HomeMy WebLinkAboutFall 07 FALL WINTER 2007
City of
t
Oak Park HeL S
In This Issue Hot Dogs, Snow (ones, Face Painting & More!
Party in the Park Oak Park Heights Party in the Park/
City Meetings National Night Out
The weather was a muggy 86 degrees, but
Municipal Facillitles Analysis that didn't stop the residents from coming
out to Brekke Park for the 13th Annual Party -
Autumn Hills Park Shelter in the Park on National Night Out, Tuesday,
August 7th. National Night Out is designed to
Who's Who in Your City help increase and promote crime
Government prevention awareness. It is a great way for
neighbors to get to know one another, to
Police Department News celebrate community and to take steps to
make neighborhoods safer for all residents Part g oerspausefor a [photo. Cind Creative
Arborist News and visitors. It also provides an opportunity Celebrationsprovidedface art for the et
for resident.-, to meet councilmembers, Thank You to Event Supporters
Pet Owner Reminders City staff, and local business owners.
This year's event featured an inflatable The City would like to extend thanks to the
What's Included in Your many businesses that contributed toward the
moonx-valk, an inflatable obstacle course,
Monthly Garbage Fee success of this year's party. The following
a bean bag toss, and a ring toss game. businesses made a monetary donation:
Public Works News We also had 19 local businesses set LIP tables Wal-Mart, Xcel Energy, Andersen Corporation,
for the residents to stop at and pick tip Jerry's Auto Detail, and Phil's Tara Hideaway.
Winter Parking Restrictions information and freebees. The kids also Monetary donations were used to rent the
loved the Bayport Fire Truck and the snow cone machine, inflatable moonwalk
Fall Clean-Up Lowe's Build and Grow Workshop. and inflatable obstacle Course. Donations
The highlight of the event was the free food. were also used to purchase prizes and
games for the children,
The Mayor and Councilmembers served tip
almost 600 hot dogs, 13 pounds of potato The following businesses donated gift
City Meetings chips, and three gallons of pickles. Pizza Man certificates or items for the raffle: Discount
set tip a table and served about 17 pizzas. Tire Co., Dr. Scott Edlin of Inspired
Citv Council: For dessert, Caf6 Vienna brought out three Chiropractic, Pizza Man, Lake Elmo Bank,
2nd . and 4th Tuesdays cakes and Camille's Sidewalk Caf6 prepared Domino's Pizza, Joseph's Family Restaurant,
at 7:00 p.m. 120 cookie quarters. For a salty snack, Camille's Sidewalk Caf6, Carbone's Pizzeria,
Planning Conunission: First State Bank served tip popcorn. Valley Trophy, Menards, Hollywood Video,
Stillwater Bowl, Bonestroo, Portico Healthnet,
at 7:00
2nd Thursday and Starbucks Coffee Company.
p.m.
Parks Commission: The City would also like to thank Dr. Scott
3rd Monday Edlin of Inspired Chiropractic for offering his
at 6:30 p.m. help at the event. Dr. Scott Edlin donated his
City meetings are time to help out and served over 300 snow
broadcast live on
cones to the residents.
o. f .
cable channel 16.
£... .................................................................... ...................
Agendas and minutes f The Oak Park Heights neuisletter
can be accessed on the is published by the City of Oak Park
City's "vebsite: i Heights. Comments are ivelcome.
Residents In uneforfree refreshments.
www.citvofoak 651-439-4439
(ity Council Considers a Munic Facilities
Update/Expansion Project
I New Facility Concept
The Oak Park Heights City Council has initiated the
process of determining -,vhat next steps are appropriate
to address the City's needs to update the City's Municipal
Facility that houses the City's general operations, Police
Department and all Public Works operations. The pri-
mary objective being to allow the City to meet the future
operational needs of all residents and businesses into
2025 and beyond.
The current City facility, located at 14168 Oak Park Blvd
N., was originally constructed in 1967 (with additions in
1980 & 1989) when the City's population was approxi-
mately 800 residents with little to no commercial activity.
Today, the City of Oak Park Heights is a mature com-
munity with 4,667 residents, with significant commercial
growth, miles of streets and underground utilities, as
well as, numerous parks and trails. All of which
demand the City to maintain a capacity to provide
continued first class community services. Accordingly,
the City Must examine its facilities to determine if these
services and infrastructure can be supported in a dated,
inefficient facility.
Over the past year, the City has engaged the services of
an architectural consultant to provide a space needs and
current facilities analysis. That study recently concluded
that there are several aspects to the current City facility
that are not code compliant, are not community friendly
and are not maximizing productivity. Specifically:
:• Police Dept. operations require additional space, ............................... .
increased visibility and accessibility must be improved NRehabilitated & Expanded Facility
for residents.
:• All Public Works operational and storage space has
been exhausted.
:• City residents do not have access to public
community rooms or public meeting space.
:• All HVAC and roofing systems have outlived their
useful life and are in need of major replacement.
:• Public restrooms and meeting rooms are not
compliant with the American's with Disabilities Act
(A.D.A) and are not handicap accessible.
:• Parking for visitors and employees is limited.
Considering these as well as many other issues and
as a result of the space needs analysis, the City Council
has been presented with several improvement options
including a retrofit and expansion of the current facility
and the possible construction of an entirely new facility
with the preservation of certain aspects of the current
Public Works area. The costs for these options range
between $1.5 million dollars for a large retrofit to $6.5
million to construct a new facility estimated at 24,000
square feet containing all City functions so as to provide
one -stop shopping for residents for the next 50 years.
wwww��
City of Oak Park Heights 2 2007 Fall /Winter Newsletter
� ....... Municipal Facilities Update /Expansion Project (cont.)
While the City Council has made no decisions to date, if the from the residents regarding this proposed Municipal Facilities
City decided to make the $6.5 million dollar investment into a Expansion. These will likely occur after additional site
new facility it Nvould require the City to engage in bond planning is completed and options are better defined.
financing and Nvould likely result in a property tax increase of Based on the outcome of the final recommendations
approximately $100 to $120 per year for a property owner presented to the City Council by its consultants and the input
with a home valued at $200,000. Smaller facility improve - received by residents, the City Council may consider
ments Nvould result in lesser amounts. Again, at this time the authorization to proceed with a project in late 2007 for
City Council has made no decisions on a final project but is construction in 2008.
hesitant to invest significant funds into an already outdated
Residents interested in receiving more information on any
facility.
proposed facility expansions and/Or updates should contact
In the coming months the City Council will be having further Eric Johnson, City Administrator by e -mail at
discussions with its architectural and financial consultants to eajohnson @cityofoakparkheights.com or by phone,
determine the best fit for the City from both a space needs 651 - 439 -4439.
and financial perspective.
Residents may also visit the City's website at
Prior to the City making any final determinations on size -,,,--,, ,--,,,-,cityofoakparkheights.com and click on Contact Us
and costs, the Council will be holding a series of public to submit comments, questions, or to request additional
informational meetings for the purposes of soliciting input information. Your input is important to the City.
Autumn Hills Park Shelter
r
f
f
The Autumn Hills Park Shelter is now open and ready for you to reserve for your next event.
The Shelter, located at 5697 Norwich Parkway adjacent to Boutvvell's Landing, is a 2,000+ square
foot facility which includes a covered gathering area with a small kitchen /serving area, men's
and women's restrooms, and a water fountain.
If you wish to reserve the shelter,
please Contact City Hall at 439 -4439 for details and information.
The rental policy and agreement is also available on the City s website,
u citvofoakbarkheights. com
The public is invited to the Ribbon Cutting 'Dedication Ceremony,
which is scheduled for Tuesday, October 9, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.
at the Autumn Hills Park Shelter.
City of Oak Park Heights 3 2007 Fall /Winter Newsletter
Who's Who in Police Department News
Your (Ity Emergency #: 911 Non - Emergency # 651 - 439 - 4723
Government? Brian DeRosier Named Deputy City Hires New Officer
The local government in the Chief Of P olice Brian Z�vach vas sworn in as the City of
City of Oak Park Heights is made Oak Park Heights Police Department's
Brian DeRosier vas appointed as Deputy
up of a City Council and a Chief of Police for the City of Oak Park newest officer on Tuesday, July 17. Z-,vach
Mayor. There are five comes to the department from the Cottage
Councilmembers who are Heights Police Department in July. He will
elected to the Council. The assume the role of Chief of Police for the Grove Police Department where he was a
Mayor and Councilmembers department upon the retirement of Chief Community Service Officer. He has also
are elected in even years, worked for the South Washington County
Officials are elected for a Lindy Swanson in the summer of 008. Schools as a bus driver and grounds crew
two -year term, but may be worker.
re elected for any number of DeRosier has been in law enforcement since
additional terms. 1989 and has worked for the City's police Officer Zxvach attended the University of
City Council meets the second department since 1995. He worked as a Minnesota - Duluth where lie received a
and fourth Tuesdays of each patrol officer until 1999 when lie became the Bachelor's Degree in Criminology. He will
month. The Council agenda is department's only investigator. In 2003, lie be completing an eight week Field Training
published in the Stillwater xvas appointed to the Washington County Officer Program before lie is released to
Gazette, It is also posted at City Multi - Agency Special Response Team where conduct single officer patrol.
Hall and on the City's website. lie serves as SWAT Operator and Team
Mayor and Councilmembers Squad Le ad. New Anonymous Tips Online Form
work closely with City staff and A new form has been created on the City's
the City Administrator to ensure DeRosier has a degree in Criminal Justice, webpage to notify the City of Oak Park
that the best interest of the and lie continues advanced education in Heights Police Department of Suspicious
citizens of Oak Park Heights Police Supervision and Management and activities, crimes, or related concerns that
always comes first.
Critical Incident Management at you may have. Your tip is completely
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM Northwestern University - Center for Public anonymous. To Submit a tip to the Police
MAYOR Safety, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Department, please visit the City's ,vel)site at
David Beaudet Apprehension, and the National Tactical www.cityofoakparkheights.com.
COUNCIL MEMBERS Officers Associ Protect Yourself from
Les Abrahamson DeRosier encourages residents to take part
Jack Doerr Vehicle Break -Ins
Mary McComber E in the City. He emphasizes that the police There were numerous reports of "thefts from
Mark Swenson 8 department cannot function without the SLIP-
vehicles" in August, all of which it appears
E port and participation of the residents in could have been avoided had residents
CITY ADMINISTRATOR reporting and assisting with information and
Eric Johnson locked the doors of their vehicles and /or not
concerns. left valuable items in their vehicles
If you have any questions for DeRosier, overnight. The police department is asking
Tease call the police department utment at 439- that residents LOCK their vehicles up and
CITY OF 1 1 1
OAK PARK HEIGHTS 4723. He would be happy to speak w to NOT LEAVE any valuables inside their
14168 Oak Park Blvd. N. over the phone or meet with you in person Vehicles while parked. If you have any
Box 2007 to discuss your questions or concerns. questions, please call the police department.
Oak Park Heights
MN 55082 -2007
Phone: 651-439-4439 ............::-
Fax: 651 - 439 -0574
www.cityofoakparkheights.com
Help St Vandalism in Cit Parks -
p p y
Reward Information
OFFICE HOURS There has been a rash of vandalism in city parks over the summer, including
Monday through Friday r Tffiti and property damage. The City has instituted a reward program to help
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. g` p pe � g y p g p
bring the offender(s) to justice. The police department will reward $1,000 for
Mw information leading to the arrest and conviction of persons responsible for any
City offices will be closed on: park vandalism. All reports remain anonymous.
Nov. 12 - Veteran's Day
Nov. 23 & 24 Thanksgiving If you have any information, please contact the Chief of Polic at 651- 439 -4723,
Dec. 24 & 25 Christmas or complete the Anonymous Tips form on the City's website.
Jan. 1 - New Year's Day
Jan 21 - MLK Jr. Day Remember, v andalism costs money!
Feb. 18 President's Day ................ ............................... ..................................................................................... ...............................
City of Oak Park Heights 4 2007 Fall /Winter Newsletter
Arborist News
Dr. Kathy idin 651 - 439 -4439 ext. 252 ATTENTION
y PET OWNERS
Tree Problems? that spread the oak wilt
If you are an Oak Park +- fungus. If oaks are Leash L ow
Heights resident and pruned or wounded Reminder
have a problem -,vith between April 1 and
a tree or shrub, such the end of September, The City of Oak Park
paint the wound Heights has a leash law in
as insects, and diseases, 1 `
" immediately with either effect that prohibits pets
have planting ques- >'
a tree wound dressing, from running at large.
tions, or just want to Any dog or cat that is off
have a plant identified, varnish, or later house the premises of the owner
call the Arborist at the paint. Painting wounds and not under the
number above. She can �vi11 prevent attraction physical control (by leash
either answer your of the insects whid� or by voice) of the owner
question over the ' spread the oak wilt or another designated
phone or make an
fungus (a fatal disease person is in violation of
appointment for a site f of oaks). All oaks can this Ordinance.
visit. This service is paid for by the he infected with oak wilt, though bur oaks When you are out walking
City of Oak Park Heights. and white oaks are usually more resistant to your pet, please
the disease. If you think a tree in your yard remember to bring a
has oak wilt, please contact the Arborist. plastic hag. Pet owners
Storm Damage & Risk Trees are required by City
After the storms with high winds late this Ordinance to clean up
Summer, he Sure to check the trees in your Removal Of Diseased Trees pet waste on public and
yard and along the boulevard in front of As part of the City's Tree Disease private property. Removal
your home for structural problems. Broken Management Program, the City will remove and proper disposal of pet
branches, cracks, splits, and poor trunk currently wilting elms and oaks from private waste helps keep our City
unions, or decay in the branches, the main property. If you think you have a diseased clean and healthy.
trunk, or at the base of the tree, can all lead elm or oak in your yard, please call the ................................................ ...............................
to failure of all or part of the tree. If the tree Arborist to inspect it.
Pet Licences
is large and there is a target (e.g. house,
road, driveway, garage, play structure, picnic Emerald Ash Borer All dogs and cats in the
table) nearby, a tree with decay and defects Several residents have called with questions City for more than 30 days
becomes a risk. Cracks or splits in the main about the emerald ash borer, an exotic are required to have a City
trunk union are major issues, especially if insect which attacks and kills ash trees. Pet License. There is no
there is also decay present. Wildlife holes, To date, this insect has not been detected charge for this service and
shelf fungi, trunk bulges, and cavities are in Minnesota, but is expected to he a it could save your pet
signs of internal decay and the tree Should problem here in the future. If you have from a trip to the animal
he examined. if y ou have a tree that y ou an ash tree in our y ard which has declined shelter. Bring proof of
Y Y Y Y�
think has any risk factors and would like to and died hack from the top over the course )`our pet's rabies vaecina-
have it inspected, or you find a boulevard of a year or two, especially if it has Suckers tion to City Hall to receive
tree with broken branches or other structural sprouting from the trunk or base, please a pet license and tag.
problems, please call the Arborist. contact the Arborist to come out and take For more information,
a look at it. The emerald ash borer, as well please call City Hall
Oak Wilt as, other tree insect and disease pests can at 651- 439 -4439. City
All pruning of oaks Should take place still he in wood of trees which have been ordinances can be viewed
between October 15 and April 1 to avoid taken down, so do not move firewood of on the City's website:
creating wounds that attract the insects any type from one locale to another. .cityofoahparkheighc5.<<>m
City of Oak Park Heights 5 2007 Fall /Winter Newsletter
Watch What You Put in Your Watershed!
Fall yard work and end of summer cleaning can create a lot feces) then take the time to dispose of it properly and keep it
Of junk. Be sure that you know how to dispose of your waste out of the storm
safely and legally so that it does not contaminate the St. Croix
v Chlorinated water from swimming Wools or seas: Use a
River, local lakes or the groundwater that we drink.
chemical to dechlorinate the water or dump the water into
An illicit discharge is the dumping of any potentially a drain in your home that connects to the sanitary sewer.
hazardous liquid or solid material into a storm sewer or :• Yard Waste: Mulch leaves and grass into your lawn to
drainage ditch. While most illicit discharges don't make the return nutrients to the soil or create a compost pile. It is
evening news, they are a serious threat to local water quality. illegal to dump yard waste or anything else into wetlands!
Storm sewers and ditches transport water directly from your Yard waste can also he taken to Buherl Recycling in
street to local waterways. That means that anything that Stillwater ( 5750 Memorial Ave. N, 439-8399).
makes its way into the street, whether it is dumped there
intentionally, or washed away by the rain, will soon turn up
:• Household Hazardous Waste: Take items such as cleaners,
paint, used engine oil, lawn chemicals, propane tanks and
in the St. Croix River. As a general rule, if you cringe at the
thought of pouring it into the water at your local beach pool chemicals to the Hazardous Materials Collection Site
( fertilizers, pesticides, engine oil, grass clippings, or dog in Oakdale (1900 Hadley Ave. N, 430 - 6770 ).
Holiday Recycling
The holiday season is fast approaching which also means magazines, catalogs, junk mail, paper and boxboard (cereal
residents will find themselves with wrapping paper, boxes boxes, shoe boxes, pop boxes, etc.). Newsprint should he
and other holiday leftovers to dispose of. Material such as placed in a separate paper grocery bag. Bins for recyclables
wrapping paper and styrofoam is not recyclable. Cardboard can he picked up at City Hall free of charge. Questions
boxes need to he flattened rather than stacked inside each regarding preparation or pick -up of recyclables can he
other and should he no larger than 3' x 3'. Christmas trees directed to Veolia Environmental Services by calling
will he picked up along with regular garbage pickup on 651- 459 -3029.
January 3 and 10, ?008.
As an incentive to recycle, two residents per month are
Aluminum and metal cans and glass jars and bottles should rewarded by the City with their choice of either a $25 check
he rinsed and placed in the hin with caps removed. It is not or smoke detectors and /or fire extinguisher of equal value for
necessary to sort cans, jars and bottles. Mixed paper should having their recycling out. Winners are picked randomly on
he placed in a paper grocery hag. Mixed paper includes regular trash pickup days.
What is included in my v g 'Month) Garbage Collection Fee'?
t In addition to the typical garbage and recycling pickup, your monthly garbage collection bill from the City
also covers the disposal of yard waste, five foot rolls of used carpeting, large household items, and 'white- goods'
such as televisions, refrigerators, couches, chairs, desks, water - heaters, stoves, dishwashers, dryers, etc. In
order to have these items picked up in a timely fashion, please contact Judy Tetzlaff at City Hall, 651- 439 -4439,
at least two days prior to collection day so that the special truck may he dispatched to your home.
Some items are not included in your monthly fee are extra hags of garbage not placed in your container.
The City's waste hauler, Veolia, will hill you $1.50 per hag. Some other items that are picked up for a fee are
sinks, toilets and construction debris. You will be billed by Veolia at a regulated rate as monitored by the City.
In the event you receive any billing from Veolia, except for the Annual Washington County Environmental
Charge, please contact the City Administrator at 651 - 439-4439 to ensure that the billing is correct.
............................................................................................. ............................... ......................................... -- - ........ .....................................................
City of Oak Park Heights 6 2007 Fall /Winter Newsletter
Public Works News
Tom Ozzello, Public Works Director 651- 439 -4439
Snow Forts When the ice is established and in good shape we will have
the rinks open from 3:30 to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays and
Parents, please protect your children by keeping snow forts 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekends.
and play away from streets and drives. Snow removal
equipment is dangerous, and during operations, blowing Fall 2001 Street Repairs
snow and limited visibility can he a deadly combination to
children in the path of equipment. There are several repairs being made on streets north
of Highway 36 this fall. The area includes 63rd, Upper 63rd,
Fire Hydrants In Winter 64th and Pecan Avenue and also part of 61st, Peabody,
Panama and Paul Avenues. We are also patching the alley
Please help your neighbors and yourselves by shoveling between Peller and Penrose off Beach. These repairs are to
around fire hydrants. We hope they are not needed, but prepare those streets for street coating nest year. The County
critical minutes can he saved if neighbors keep their Storm Sewer installation will partially address work needed
hydrants accessible for emergency use. on 62nd and on Paris. The remaining parts of those streets
will he evaluated nest spring when the County work is done.
Snow Season There will he some partial day closing of these streets as
work progresses.
The City of Oak Park Heights hires contract snow removal
services for city streets. The contractor uses their equipment Street Sweeping
to clear streets and the city reewee is charged additional dollars if p g
they have to go slow to avoid obstructions like cars, cans or The City of Oak Park Heights does one pass street sweepings
snow pushed in to the street. Please do not complicate their each year in the spring and in the fall to try to keep sand and
work and add cost and frustration to your neighbors and the leaf debris out of the storm sewers. Storm water discharges
city by blocking lanes before snow is cleared curb to curb or directly to our lakes, streams and rivers. Our goal is to protect
by pushing snow in to the streets. The contractor does not those waters. Do not NOW your yard waste in to the street.
come hack and clear until the nest snow fall. The City's waste hauler, Veolia, has curhside collection for
leaves and clippings. Not only do leaves and clippings
Skating Rinks damage the environment, but it is also against city ordinances
and can result in fines and clean up costs to the homeowner.
The City of Oak Park Heights builds ice at Cover and Brekke
Parks for winter use. The warming houses will he open after Please protect your environment and save the taxpayers
the ice base is established. Use of the rinks when the ice is Added costs at the same time. If you have any questions or
forming or during times of melting can damage the ice base need to schedule curhside pickup, please call City Hall at
and require several floodings to restore the skating surface. 651- 439 -4439.
Winter Parking Restrictions Sign Up for Auto Pay Garbage Containers
Winter parking restrictions are for Your Utility Bills On garbage collection day,
put in place in an effort to enable paying your utility bill electronical- please keep your garbage and
snow removal equipment the ly allows you to save time and
opportunity to do a top quality and money on stamps and late fees, recycling containers 18 inches off
efficient job in removing snow With auto pay, the amount you of the street to allow full curb
from city streets. Please he aware owe on your utility hill is automat- to curb clearing of snow.
that these parking restrictions are ically withdrawn from the account
in place AND ENFORCED you designate on the billing due Help keep the City looking
regardless of whether or not there date each month. You will continue neat and clean by storing your
has been a recent snowfall. Please to receive your hill so that you container in location
help us by obeying the winter know the date and amount to he
garbage <l
parking restrictions. withheld from your account. If you that is not visible to the street.
* *No parking on city streets are interested in participating,
from November 1st through please call or stop by City Hall to
March 31st, obtain an enrollment form. The
between 1:00 a.m. form is also available on the City's
and 6:00 a.m. ** website under "Forms and
Handouts ".
€ ................................................................ ............................... ...................................................................................................... ...............................
City of Oak Park Heights 7 2007 Fall /Winter Newsletter
Oak Park Heights Fall Clean U
Saturday, October 13, 2007 7 :30 a.m. -1: 00 p.m.
The City of Oak Park Heights will be hosting a Fall Clean -Up
on Saturday, October 13, 2007
from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The clean -up will be at the southwest corner of the St. Croix Mall (Andersen Corporation)
parking lot - 14167 59th street North in oak Park Heights.
City clean -up events are an excellent opportunity for residents to dispose of unwanted
items at no cost. Please only bring waste generated within the City of oak Park Heights.
Bringing in waste generated by non - residents only drives up cost, which could mean higher
taxes for City of Oak Park Heights residents. Proof of residency, such as a utility bill or driver's
license, will be required. Common items disposed of include appliances, brush, construction
materials, furniture, cardboard, scrap metal and carpet, CRTs, televisions and computers.
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 -4439 or Veolia Environmental Services at 651 -459 -3029.
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