HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 2017 City of
77,�, Oak
Tree City USA Summer 2017 Newsletter
Inside this issue: Cover Park update
City Department The construction of the new warming house / park
Spotlight shelter at Cover Park has commenced and is pro-
ceeding well. The opening date is scheduled to be
Arborist in early autumn and in adequate time for the 2017-
News 18 skating season. Over the past weeks, the old _
a
shelter building was demolished as were the failing
Pet Owner hockey boards. New trail connections have now been graded, providing linkages
Reminders to the trail systems to the west. New parking lot and play areas are also under
Tree City USA construction.
Designation
These images generally depict the final
Water Quality r colors and materials selected for the
Report exterior of the facility, however more
images can be found on the City's web-
Utility Bill site, www.cityofoal<parl<heights.com.
Information
An official ribbon cutting date has not
Business and
Development News - - yet been selected, however this is also
planned for early fall. Please contact
Invasive Species City Hall for questions., 651-439-4439.
Reminder
City of Oak Park Heights Recognized as a Playful City USA!
Summer Park Playful City USA is a national recognition program honoring cities and towns
Program Schedule
across the nation who are creating an agenda for play. The Playful City USA
program is a unique self-assessment tool that assists communities in identify-
Information Recycling ing local play assets and play deficits, and in developing a rigorous action plan
driven towards increasing quality, quantity, and access for play in your city.
Police Once again the City of Oak Park Heights was one of only 270 cities across the
Files country to be awarded the 2017 Playful City USA designation and only one of
two in the State of Minnesota. The City is committed to providing the commu-
Reminders from the 4- nity with areas to play and increase physical activity and has developed a local
Building Dept. 15 action plan to increase the quantity and quality of play in the City. The City of
Oak Park Heights was selected for the designation because of its commitment
Survey 16 to children and play. For a park and trail guide, please visit City Hall or the
Announcement City's website,www.cityofoakparkheights.com.
Page 2 Summer 2017 Newsleffer
City department spotlight—consultants
The City of Oak Park Heights is spotlighting a different department in each newsletter this year. This edi-
tion features our City consultants.
The City Attorney, Mark Vierling of Eckberg Lammers, P.C., acts as the legal advisor to the City Council.
The need for cities to make contracts, write and pass ordinances, deal with employment issues and land-use
matters, as well as the potential for litigation in a variety of different areas, makes a good working relation-
ship with a city attorney very important.
The City Engineer, Lee Mann of Stantec, is
responsible for the supervision of the design
planning, and construction of all streets, alleys,
sidewalks, storm sewers, sanitary sewers, lift
stations, and all other City facilities.
The City Planner, Scott Richards of The Plan-
ning Company, advises the Council on all mat-
ters pertaining to or affecting community de- �
velopment and planning in the City, is respon-
sible for the preparation and update of plans,
including a comprehensive municipal plan and
area land use plans, review applications, and
attend City Meetings. Pictured left to right:City Attorney Mark Vierling,City Engineer Lee Mann,
and City Planner Scott Richards
Planning Commission Vacancy
The City is seeking applications to fill vacancies on the City of Oak Park Heights Planning Com-
mission.
The Planning Commission is a board of five members, appointed by the City Council, who meet
regularly on the second or third Thursday of each month, typically at 7:00 pm as well as on other
occasions, when needed.
The objectives of the Planning Commission are to make recommendations to the City Council on
matters affecting zoning, subdivision and building regulations, land use development and com-
prehensive planning. Commission terms are three
--- --� -----� years and run from June to May.
. ru�ilP
If you are a resident of Oak Park Heights and are
looking for an interesting and rewarding opportunity
to participate in development and governance of Oak
t_. --�--�_-Ar Park Heights, please visit the City's website to down-
load an application packet or stop by City Hall. Appli-
cations are due July 21.
If you have any questions, please contact City Admin-
istrator Eric Johnson at (651) 439-4439 or via e-mail
at eajohnson@cityofoakparkheights.com.
Tree City USA Page 3
Emerald Ash Borer
Emerald ash borer (EAB) has been identified in OPH City Arborist. Do not move ash wood with
Washington County (Fall 2015). Check tree trunks intact bark from one area to another, to avoid
and branches for "D-shaped" adult exit holes and spreading EAB to new areas. If you would like in-
"S-shaped" larval galleries. These galleries are un- formation regarding insecticide injection to protect
der the bark and the bark maybe cracked open ash trees in your yard, contact the City Arborist.
over the gallery and wound tissue. There may be a There are EAB handouts with images on the Ar-
lot of woodpecker activity, particularly in the top borist's page of the City's website and copies are
half of the tree, seen most easily in the winter. If also available at City Hall.
you see signs of EAB activity, please contact the
Oak Wilt
DO NOT prune oak trees from April ist to July ist (high risk period). There is also a
slight risk of oak wilt being spread via insects to fresh wounds from July ist to September 15th. If
oaks are pruned or wounded April ist through September 30th, wounds should be painted imme-
diately with latex house paint. It is best to prune oaks between October 15th and March 15th.
Leafspot diseases of trees
In wet spring and summer weather, fungal and cause little damage to trees and shrubs.
leafspot diseases can be common. These dis- A fungal disease which can continue to infect
eases cause rounded black to brown spots on trees in summer and cause leaf loss on sus-
leaves. Fungal leafspot diseases can also ceptible varieties, is apple scab on apples and
cause leaf fall and leave trees thin or bare of crabapples. If choosing a new flowering
leaves. Some leafspots, such as oak anthrac- crabapple, there are many cultivated varieties
nose on white and bur oaks, can cause the which have good scab resistance.
leaf edges to brown and curl, progressing to
large blotches and wilting of leaves. Most leaf-
spot diseases are short-lived during the spring
Hiring a tree service/landscape company
When hiring a tree service and or landscape company for tree pruning, chemical treatment or tree removals
contractors are required to have a current Tree Worker's License with the City of Oak Park Heights as re-
quired by City Ordinance 1307. A current list of licensed tree workers can be obtained from City Hall.
Tree problems?
If you have a problem with a tree or shrub, such as insects,
diseases site factors or just want to have a plant identified "
call Lisa Danielson, the City Arborist at 651-439-4439 or viae "r
-mail at ldanielson@cityofoakparkheights.com. She can ei-
ther answer your question over the phone or make an ap-
pointment for a site visit. This service is free for residents of
Oak Park Heights.
Page 4 Summer 2017 Newsleffer
Attention Pet Owners
Leash Law Reminder
The City of Oak Park Heights City Council updated its Leash Law Ordinance effective March 1,
2015. All dogs and cats that are off the premises of the owner must be on a leash at all times and
under control of the owner or another designated person. If you do not have your dog or cat on
a leash,you will be in violation of the new Ordinance.
Also, when you are out walking your pet, please remember to bring a plastic bag. Pet owners
are required 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 651-4394439. City Ordinances can be viewed on the City's web-
site: www.cityofoakparkheights.com.
Oak Park Heights designated as a Tree City USA and receives growth award
Oak Park Heights was named a 2016 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for the 35th year in
honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management. The City also received a Tree City USA
Growth Award for the 4th for demonstrating environmental improvement and higher level of tree
care. Oak Park Heights achieved Tree City
USA recognition by meeting the program's
four requirements: a tree board or depart-
ment, a tree-care ordinance, an annual com-
munity forestry budget of at least $2 per capi-
ta, and an Arbor Day Proclamation.
The Tree City USA program is sponsored by
the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership
with the U.S. Forest Service and the National -
Association of State Foresters. Trees provide
multiple benefits to a community when
properly planted and maintained. They help _
to improve the visual appeal of a neighbor-
hood, increase property values, reduce home
cooling costs, remove air pollutants, and pro-
vide wildlife habitat, among many other ben- w
efits.
More information about the program is avail- May 15,2017 Ceremonial Arbor Month and Tree City USA Tree Planting.
able at www.arborday.org/TreeCityUSA Pictured from left to right:Arborist Lisa Danielson and Parks Commissioners
David Johnson,Jim Norton,Aaron Bye,Judith Chirhart,and Tony Weyer.
2016 Water Quality
2016 CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
PWSID: 1820020
it
2016 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 31,2016. 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 Minnesota Department of Health has made a determination as to how vulnerable our systems'source(s)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 canview it online at
www.health.state.nm.us/divs/eh/water/swp/swa.
Call Andy Kegley,Public Works Director(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 2016. 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).
TT-Treatment Technique: A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
2016 Water Quality
Level Found
Contaminant MCLG MCL Typical Source of Contaminant
(units) Range Average/
2016 Result*
Fluoride(ppm) 4 4 .67-.94 1.12 State of Minnesota requires all municipal water sys-
tems to add fluoride to the drinking water to promote
strong teeth;Erosion of natural deposits;Discharge
from fertilizer and aluminum factories.
Nitrate 10.4 10.4 2.9-3 3 Runoff from fertilizer use;Leaching from septic
(as Nitrogen) tanks, sewage;Erosion of natural deposits.
(ppm)
*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(units) MCLG MCL #of TT exceedances Typical Source of
Contaminant
Total Coliform N/A TT 1 Naturally present in
Bacteria$ the environment.
$Beginning April 1,2016
Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other,potentially harmful,
waterborne pathogens may be present or that a potential pathway exists through which contamination may enter the drinking water
distribution system. We found coliforms indicating the need to look for potential problems in water treatment or distribution.
When this occurs,we are required to conduct assessment(s)to identify problems and to correct any problems that were found dur-
ing these assessments.
Level 1 Assessment: A Level 1 assessment is a study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine(if possible)
why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system.
During the past year we were required to conduct one Level 1 assessment. One Level 1 assessment was completed. In addition,we
were required to take zero corrective actions.
Contaminant 90%Level #sites over
(units) MCLG AL AL Typical Source of Contaminant
Copper(ppm) 1.3 1.3 .16 0 out of 20 Corrosion of household plumbing systems;Erosion of
(07/23/2014) natural deposits.
Lead(ppb) 0 15 4 0 out of 20 Corrosion of household plumbing systems;Erosion of
(07/23/2014) natural deposits.
2016 Water Quality
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
components. 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 mini-
mize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
Monitoring may have been done for additional contaminants that do not have MCLS established for them and are not required to
be monitored under the Safe Drinking Water Act.Results may be available by calling 651-201-4700 or 1-800-818-9318 during
normal business hours.
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 run-
off,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 industrial
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 activi-
ties.
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
1-800-426-4791.
Some people may be 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 trans-
plants,people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders,some elderly,and infants can be particularly at risk
from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/CDC
guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are
available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.
Page 8 Summer 2017 Newslefter
Go GREEN: Pay & View Oak Park Heights Utility Bills Online
Pay ONLINE WHY?
Help save natural
Go to www.CityOfOakParkHeights.com resources by viewvng
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
or set up Auto-Pay
1-877-886-7968(have your bill handy to provide your account number) . Keep costs down;
. ` opt out of paper bills
A� View Bills Online • PnOrece)pts,view
—_— —_ — t payment history
Go to www.City0F0akParkHeights.com and more
1. Click"View Utility Bill"
Vire 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
eCheck , a`'11H 3.
You don't have to pay onlne to view our bills onlie.
FSH
Second quarter 2017 utility bills
City Meetings There is an outdoor utility payment drop box
(subject to change) located in the landscaped circle directly outside
the City Hall entrance. This will allow for you to
drive up to the box to drop off your payment ra-
City Council: ther than having to get out of your vehicle.
2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 6:oo
p.m. (during summer months, Utility bills for the second Quarter of 2017 (April 1 —
the Council may only meet once June 30) will be mailed to residents in July and will be
per month) due August 9, 2017.
Auto pay is available. With auto pay, there is no need to
Planning Commission: waste time writing and mailing a check. Paying your
Typically the 2nd Thursday at utility bill electronically allows you to save time and
7:00 p.m. money on stamps and late fees. The amount you owe on
your utility bill is automatically withdrawn from the ac-
count you designate on the billing due date each month.
Parks Commission: You will continue to receive your bill so that you know
3rd Monday at 7:00 p.m. the date and amount to be withheld from your account.
If you are interested in participating, please call or stop
Agendas and Minutes are posted by City Hall to obtain an enrollment form. The form is
on the City's website: also available on the City's website, under City Infor-
www.cityofoakparkheights.com mation, Forms & Handouts. Call Jennifer Pinski at City
Hall, 651-439-4439, if you have questions.
Tree City USA Page 9
Cable Commission Citizen Rep Vacancy
The Central St. Croix Valley Joint Cable Communications Commission is a joint powers entity rep-
resenting the cities of Oak Park Heights, Bayport, and Stillwater, and the townships of Baytown
and Stillwater. The cities each have one elected and one citizen representative that attend regu-
lar meetings. The commission meets every other month on the third Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.
The commission is the franchising authority for cable television in our area. They are in charge
of making sure that the franchise with the cable company is being followed and negotiating a
new franchise, when appropriate. At meetings, the commission takes action on several issues
such as approving budget expenditures, joining telecommunications organizations, keeping in-
formed on legislative cable franchise issues, and handling complaints regarding cable services.
There is an opening for a citizen representative from the City of Oak Park Heights. If you are in-
terested in this exciting opportunity, please contact City Hall at 651-439-4439.
Oak Park Heights Local Business & Development News
You've probably noticed the construction happening around town. It's been an ex-
citing time for the City, with a number of new commercial business having been
completed and several still in the process of construction.
Welcome New Businesses:
Advance Auto Parts (formerly Carquest Auto) - 6110 Osgood Ave. N.
Archer Realty - 5946 Osgood Ave. N.
Fiesta Cancun Mexican Grill & Bar - 5817 Neal Ave. N.
Goodwill (New Location) - 5980 Krueger Ln. N.
Holiday Station Convenience Store & Carwash - 5997 Osgood Ave. N.
JNS Builders - 5645 Memorial Ave. N.
Keep It Growing - 14375 601h St. N.
Mancave Precision Hair - 5948 Osgood Ave. N.
Peak 5 Crossfit (formerly Stillwater Crossfit Workhouse) - 5610 Memorial Ave. N.
Midstate Landscaping & Excavating - 5750 Memorial Ave. N.
Pizza Ranch - 5785 Minnesota Ave. N.
Potbelly - 13197 601h St. N.
Simonet's Furniture Warehouse - 5745 Memorial Ave. N.
Coming Soon
AT & T (New Location)- 13181 601h St. N.
Kwik Trip Convenience Store & Carwash - 12585 58th St. N.
Project Life - 14563 601h St. N.
Waxing The City - 5951 Norwich Ave. N.
If you are interested in learning about what is coming or happening, please call City
Hall.
Page 10 Summer 2017 Newsletter
Play Clean Go—give invasive species the brush off
Spring is here and soon green life will be bursting forth from its winter slumber, buoyed by widespread
spring rains. Spring rains and melted snow mean one thing on our favorite trails and stomping grounds:
mud.
Mud on our boots, on the paws of our pets, on our bike tires and vehicles can carry seeds of various in-
vasive plants. Invasive plants are plants that are not native to Minnesota, and they are capable of causing
severe harm to the local environment, economies, and in the case of Grecian Foxglove*, they threaten
human health.
Some common invasive species in Washington County include Canada thistle, buckthorn, wild parsnip,
oriental bittersweet, Japanese knotweed and garlic mustard.
What we need YOU to do as you play and explore in nicer weather is to remember to Play, Clean, Go.
REMOVE plants, animals & mud from boots, gear, pets,& vehicle.
CLEAN your gear before entering & leaving the recreation site.
STAY on designated roads & trails.
USE CERTIFIED or local firewood & hay.
Learn more at playcleango.org _�Y
*If you find Grecian foxglove, DO NOT TOUCH. It is toxic and very danger- `
ous. Please call the Washington Conservation District to report sightings
65 1-330-8220, and in addition call the Minnesota Department of Agriculture
at arrest.the.pest(o-)state.mn.us or call 1-888-545-6684. You can also down- 6"'tooC
load a smartphone app to report sightings and send pictures — more at
www.mda.state.mn.us/arrestthepest `'
In more detail:
1. Come clean
Before leaving home, take a little time to inspect and remove dirt, plants, and bugs from clothing, boots,
gear, pets, and vehicles.
2. Use weed-free or certified hay
When horseback riding, use weed-free or certified hay. When using hay for other purposes and weed-
free hay is not available, use straw because it is less likely to carry weed seeds.
3. Stay on designated trails
Stay on the designated trail when walking, hiking, running, biking, or riding your horse or OHV.
4. Leave clean
Before leaving, inspect your belongings and remove any dirt, plants, or bugs. Invasive plant seeds can be
stuck on you, your pets, or equipment. Likewise, pests that attack trees can hide in firewood that you
bring home. Weed seeds in infested hay can be blown offsite as you move down the road or left behind
in animal waste.
Tree City USA Page 11
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLIP AND SAVE!
2017 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;
Lj,�pN;
_ further updates on summer programming in the parks.
All ages are welcome to attend the activities.
y
Children under six must be accompanied b an adult.
Pre-registration is appreciated for the craft activities.
E-mail Gina at gzeuti@q.com with number of children attending :
L- and their ages.
July 6 - Family Fun Night - WaCo Conservation explore the ponds! Autumn Hills Park at 6:30 pm. ;
July 11 - Minnesota Zoomobile - Autumn Hills Park at 10:30 am.
July 18 - Craft in the Park - Wood Crafts: Autumn Hills Park from 10 am to noon.
July 20 - Craft-a-palooza - make lots of crafts at the park: Autumn Hills Park from 6:30 to 8 pm.
July 25 - Emily Roberts' snake presentation - Autumn Hills Park at 10:30 am.
August 1 - Craft in the park - Weather: Autumn Hills Park from 10 am to noon.
;August 3 - Totally Turtles Presentation - Autumn Hills Park at 6:30 pm.
August 8 - Magician Brian Richards - Autumn Hills Park at 10:30 am.
August 15 - Rockin Woody Concert - Autumn Hills Park at 10:30 am.
August 17 - The Bugman Presentation - Autumn Hills Park at 6:30 pm.
August 22 - Craft in the Park - Halloween in August: Autumn Hills Park 10 am to noon.
' --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRESS RELEASE FROM MnDOT/WisDOT
St. Croix River Crossing ribbon cutting ceremony set for August 2
WHAT: Dedication of the new St. Croix Crossing Bridge
St.Croix
WHEN: 10 a.m. on Wednesday, August. 2 CROSSING
WHERE: On eastbound Highway 36 approach ramp spanning Highway 95 in Oak Park Heights, Minneso-
ta
WHO: Federal, state and local officials from Minnesota and Wisconsin will gather to mark the comple-
tion of the new St. Croix River Crossing.
WHY: The new crossing, connecting Oak Park Heights, Minnesota and St. Joseph, Wisconsin will provide
a better, larger route between the states that will replace the more than 80-year old Stillwater Lift Bridge.
It will ease congestion in downtown Stillwater and is anticipated to be a boon to economic development
in the region.
DIRECTIONS: More details on the dedication will be released after the after July 4, 2017.
Page 12 Summer 2017 Newsletter
Sanitary Sewer Use
The City's Public Works Department provides for the collection, operation and maintenance of a
wastewater system that ultimately leads to treatment and the return of water back to the ecological
system at an environmentally safe level.
Oak Park Heights has approximately 28 miles of sanitary sewer mains, roughly 750 sanitary sewer
manholes and four lift stations. Each year about 30,000 linear feet or roughly six miles of the
City's sanitary sewer mains are cleaned and inspected. Mains that require a higher level of mainte-
nance are cleaned more frequently. This routine maintenance helps to prevent blockages and sew-
er backups; however when unauthorized items are flushed into the sanitary sewer, the City's ability
to prevent backups is no longer controllable.
As a resident, you 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
"Flushable"wipes (These do not dissolve, therefore they clog sanitary sewer lines and pumps)
Cooking grease and oil
Sanitary napkins
Rags or shop towels
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.
Sanitary sewer problems should be reported to the City of Oak Park Heights Public Works Depart-
ment during business hours by calling City Hall (651) 439-4439• The public works department al-
so has a 24 hour emergency only hotline (651) 485-2304. OPH, as in many other Cities across
Minnesota, the sewer main is owned by the City of OPH. City staff are responsible to maintain the
City main lines. The sewer service or lateral from your home, business or other property to the City
sewer main is the property owner's responsibility. That means the property owner is responsible
for clearing any blockages in the service lateral between the home and the main.
Recycling��is picked up b=iveekly`kiy`T`eiY� s`�Sanitation. The recycling calendar is`�avai�alj�l�e'n�ri��the City s
website, along with information on what can be recycled and where to bring hazar.do.us...wast(.,..and elec-
tr..onics..f..or...dis .osal::.Here:is.a.list.of..standard:curbside..r..ec. clable.materials ..:
:;.:;.:
Mail office and school .:..a'�`e�s�:��`�:��`�:��`�:��`�:��`�:��`�:��`�:��`�:��`�:��`�:��`�:��`�:��`�:��`�:��`�:��`�:��`�:��`�:��`�:��`�::�.:�.: Plastic milk and juice jugs
.>
Pp J Jg
*Newspaper and inserts :.: Plastic dish soap bottles and'deter ent `'`
P g.:. J .....
* : ::
Phone books
Shredded paper in .. ........ .....................................
pudding, and fruit cups '?
*Milk and brothcartons:::. ar arine cotta e cheese and other tubs
: .;:
g g
Juice boxes ':`':`':`':`':`':`':``:``:``:``:``:``:``:``:``:``:``:``:``:``:``:``:``:``:``:`':``:``:``:``:`':`':`':::::
:.; Plastic herr containers and to- o containers
y g
Food and bevera`e�`aluminum7tin:�liimetal�cans
g
Tree City USA Page 13
Oak Park Heights Police Files
From the desk of Chief Brian DeRosier
� •
IN
Follow us on Facebook, we try to keep you informed of current events and provide a monthly
summary of calls for service that were handled the month prior. https://www.facebook.com/Oak-
Park-Heights-Police-313385015530153/. If Facebook is not your thing you can also get the
monthly summary on the city web site at www.citvofoakparkheights.com Look to the right side of
the page and you will see a box with the link to our past month's summary as well. This does not
have the current events.
Our police department web page is linked to the city page using the "City Departments" link along
the left side. While the summaries are not nearly all we do it does provide an insight into what is
going on in the community. We encourage you to use the tip link on the web page which can be
anonymous. The more information you provide us on the incident the more likely it will be useful
to us. Providing us with contact information will also assist us in following up with your concern if
we need more information. We do not monitor our tip line in real time. It is an email. If you are
witnessing something call 911 or 651-439-4723 to speak with someone and have an officer re-
spond.
We are part of the Crime Stoppers Network. If you call or submit a tip that leads
4;;mr—s– to a felony arrest you may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00. The re-
vfmj,7rres & ward amount is determined by the Crime Stoppers Network and not the city or
1-800-222-TIPS police department. When we receive a tip via the network we provide feedback to
www.erimesrnppersmn.org the network of the status of the tip if it solved a felony crime and they then deter-
crime Doesn't Pay,..Web, mine the reward and issue it to you.
Keeping our community safe and a great place to live is an entire community effort. We need
your help.
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 consid-
er having the numbers coated with a reflective material for better visibility in the dark or locate them
beneath 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 Summer 2017 Newsletter
No parking in the grass (or yard) please
By City Ordinance cars, trucks, trailers, boats, snowmobiles, water-skis, four-wheelers, mo-
tor homes and other similar items shall be parked in your garage or other accessory build-
ing, upon your driveway or an approved parking pad.
An approved Parking Pad shall be hard surfaced constructed of asphalt, concrete, cobble-
stone, paving 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 set-
back. Parking pads must be set back at least 5 feet from rear yard property lines.
Parking Pad Limitations
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.
If you need a parking pad and/or shed, contact the City Building Department to re-
view your options and learn about permit requirements.
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.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Home-based business operations require Home Occupation Permit .
A Home Occupation Permit is required by the City of Oak Park Heights Zoning Ordinance 401 for
all home occupations.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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 per-
mitted 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 either
type 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 at 651 - 351-
1661 or via email at jhultman@cityofoakparkheights.com.
Tree City USA Page 15
Planning a home improvement project?
Many home improvement new and repair projects require a work permit from the City and work inspec-
tions, to ensure compliance with adopted MN State construction and local ordinance codes.
Some projects will require property line verification and may require a certificate of survey.
It is important that you plan ahead for your project to determine what is needed so that you have everything
ready in place before the project work starts.
Examples of some home improvement projects that typically require a permit include:
Additions
Interior Remodeling
Decks
Porches
Gazebos/Pergolas
Fences
Garages/Sheds
Re-roofing
Re-siding
Water Heaters
Window Replacement
New plumbing or heating or alterations to your existing services.
Driveway replacement/Parking pads
If you are hiring a contractor for your project, make sure they are licensed, that they have obtained a permit
for the work you that you have hired them to do, 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.
Planning a yard sale? Consider your signage
Consider your signage — Oak Park Heights City Ordinance 401.15.G. sets forth regu-
lations for signage within the City. The purpose of the ordinance is to provide regulation cJpL�
of sign aspects in order to promote public health, safety and welfare, while striving to
maintain, enhance and improve the visual appearance of the City.
A temporary sign permit is not required for placing your yard sale sign, though the following rules are
to be followed:
1. Signs are to be freestanding. Please do not attach them to trees, fences, utility poles or other
permanent post structures.
2. Signs are not allowed within a public right-of-way or any other location that creates a visual ob-
struction.
3. Signs are to be no larger than 12 square feet in size and shall not contain or imitate a traffic sign
or signal.
4. Signs are to be removed at the end of the sale.
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 Park Heights Cityof O" Park Heights
14168 Oak Park Blvd. N.
PO Box 2007 COMMUNITY SURVEY
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082
Phone:651-439-4439 2017 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Fax:651-439-0574
Police non-emergency:65 1-439-4723 The Oak Park Heights City Council would like your
Police Emergency:911 input, ideas and thoughts to help it plan for the fu-
Office Hours: ture. This survey is intended to gather general data
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. from City Residents and Businesses as to what they
excluding legal holidays may currently like or dislike about the City. The an-
MAYOR swers provided will aid the City as it develops its 10
Mary McComber:351-7879 -year Comprehensive Plan Update. This update will
COUNCILMEMBERS help to guide many land-use and recreational deci-
Chuck Dougherty:491-0419 sions by the City.
Mike Liljegren:351-2742
Mike Runk:439-5458
Mark Swenson:270-5385 Please visit the City"s website,
CITY ADMINISTRATOR www.cityofoakparkheights.com, for a link to the
Eric Johnson online survey or to download and fill out a paper
copy. You may also stop by City Hall for the sur-
vey.
• • - Your responses to the survey are completely anony-
mous. The City Council appreciates your time and
participation!
The Oak Park Heights
newsletter
is published by the City SURVEYS WILL BE COLLECTED THROUGH
of Oak Park Heights. AUGUST 25, 2017
Comments are welcome.
651-439-4439