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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012 - 11 Nov 3 Fish Creek Forever 3 City Survey Coming 4 Council Corner 4 Police Scanner 6 Plowing Reminders Highway 36 Project 6 Maplewood Monthly November 2012 City Newsletter 7 Gladstone Savanna 8 Recycling Plastic • Thanksgiving Holiday Craft Fun November 15, 6:15 - 7:15PM Maplewood Community Center • Rockie Lynne December 7, 8:00PM Maplewood Performing Arts Theatre Tickets: www.maplewoodarts.com • Santa’s Workshop Party December 14, 6:00 - 8:30PM Maplewood Community Center • Back to the Fifties Tribute Show December 15, 7:00PM Maplewood Performing Arts Theatre Tickets: www.maplewoodarts.com Note: See Page 2 For The New Recreation E-newsletter Information Save The Date Public Hearing on City Budget and Levy - December 10 Per state law, cities are required to certify their maximum proposed property tax levies to the county auditor by September 15. The proposed tax levy that is given preliminary approval cannot be increased. Therefore, it is important that the proposed tax levy provides adequate revenues to finance the 2013 Budget. At the City Council meeting held September 10, 2012, the City Council set the maximum tax levy for 2013 at $18,656,930, which is a 4.5% increase over 2012. 4% of this is for the City budget and 0.5% is a new levy for the Maplewood Area Economic Development Authority. The tax impacts of the proposed budget, as well as the programs and services supported by it, will be reviewed at a public hearing during the regular Council meeting December 10, 2012, 7:00PM., at Maplewood City Hall. All interested citizens are invited to attend. City Taxes Based on information received from Ramsey County, city taxes on a single-family home valued at $182,900 – the average value for taxes payable in 2012 – will decrease $41 next year, declining from $752 to $711. The calculations assume that the home experiences a 12.14% decrease in value. Here are the estimated city tax changes on homes with higher and lower values than the average. Home market values do not increase or decrease by the same percentage for all properties. Therefore, the estimated city tax increase may be higher for some, particularly if there have been improvements that add value. Similarly, a larger decrease in value could cause a larger decrease in taxes. General Fund The budget is composed of a number of different funds, the largest of which is the General Fund. The General Fund is the primary operating fund of the city and includes such services as police, fire, public works, community development, citizen services, park maintenance and administration. The revenues to support the General Fund come from a variety of sources, the largest of which is property taxes at approximately 67%. Other sources of revenue include permit fees from new home and business construction, charges for various services, miscellaneous revenues and intergovernmental revenues. Value of Property for Pay 2012 Value of Property for Pay 2013 Taxable Market Value for Pay 2013 2012 City Tax 2013 City Tax $ Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease) $100,000 $87,900 $58,571 $ 336 $ 306 ($30)(9.0%) $150,000 $131,800 $106,422 $ 587 $ 550 ($37)(6.2%) $182,900 $160,700 $137,923 $ 752 $ 711 ($41)(5.4%) $275,000 $241,600 $226,104 $1,213 $1,161 ($52)(4.3%) $350,000 $307,500 $297,935 $1,588 $1,527 ($61)(3.9%) On the expenditure side, just under 75% of the General Fund is spent on employee salaries and benefits, with the balance spent on contractual services, other operating expenses and capital items. Approximately 55% of the General Fund budget is allocated to public safety (police and fire) and 17% to public works. The remaining 28% is allocated to Citizen Services, Community Development, Administration, Building Maintenance, and Parks. Providing a Good Value Under the proposed city budget, the average homeowner receives police and fire protection; snow plowing and street maintenance; park development and maintenance; recreational programs and facilities; and many other services for about $59.25 per month. Here is a breakdown of the levy by fund: General Fund $39.69 Ambulance Service Fund $1.43 Community Center Operations Fund $1.46 Recreation Programs Fund $0.56 Capital Improvements Project Fund $0.57 Fire Truck Replacement Fund $0.16 Park Development Fund $0.10 Public Safety Expansion Fund $0.99 Redevelopment Fund $0.06 Debt Service $13.95 Economic Development Authority $0.28 Value of Property for Pay 2012 Value of Property for Pay 2013 Taxable Market Value for Pay 2013 2012 City Tax 2013 City Tax $ Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease) Home market values do not increase or decrease by the same percentage for all properties. Therefore, the estimated city tax increase may be higher for some, particularly if there have been improvements that add value. Similarly, a larger decrease in value could cause a larger decrease in taxes. General Fund The budget is composed of a number of different funds, the largest of which is the General Fund. The General Fund is the primary operating fund of the city and includes such services as police, fire, public works, community development, citizen services, park maintenance and administration. - continued on page 6 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/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 Police General Information - Non-Emergency 651.767.0640 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 November 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 ....................................... 6:00PM 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 November 12 in observance of Veterans Day and November 22 & 23 for Thanksgiving. 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. Promote Your Business Contact Heidi Carey at 952.212.7333 or heidi@careycommunications.org. Thank you to the advertisers who help support this publication! www.integrityfurnace.com Clean Air Made Easy With Integrity! FREE Video Inspections With Every Service. AIR WASH DUCT CLEANING$8995 $8995 ROTARYBRUSH CLEANING$15995 Reg. $15995 Reg. $13995 Reg. $25995 Not valid with other offers. Exp. 12/15/12 Integrity • 651-414-9722 Not valid with other offers. Exp. 12/15/12 Integrity • 651-414-9722 Not valid with other offers. Exp. 12/15/12 Integrity • 651-414-9722 FREE Dryer Vent Cleaning with any purchase*. Privately Owned and Operated with Over 15 Years of Experience.100% Satisfaction Guarantee! FURNACE ORFIREPLACECHIMNEY CLEANING SAVE $100! *roof top dryer vents may be additional charge Green Or Bust! Don’t Be Left Out. The Maplewood/North St. Paul Recreation publication is going GREEN as part of the city’s commitment to being a Minnesota GreenStep City. The November 2012 recreation publication will not be mailed to your home. Sign up for our E-newsletter to ensure you receive your brochure, via email! A PDF version of the publication will be available on the website and facebook. Email your email address to recreationonline@ci.maplewood.mn.us. Hard copies will be available at Maplewood City Hall, Maplewood Community Center and the North St. Paul Community Center. To request that a copy be mailed to your home, please call 651.249.2120. Fall 2012 AUG - OCT MAPLEWOOD NOrth St. PAuLPArKS & rECrEAtION - TogeTher Bringing You More - New Theatre Shows Exciting MCC Announcement The Fish Creek Affair And More! p.6 p.21 p.4 Discover Your Recreation Pleasure “Like” Maplewood Parks & Recreation On Don’t Miss Out! The November ‘12 Issue Is Going Electronic. Learn More On Pg 3 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 3 November 2012 • Our teachers are experienced and dedicated early education specialists. • Our curriculum emphasizes cognitive development and intellectual challenge, exceeding guidelines established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). • Our enrichment programs include music, science, foreign language, and exercise and nutrition. • Full-time and part-time programs available for infants through school-age. Craft/Bake Sale Fri. Nov. 16, 5-7pmSat. Nov. 17, 9am-1pm at Oak Meadows Senior Living 8131 Fourth St N • Oakdale • www.oak-meadows.org • (651) 578-0676 New Items Both Days! Holiday Items • Clothing • Honey • Cupcakes Crochet Items Most Under $10 • Jewelry Glass Pendants • Sun Catchers • Food Candles • Purses • Scarves • Pins • More Fish Creek Forever The City and its partners continue to make progress on raising funds to preserve the 70-acre Fish Creek parcel in South Maplewood. Information on the project is available on the website listed below. Here are some highlights from the summer. • $1,725,000 has been secured to purchase the site. The City needs an additional $426,000 to acquire and protect this land. • Many residents ventured out to explore the site in 2012, on their own or attending hikes and events put on by Maplewood Nature Center and partners. Over 200 people visited the site in September for The Gathering at Fish Creek Bluff. • Classroom sessions on area history and site archeology brought residents together to learn more about this land. • The City and County developed a Master Plan for the site. Three public meetings were held to gather input and discuss the plan. Three Maplewood Commissions reviewed the plan. The Master Plan is now on its way to the City Council for review. To see the plan, visit the website listed below. • Great River Greening received a $187,500 grant to begin restoration in the Fish Creek area- on Ramsey County Open Space and on the new parcel being acquired. What’s coming up for Fish Creek? November 3 – The Fish Creek Affair. The Fish Creek Committee invites you to celebrate Fish Creek and help raise funds for site acquisition. Join us at the beautiful Maplewood Community Center for a gala event with social hour, dinner, music by Café Melange, and a silent auction. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased by calling 651.249.2330. November 15, 2012 – Give to the Max Day. On Thursday, November 15, hundreds of Minnesota nonprofit organizations will raise millions of dollars in just 24 hours. The Fish Creek Committee encourages you to consider a donation to a local project on this day – Fish Creek. Friends of the Mississippi River is fiscal agent for individual donations for Fish Creek. If you’d like to contribute to acquisition of Fish Creek, visit: www.fmr.org/support/fish_creek. Be sure to indicate Fish Creek when you enter their on-line giving page. For more information on the Fish Creek project, contact Ginny Gaynor at 651.249.2230 or visit www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/fishcreek. City of Maplewood Citizen Survey In our ongoing efforts to identify ways to better serve our community, the City of Maplewood is conducting a Citizen Survey. The 2012 City of Maplewood Citizen Survey will be held November 5 - 26, 2012. The survey serves as an important evaluation tool that enables residents to rate city services and offer input on what the City of Maplewood does well and where it can make improvements. Results from this survey will assist the Maplewood City Council and the City Manager in setting priority focus areas for city services in the future. Residents who would like to participate can complete the survey online November 5 - 26, 2012 by visiting: www.surveymonkey.com/s/maplewood2012 A hard copy of the 2012 City of Maplewood Citizen Survey can also be completed at Maplewood City Hall, 1830 County Road B East, Monday through Friday from 8:00AM to 4:30PM. Thank you in advance for taking part in the 2012 City of Maplewood Citizen Survey. Council Cor n e r City of Maplewood 4 November 2012 Maplewood Sustainability By Councilmember Kathleen Juenemann The dictionary definition* of “to sustain” includes to keep in existence, maintain; to supply with necessities; to support the vitality or resolution of. The term sustainability is more than a buzz word to the City of Maplewood; it is a goal, a basis for establishing ordinances and practices, a sound principle for planning and action. Financial sustainability, a major City Council goal established at our annual retreats in 2011 and 2012, is one of the foundation stones of a vital, stable, viable, properly functioning community. Financial stability is accomplished by making sound budget decisions and equalizing expenditures and revenues every year, while providing quality, efficient services to our citizens. Such sustainability is the result of good planning, cost assessment, balancing short term and long term needs and projects with associated financial impacts. The real value of our city’s sound planning and solid financial operation is evident in our excellent bond rating in the top 10-12% of all government entities in the state. Some of our current projects requiring evaluation of service needs and cost balancing are providing adequate equipment and fire stations for our Fire Fighters, sufficient space needs for our Police Department to operate appropriately, and the future of our park planning and improvements. In addition, we must continue to examine and improve our city infrastructure – streets, sewers, water systems – on a regular basis. Investing in ourselves is a necessity to our sustainability. Environmental sustainability is, perhaps, a more familiar term to us. It means we develop practices to support, preserve and protect the natural environment, resources and condition, while meeting needs of the present and guarding those needs for the future. Protecting the environment and making good use of and preserving our natural resources are important to our community. Maplewood is endowed with lakes, wetlands, woodlands, a small prairie and 14 city owned open spaces (300+ acres). We have a history of working together to protect and preserve our natural treasures. From a long tradition of developing and valuing parks and recreation programs, establishing our Nature Center, passing a $5 million Open Space Referendum in 1993, to our current effort to acquire the Fish Creek parcel (after almost 30 years of interest and effort), we are a community that values nature and outdoor opportunities. With the dedication and efforts of our Parks Commission and our Environmental & Natural Resources Commission, we have developed a good parks system and Open Space Program. The Commissions have helped guide the Council in establishing protections for our wetlands and for our valuable trees; adopted an alternative energy ordinance; and we have in place efficient systems for recycling and, recently, organized trash collection. We also have a “Green Team”, a staff committee who work to promote balanced, sustainable practices within the city and community. Their goal is to establish actions/practices that cause little or no negative effect on the natural environment and promote “environmentally sustainable operating practices”. They have already assessed our current policies and operations for energy use, fuel consumption, environmental impacts, etc. They have helped implement a “green purchasing policy” and are working to decrease our carbon footprint. Currently we have a City Council with the will as well as a competent, co-operative staff with the ability to move us forward in “going green”. Ultimately, financial and environmental sustainability responsibilities lie with us. Maplewood is our community, and we need to be aware of ordinances and practices and to be responsible stewards of its many treasures: well managed city services, operation and infrastructure, parks and open spaces, trees and native plants, public spaces and facilities. P.S. I wish all staff, commissioners/community volunteers and all residents a holiday season of happiness and peace. * The American Heritage Dictionary 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 opinions of the City of Maplewood. Councilmembers Cardinal and Koppen, Mayor Rossbach, Councilmembers Juenemann and Llanas On The Police Scanner In September, the Maplewood Police Department responded to 2,173 calls for service. 25 Assault Cases 3 Robbery Case 23 Burglary Cases 107 Theft Cases 19 Auto Theft Cases 52 Theft from Vehicle Cases 38 Criminal Damage to Property Cases Officers also made 44 arrests for shoplifting and 21 arrests for DWI. - City Budget continued from cover The revenues to support the General Fund come from a variety of sources, the largest of which is property taxes at approximately 67%. Other sources of revenue include permit fees from new home and business construction, charges for various services, miscellaneous revenues and intergovernmental revenues. On the expenditure side, just under 75% of the General Fund is spent on employee salaries and benefits, with the balance spent on contractual services, other operating expenses and capital items. Approximately 55% of the General Fund budget is allocated to public safety (police and fire) and 17% to public works. The remaining 28% is allocated to Citizen Services, Community Development, Administration, Building Maintenance, and Parks. Providing a Good Value Under the proposed city budget, the average homeowner receives police and fire protection; snow plowing and street maintenance; park development and maintenance; recreational programs and facilities; and many other services for about $59.25 per month. Here is a breakdown of the levy by fund: General Fund $39.69 Ambulance Service Fund $1.43 Community Center Operations Fund $1.46 Recreation Programs Fund $0.56 Capital Improvements Project Fund $0.57 Fire Truck Replacement Fund $0.16 Park Development Fund $0.10 Public Safety Expansion Fund $0.99 Redevelopment Fund $0.06 Debt Service $13.95 Economic Development Authority $0.28 TOTAL MONTHLY $59.25 Summary of Maximum Levy Increase The proposed budget included a tax levy increase of 3.5%. Because the preliminary tax levy amount approved can only be decreased (not increased), the Council wanted to insure they had sufficient funds to cover any unknown costs that may arise between September 10th – when they approved the max levy, and December 10th – when the final levy will be approved. The Council allocated an additional $50,000 for new fire fighters; $50,000 for fire station infrastructure; and $78,530 for debt service – increasing the maximum tax levy increase from 3.5% to 4.5% over 2012. Prior to adoption of the final levy, the Council will determine if the additional levy increase is needed or if other reductions can be made to the budget. The maximum levy increase for 2013 is currently 4.5% or $803,407. This can be broken into parts as follows: More information about the proposed 2013 city operating budget is available on the Maplewood website at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us. Comments can be sent to gayle.bauman@ci.maplewood.mn.us or chuck.ahl@ci.maplewood.mn.us. 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 opinions of the City of Maplewood. City News City of Maplewood 5 November 2012 Independent, Assisted Living and Memory Care Rentals1870 East Shore Drive • Maplewood, MN 55109 www.ShoresOfLakePhalen.com 11:00 a.m. Ribbon Cutting Program 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Open House with Lunch Buffet & Tours Complimentary Valet Parking RSVP to651-777-7784 GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION Saturday, December 1, 2012 YOU’RE INVITED Proposed Council Final Max Operating cost increases $185,180 $ 50,000 $235,180 1.3% Ambulance Fund increases $100,000 $100,000 0.6% Debt Service increases $105,427 $ 78,530 $183,957 1.0% C.I.P. Fund increase $ 35,000 $ 35,000 0.2% Public Safety Bonding $ 60,000 $ 50,000 $110,000 0.6% Redevelopment Levy $ 20,000 $ 20,000 0.1% New EDA Levy $ 89,270 $ 89,270 0.5% Park Dev. Fund Levy $ 30,000 $ 30,000 0.2% TOTAL $624,877 $178,530 $803,407 4.5% Maximum Levy Increase for 2013 City of Maplewood 6 November 2012 City News Highway 36 / English Street Interchange Project Coming in 2013 After many years of studies, discussions, outreach, and approvals, the Highway 36 / English Street Interchange Improvement project is about to become a reality. The project will remove the last at-grade signalized intersection along Highway 36 between the eastern Ramsey County line and Interstate 35W in Roseville. A number of public open-houses, one-on-one meetings, and citizen design committee meetings have been held to shape this into a successful project that accomplishes improved safety and mobility along Highway 36, while also providing acceptable local access to Maplewood’s businesses and residents. This project will replace the Highway 36 / English Street signalized intersection with a tight diamond interchange with English Street bridged over Highway 36. Access ramps to and from English Street will be provided for both eastbound and westbound traffic along Highway 36. This will provide good access to the local roadway system and help foster redevelopment. Other Improvements Associated with the Project: • County Road B / Highway 61 intersection reconstruction and relocating the frontage road further to the east to avoid confusion and improve safety. • Roadway connection from Gervais Avenue to Barclay Street allowing residents in the Gervais/Viking/Hazelwood neighborhood to properly access the new interchange. • Reconstruction of deteriorating local roadways and utilities in the immediate area including sidewalk installation. • Pedestrian facilities including a trail located on south side of County Rd B between Highway 61 and Weaver Elementary School. • A new Bruce Vento Trail bridge over Highway 36 to accommodate the new interchange and Highway 36 improvements. • Noise wall construction along the south side of Highway 36 generally between the Bruce Vento Trail and Hazelwood Street. Earthen berm with landscaping on the north side of Highway 36 between Barclay Street and Germain Street. • Eliminating unsafe access points at Hazelwood Street and Atlantic Street. • Highway 36 will be built to an urban section with aesthetic enhancements in the corridor. The design plans for this project have been completed. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in the spring of 2013. This project will require a number of detours. Please note a full closure of Highway 36 between Highway 61 and White Bear Avenue is likely in the July and August timeframe of 2013 (approximately 60-75 days). This closure allows the overall project improvement to be substantially completed in one year instead of two. Additional open house meetings will be held this winter and spring in coordination with MnDOT to further discuss project phasing, detours, and local access during construction. Please contact Public Works at 651.249.2400 with questions or comments. Also, please refer to the following website for additional project detail. www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/hwy36maplewood/ Snow Plowing Safety Reminders Winter is quickly approaching and it won’t be long until your snowplow drivers will once again be out in full force clearing snow and ice, making the roads drivable. Your snowplow drivers would like to remind you of the following: • Keep a safe distance from the snowplow. Stay back at least 70 feet (four car lengths) from the plow so the driver can see you. • Don’t assume plow drivers see you. Their field of vision is limited and visibility can be reduced by blowing snow. • Do not shovel or blow snow into the street. It’s against the law. • Do not allow children to make tunnels in snow piles on the boulevard. • Trash cans and recycling bins should be placed in your driveway, not in the street where they will interfere with plowing. The city attempts to remove snow as close to the curb as possible to allow access to the mailbox by the postal depart- ment. It is not always possible to remove all of the snow in front of the mailbox. It is your responsibility to keep the area in front of the mailbox open to ensure mail delivery. The City of Maplewood has established a goal of plowing all streets within eight hours after the snow quits falling for a typical three inch snowfall. The sidewalk and trail system will be cleared within 48 hours after completion of the street plowing operations. The city has established parking ordinances that when adhered to, result in faster, more thorough service, and provide safer driving conditions. Parking is banned year round on city streets between 2:00AM and 6:00AM. Parking for more than 30 minutes during a snowfall and during the plowing of snow is prohibited. Parking on bridge approaches or on boulevards or medians is also prohibited. For the complete snow plowing policy and city ordinances, visit the city website at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us under city departments, Public Works division, or call the Public Works Department at 651.249.2400. City of Maplewood 7 November 2012 City News Gladstone Savanna Drainage Basin and You The Gladstone Savanna consists of approximately 115 acres of residential, commercial, streets, and open space property. This drainage basin stretches from the Gladstone Savanna as far north as Skillman Avenue and as far east as Barclay Street. Runoff from this drainage basin ultimately discharges to Lake Phalen. Different activities done by residents, businesses, and the City ultimately affect the quality of water that discharges to Lake Phalen. The first activity that has an effect on water quality is called Illicit Discharge. Illicit discharge at its basic level is any discharge into the storm sewer system that is not composed of entirely storm water. Illegal dumping of materials such as paint, oil, and sewage from into storm drains are examples of illicit discharge. Additionally, it can be generated through illegal connections to the storm sewer system from commercial and residential properties. All of these activities contribute to the degradation of downstream water bodies. For the Gladstone Savanna Drainage Basin, these type of discharges end up in Lake Phalen. Therefore, it is always important to dispose of materials though proper methods such as the recycling centers. It is important that proper erosion control methods are applied to keep sediment from entering into the City’s storm sewer system during construction activities. Sediment can travel a long distance from a construction site before it has a chance to settle. The City of Maplewood has a permitting process for construction projects that include grading activities. The permit helps define the erosion control methods necessary to keep sediment from leaving the construction site. This includes the use of such techniques as installing silt fence, inlet protection devices, pretreatment areas, erosion control blanket, and making sure the project area is reestablished with vegetation shortly after construction. By working through the permitting process residents and business owners can make a huge difference in the quality of the downstream water bodies such as Lake Phalen. The City has established a storm water ordinance that sets design guidelines for future projects and development in the City of Maplewood. The ordinance sets standards to control the amount of runoff from proposed projects, treatment requirements to help limit total suspended solids, illicit discharges, and banning the use of coal tar sealers used on driveways. Proper planning and following the city storm water ordinances are another step that can be taken to protect our environment and improve the quality of storm water runoff. The City also takes an active role in protecting our local water bodies by using water quality best management practices for our public improvement projects such as road reconstruction projects and the Gladstone Savanna Improvements. The Gladstone Savanna Improvement project included the construction of a pretreatment basin and a large infiltration basin located at the west end of the savanna. The new basin is capable of capturing and infiltrating a 1.5” rainfall event without discharging to the downstream area. These improvements will provide volume control and water quality treatment for the Gladstone Savanna and the approximately 115 acre drainage area. Residents, business owners, and the City all play an important part in keeping the environment and the surrounding water bodies in good condition. By working together we are able to help improve the quality of storm water runoff to our local water bodies such as Lake Phalen. www.partnersobgyn.com Birch Run Station in Maplewood 1737 Beam Ave (Next to JoAnn Fabrics) Specialty Women’s Health Obstetrics • Gynecology • Infertility • Surgery Office Procedures • Next Day Appointments Available (651) 770-3320 New Patients Welcome! 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. now you can even Make a Deposit by snapping a p ure. Federally insured up to $250,000 by NCUA. cccu.com ! INTRODUCING !! !! With City & County’s App for your iPhone, Android or iPad, you can pay your bills, make a transfer, locate the nearest ATM and even make a deposit by snapping a picture. Get started today! Visit your associated app store and search for PC FIRST mobile. (651) 225-2700l800 223-2801 What Types Of Plastics Can I Recycle? Did you know that more plastics can now be recycled? In addition to the old favorites—bottles, jugs, and jars-Tennis Recycling collects clean plastic food packaging containers, including round yogurt and dairy tubs, clear PET #1 clamshell plastic, drink cups, and berry baskets. All containers must be clean and contain no food waste or trash. Accepted non-food plastics include plant pots and garden trays, along with rigid plastics such as buckets, toys, and containers. Tennis will also collect large items for recycling such as plastic crates, totes, laundry baskets, pallets, and lawn furniture. Depending on the type of resin, different products can be re-made from plastic. The resin type is depicted in a triangular symbol on the product or packaging with numbers ranging from one to seven. Following are examples of what each of these types of plastics can be recycled into: #1 - Polyethylene terephthalate (PETE) can be recycled into bottles or broken down and re-formed as packaging, carpeting and Mylar. #2 - High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is recycled into containers, pipes and buckets. #3 - Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is manufactured into scraps that can be used to make more PVC. #4 - Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is recycled as trash bags. #5 - Polypropylene (PP) is commonly broken down and formed back into pallets and buckets. #6 - Polystyrene (PS) is often recycled into insulation, park benches, clothes hangers and many other products. #7 - Category number seven is reserved for any plastic not in categories one through six. Very few of these plastics can be recycled on a wide scale. For additional recycling information, visit www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/recycling or contact Tennis Recycling at 651.459.1887. Heating Costs Expected To Rise. 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