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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 2017 City of Oak Tree City USA Fall 2017 Newsletter Inside this issue: St. Croix River Crossing City Department After years of anticipation and construction activity, at 10:00 am on August 2nd the Spotlight Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held for the new St. Croix River Crossing. It is esti- mated that over 3,000 people attended the historical opening. Arborist As part of this event, the City did hold an ice News cream social at Oak Park Crossing Park where over 2,400 novelties were consumed. Utility Bill This additional event was, at least in a small Information fashion, for the City to express its apprecia- tion to its residents and businesses who en- Polling Location dured throughout the construction process. Survey The City was a true partner in this construc- tion and has spent over $500,000 in new utili- Fire safety: ties, invested significant Staff time and was requested to assume infrastructure with Have a Plan additional future maintenance costs. Open to Business With the opening, the community has seen significant pedestrian traffic on the new Program Info trail way across the Bridge, increased traffic on Highway 36 and renewed interest in � y the area which is anticipated to also spark Cable Commission 7 an increase in investment in the commercial Citizen Rep Vacancy corridor. This is potentially already being realized with the renovation of the NAPA Sanitary sewer building; the redevelopment of the former Reminders Pizza Hut and a number of pending com- mercial land transactions being known. Garbage and N� Recycling Info - It is estimated that over 17,000 cars per day will utilize this Bridge and which may have impacts on the intersections at Osgood Prevent Frozen Ave., Oakgreen Ave. and Norrell Ave. The Pipes State and County are monitoring these impacts and would expect to address traffic- light timing matters once traffic patterns are normalized. Further, the City of Oak Park Heights is undertaking a traffic study at Norrell/Washington & STH 36 to de- Budget g t Information ti termine if there are achievable adjustments that can be made to improve congestion Budget Information in this area. Fall Clean-up Now that the new Bridge is open, and while there will be some adjustments, the Announcement City expects that it will become the vital corridor it was anticipated to be and gener- ally enhance our community as a whole. The City thanks all in the community for their patience, hard work and dedication to complete this historic project. Page 2 Fall 2017 Newsletter City department spotlight—Administration The Administration Department for the City of Oak Park Heights is charged with directing and co- ordinating City staff in accordance with City policy and City direction. Administration also pro- vides information and recommendations on proposals and issues before Council consideration. The chief administrative officer in Oak Park Heights is the City Administrator, who is appointed by the City Council. The Administrator is responsible for directing a variety of administrative pro- cesses that allow the City to operate, and implementing and overseeing policies as directed by the City Council. The Administration Department also includes the City Clerk's office. The City Clerk is responsible for processing a variety of licenses, maintaining City records, and administering local and state elections. The Administration Department also prepares agendas and provides support information for City Council meetings and workshops; publishes and distributes the City newsletter, manages the City website and Facebook page; and provides customer service via phone and to City Hall visitors; and represents the City with Federal, State, County, and other governments and with agencies such as the Minnesota Department of Transportation and watershed districts. Contact the Administration Department for utility billing questions, zoning, picnic shelter reserva- tions, City Council meetings, and for referral to other departments. .m WAY, Pictured above: Mary Seiger, Receptionist; Jenni Pinski, City Clerk; Eric Johnson, City Administrator Tree City USA Page 3 Fall landscaping checklist Winter landscaping checklist ❑ Aerate and overseed bare patches in your ❑ Prune dead, diseased or unsafe branches lawn ❑ Prune elm and oak trees ❑ Plant new evergreen trees and shrubs ❑ Inspect your trees and shrubs for ice and ❑ Fertilize your lawn snow damage ❑ Protect susceptible evergreen plants from ❑ Have hazardous or dead trees removed by a winter injury licensed tree worker (Call City Hall for a list) ❑ Water evergreens deeply to hydrate before the ground freezes Tree problems? ` ❑ Prune back perennial plants ❑ Mulch around young trees and plants If you have a , x ' ❑ Remove leaf piles from landscape beds and problem with a turf areas tree or shrub such as insects, diseases, site Hiring a tree service/landscape company factors, or just r. When hiring a tree service and/or land- want to have a -t scape company for tree pruning, chemi- plant identified - cal treatment, or tree removals, contrac- call the City ar- tors are required to have a current Tree borist, Lisa Danielson, by phone at City Hall, Worker's License with the City of Oak 651-439-4439, extension 1302. or via e-mail at Park Heights. This is a requirement of Idanielson@cityofoakparkheights.com. City Ordinance 1307. Lisa can either answer your question over the A current list of licensed tree workers phone or make an appointment for a site visit. can be obtained from City Hall. This service is free for residents of Oak Park Heights. Risk trees Winter is a good time to look for structural prob- on large branches, or at the base of the tree. If a lems in trees in your yard and near your home. large tree has died back from the top or has had When leaves are gone, it is a lot easier to see risk signs of decline (small leaves, early fall coloration, issues such as broken, hanging limbs; cracks in thin leaf canopy)in the past few years, it should be large branches and main trunk unions; and decay examined for decay and other risk factors. Being issues such as cavities (wildlife holes, openings in proactive about tree risk situations can prevent se- the trunk) or conks (shelf fungi) on the main trunk, rious damage and injury. Middle St. Croix Watershed Management Organization The City of Oak Park Heights is one of ten member communities of the Middle St. Croix Water- shed Management Organization (MSCWMO) that collectively works to improve the water quality of Perro Pond and Lake St. Croix. The MSCWMO provides educational, technical, and financial assistance to the City of Oak Park Heights to effectively manage water resources. They also part- ner with the Washington Conservation District to provide design and cost share assistance for vol- untary conservation projects on private lands that reduce sediment and phosphorous pollution en- tering Perro Pond or St. Croix River. If you are considering a conservation project on your proper- ty or have any questions about the watershed please contact Mike Isensee, Administrator of the MSCWMO at misensee@mnwcd.org or Council Member Mike Runk, the City appointed Board Manager on the watershed, at (651) 439-5458. Page 4 Fall 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) e 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`'tiEF VISA You don't have to pay onlne to view our bills onlie. FSH Third quarter 2017 utility bills City Meetings There is an outdoor utility payment drop box (subject to change) located in the landscaped circle directly out- side the City Hall entrance. This will allow City Council: for you to drive up to the box to drop off 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 6:oo your payment rather than having to get out p.m. (during summer months, of your vehicle. the Council ma y only meet once Utility bills for the third Quarter of 2017 (July 1 — Sep- per month) tember 30) will be mailed to residents in October and will be due November 9, 2017. Planning Commission: TypiTypically the 2nd Thursday at Auto pay is available. With auto pay, there is no need to Typi p.m. waste time writing and mailing a check. Paying your utility bill electronically allows you to save time and money on stamps and late fees. The amount you owe on Parks Commission: your utility bill is automatically withdrawn from the ac- 3rd Monday at 7:00 p.m. count you designate on the billing due date each month. You will continue to receive your bill so that you know the date and amount to be withheld from your account. Agendas and Minutes are posted on the City's website: If you are interested in participating, please call or stop www.cityofoakparkheights.com 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 Jennifer Pinski at City Hall, 651-439-4439, if you have questions. Tree City USA ._ . _ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Input from City residents requested—Election Polling Locations ; Currently in the City of Oak Park Heights there are two polling locations: one at City ; Hall and the other at the church off of Osgood Avenue. Last year, the State of Min- nesota passed legislation to allow early voting, and fewer people are voting in- person at the polling locations on Election Day. This alleviates long lines at either; polling location. The City Council is considering consolidating precincts into one vot- ing location — City Hall. Combining precincts will reduce costs by as much as $3,000 during an election year as fewer personnel are needed to staff one polling location versus two and less equipment means less in maintenance costs. ; Before the City Council makes a decision, they are requesting input from City resi- dents. Please take the time to complete this brief survey and either mail it to City; Hall, call City Clerk Jenni Pinski at 651-439-4439, or email your questions/ comments to jpinski@cityofoakparkheights.com. SURVEY ; ;What is your preference on whether the City of Oak Park Heights should combine ; polling locations? ; ❑ Keep two polling locations ❑ Combine to one polling location ❑ No preference Do you have any comments about your selection? Optional Name: Address: Phone: Email: This survey can be mailed to: Oak Park Heights City Hall Jenni Pinski, City Clerk PO Box 2007 Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 ; Thank you for your time and input! Page 6 Fall 2017 Newsletter Every Second t : Fire Prevention Week I Oct.8-14, 2017 TM Plan 2 Ways Out! Hove fast does fire move? Very fast. You could have less than minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds. 7 steps to practicing your escape plan 1 2 3 4 - --------------- A Lj Draw a map of your Find two Ways out of Make sure doors Choose an outside home.Include all every room. and windows are riot meeting place in front doors and windows- blocked- of your horne- 5 6 7 Push Practice Get +� the test your drill outside J bot toa to with to your sound the everyone oil• meeting smoke . in the place. alarm. home. For more information about escape planning,visit: Click here to www.usfa.fema.gov and www.firepreventionweek.org. add image. Fire 19 *7r Evartma'e NFOR FgM. U_5.Fire The Olfii:W Spo'rsor;'Fire Tree City USA ._ . _ Thinking about a new business? Are you thinking about starting your own business or are you currently operating a small business and interested in technical assistance? Oak Park Heights has partnered with the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD) to offer the Open to Business program. This program provides free one-on-one assistance from MCCD's expert staff, customized to meet the specific needs of each entrepreneur. Free Technical Assistance Open to Business will provide prospective and existing entrepreneurs in Oak Park Heights with free one-on-one counseling with a business advisor. The program provides assistance in the fol- lowing areas: • Business plan development • Financial management • Cashflow financial • Bookkeeping set-up and training • Loan packaging • Commercial real estate analysis . • Marketing assistance • Strategic planning • Networking &professional referrals TO BUSINESS Small Business Loan Program Open to Business advisors can also assist entrepreneurs to identify borrowing needs and access- ing financing options. Advisors work with clients to help them find the financing that best meets their own unique needs. MCCD also provides direct financing and loans in partnership with banks and nonprofit lenders. Funds can be used for inventory, working capital, asset and equip- ment purchases, real estate acquisition, and start-up costs. How it Works For more information on the services offered or to schedule an appointment, contact Tyler Hil- sabeck at 612-789-8838 or thilsabeckPmccdmn.org For general information, visit the Open to Business website at: www.opentobusinessmn.org 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 to negotiate 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. Representa- tives receive a stipend for each meeting attended. If you are interested in this exciting oppor- tunity, please contact City Hall at 651-439-4439. Page 8 Fall 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. Garbage pickup in Oak Park Heights is every Thursday (on the weeks containing New Years Day, Memo- rial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, pickup will be on Friday). Please have your trash container curbside by 7:00 a.m. on pickup day. To facilitate better snow removal and mail delivery, bring containers from the street as quickly as possible after disposal. Recycling pickup is every-other-Thursday (except those weeks with holidays noted above). The recycling calendar is available on the City's website, along with information on what can be recycled and where to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bringhazardous waste and electronics for disposal. P ***Please use biodegradable paper bags for yard waste and /or please `. . . bundle brush in a manageable length so collection can be as smooth as possible.*** Tree City USA Page 9 Attention Pet Owners IW' 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 designat- 0% ed person. If you do not have your dog or cat on a leash, you will be in violation of the new Ordinance. Clean up after your pet 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 651-439-4439. City Ordinances can be viewed on the City's web- site: www.cityofoakparkheights.com. Frozen pipes in the winter months Your water lines may be at risk of freezing during prolonged periods of bitter cold. Water ser- vice lines that run from the main line to the home are private property as are the water shut-off boxes. The City does not have the capacity to thaw frozen private water lines. Here's what you can do to prepare.- Monitor repare.Monitor the weather reports for extended periods of severe cold; then take action. • Allow warm air to circulate in the area where the water comes in to the house. • Leave utility room doors open and clear space around the waterline. • Remove contents of vanity cupboards and leave the doors open. • If possible/practical leave snow cover over the area where your lateral water line runs from the curb stop to the house. • Run your cold water closest to the water line entry point for a couple minutes and then take the temperature of the water. Please first notify the City if you must leave your water running. • If water from the tap is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit it is recommended that you let your cold water run from this faucet at a pencil thickness until a few days after frigid temperatures sub- side. • You may want to run your faucet non-stop overnight when temperatures typically dip lower or no water is being used for a period of time. Monitor such flows and keep track of water use and proactively inform the City that you are running water to preclude a frozen water line. The City will make appropriate adjustments to water and sewer billings for homes that do run water to prevent freeze-up. Page 10 Fall 2017 Newsletter 2018 City preliminary budget outlook The City's Preliminary Budget for 2018 is $5,808,438 which is an increase of $168,792 from the 2017 Adopted Budget. The Preliminary Budget includes expenditures for all operations and debt services for the next year and reflects an increase of 2.99%. The changes to the 2018 budget as compared to the 2017 budget include additional funding for the ongoing and future street maintenance programs, such as the recent major street reconstruc- tions from 2014-2016, the recent mill and overlay of 60th Street N, Neal Ave and Kruger Lane as well as general inflationary increases noted below. Mill and Overlay projects for 2018 are anticipat- ed to include 58th Street N and Nova Scotia Ave N. The maintenance of the streets, though costly, prolongs the life of the roadway and keeps expensive reconstructions from happening before the expected replacement time of 25-30 years. The 2018 budget also includes decreases for contractual services such as snow plowing and sup- plies. The snow plowing budget was decreased $50,000 to an estimated average of the last 5 years costs. The Council has developed a policy which established a reserve with unspent snow plowing budget funds from the prior years to be utilized if the current budget runs out of funds. This policy is for the purpose of alleviating large fluctuations from year to year and helps to stabi- lize the overall budget. Increases in the 2018 budget are due to property insurance costs, an increase of $13,000, and personnel expenses including health insurance costs. The 2017 budgeted personnel costs were lower than normal as the City had replaced employees at a lower pay rate than the prior employ- ee. The following is a summary of the 2018 Preliminary Budget. GENERAL FUND BUDGET PRELIMINARY 2018 ADOPTED 2017 INCREASE(DECREASE) BUDGET %OF TOTAL BUDGET %OF TOTAL BUDGET %OF TOTAL OPERATIONS PERSON NEL COSTS $2,280,218 39.26% $2,177,027 38.60% $ 103,191 61.14% CONTRACTUAL $1,409,620 24.27% $1,440,399 25.54% $ (30,779) -18.23% SUPPLIES $ 127,850 2.20% $ 135,180 2.40% $ (7,330) -4.34% INSURANCE $ 133,540 2.30% $ 120,200 2.13% $ 13,340 7.90% OTHER $ 65,890 1.13% $ 69,015 1.22% $ (3,125) -1.85% TOTAL OPERATIONS $4,017,118 69.16% $3,941,821 69.89% $ 75,297 44.61% TRANSFERS DEBT $ 603,000 10.38% $ 603,000 10.69% $ - 0.00% CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS $1,188,320 20.46% $1,094,825 19.41% $ 93,495 55.39% TOTAL TRANSFERS $1,791,320 30.84% $1,697,825 30.11% $ 93,495 55.39% TOTAL BUDGET $5,808,438 100.00.0 $5,639,646 100.00.0 $ 168,792 100.00.0 Tree City USA ._ . _ 11 The Preliminary Tax Levy for the 2018 budget is $5,328,501, an increase of $134,840 or 2.6% over the 2017 tax levy. The tax levy funds 92% of the general operations of the city. The re- maining balance of the budget, $479,937 would be covered by funds derived from other sources such as fees, permits, earned interest and other revenues. Impact on Residential Property Based on data we have at the time of this newsletter: City residential property values have increased on average 0.7% as compared to 2017. The val- ue increase and the 2.6% tax levy dollar increase actually results in an expected decrease in tax- es for many residential properties. This is due to a larger average property value increase of 5.8% in the City's commercial property and therefore, that commercial class of property will see a greater increase in their taxes for 2018. The following is an example of a tax impact on a resi- dential property based on the City's preliminary budget: A residence valued at $209,000 in 2017 is valued at $210,000 for 2018 taxes. The 2017 taxes were $1,069.00, while 2018 is estimated to be $1,044.00, a $25.00 decrease. TAX LEVY CHANGES-RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TAXES ON A INCREASE TAX LEVY MEDIAN HOME OVER 2015 TAX LEVY 2017 2017 OPERATIONS $4,590,661 2017 DEBT $ 603,000 TOTAL 2017 TAXES $5,193,661 1 $ 1,068.96 DECREASE DUE TO VALUE INCREASE $ (52.32) -4.89% CHANGES TO LEVY OPERATIONS $ 134,840 $ 27.76 2.60% DEBT $ - $ 0.00% TOTAL 2018 BUDGET INCREASE $ 134,840 $ 27.76 2.60% NET DECREASE $ (24.56) -2.30% TOTAL 2018 PRELIMINARY TAX LEVY $5,328,501 $ 1,044.40 -2.30% Truth in Taxation Hearing — Dec 12th, 2017 The Preliminary Budget is scheduled to be adopted at the September Council meeting and will be used to calculate the estimated tax impact notifications that the county will mail to property holders in November. The Preliminary Budget and Tax Levy is continuing to be reviewed and adjusted prior to its final adoption in December, however the City may NOT increase the tax levy amount. The City's An- nual "Truth In Taxation" meeting is scheduled for December 12, 2017, 6:00 pm at City Hall where the City will receive input from taxpayers on the 2018 Budget and Levy prior to any final changes and adoption. 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 OAK PARK HEIGHTS FALL CLEAN-UP DAY Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 Phone:651-439-4439 The City of Oak Park Heights will be hosting a Fall Clean-up on Fax:65 1-439-0574 Saturday, September 30, 2017 from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Police non-emergency:651-439-4723 Police Emergency:91 1 The Clean-up will be in the southwest corner of the former St. Croix Mall (Andersen Corporation) parking lot in Oak Park Heights. Proof of Office Hours: residency such as a utility bill or driver's license will be required. Monday through Friday xcl a.m.le 4:h holidays COMMON ITEMS DISPOSED OF: excluding legal holidays Appliances such as washers, dryers, ovens, and water heaters MAYOR • Brush and yard waste (please use compostable bags) Mary McComber:351-7879 . Construction materials such as doors, windows, and lumber COUNCILMEMBERS • Furniture such as sofas, chairs, and tables Chuck Dougherty:491-0419 . scrap metal Mike Liljegren:351-2742 . carpet Mike Runk:439-5458 . Electronics such as televisions and computers Mark Swenson:270-5385 • Lawnmowers (please drain all gas and oil) CITY ADMINISTRATOR Eric Johnson THE FOLLOWING WILL NOT ACCEPTED: Mattresses and box springs will not be accepted at this event, but can still be picked up curbside for no charge—please call City Hall to schedule) Hazardous waste (such as paints, stains, oil, gas, pesticides, or oth- er chemicals from your home) Tires, stumps, and firewood The Oak Park Heights If you have any questions, please call City Hall at 651-439-4439. newsletter is published by the City of Oak Park Heights. Comments are welcome. 651-439-4439