HomeMy WebLinkAbout2nd Q 11
City of
Oak Park Heights
Second Quarter 2011 Newsletter
Tree City USA
Inside this issue:
Water Tower 2 Rehabilitation Project
For questions regarding the water tower rehab project please
Raingarden 2
contact Public Works Director Andy Kegley at 651-439-4439
Seminar—May 21
Introduction:
The City of Oak Park Heights has two
water towers equaling a total storage capacity of
House Numbers 2
750,000 gallons. Not unlike any major component of an
Required
operating system, routine maintenance of water tower
structures is necessary. Routine maintenance includes
making minor repairs to attached structures such as lad-
Planning Commis-3
ders, as well as stripping and repainting the interior and
sion Vacancy
exterior surface of the tower. The City will be undertak-
ing this routine maintenance beginning in May 2011.
Yellow Ribbon 3
City Committee
Background:
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from providing water storage, the water tower is the component that pressurizes the entire
th
water distribution system. The water tower located on the North West corner of 58
City 3
Meetings
Street and Norell Ave (Tower 2) is a 500,000 gallon capacity hydropiller style tower.
The tower has a tank diameter of 50 feet and an overall height of 135 feet. The protec-
tive coating on tower 2 has reached its design life. A protective coating typically consists
Fly-Ash Site Planning 4
of a high quality epoxy or urethane paint which is designed to last approximately twenty
Task Force Forming
years. Tower 2 was constructed and last coated in 1991.
Parking Pad 4
Project Overview
: Rehabilitation of tower 2 will include sandblasting the old paint coat-
Information
ing from both the shaft and exterior and interior bowl surfaces, performing minor repairs
to attached structures and repainting the tower interior bowl and exterior surface. Expect
to see a large curtain draped from the top of the tower. The purpose of the curtain is to
Arborist 5
It is expected that water service will NOT be interrupted
contain sandblasting debris.
News
over the duration of the project.
Summer Park 6
Benefits:
Rehabilitating the protective coating as recommended greatly reduces the risk
Program Schedule
of failure and structure damage. Neglecting to rehabilitate a protective coat after it fails
could result in necessary costly repairs to the water tower structure.
Pet Owner 7
Reminders
Construction Schedule:
Construction is tentatively planned to begin on May 1, 2011 for
a duration of approximately eight weeks. Tower 2 is expected to be back in full operation
by July 1, 2011. The construction schedule is subject to change.
Spring Clean-Up 8
Announcement
Cost:
The cost of this project is $475,000 and is funded by the City’s Water Utility,
which is of course made of water payments received from water users.
Second Quarter 2011 Newsletter
Page 2
Get Started on a Raingarden—May 21 at Axdahl’s
Want to add curbside appeal to your home without spend-
ing a lot of money? A raingarden might be the perfect solu-
tion. Raingardens come in all shapes and sizes, and can
be easily designed to complement existing landscaping,
with styles ranging from wild and wooly to highly mani-
cured. A raingarden catches runoff from your rooftop, drive-
way or street and soaks it into the ground before the water
can wash dirt and pollutants into nearby waterways.
Raingardens can be used to fill in unsightly areas where
nothing seems to grow and help to correct erosion and
drainage problems in your yard. Best of all, raingardens
help keep the St. Croix River clean.
To get started on a raingarden of your own, join Axdahl’s and the East Metro Water Education
Program on May 21, 10am-noon, for a fun and informative Raingarden Workshop. Learn which
plants to select to attract birds and butterflies and how to create a garden that will be colorful
throughout the summer. Tour Axdahl’s new demonstration raingarden and get advice on where
and how to build your own raingarden.
Oak Park Heights residents can contact the Washington Conservation District (651-275-1136
x.22) to schedule a free site visit prior to the workshop to select the best location for a raingarden
and to get a free garden design. To learn more about raingardens, visit www.BlueThumb.org. To
learn more about site visits and grants available through the Middle St. Croix Watershed Man-
agement Organization, visit www.mnwcd.org/mscwmo.
Register for this class at 651-439-3134 or info@axdahlfarms.com. The $25 class fee includes a
copy of the Blue Thumb Guide to Raingardens book (retail $17.95) and a $20 Axdahl’s gift certifi-
cate.
City Ordinance requires house numbers
House numbers are required by the City’s Zoning Ordinance. Not only is it important that delivery people
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:
$PLQLPXPRIWKUHHLQFKHVLQKHLJKW
0DGHRIGXUDEOHZHDWKHUUHVLVWDQWPDWHULDOVXFKDVPHWDOJODVVRUSODVWLF
$FRORUWKDWVWDQGVRXWDJDLQVWWKHKRXVHRUEDFNJURXQGXSRQZKLFKWKH\DUHSODFHG
Easily and clarly 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-
QHDWKDOLJKWVRXUFH
DQG
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 3
Tree City USA
Planning Commissioner Applications Sought
Applications are now being accepted for consideration
each month at 7:00 p.m. and periodically holds work-
to fill an upcoming vacancy on the Oak Park Heights
shops or other special meetings.
Planning Commission. The anticipated term for the
vacated seat is June 1, 2011 to May 31, 2014, subject
If you are a resident of Oak Park Heights and are look-
to City Council approval. The Planning Commission is
ing for an interesting and rewarding opportunity to
comprised of five members, who are appointed by the
participate in the development of Oak Park Heights,
City Council to serve on the Commission in an advi-
please contact Julie Hultman at the City of Oak Park
sory capacity.
Heights for more information and an application. She
may be reached by phone at 439-4439 or by email at
The Planning Commission serves as the City's planning
jhultman@cityofoakparkheights.com
agency and conducts public hearings on matters affect-
ing zoning, subdivision and building regulations, land
Applications may also be printed from the City’s web
use development, and comprehensive planning. Other
page www.cityofoakparkheights.com.
matters are referred to the Planning Commission by
Applications will be accepted until 4:30 p.m., Thursday,
the City Council from time to time. The Commission
April 28, 2011. Applicants will be contacted for an
typically meets on either the 2 or 3 Thursday of
ndrd
interview.
Yellow Ribbon City
City Meetings
The Minnesota National Guard has pioneered a program which em-
(subject to change)
powers community leaders to synchronize efforts and build an en-
during network of support for service members and families
throughout the deployment cycle. The Yellow Ribbon Community
Campaign is a reminder that supporting service members cannot
City Council:
end when they return home from deployment and the yellow rib-
2nd and 4th Tuesdays
bons are untied. A Yellow Ribbon City develops an action plan and
at 7:00 p.m.
organizes groups to support military families.
Planning Commission:
The City of Oak Park Heights has formed a joint Citizen’s Commit-
Typically the 2nd
tee with Bayport, Baytown, and West Lakeland Township to start
Thursday at 7:00 p.m.
working on an action plan. If you are interested in serving on the
Check the City website
Citizen’s Committee, please contact Oak Park Heights Coun-
or call City Hall.
cilmember Mary McComber by e-mail at marymccomber@aol.com
or by phone at 651-351-7879, or contact Bayport Councilmember
Parks Commission:
Judy Seeberger at 651-492-3181.
3rd Monday at 6:30
p.m.
The group holds a coffee get together the first Saturday of every
month at Joseph’s Restaurant at 10:30 a.m. for women who have a
City meetings are
family member or friend in military service. Wives, mothers,
broadcast live on cable
grandmothers, sisters, and friends are all welcome to join the
channel 16.
group. The next coffee get together will be on Saturday, May 7. If
you have any questions, contact Mary McComber at 651-351-7879
Agendas and Minutes
or Karla Keller at 651-351-0655. A spaghetti dinner will be held at
the Bayport Legion on Saturday, May 7 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
are posted on the City’s
Please join the group for support military families.
website:
The next general meeting of the Yellow Ribbon Committee will be
www.cityofoakparkheights.com
at the Baytown Community Center on April 7 at 5:30 p.m.
Second Quarter 2011 Newsletter
Page 4
Moelter “Fly-Ash” Site Planning—City residents needed to serve on task force
The City of Oak Park Heights is seeking
up to three City Residents to serve on
a Public Task Force to provide input
and recommendations to the City
Council for final layout and uses of the
Xcel Energy “fly-ash” site located at the
southwest corner of STH 36 and Beach
Road. This property lies between Valley
View Park and Cover Park and current-
ly contains several walking trails.
It is anticipated that this process would
take several months of planning and en-
gagement by this Task Force, meeting
about once per month, so as to best
define a future recreational uses for this
site and how it best accommodate City
residents and needs.
This task force is anticipated to consist of three residents, the five member City parks Commission, an
Xcel Energy representative and a City Council representative. If you would be interested in serving on
this Task Force or would like more information, please contact the City Administrator Eric Johnson at
651-439-4439 or via email at eajohnson@cityofoakparkheights.com prior to May 3, 2011.
Parking pads
City Ordinance states that cars, trucks, trailers, boats, snowmo-There are limitations to what you can pace on a parking pad.
biles, water-skis, four-wheelers, motor homes and other similar
Your parking pad may be used for the placement of:
items shall be parked in your garage or other accessory building,
upon your driveway or an approved parking pad.
No more than a total of two (2) recreational vehicles (boats,
snowmobiles, etc.) or pieces of equipment (trailers, etc.), not
What is an approved Parking Pad? including racing cars.
· Registered and operable passenger vehicles.
An approved Parking Pad is a parking pad that is hard surfaced
· No more than one (1) truck and/or trailer not to exceed a gross
constructed of asphalt, concrete, cobblestone, paving block or
vehicle weight of 12,000 pounds, except when loading, un-
crushed rock that meets minimum Class 5 material specifications
loading or rendering a service.
and has at least a 4 inch deep base.
· Construction and landscaping materials currently being used on
the premises.
Designated parking pads shall extend directly from the driveway,
away from the house and may be located within the front, side or
Firewood Storage shall not be on a parking pad
rear yard setback. Parking pads must be set back at least 5 feet . Firewood
shall be neatly stacked and stored in the side yard or rear yard or
from rear yard property lines.
residential premises.
Tree City USA Page 5
Volunteers Needed to Maintain City Flower Gardens
Tree Problems?
The City of Oak Park Heights is seeking volunteers to plant, water, and maintain
the flower gardens on the City Hall campus. For more information or to express
If you are an
an interest, please contact Jennifer Pinski at City Hall at 651-439-4439.
Oak Park
Heights
resident, and
Emerald Ash Borer Update
have a problem
with a tree or
At the time of this writing, emerald ash borer(EAB) has not yet been found in
shrub, such as
Washington County. We do not know if the insect is already in this area, so
an insect or a
everyone with ash trees should be examining them for signs of EAB activity.
If larvae are under the bark, one might see a lot of woodpecker activity and
disease, have
feeding holes on the tree along the trunk and larger branches, particularly in
planting
the top half of the tree. Looking closely, you might also be able to see <¼
questions, or
long “D-shaped” exit holes in the bark if adult EAB exited the tree in 2010.
just want to
have a plant
If you have any ash trees which are dying from the top down, have excessive
woodpecker activity and feeding, or you see any other signs of EAB activity,
identified, call
please contact the arborist to come out and take a look. Do not move ash
Dr. Kathy
wood from one area to another, as this is one way that emerald ash borer
Widin, the OPH
can be easily spread.
Arborist, at 439-
4439 Ext. 1106.
She can either
Oak Wilt
answer your
In the spring, oaks are susceptible to insect transmission of the oak wilt fungus to
question over
fresh wounds. Avoid pruning or wounding oaks in the spring or summer. The City
the phone or
of Oak Park Heights will remove recently wilted red and pin oaks from both public
make an
and private property. Please contact the arborist if you have any questions regard-
ing oak wilt.
appointment for
a site visit. This
service is paid
Gypsy Moth
for by the City of
Oak Park
In 2010, a large infestation of gypsy wood, wheel wells of cars, play struc-
Heights.
moths was found in the City of Grant. tures, tree trunks, and outdoor furniture.
The MN Dept. of Agriculture is plan-Females are large white moths which do
ning treatment of that infestation this not fly, while male moths are brown and
spring. Gypsy moths have been found do fly. Larvae are bluish/black and
repeatedly in Minnesota, and, with treat-hairy. Gypsy moth larvae feed readily
ment, this insect has not yet become es-on oaks and other tree species, weaken-
tablished here, though it is well-ing trees with repeated years of feeding.
established in the eastern half of Wis-Contact the arborist if you think you
consin. Egg masses are light brown and have found gypsy moth larvae, adults or
velvety, an inch or more in length, and
egg masses.
may be found on objects such as fire-
Page 6
Second Quarter 2011 Newsletter
CLIP AND SAVE!
2011 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 gzeuli@q.com
with number and ages of children attending.
June 3—Stillwater Area High School Band Outdoor Concert: Autumn Hills Park from 5-7:30 pm
June 14—Craft in the Park—Sand Art: Brekke Park from 10 am to noon.
June 21—Craft in the Park—Ceramics/Pottery: Brekke Park from 10 am to noon.
June 28—Craft in the Park—Painting: Brekke Park from 10 am to noon.
June 30—Family Movie in the Park: Autumn Hills Park. Face painting begins at 7:30 pm, movie
begins at dark. Popcorn/beverages available for purchase.
July 12—T-shirt/pillowcase decorating: Autumn Hills Park from 10:30 am to noon.
July 19—Minnesota Raptor Center Presentation: Autumn Hills Park from 10:30 am to noon.
July 26—Explore the Park-Monarch Butterfiles: Autumn Hills Park from 10 am to noon.
July 28—Family Movie in the Park: Autumn Hills Park. Face painting begins at 7:30 pm, movie
begins at dark. Popcorn/beverages available for purchase.
August 2—Craft in the Park—Beading: Brekke Park from 10 am to noon.
August 2—Party in the Park: Brekke Park from 5-7 pm. Join us for free food, fun, and prizes.
August 9—Cards/care packages for U.S. Troops overseas: Brekke Park from 10 am to noon.
August 16—Minnesota Zoo Zoomobile: Brekke Park from 10 am to noon.
August 23—Bingo in the Park: Autumn Hills Park from 10 am to noon.
August 25—Family Movie in the Park: Autumn Hills Park. Face painting begins at 7:30 pm,
movie begins at dark. Popcorn/beverages available for purchase.
August 30—Woodcrafting: Brekke Park from 10 am to noon.
September 1—Sports Camp: Brekke Park from 10 m to noon. Learn soccer, kickball and T-ball.
Tree City USA Page 7
Coyote Sightings in the City
Please help us and your neighborhood by not leaving
The City’s Police Department has received phone calls
food out for your pets in a location accessible to roam-
regarding reported sightings of coyotes in the City over
ing animals, and do not leave out garbage not contained
the last four to five months. These reports have been
in proper containers. Once the attraction in your
infrequent, but we would like to provide you with some
neighborhood is gone, we anticipate the coyote will
basic information.
leave the area.
The areas reporting them have been near wildlife areas
As with any wild animal, a coyote should be treated
such as the DNR wildlife management areas and large
with caution and respect. Do not approach them.
wooded areas such as Valley View Park. No aggression
Make loud noises to let them know you are in the area
or attacks or property damage has been reported.
and scare them off.
It is likely that the coyotes have found food sources in
Please visit the DNR web link for more information:
the area with residents leaving out food for their dogs
www.dnr.state.mn.us/mammals/coyote.html.
and cats. The heavy snow in the area has likely limited
hunting and caused them to extend farther from their
normal habitat looking for food.
Attention Pet Owners
Leash Law Reminder
The City of Oak Park Heights has a leash law in effect that prohibits pets from running at large. Any dog or cat
that is off the premises of the owner and not under the physical control (by leash or by voice) of the owner or an-
other 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 required by City Or-
dinance 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 vac-
cination to City Hall to receive a pet license and tag. For more information, please call City Hall at 439-4439.
City Ordinances can be viewed on the City’s web-site: www.cityofoakparkheights.com.
Playful City USA
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City of Oak Park Heights Second Quarter 2011 Newsletter
City of Oak Park Heights
14168 Oak Park Blvd. N.
OAK PARK HEIGHTS SPRING CLEAN-UP DAY
PO Box 2007
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082
Saturday, April 30, 2011, 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Phone: 651-439-4439
Fax: 651-439-0574
Police non-emergency: 651-439-4723
Police Emergency: 911
The City of Oak Park Heights will be hosting a
Spring Clean-up on Saturday, April 30, 2011
Office Hours:
Monday through Friday
from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
excluding legal holidays
The Clean-up will be in the southwest corner of the former St. Croix
Mall (Andersen Corporation) parking lot, 14167 59th Street North in
MAYOR
Oak Park Heights.
David Beaudet: 439-2582
COUNCILMEMBERS
Proof of residency such as a utility bill or driver’s license will be re-
Les Abrahamson: 351-0807
quired. Common items disposed of include appliances, brush, con-
Mary McComber: 351-7879
Mike Runk: 439-5458
struction materials, furniture, cardboard, scrap metal, carpet, TVs, and
Mark Swenson: 439-1479
computers.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
Eric Johnson
Hazardous waste (such as paints, stains, oil, gas, pesticides, or other
chemicals from your home), tires, stumps, and firewood will not be
accepted. If you have any questions please call City Hall at 651-439-
Visit our Website!
4439 or Veolia Environmental Services at 651-459-3029.
www.cityofoakparkheights.com
The Oak Park Heights
newsletter
is published by the City
of Oak Park Heights.
Comments are welcome.
651-439-4439
Permit No. 558
Stillwater, MN
PAID
2007-Oak Park Heights, MN 55082
U.S. Postage
14168 Oak Park Blvd N, Box 2007
Standard
Presorted
City of Oak Park Heights