HomeMy WebLinkAbout3rd Q 08 City of
Oak
Inside this issue: p
Development 2 City Hall Facility Update
in the City On May 13, 2008, follow- cause the construction bidding, with ground
ing numerous public hear- market has slowed, will breaking for the new fa-
Odd/Even 3 ings, the City Council likely result in very favor- cility to be in early spring
Watering Ban passed a resolution au- able bids. 2009. As the project de-
thorizing the issuance of sign proceeds, the City
$6.3 million dollars in 20- At this time the City has will be holding various
Pet Owner year general obligation not prepared any particu- `OPEN HOUSE' meet -
Reminders bonds to fund the con- lar design, nor has an ex- ings to receive additional
struction of a new City act location of the new public input on the design
Arborist s Hall Facility which will re- facility been determined. It and project timelines.
News place the 35+ year -old is anticipated that the new
facility located at 14168 facility will be located at With the issuance of
Storm b Oak Park Blvd. This ac- the current site and will be these bonds, it is esti-
Preparedness tion was selected in favor designed for low- mated that the property
of investing at least $2.5 maintenance and high- tax impact for a home -
million dollars to rehabili- building efficiency in terms owner with a property
QUALITY REPORT WATER tate the current facility, or of both energy use and valued at $200,000 will
QU at least $5.1 million dol- layout. In addition to the be approximately $78.00
Tars in a renovation and public works garage ar- per year over the twenty
Recreational 7 expansion, as these op- eas, a portion of the cur- years. The City however
Fires tions did not provide long- rent facility will remain in- has recently taken steps
term solutions for space tact as it houses one of to fullv abate and offset
deficiencies or provide the City's wells. this cost to most property
Park and Trail $ maximum building effi- owners for the foresee -
Projects ciency for dollars in- Over the next few months able future by absorbing
vested. The City Coun- the City Council and the the cost of garbage col -
Floodplain Map 8 cil's decision did concur Citizen's Advisory Com- lection into the City's
Update with the final recommen- mittee will be working with general fund and which
dation issued by the Citi- Architect Randy Engel will save approximately
zen's Advisory Committee from Buetow & Associates $93.00 per year to most
Preparing fora 9 as being the most cost- to forge a Schematic De- taxpayers /residents.
Pandemic effective, long -term solu- sign for the proposed fa-
tion. The City Council also cility and which will bask If you have any questions
Seeking Donations Ip determined that the City cally provide a full layout about this project please
for a Possible Disc will save significant dollars and general depiction as contact Eric Johnson,
Golf Course in the long -term if it moves to what the structure will City Administrator, 439 -
Oak Park Heights 1 I forward with this project at look like. It is anticipated 4439 or periodically
Police Files this time because of the that final plans and speci- check the City's website
current and historically fications will be completed for updates:
Reserve a 12 low interest rates and be- by fall 2008 for project www.cityofoakparkheights.com
Park Shelter
Development in the City
Oak Park Heights has welcomed a number of new businesses this past year. Stop in
sometime and welcome:
Bremer Bank - 5990 Nova Scotia Ave. N. St. Croix Cleaners - 5843 Neal Ave. N.
Buffalo Wild Wings - 5991 Norwich Ave. N. Still -H20 - 14375 60 St. N., Ste. B
Fed Ex /Kinko's - 5961 Norwich Ave. N. SuperCuts - 5980 Neal Ave. N., Ste. 700
Goodwill - 5899 Nova Scotia Ave. N. Tech Barn - 5850 Osgood Ave. N.
Great Clips - 5907 Norwich Ave. N. The Fun Sisters Boutique - 14612 60 St. N.
Land Title - 14985 60 St. N. Victory Fitness Center - 5595 Memorial Ave. N.
Little Victories Child Care - 5595 Memorial Ave. N.
Massage Envy - 5901 Norwich Ave. N.
Nick -N- Willy's Pizza - 5915 Norwich Ave. N.
Rejuvenate Medi -Spa - 5595 Memorial Ave. N.
A few Oak Park Heights Business Residents have had a change of address:
Anastasi & Associates, P.A. has moved into their new offices at 14985 60 St. N.
Denny Hecker's Stillwater Cadillac, Pontiac, GMC & Stillwater Ford, Lincoln, Mercury has exchanged
locations. Stillwater Ford is now located at 14702 60 St. N. and Stillwater Cadillac at 12969 60
St. N.
Currently Under Construction:
Boutwell's Landing 106 Bed Nursing Care Cen- Oakgreen Village Townhomes - East of Nova
ter - 13575 58 St. N. Scotia Ave. N.
Nova Scotia Villas— Corner of 58th Street N. Pine Grove Gardens
and Nova Scotia Avenue N. Townhomes —East of
Oakgreen Avenue
North
Carbon Monoxide Alarms Now Required! ! !
Minnesota Statute 299F.50 requires approved carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in all single family homes
and multifamily apartment units with effective dates as follows:
• All new construction single family homes and multi - family dwellings where building permits were is-
sued on or after January 1, 2007
• All existing single family homes effective August 1, 2008
• All existing multi - family or apartment dwelling units effective August 1, 2009
Every residential dwelling shall have one approved and fully operational carbon monoxide alarm installed
within 10 -feet of each room lawfully used for sleeping. Installation shall be as specified by the manufac-
turer of the alarm and not located in "dead air" pockets such as room corners, at the junction of walls &
ceilings or within 36- inches of ventilation ducts. Combination smoke /carbon monoxide alarm devices are
available at many retail outlets; be sure to select an approved device.
Odd /Even Watering Ban
As we approach the summer months, it is time to remind everyone that Oak Park Heights has an even -odd
watering ban except for the watering of new sod and young trees. ` I the City's water supply is adequate,
the regulation is intended to conserve water and balance demands on the City's water system.
To secure the conservation of municipal water as a resource for the benefit of the people of the City of Oak
Park Heights, all water sprinkling and irrigation systems and practices shall be regulated to allow water sprin-
kling and irrigation systems to operate in the following manner: as to all properties which property address
ends in an even number, those properties will be allowed to sprinkle or irrigate on even numbered calendar
days. As to all properties whose property address ends in an odd number, their right to use sprinkling and irri-
gation systems shall be limited to calendar number days ending in odd numbers.
............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ............................... .
:House Numbers Are Required
: Not only are house numbers required by the City's Zoning Ordinance, they are essential for people to::
:find you. Not only is it important that the pizza delivery person find you, it is critical for emergency
response groups, such as the police department, fire department and emergency medical respond-::
€ ers to assist you as quickly as possible.
To make it easy to locate your home, your house numbers should be:
o A minimum of 3 inches in height
o Made of a durable, weather resistant material such as metal, glass, plastic, etc.
€ o A color that stands out with the house or background upon which they are placed such as dark
numbers against a light background
o 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 at dark or locating
:them beneath a light source
€ o Attached to your home or a sign post that faces the street
If your home does not have house numbers on it, please make it a priority to get them put on today. €
" all ® - aa.0 -TV
Attention Pet Owners
Leash Law Reminder Pet Licenses
The City of Oak Park Heights has a leash law in effect that All dogs and cats in the City for more than 30 days are
prohibits pets from running at large. Any dog or cat that is required to have a City Pet License. There is no charge for
off the premises of the owner and not under the physical this service and it could save your pet from a trip to the
control (by leash or by voice) of the owner or another des- animal shelter. Bring proof of your pet's rabies vaccina-
ignated person is in violation of this Ordinance. tion to City Hall to receive a pet license and tag.
When you are out walking your pet, please remember to For more information, please call
bring a plastic bag. Pet owners are required by City Ordi- City Hall at G51- 439 -4439.
nance to clean up pet waste on public and private property. City Ordinances can be viewed on
Removal and proper disposal of pet waste helps keep our the City's website:
City clean and healthy. www.cityofoakparkheights.com
Residential Decks
City Meetings Residential decks provide an ounce of aesthetic beauty to homes in our
City, along with a convenient spot to sit back and entertain the
city Council: neighbors. There is just something about a deck that shouts relaxation.
2nd and 4th Tuesdays But before you start digging holes and pouring concrete, it is important
at 7 :00 p.m. to learn about the City's requirements and restrictions regarding deck
construction.
Planning Commis-
sion: It is the resident's responsibility to ensure that a permit has been issued
2nd Thursday at 7:00 for the project, whether they are constructing it themselves or by hiring
p.m.
a contractor. They must also ensure that appropriate plans have been
submitted and approved by the City's Building Official and that all the
Parks comm required inspections have been made.
3rd Monday at 6:30
p.m.
Obtaining a permit for the construction of your deck is the most effective
way to ensure that the structure is safe as possible for you, your family,
broadcas t live on l ive on ca-
and your guests. Contact the City Building Official before building and
broadcast
ble channel 16. you will be sitting out on your deck in no time!
Agendas and Minutes
are posted on the The City would like to extend a special thanks to
City's website: Chris Doerr and Alicia Doerr for planting the flow -
www.cityofoakparkhe ers at the entrance of City Hall. Chris and Alicia
ights.com spent many hours enhancing the beauty of the
flower garden.
Boulevard Trees
New and replacement boulevard trees will be planted by the City of OPH in late August Trey' P blems?
2008. If you are interested in having a tree planted in the boulevard right -of -way between
your home and the street, please contact the Arborist at 439 -4439 Ext. 252. Trees are If you are an
planted within about IO feet of the street and there must be enough room, away from
driveways, mailboxes, utility boxes, and other trees, for the tree to attain a healthy matur- Oak Park
ity. Species often planted in the boulevard are: red maple, honeylocust, linden, hackberry, H e i g h t s
bicolor oak a nd flowering crab. resident, and
Oak Anthracnose have a problem
with a tree or
This leaf blight and twig canker disease is caused by a fungus and is usually seen in the spring shrub, such as
on white and bur oaks. The infection causes the edges of the leaves to turn dark brown an insect or a
and curl inward, shriveling the leaf. In severe cases the tree will lose the infected leaves
and produce new leaves the same season. Usually anthracnose is confined to the lower part disease, have
of the leaf canopy, but in wet seasons it may infect leaves clear to the top of the tree. The p I a n t i n g
fungus overwinters on fallen leaves and on twigs and branches, infecting newly developing questions, or
leaves the following spring. Once symptoms are seen, spraying is of no use in the current
year. Not all white or bur oaks will be equally infected. On large, otherwise healthy, trees dust want to
it is not usually necessary to control this disease. Oak anthracnose is often confused with have a plant
oak wilt, a serious disease which attacks all oak species. Oak anthracnose affects only white identified, call
and bur oaks, and appears in the spring, while oak wilt usually is most evident on red and D r. Kathy
northern pin oaks in July and August. Oak anthracnose also infects leaves more heavily on
the lower portion of the canopy and oak wilt often causes trees t wilt from the to p down. Widin, the OPH
................................................................................................................................................... ............................... .............................................................. ............................... Arborist, at
439 -
Oak Wilt 4439 Ext. 252.
Do not prune oaks between April I 5t and September 15 to avoid creating wounds which She can either
attract the insects that spread the oak wilt fungus (the cause of a fatal disease of oaks). If answer your
oaks are pruned or wounded during this period (especially those wounded April I 5t to July question over
I S t ), paint the wound immediately with either a tree wound dressing, varnish, or latex house the phone or
paint. Painting wounds will keep them from being attractive to the insects which spread oak m a k e a n
wilt. All oak species are susceptible to this disease. If you have an oak which looks sickly or
suddenly wilts from the top down, contact the OPH Arborist, at 439 -4439 Ext. 252, for an appointment for
inspection and management information. a site visit. This
Apple Scab service is paid
pp for by the City of
Apple scab is a fungal disease completely bare by August. ing label directions. Raking Oak Park
which affects many varieties Most newer varieties of flow- fallen leaves and disposing Heights.
of apples and flowering crab- ering crabapples are resistant of them away from the tree
apples. It infects trees first in to apple scab. If you have a will also help cut down on
the spring, causing velvety tree which is susceptible to disease incidence. When
olive -green to black spots on the disease, you will have to choosing a flowering crab -
the leaves. The leaves usually spray with a fungicide to pro- apple for your yard, choose
turn yellow after infection tect uninfected leaves. To one of the newer varieties,
and fall from the tree. The control the disease, the tree such as `Prairie Fire',
fungus continues to infect should be sprayed at least 3` T h u n d e r c h i Id' o r
leaves throughout the grow- times from petal fall to mid- `Professor Sprenger', which
ing season. In wet years, sus- August with a fungicide la- are resistant to this disease.
ceptible trees may be almost beled for the disease, follow-
WEN 9 14V
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Storm Preparedness in Oak Park Heights
Residents should be advised that the City of Oak Park Heights maintains an Emergency Preparedness Plan
that will be implemented in the event the City experiences a storm, similar to what recently occurred in the
City of Hugo. The City's Police and Public Works Departments, along with the Bayport Fire Department
would immediately implement the strategies as outlined.
Generally, it is anticipated that water and sewer services will be operational as these facilities are under-
ground, but the City may implement emergency water consumption practices should direct power be lost to
the City's two wells. This would basically only allow household use, not the sprinkling of lawns or car
washing, etc. The City maintains back-up generation power that can operate wells and sewerage lift -
stations, but again these can only accommodate typical household usage.
Downed power lines can be the most dangerous aspect of storm clean-up, and residents are requested to
not make attempts to clear tress, limbs and braches that may be entangled in power lines. Generally, the
electricity distributions system in the City as operated by Xcel Energy lie underground in most areas, how-
ever extreme caution should be taken until trees and limbs are first verified as safe for removal.
Residents and businesses are encouraged to have an Emergency Preparedness Kit that will provide relief
and resources in the event of a storm event and/or where electricity outages may be several days. Please
visit www.codeready.org or www.fema.gov/plan/prepare/basickit.shtm for a listing of what every house-
hold or place of business should have in their Emergency Preparedness Kit.
Lastly, in the event of a significant storm, you should contact City Hall at 651-439-4439 for information on
clean-up and response. Or, if you are able, check the City's website for "Storm Response Information" as
this will be updated regularly.
Above all, patience and neighbors helping each other will result in the most effective and efficient clean-
up/response to any disaster, large or small. The City will do its part to ensure a quick return to normalcy.
Things to know about Washington County's Warning Sirens
There are 62 sirens in Washington County. The Washington County Sheriffs Department tests
all sirens at 1:oo p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month from March through October. The
criteria for activating the sirens is as follows: when a tornado warning is issued for Washington
County by the National Weather Service; when the National Weather Service indicates sustained
wind speed Of 76 miles per hour or more; or when a City or County Public Safety Official re-
quests activation due to imminent danger to life and/or property.
Monitor weather information sources and watch the weather itself for any
changes that could endanger you or those around you. Make preparations
to initiate your emergency plans. Consider canceling outdoor activities. If
you are in a mobile home, travel trailer or recreational vehicle, consider
moving to shelter as the storms move into your area, before warnings are
issued, especially if these are fast moving storms. Stay informed and be
prepared.
L � ..........
Planning for an Emergency
Preparing for an emergency makes sense. First, prepare an emergency kit. Consider how an emer-
gency might affect your individual needs. Plan to make it on your own for at least three days. It's
possible that you will not have access to a medical facility or even a drugstore. It is crucial that you
and your family think about what kinds of resources you use on a daily basis and what you might do
if those resources are limited or not available. Some basic supplies you should have in your kit are:
• Water: one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days
• Food: at least a three -day supply of non - perishable food and a can opener if your kit contains
canned food
• Battery powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra bat-
teries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Local maps
• Pet food, extra water and supplies for your pet
Second, make a plan. Your family may not all be together when disaster strikes so plan how you
will contact one another. You may need to decide to stay or go so make a plan for both scenarios.
Plan two ways out of every room in the case of a fire. For more information on how to plan for an
emergency, visit www.ready.gov.
Recreational Fires
Recreation fires are per- leave a burning fire unat- rubber will also give off
mitted in Oak Park Heights tended! toxic fumes if burned. Ma-
but there are a few things terials such as leaves and
you should know. First of Only clean, dry wood other yard waste will
all, your fire pit must be should be used for a rec- cause excessive smoke
thirty six inches or less in reational fire. It is espe- which is prohibited by City
diameter and flames cially hazardous to burn ordinance. In addition, it is
should be no higher than material such as treated illegal in the State of Min -
two feet. The fire should wood in your backyard nesota to burn household
be monitored by a com- fire pit because recrea- waste.
petent adult with a gar- tional fires burn at a low
den hose or fire extin- temperature which pro- Lastly, be a good
guisher readily available in duces a large volume of neighbor — locate your fire
the event of an emer- smoke. The smoke carries where it won't send smoke
gency. Make sure your toxic fumes which can be into your neighbor's yard
fire is completely extin- harmful to people gath- or house and also be
guished when you are ered around the fire. aware of wind conditions
done and never, ever Painted wood, plastic and and burning bans.
all
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Park and Trail Projects
This year the City has several City purchased some land ad- summer months when the
projects planned to enhance jacent to Brekke Park to ex- rinks are not being used for
or improve the City's Park and pand the neighborhood park. ice. It should also help pro -
Trail System. As part of the The City plans to remove the vide a better base for ice dur-
planned improvements, the home on that property and ing the winter.
tennis court at Swager Park is extend a trail from the exist -
being rehabilitated and a rain ing park to Osgood Avenue. Truncated dome pedestrian
garden will be added for The City has been corre- crossings will be added at sev-
storm water runoff. At Valley sponding with Washington eral locations along the City's
View Park, a paved pathway County to create either a pe- trail system. Truncated domes
will be added to connect the destrian crossing to Upper notify visually impaired indi-
park shelter to the playground 55th Street or create a tunnel viduals of where the trail ends
equipment. The railroad tie under Osgood Avenue to the and the road starts.
retaining wall and stairway is Valley View Park entrance. Please use caution when visit -
going to be removed to make in the parks or walking way for the new pathway. Additionally in Brekke Park, g P ar g on
the hockey and pleasure rinks the City's trails during the
The biggest changes to the will be concreted providing a construction as there will
City's Parks and Trails will be great place for skateboarding likely be large equipment in
in Brekke Park. Last year, the and rollerblading during the the area.
Floodplain Map Update — 2008 FEMA
At this time, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is in the process of
updating the 100 -Year Base Flood Elevations (B.F.E.) so that it may subsequently issue a
final Flood Insurance Rate Map, (F.I.R.M.) replacing the 1982 document(s). FIRM maps
are more generally known as "100 -year floodplain maps ".
Proposed B.F.E. maps are available at the Oak Park Heights City Hall located at 14168
Oak Park Blvd. Persons who have technical objections to the proposed B.F.E. must pro-
vide their objections and technical information supporting the objection to the City of
Oak Park Heights not later than Fridav, July 11+" , 2008. Typically, objections to the B.F.E.
arise from property owners who dispute that their property is below a certain elevation
and which then requires the purchase of flood insurance and /or may preclude varying
types of land -use. Objections must also include a completed land- survey from a li-
censed land surveyor that a given property is incorrectly identified within the proposed
B.F.E.
The vast majority of the City lies well above the 100 -year floodplain and there are no
residential structures within the 100 -vear floodplain areas. Moreover, there are few revi-
sions to the 1982 map. However, anyone who is interested reviewing the proposed
B.F.E. or who wishes to inquire about their property relative to the proposed B.F.E. or
other floodplain information should contact Eric Johnson, City Administrator at 651 -439-
4439.
Preparing for a Pandemic
In January 2008, the City of Oak Park Heights was wells Landing, Lakeview Hospital, Oak Park
awarded a grant by the Washington County Public Heights Correctional Facility, Washington County
Health and Environment Department to develop a Public Health and St. Croix Valley Red Cross. Pre -
Public Health Emergency Response Plan that will sent for the City was its Public Works Director,
aid in the City's response and ability to deliver pub- Deputy Police Chief, and City Administrator.
lic services in the event of an influenza pandemic or
other similar public health emergency. The group discussed actions necessary to keep cer-
tain public and larger private institutions opera -
Influenza pandemics are a significant threat to the tional in the event of a pandemic or other public
public health as they have the potential to cause a health emergency. Specifically, it is vital to discuss
significant amount of illness and death, striking not options that ensure that employees are able to re-
only vulnerable populations but the young and port to work and to provide cross - training options.
healthy as well, the influenza pandemic of 1918 is The group also discussed where possible informa-
an example of this type of scenario. Influenza pan- tion and vaccination sites could be located for con -
demics are regular events that have been occurring venience to all residents within the City and /or
throughout history with varying degrees of impact. within Washington County should a vaccination be
The emergence and spread of the highly pathogenic available. The group will meet again on Tuesday,
avian influenza strain in other parts of the world has July 29 at noon at City Hall. In the interim the City
led many scientists and public health experts to be- has included a link on its website,
lieve another influenza epidemic is imminent and www.cityofoakparkheights.com, that outlines ac-
which could cause disruptions in available public tions each resident can take to prepare themselves
services and require social distancing and their families for emergencies of this type. Ad-
ditional information can be found on the City's
As part of the City's planning process to develop an website or on the Washington County Public Health
Emergency Response Plan, the City hosted an w e b p a g e : w w w. co. was h i n g t o n. m n. us/
emergency preparedness meeting at City Hall on i n f o_ f o r_ r e s i d e n t s/ p u b 11 c_ h e a 1 t h/
April 29, 2008, inviting representatives from Bout- avian and _pandemic_influenza /
Considering a yard sale?
Consider your signage - Oak Park Heights City Ordinance 401.15.G. sets forth
regulations for signage within the City. The purpose of the ordinance is to provide
regulation 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:
• Signs are to be freestanding. Please do not attach them to trees, fences,
utility poles or other permanent post structures.
• Signs are not allowed within a public right -of -way or any other location that
creates a visual obstruction.
• Signs are to be no larger than 12 square feet in size and shall not contain or
imitate a traffic sign or signal.
• Signs are to be removed at the end of the sale.
City is Seeking Donations for Possible Disc Golf Course
The City of Oak Park Heights is considering the possibility of installing a new disc golf
course and would like to provide residents with the chance to donate to the installation
of this new recreational attraction. The City has begun to contact area businesses pre-
senting them an opportunity for advertising at the City's new disc golf course. At this
time no formal commitment is necessary as we are currently still in the draft /design por-
tion of the project. At this time the Parks Commission has approved the initial considera-
tion and we are moving along in the process. The City is reaching out to residents in an
effort to incite involvement and to cover the costs of tree removal, signage, benches
and trash cans. Any size donation is welcome. For donations over $100, the City has
tentative plans of recognizing these contributing residents and additional sponsors on an
entrance sign or on donated park benches. There are approximately 3 -4 holes still avail-
able for sponsorship for businesses, which consists of a $500.00 donation. The donated
portion will cover half the cost of the initial investment on a per `hole' basis; the City will
sponsor the other half.
It is estimated that the City of Oak Park Heights, area businesses, and our community in
general could benefit from the installation of a Disc Golf Course at Brekke Park. Disc Golf
is a very popular sport that is affordable and easy to learn and thus provides entertain-
ment and exercise for people of all ages. Many will play for fun and others could find a
lifelong hobby in disc golf. Geographically, for this area the projected use of the course
is approximated at over 200 users per week.
Involvement from the community is a main factor in constructing, maintaining and utiliz-
ing the course, your contribution will be greatly appreciated and help fund a recrea-
tional park improvement that will be a part of the area for years to come.
If you are interested in donating, please contact Eric Eaton, City Intern, or Jennifer
Thoen, Administrative Secretary at City Hall, 439 -4439.
--- BREKKE PARK --- YOUR
DISC GOLF COURSE NAME
HERE
Made possible by these generous contributors:
O M
THANK YOU!
Oak Park Heights Police Files
From the desk of Deputy Chief Brian DeRosier
Welcome to the first of expected many editions of the Oak Park Heights Police Department in-
formation blotter. I hope to keep you informed of the activities of your police department and
bring you information to continue keeping our community a safe and enjoyable place to live.
I will be placing a copy of our monthly statistics on the city web site. This will give you a brief
description of calls, dates, and times. You can find this link at www.cityofoakparkheights.com
under the police section.
Recently we purchased a Radar Trailer. This trailer is to replace a portable unit we previously
had that is no longer operating or serviceable. The trailer was purchased with no cost to the
citizens of Oak Park Heights as funding was taken from money generated by DWI vehicles for-
feited by the OPH P.D. An additional data tracking unit was added by the council to accommo-
date traffic surveys. The trailer has proven to be a good reminder for drivers to self patrol
themselves and increase awareness of speeds. We will place the trailer in areas of concern or
if you would like to see it in your neighborhood please call me.
A program was recently started in which officers on patrol seeing garages, cars, bikes or other
areas that are not secured may leave a blaze orange colored "door hanger" . We take many
reports of crimes of convenience and hope to remind you to keep your belongings safe and curb
this activity.
Officers may be stopping your kids as we participate in the I Got Caught - Apple Dippers for
Safety program. You may have seen the commercials on TV also. We are encouraging kids to
use good safety procedures and equipment such as helmets when riding their bikes, skate-
boarding, rollerblading or other activities. Your children will receive a coupon for a free Apple
Dippers provided by McDonalds.
We have a new police officer that started full time with the department on June 3r Officer
Chris Vierling was hired in anticipation of filling the vacancy by Chief Swanson's expected retire-
ment. If you see him or any of the officers driving by, walking in the parks or businesses say
hello.
As always we want to hear from you. Call or drop me an email if you have been impacted in a
positive way by our department, or if you have a concern: bwderos @cityofoakparkheights.com.
Aor 0 =
City of Oak Park Heights
14168 Oak Park Blvd. N.
PO Box 2007 Reserve a City Park Shelter
Oak Park Heights, MN 55482
Phone: 651-439-4439 Are you thinking about having a get- together or a family reunion? The
Fax: 651-439-0574 Brekke, 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
Police Emergency: 911 does require a refundable $100 deposit.
Office Hours:
Monday through Friday Brekke Park is located on Omar Avenue south of the former St. Croix
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mall. The park has a covered shelter building with restrooms as well
excluding legal holidays as a tot lot, baseball diamonds, playground equipment, and barbeque
grills.
MAYOR
David Beaudet:439 -2582 Valley View Park is located on Osgood Avenue at the edge of the city
COUNCILMEMBERS limits. This park has a covered shelter building, picnic areas, play-
Les Abrahamson: 351 -0807 grounds and a beautiful passive park area with trails, a prairie restora-
Jack Doerr' er:351 7 879 tion area and wetlands.
Mary McComber: 351 -7
Mark Swenson: 439 -1479
CITY ADMINISTRATOR Autumn Hills Park is located at 5697 Norwich Parkway off of 58th
Eric Johnson Street adjacent to the Boutwells Landing campus. The park contains
meandering trails, trail access parking, and playground equipment. It
has a 2,000+ square foot shelter, which includes a covered gathering
Visit our - • - area with a small kitchen /serving area, men's and women's restrooms,
www.cityofoakparkheights.com 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
newsletter Hills Park Shelter reservation documents and information online as
is published by the City of
Oak Park Heights. well. Or, you may call or visit City Hall anytime to reserve any of the
Comments are welcome. shelters for your next event!
651- 439 -4439
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