The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2012 - 05 May• Gathering At Fish Creek Bluff Saturday, June 16, 1-4PM Call 651.249.2170 for more details. • Family Nature Photography Saturday, July 21, 9-11AM Maplewood Nature Center • Fishing Clinic July 28 and July 31 Maplewood Nature Center • Godspell Dinner Theater Friday, August 10, 6-7:30PM Maplewood Community Center 4 Council Corner 5 Arbor Day 5 Tree Inspections 6 CIP Adoption 7 Senior Wellness Cont. 8 Maplewood IT Save The Date Maplewood Monthly 3 Trash Cart Sizes 4 Commission OpeningsMONTHL Y Deals New! SAVE On A Great Monthly Deal On pg.3 City Council Adopts Capital Improvement Plan On March 26, 2012, the City Council unanimously adopted the Capital Improvement Plan for the 2013 - 2017 planning period. Adopting the CIP does not commit the Council to the proposed projects, nor implement the assumptions made during the preparation; however, it is the basis for the 2013 Budget document as the CIP provides direction to the staff on the intent of the Council to implement these projects. The CIP was prepared by the City’s Management Team based upon instructions that only minimal new funds are available and that new proposals will likely require reductions in expenditures within other areas of the budget. This remains consistent with the Council’s goal to establish Financial Sustainability in the overall planning for all areas of the City Budget. - continued on page 6 Maplewood Senior Wellness Expo Thursday, May 24, 10:00aM - 2:00PM Maplewood’s Senior Expo is back for another exciting day packed full of information, giveaways, demonstrations, presentations and snacks. The health expo will be held on Thursday, May 24 from 10:00AM - 2:00PM at the Maplewood Community Center located at 2100 White Bear Avenue. Meet the experts who can make your life healthier and happier! Learn hundreds of ways to improve your health and extend your life. Make sure to stop at each information booth and also attend the life- enhancing seminars. Participate in a full line-up of activities to keep you entertained, educated and informed. Sessions include: 10:15AM Aging In Place Home Modifications Presented By Accessible Homes - Learn the tools you’ll need to make an informed decision about home modifications. See the new and innovative products that will help you age in place. Also learn what to avoid in the marketplace. 11:00AM Your Retirement Income: Optimize It. Protect It. Enjoy It. Presented By Thrivent Financial For Lutherans - This educational workshop was created for pre-retirees and recent retirees to help them take steps to manage their retirement savings – for life. This work- shop is designed to help participants gain a better understanding of a retirement income distribution framework that accounts for their time horizon, needs and goals and how to build a floor of guaranteed income that will last a lifetime. We’ll also discuss the importance of a growth strategy for near-term and long-term gains. - continued on page 7 May 2012 City Newsletter Thank you sponsors Sandberg Funeral & Cremation Services & Promote Your Business Reach over 22,200 homes, businesses, and apartments with the Official Maplewood City Newsletter. The entire newsletter is featured on the city website. For more information, contact Heidi Carey at 952.212.7333 or heidi.carey@ci.maplewood.mn.us. Thank you to the advertisers who help support this publication! Frequently Called Numbers Maplewood City Hall General Information 651.249.2000 Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30PM Deputy Registrar and Passport Hours Monday: 8:00AM - 6:00PM Tuesday - Friday: 8:00AM - 4:30PM Maplewood Community Center Registration 651.249.2230 Customer Service 651.249.2230 Admissions 651.249.2210 Theater/Banquet Room Rental 651.249.2103 Group Information 651.249.2206 Aquatics 651.249.2206 Fitness 651.249.2207 Maplewood Recreation General Information 651.249.2120 Maplewood Nature Center General Information 651.249.2170 Code Enforcement Hotline 651.249.CODE (2633) Online: Go to www.ci.maplewood.mn.us and click on “Report A Violation” on the right-hand side of the home page. Maplewood Public Works General Information 651.249.2400 City of Maplewood Elected Officials Will Rossbach: Mayor 651.484.5427 will.rossbach@ci.maplewood.mn.us Kathleen Juenemann: Councilmember 651.771.3670 kathleen.juenemann@ci.maplewood.mn.us James Llanas: Councilmember 651.488.2745 james.llanas@ci.maplewood.mn.us Robert Cardinal: Councilmember 651.765.8600 bob.cardinal@ci.maplewood.mn.us Marvin Koppen: Councilmember 651.770.5391 marvin.koppen@ci.maplewood.mn.us Jim Antonen: City Manager 651.249.2050 jim.antonen@ci.maplewood.mn.us City of Maplewood 2 May 2012 Maplewood Meeting Schedule City Council ......................................................................... 7:00PM Listening Forum ............................................................... 6:30PM 2nd and 4th Monday of the month City Council Workshop ........................................................ 5:15PM 1st Monday of the month Business & Economic Development Commission ............... 6:00PM 4th Thursday of the month Community Design Review Board ....................................... 5:15PM 4th Tuesday of the month Environmental & Natural Resources Commission ............... 7:00PM 3rd Monday of the month Heritage Preservation Commission ...................................... 7:00PM 2nd Thursday of the month Housing Redevelopment Authority ....................................... 7:00PM 2nd Wednesday of the month Human Rights Commission .................................................. 7:00PM 2nd Tuesday of the month Parks & Recreation Commission ......................................... 7:00PM 3rd Wednesday of the month Planning Commission .......................................................... 7:00PM 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month City Hall will be closed Monday, May 28th in observance of Memorial Day. All City Council and Commission meetings are broadcast live on Channel 16 and are rebroadcast on a schedule that is posted at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us.* Any meeting cancellations are posted on the City’s website. *Meetings are also streamed live on the City’s website.• Senior Wellness ExpoThursday, May 24, 10AM-2PMMaplewood Community Center • God Spell Dinner Theater Friday, August 10, 6-7:30PM Maplewood Community Center 4 Council Corner 5 Arbor Day 5 Tree Inspections 6 CIP Adoption 7 Senior Wellness Cont. 8 Maplewood IT Save The Date Maplewood Monthly 3 Trash Cart Sizes 4 Commission Openings M ONTHL YDeals New! SAVE On A Great Monthly DealOn pg.3 City Council Adopts Capital Improvement PlanOn March 26, 2012, the City Council unanimously adopted the Capital Improvement Plan for the 2013 - 2017 planning period. Adopting the CIP does not commit the Council to the proposed projects, nor implement the assumptions made during the preparation; however, it is the basis for the 2013 Budget document as the CIP provides direction to the staff on the intent of the Council to implement these projects. The CIP was prepared by the City’s Management Team based upon instructions that only minimal new funds are available and that new proposals will likely require reductions in expenditures within other areas of the budget. This remains consistent with the Council’s goal to establish Financial Sustainability in the overall planning for all areas of the City Budget. - continued on page 6 Maplewood Senior Wellness Expo Thursday, May 24, 10:00aM - 2:00PM Maplewood’s Senior Fair is back for another exciting day packed full of information, giveaways, demonstrations, presentations, and snacks. The health fair will be held on Thursday, May 24 from 10:00AM - 2:00PM at the Maplewood Community Center located at 2100 White Bear Avenue. Meet the experts who can make your life healthier and happier! Learn hundreds of ways to improve your health and extend your life. Make sure to stop at each information booth and also attend the life- enhancing seminars. Participate in a full line-up of activities to keep you entertained, educated and informed. Sessions include: 10:15AM Aging In Place Home Modifications Presented By Accessible Homes - Learn the tools you’ll need to make an informed decision about home modifications. See the new and innovative products that will help you age in place. Also learn what to avoid in the marketplace. 11:00AM Your Retirement Income: Optimize It. Protect It. Enjoy It. Presented By Thrivent Financial For Lutherans - This educational workshop was created for pre-retirees and recent retirees to help them take steps to manage their retirement savings – for life. This work-shop is designed to help participants gain a better understanding of a retirement income distribution framework that accounts for their time horizon, needs and goals and how to build a floor of guaranteed income that will last a lifetime. We’ll also discuss the importance of a growth strategy for near-term and long-term gains. - continued on page 8 May 2012 City Newsletter Thank you sponsors Sandberg Funeral & Cremation Services City of Maplewood 3 May 2012 BACKYARD GRADUATIONBACKYARD GRADUATION • Chairs, Tables, Tents • Canopies • Bounce Houses & Laser Tag • Sumo Suites, DJ System • Much More! PARTY SUPPLIES! www.all-around-fun.com (651) 426-3806 952.474.8058 TwinCitiesCruises.com    www.all-around-fun.com 15% OFF LABOR When You Mention This Ad. Spring Cleanups • Mowing • Landscaping Tree & Bush Pruning • Snow Plowing Experience a revolution in property maintenance where the customer comes first! 612.516.0946 starspangledllc.com email - sales@starspangledllc.com Residential & Commercial Maintenance Exp. 10-31-12MONTHL Y Deals Maplewood Residents: Choose Your Trash Cart Size By June 1 Maplewood’s City-wide residential trash plan will begin October 1, 2012. The City will be providing the trash carts in four sizes: 20, 32, 65, and 95 gallon. You have the choice of what size best suits your disposal needs. You can order your trash cart in one of two ways: 1.) Indicate your trash cart size preference on the cart order form that was sent to all eligible single family residential properties in April. Drop the postage paid order in the mail. 2.) Fill out your trash cart size preference online at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/trashcarts. You will need to enter your name, address, barcode number (found on the mailer), email, phone number and cart size. Sample trash carts are on display at the Maplewood City Hall, Community Center, Nature Center, and the Ramsey County Library. Delivery of the trash carts will begin in mid-September. Residents who do not indicate a trash cart size preference by June 1, 2012, will be given a 95 gallon trash cart. For more information visit www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/trash or call 651.249.CART (2278). Commission Openings The City of Maplewood is now accepting applications to fill two openings; one the Human Rights Commission and one on the Planning Commission. The City Council will interview candidates that apply and will appoint individuals to fill these openings. The Human Rights Commission advocates for equal opportunities for all citizens of Maplewood in: housing, employment, public accommodations, services and education, in addition to continu- ously working to improve human rights within the community. The Planning Commission is an advisory committee to the City Council. Their duties are to prepare and recommend a comprehensive plan for the development of the city and to review zoning and land use matters like rezoning requests, zoning variances, property subdivisions, right-of-way vacations and home occupation requests. More information on the commission can be found on the City’s website www.ci.maplewood.mn.us or by calling City Hall at 651.249.2000. Applications can be picked up at the City Hall front desk or found online on the City’s website. The application deadline is May 18, 2012. Completed applications should be submitted to the City Manager’s Office at 1830 County Road B E, Maplewood, MN 55109. 507-206-0988 www.allamericansegway.com In Apple Valley & Rochester 50% OFF Tours! Tickets must be purchased by May 31 and are valid through Oct. 1, 2012. Nothing Beats A Segway Ride. Council Cor n e r City of Maplewood 4 May 2012 Moving In The Right Direction By Councilmember Kathleen Juenemann Many times in the past months the news media teems with reports of the negative political climate, bad economic times, high unemployment and public dissatisfaction. These descriptions would lead us to believe that “the sky is falling,” the future is bleak and government is bad and ineffective. It is true that these are tough economic times - not a first for the country or this city. It is difficult to maintain a stable quality of life and to continue to provide good services. It is apparent that people throughout the country, and in the state, demand more and more but don’t expect to pay for it. While we are all impacted by the unfortunate state of the economy, in Maplewod we are fortunate to have a city council that seeks to continue to deliver high quality services and appropriate expected amenities (good streets, good parks and recreation programs, the Nature Center, etc.) while striving for financial sustainability. And, we are blessed with competent, creative staff that has the expertise and dedication to move us in the right direction to achieve our goals in a cost effective, efficient way. The other members of the Maplewood team are you, the citizens. Without your dedication, cooperation and creative efforts, we cannot maintain a thriving, functional, viable and vital community. So again, we must all thoughtfully consider these questions. How much vision do we have? How engaged are we willing to be? How do we accept change and make it a positive in our community? Do we care enough to move forward together? May 13-18 is National law Enforcement Week, an opportunity for us all to acknowledge and express our appreciation to our Police Officers for their courage and willingness to protect and service us 24/7, 365 days a year. We also need to remember, with sadness and gratitude, the supreme sacrifice of Sgt. Joe Bergeron who was murdered on May 1, 2010, while on duty serving our community. Law Enforcement Week would be a wonderful time to stop and visit the impressive Police Officer Memorial, dedicated to Sgt. Bergeron, located just east of the front doors of city hall. The Council Corner is a space that is rotated monthly between the Mayor and Council members. Editorial views expressed are those of the author and may not necessarily represent or reflect the views and opinons of the City of Maplewood. On The Police Scanner In March, the Maplewood Police Department responded to 2,062 calls for service. 15 Assault Cases 1 Robbery Case 21 Burglary Cases 90 Theft Cases 18 Auto Theft Cases 33 Theft from Vehicle Cases 17 Criminal Damage to Property Cases Officers also made 40 arrests for shoplifting and 17 arrests for DWI. Save The Dates! Sunday, May 20 “Spring Planting Day” at the Bruentrup Heritage Farm, 2170 E. County Road D from 11AM - 3PM. Admission is free! Saturday, May 26 “Flowers to Spring Forward” is the theme of our ever-popular Spring Tea at the Bruentrup Heritage Farm, 2170 E. Country Road D. Admission is $25 each. Call 651.770.1592 for reservations for the 11:30AM seating. Sunday, June 3 “Ice Cream Social” at Bruentrup Heritage Farm, 2170 E. County Road D. Free admission. Ice cream sundaes are $2 per serving. Please bring a non-perishable food item for donating to the North St Paul Food Shelf. Tuesday, June 5 “Grampa Otto’s Lake Phalen” is a talk by Char Wasiluk at the Maplewood Library, 3025 Southlawn Drive from 7-8PM. Admission is free! Saturday, June 9. Enjoy a “Lawn chair Lunch at Lookout Park” from noon - 12:45PM with Janice Quick Admission is free to MAHS members and $5 for non-members and includes cold, bottled water. Bring your lunch and a lawn chair or a blanket. Meet at the corner of Phalen Place and Ripley Avenue. 651.748.9009 www.maplewoodhistoricalsociety.org Fridley 1202 E. Moore Lake Dr Fridley, MN 55432 (763) 574-0075 E C th t’ thi Eye Care that’s nothing short of Visionary! The World’s Not Flat Why should your vision be?The World s Not Flat. Why should your vision be? The Eye Care Center is one of the first clinics in the country to offer iScription. Taking your vision to the next dimension! Thorough Preventative Exams Latest Technology in treatment of Eye Disease Contact Lens Specialists Exceptional Eyewear Selection Unparalleled Service Two Convenient Locations to serve you: Maplewood Fridley 1965 11th Ave E, Ste 101 1202 E. Moore Lake Dr Maplewood, MN 55109 Fridley, MN 55432 (651) 777 3555 (763)574 0075(651)777-3555 (763)574-0075 Gregory Kraupa O.D Bradley Richter O.D Mitch Albers O.D Steven Nauman O.D Tina McCarty O.D Mahnia Madan O.D s Gregory Kraupa O.D s Mitch Albers O.D s Tina McCarty O.D s Bradley Richter O.D s Steven Nauman O.D s Mahnia Madan O.D Maplewood 1965 11th Ave E, Ste 101 Maplewood, MN 55109 (651) 777-3555 s Thorough Preventative Exams s Latest Technology in treatment of Eye Disease ss Contact Lens Specialists ss Exceptional Eyewear Selection ss Unparalleled Service Two Convenient Locations to serve you: The World's Not Flat. Why should your vision be? The Eye Care Center is one of the first clinics in the country to offer iScription. Taking your vision to the next dimension! Eye Care that's nothing short of Visionary! Eye Care That’s Nothing Short Of Visionary! The Eye Care Center is one of the first clinics in the country to offer iScription. Taking your vision to the next dimension. Maplewood 1965 11th Ave E., Ste 101 (651) 777-3555 Fridley 1202 E. Moore Lake Dr. (763) 574-0075 • Preventative Exams • Contact Lenses • Exceptional Eyeware Selection • Unparalleled Service • Latest Technology In Treatment Of Eye Disease The Council Corner is a space that is rotated monthly between the Mayor and Council members. Editorial views expressed are those of the author and may not necessarily represent or reflect the views and opinons of the City of Maplewood.City News Maplewood Proclaims Arbor Day Date Maplewood City Council has proclaimed Saturday, May 12 Arbor Day in Maplewood. Arbor Day is observed throughout the United States as a day to celebrate trees. National Arbor Day is the last Friday of April, but states and communities vary the date to coincide with planting times and community activities. This year’s celebration will feature tree planting at Lion’s Park. Two local Lions groups are donating trees for the park and sponsoring the celebration— St. Paul East Parks Lions and Maplewood Oakdale Lions. Bring the family and help plant trees at this beautiful neighborhood park. Maplewood’s City Forester will be on hand to answer tree questions. Annual Inspections Of Elm, Oak & Ash The City has hired Andy Hovland, a certified arborist and licensed Tree Inspector with Branch and Bough Tree Service, to survey trees on public and private land in Maplewood for Dutch elm disease, oak wilt and emerald ash borer. If you suspect your tree has one of these diseases, call the City’s disease tree line at 651.249.2407. Information on these diseases is available on the City’s website at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/trees. If you are planning on contracting out tree care, please note that Maplewood requires tree companies working in the City to be licensed with the City. A list of tree contractors licensed in Maplewood is on the City website. Emerald Ash Borer Update In 2011, Maplewood City Council approved an Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Management Plan. EAB is an insect that feeds on ash trees. If the EAB population is high enough in a tree, the tree will die. EAB was discovered in St. Paul in 2009 and has since been confirmed in a few additional metro sites; it has not yet been found in Maplewood. Maplewood’s EAB Plan focuses on detection, pre-emptive removal of declining ash or diseased ash, and replanting. The council decided that the City will not allow the use of insecticides on our boulevard or park ash trees. If you decide to use pesticide on trees on private property, carefully evaluate the environmental impacts and the application method. If you suspect an ash tree in Maplewood may be infested with EAB: • Review the “Do I Have EAB?” checklist, copies available at Maplewood Nature Center or at www.mda.state.mn.us/en/plants/ pestmanagement/eab. • If you still think it may be EAB, contact the state’s Arrest-A-Pest Hotline (651.201.6684) or Maplewood’s Tree Disease Line (651.249.2407). • Information on EAB will be available at the City’s May 12 Arbor Day celebration. In addition, the Nature Center is offering a program on EAB on June 23, 10-11AM (free, call 651.249.2170 to register). Plant A Tree This Year The City of Maplewood is offering a purchase rebate to residential and commercial property owners for planting shade trees on land- scaped property in Maplewood. The tree purchase rebate was established to encourage planting shade trees on private property. It also helps property owners replace trees lost to disease. How does the program work? When you purchase a shade tree for your yard, the City will reimburse you 50% of the price of the tree up to $100 per tree. For each household, up to four trees may be pur- chased, at a total maximum reimbursement of $200. See the Tree Purchase Rebate Form for details, since there are some restrictions on species and a receipt is required. Forms are available at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/trees or call Maplewood Nature Center at 651.249.2170. Please Don’t Transport Fire Wood Did you know that there is a firewood quarantine in Hennepin, Ramsey, Winona and Houston Counties? In 2009, the state issued a quarantine to restrict the movement of ash trees, limbs, and branches outside counties where Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is present. In addition to ash trees, the quarantine includes firewood from all non-coniferous (hardwood) trees. For more information, visit www.mda.state.mn.us/en/plants/pestmanagement/eab. City of Maplewood 5 May 2012 Full Service Tree Care Specializing In Difficult Removals HUGO TREE (651) 429-4705 www.hugotree.com 35 Years Of Experience! Removals, Pruning and Lot Clearing - we do it all! Arbor Day Planting Celebration SATuRdAY, MAY 12, 9:30AM - 12:00 nOOn Lions Park, 618 Farrell Street (West of Century, South of Minnehaha) FREE — Fun for all ages! • Help plant trees at Lion’s Park (shovels provided). • Ask our City Forester your tree questions • Learn how to plant a tree (10:00AM and 11:00AM) • Tree activity for kids & refreshments For more information, or if you have a group attending, call the Nature Center at 651.249.2170. Sponsored by our local Lion’s clubs City of Maplewood 6 May 2012 City News - Council Adopts CIP Plan Continued From Cover A copy of the adopted version of the 2013 - 2017 Capital Improvement Plan is available on the City’s website at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us and is under the Finance Department section. The biggest change in this document from the previous year’s plan is the inclusion of a new Fire Station at 3M and upgrade to the Fire Station at Hazelwood/County Road C, plus expansion of the Police Department / City Hall, which adds $7.0 million in improvements to the plan. In addition, the East Metro / Marshlands Fire Training Facility was granted State Bond funds late in 2011, so this project has been added to the plan. The document explains each of the proposed projects and analyzes the impacts on the budget for the various funds, along with the tax impact necessary to implement these projects as proposed. The Council’s goal of financial sustainability has necessitated the deferral of a number of projects. As recently as three years ago, the 2010 - 2014 CIP was approved at a $77.76 Million level. The final 2013 - 2017 CIP is proposed at $67,692,880, a $10 million reduction in proposed projects from previous year’s plans. The revisions from the draft include deferral of the second phase of the City Hall/Police Department Expansion project, deferral of the third phase of the Fire Department Expansion; deferral of the Hillcrest Area Redevelopment Project; and deferral of a couple of park projects by 1-2 years. This financial sustainability requirement stabilizes the amount of debt that the City maintains. Current debt levels for 2012 are $81,192,297, decreasing to a level of $66,053,712 in 2017. City debt continues to be rated in the top 10-12% of all agencies in Minnesota based upon evaluations by national rating agencies. These agencies comment on the City’s continued investment in replacing and rehabilitating our infrastructure [streets, pipes and facilities], as well as our well planned financial status. This bond rating saves residents and property owners thousands of dollars per year while the replacement/rehabilitation of our infrastructure continues to show national agencies that Maplewood plans to maintain our property values and neighborhood investments, while maintaining a relatively stable tax base. Highlights Of The Plan Include: 1. new Fire Stations/Facilities a. A new station within the South Leg of Maplewood on or near the 3M Campus to be built in 2012 - 2013. The project assumes implementation of an agreement with a local partner and selling bonds for the Fire Station expense to provide for the $5.25 million project. This proposal could involve Tax Increment Financing for expansion of facilities and jobs, but the key assumption is that the facility would be built without a need for a tax increase. b. Refurbishment/replacement of Fire Station #7 at Hazelwood and County Road C in 2014 - 2015. This is a cost of $2.5 million that will be paid from the Public Safety Expansion Fund and will not require City Bonding. This assumes that the Century Avenue, Londin Lane and McMenemy Street stations are abandoned; the property sold at a value of $2.5 million by 2014. This funding would then be used for the construction of new Fire Station #7 at the same location. c. Construction of the East Metro – Marshlands Fire Training Facility on abandoned MndOT right of way at TH 5 and Century Avenue. This project was added to the City project list as part of State Bonding being provided in the July 2011 Bonding Plan. The project will involve up to 16 regional fire departments entering into a Joint Powers Agreement to have state of the art fire training facilities on the property. No tax money from Maplewood is planned for this project. 2. Police department Expansion beginning in 2012 - 2013 a. An independent architect provided the City Council with a study of the space needs study documenting that our Police Department has only 45% of the required space for their operations. This project proposes to expend $4.25 million in 2012-2013. A second phase of $3.38 million has been deferred to post 2017. The initial project would be funded through the issuance of CIP Bonds and would include departments moving to the unfinished vacant space at Public Works for expanding the Police Department into existing space at City Hall. Existing expenses have been reduced on an annual basis such that no major tax increase will be necessary for this project. Appleton, Wisconsin • Minneapolis, Minnesota Thrivent.com • 800-THRIVENT (800-847-4836) 27193 N10-11 Registered Representatives for securities and investment advisory services offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Free Retirement Seminar on May 24th at 10am at the Maplewood Community Center. Dana Erickson, ChFC®, FIC Financial Associate 651-439-7091 Janelle Calhoun Financial Associate 651-287-9437 Fire Station #7 City of Maplewood 7 May 2012 City News - Council Adopts CIP Plan Continued From pg 6 3. Continuation of a Street Reconstruction Program a. The streets program was significantly reduced in the 2012 - 2016 CIP, but continues to invest at reduced levels through 2016 and then expands in 2017. The program has been reduced from the original plan to approximately 60% of the recommended projects. The City Engineer estimates that the quality of the City streets will remain approximately equal to current conditions, although some streets will decrease to poor conditions. b. Construction of a new interchange on TH 36 at English Street. This project is proposed to occur in 2013 and involve the removal of the last signal on Truck Highway 36 between Century Avenue in Oakdale and Interstate 35W in Roseville. The replacement of the signalized intersection at English will involve the construction of a full-access interchange with the bridge for English Street over the top of TH 36. Engineers are still developing plans for this project; however, it is anticipated that the construction will require a full closure of TH 36 between White Bear Avenue and TH 61 from July 4th and Labor Day of 2013. The approved plan for this project estimates a cost of nearly $23 million, with the City’s share at about $4 million, with no impact on taxes for these funds. 4. Other major projects involving parks, open spaces, buildings and equipment are listed by expense, funding plan and year of implementation. The CIP is assembled by neighborhood within Maplewood. Copies of the plan and descriptions of all planned projects are available on the City website. The CIP is a planning document for the next five years for capital projects. It guides the policies and investments of the City through this period. Consideration of the need to repair and rehabilitate the Communities infrastructure needs to be balanced with maintaining as low of a tax rate as possible. The City’s Commissions reviewed the proposed plan prior to the adoption by the City Council and all the Commissions recommended adoption of the CIP. Many Commis- sioners commented on the balancing of maintaining a tax levy at current levels will continuing to invest in our Community’s facilities. Comments or questions can be directed to chuck.ahl@ci.maplewood.mn.us. - Senior Wellness Expo Continued From Cover 12:00PM Cutting Edge Technology In Eye Care Centers Presented By Eye Care Centers - Do you ever experience dryness, excessive tearing, scratchiness, burning, foreign body sensation, fluctuating or blurring of vision, tired eyes, general discomfort, sensitivity to light, contact lens intolerance or tear debris? These are some symptoms of a group of conditions know as Dry Eye which result from inadequate wetting and eye lubrication. This seminar will provide an overview of healthy tears as well as the different causes and treatment options for dry eye. 12:45PM The Key Elements Of Estate Planning Presented By Baker Williams Law - You wrote a Will, but do you have a plan? Estate planning involves much more than writing a will. All of the things you think will happen may not work out the way you hope. Learn what issues lie ahead and how you can take control of your future. 1:30PM Afterlife Planning - Presented By Sandberg Funeral Home - Why prearrange your funeral? How much is the cost of cremation? Will I get a Social Security or Veteran’s benefit? Who do I call when my loved one dies? Can I have my ashes scattered? Do I have to have a vault? Get the answers to all of your afterlife planning questions and more! All day - BInGO - Come join in on all of the fun! Three rounds of BINGO will be played each hour (guests can participate in a maximum of three rounds) beginning on the hour, with grab bag prizes awarded for each round. Don’t miss this important event. Call 651.249.2230 for more details. - Our Family Serving You Since 1942 - Sandberg Funeral & Cremation Service 2593 East 7th St., North St. Paul (651) 777-2600 www.sandbergfuneralhome.com Offering Advanced Planning Take control and be prepared. City of Maplewood 1830 County Road B East Maplewood, MN 55109 Phone: 651.249.2000 www.ci.maplewood.mn.us PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit #32324 Twin Cities, MN********ECRWSS** RESIdEnTIAL CuSTOMER Upon request, this newsletter will be made available in an alternate format.Printed on 10% post consumer product. PEDAL TO THE METAL SOME PEOPLE BURN RUBBER TO GET ATTENTION. WE LOWER AUTO LOAN RATES. 2.49% MODEL YEARS 2009 & NEWER l 6 YEAR TERM (651) 225-2700 l 1 800 223-2801 Interest rate may vary by model year, term, credit worthiness and is subject to change. RATES AS LOW AS APR cccu.com SHLANDPRODUCTIONS Performance for a Lifetime www.ashlandproductions.org 651-274-8020 SummerTheaterCamp T h u m bs Up: The Case of the Pi l f e r e d P lu m Grade 1-6 Grade 8-12 (limited cast) R ob o t s Rebooted Grade 1-6 See our website for full details! Growing With Technology Technology is a growing part of our everyday life, both personally and professionally. The City’s use of technology has grown substantially in the last ten years and to support this growth we have our Information Technology (IT) department. The IT department originally began out of necessity to support and maintain the systems and applications that the City uses internally along with the connectivity to these resources from our remote sites. This continues to be the area where the majority of our resources are allocated. The IT department is responsible for assisting City employees on everything from our security system to our phones along with everything that our employees do on their computers. With over 300 users at 13 different sites all using a variety of applications, the four members of our IT department are in high demand. Another role of our IT department is the creation and dissemination of maps. These maps are used internally for planning and management and also externally in conveying vital information to our citizens. If you’ve seen a City zoning or park map you’ve seen the work of our GIS Analyst. Along those same lines, we continue to strive to offer more and more services and resources online. We understand that there is an expectation from our citizens regarding technology and accessibility. With the click of a mouse you now have a wealth of information at your fingertips. Searching City Council minutes back to 1956 and watching any of this year’s commission meetings are just a couple of examples of resources that are available to you via our website. And we continue to add more. We’ve worked with Ramsey County to create a site where you can search for any number of park facilities throughout all of Ramsey County. Keep an eye open for this service in the coming months. We firmly believe that technology not only allows us to do more with less but also allows us greater transparency as a public entity. The IT department assists our employees in not only reaching, but exceeding those goals.