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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity outreach City of Oak Park Heights a 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N., PO Box 2007 Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 City News-May 8, ,, City Hall Facility As anticipated, the City will be commencing with the construction of As mentioned in the City's Spring newsletter,in order to better ensure the new City Hail Facility in the very near future. The City has been the safety of the construction crews working at the City Hall Facility as working with the Contractor,Jorgenson Construction Inc.,to establish well as the general public, it is anticipated that the eastern entrance and ensure that the site is maintained in safe, secure and proper or- into the City Hall Facility,located at the intersection of 57th Street and der. Most importantly, the City expects that the Contractor strictly O'Brien Ave.will be closed during the construction and will re-open in follow the working-hour rules for the City, being lam to 7pm Monday summer 2010 with the same traffic patterns as currently exist.The City thru Friday. The Contractor may NOT work on Saturdays or Sundays apologizes for any inconvenience. Additionally,the east-west walking unless special written permission from the City is provided,but would trail between Oktfield Ave. and Oakgreen Ave (lying just north of the require a rare and unusual situation. City Hall Facility project will also be impacted by Project. Temporary closures will be setup to facilitate the installation of the GEOTHERMAL The Project will take 480 calendar days and will involve significant Well field. Exact timing on this temporary closure is unknown, but is construction activity throughout the entire City Hall site. Because this also anticipated to be this summer(2009) site has limited space for the visiting general public,City operations, as well as the Contractor,when you visit the City Hall,please follow The City's website www.cityofoakparkhei hts.com will have updates on the directional signage that will be installed by the Contractor. If you a regular basis as to the project status. As always, you may also call would like a site tour of the construction area, this can be arranged City Hall at 651-439-4439 for questions. with some advanced notice. • SWAT Team and Fire Department Practice Burn The area along the western side of Oakgreen Ave,north of 58"'street will also be a very busy location this summer.The owner of these properties,including the six vacant homes,has submitted applications to the City to construct two `retirement-type' facili- ties totaling 140 units+/-.The City is now engaged in reviewing these applications and also a Tax Incremental Financing request. In the interim, presuming that these proposals receive final approval by the City Council sometime in May or June, The City along with other local law enforcement officials will be conducting "S.W.A.T."Team exercise in the now-vacant homes located on the east side of Oakgreen Ave.This exercise is expected to occur prior to Memorial Day Weekend. It is not anticipated that this will impede traffic on Oakgreen or will cause any other site impacts.However,you may see various law enforcement offi- cials in this area in typical S.W.A.T.uniforms. Following,these police exercises,the Bayport Fire Department has been working with the owner of these homes and the City to facilitate"practice burns"on such homes.This will likely occur sometime late May/early June. This activity will likely require the closure of Oakgreen Ave for a period of 24 to 48 hours depending on the final schedule and scope of the program. Exact dates are not known at this time and may change due to weather conditions.The City contracts with the Bayport Fire Department for fire protection services,and exercises such as this will benefit that Department and staff. As with the City Hall Facility,if you have any questions regarding these items please call City Administrator Eric Johnson at 651 -439-4439. Stillwater Marathon On Sunday morning, May 24th, the Stillwater Marathon will be proceeding through the City and will involve some road closures and traffic delays east of Osgood Ave. near STH 95 and Cover Park. Please visit their website at www.stillwatermarathon.com or call 651-430-2306 for more information. October 12, 2010 . CONTACT: Eric Johnson, City Administrator eajohnson @cityofoakparkheights.com City of Oak Park Heights 651-439-4439 Oak Park Heights New City Hall Facility Ribbon Cutting The City Council for the City of Oak Park Heights held an Open House and Dedication Ceremony/Ribbon Cutting ceremony for their new City Hall Facility. The City Council and staff welcomed many residents and provided tours of the facility at the October 9t" event. Groundbreaking for the new facility, which lies just north of the where the old facility stood, took place on May 12, 2009, and city staff moved into the facility on May 17, 2010. The City Council would like to thank the many residents who attended the event, and a special thank you to Joseph's Restaurant for providing cake and cupcakes. Photo: • Ribbon donated by Rose Floral of Stillwater. October 11, 2010 Joseph's Restaurant ATTN: Joe Kohler 14608 N. 60th Street Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 RE: City Hall Facility Open House Event Dear Joe: On behalf of the Oak Park Heights City Council and staff, we want to thank you for your donation of the beautifully decorated cake and cupcakes for the Oak Park Heights City Hall Facility Open House and Dedication Ceremony. We were really pleased with the turnout for the event, and the residents appreciated the opportunity to view the facility and enjoy the light refreshments. Again, we thank you for your continued support of the City of Oak Park Heights. . Sincerely, Jennifer Pinski Eric Johnson Administrative Secretary/Deputy Clerk City Administrator • October 13, 2010 Rose Floral 14298 60th Street North Stillwater, MN 55082 RE: City Hall Facility Ribbon Cutting Dear Staff: On behalf of the Oak Park Heights City Council and staff, we want to thank you for your donation of the large red ribbon for the Oak Park Heights City Hall Facility Open House and Dedication Ceremony. We were really pleased with the turnout for the event, and the residents appreciated the opportunity to view the facility and watch the ribbon cutting ceremony. Again, we thank you for your continued support of the City of Oak Park Heights. Sincerely, Jennifer Pinski Eric Johnson Administrative Secretary/Deputy Clerk City Administrator City of Oak Tree City USA First Quarter 2009 Newsletter Inside this issue: City Hall Facility Update Geothermal City Hall Facility 2 On January 13th, 2009 the City Council approved the incorporation of a GEOTHER- Continued from page i MAL heating and cooling system for the new City Hall Facility. A GEOTHERMAL system utilizes the earth's stable underground temperature of approximately 55 degrees Parks Commission 2 Fahrenheit via the installation of numerous underground "wells" whereby intercon- Vacancies nected pipes are inserted and liquid is pumped through and the heat/coolness of the earth is exchanged through the pipe wall (heat sink). This water is then circulated into the Have a power 3 building for heating and cooling purposes. There is no actual extraction of water from outage backup plan the ground, essentially, the system is a large sealed `radiator' placed underground with numerous interconnected wells. Winter Parking 3 Restrictions While this system will add approximately $250,000 to the total cost of constructing the building, it is estimated that these costs will be recovered in approximately 15 years at current natural gas prices. Should natural gas prices rise; the cost recovery will likely be et Owner 3 sooner. Thereafter, the City Hall Facility would operate its heating and cooling systems Reminders at little cost compared to a traditional system. What is included in 4 It is worth noting that the City has investigated the possibility of utilizing the current trash pickup water mains adjacent to the City Hall as the `heat-sink' which would have Recycling 4 negated most of the required costs to Information install a GEOTHERMAL system by _- avoiding the cost of drilling numer- ous wells. Ultimately, the MN Dept s— News of Health discouraged the City's pro- posal citing concerns about thermal fluctuations. The City will continue Police 6 to explore this issue, but has affirma- Files tively selected to proceed with a tra- ditional GEOTHERMAL system at Prevent theft from 7 this time. North and West elevations and color scheme of new facility your vehicle Other Green Initiatives Reserve a city 7 Beyond the direct financial cost and recovery issues with the decision to install a GEO- park shelter THERMAL system, the City is taking this positive step towards reducing its `greenhouse emissions' by reducing its reliance on fossil fuels to operate. It is possible cyclables going 8 that in the future, cities and other entities would be mandated by the Federal Govern- to Eureka Recycling ment and/or State of Minnesota to reduce its greenhouse emissions,with the City taking Story continued on page 2 1 Page 2 First Quarter 2009 Newsletter i City Hall Facility Update...continued from page 1 actions now, future investment into retrofitting the City Hall Facility will likely be reduced. In addition to the installation of a GEOTHERMAL system, the City has explored the implementation of other `green' elements including, the placement of a rain-garden to filter storm run-off from the parking lot and roof; installing low-flow fixtures; incorporating passive solar elements and roof overhangs; requiring that all building materials contain low to zero VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) and where possible have all materials be manufactured in the United States,preferably within 500 miles of Oak Park Heights. j The City explored the possibility of seeking official LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification for the building but such process would have required an additional investment of over $35,000+/- simply for documentation purposes. While this standard is important, it is not required and the City instead is going ahead with apparent and practical `green initiatives' as mentioned. The City is also exploring the possibil- ity for certain LEED requirements on building materials. I Timeline Also at the January 13 meeting, the City Council also finalized the project timeline. Specifically, the final plans are to be provided to the City Council on February 24 for final approval and would then be placed out for bids. j The bidding advertisement and review of submitted bids process will take four to six weeks. Upon review of all received qualified bids, the City Council hopes to award a building contract in late March/early April with con- struction to begin in early May upon the removal of road weight limits. It is estimated that the construction time line would carry into 2010 for occupancy of the new building and demolition of the current facility thereafter. Detailed building elevations, sample materials and color selections can be viewed at the Oak Park Heights City Hall—located at 14168 Oak Park Blvd. Call 439-4439 if you have any specific questions. Use of Andersen Windows in City Hall Facility Recently, there has been some local discussion of the City possibly selecting to exclude the use of Andersen Windows in the New City Hall Facility. In fact, the City Council has entertained no such discussion and has made no such determination. To date, the City has investigated the use of both typical aluminum commercial windows as well as comparable commercial products that may be available from Andersen Corporation or other window manufacturers. i Under Minnesota Law (MN Stat. 471.35 and its related case law) the City Council is generally precluded from specifying by exclusive name particular products in a public bidding process. Additionally, the City may not craft a bid specification that effectively disqualifies all other possible material suppliers as this is also considered violation of such statute. It is the general intention of this law that the taxpayer receives 10 the best product at the best price. Violations of these laws may be punishable as 'gross misdemeanors' by the Washington County Attorney's Office under MN Stat. 471.37. {10 i 1 At this time it is anticipated that the bidding process will include the option to use both typical aluminum win- { dows and/or `wood framed' windows. Unfortunately, there is no guaranty that the City may provide during the bidding process that will ensure the use of a specific type of window manufacturer. Again, pursuant to Minne- sota law, the City may not specify the use of Andersen Windows, meaning that other manufacturer's products may be `called-out' by general contractors in their bid submissions. Once the bidding process is complete, addi- tional options may be available to the City to address further concerns. As this process progresses, the City Council will endeavor to make the best choices that first comply with Min- nesota bidding law and what is both good for the City and the City Hall Facility Project. If you have any ques- tions on this particular item please call Eric Johnson, City Administrator, at 439-4439. i i Tree City USA Page 3 Notes from Public Works Have a backup plan in the event of a power outage There are a growing number of people in * Batteries our community who depend on home * Battery-powered radio or television medical equipment such as oxygen, di- * Non-electric alarm clock quo alysis machines, nebulizers, IV and nu- * Bottled water and non-perishable trition pumps, and CPAP breathing food This device is called a masks. In the event of a power outage, * Manual can opener touchpad. The touch- it is imperative to have a backup plan. * Extension cords (for partial outages) pad is used to conven- * First aid kit iently obtain a read- Have an outage kit that is kept in an ing of your water me- accessible location. The kit should in- You may wish to also have a stand-by ter without having to clude the following items: generator. * A phone that does not require elec- enter your house. Be tricity (note: cordless phones do re- To report a power outage, contact Xcel vigilant to reattach quire electricity) Energy's outage line at 1-800-895- the touchpad after * Flashlights 1999. any home improve- ment construction projects, especially re Roadway and right-of-way trim and maintenance requirements -siding. owner main- tenance is not re- The City of Oak Park Heights, like most cities, has road right of way and pavement quired; however to be eclaced for neighborhood use, transportation and emergency access. The adjacent helpful to the city's omeowner maintains this boulevard portion of the city property in exchange for the meter readers a small added yard and lawn use. cleared path to the Homeowner Responsibility touchpad in the win- ` Hedges and bushes should never be planted within 10 feet of the road. If older plant- ter months would be ings have started to encroach in to this area they must be removed or pruned and appreciated. maintained so that there is always a minimum of 6 feet of boulevard available on the side of the street and/or so that visibility is maintained. The homeowner is responsible for mowing and controlling the grass in the boulevard area. Low level plantings may be placed and maintained in the boulevard, however, Please help your they must never interfere with visibility of signage or other traffic. The city has no liability if they are damaged. If these become a nuisance they will require removal. neighbors and your- The city does some snow sod repairs each spring by adding black dirt and grass seed selves by shoveling only. The homeowner must water the repairs as part of their maintenance require- ments. around fire hydrants. M Utility and road work in the right of way requires contractor restoration of the grass. We hope they are There is no claim available for other types of plantings. Irrigation lines in this area are not needed, but criti- strictly the homeowner's responsibility. cal minutes can be Do not fill or plant items in a drainage area. These are designed to move storm wa- saved if neighbors ter off site at a controlled rate to purify the water, remove contaminants and avoid erosion or damage downstream. The city must calculate the total amount of water keep their hydrants and speed at which that water will move during a rain event to protect the lakes and rivers around us. All storm water is discharged to the St. Croix River. Please respect accessible for emer- iti gency use. Page 4 First Quarter 00• Newsletter Parks Commission Vacancies The City is seeking applicants to fill two openings on the Parks Commission. The Parks Commission is comprised of five members, who are appointed by the City Council to serve on the Commission in an advisory capacity. The objectives of the Parks Commission are to make recommendations to the City Council, which will guide the development of city parks and related services and facilities. Commission term commitments are three (3) years and run from January to December. The Commission typically meets on the 3rd Mon- day of each month at 6:30 p.m. and periodically holds workshops or other special meetings. If you are a resident of Oak Park Heights and are looking for an interesting and rewarding opportunity to participate in development and governance of Oak Park Heights, contact City Administrator Eric Johnson at 651-439-4439 or by email at eajohnson @cityofoal<parkheights.com. Applications may also be printed from the City's website: www.cityofoakparkheights.com. Winter Parking Restrictions City Meetings Winter parking restrictions are put in lace in an effort to enable (typical dates—subject p g p p to change) snow removal equipment the opportunity to do a top quality and effi- cient job in removing snow from city streets. Please be aware that city council: these parking restrictions are in place AND ENFORCED regardless of 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at whether or not there has been recent snowfall. Please help us by 7:00 p.m. obeying the winter parking restrictions. Planning Commission: **No parking on city streets from November 1 through 2nd Thursday at 7:00 March 31 between 1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.** p.m. Parks Commission: 3rd Monday at 6:30 p.m. Street light out in your neighborhood? Contact City Hall Your help in identifying street lights that are not working is very im- City meetings are broad- portant, as we rely solely on your notification assistance. Once City cast live on cable channel staff is aware of a light out, we contact Xcel Energy immediately to 16. help make sure the light is repaired in a reasonable amount of time. To report a City street light out, please contact City Hall at 439-4439. Agendas and Minutes are posted on the City's web- If possible, have the following information available: site: www.cityofoakpark > Property address and/or nearest cross street to where the light heights.com pole is located. • Whether the light is located: on a corner, midblock, or in a cul-de- sac. • The nature of the problem (i.e. light is out, light is blinking, light is broken). Tree City USA Page 5 Notice of Water Rate Increase Effective January 1, 2009, the City of Oak Park Heights established a municipal water rate for all users as follows: 1. A quarterly minimum charge of $26.24 for the first 15,000 gallons of water used per quarter (last year's rate was $24.35). 2. A rate of $1.78 per 1,000 gallons for water used above 15,000 gallons up to 50,000 gallons (last year's rate was $1.62). 3. A rate of $2.44 per 1,000 gallons for water used above 50,000 gallons up to 99,000 gallons (last year's rate was $2.22). 4. A rate of $2.94 per 1,000 gallons for water use above 99,000 gallons (last year's rate was $2.67). Sign up for auto pay ith auto pay, there is no need to waste time know the date and amount to be withheld from writing and mailing a check. Paying your util- your account. bill electronically allows you to save time writing money on stamps and late fees. The If you are interested in participating, please amount you owe on your utility bill is auto- call or stop by City Hall to obtain an enroll- matically withdrawn from the account you des- ment form. The form is also available on the ignate on the billing due date each month. You City's website, under Forms & Handouts. City will continue to receive your bill so that you Hall phone number is 439-4439• ............................................................................................................................................................................. 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 another 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 Ordinance to clean up pet waste on public and private property. Removal and proper dis- posal of pet waste helps keep our City clean and healthy. Pet Licenses .All dogs and cats in the City for more than 30 days are required to have a City Pet License. There is no charge for this service and it could save your pet from a trip to the animal shelter. Bring proof of your pet's rabies vaccination to City Hall to receive a pet license and tag. Page 6 First Quarter 00• Newsletter What's included in trash pickup? In addition to the typical garbage and recycling pickup, the City also covers the disposal of yard waste, large household items, and `white- V E O L 1 A goods' such as televisions, refrigerators, couches, chairs, desks, water- ENVIRONMENTAL heaters, stoves, dishwashers, dryers, etc. In order to have these items SERVICES 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 be dispatched to your home. Some items are not included in your monthly fee are extra bags of garbage not placed in your container. The City's waste hauler, Veolia, will bill you $1.50 per bag. Some other items that are picked up for a fee are carpet, sinks, toilets and construction debris. You will be billed by Veolia at a regulated rate as moni- tored by the City. In the event you receive a_y 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. REMINDER!! Waste and Recyclable pick-up is every THURSDAY, unless the week contains one of the six holidays — New Years Day, Memorial Day, 4`h of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. During those weeks, collection will fall on FRIDAY. Recycling incentive program How to sort your recycling The City of Oak Park Heights has a recycling Materials collected by Veolia for recycling incentive program. The City awards a prize must be sorted into two categories to make of $25.00 or a fire extinguisher and/or sure they get recycled. Use paper bags and smoke detector. Residents participating in recycling bins to separate your materials. Do curbside recycling are picked randomly twice not use plastic bags. Place textiles in a a month. separate paper bag from everything else. Recycling benefits the environment in count- Paper & Cardboard Bottles & Cans less ways: it reduces the amount of natural resources used to make new products, it Newspapers . Steel and Alumi- saves energy, it prevents water and air pollu- Magazines, Mail num Cans and Foil tion including greenhouse gas emissions, and and Office Paper . Glass bottles and it reduces waste. This means that the simple Corrugated Card- jars (any color) act of recycling in your daily life provides sig- board Milk cartons and . Boxboard/soda 'uice boxes nificant protection for our environment and reduces global warming. boxes Plastic bottles . Phonebooks (1 and 2) Need another recycling bin, contact City Hall at 439-4439• Thank you for recycling! Tree City USA Page 7 Garlic Mustard Tree Problems?'. Just when you thought it was with 3-8 rounded, scallop- plant is often first seen safe to go back in the woods edged leaves, which resemble along trails and streams and If you are an after buckthorn was re- a large "creeping Charlie" is more common in shady O a k P a r k moved, there is another inva- plant. These leaves stay areas. Remove plants by sive plant to tackle which is green all winter. It produces hand-pulling just before H e 1 g h t S also invading native wood- a flower stalk, 1-4 ft. tall the flowering, or cut plants resident, and lands. This is an herbaceous 2"d year of growth, in May close to the ground as plant have a problem (non-woody) plant called and early June, with white is flowering, but before with a tree or Garlic Mustard. This plant flowers having 4 petals. The seed develops. Do not was brought to North Amer- leaves and stems smell like leave pulled or cut plants shrub, such as ica from Europe over a hun- garlic when crushed. Small on the ground, as seeds can an insect or a dred years ago to be used in black seeds, in 1-2 in. long, still ripen. Do not compost disease, have cooking and medicines. Be- thin, pod-like capsules, are plants, as most compost cause it has no natural ene- produced in the summer. piles do not become hot p 1 a n t i n g mies here, the plant has Once ripe, the seeds scatter enough to kill the seeds. questions, or spread. It is a biennial, need- on the ground and can be Biological controls, primar- just want to ing two years to go from a carried by animals, and peo- ily insects, are being re- seed to producing seed. The ple who walk through the searched, but are not avail- d entee a plant i first year it grows as a ro- area. The seeds are also car- able at this time. identified, call sette, close to the ground, ried by running water. This D r. Kathy Widin, the OPH Feeding birds in the winter Arborist, at 439- irds have a tough time finding food in the winter, with snow, ice and cold, but few 4439 Ext. 252. insects and growing plants. To provide food for birds during the cold months, add She can either one or more seed feeders and a suet feeder to your yard. Birds especially love answer your black oil sunflower seeds, but you can also offer other mixes with striped sunflower seed, safflower seed and peanuts. Thistle seed is particularly loved by finches and question over chickadees, but is best put in a feeder especially for thistle. Suet feeders attract the phone or many species, and woodpeckers, which don't often come to seed feeders, will read- m a k e a n t ily feed on suet. Having native plants in your yard, which form and hold onto fruits appointment for t and seeds, will also help provide winter food for wildlife. Especially prized are crab- apples with persistent fruit, highbush cranberry and other viburnums, dogwood a site visit. This shrubs, hazelnuts, sunflowers, black-eyed susans and purple conflowers, as well as service is paid evergreens with seed-bearing cones. Animals will also feed on seeds and fruits in for by the City of the winter. To keep squirrels and chipmunks out of bird seed, use a squirrel-proof O feeder. ak Par k Heights. Spring Seminar The OPH Arborist, Dr. Kathy Widin, will the St. Croix Oak Savanna Chapter of present a seminar for residents on Wild Ones, a group interested in native "Healthy Trees For Our Landscapes" on plants and natural landscaping, the City of Thursday, April 16th, from 7-8 p.m. at the Oak Park Heights and the City of Stillwa- Family AIcans building at 1875 North- ter. Refreshments and socializing at 6:30. estern Ave. in Stillwater (just north of Come and find out about the native trees Valley Ridge Mall). This seminar is free suitable for our area, and how to care for and open to the public. It is sponsored by them. i Page 8 First Quarter 00• Newsletter Oak Park Heights Police Files From the desk of Chief Brian DeRosier WWI- 04,K PARK I would like to take a few minutes of your time to talk about traffic rules and conduct. As we are all aware traffic is increasing steadily in the area. This creates many issues within communities ranging from nuisances to safety issues. So what can we do? 1 The first step is policing ourselves. We all need to respect our neighborhoods and others on the road be it a vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian. If we do not police ourselves within the community we can't expect others to do any different. As the traffic increases drivers tend to seek other routes to avoid areas which they fee are congested or will slow them down. When they try to avoid those areas they find al- ternate routes which often lead them into other residential neighborhoods. This in reality does little to solve their perceived problem; however it creates new problems for the resi- dential streets that were never intended to be through streets, creating increased nui- sance traffic and safety issues for those residents in the area being used as a perceived shortcut. 1 Blocking intersections while waiting for a traffic light or other reasons is illegal. I see this frequently at the frontage road intersections. If you cannot proceed completely through the intersection you need to stop. Stopping back from the intersection and leav- ing it open and visible allows the other traffic to flow and reduces the congestion. Speed and aggressive driving accomplishes little for anyone. A speeding driver rarely gains any real time in comparison to following the speed limits. Aggressive driving such as quick acceleration, weaving back and forth between lanes, rolling stop signs or ignor- ing other traffic control devices also gain the driver little as compared to the increased + safety issues they create. A vehicle traveling at 35mph will cause 33% more damage and injury to a person or vehicle struck than if the vehicle was traveling 5mph less at 30 mph. As we all do our part to police ourselves and respect each other's neighborhoods we al gain a more livable community. 1 Tree City USA Page 9 Tips to prevent theft from your vehicle: I By following these simple steps you can greatly reduce your chances of being a victim: • Don't leave valuables in your car. f . This sounds like "common sense," but if you leave items of value in plain view your car is automatically a target. • If you must leave valuable items in your car, place items out of sight before reaching your destination. • Plan your shopping / errands so that you don't load your trunk until you are ready to drive to another destination; never open a trunk, fill it full of valuables, close it, and then just walk away. If your trunk can be opened from inside your car without a key, lock this feature when you are not in your car or have it disabled. • Leave no sign that there might be valuables "out of sight" in your vehicle, such as docking stations or connector cables, very few auto break-ins are random. If you have an after-market stereo/CD-player with a removable faceplate, remove it. • Try to park in well-traveled and well-lit areas: • Large lots are the preferred target of thieves, so try to choose a well-light, visible, parking spot where there is lots of vehicular and pedestrian movement when possible. Lock ALL your vehicle's doors and set your alarm or anti-theft device even if you plan to be gone for only a brief time. Every year, the police take hundreds of theft reports from unlocked I vehicles where the owner was only going to be gone "just for a second". j . Mark your valuables! As a last line of defense, mark your valuables. Recording serial numbers is a good idea, but many serial numbers are on removable "labels", rather than "engraved" into items. Don't use your social security number; use your driver's license number instead. If you would like to mark your valuables and need an engraver, the Oak Park Heights Police Depart- ment can loan you an engraver. Please contact us at 651-439-4723 Monday through Friday, 8:00 — 4:00 PM, to arrange for you to pick one up. Reserve a City Park Shelter Are you thinking about having a get-together or a family reunion? The Brekke, Valley View, and Autumn Hills Park shelter build- ings can be reserved free of charge for your event. The Autumn Hills Park Shelter does require a refundable$100 deposit. Brekke Park is located on Omar Avenue south of the former St. Croix Mall. The park has a covered shelter building with rest- rooms as well as a tot lot, baseball diamonds, playground equipment, and barbeque grills. Valley View Park is located on Osgood Avenue at the edge of the city limits. This park has a covered shelter building, picnic ar- eas, playgrounds and a beautiful passive park area with trails, a prairie restoration area and wetlands. Autumn Hills Park is located at 5697 Norwich Parkway off of 58th 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 area with a small kitchen/serving area, men's and women's restrooms, and a water fountain. ou may use the City's online reservation form to reserve either the Brekke Park or Valley View Park shelters. You may obtain e Autumn Hills Park Shelter reservation documents and information online as well. Or, you may call or visit City Hall anytime to reserve any of the shelters for your next event! -ity of A Park Heigh ts First Quarter 2009 Newsletter City of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N. PO Box 2007 Recyclables going to Eureka Recycling Oak Park Heights,MN 55082 Phone:651-439-4439 City Collected Recyclables now going to EUREKA Recycling Fax:651-439-0574 Police non-emergency:651-439-4723 Commencing January i, zoog the City's recycling hauler VEOLIA will be Police Emergency:911 taking all collected recyclables to Eureka Recycling. This shift will allow Office Hours: residents to now recycle additional items such as juice/milk cartons and Monday through Friday boxes, soda/beer boxes as well as clothes and linens. By this shift, it is 8:00 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. excluding legal holidays hoped that the City will increase its recycling tonnage by five percent with these additional materials now being eligible for recycling. MAYOR The City anticipates that there shall be no alteration in services provided David Beaudet by VEOLIA, collection shall remain on Thursdays and recyclable prepa- COUNCILMEMBERS ration shall remain the same. Again, in addition to what you currently Les Abrahamson Mary McComber recycle, you may now recycle the following items: Mike Runk Mark Swenson • juice/milk cartons and boxes CITY ADMINISTRATOR Eric Johnson • soda/beer boxes • clothes and linens Visit • Website! Besides being good for the environment, the City does receive fifty per- cent of the current commodity value of all collected recyclables which is then applied to off-set all waste collection services, which is otherwise funded by property taxes so,... more recycling reduces the burden on th The Oak Park Heights general property tax. Pitch-in! It will save you sss! newsletter is published by the City of Oak Park Heights. Comments are welcome. 651-439-4439 I 1 8SS'oN aiuuad +. �`.�a��nnjli3S (11Vd 32u;sod•S•n LOOZ-MSS NW`S1t1-WraH 1JUd NUO PSePuIR;S LOOZ xog `N P°IS 3i-Tud TOO 891-V I pauosaid SIOTaH 3IJUd 3IU0 J° ID City of Oak Park Heights City Hall Facility-OPEN HOUSE-October 28th, 2008 5:30 PM 1. General Comments: 1 f (feel free to use back side -------�>) 2. Which Color Option Do You Prefer? COLOR OPTION # (<--write color option here) - r OPTIONAL: (if you do provide this information the City will be able to email to you future City Hall updates, newsletters and other City information. Name: Address: Email: • �f. City of Oak Park Heights City Hall Facility-OPEN HOUSE-October 28th, 2008 5:30 PM 1. General Comments: J l W! 'w (,L'✓yb, Q //��/ln ✓GC1// �+1J�dZ�� r 1 tQ/J 1 y I • (feel free to use back side -------�>) 2. Which Color Option Do You Prefer? COLOR OPTION # (<--write color option here) OPTIONAL: (if you do provide this information the City will be able to email to you future City Hall updates, newsletters and other City information. Name: �?afo X &kl) Address: f Al Email: r,O. z • City of Oak Park Heights City Hall Facility-OPEN HOUSE-October 28th, 2008 5:30 PM 1. General Comments: (feel free to use back side -------4>) 2. Which Color Option Do You Prefer? COLOR OPTION #�,r2--��J (<--write color option here) OPTIONAL: (if you do provide this information the City will be able to email to you future City Hall updates, newsletters and other City information. `r Name: Address: Email: • City Of Oak Park Heights City Hall Facility-OPEN HOUSE-October 28th, 2008 5:30 PM 1. General Comments: C (feel free to use back side -------4>) 2. Which Color Option Do You Prefer? COLOR OPTION # -.3 (<--write color option here) OPTIONAL: (if you do provide this information the City will be able to email to you future City Hall updates, newsletters and other City information. Name: Address: Email: • City of Oak Park Heights City Hall Facility-OPEN HOUSE-October 28th, 2008 5:30 PM 1. General Comments: i a3 4007 At 01j C-o �li A. Q 00 ✓1ce (feel free to use back side -------�>) 2. Which Color Option Do You Prefer? COLOR OPTION # <--write color option here) ) OPTIONAL: (if you do provide this information the City will be able to email to you future City Hall updates, newsletters and other City information. Name: Address: � ,�Uc1 QC)r-"( LA N Email: ..tAo )K e kj 40 U City of Oak Park Heights City Hall Facility-OPEN HOUSE-October 28th, 2008 5:30 PM 1. General Comments: f free t use back side -------4> (feel ee o u a ) 2. Which Color Option Do You Prefer? COLOR OPTION # (<--write color option here) OPTIONAL: (if you do provide this information the City will be able to email to you future City Hall updates, newsletters and other City information. i Name: Address: Email: • x City of Oak Park Heights City Hall Facility-OPEN HOUSE-October 28th, 2008 5:30 PM 1. General Comments: f • (feel free to use back side -------4>) 2. Which Color Option Do You Prefer? COLOR OPTION # (<--write color option here) OPTIONAL: (if you do provide this information the City will be able to email to you future City Hall updates, newsletters an other City information. Name: ( / A. j �(y-Address: '1` J6y � "�, Email: • City of Oak Park Heights City Hall Facility-OPEN HOUSE-October 28th, 2008 5:30 PM 1. General Comments: GtzoA a I o-t o sit v_sz�S io "CL comnvnis' fit_ c ran hu.s C11.0t o t A ro w-lih if l "YnA ' 0h +$U'S Yo j (feel free to use back side -------4>) 2. Which Color Option Do You Prefer? COLOR OPTION # (<--write color option here) OPTIONAL: (if you do provide this information the City will be able to email to you future City Hall updates, newsletters and other City information. Name: a Address: 46D 016emm Ak. N Email:Mr)I rnekYhn(&)apt,u m • . .t City of Oak Park Heights City Hall Facility-OPEN HOUSE-October 28th, 2008 5:30 PM I. General Comments: (feel free fo use back side -------4>) 2. Which Color Option Do You Prefer. COLOR <--write color option here C OPTION• • • # ( p ) OPTIONAL: (if you do provide this information the City will be able to email to you future City Hall updates, newsletters and other City information. Name: Address: Email: • City of Oak Park Heights City Hall Facility-OPEN HOUSE-October 28th, 2008 5:30 PM 1. General Comments: i (feel free to use back side -------4>) 2. Which Color Option Do You Prefer? COLOR OPTION # (<--write color option here) OPTIONAL: (if you do provide this information the City will be able to email to you future City Hall updates, newsletters and other City information. Name: Address: Email: 4 •^ AAI,, ^� W W U O •� J 4-•+ O i• •ry O 4-J b4 4-J cd �+ �4 •4-) o r4 U � a-4 bA u W —4 o `/' `� +' o O -� cd O IM- o r. cd - � cd -J V)4 z (� 4-' oo .. u w 3 -� ° --4.-s 4-J � W ° x O r O ct �° ., U 4-1 bA o • �, u r-L4 -0.. cd ,� o U o o cl 3-4 O . a �° Q p �4 --4 cd O x t O bA .4 A4 F- CL4 Q. 0 Q o ct x cad in Z o w �, v) U . 1 N � V)i bA O :J ro C41 � V)O u u O `� ^U u f,• .� � • d .. O 01 g.4 v 0 —0 'C d o OQ O O 4 U > vi 4 cd � � 1 � —4S It �x p �" �� cd X61 .� ^� W v u cl bq u u O ca u r4 u O 't7 4, a bq U b4 y u C: z O '� y � W � 0 '� a.+ Q LL 4-� y .b4 A. d vyi d —� N aj cis a w v w O O U t N O ^� Cd O (� U y Q ¢ , O _ cd w w bO 4-1 p t". N co cam�!! _Q" O d-14 U U� --r o cd Q. -� XU m 0 0 ca u M .� y - u d v v • s. S-4 71 G U C cd I p W u 6 O O p .� � � � d ca d O •w m � y O tY O 4• y M u 01 co 71 y v J F „-, o, i 4J rl CL o u _ u X y >, ca - 3 U o > CL ., o 41 V4 C 4 o o o w a " U Q u 'C N 4� O 4� + + cz x Cd � y cv u —+ OJ bQ '.emu. 3 v OJ 00 4-+ O1 0 C Q o . a . U v u co 94 41 X x o `° w U '> �' O 0004 U V4 0 U w °: v � � E�(2 0 u..� 0 ° �� 1-1) � i � 4 f tzC — f i I 41 y y } o WEST �— soupy]) y C y EAST � , ao i< sOUNO �. �W 33 s 51TN STREET NORTH � � Z i - - - - - � .t� S 5 11Q —'C C.of Apr- May 13th2 zoos Public Hearing - City Hall Facility Enclosed.. • Proposed Resolutions • Citizen's Advisory Committee - Final Report Page 1 of 15 Oak Park Heights Request for Council Action Meeting Date May 13"',2008,,.,, Time Required: 20 Minutes Agenda Item Title: City Hall Facility—Proposed Resolutions Agenda Placement Old Business / Originating Depar4d- ohnson Cit Administrator —...__ Requester's Signa Action Requested ns/ ossible actions. Background/Justcaton(Pleae indicate if any previous action has been taken or if other public bodies have advised): At the April 22,2008 City Council Meeting,the City Council directed that two resolutions be prepared that would discuss two options fox-the City Hall Facility. I. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW CITY HALL FACILITY 2. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ESTABLISHEMENT OF A CITY HALT., REPLACEMENT FUND AND SAVINGS POLICY FOR THE FUTURE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW CITY HALL FACILITY These Resolutions are attached for your consideration as requested. I have attached a short memo and documents providing background information on how the Architectural Services are calculated and what these would generally include. Page 33 of 130 Page 2 of 15 RESOLUTION ,.----� A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW CITY HALL FACILITY Whereas,the City of Oak Park Heights currently conducts the majority of its municipal operations from the City Hall Facility(hereafter referred to as the"Facility") located at 14168 Oak Park Blvd and which houses general administrative operations,finance, public meeting space,all law enforcement operations and significant public works activities, and; Whereas,part of the current Facility was initially constructed in 1968 with additions in 1980,and 1989,bringing the current Facility to 15,000-/-square feet,and; Whereas,considering the age and configuration of the Facility,the City will be required invest significant funds to maintain the current Facility for continued use,including replacement of HVAC systems,roof replacements,ADA compliance initiatives and other code compliance improvements,and; Whereas,the City Council has invested considerable time and resources in the discussion and investigation of numerous options for possible replacement and/or renovation of the Facility,including the formation of a Citizen's Advisory Committee to • study the options in more detail;and, Whereas the City of has received the Final Report from the Citizen's Advisory is y Committee that recommended the construction of a new facility as opposed to a major renovation or a facility expansion as the investment of significant dollars to expand the current Facility and to ensure significant code compliance,future spacing needs and efficient operability is not an economical long-term investment as compared to construction of a new building,and; Whereas,market conditions are opportune for the advancement of a new facility,with historic lows for bond interest rates,the City maintaining no current debt service and that the current commercial-residential make-up of the City's tax base would fairly balance debt service revenues sources,and; Whereas,if the City proceeded with a$6.3 million project,it is estimated that single- 1! family residential property valued at$200,000 would incur a tax impact of approximately $77.86 per year based on a twenty-year bond repayment schedule as attached and incorporated into this Resolution. J NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council for the City of Oak Park Heights does hereby deem that it is necessary and vital for the future operations and services to the City's residents that it construct a new City Hall Facility estimated at$6.3 trillion dollars and that this option will provide the most • Page 34 of 130 Page 3 of 15 cost-effective investment for the City for both useable square footage and long-term durability. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council does direct the preparation and immediate issuance of up to$6.3 million in General Obligation Capital Improvement Bonds necessary to fully fund a new City Hall Facility and in such increments that best preserve financial flexibility for the City, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council does hereby direct that The City shall enter into a contract as prepared by the City Attorney's office with Buetow and Associates to prepare schematic designs and provide design development services for a new City Hall Facility at a price not exceed$160,000.00. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City shall enter into a contract as prepared by the City Attorney's office with Buetow and Associates to oversee and manage all aspects of the project including but not limited to,providing final design,providing construction specifications and documents,prepare final bid forms,analyze and direct contract award, providing subsequent construction oversight to include at a minimum,weekly site visits and progress reports and satisfactory close-out of the project,all at a price not to exceed 9 % of the final awarded base bid and all approved alternates. The amounts due under this percentage shall be reduced for amounts already paid for schematic designs and design development services. Passed by the City Council of the City of Oak Park Heights this 13"'day of May,2008. David Beaudet,Mayor ATTEST Eric Johnson City Administrator • Page 35 of 130 Page 4 of 15 �i °nom ma Zo. NNE VPr V��vn,�.p�V .��V' �dv^l^wV Vr�i 1Q yt' Imo_, ti. O S OO p P N g rl O b"n, O N a p�. •n Vi O�P O•P O•P O•P P P Pi M P P Off•P O�P a'w °o °n °v•�or�v.:�vP e";o•^nNC i °' ' H � p U 475 r v.o.o in ai.n• (= NH :��'...�.".H.-..-..-'�--•to M m i m n M M�.-.:._.�Mi4i i}'a f q � ���,P P .n .:.: S P O Y b b V VN' h tV".r O O. ^ in•n�h M.� d� t CZ ti C O -^•w N N h N 1+O E a, i^ fl In 8 O .4\.O a '.V•-H. o q h0 R N P,V Vi^d 00 �O 94 V O 6 W O o W O O NON•-• 00 N ,N n n OW(?" fr-F O E QB o rr a En v. 1 = h ,,•w 16 ds Oyu M1 i � x2- U Coco No•n od�n.�nwNN iMOO--M:i ...-.� 00 O O w000 0000.w .�dh PO Ni,v w O.N td 0 F- v W•,w� a� b;w v a Z v g� ^� oo d• O Q Q ,•� 7 PuartY r MAP �� � ��a xi q<¢ �� ��>^dSBNhgotiovn vm° ,OP aaQG w u} `"-Zq� N �'V r N n N NCI N�t`!N N N CI N N N r rl N r1 N•'• g pT� y�f" V!�p^(q`� Q�� �• O d d N P O^P uk N QOM M •D N O V 00 O vi W 6'i'^Z'' I )1' 'O. 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S8$S88S888$8888°oSSS°o,oq OV 8 Hr` Inu 0.208r uo a� pIrar e�a� �q • � � p a1 `N'J� ��vio v:ovi do"oovioo�.i din vi o �gOQ V ��'iG�s y�i p Oe`, N^w 0-�t,N r•P^YI�O.p wd N�S A y IWn r P4W 36 of 130 N F- C 4fa N OO N NNONNN CI PH 10.1 R RHN A A SJ''` Page 5 of 15 RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ESTABLISHEMENT OF A CITY HALL REPLACEMENT FUND AND SAVINGS POLICY FOR THE FUTURE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW CITY HALL FACILITY Whereas, the City of Oak Park Heights currently coordinates the majority of its municipal operations from.the City Hall Facility(hereafter referred to as the"Facility") located at 14168 Oak Park Blvd and which houses general administrative operations and public meeting space, all law enforcement operations and significant public works activities,and; Whereas,part of the current Facility was initially constructed in 1968 with additions in 1980, and 1989,bringing the current Facility to 15,000+/- square feet,and; Whereas,considering the age and configuration of the Facility,the City will soon be required invest significant fiinds to maintain the current Facility,including replacement of HVAC systems,roof replacements,ADA compliance initiatives and other code compliance improvements,and; Whereas,the City Council has invested considerable time and resources in the discussion and investigation of numerous options for possible replacement and/or renovation of the Facility, including the formation of a Citizen's Advisory Committee to study the options in more detail;and, Whereas,the City of has received the Final Report from the Citizen's Advisory Committee that recommended the construction of a new facility,and; Whereas,the Final Report did not support to a major renovation or a facility expansion as the investment of significant dollars to expand the current Facility to ensure significant code compliance and efficient operability is not an economical long-term investment as compared to construction of a new building,and; Whereas,certain market conditions related to the overall economy,the City at this juncture does not deem it viable to proceed with the issuance of debt to construct a new facility at this time,and; Whereas,the City shall instead endeavor to allocate adequate resources in the coming years to fully fund the construction of a new facility without the need for debt issuance. < , NOW,THEREFORE,BI;;IT RESOLVED that the City Council for the City of Oak Park Heights does hereby deem that it is necessary and vital for the City to construct a new City Hall Facility in the future as this option will provide most cost- effective investment for the City for both useable square footage and long-term durability as compared to building renovation and/or expansion. Page 37 of 130 Page 6of15 i • i BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council shall establish and invest adequate dollars into a City Hall Replacement Fund that would fully fund a new City Hall Facility in the next fifteen years without the need for debt issuance. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the estimated annual allocation required to fund a new City Hall Facility within fifteen years is outlined,on a per year basis, on the attached Exhibit A,and totals$13,275,000.00. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the estimated annual tax impact to upon a single fancily residential property valued at$200,000 and which would adequately fund the City Hall Replacement Fund within a fifteen year timeline,is shown on Exhibit and is approximately 15 .48 per ear. Exhibit B, pp Y$ 5 p Y Passed by the City Council of the City of Oak Park Heights this 13 day of May,2008. David Beaudet,Mayor ATTEST • Eric Johnson City Administrator Page 38 of 130 Page 7 of 15 • o m , v, n rn (nN rod tYrt a oao © 00N cones cyoov� d nrt r r vi (02 ca aoo Dorn C> C� O p 0%C� Qp 5g � � pNnnrrrrnnc- rr- U 6V41 p O N tl�• W tT ut �D M N h m M 00 01 W G O O © O 01 Or S Q a v, cntr o (r2oot � 0oC20o 000 0o Wm m M o m oo eti tV M eY g -d' 'd' N ri Ci o o 0 40 N O h hr 0000o000 (Trn 0. O\ 0\ � O, O� rn ooM ip !� th M M M M M <n M M ch M M ch ch M 69 O a VO, 4 M trh W ~ N O n 'et' O 00 0+ (4 W �O O O O C3 N rf tj ni W W Wnrnf� hcl N nn rev M CA N N N N N N N N N N N N N N ts� -� n M rn n oo rn co N rn oo O C> r� c> o o °go Cl nv2ty o0 t� oC tl oot�� gttcvoo 0o N ,D oo O N d• 0, vl W 0O r n h- n n o 6 o tj o er Y7 O O r W OtY W 00 W M in O, V) N 0 0 0 0 0 W \_+ o enn m oo t! m cl to tz 02 0 00 0 o o o CR V( W (O t, h, n r n n t: O b o C7 O vi C4 V) I 69 k Q O d .•�-� d' N 00 V1 r Vl M-i M e�j• Vim, dr' m b O dO O b h Q. .-� O r � O 'tl� W � a ? 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N dam' 66 O M,,{'Oi Vl Vl 41 P M 00 m O� °O� b C-1 tll d�Vl%r 00 CA.� :--t 'C}. v1. t- 0 o pbm . doom � ooriooddod6 [- orirnwc obm � trrao to 00 r jG,[4d 00 00 H � � Nwrn N Nb� o o� .t me nIn o NNNmM vC) In b C a c5 0 0 0 0 O 0 0 0 0 0 p O Qp O p Oq O Opp Opp p A O p A O O O O O O C v O O O V Q O O O O P O O O O O Q O G7 O p 7M SYa Q Vl $n O �tl�°Vl O kr Q Vl Q vj Q V1 ►►MM 1n y„� M 00 M CO Ol b 00 M 10 l� CA roo 00 r oo eo O+ O� Cn d\ OpO P{Oy V 'J" r/1 0yp o0o C� O -� m H �o r o0 CA o vo1 w r C11 rq N N N N N N 2 N N N N N N N N N N N N N C-4 N UV ww vi D i Page 40 of 130 Page 9 of 15 s a City of Oak Park Heights Citizen's Advisory Committee-Oak Park Heights City Hall Final Report and Recommendations: In January 2008, the City Council for the City of Oak Park Heights appointed a Citizen's Advisory Committee to explore and investigate the issues and solutions related to the future of the Oak Park Heights City Hall and possible - building replacement/updating options. This group, consisting of members, (two City council members, one planning commissioner, one park commissioner and four public members), met on six 6 occasions and discussed numerous options and issues related to possible investments into a potential project. The Citizen Advisory Committee was comprised of the following persons: Two City Council Members: Mayor David Beaudet Councilmember Mark Swenson One Planning Commissioner: Mr.Mike Runk One Parks Commissioner: Ms.Gina Zeuli Four Citizen Members: Mr.Dan Eder Mr.Martin Haubie Mr.Allan Stevens Mr.Chris Zeuli These meetings also included input from the Architect Randy Engel and Financial Consultant Steve Mattson. The Committee engaged in the examination of building and facility needs of the City by considering what investments would be adequate to provide a facility for a fifty (50) year perspective. The Committee created priority listings, reviewed and compared various building layouts, space calculations, as well as information from other communities and possible property tax implications to all levels of projects. In summary, City Hall Citizen's Advisory Committee does conclude in the discussion of five(5) key elements (Findings) and are fisted herein along with the related vote tallies. It should be noted that the listed Findings were all approved, except for Finding#5. The Finding #5 section is included in this summary document to demonstrate that such an alternative was discussed, despite its ultimate non-support by the Committee. 1 of 6 Page 10 of 15 . Findinq #1 - Acknowled_gement of Need Upon the review of the Space Needs and Facility Study and related follow-up information, at this time the Citizen's Advisory Committee does concur with City Council that the City is in need of addressing several building and space issues including: 1. Providing additional and adequate space for public works, police and administrative branches of the City to adequately and efficiently serve the public, 2. Ensuring compliance with the American Disabilities Act and the provision of facilities that are Gender Equitable, 3. Ensuring compliance with the Current Energy Code, 4. Ensuring compliance with City zoning requirements, (parking, outside storage), 6. Ensure that the City has addressed reasonable life-safety issues such as fire protection and indoor air quality, 6. Ensure that the City provides a safe and secure environment for its employees, volunteers, elected officials and the general public, 7. Ensure that the access/driveways are properly addressed to achieve a safe flow of traffic: to, from and around the facility, 8. Economical and responsible replacement of exterior surfaces, HVAC systems and roofing systems. . Following several meetings and reviewing data from other cities with similar issues and experiences, the Committee does recommend that the City Council take affirmative steps in the relative near future to find comprehensive solutions to these issues and that such actions must, 1. wisely invest taxpayer dollars for best, long-term value, 2. achieve economic and efficient use of energy resources and available lands, 3. be cognizant to implement actions that do not overburden current or future citizens with deficient systems and/or facilities. The Citizen's Advisory Committee does make these findings as above (vote tally 8-0) s 2 of 6 Page 11 of 15 Finding #2— Option A.1 - Renovation and Major Expansion— $5.1 Million Option A.1 is the investment of an estimated $5.1 million into the renovation and expansion of the current 15,300 square foot City Hall facility and which would add an additional 7,400 +/-square feet of police space, 550 square feet of administration space and approximately 1,080 square feet of garage/public works space. The final total square footage would be approximately 24,330 square feet. While Option A.1 is estimated to be a potential middle ground between an entirely new facility and a internal rehabilitation of the current building; a modest additional investment totaling $6.3 million for a new facility and which would be without the limited space and layout restraints is a more economical choice. While Option A.1 does address a battery of the building's deficiencies and is less expensive than E.1, Option A.1 does still result in: 1. Continued inefficient building layout, 2. Exposed sprinkler heads and ductwork, 3. No new or expanded public spaces, 4. Lessened capacity to install energy saving HVAC systems, 5. Requires a setback variance from the east side, Considering these issues the Citizen's Advisory Committee does not recommend the further pursuit of Option (A.1)(vote tally 8-0) 3 of 6 Page 12 of 15 Finding #3— Option A — Renovation and Minor Expansion - $2.8 Million The investment of an estimated $2.8 million into a general rehabilitation I retrofitting of the current facility would add 1,080 square feet to the public works facility would provide for improved ADA compliance, gender equity and would correct major components of the current building, including an update and replacement of HVAC systems, roof, exterior siding as well as providing a walled storage for public works and impound yard. At this time the Citizen's Advisory Committee does NOT recommend the advancement of Option A, as the expenditure of an estimated $2.8 million dollars, while it does address several issues related to ADA compliance, HVAC systems and impound areas, it does not provide any additional space for the City and in fact, cannibalizes internal space further limiting City staff operational capacity and does not improve public access to the facility. Considering these issues the Citizen's Advisory Committee does not recommend the further pursuit of Option (A)(vote tally 8-0) • 4 of 6 Page 13 of 15 Findinq #4— Option E.1 — Construction of a New Facility— $6.3 Million Via the construction of an entirely new facility Option E.1 does generally provide global solutions to all foreseeable building and space deficiencies as generally contemplated in the Space Needs and Facility Use Study completed in Spring 2007 At this time the Citizen's Advisory Committee does recommend the advancement of Option E.1, This option and the expenditure of$6.3 million dollars does address all issues related to building space needs, ADA compliance, HVAC systems and impound areas. While Option EA is a more expensive than other options, the resulting facility will be without layout encumbrances, will likely achieve greater efficiencies and will meet all anticipated space needs as initially targeted. Considering these issues the Citizen's Advisory Committee does recommend the further pursuit of Option (E.1)(vote tally 7-1 Supporting Finding #4 as above — (supporting the construction of a new facility)(Stevens opposed) i 5 of 6 Page 14 of 15 Finding #5- OPTION X- Fund New Facility Via Savings An alternative proposal would be the establishment of a savings based funding mechanism to construct a new City Hall Facility in the future as opposed to construction today via borrowing. This approach entails the levying and allocation of tax revenues into a City Hall Facility Fund until such time as dollars are available to fully fund construction. This approach must account for inflation of construction costs as well as for compounded earned interest on dollars saved into a City Hall Facility Fund. Steps required to achieve adequate funding, assuming a $6.3 Million facility (in 2008 dollars) include the initial tax levy of$500,000 in year one and which would then increase annual each year by an amount not less than a relevant Construction Cost Index. While the City would earn 3 to 4 percent on dollars placed in this fund, the City would need to levy and save at this indexed rate for approximately 16 years +I- ($871,000 +I- per year average) in order to collect adequate funds to pay for a new facility, at which time the cost of the facility would be greater than $18,000,000, if a 7% Cost Index is assumed. As part of the pursuit of this Savings Plan, the City would additionally incur building costs associated with the upkeep and maintenance of the current facility as well as have some risk exposure with continued building deficiencies related to ADA compliance, gender equity issues as well as continued space deficiencies. Considering these issues the Citizen's Advisory Committee does NOT recommend the further pursuit of Option X as the required savings by the City would be equivalent if not larger than P&I payment under a bond issuance scenario for a new facility. (vote tally 6.2 -this vote means that the Committee does NOT Support the pursuit of Fin ing #5- Option X)(Beaudet& Stevens opposed) City of Oak Park Heights Cortsb—tlon Cost kid..Rate 1.00% trued tunrbers*"At lw re.DO iDnom, ...arr•ed intxnt rate tmf 3 avtn0S 3W% Irtset 0tonbers(rnuw be ie.60 Vooatt Acia e,ate Savinm Reauired Annual C1ex Endl w'•InttrlSt :50.000.{700 11 1 I I 1 I Sa.inm Earrvnasonsa,rine Coat of BuNbw YMiwl S 500.000 5 !'e.C•20 3 eMOOD (43,000,000 ..r,o r'Aestseefe Fim*15oret—Ustion y—Fea<rSi Year2 $ 535.000 5 I;i'.',..C• 3 3.741.000 at:tsrpts b saw for*4 new Cal lift Fa04y by 'nrx sa,.r Yom S 572,450 5 17];.5!9 3 7212.970 $40,000,000 s .V dohs,(bsdDKyear aforaton).the Coy rr t - - - Yew $ 312.522 5 2 330.573 $ 7.717,771 -rn sand atlpuM1kadsln appsa.Vex K nrs YW 5 $ 065.393 °. 3 13:,214 3 9256.015 j33,00D,= aswnw a e+wt0e raw K 3%and a dorufuet-^^;a Yew 8 S 701.27e S 3 939.494 3 9.935,078 03 d7% Year? S 760.335 5 4936,&10 3 0.454,451 M OD0 0W Yw 9 S 302,901 5 5 511,992 3 10.118.42) YearO S Be D03 5 59'1,275 S tD.624.573 • ' s*•eta-e Yttar l0 $ $12230 5 37:4.'!0 $ 11.362,293 $23'O'WO sxi-i`-'.ra• Year 11 $ 033.576 5 027:.0•,4 3 12203,054 ) Esr Year 12 S 1,062.426 5 '3 S4Ca^9S 3 13.26D,Se7 •�0• r ._n'r p- Err3s_- Year 13 $ 1.125.096 5 '2 110.393 3 14,1 93.507 Year 14 3 1,204.023 5 ,3 7x,034 $ 15.192024 $15,000.000 Year 15 S 1,260.267 5 '5 45:771 3 10.244,765 NI 1 $10.000.000 Year 1 3 1,475.032 5 '0 33G.331 $ 19.609.032 a Ri i-7 Yom I9 $ 1,579.409 5 :1!07,572 3 10,100,598 SS,DOO,wo A L H Yw 19 3 1,369.03e 5 :3 096.402 3 21.200.573 Year 20 3 1.969.254 S :5!59,525 3 22 35!.4 714,123 $- Year 21 3 1.034.142 5 :0 49 3 24.370.012 Yom 22 3 207D.291 . 3237' 9' 3 20.016.543 ♦ ♦ s : –____... Year 23 3 2.215.201 0 35!24.396 3 27.911.531 Year 24 $ 2,370.26." 5 30 134,520 3 20.996,338 Ytar 25 3 3,536.193 9 _O:C.424 3 31.9W.912 --- Arera9e(yr I to 16) 6 of 6 Page 15 of 15 Oak Park Heights City Council will hold a Public Hearing regarding the future of the City Hall Facility. Tuesday, May 13, 2008 @ 7:00 p.m. The hearing will review various findings for a City Hall renovation as provided by the Citizen's Advisory Committee and other possible options for a City Hall renovation and/or replacement. A discussion of the financial impacts will also be presented. Please visit the City's website for more information and documentation, or contact Eric Johnson 651-439-4439 for more information. City of Oak Tree City USA d Quarter 2008 Newsletter Inside this issue: City Hall Facility Update In January 2008, the City missioner and four public perspective. The Commit- Help keep local 2 Council appointed a Citi- members), spent approxi- tee created priority list- lakes clean zen's Advisory Commit- mately 12 hours meeting ings, reviewed and com- tee to explore and investi- six times to discuss the pared various building Facing Foreclosure? 3 gate the issues and solu- options and issues related layouts, space calculations, tions related to the future to possible investments as well as information of the Oak Park Heights into a City Hall project. from other communities House Numbers 3 City Hall and possible and possible property tax Required building replacement/ The Committee engaged implications to all levels updating options. The in the examination of of projects. Utility Bills 4 Citizen's Committee, con- building and facility needs silting of eight members, of the City by considering On Tuesday, April 8th the (two City council mem- what investments would City Council received the Wrist 5 bers, one planning com- be adequate to provide a Final Report of the Citi- News missioner, one park com- facility for a fifty (50) year zen's Committee. continued on page I I Building Safety 6 Week Valley View Park Prairie Management The City has contracted for Prairie Resto- are best for running the burn efficiently and Why should I obtain 7 rations, Inc. to do a spring management safely. a building permit? burn in April of the eight acre prairie res- toration in lower Valley View Park near Public Works News 8 Perro Pond. A management burn is done every few years to reduce weed popula- tions and encourage new growth of prairie wildflowers and grasses. Residents may Blue Thumb gardens 9 notice smoke for a few hours during the and raingardens burn; however, all fire will be extinguished before the contractor leaves the site. Boxelder Bugs 10 ' The work will be done by persons trained in controlled burns of prairies and the Reserve a City Park 10 contractor will arrange for the necessary Shelter permits from the DNR and will notify the 1"`., •� Bayport Fire Department.. * Hall Update I I If you have any questions regarding this continued from page i The work will be scheduled on a day when management burn, please contact the city the weather and condition of the prairie arborist at 439-4439 Ext. 252. Page 2 • • Quarter 2008 Newsletter Dishwashers, Lawn Mowers, and Cow Manure Dishwashers, lawn mowers and gent, for example, contribute about cow manure; what do these three 3% of all the phosphorus pollution "When a lake has things have in common? They to surface waters in Minnesota. are all directly, or indirectly, This may not sound like much, but an excess of sources of phosphorus. think how easy it would be to make phosphorus, some our lakes cleaner simply by chang- species of algae We Minnesotans love our lakes. ing our dishwasher detergents. What we don't love is green, Look for phosphorus-free deter- begin to grow out of smelly lakes covered with thick gent the next time you are shop- control. The results layers of oozing algae. Guess ping. Food soils and garbage dis- what causes algae to grow? posal waste combined contribute can be disastrous" That's right — phosphorus! When another 4% of the phosphorus a lake has an excess of phospho- loading. You can help by compost- rus, some species of algae begin ing kitchen scraps rather then to grow out of control. The results sending them down the garbage can be disastrous. No one likes disposal. to swim in algae, boat motors be- come mired in the goo, and cer- To find out more about phosphorus tain species of algae can even be and its many sources you can visit City Meetings harmful to people and animals. the Minnesota Pollution Control We can help keep local lakes website at www.pca.state.mn.us/ clean by putting less phosphorus water/phosphorus.html. City council: in the water. The Minnesota Pol- 2nd and 4th Tuesdays lution Control Agency recently Angie Hong is the Water Resource at 7:00 p.m. found that dishwasher detergent, Educator for the East Metro Water grass clippings and livestock ma- Resource Education Program. She Planning Commis- nure are common sources of can be reached at sion: phosphorus. Household and angie.hong @mnwcd.org or (651) 2nd Thursday at 7:00 commercial dishwasher deter- 275-1136 ex. 35. p.m. Parks Commission: 3rd Monday at 6:30 p.m. City meetings are broadcast live on ca- ble channel 16. Agendas and Minutes are posted on the ?: City's website: www.cityofoakparkhe ights.com « Tree City USA Page 3 r� Facing Foreclosure? Call or email the Washington County HRA ' TODAY for FREE Counseling and .oQ I Lender Advocacy services!! 651-458-0936 ext. 553 or kjohnson @whcra.com 651-458-0936 ext. 551 or pyang @whcra.com What should you do? j The Washington County Housing and Re- Don't give up! Don't procrastinate! The longer i development Authority and its Mortgage you wait, the less options you have! Foreclosure Prevention Program provides FREE counseling services to homeowners . Organize your finances, reduce expenses who are in danger of losing their homes. and save money • Communicate with your lender Our objective is to assist homeowners . Don't agree to something you can't afford avoid foreclosure, stay in their homes and • Protect your equity and beware of preda- remain part of their communities. We work tory lenders with homeowners to assess their immedi- • Contact a Mortgage Foreclosure Preven- ate needs and look at options to prevent tion Counselor for help in determining your foreclosure. best options. ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ House Numbers Are Required Not only are house numbers required by the City's Zoning Ordinance, they are essential for peo- ple to find you. Not only is it important that the pizza delivery person find you, it is critical for I emergency response groups, such as the police department, fire department and emergency :: ` medical responders 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 lo- Gating 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 to- :: day. ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................._ Page 4 Second Quarter 2008 Newslefter i Utility bills have been mailed and you will notice that the City has taken over your garbage collection fees! The City of Oak Park Heights has eliminated from your quarterly billing the regular Garbage Fee. This will, for most homeowners, result in an approximate savings of $93.52 per year. The savings is a result of the City assuming the full cost of these services under the City's General Fund budget. Should you have extra items beyond what can fit in your container, the fee is $1.50 per addi- tional bag of waste; $13.00 per cubic yard of construction materials; and small fee for toilets and porcelain/iron objects. These extra charges have been in place for sometime and will be billed to you directly by the City's waste hauler— Veolia. Please note that the following items shall be picked up a no additional cost. Simply call the City, 439-4439, at least two days in advance of the regular pick-up day to let us know and so that we may schedule the correct truck. Yard waste, recyclables, couches, chairs, refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, ' water heaters, televisions, tables, ovens, desks, and other large household items. If you receive any additional billing from Veolia, please contact the City prior to sending any funds to Veolia so that you can be assured that the billing is correct. REMINDER!! Waste and Recyclable pick-up is every THURSDAY, unless the week contains one of the six holidays — New Years Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christ- mas. During those weeks, collection will fall on FRIDAY. Sign up for Auto Pay With auto pay, there is no need to waste time writing and mail- ing a check. Paying your utility bill electronically allows you to save time and money on stamps and late fees. The amount you j owe on your utility bill is automatically withdrawn from the ac- count you designate on the billing due date each month. You will continue to receive your bill so that you know the date and .. amount to be withheld from your account. #°`` i If you are interested in participating, please call or stop by City Hall to obtain an enrollment form. The form is also available on the City's website, under Forms & Handouts. Call Judy Tetzlaff at City Hall, 439-4439, if you have questions. Tree City USA Page 5 Landscaping for Wildlife Spring Seminar Tree Problems? On Tuesday, May 6, shopping center. This and the lecture is spon- from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., program will include in- sored by the Cities of If you are an the Oak Park Heights formation on the require- Stillwater and Oak O a k P a r k Arborist, Dr. Kathy ments of wildlife for food, Park Heights. The pro- H e i g h t s Widin, will present a talk nesting and shelter, and gram is free and open resident, and on "Landscaping for the native trees, shrubs, to the public. Come Wildlife" at the Family and flowers which can and learn about plants have a problem Means building at attract wildlife to your and other features with a tree or 1875 Northwestern Ave- yard. Family Means has which can make your shrub, such as nue in Stillwater, just graciously provided a yard a haven for wild- an insect or a north of Valley Ridge space for the program life. disease, have p l a n t i n g I Tree Planting questions, or � just want to Spring is a prime time for planting trees in your yard. A couple things to remember have a plant when planting trees: pick a space with enough room (consider mature height and width of the tree and room for root spread (usually farther than mature width of the identified, call branches), choose a tree which is hardy to Zone 3 (Zone 4b or 5 if you are willing to Dr. Ka t h y provide some winter protection), and make sure the tree is not susceptible to an insect Widin, the OPH or disease problem which will require a lot of maintenance. Dig a hole twice as wide Arborist, at 439- as the root ball of the tree (potted or balled & burlap stock), and only as deep as the height of the root ball. Set the roots on solid ground and make sure the top part of the 4439 Ext. 252. root ball is even with the surrounding soil (a little higher in very heavy soil or poorly She can either drained areas). Backfill with original soil or add amendments only up to 1/3 of the answer your backfill soil. After back-filling the planting hole, water the roots well and cover with question over 4 inches of wood chip mulch. Water the tree well once per week from May to mid- the phone or October, depending on rainfall, the first two seasons, and during hot, dry periods after in a k e a n the first two years. Some suggestions for ornamental trees are: Star Magnolia, "Prairie Fire" flowering crabapple and Japanese tree lilac. Shade trees which per- appointment for form well in the St. Croix Valley are: "Autumn Blaze" maple, red maple, American a site visit. This basswood, thornless honeylocust, river birch and all native oak varieties. Evergreens service is paid which do well here are: "Black Hills" white spruce, Norway spruce, red pine, white for by the City of pine, concolor fir, and Fraser fir. Oak Park Heights. Oak Wilt To avoid creating wounds which attract the insects that spread the oak wilt fungus l (the cause of a fatal disease of oaks), do not prune oaks between April I and Sep- tember 15. If oaks are pruned or wounded during this period (especially those wounded April I to July 1), paint the wound immediately with either a tree wound dressing, varnish, or latex house paint. Painting wounds will keep them from being attractive to the insects which spread oak 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 Arborist at 439-4439, Ext. 252, for an inspection and manage- ment information. Page 6 Second Quarter 2008 Newsletter BUILDING SAFETY WEEK— May 5 - 11, 2008 America will celebrate Building Safety Week from May 5 through May 11. The theme is "Building Safety: Where You Live, Work and Play." First ob- served in 1980, Building Safety Week annually raises public awareness of r critical safety issues affecting every person, regardless of age or occupation. These entail the structural soundness of the buildings where we live and work, reliability of fire suppression systems, plumbing and mechanical sys- tems, and energy efficiency and sustainability. The Building Official and others in the City of Oak Park Heights work to ensure the safety of the structures in which all of us live, work, attend school, worship and play. These officials work daily to ensure safety in the built environment and provide the first line of defense against build- ing disasters. The City of Oak Park Heights is a member of the International Code Council, the sponsor of Building Safety Week and who has developed the most widely used building safety and fire prevention codes in the nation. FOUNDATION Oak Park Heights encourages the public to learn about essential safety issues and invites you to contact with questions you may have. We have a number of informational brochures available and are able to provide you with additional contact and web resources for a variety of issues. On these two pages are some serious safety issues for you to review and perhaps address: Smoke Alarm Installation What is the most important thing to remember ` when installing a smoke alarm? Location, location, location! - - Smoke alarm safety: Install at least one smoke alarm in every I de bed- of eac h sleeping room area and..... room outsi \ _I - ( on each level of a multi-level building ' a Test each smoke alarm regularly Keep batteries fresh by replacing them annually. NNP� 1'�IJ. r .a 4@ Smoke alarms can't help you unless they are func- -1 tional and you can hear them. Building safety codes require smoke alarms. Contact Building Official Jim Butler for more information. I it Tree City USA Page 7 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 issued 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 11 2009 Every residential dwelling shall have one approved and fully operational carbon monoxide alarm in- stalled within 10-feet of each room lawfully used for sleeping. Installation shall be as specified by the manufacturer 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. I Why should I obtain a building permit? Whether it is your home or your business - it is a financial investment. The City has adopted the Minnesota State Building Code, which provides minimum standards to safeguard lives, property, and public welfare through regulating the design and con- struction of all buildings or structures. Many property insurers may not cover damages if work has been done without a permit or the required inspections. The following are some helpful hints when securing a contractor and completing a pro- ject. Ask your contractor for verification of their licensing and insurance. Your contrac- tor must obtain a building permit prior to starting your construction project. A permit card will be issued with the permit and should be posted at the construction site. Your contractor should schedule all required inspections. Check to be sure that your con- tractor is scheduling the required inspections. Most importantly, be certain to have a final inspection made and approved by the Oak Park Heights Building Official, Jim Butler. It may be difficult to get a contractor to come back to your project to make corrections after final payment has been made. As a do-it-yourself builder, remember that you are also responsible for obtaining a per- mit and scheduling the required inspections. The best thing to do is call the Building Of- ficial, at City Hall, during the planning stages of your project to have any questions an- swered and to ensure that your project is in compliance with City requirements. There are a variety of construction project and code requirement handouts available at City Hall or on the City's website. Page 8 • • Quarter 2008 Newsletter Streets Parks This has been a very rough year on city streets. The long The City is now advertising for winter and extreme temperature fluctuations caused a park attendants as we begin pre- lot more damage than most years. City staff is still finding paring for summer park use. We and removing damaged curbs and temporarily filling plan on opening the park shelters potholes and we will continue that work for a by Memorial Day weekend and while. When summer finally arrives, we will evaluate hope to have preparation work completed a week earlier. The planned projects and contract for crack repairs and seal city experienced record use and coating selected streets. We will then exhaust the rest of time open at the ice rinks this the street budget with spot asphalt repairs where year but spring is coming late needed. We are aware of areas of snow plow dam- and slowing our field and build- age. We push dirt and sod back in to place and, where ing preparations. If you are in- needed, top dress areas with black dirt and grass seed terested in working as a summer to reestablish the turf. Please help with new grass growth park attendant, please visit the by providing watering assistance, if needed. Most of the C i t y ' s w e b s i t e a t tree trimming was done early this spring. The spring www•cityofoakparkheights.com street sweeping will begin the last week of April. and click on City Employment. Water Yearly service to the City's line sediment and discharges a milky color this is an indica- water lines starts on the west it to the streets. Slight discol- tion of air in the water. When side of the city and proceed oration of the water may oc- we flush new water in to the east verifying the operation of cur when we are flushing in lines tiny bubbles may mix in each fire hydrant on our sys- your area. This typically solution. When water is taken tem. This is used to service clears in a few minutes of op- out of the tap, the pressure hydrants and is also used to erating your faucets. Should drops and those tiny air bub- flush the entire water sys- you experience clothes stain- bles expand. They will clear tem. The city delivers water ing during an active wash cy- in a glass in just a few min- pumped from deep wells in a cle, please re-rinse your laun- utes and the water will go to sandstone formation and dry before drying it. The fine crystal clear from the bottom there is some sediment that sand (powder) may have an to the top as the small bub- accumulates in the water orange cast but should rinse bles rise to the water surface. lines. Flushing stirs up the away easily. If the water has Sewer The City is about half way through a multiple year project to clean and televise all sanitary sewer lines. Work is being done to maintain several storm water ponds and culverts that have slowly filled from sand and dirt run-off. i If you have any questions about this and any other projects on this page, please contact the City's Public Works Department at 651-439-4439. Tree City USA Page 9 Damages to your curb from the snowplow This winter has been the snowiest in recent years. The snowplows are sent out to do a curb-to-curb clearing of the streets after each snowfall that accumulates two or more inches. Sometimes the snowplows get a little too close to the curb which can cause damage to the curbside or can tear up your grass. If you notice any damage to your curb or yard from the snowplow, please contact Public Works Director Tom Ozzello at 651- 439-4439. Your name will be placed on a list for repairs to be done early spring. The Secret to Leisurely Landscaping Warmer weather is just lection guides, links to local beautify your yard and pro- around the corner and its time retailers, how-to manuals and tect natural resources. to plan spring and summer garden blueprints. You can gardening projects. also contact the Washington The Blue Thumb — Planting Conservation District (651- , for Clean Water website, 275-1136) to schedule a free a www.BlueThumb.org, con- site visit with a landscape tains a variety of resources for ecologist who can help you T Virb gardeners, including plant se- develop a landscaping plan to I What is a raingarden? �A raingarden is a beautiful landscaping addition to a home or business. Raingardens capture i water from roofs, streets and driveways during storms, and briefly hold the water until it is ab- i sorbed by the soil. By helping the water soak into the ground, raingardens prevent pollution to nearby lakes and rivers and ensure a steady supply of water to our wells and aquifers. 3 J If you are interested in learning how to install a raingarden at your home, the Blue Thumb pro- gram will be teaming up with Metro Blooms to host two raingarden design workshops in Wash- ington County this spring- April 26, 11 .30am — 1.30pm in Mahtomedi and May 17, 10am-12pm in St. Paul Park. Register online at www.metroblooms.org. Blue Thumb Guide to Raingardens now available With years of experience under their belts and literally hundreds of raingardens Th.81h,Thu,bG designed and planted throughout the midwest, Rusty Schmidt, Dan Shaw Rain ardens and David Dods have created a guidebook which is colorful, entertaining and easy to use. The book ensures that virtually any homeowner in the upper Mid- west, whether a novice or a Master Gardener, can plant a beautiful raingarden that will add visual appeal to the yard and help to prevent water pollution from stormwater runoff within the neighborhood. The Blue Thumb Guide to Raingardens can be purchased locally from the Washington Conservation District for $17.95. Call Angie Hong at (651) 275- 1136 x. 35 for more information or e-mail an ig e.hong6Dmnwcd.org. V 0.-4 Page 10 • • Quarter 2008 Newsletter Boxelder Bugs The 3/4 inch long black and red the best method of getting rid of To kill the bugs is to mix regular beetles which you may these bugs inside your home. Dawn dish soap (the blue type - be seeing in and around your Use a vacuum cleaner if there are no fragrance) with hot water in a house now are boxelder bugs. large numbers and dispose of the spray bottle. Spray the exterior These bugs, which feed on seeds bag after vacuuming. The bugs or your home where you have of female boxelder trees, crawl are not harmful. seen the bugs. The bugs will fall into cracks and crevices on the and die. It is best to spray first exterior of homes in the fall to To help prevent the bugs from thing before the sun comes up overwinter and may eventually en- entering your home, caulk win- or late in the afternoon when the ter the home. They emerge once dows and doors and repair dam- bugs are most active. The solu- 1 temperatures warm in the late win- aged window or door screens. tion is non-toxic: it will not hurt ter and spring. Manual removal is children, pets, or plants. Reserve a City Park Shelter Are you thinking about having a get-together or a family reunion? The Brekke, Valley View, and Autumn Hills Park shelter build- ings can be reserved free of charge for your event. The Autumn Hills Park Shelter does require a refundable$100 deposit. Brekke Park is located on Omar Avenue south of the former St. Croix Mall. The park has a covered shelter building with rest- rooms as well as a tot lot, baseball diamonds, playground equipment, and barbeque grills. Valley View Park is located on Osgood Avenue at the edge of the city limits. This park has a covered shelter building, picnic ar- eas, playgrounds and a beautiful passive park area with trails, a prairie restoration area and wetlands. Autumn Hills Park is located at 5697 Norwich Parkway off of 58th Street adjacent to the Boutwells Landing campus. The par contains meandering trails,trail access parking, and playground equipment. It has a 2,000+square foot shelter,which includes a covered gathering area with a small kitchen/serving area, men's and women's restrooms, and a water fountain. You may use the City's online reservation form to reserve either the Brekke Park or Valley View Park shelters. You may obtain the Autumn Hills Park Shelter reservation documents and information online as well. Or, you may call or visit City Hall anytime to reserve any of the shelters for your next event! Geocaching in City Parks `Geocaching'is an outdoor adventure game for owners of Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Individuals set up a cache and share the location on www.geocaching.com. The caches are waterproof containers filled with small treasures and typically a logbook. When visitors find them, they may take or leave a small item and sign the log.The game encourages physical activity and also introduces non-traditional park users to the park system. ' Currently,caches are known or are believed to be located in City Parks. Certain guidelines must be followed: • Park visitors must abide by City Parks Ordinance No. 802,including Park Hours. • Tread lightly;do not place a cache in an environmentally sensitive or dangerous area. • Caches are not to be buried. • Caches are not to contain offensive,dangerous or illegal items. • Individuals placing caches are responsible for monitoring and maintaining them. The City retains the right to remove a cache for any reason. For more information on the City of Oak Park Heights Parks call the information line at 651-439-4439 or check the website at www.cityofoakparkheights.com. Tree City USA Page I I City Hall Facility Update...continued from page 1 The full report can be found at the City's Website — brances,will likely achieve greater efficiencies and will www.cityofoakparkheights.com. meet all anticipated space needs as initially targeted. • Finding#1 -Acknowledgement of Need: • Finding #5 — Savings- Based Plan - Annual Alloca- The Citizen's Advisory Committee voted unanimously tion for 16 +Years: A last item discussed by the Citi- that the City must address building deficiencies in the zen's Committee was to save adequate funds over a pe- relative near future including;provision of additional riod of time so as to fully fund the construction of a space,compliance with the Americans With Disability New City Hall Facility without borrowing funds . This Act and the City Zoning Code,ensure gender equity, plan would require the City to save $500,000 in Year 1 II improve Life-Safety Issues associated with air-quality and would then need to save additional amounts in each and building security.And,that these improvements year, indexed to construction costs, to build adequate must be efficient,economical and provide long-term funds to fully construct the facility. This process would service. require approximately 16 years of savings and would require an average allocation by the City of over • Finding #2 — Renovation and Major Expansion — $800,000 per year. This proposal was not acceptable to $5.1 Million: The Citizen's Advisory Committee voted the Citizen's Committee (2-6) as the resulting property unanimously that the City should not invest$5.1 Million tax increases to fund the savings plan would be similar into a major renovation AND expansion of the current to the debt service on a new building, and that the City jfacility. While this Option is estimated to be a potential would still be required to maintain and update the cur- middle ground between an entirely new facility and a rent facility in the interim. internal rehabilitation of the current building,this option would result in a continued inefficient building layout, Pursuit of any of the above construction projects will exposed sprinkler heads and ductwork, no new or ex- likely result in property tax impacts. On a typical home panded public spaces, lessened capacity to install energy valued at $200,000, it is estimated that a rehabilitation saving HVAC systems and would require a building set- project of$2.8 million dollars would result in a property back variance. tax increase of approximately $45.00 per year, while a $6.3 million new construction project is estimated to be • Finding #3 — Renovation and Minor Public Works approximately$95.00 per year. Both estimates are based Expansion - $2.8 Million: The Citizen's Advisory Com- on a 20 year bond issuance. mittee voted unanimously that the City should not in- At this time, the City Council has made no decisions to vest $2.8 Million into a general rehabilitation / retrofit- finalize or pursue any of the above building options and ting of the current building. While this option would is still investigating other options including the purchase address several issues related to ADA compliance, gen- of existing office facilities. der equity, exterior storage and HVAC/roof issues, this option would not provide additional space for the City and in fact would further reduce internal space further On May 13th, 2008, at 7pm, the City Council will hold limiting City staff operational capacity and does not im- another Public Hearing regarding these findings and will prove public access to the facility. possibly consider actions that would render decisions about the future of the City Hall Facility. This meeting will be held at the Oak Park Heights City Hall,located at • Finding#4.—Construction of a New Facility: 4168 Oak Park Blvd. The City does encourage persons 1 The Citizen's Advisory Committee voted 7 to 1 for the to attend this Public Hearing to learn more about a pos- advancement of the construction of a new facility.This sible project, options and impacts as well as to voice option,estimated to be$6.3 million dollars does address their concerns and opinions. all issues related to building space needs as outlined in the Space Needs and Facility Use Study completed in Should any person(s) desire a tour of the current facility Spring 2007 as well as ensures ADA compliance,pro- prior to the meeting, these can be scheduled at any time vides both Gender Equity,Life-Safety Issues,provides by calling the City Administrator at 651-439-4439. the most efficient HVAC systems and impound areas. While Option is a more expensive than other options, the resulting facility will be without layout encum- City of Oak Park Heights ak Park Heights Second Quarter 2008 Newsletter 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N. PO Box OAK PARK HEIGHTS SPRING CLEAN-UP M Oak Park Heightss,,M N 55082 Phone:651-439-4439 Fax:651-439-0574 Saturday, May lo, 2008 7:30 a.m. to l:oo p.m. Police non-emergency:651-439-4723 Police Emergency:911 Office Hours: The City of Oak Park Heights will be hosting a Monday through Friday Spring Clean-up on Saturday, May 10, 20o8 8:00 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. excluding legal holidays from 7:3o a.m. to l:oo p.m. MAYOR The Clean-up will be in the southwest corner of the former St. Croix David Beaudet Mall (Andersen Corporation) parking lot, 14167 59tH Street North in COUNCILMEMBERS Oak Park Heights. Les Abrahamson Jack Doerr City Clean-up events are an excellent opportunity for residents to dis- Mary McComber Mark Swenson pose of unwanted items at no cost. Please only bring waste generated CITY ADMINISTRATOR within the City of Oak Park Heights. Bringing in waste generated by Eric Johnson 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 in- Visit our Website! clude appliances, brush, construction materials, furniture, cardboard, . ., ., scrap metal, carpet, CRTs, televisions and computers. Hazardous waste (such as paints, stains, oil, gas, pesticides, or other The Oak Park Heights chemicals from your home), tires, stumps, and firewood will not be ac- newsletter cepted. If you have any questions please call City Hall at 651-439-4439 is published by the City or Veolia Environmental Sit 651-459-3029. of Oak Park Heights. m Services a Comments are welcome. 651-439-4439 I II J �I 8SS 'ON I'ua.tad NIN `john Ii«S GlVd 05e)SOd •S•n LOOZ-Z80SS NW `Sju-WT'H`1zud T30 paepuels LOOZ XOg `ICI PAjq I-Tud 1130 891 t I POIJOSa.td s;u.'dTaH I-Tud NUO JO XID i i r n Cit y of 010"- Oak Inside this issue: Tree City USA First Quarter 2008 Newsletter What will be the future of City Hall? Protect your 2 Since January of 2007, the City watershed this Council has been examining the Winter possible renovation/expansion or Is my house in a 3 replacement of the Oak Park floodplain? Heights City Hall Facility. The current facility, originally con- v Community Health 4 structed in the late 1960s, is aging Assessment and several updates are likely to " WL be needed in the near future in- Winter Safety 4 cluding replacement of the roof Reminders and HVAC systems, meeting handicap accessibility standards Initially constructed in 1968,City Hall is qwrborist 5 and other code compliance issues facing the need for repairs ws related to exterior use and stor- age. There remains an additional Winter Parking 6 need for as space for public works Restrictions and police operations. $2 million for a renovation and ! small expansion to $6.5 million for Save Money and 7 Cost estimates range widely from a new facility. However, it is vital Resources continued on page 3 Home Occupation 7 Comprehensive Plan Open House scheduled for February 21st Permits The City of Oak Park presentation will occur at and data showing current Heights Planning Commis- 5:30 p.m. followed by an and future land use; a plan sion and a Citizens Advi- informal question and an- for staging development; a Water Rate $ sory Committee have been swer session. housing plan; a water man- Increase working diligently on an agement plan; plans for updated Comprehensive The purpose of the Com- public facilities, like trans- Let Paint-A-Thon g Plan for the City since prehensive Plan is to pro- portation, sewers, and help you! January 2007. The group vide the City a guide neces- parks; among other infor- finalized the update in sary to plan development, mation. Development of a Pet Owner 9 January 2008 and has set an better anticipate public im- Comprehensive Plan is also I Reminders Open House at City Hall provements and to advance required by state law. for February 21, 2008 from the general welfare of the 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. for the City of Oak Park Heights. For more info, please call Will I need a 9 public to view the plan. A The plan contains maps City Hall at 651-439-4439. �Iding permit? i-iii Page 2 First Quarter 00• Newsletter Protect your watershed this Winter Water quality concerns are to prevent ice than to Once a dry route to the just as important in winter try to melt a thick layer house has been estab- "Careless use of as in the summer. Under of ice. lished, block off slip- the ice and snow lie ground pery areas to prevent deicing products and surface waters. What- Follow the manufac- personal injury. can damage both ever is frozen in January turer's directions when will melt-eventually. Where applying a deicer. If • If an ice storm is pre- the home and the and how melt water is re- possible, use even less dicted, cover small leased impacts the quality than recommended, areas with heavy plas- environment." of Minnesota's waters. making sure the sur- tic or other waterproof face is covered thinly material. Each winter, people apply and evenly. tons of ice melting materi- Deicing products can als to sidewalks, drive- To melt thick ice in cause damage to plants as ways, and steps, often very cold weather, add well. However, plant dam- without regard to proper a small amount of wa- age caused by deicers can application procedures or ter to the deicer to help often be treated. Salt to what the deicing sub- initiate melting. To damage symptoms in- stance contains. Careless further aid melting and clude: City Meetings use of deicing products provide sure footing, can damage both the mix the deicer with wet Poor or stunted home and the environ- sand and/or ashes. growth in the spring City Council: ment: 2nd and 4th Tues- (commonly occurs with 4 Purchase deicers early in grass next to walks, days at 7:00 p.m. Overuse of some deic- the season to ensure that driveways, and ers can accelerate the you have an ample supply. streets); freeze-and-thaw cycles Store the deicer and sand Planning_Commis- that damage concrete, in separate heavy plastic Dieback on ever- sion: taking years off the life garbage cans to keep them greens; and 2nd Thursday at of a sidewalk or drive- dry. If the sand becomes 7:00 p.m. way. moist, mix a small amount Marginal leaf browning of deicer with the sand to or leaf scorch on de- Some deicers corrode prevent freezing, or store ciduous trees and Parks Commission: metal, causing damage the sand in a heated area. shrubs. 3rd Monday at 6:30 to cars and aluminum p.m. siding. Several steps can be Most salt problems can be taken to remove thin lay- treated by soaking the af- • Chemicals in many ers of ice on small areas fected area with 1 inch ap- City meetings are deicers can damage such as the house steps: plications of water three to broadcast live on plants and shrubs near four times in the spring. cable channel 16. where the deicer is Apply warm water Gypsum may be added to used if it is applied mixed with table salt, the soil to reduce high so- improperly. water conditioners salt, dium levels caused by ex- Agendas and Min- or the brine backwash cessive amounts of rock utes are posted on • Ice melting products from a water condi- salt. Soil replacement may are most effective tioner. be an option for small the City's website: p www.cityofoakpark when spread thinly and planting beds. heights.com evenly over the pave- • Use sand to improve ment prior to ice forma- traction on icy areas. tion. It is much easier j Tree City USA Page 3 Future of City Hall...continued from page 1 to note that the City Council has not made a in early spring about what are the most vi- decision to move forward with any proposal, able and cost-effective solutions, so that as all options are still being studied. the City may ensure that the public services it provides continually improves. j In fall 2007, the City Council held two public hearings on this item and did receive limited The City Council will be discussing this input. At this time a Citizen's Committee matter on numerous occasions at their i has been formed, consisting of four `at- regular meetings (typically 2nd & 4"' Tues- large' citizens, a citizen member form the day of each month) this spring and resi- Planning Commission, a citizen member dents are encouraged to attend and partici- from the Parks Commission and two City pate in these discussions. Councilmembers. This Citizen's Committee has been charged to additionally review the More information can be found at the City's information to date as well as examine solu- website www.cityofoakparkheights.com or tions that have been implemented by other by contacting Eric Johnson, City Adminis- I communities. The City does anticipate that trator 651-439-4439 directly. Facility tours the Citizen Committee will provide a final are available anytime. set of recommendations to the City Council i� ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Is m house in a floodplain? Y p Currently, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is in the process of updating all of the :floodplain maps for Washington County. These new floodplain maps will better indicate if homes, : businesses or structures are actually in the 100-year floodplain as compared to older modeling completed in the early 1980s. t At this time, based on information as received from FEMA, the new maps show few changes or alterations from earlier versions and there does not appear to be any residential structures in Oak; Park Heights that are in the 100-year floodplain. G Because many homeowners in other cities may be impacted by the new maps and could be re-: quired to purchase flood insurance, City Engineers are examining the documents and will be pro- :viding written comments to FEMA on these preliminary maps to ensure that our review and inter- : pretations are correct. More information about this topic can be found: ?• on the City's website, www.cityofoakparkheights.com • http://fema.gov/hazard/flood/index/shtm • stop by City Hall and we can provide to you copies of the current and proposed maps showing: your house/property relative to the floodplain. ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. x WO Page 4 First Quarter 2008 Newsletter Fire Hydrants in Winter What are your health and environmental Please help your neighbors concerns? and yourselves by shoveling around fire hydrants. We Participate in the 2008 hope they are not needed, Community Health Assessment but critical minutes can be saved if neighbors keep The 2008 Community Health - updating data on previously their hydrants accessible for Assessment is currently un- identified, ongoing, and emergency use. derway in the Department of emerging health & environ- Public Health & Environment mental at Washington County. Issues Snow Forts A Community Health Assess- - obtaining feedback from the Parents, please protect your ment is an analysis of the public on their primary health children by keeping snow health status of the commu- and environmental concerns nity. All local public health de- through focus groups, key in- forts and play away from partments in Minnesota are formant interviews, and sur- streets and drives. Snow required by law to establish veys removal equipment is local public health priorities dangerous, and during based on an assessment How can you be involved? which is conducted every five All county residents and those operations, blowing snow years. who work in the county are and limited visibility can be encouraged to take an on-line a deadly combination to I The assessment guides health and environmental sur- children in the path of Washington County's Public vey. It will be posted on the Health & Environment Depart- county website in January and equipment. ment strategic planning and February and can be ac- serves as a resource for the cessed at: community. It also leads to the www.co.washington.mn.us/ Ice Dangers development of a community publichealth health improvement plan for Click on Hot Topics. There have been reports of each priority identified. The ice skating on area ponds. goal is to provide more effi- If you have any questions These types ofponds are not cient and effective services about the Community Health monitored or checked by the that meet the needs of the Assessment or the on-line public. survey, please contact City, or any other agency, to Stephanie Lenartz, Washing- determine safety of ice The health status of Washing- ton County Public Health & conditions. Ice skating is ton County is being assessed Environment, at 651.430.6661 available at both Brekke through two primary methods: or by e-mail at: stephanie.lenartz @washington.mn.us and Cover Parks. Tree City USA Page 5 Winter pruning of boulevard and park trees Tree Problems? Each winter the city hires other trees will be pruned which interfere with If you are an a tree service to prune as needed for vehicle driveway access or park- boulevard and park trees. clearance. Residents in ing, or the tree has a bro- Oak Par k This year trees in and areas where pruning is to ken branch, trunk crack, H e i g h t s around the picnic area and occur will receive post- or decay, please call the resident, and parking lots at Valley cards before the pruning. Arborist at 439-4439 Ext. have a problem View Park will be pruned, This work will be com- 252. with a tree or as well as trees along pleted by March 31, 2008. shrub, such as roads in the Swager Park The city budgets funds By city ordinance, resi- an insect or a area, trees along O'Brien each year for maintenance dents are not allowed to disease, have Ave., Ojibway Ave., 54th pruning and tree remov- prune or remove trees in p I a n t i n g St., U. 54th St., 53`d St., als. If you have a boule- the boulevard right-of- questions, or and Oakgreen Pl.. A few vard tree with branches way. just want to have a plant Fruit and nut producing plants feed wildlife in Winter identified, call Dr. Kathy Crabapple, mountain ash, magnolia, oak, black walnut, hickory, butternut, highbush Widin, the OPH cranberry,black chokeberry, hazelnut, sumac, dogwood,rose,bittersweet, grape and Arborist, at 439- Virginia creeper, are a few of the trees, shrubs and vines which provide food for 4439 Ext. 252. birds and other wildlife in the fall,winter or early spring. Plants with persistent fruits She can either (such as small fruited crabapples) are particularly good for wildlife in colder months because they remain on plants after the ground freezes and other food sources are answer your gone. Some fruits, such as highbush cranberry and bittersweet, must undergo re- question over peated freeze and thaw cycles to become more palatable to wildlife. If you're plan- ning to plant some trees and shrubs in your landscape this year, consider plants m a k e a n which also produce food for wildlife. appointment for a site visit. This service is paid Oak Wilt for by the City of All pruning of oaks should be completed by April 1St to avoid creating wounds Oak Park which attract the insects that spread the oak wilt fungus. If oaks are pruned or Heights. wounded between April 1St and the end of September, paint the wound immediately with either a tree wound dressing, varnish, or latex house paint. Painting wounds will keep them from being attractive to the insects which spread the oak wilt fungus (a fatal disease of oaks). All oaks can be infected with oak wilt, though bur oaks lit and white oaks are usually more resistant to the disease. If you think a tree in your yard has oak wilt,please contact the Arborist. Page 6 First Quarter 2008 Newsletter Reminder—Winter Parking Restrictions Winter parking restrictions are put in place in an effort to enable Make sure snow removal equipment the opportunity to do a top quality and your house efficient job in removing snow from city streets. Please be aware numbers are that these parking restrictions are in place AND ENFORCED re- Visible from gardless of whether or not there has been recent snowfall. Please the street help us by obeying the winter parking restrictions. Some residents in **No parking on city streets from November I through March 31, between 1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.** Oak Park Heights have house num- bers that are Election Judges Needed worn, blocked, or The City has many dedicated election judges who do a great job at not very clear: In the polls. With the presidential elections next year, there is a need for additional workers. You need not be a resident of Oak Park the event that an Heights; however, you must be a resident of the State of Minnesota. emergency vehi- Election judges are paid at the rate of $10.00 per hour for their ser- vices and lunch and dinner are provided by the City while they are cle needs to .find working. you, your house ■ If you are interested in learning more about serving as an election numbers need to judge, please contact Jennifer Thoen at City Hall, 439-4439. be visible from The 2008 election dates are as follows: the street. Primary: September 9, 2008 General: November 4, 2008 Sign up for Auto Pay With auto pay, there is no to receive your bill so that need to waste time writing you know the date and h and mailing a check. Pay- amount to be withheld from ing your utility bill elec- your account. If you are in- tronically allows you to terested in participating, rr .. save time and money on please call or stop by City stamps and late fees. The Hall to obtain an enrollment amount you owe on your form. The form is also avail- utility bill is automatically able on the City's website, withdrawn from the ac- under Forms & Handouts. count you designate on the Call Judy Tetzlaff at City billing due date each Hall, 439-4439, if you have month. You will continue questions. Tree City USA Page 7 Save Money and Resources Global warming has been a hot topic for the past several years. You've seen articles in the pa- per, watched documentaries about it on the television, and have noticed changes in weather pat- terns. Here are some simple ways that you can lessen the impacts of global warming in our environ- ment that can help you save money and resources: • Recycling Ink Cartridges — You can save approximately $40.00 if you recycle your ink cartridges and purchase recycled cartridges as replacements. • Replace your appliances with energy efficient ones. Not only will this help the environ- ment, it will also save you money on your energy bills. • Replace regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. CFL bulbs last longer and give off less heat. Replacing just one incandescent light bulb with a CFL will save you $30 over the life of the bulb. • Recycle. The City of Oak Park Heights offers curbside recycling every week on Thurs- day. Do your part by recycling paper, plastic, glass and aluminum cans. • Whenever practical, chose reusable items rather than disposables. Rather than throwing items away, consider donating them. • To dispose of household hazardous waster, contact Washington County's Hazardous Materials Collection Site located in Oakdale. They accept items such as cleaners, paint, gasoline, fluorescent bulbs, antifreeze, car batteries, used oil, and many other hazardous materials. They can be reached at 651-430-6655. For more information about recycling or other issues, please contact City Hall. Home Occupation Permits A Home Occupation Permit is required by the City of Oak Park Heights Zoning Ordinance 401 for all home occupations. The purpose of the permit is to provide a means through the establishment of specific standards and pro- cedures by which home occupations can be conducted in residential neighborhoods without jeopardizing �l the health, safety and general welfare of the surrounding neighborhood. Oak Park Heights issues two types of home occupation permits which distinguish between a permitted home occupation (typically no retail traffic), such as a home based office, and a special home occupation that may entail cliental traffic or have other criteria that does not meet the specific requirements for a per- mitted home occupation. A permit application is required for either type of home occupation. Annual re- newal is required for all approved home occupation permits. Information regarding home occupations and permit application can be found at the City Hall or on the City web page at www.cityofoakparkheights.com Questions regarding whether or not your home occupation requires a permit or what is needed to obtain a permit should be directed to Julie Hultman, Planning & Code Enforcement Officer at 651- 351-1661 or via email at j hultman CcDcityofoakparkheights.com. ' ••I ew Notice of Water Rate Increase The City of Oak Park Heights conducted a utility rate study and determined that in order to accommodate the costs of providing municipal water service, a rate increase will need to be implemented. Effective January 1, 2008, the City of Oak Park Heights established a municipal water rate for all users as follows: ' 1. A quarterly minimum charge of $24.35 for the first 15,000 gallons of water used per quarter (includes $1.59 per quarter for MN water service connection fee) (last year's rate was $23.10 which included the $1.59 MN State Surcharge) 2. A rate of $1.62 per 1,000 gallons for water used above 15,000 gallons up to 50,000 gallons (last year's rate was $1.47). 3. A rate of $2.22 per 1,000 gallons for water used above 50,000 gallons up to 99,000 gallons (last year's rate was $2.02). 4. A rate of $2.67 per 1,000 gallons for water use above 99,000 gallons (last year's rate was $2.43). Let Paint-A-Thon help you! Paint-A-Thon is a program of the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches. Their volunteer teams have been painting homes for low-income senior or 4� disabled home-owners — free of charge — since 1984. Painting usually takes place the first weekend in August. If your house is in need of paint, but not major repair, they would like to work with you. Do you meet the following guidelines? • You must be the owner and occupant of a single-family home. • Your home and/or garage must be in one of the following counties: Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, Washington. • You must be over the age of 60 OR permanently physically disabled. • Your monthly income must not exceed $1700 per month (for one person in the home) or $2280 (for two people in the home). If you would like more information or to apply to the program, call 612-721-8687 ext. 321. The deadline to apply is usually early May. Tree City USA Page 9 f Attention Pet Owners I Leash Law Reminder Pet Licenses The City of Oak Park Heights has a leash law in effect All dogs and cats in the City for more than 30 days that prohibits pets from running at large. Any dog or cat are required to have a City Pet License. There is no that is off the premises of the owner and not under the charge for this service and it could save your pet physical control (by leash or by voice) of the owner or from a trip to the animal shelter. Bring proof of your another designated person is in violation of this Ordi- pet's rabies vaccination to City Hall to receive a pet nance. license and tag. When you are out walking your pet, please remember to For more information, please bring a plastic bag. Pet owners are required by City Or- call City Hall at G51-439-4439. dinance to clean up pet waste on public and private City Ordinances can be viewed property. Removal and proper disposal of pet waste on the City's website: helps keep our City clean and healthy. www.cityofoakparkheights.com h .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Will I need a building permit? Spring is on the way and home improvement projects are in the planning stages. When planning your project, keep in mind that many projects require a building pen-nit prior to starting the project. , Examples of such projects include decks, porches, gazebos, fences, sheds, re-roofing, new plumbing: f or heating or alterations to your existing services, window replacement, driveway replacement and i` parking pads are some examples of common do-it-yourself projects that require a building permit. You are encouraged to include a call or visit to the Building Official to discuss what is needed to make your project safe and compliant with adopted local ordinances and construction industry j codes. i Building permit applications as well as information on a variety of projects are available at City Hall and can also be found on the City website, www.cityofoakparkheights.com. If you don't find what you are looking for, let us know. We will do our best to get you the information you need. Jim Butler Julie Hultman Building Official Planning & Code Enforcement 651-275-9590 651-351-1661 i butler(a.cityofoakparkheiphts.com jhultman @cityofoakparkheights.com No question is too small. Our goal is to make your project successful and safe! City of Oak Park Heights Citv Of ak Park Heights First Quarter 2008 Newsletter 14168 Oak Park Blvd.N. PO Box 2007 The City is taking over your garbage collection fees! Oak Park Heights,MN 55082 Phone:651-439-4439 The City of Oak Park Heights has eliminated from your quarterly billing the Fax:651-439-0574 regular Garbage Fee. This will, for most homeowners, result in an approxi- Police non-emergency:651-439-4723 mate savings of$93.52 per year. The savings is a result of the City assuming Police Emergency:911 the full cost of these services under the City's General Fund budget. Office Hours: Monday through Friday Should you have extra items beyond what can fit in your container, the fee is 8:00 a.m.to 4:30 P.m. $1.50 per additional bag of waste; $13.00 per cubic yard of construction ma- excluding legal holidays terials; and small fee for toilets and porcelain/iron objects. These extra charges have been in place for sometime and will be billed to you directly by MAYOR the City's waste hauler—Veolia. David Beaudet Please note that the following items shall be picked up a no additional cost. COLINCILMEMBERS Simply call the City, 439-4439, at least two days in advance of the regular Les Abrahamson Jack Doerr pick-up day to let us know and so that we may schedule the correct truck. Mary McComber Mark Swenson Yard waste, recyclables, couches, chairs, CITY ADMINISTRATOR refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, Eric Johnson water heaters, televisions, tables, ovens, desks, and other large household items. Visit our Website! If you receive any additional billing from Veolia, please contact the City prior to sending any funds to Veolia so that you can be assured that the billing is correct. The Oak Park Heights REMINDER!! newsletter Waste and Recyclable pick-up is every THURSDAY, unless the week cor� is published by the City tains one of the six holidays — New Years Day, Memorial Day, 4t" of July, La- of Oak Park Heights. bor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. During those weeks, collection will fall Comments are welcome. on FRIDAY. 651-439-4439 855 -ON 11U1J3d NIN `131UMIMS aldd 321231sod'S'n LOOZ-Z80SS Nl1I `siq�113H IlEd 1E0 P.113puejs ZOOZ x09 `N PAIq I-Jud IuO 891ti pauosa.>d Slq-�I aH N-Tud NUO JO XID O PUBLIC HEARING V. _DNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2007 AT 7:00 P.M. AT CITY HALL, 14168 OAK PARK BLVD. NORTH THE OAK PARK HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL INVITES ALL RESIDENTS TO ATTEND THE CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING regarding the possibility of issuing bonds to fund a Rehabilitation and Expansion of the City's Municipal Facility or to fund the construction of a NEW Municipal Facility. Cost estimates range from approximately $2,000,000 to $6,500,000. Individuals unable to attend the public hearing may submit written comment to the City Administrator, Oak Park Heights City Hall, 14168 Oak Park Boulevard, Oak Park Heights, Minnesota 55082-2007 or to: eajohnson @cityofoakparkheights.com T``�e City Council encourages you to visit the City's website for more detailed information: www.cityofoakparkheights.com Or Call 651-439-4439 FALL/WINTER 2007 City Of Oak In This Issue Hot Dogs, Snow Cones, Face Painting & More! Party in the Park Oak Park Heights Party in the Park/ 55 � City Meetings National Night Out d ' The weather was a muggy 86 degrees, but * k Municipal Facillities 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 Party goers pause for a photo.Cindy's Creative Arborist News and visitors. It also provides an opportunity Celebrations provided face art for the event for residents to meet councilmembers, Thank You to Event Supporters Pet Owner Reminders City staff, and local business owners. The City would like to extend thanks to the What's Included in Your This year's event featured an inflatable many businesses that contributed toward th� Monthly Garbage Fee moonwalk, an inflatable obstacle course, 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 up tables Wal-Mart, Xcel Energy, Andersen Corporation, for the residents to stop at and pick up Jerry's Auto Detail, and Phil's Tara Hideaway. information and freebees. The kids also Monetary donations were used to rent the Winter Parking Restrictions loved the Bayport Fire Truck and the YP 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 The Mayor and Councilmembers served up games for the children. C almost 600 hot dogs, 13 pounds of potato The following businesses donated gift CiCatMeetings chips, and three gallons of pickles. Pizza Man certificates or items for the raffle: Discount ty g set up a table and served about 17 pizzas. Tire Co., Dr. Scott Edlin of Inspired City Council: For dessert, Cafe Vienna brought out three Chiropractic, Pizza Man, Lake Elmo Bank, 2nd and 4th Tuesdays cakes and Camille's Sidewalk Cafe prepared Domino's Pizza,Joseph's Family Restaurant, at 7:00 p.m. 120 cookie quarters. For a salty snack, Camille's Sidewalk Cafe, Carbone's Pizzeria, Planning Commission: First State Bank served up popcorn. Valley Trophy, Menards, Hollywood Video, I 2nd Thursday Stillwater Bowl, Bonestroo, Portico Healthnet, at 7:00 p.m. and Starbucks Coffee Company. i 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 t time to help out and served over 300 snow broadcast live on cones to the residents. �C cable channel 16. Agendas and minutes The Oak Park Heights newsletter can be accessed on the is published by the City of Oak Park. City's website: Heights. Comments are welcome. www.ci�kfoftarkhei2hts.com Residents stand in line for free refreshments. 651-439-4439 City Council Considers a Municipal Facilities Update/Expansion Project � New Facility Concept Oak Park Heights City Council has initiated the process of determining what next steps are appropri,.ite W 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 ,moopm o -- 2025 and beyond. M — " — The current City facility, located at 14168 Oak Park Blvd i �; _ 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 rAwcavaiw+.ouio� 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. I Y _ Over the past ear, the City has engaged the services of 1 • l P Y Y 1 an architectural consultant to provide a space needs and --------------- --- ------ ____ current facilities analysis. That study recently concluded wriv" L "jxii row$70"Kw wALIMT r there are several aspects to the current City facility `POMECAAK I(ARn-,L " 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 Rehabilitated & Expanded IlitY6 • for residents. ❖ All Public Works operational and storage space has ! ' been exhausted. i ..OUNW,M VAVM -0- City residents do not have access to public community rooms or public meeting space. _.. .._.. .. ` f f • ❖ 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.•.,��w n.,+.a:a (A.D.A) and are not handicap accessible. Muuarw�un�awee :• 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 _ - �� C. • _ 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 W en $1.5 million dollars for a large retrofit to $6.5 n 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. 30 t_),11� P_ri, 1!, 2 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 would require the City to eng.tge in bond planning is completed and options are better defined. • financing and would likely result in a propert%- tax increase of Based on the outcome of the final recommendations approximately $100 to $120 per year for a property owiW 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 would 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 www.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 i r i I I 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 Boutwell's Landing, is a 2,000+ squ;u-e 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, www.ciUofoakparkbe&bts.com The public is invited to the Ribbon Cutting/Dedication Ceremony, which is 4 • scheduled for Monday, October 15, 2007 at the Autumn Hills Park Shelter. The time of the event will be announced under the "Events" section of the City's website. i City OI Oak P.trl< 11,_I 3 2()() Fill \Winter N(_•wskttcr Who's Who in Police Department News Your City Emergency #: 911 Non-Emergency #: 651-439-4723 �vernment? Brian DeRosier Named City Hires New Officer The local government in the Deputy Chief of Police Brian Zwach was sworn in as the City of City of Oak Park Heights is made Brian DeRosier was appointed as Deputy Oak Park Heights Police Department's up of a City Council and a Chief of Police for the City of Oak Park newest officer on Tuesday,July 17. Zwach Mayor. There are five comes to the department from the Cottage Councilmembers who are Heights Police Department in July. He will Grove Police Department where he was a elected to the Council. The assume the role of Chief of Police for the Community Service Officer. He has also Mayor and Councilmembers department upon the retirement of Chief are elected in even years. worked for the South Washington County Officials are elected for a Lindy Swanson in the summer of 2008. Schools as a bus driver and grounds crew two-year term, but may be DeRosier has been in law enforcement since worker. re-elected for any number of additional terms, 1989 and has worked for the City's police Officer Zwach attended the University of department since 1995. He worked as a Minnesota - Duluth where he received a City Council meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each patrol officer until 1999 when he became the Bachelor's Degree in Criminology. He will month. The Council agenda is department's only investigator. In 2003, he be completing an eight week Field Training published in the Stillwater was appointed to the Washington County Officer Program before he 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. he serves as SWAT Operator and Team Mayor and Councilmembers Squad Lead. 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 he 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 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 website at David Beaudet Apprehension, and the National Tactical www.cityofoakparkheights.com. i *COUNCIL MEMBERS Officers Association. Protect Yourself from j Les Abrahamson DeRosier encourages residents to take part Vehicle Break-Ins Jack Doerr in the City. He emphasizes that the police Mary McComber There were numerous reports of "thefts from Mark Swenson department cannot function without the sup- vehicles" in August, all of which it appears 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 j CITY OF please call the police department at 439- that residents LOCK their vehicles up and OAK PARK HEIGHTS 4723. He would be happy to speak with you 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 questions, please call the police department. to discuss your questions or concerns. Oak Park Heights MN 55082-2007 Phone: 651-439-4439 - Fax: 651-439-0574 www.ciiyofoakparkheights.com com Help Stop Vandalism in City Parks - eight Reward for Information OFFICE HOURS There has been a rash of vandalism in city parks over the summer, including i Monday through Friday graffiti and property damage. The City has instituted a reward program to help 8:00 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. bring the offender(s) to justice. The police department will reward $1,000 for 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 Ov 3&24-Thanksgiving If you have any information, please contact the Chief of Polic at 651-439-4723, ec;'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, vandalism costs ygu money! Feb. 18-President's Day Arborist News ATTENTION Dr. Kathy Widin 651-439-4439 ext. 252 PET OWNERS Tree Problems? that spread the oak wilt • If you are an Oak Park fungus. If oaks are Leash Law Heights resident and pruned or wounded Reminder have a problem with 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, effect that prohibits pets have lantin immediately with either p g q ues- from running at large. a tree wound dressing, lions, or just want to Any dog or cat that is off have a plant identified, varnish, n latex house the premises of the owner call the Arborist at the paint. Painting wounds and not under the number above. She can will prevent attraction physical control (by leash either answer your of the insects which or by voice) of the owner question over the spread the oak wilt or another designated phone or make e fungus (a fatal disease person is in violation of appointment for a site of oaks). All oaks can this Ordinance. visit. This service is paid for by the be 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 bag. Pet owners Storm Damage & Risk Trees are required by City After the storms with high winds late this Ordinance to clean up summer, be 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. Re 1 your home for structural problems. Broken Management Program, the City will remove and proper disposal 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 be 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 be examined. If you have a tree that you an ash tree in your yard which has declined shelter. Bring proof of think has any risk factors and would like to and died back from the top over the course your pet's rabies vaccina- 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 be 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:0 creating wounds that attract the insects any type from one locale to another. www.cityofoakparkheights.com ` i.0° ul teat; i'arl< {k, rtt-r Acvv_<k'MT 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 'unk. Be sure that you know how to dispose of your waste out of the stormwater. and legally so that it does not contaminate the St. Croix ❖ Chlorinated water from swimming_pools or spas: Use a Rtver, local lakes or the groundwater that we drink. chemical to dechlorinate the water or dump the water into i 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 j 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 be taken to Buberl 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, in the St. Croix River. As a general rule, if you cringe at the paint, used engine oil, lawn chemicals, propane tanks and 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 be 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 be picked up at City Hall free of charge. Questions boxes need to be flattened rather than stacked inside each regarding preparation or pick-up of recyclables can be other and should be no larger than 3' x 3'. Christmas trees directed to Veolia Environmental Services by calling i J�picked up along with regular garbage pickup on 651-459-3029. 3 and 10, 2008. As an incentive to recycle, two residents per month are j Aluminum and metal cans and glass jars and bottles should rewarded by the City with their choice of either a $25 check be rinsed and placed in the bin 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 i be placed in a paper grocery bag. Mixed paper includes regular trash pickup days. I What is included in my 'Monthly Garbage Collection Fee'? In addition to the typical garbage and recycling pickup, your monthly garbage collection bill from the City j i 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, i at least two days prior to collection day so that the special truck may be dispatched to your home. Some items are not included in your monthly fee are extra bags of garbage not placed in your container. The City's waste hauler, Veolia, will bill you $1.50 per bag. 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. Bthe event you receive any billing from Veolia, except for the Annual Washington County Environmental arge, please contact the City Administrator at 651-439-4439 to ensure that the billing is correct. j i C6 <>f O,1k Park I Iei<ohtu; 6 Public Works News Tom Ozzello, Public Works Director 651-439-4439 Snow Forts When the ice is established and in good shape we will hab 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 2007 Street Repairs snow and limited visibility can be 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 next year. The County critical minutes can be 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 be evaluated next spring when the County work is done. Snow Season There will be some partial day closing of these streets as The City of Oak Park Heights hires contract snow removal work progresses. services for city streets. The contractor uses their equipment to clear streets and the city is charged additional dollars if Street Sweeping 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 blow your yard waste in to the street. come back and clear until the next snow fall. The City's waste hauler, Veolia, has curbside collection for leaves and clippings. Not only do leaves and clippings Skating Rinks damage the environment, but it is also against city ordin and can result in fines and clean up costs to the homeow r. The City of Oak Park Heights builds ice at Cover and Brekke Parks for winter use. The warming houses will be 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 curbside 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 be aware owe on your utility bill 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 bill so that you help us by obeying the winter know the date and amount to be garbage container in a location 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 0 and 6:00 a.m.** website under "Forms and Handouts". Oak Park Heights Fall Clean Up 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. • 'w'd 00: L-'w'o 0£'L LOOZ �£L aappo lupin Jos d UDG n NI LOOZ-ZW0 S NW`S1u5iaH 31JVd VO LOOZ x09`•N•pnig 31JUd]IUO 891�i VSA A,LI [) 33M L ,,•c�.� T T T WON liwJad 1,� �L�x A-11n ` add NJEd ��O 96oisod•S•(1 pJopuolS pauosaJd fO dilD 1 City Hall Facility Vital Points Large portion of current Facility is 38 years old—Approx 15,000+/-SgFT. Considering this age and extensive use the City WILL need to address these items in the next few years. • the City will need to replace the roof, all HVAC systems and the failing exterior material—stucco-type. • the current facility is not ADA Compliant and the site is not in compliance with certain aspects of the City's own zoning code—parking and outside storage • Storage and workspace is limited if not entirely at capacity. Cost estimates to correct these deficiencies and to allow for minor expansion! improvements is approximately $2.0 Million. Cost Estimates for a NEW Facility of approximately 23,000 SgFT.is $6.5 Million If the City does decide to proceed with a new Facility,the timing for such project and debt issuance is favorable: • The City will realize the full tax capacity of the newly expanded Xcel Energy Power Plant, in future years the this facility will be depreciated resulting in lesser tax revenue to assist in bond repayment. • Bond rates are at or near historic lows. The City also maintains a very high quality bond rating - likely AA-2 or AA-3. • The construction industry has slowed and should reflect in a favorable bid prices as compared to the last several years. If the City does proceed with a$6.5 Million bond issuance—20 YR Note 1. The Estimated tax impact to a $200,000 home is $94.00 per year. $116.57 for a $250,000 home. 2. The 2008 Budget proposes to remove garbage collection fees from homeowners,saving approximately$7.80 per month—or approx. $93.00 per year depending on container sizing,thus offsetting part of the tax impact.