ash Removal and Replacement: The over the phone the tree. The Minnesota Department City of Oak Park Heights is continuing of Agriculture website has images and to remove ash trees which are doing or make an symptoms of EAB. Their website can poorly, are interfering with power lines, appointment be found at: www.mda.state.mn.us. competing with other trees, have storm for a site visit. Click on Plants/Pests, then Emerald damage, or are blocking sight lines This service is Ash Borer. along the street. If you have an ash tree that you think should be removed paid for by the If you see any signs of EAB activity, contact the Oak Park Heights Arborist. City of Oak please contact the Oak Park Heights Park Heights. Pruning trees Ornamental and fruit trees are best pruned in late February or early March. There is no need to apply tree wound dressing or paint to wounds made in fall or winter. Do not prune trees during leaf expansion in May. ***Hire a tree service if pruning needs to be done on large shade trees. Page 6 Second Quarter 2014 St. Croix River Crossing Highway 36 & Highway 95 2014 Construction Phased construction on Highway 36, its frontage roads and the north end of Highway 95 are expected to begin sometime in April, weather permitting. (see map). Construction activities include utility installation, road reconstruction and trail construction. Short-term closures of some local roads and intersections are expected; however, Highway 36 and Highway 95 will remain open, and access to businesses and residences will be availa- ble at all times. Completed work includes safer access to frontage roads and a new alignment of the Oakgreen Ave/Greeley St and Highway 36 intersection. Some roadways completed in 2013 may need additional work requiring lane closures. All work on Highway 36 and Highway 95 is anticipated to be complete by the end of 2014. St. Croix Crossing Highway 36& Highway 95 !M I` TENTATIVE 2014 Construction Phasing st.croix As of March 2014 CROSSING 0 itV-I �q 8 8 = R LEGEND Spring through mid-summer Future St.Croix Crossing Bridge Mid-summer through fall Completedin2013 Late-summer throughfall . Short-term closures expected \ Oakgreen/Greeley or Osgood intersection will never be closed at the same time Trail completion throughout 2014 *All scheduling is tentative and subject to change For more information about the St.Croix Crossing Project: Call the project hotline Stop by the project office 1-855-GO-CROIX visit the project website 1862 Greeley St.S. 1-855-(462-7649) www.mndot.gov/stcroixcrossing Stillwater,MN 55082 For more information.- Hotline- nformation.Hotline: 1-855-GO-CROIX (1-855-462-7649) Email: stcroixcrossing.dot(a)-state.mn.us St. Croix Crossing Project Headquarters 1862Greeley St. S. Stillwater, MN 55082 Visit www.mndot.gov/stcroixcrossing to sign up for weekly email updates. Tree City USA Page 7 Streetlight out in your neighborhood? Recycling incentive program Your help in identifying street lights that are The City of Oak Park Heights has a recy- not working is very important, as we rely sole- cling incentive program. The City awards a ly on your notification assistance. Once City prize of $25.00 or a fire extinguisher and/ staff is aware of a light out, we contact Xcel or smoke detector. Residents participating Energy immediately to help make sure the in curbside recycling are picked randomly light is repaired in a reasonable amount of twice a month. time. Xcel Energy Streetlighting Department strives to repair outages within two business Recycling benefits the environment in days of notification that the light is out or not countless ways: it reduces the amount of working properly. To report a City street light natural resources used to make new prod- out, please contact City Hall at 439-4439. ucts, it saves energy, it prevents water and air pollution including greenhouse gas If possible, have the following information emissions, and it reduces waste. This available: means that the simple act of recycling in your daily life provides significant protec- tion for our environment and reduces glob- • Property address and/or nearest cross al warming. street to where the light pole is located. • Whether the light is located on a corner, Thank you for recycling! midblock, or in a cul-de-sac. • The nature of the problem (i.e. light is out, light is blinking, light is broken). What's included in trash pickup? In addition to the typical garbage and recycling pickup, the City also covers the disposal of yard waste, large household items, and `white-goods' such as televisions, refrigerators, couches, chairs, desks, water- heaters, stoves, dishwashers, dryers, etc. for single family residences and complexes 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 Advanced Disposal for these additional 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, Advanced Disposal, 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 Advanced Disposal at a regulated rate as monitored by the City. REMINDER!! Waste pick-up is every THURSDAY. Recycling pickup is every-other Thursday. However, if one of the six holidays—New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christ- mas—falls on a weekday, collection may occur on FRIDAY of that week. Page 8 SecondQuarter 2014 Road construction update In addition to the continuing roadwork related to the St. Croix River Crossing and Highway 36, the City too will be undertaking significant street reconstruction work in three areas of the City in 2014 — AREAS B, C & E as shown in the map below, with Area D in 2015. Many of these streets are 40+ years old and are in need of reconstruction as well as a replacement of the underground utilities that serve these areas. These Projects are anticipated to not widen any streets, will im- prove drainage, and will attempt to preserve trees. m AREA W AREA C n All 9 � e 1 , �r T. ' RLW d ._ _ .... ._. : .m. s.!`��.. • per�. . �, '• w ` r '13J.Y.LM �r��q� r, I �LSa- -r Ai LOCATM KAP(APT-AS&[A&1) aw apaw -M W never The City's Street Reconstruction Fund (funded through general property taxes) will be paying for approximately 6o percent of the street costs with the balance of the street costs being directly as- sessed to the adjacent property owner. This assessment is estimated to be $3,5oo for the typical owner-occupied home or approximately$3'7 per linear foot for a non-homestead property. Utility replacements and upgrades are being funded through the various Utility funds, which receives its funding from utility rate charges. As with any major street reconstruction, there are expected to be some delays, dust, noise, etc. The City and its contractors will work hard to keep these disturbances to a minimum. It is ex- pected that at all times vehicular access to homes shall be preserved. Should any questions or concerns arise, please contact Eric Johnson via phone at the City Hall at 651-439-4439 or by email at eajohnson@cityofoakparkheights.com. Additional pre-construction neighborhood meet- ings will also be held. Impacted areas will be receiving direct mailings on these dates. At the conclusion of the Project, the anticipated results are to be quieter and safer streets, reduced and better managed surface drainage, and more reliable public utilities for decades to come. Tree City USA Page 9 Attention Pet Owners Leash Law Reminder There have been reports of dogs not leashed and acting aggressively toward other walkers on City trails, specifically at the former Moelter Fly-Ash site. 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 premis- es 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. ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Who's Who in City Government The local government in the City of Oak Park quality public services and facilities while pro- Heights is made up of a City Council and a tecting and preserving the City's cultural, histori- Mayor. The Mayor and four Councilmembers are cal, and natural resources. The City Hall houses elected to the Council by the residents of the City five departments: City Administration, Finance, of Oak Park Heights. The Mayor and Coun- Building, Public Works, and Police. The City cilmembers are elected at the general election contracts with other firms to provide legal ser- held in November in even-numbered years. Offi- vices, planning services, engineering services, and cials are elected for a four-year term, but may be forestry services. The City also contracts with re-elected for any number of additional terms. Bayport Fire to provide fire services. The City Council meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. The Council agenda is The City has developed the following core values: posted at City Hall and on the City's website. excellent and quality in the delivery of services; The public is welcome and invited to attend the fiscal responsibility; ethics and integrity; treating meetings. Meetings are also broadcasted on local citizens with respect as our customers; positive channel 16 and are posted to the City's website. relations with the community; responsiveness; visionary leadership and planning. The Mayor and Councilmembers work closely with City staff and the City Administrator to en- Contact information for City Hall and the Mayor sure that the best interest of the citizens of Oak and Councilmembers can be found on the back of Park Heights always comes first. They strive to this newsletter. provide and promote a living environment with Page 1 Second Quarter 2014 Newsletter 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 Oak Park Heights Local Business & Development News Welcome New Businesses: ChromaLox Salon-13930 55th Street North LiftBridge CrossFit-5525 Memorial Avenue North, Suite 1 Noodles and Company-13301 60th Street North Stillwater Workhouse CrossFit-5610 Memorial Avenue North Coming Soon: Elks #179-5880 Omaha Avenue North, Suite 2 Bridge Banquet Hall-5880 Omaha Avenue North, Suite 3 Luxury Nails-13323 60th Street North Tree City USA Page 11 May is Deck Safety Month° A NADRA DECK SAFETY PROGRAM CONSUMER CHECKLIST �Aicck Your beL;0 Protect your family and friends �I Split or decaying wood: � Railings and banisters: Lighting and electrica, -Check several different areas of -These should be secure. Push on -Be sure all lighting is working, clean the deck to be sure the wood is still them to be sure there is no give. any light covers to allow maximum sound. This includes the ledger -Also, check to be sure they are high light to shine through, and trim any board (where the deck attaches to enough (most codes require a 36" plants or tree limbs that may be the house and a common source high railing and usually encourage 42" blocking light. of deck failure), support posts and high railings)with rails no more than 4" -If you don't have adequate lighting, joists under the deck (if you can inches apart(measured from the inside there are a lot of great new deck light- reach them), deck boards, railings of the rails) to keep small children and ing products you could consider to il- and stairs. pets from squeezing through. This is luminate your steps and pathways. -Pay special attention to any areas especially important the higher your -Be sure all electrical outlets, appli- that tend to remain damp, are regu- deck is off the ground. ances and features are up to code, larly exposed to water, or are in con- , Stairs. in good condition, and childproof if tact with fasteners. Use a tool like an children are present. ice pick ora screwdriver to penetrate -Check any railings or handrails to be -Watch that any electrical cords do the wood surface. -If you can eas- sure they are firmly held in place,check not present a tripping hazard. ily penetrate '/4 — '% inch, break off also the risers and stringers to be cer- a sliver of wood without splinters, or tain they are securely attached and not �Outdoor Furniture & decayed. Storage: the wood is soft and spongy, decay y may be present. -If the area behind the stair treads is -Test all outdoor furniture to be sure it -This is also a good time to look for open, this opening should be no more is sturdy. Avoid placing seating right small holes in the wood, which may than 4" high. at the edge of the deck. If you have a indicate insects. -Also, always keep stair pathways clear swing or hammock installed, test the of planters, d6cor, toys and other items chains and ropes to be sure they are Flashing: that can present a tripping hazard. secure. Consider installing childproof -Flashing is a metal or plastic guard , Gleaning and maintenance: latches on any storage boxes and that directs water out and away from benches. Clean away any leaves and debris, sensitive areas. It's often installed -Be sure to keep all deck related where the deck and house come to- since these can be slippery and pro- chemical products stored safely away gether, keeping moisture and debris mote mildew. from children, including BBQ lighter from collecting between the house -If mildew is present or the deck coat- fluids, matches, cleaners, etc. and the deck's ledger board. Be ing has worn away, make time to clean � Surrounding trees. certain the flashing is sound and and apply a new waterproofing coating. g firmly in place. Consider adding or It can help prevent the split, decayed -If you have trees overhanging your replacing flashing if you notice areas wood and loosened fasteners men- deck, make certain there is no dan- that are obviously allowing water to tioned earlier. ger of decaying limbs breaking free collect. � Grills, fire pits, chimneys, and falling from trees surrounding the �Loose or corroded fasteners: heaters and candles: deck. -Fasteners include nails, screws or -These features can cre ,,:a . (f anchors in the ledger board. Tight- ate a warm and cozy deck en any loose fasteners, and pound atmosphere, but make olti�, in any nails that have popped up. sure any source of fire d l l f t i heat s safely placed (Note: The ledger board should not or ra'Q be fastened with only nails.) away from flammable -If a fastener appears rusted or cor- surfaces or that the deck ale roded, consider replacing it. A cor- surface is protected by a �)O VI roded fastener can cause deteriora- non-flammable pad. tion in surrounding wood. -Always use caution and -The deck or stairs should appear follow manufacturers' di- even without sagging and should not rections. sway or move when tested. Photo Courtesy of NADRA Member: Simpson Strong-Te Page 12 SecondQuarter 2014 Permits required for some landscaping/yard projects With spring around the corner you may be thinking about making some landscaping or yard improvement projects, such as a fence, driveway, parking pad or an outdoor irriga- tion system (lawn sprinkler). If so, keep in mind that some landscaping and yard pro- jects require a permit by City Ordinance. Fences: If you're planning on building a fence, contact the Inspections Department at City Hall to obtain a fence permit handout and to complete a permit applica- tion. As part of the permit application, you will prepare a site plan. Property lines must be verified prior to fence installation; if you have a property survey, please include a copy of it with your permit application. A fence permit is $25 for fences four-feet and under in height. Permits for fences greater than four-feet in height are based upon the fence project cost. Both permits include a plan review to help reduce the likelihood of inconvenient and expensive, after-the-fact enforcement that occurs when fence installation inadvertently violates city ordinance require- ments. Fact: A properly placed fence will aid in preventing neighbor disputes. Irrigation Systems (Lawn Sprinklers): A plumbing permit is required as these con- nections are made to your domestic water supply. As part of the permit applica- tion, you will need to provide information that provides details to the system you propose to install, along with a site plan that clearly shows the location of the sys- tem being installed. You may be required to submit a property survey if property lines and easements are not readily clear. An irrigation system permit is $75 plus MN State Surcharge. A plan review is included in the permit to ensure code com- pliance. Upon installation, an inspection is required to ensure proper water sup- ply connection and properly installation of backflow preventers to prevent con- tamination. Fact: A common mistake is that sprinkler heads are placed at the curb line which typically is in the public right-of-way. These sprinkler heads are then destroyed by the snow plow; so always stay away from the City streets with sprinkler heads. For more information on these types of permits or other projects you may have in mind, contact Building Official Julie Hultman at jhultman@cityofoakparkheights.com or (651) 439-4439, Ext. 1105. Community playground build The City of Oak Park Heights has received a grant to build a new playground at Swager Park! The City's Parks Commission has been meeting monthly to discuss the new playground plan and will be setting a date for a community build. We will need volunteers to help build the playground. Please check the City's Facebook page and website in the coming months for details on how you can be involved. This is an exciting opportunity to give back to the community you live in! Tree City USA ._ . _ 13 CodeRED Notification System S11113REED The City of Oak Park Heights has started to use its ability to geographically target telephone, text and email messages to citizens through the use of the CodeRED high-speed notification solution. To ensure your home address, phone number, text and email addresses are in the database, visit www.cityofoakparkheights.com and click on CodeRED. Those without personal Internet access may use the county library system computers or call 651-439-4723 Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm. Required information includes a street address (physical address, no P.O. boxes) for location purposes and a primary phone number. To receive email and text messages, individuals will also need to enter these addresses. By entering a cell phone you will receive the notices even when away from your home so you may know if children or other persons at your residence may need assistance from you. Do NOT use your home phone number for a residence of another per- son such as parent, or a business. This system enables emergency services to notify you if there are activities in your area you need to be aware of or to request your assistance in emergency situations. In an emergency you may be given a description to help locate a missing person, be notified of a potential danger in your area and what action you should take, along with other police or fire emergency information. You will not be notified just because the police or fire are in your neighborhood, you will only be notified if we need your assistance or to provide you safety information. If you sign up for the General Notifications you may be told of non-emergency public works infor- mation such as water outages, and other city events and notices. MNDOT will be using CodeRED to provide notifications on road closures and other issues related to the St. Croix River Crossing Bridge Project. Remember no system is perfect at all times. Do not rely on this if you feel you are in danger. Take appropriate action on your own, and do not wait for a notification. For more information on how the system works, how the message gets to you, and why you may not be notified in some incidents, please visit the City's website, click on CodeRED, and read through the FAQ section. City Ordinance requires house numbers House numbers are required by the City's Zoning Ordinance. Not only is it important that delivery peo- ple be able to find your home, it is critical for emergency response groups, such as the police department, fire department, and emergency medical respondents to assist you as quickly as possible. To make it easy to locate your home, your house numbers should be: • A minimum of three inches in height; • Made of durable, weather resistant material such as metal, glass, or plastic; • A color that stands out against the house or background upon which they are placed; • Easily and clearly seen from the street when approached from any direction (you may want to consider having the numbers coated with a reflective material for better visibility in the dark or locate them be- neath a light source); and • Attached to your home or a sign post that faces the street. If your home does not have house numbers on it, make it a priority to get them put on today. Page 14 • • Quarter 2014 Notes from Public Works Potholes Locate Requests The Public Works Department is currently working to Remember to call before you dig. Call Gopher fill potholes on City streets. As it is early in the season, State One Call at (651) 454-0002 or visit the holes that have been patched will require a second or website: www.gopherstateonecall.org. Calling third visit because the freeze-thaw cycle prevents for a locate request is easy and takes less than patches from staying in place. five minutes of your time. After the initial locate request utilities have 48 hours to locate under- Potholes occur when snow and ice melt as part of sea- ground Infrastructure. sonal freeze-thaw cycles. The resulting water then UNIFORM COLOR CODE -; r rn— seeps beneath the pavement through cracks caused by Underground WHITE-Proposed Excavation the wear and tear of traffic. As the temperatures cool utilities are to freezin at night, the water becomes ice and ex- RED-Electric%wer Ling Markings g g � marked With REO-Electric Power Lines,Gahles, pands below the pavement, forcing the pavement to paint and flags Conduit and Lighting Cables rise. As the weight of traffic continues to pound on YELLOW-Gas,ail,steam, g p and are univer- Petroleum orGaseous Materials this raised section, and the temperatures once againORANGE-Communication,Alarm Sally color cOOr- or Signal Lines,Cables or Conduit rise above freezing, a shallow divot occurs under the dinated to rep- BLUE-Potable Water surface and the pavement breaks, forming a pothole. resent respec- GREEN-Sewers and Drain Lines PURPLE-Reclaimed Water A pothole is typically fixed by cleaning out the loose Irrigation and Slurry Ll nes debris and filling it cold patch material—aggregate twe Utilities. covered in emulsion. The Public Works department will continue to patch Spring Street Sweeping potholes, and as the season brings warmer tempera- Spring street sweeping begins when all snow is tures, the patches will begin to stay in place. melted and temperatures remain warm enough to prevent the water lines on the sweeping Birth of a Pothole equipment from freezing. Sweeping will likely begin in early April this year. PAVEMENT Hydrant Flushing ,�� �� �� � � Each year the City of Oak Park Heights inspects all City hydrants by operating them. In years past the City performed this activity in the spring of Potholes begin after snow or rain seeps The moisture freezes when temperatures each year, but for the last severaI years hydrant into the soil below the road surface. drop,causing the ground to expand and push the pavement up. flushing occurred in the fall. Although some dead lines are flushed in the spring, the City will contin- ue with the fall hydrant flushing program. All city hydrants will be inspected and flushed in the fall of 2014. GAP ` To contact public works during non-business hours As temperatures rise,the ground returns When vehicles drive over this cavity,the and for emergencies only, you may call the emer- 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 gency phone line (651) 485-2304. the pavement and the ground below it. another pothole. Tree City USA Page 15 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CLIl' AND SAVE! 2014 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. ; May 30: Stillwater Area High School Band Outdoor Concert: Autumn Hills Park, 5 p.m. — 7:30 p.m. ; June 10: Playful City Playday — Sand Art/Cookie Decorating: Oak Park Crossing Park, 10 a.m. — 12 p.m. ; June 17: Craft in the Park— Crayon Art: Valley View Park, 10 a.m. — 12 p.m. ; June 24: Minnesota Raptor Center Presentation: Autumn Hills Park, 10 a.m. — 12 p.m. June 26: Family Movie in the Park: Autumn Hills Park. Movie begins at dark. Popcorn/beverages available for purchase. ; July 1: Craft in the Park— Painting Ceramic Banks: Brekke Park, 10 a.m. — 12 p.m. ; July 8: Family Bingo, play for candy and prizes: Brekke Park, 10 a.m. — 12 p.m. ; July 15: Minnesota Zoomobile Animal presentation: Autumn Hills Park, 10:30 a.m. — 12 p.m. ; July 22: Craft in the Park— Decoupage and Chalkboard painting: Brekke Park, 10 a.m. — 12 p.m. ; July 24: Family Movie in the Park: Autumn Hills Park. Movie begins at dark. Popcorn/beverages available for purchase. ; July 29: Magic Performance and Balloon Twisting: Autumn Hills Park, 10:30 a.m. — 12 p.m. ; August 5: Craft in the Park— pillowcase/shirt/bag decorating: Autumn Hills Park, 10 a.m. — 12 p.m. ; ;August 12: Mad Science Presentation: Autumn Hills Park, 10:30 a.m. — 12 p.m. ; August 19: Craft in the Park — stepping stones: Brekke Park, 10 a.m. — 12 p.m. ; August 21: Family Movie in the Park: Autumn Hills Park. Movie begins at dark. Popcorn/beverages available for purchase. ; August 26: Craft in the Park — plants and planters: Autumn Hills Park, 10 a.m. — 12 p.m. ; September 7: Party in the Park: Brekke Park, I p.m. — 3 p.m. Join us for free food, fun, and prizes. L------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ City of Oak Park Heights Presorted 14168 Oak Park Blvd N, Box 2007 Standard U.S.Postage Oak Park Heights, MN 55082-2007 PAID Twin Cities,MN Permit No. 90100 City of Oak City of Oak Park Heights Heights wsletter 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N. PO Box 2007 Reserve a City Park Shelter Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 Phone:65 1-439-4439 Are you thinking about having a get-together or a family reunion? The Fax:651-439-0574 Brekke, Cover, Valley View, and Autumn Hills Park shelter buildings can be Police non-emergency:651-439-4723 reserved free of charge for your event. The Autumn Hills Park Shelter does Police Emergency:911 require a refundable $100 deposit. Oak Park Heights typically opens the Office Hours: park shelters by Memorial Day weekend. Monday through Friday xcl a.m.le 4:30 holidays Brekke Park is located on Omar Avenue south of the former St. Croix Mall. excluding legal holidays The park has a covered shelter building with restrooms as well as a tot lot, MAYOR baseball diamonds, playground equipment, and barbeque grills. Mary McComber:351-7879 COUNCILMEMBERS Valley View Park is located on Osgood Avenue at the edge of the city limits. Chuck Dougherty:491-0419 This park has a covered shelter building, picnic areas, play-grounds and a Mike Liljegren:351-2742 Mike Runk:439-5458 beautiful passive park area with trails, a prairie restoration area and wet- Mark Swenson:270-5385 lands. CITY ADMINISTRATOR Eric Johnson 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 Website!Visit our foot shelter, which includes a covered gathering area with a small kitchen/ • •. 3. 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 The Oak Park Heights Brekke Park or Valley View Park shelters. You may obtain the Autumn Hills newsletter Park Shelter reservation documents and information online as well. Or, you is published by the City may call or visit City Hall anytime to reserve any of the shelters for your of Oak Park Heights. Comments are welcome. next event! 651-439-4439