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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSpring 06 SPRING 2006 City of Oak Park Hei S In This Issue Outdoor Living Outdoor Living: Building a Deck Residential decks provide an ounce of aesthetic beauty to homes in our City, along with a convenient spot to sit back and entertain the neighbors. There is just Do I Need a something about a deck that shouts relaxation. But before you start digging holes Building Permit) and pouring concrete, it is important to learn about the City's requirements and City Meetings restrictions regarding deck construction. Have a Voice It is the resident's responsibility to ensure that a permit has been issued for the in Your Community project, whether they are constructing it themselves of by hiring a contractor. They must also ensure that appropriate plans have been submitted and approved Hazardous Waste by the City's Building Official and that all the required inspections have been made. Collection Event Obtaining a permit for the construction of your deck is the most effective way to A Public Health Message ensure that the structure is as safe as possible for you, your family, and your guests. Barking Dogs/ Contact the City Building Official before building and you will be sitting out on Recreational Fires your new deck in no time! SignUp for Auto Pay ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Oak Anthracnose/ Do I Need a Building Permit? BoulevardTree Planting 1-------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ i Reserve a Park Shelter Spring is in the air and so is the mood for home improvement projects. When planning your project, keep in nand that many projects require a Spring Clean Up Event building permit prior to starting the project. Examples of such projects include decks, porches, gazebos, fences, sheds, re-roofing, window replacement, driveway replacement and parking pads are some examples of common I do-it-yourself projects that require a building permit. The Oak Park 1 The best bet is to include a call or visit to the Building Official to discuss what Heights newsletter is published by the I is needed to make your project safe and compliant with adopted local City of Oak Park Heights, ordinances and construction industry codes. Comments are welcome. MAYOR f Building permit applications as well as information on a variety of projects David Beaudet are available by contacting the Building Department. COUNCIL MEMBERS Les Abrahamson f Jim Butler Julie Hultman Jack Doerr Building Official Planning & Code Eqforceinent Mary McComber Mark Swenson 6 651-275-9590 51-351-1661 CITY OF jbutler@cityofoakparkheights.com jhultiiian@cityofoakparkheights.coiiI OAK PARK HEIGHTS 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N. Box 2007 There is no question too small. Oak Park Heights MN 55082-2007 It is our goal to make your project successful and safe! Phone: 651-439-4439 --------------------------- ------------------------------------ ----------------------- (i Meeting s Have a Voice in Planning Your (Community! unity! 9 City Council: Applications are now being accepted for matters. The Commission meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays members to the Oak Park Heights 2nd Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at 7:00 p.m. Planning Commission. The Conunission and periodically holds workshops or Planning Commission: is comprised of five members who are other special meetings. 2nd Thursday at Appointed by the City Council to serve 7:00 p.m' Interested citizens must reside within in an advisory capacity. Members of the Parks Commission: the City of Oak Park Heights and are m 3rd Monda at Comssion are compensated for their y encouraged to visit the city's website 6:30 p.m. involvement with a meeting stipend. or stop by City Hall to pick up an City meetings are application. broadcast live on cable The Planning Conunission serves as the PP channel 16. City's planning agency and conducts For additional information or to Agendas and minutes can public hearing on applications for request an application, please call be accessed on the City's € conditional use permits, variances to the Julie Hultman at 651- 351 -1661 or "vebsite: City's zoning ordinance and other related jhultman @cityofoakparkheights .com www. citvofoaki)arkheiQhts.com -------- ---- -- MMw Reduce, Reuse, ...... ............................... Recycle Odd / Even Watering Ban As you are cleaning up As we approach the summer months, and young trees. While the City's water this spring, don't forget it is time to remind everyone that Oak supply is adequate the regulation is to recycle! Oak Park Park Heights has an even /odd watering intended to conserve water and balance heights encourages re- cycling by rewarding two ban, except for the watering of new sod demands on the City's grater system. residents a month with ------------------------------ $25.00 for having their recycling out. If you have any questions Hazardous Waste about what can be recy- cled, call Onyx Waste, the City's residential Spring Collection Event garbage Hauler at 459 -3029. ........ Please call on Waste Washington County will hold a Examples of items accepted: at 651- 459 - 3029 if you spring collection event on have oversized iteins for • household cleaners pickup, separate trucks are sent to collect items Saturday, May 20, 2006 such as appliances, furni- paint ture or other large items. 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Notifying Onyx ahead of at Lily Lake Ice Arena • lawn & garden products time will ensure that your items are picked up 1208 South Greeley Street in • propane tanks that week. Holiday schedule: Stillwater. This event is open to .rechargeable batteries Onyx observes the all Washington County residents following holidays: New for hazardous material drop off • fireworks Years Day, Mem -orial Day, Fourth of July, and proof of residency is Labor Day, Thanksgiving • fluorescent bulbs and Christmas. Garbage required. and recycling collection ....................................................................................................................................... ............................... : will be delayed one day during the week .....................::.;: ;f:: ;..r -.: . ;:�:.�H :,:.:.. .. ...................... . r z k.'!C >. .. F< ::'zk.a: .d:'73: ftip 3 'Yx£.' ,i3R£.' £ #• i:' following those holidays. A Public Health Message to the Citizens of Oak Park Heights Each day our newspapers, radio, television and internet Probably the hest know pandemic influenza outbreak media sources include information about "Avian Flu" or was the 1918 -1919 "Spanish Flu ". It is estimated that up "Pandemic Flu ". So ghat do citizens of Washington to 50 million people died worldwide. County need to know? Here are a few- key points: What are we doing to prepare? The Washington What is Influenza? Influenza is a respiratory illness. County Department of Public Health and Environment It is spread by coughing and sneezing. It takes between is monitoring the Avian Flu situation and planning and 1 -5 days to get sick, but a person can spread the disease preparing for a possible Pandemic Influenza. We are before shoring symptoms. Symptoms of influenza working with other local health departments in the are rapid onset of fever, chills, body aches, sore throat, Turin Cities Metropolitan Region and Western non - productive cough, ninny nose and headache. Wisconsin to coordinate our efforts and resources for Many people refer to upset stomach, vomiting or such an event. State and Federal Health and Human diarrhea as "flu" or "stomach flu ", this is incorrect. Services agencies are also planning and giving guidance. Influenza is a respiratory illness. Public safety partners (police, fire and EMS services) and the medical conununity are also planning with us. Seasonal Influenza Approximately 36,000 people in Business and industry are also beginning to do the United States die each year from influenza. In "Continuity of Operations Plans" in the event of Minnesota alone, as many as 1,000 deaths may occur. widespread illness among their workforces. Influenza season usually occurs between October and April. The very young, very old, pregnant women and those with fragile inunune systems are especially at risk. 77gc Ceti of Oak Park Heigbts' priinar).' role in There is a vaccine available each year and everyone is responding to an actual pandemic situation will be encouraged to get a flu shot! maintain water and sanitary sewer services as well Avian Flu Avian flu is influenza that is happening as keeping Cit).' streets cleat and passable, for EMS in birds. Experts in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and other emergence services. Beyond these important wildlife biology and public health are closely watching tasks, the City would .have fett} remaining resources. T/re Washington County Department of Public Health a strain of influenza (called H5N1) that is killing poultry is the main goner °nrnerztal agency Citl.' residents raced and other bird species in Asia, Europe and parts of to contact for health iraforraaatiort regarding At=iara Flu. Africa. Some humans have become ill from close contact with infected birds. Of the nearly 200 cases of human illness worldwide nearly half have died. What can you do at home? Stay healthy! Cover However, there is no documented case of human to your cough so you don't spread disease. Wash your human virus transmission. So this strain of the flu hands! Get your flu shot when its offered and stay remains a "bird flu ". There is no H5N1 Avian Influenza informed. Prepare a home emergency kit. Do you in the United States at this time. have food and water supply to last you at least a Pandemic Influenza Influenza is an elusive adversary! week if you were told to stay home? Stay informed - It keeps mutating and changing it structure and where it you can get helpful advice and accurate information can survive. Influenza viruses can mutate and change from the County Health Department's web page. hosts. So a bird flu could move to other animal hosts Please visit us at �- T.co.washington.mn.us and possibly to humans. This ability to change, and the click on Avian and Pandemic Influenza. ability for the bird population to carry the virus between countries and continents is leading to concern for a possible large scale outbreak of influenza. hank You! Most people are familiar with the term "epidemic ". Lowell R. Johnson, Director This is when a disease is localized to one population Washington County Department of Public Health and there is a lour level of inununity - a mumps and Environment outbreak might he an epidemic. A "pandemic" is when there is widespread (even worldwide) infection and no inununity within a population. If a new strain of influenza were to occur worldwide we could see a pandemic. Barking Dogs Warmer weather brings with it an increase in the al-din al noise during tbefive (S) minute period. complaints concerning harking dogs. Please he 7bis does not apply to dogs or cats that are considerate of your neighbors and remember that the responding to trespassers or to dogs or cats that City has an ordinance that prohibits pets (dogs and are teased orsimilarlyprovoked to bark or meow. cats) from disturbing the peace. The following is an excerpt from City Ordinance 601; the complete ordinance is available at City Hall: A telephone call does not, however, constitute a formal complaint to initiate the citation process. All formal complaints must he submitted in writing It is a violation of City Ordinance for anY dog to the attention of the City Clerk and shall describe the or cat, by any noise, to unreasonably andlor dog or cat, state the acts committed by the dog or cat, excessively disturb thepeace and quiet of anl.' the name and address of the person owning or person in the vicinity. The phrase "unreasonably., harboring the dog or cat, and the name and address andlor excessively disturb the peace and quiet" of the person making the complaint. The City shall shall include, but is not limited to, the creation then promptly notify the person owning or harboring of any noise by a dog or cat which can be heard the dog or cat of the acts complained of, either by by at person fr orn a location off the dog or cat letter or door tag, and shall request that the nuisance otvner's property rt7here the dog or cat is being he abated or eliminated within a specified time period. kept, and ahicb noise occuts repeatedly.' over at The City may also cause the Animal Control Officer or least a five (5) minute period (?f time with one lam- enforcement offer to investigate and file a report (1) minute or less lapse of time betaven each on the complaint. Recreational Fires Recreational fires are permitted in Oak Park Heights recreational fires burn at a lour temperature which but there are a few- things you should know. First of produces a large volume of smoke. The smoke carries all, your fire pit must he thirty six inches or less in toxic fumes which can he harmful to people gathered diameter and flames should he no higher than two around the fire. Painted good, plastic and rubber will feet. The fire should he monitored by a competent also give off toxic fumes if burned. Materials such as adult with a garden hose or fire extinguisher readily leaves and other yard waste will cause excessive smoke available in the event of an emergency. Make sure which is prohibited by City ordinance. In addition, it is your fire is completely extinguished when you are illegal in the State of Minnesota (and has been since done and never, ever leave a burning fire unattended! 1969) to burn household waste. Only clean, dry good should he used for a recreational Lastly, he a good neighbor - locate your fire where it fire. It is especially hazardous to burn material such as won't send smoke into your neighbor's yard or house treated good in your backyard fire pit because and also he aware of grind conditions and burning bans. - MMMM. MMMM. -- ---- -w Save Time & Money - Sign Up for Auto Pay The City has available to all residents the ability to pay billing due date each month. You will continue to your utility hills electronically. This allows you to save receive your hill so that you know the date and amount time and money on stamps and late fees. With auto pay to he withheld from your account. If you are interested the amount you ogre on your utility hill is automatically in participating, please call or stop by City Hall to withdrawn from the account you designate on the obtain an enrollment form. ......... .......................................................................................................................................................................... ............................... Oak Anthracnose ATTENTION PET In the cool, moist weather of early wet spring and early sununer weather. OWNERS spring, anthracnose fungi can infect Anthracnose diseases can look serious, developing leaves of maple, ash and but usually do not compromise the Leash Law oak. On green ash, the spots may he health or longevity of trees which are in pinhole -sized to larger brown spots and good condition. Control is usually not Reminders often cause defoliation of entire com- necessary. Rake up fallen leaves The City of Oak Park pound leaf clusters. Maple anthracnose in sununer and fall and dispose of leaves Heights has a leash law in causes blotchy brown patches of leaves, away from trees. If fungicide protection effect that prohibits pets primarily along leaf veins. Oak anthrac- of trees is desired, a fungicide, labeled from running nose mainly affects bur and white oaks for use on the disease and host plant, a at large. or and results in brown or black blotchy can he used in early spring when leaves Any dog or cat that is off areas along leaf margins which cause are just emerging and repeated in 7 -10 the premises of the owner leaves to curl and droop. Defoliation of days. Fungicides which have been and that is not under the leaves may also occur with maple and labeled in the past for use on anthrac- physical control (by leash oak anthracnose diseases. Twig infec- nose diseases include: thiophanate- or by voice) of the owner tions can also he caused by anthracnose methyl, Bordeaux mixture, hlorothalonil, or another designated fungi and tips of twigs can die. Infection Always follow label directions when person is in violation of is usually more severe on the lower half using any pesticide. If trees are large, this Ordinance. of the leaf canopy. Oak anthracnose was you would need to hire a tree service to When you are out walking particularly noticeable last year with the spray the trees. your pet, please Boulevard Tree Planting 2006 remember to }rin a plastic hag. Pet owners If you are interested in having a of August and are approximately 1.5 are required by City boulevard tree planted this year, please inches in diameter. Tree planting along contact the Arborist at 439 -4439 Ext. 252 boulevards and in parks within the City Ordinance to clean up and leave your name and address. She of Oak Park Heights is paid for out of pet waste on public and will visit the site and check for space to the city Tree Planting Fund which comes private property. Removal plant the tree (at least 25 ft. from from tree replacement requirement and proper disposal of pet adjacent trees and not close to utility payments from developments which waste helps keep our City boxes, driveways or mailboxes) and will remove trees on wooded parcels within clean and healthy. contact you regarding the choice of tree. city limits. MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM M w New boulevard trees are planted the end Answers to Plant Problems Animal Licences If you have a question regarding trees or call and either answer your question The City of Oak Park shrubs in your yard, or trees along over the phone or make a site visit to Heights world like to boulevards or in parks, please call the examine the plant. This is a free service remind residents that Municipal Arborist, Dr. Kathy Widin at provided by the City of Oak Park every dog and cat living in 439 -4439, Ext. 252. She will return your Heights. the city is required to he . ...................................... ............................... ................ ............................... ................... registered with the City. Park Shelter Re can help the Reserve a Cit Y City contact you quickly Are you thinking about having a party, and barbeques• to retrieve your pet in case a company get together or a family Valley View Park is one of Oak Park your pet gets lost and is reunion? The Oak Park Heights park Heights' hidden treasures. Located on found. Licenses are system is great for summer get - togethers. Osgood Avenue at the edge of the city available in the Police Both Brekke and Valley View park limits, this park has a covered shelter Department at City Hall shelter buildings can he reserved free buildin icnic areas la rounds and of charge for your event. g ' p p yg Monday through Friday, a beautiful passive park area with trails, g.00 a.m. to 4:.30 p.m. Brekke Park is located on Omar Avenue a prairie restoration area and wetlands There is no charge for this south of the St. Croix Mall. The park has to explore. service, but you must a covered shelter building with Call soon or fill out an online re uest restrooms as well as a tot lot baseball q have your current rabies form to reserve your spot! certificate. diamonds, playground equipment, ' Oak Park Heig Sp ring Clean Up Saturday, May 20, 2006 7:3 a.m. -1:0 p.m. The City of Oak Park Heights will be hosting a Spring Clean -Up on Saturday May 20, 2006 from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The clean -up will be in the southwest corner of the St. Croix Mall (Andersen Corporation) parking lot at 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. Proof of residency such as a utility bill or driver's license will be required. Common items disposed of include small appliances, brush, construction materials, furniture, cardboard, scrap metal and carpet. Hazardous waste (including tires and computers), stumps, firewood or items larger than a major appliance will not be accepted. If you have any questions, please call City Hall at 651 -439 -4439 or Onyx Waste Services at 651- 459 -3029. wd 00:l - 'W'D 0£:L GWU 90OZ'OZ ADVV'ADPADS d Bu ijd S LOOZ NWSIOPH 3 1JUd V0 LOOZ x09 ` N'PAIff 3 1JUd V0 89T� VSfl XJ.I:) aaRi. SSS 'oN p+wiad d T, u NW � s 'ialoM� u . 1 1 4IVd NXrd NEO afiolsod 'S'0 piopoolS paliosaid fo djo