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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013 - 03 Mar 3 2013 July 4th Event 3 Commission Openings 4 Council Article 4 Medal Of Valor 5 Military Families Egg Hunt Festivities 5 Maplewood Monthly March 2013 City Newsletter 6 Melting & Making Ice 8 Recycling Plastic Bags • White Sidewalls Concert (Love Potion #9) April 13, 7:00PM Maplewood Performing Arts Theatre Tickets: www.maplewoodarts.com • A Rain Garden For Your Yard Classroom Session April 18, 6:30 - 8:30PM Maplewood Library Free - call 651.792.7965 to register by April 12 • Community Garden Plots At Edgerton Open House April 26, 4:00 - 6:30PM Corner of Roselawn & Edgerton in Maplewood • Senior Expo May 16, 10:00 - 2:00PM Maplewood Community Center Save The Date Maplewood and North St. Paul Police Departments Participate in the Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge Maplewood Police Officer Katie Lynch and North St. Paul Officer Kelsey DeGoey Maplewood Police Officer Lonn Bakke, Records Specialist FaithThomforde and Sergeant Kevin Johnson Maplewood Police Officer Lonn Bakke, Records Specialist FaithThomforde and Sergeant Kevin Johnson Throughout the year, men and women in law enforcement volunteer their time and energy to host events to support Special Olympics Minnesota. In 2012, their volunteer efforts raised 2.85 million dollars! The Polar Bear Plunge is part of the year-round Law Enforcement Torch Run events held to benefit Special Olympics. Plunge participants must raise a minimum of $75 and take a dip into one of Minnesota’s frozen lakes. Over the past 13 years, the Maplewood Police Department has participated in or assisted with multiple Special Olympics Minnesota events. The annual Torch Run actually comes right through the City of Maplewood along Highway 61 as it heads to the opening ceremonies of Summer Games at the University of Minnesota. The city typically has a dozen officers and civilian staff who participate. The Maplewood Police Department began a golf fundraiser for Special Olympics Minnesota in 2004. Over the years, this first effort grew to participating in “Cops ‘n Lobsters” or “Tip a Cop” where police officers assist local restaurant servers in waiting tables raising donations for Special Olympics. And, in 2007, Lieutenant Mike Shortreed participated in the “Cop-on-Top” fundraiser by sitting on the roof- top of Rainbow Foods in Roseville for 60 hours and then again in 2007 on the Maplewood Rainbow Foods for over 40 hours to raise funds. Since 2007, the primary organizers have been Lieutenant Shortreed and retired police officer Steve Heinz. This year the City of Maplewood joined with the North St. Paul Police Department to form team Bacon Bits. On January 26th with temperatures in the single digits, team leader Maplewood Police Officer Katie Lynch and 36 Team Bacon Bits members jumped into the frigid waters of White Bear Lake raising $8,219. As of the writing of this article in 2013, $1,652,925 has been raised for Special Olympics Minnesota! Kudos to our Police Department for their efforts. Maplewood Seasons Inside! Frequently Called Numbers Maplewood City Hall General Information 651.249.2000 Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30PM Deputy Registrar Hours: Monday 8:00AM - 6:00PM and Tuesday - Friday 8:00AM - 4:30PM Passport Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00AM - 4:00PM 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 Rebecca Cave: Councilmember 651.773.7059 rebecca.cave@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 March 2013 Maplewood Meeting Schedule City Council ......................................................................... 7:00PM Listening Forum ............................................................... 6:30PM 2nd and 4th Monday of the month City Council Workshop ........................................................ 5:00PM 1st Monday 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 & Economic Development Commission ................. TBD Date and Time To Be Determined 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 Watch Meetings Online That’s right! Any City meetings that are broadcast on Channel 16 are available for you to watch via our website. Simply visit our website at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us go to “Government” and click on “Watch Meetings Online”. This will take you to a page where you’ll be able to watch any live meetings that may be taking place. From that same page you’ll also be able to click on one of the other meeting body’s to view video of their past meetings. Once you’re watching the video be sure to take advantage of the “Agenda Items” tab on the left of your screen. Click on any of the links and it will take you right to that portion of the meeting. We’re very excited to offer this service and encourage you to take advantage of it. Your Electronic Filing Specialists! Individual, Small Business & Corporate $20.00 OFF! New Customers Only. Exp. 4/15/13. Must present ad to redeem discount. 1696 White Bear Ave N, Maplewood, MN 55109 Registered Tax Return Preparers: (The IRS does not endorse any particular individual tax return preparer. For more information on tax return preparers go to IRS.gov) (651) 774-9558 millertax@integra.net www.taxxman.com Promote Your Business Advertise and reach over 22,200 homes, businesses, and apartments with the Official Maplewood City Newsletter. For more information, contact Heidi Carey at 952.212.7333 or heidi.carey@ci.maplewood.mn.us. Thank you to the advertisers who support this publication! 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 Rebecca Cave: Councilmember 651.773.7059 rebecca.cave@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 March 2013 2013 Light It Up: July 4th Event Get Involved! Presented by the City of Maplewood and The Dog House Bar & Grill Attention Maplewood businesses: it’s time to start planning for the biggest event of the summer- Independence Day. This year’s celebration will take place on Thursday, July 4th and there’s no better place to greet your neighbors and show your customers appreciation. From watching spectacular fireworks that light up the sky, hearing the electryfying Good For Gary Band, and enjoying delicious food and drink we’ve compiled the best Maplewood July 4th activities. Don’t be left out when more than 10,000 awe-stricken patriotic residents gather at the 50-acre Hazelwood Park for the highlight of the summer - July 4th! For information on how you can take part in the 2013 event, contact Heidi Carey at heidi@careycommunications.org or 952.212.7333 or Karen Guilfoile at karen.guilfoile@ci.maplewood.mn.us or 651.249.2002. Commission Openings The City of Maplewood is now accepting applications to fill nine openings; three on the Heritage Preservation Commission, two on the Human Rights Commission, one on the Community Design Review Board, and three on the Parks & Recreation Commission. These openings are due to terms expiring. The City Council will interview candidates that apply and will appoint individuals to fill these openings. The Heritage Preservation Commission was created helps the city of Maplewood with its overall historic preservation goals, which include; supporting the protection of the City’s heritage by preserving, protecting, conserving, and wisely using the significant historical, cultural, architectural, or archeological objects, structures, buildings, or sites in the City. The Human Rights Commission advocates for equal opportunities for all citizens of Maplewood in: housing, employment, public accommodations, services and education, in addition to continuously working to improve human rights within the community. The Community Design Review Board is an advisory committee to the city council that reviews building design, site plans, and landscape for proposed multi-family, commercial and industrial development in Maplewood. The Parks and Recreation Commission is an advisory board to the city council on all issues of park acquisition, development, open space, trails and leisure programs and works to provide a community environment for all citizens to participate in and enjoy cultural and recreational activities on an equitable basis. For more information on the commissions, visit the City’s website at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us or call City Hall at 651.249.2000. Applications can be picked up at the City Hall front desk or found on the City’s website. The application deadline is March 22, 2013. Completed applications should be submitted to the City Manager’s Office at 1830 County Road B E, Maplewood, MN 55109. On The Police Scanner In December, the Maplewood Police Department responded to 2,058 calls for service. 17 Assault Cases 5 Robbery Case 20 Burglary Cases 111 Theft Cases 28 Auto Theft Cases 32 Theft from Vehicle Cases 29 Criminal Damage to Property Cases Officers also made 60 arrests for shoplifting and 14 arrests for DWI. Council Cor n e r City of Maplewood 4 March 2013 Volunteering and Sustainablility By Kathleen Juenemann The ultimate sustainability goal, economic and environmental, of the City Council, staff and residents is to maintain and keep vital the quality of life which Maplewood residents expect and enjoy. Everyone plays a role in community sustainability. Beyond awareness, stewardship and paying taxes there are opportunities to participate, to volunteer. Volunteer: What? Where? How? There are many options from which to choose for volunteering your time and talents: In the city, school districts, faith-based communities, and in the wider community. For those who have already found your niche and given your time to much needed tasks/projects, we congratulate and thank you. If you wish to change gears or try a volunteer experience for the first time, there is a wide range to consider. From listening to a child read, to assisting with homework, helping scouts with projects, helping at a food shelf, driving for “Meals on Wheels”, visiting a shut-in senior, mentoring a young person, spending 1-2 hours a week or month for “Friends of the Library”, the list of choices is nearly endless. Here, in the City of Maplewood, we have a history of citizens “stepping up to the plate” to serve when they’re needed to make this a great community. To all of you who have given so much effort and time –some of you many years – we are so extremely grateful. If you are just now finding the time or desire to step forward, we welcome your willingness. Of course, the most obvious place to volunteer is on one of our commissions; we need your ideas, expertise and commitment. Aside from these positions, we have other ways you can help: VIPS (Volunteers in Police Services), Neighborhood Crime Watch, Park Patrol, Open Space Monitors, Maplewood Nature Center, Parks Planning Task Force, Police Reserves, ad hoc citizen task forces (e.g. FishCreek, Living Streets), park clean-up events, etc. If you have questions or suggestions for volunteer opportunities, please check the city website or call City Hall Information 651.249.2000, the City Manager 651.249.2050, or any Councilmember listed elsewhere is this newsletter. Hurrah for Volunteers! P.S. Have a safe, active, and enjoyable spring and summer! 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 Cave and Cardinal, Mayor Rossbach, Councilmembers Koppen and Juenemann Congratulations Officer Julie Olson Vice president Joe Biden presents the medal of Valor to Maplewood Police Officer Julie Olson on Wednesday, February 20, 2013, during a ceremony in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building next to the White House in Washington, D.C. The medal is the highest national award for valor by a public safety officer. It is awarded to officers who have shown exceptional courage, regardless of personal safety, in the attempt to save or protect human life. On September 7, 2009, a suspect in a possible domestic disturbance fatally shot North St. Paul officer Richard Crittenden. Olson, who was wounded during the confrontation, killed the suspect. Retired Maplewood Police Chief David Thomalla and Maplewood Police Lieutenant Michael Shortreed were on hand to witness the ceremony. To Officer Olson and all of our dedicated public safety officers that serve and protect our community - we thank you! SustainableMaplewood Sustainable City News City of Maplewood 5 March 2013 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. Do You Have A Family Member Serving In The Military? The city council often acknowledges Maplewood residents that are serving our country. To increase their efforts to do so, the city council is requesting that community members submit information regarding those serving our country to be highlighted and recognized during the city council meetings, on the city website and possible in future city publication. For more information on how you can assist in this endeavor visit the city website at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us or by calling 651.249.2051. Open House CelebrationSunday, April 7, 20131:00 - 4:00 pm Join Us! Tour Apartments, Sample Delicious Food, and Register for GREAT Door Prizes. www.oak-meadows.org8131 Fourth Street NOakdale, MN OAK MEADOWS SENIOR LIVINGCelebrating 15 Years!Celebrating 15 Years! • Live Dixieland & Jazz Music• Caricatures by Lisa• Balloon Sculptor• Visit Resource Tables Lake Elmo Bank (sponsor); American Healthcare & Mobility; Keller Williams-Larry Eberhard, Gentle Transitions, Alzheimer’s Speaks, Optage Home Care. (651) 578-0676 Stop and Smell the RoSeS Easter Eggstravaganza SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 10:00AM Pre-Hunt Activities 10:00AM Egg Hunt 11:00AM at Edgerton Community Gym 1929 Edgerton Street in Maplewood Mark your calendars for the Maplewood Parks and Rec Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Start the day with breakfast treats, colorful crafts and a visit from the Easter Bunny, then its happy hunting! Children will be divided into two age groups and will be hunting for wrapped candy and plastic eggs, some of which may be redeemed for great prizes. Bags of goodies will be available for children under 2 years of age. Don’t forget your camera. In the event of inclement weather, treat bags will be given away at 11:00AM at the Edgerton Community Gym. Cost is $5.00 per child. Register today online at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us or by calling 651.249.2230 and join the fun. City of Maplewood 6 March 2013 City News Melting Ice and Making Ice - A Public Works Department Insight What improved snow plowing and ice control techniques are being utilized during the winter months? Can you highlight a division within Public Works and services provided? This article will answer these questions and focus on new innovations in the snow and ice control program (snow plowing and melting ice) with the second part of the article highlighting the Park Maintenance Division within Public Works. The Public Works Department serves the citizens in a number of capacities ranging from snow plowing, filling pot holes, maintaining parks, designing and implementing street reconstruction projects, cleaning underground sanitary sewer pipes, removing sediment from ponds, street sweeping, and many other services. Snow and Ice Control In the past two years snow plow trucks have been retrofitted with upgraded salt spreader controls. This is a significant improvement to the operation because it allows each truck to be calibrated for the specific de-icing material loaded into the trucks whether salt or treated salt. The con- trollers are then programmed to place a pre-determined amount of de-icing salt per lane mile and that information is then recorded. The programmed amount of salt material the trucks spread is specific to each snow or ice event based on factors such as pavement tempera- ture and weather forecast. This improves application efficiency and reduces salt use, ultimately saving money and minimizing impact to the environment (reduction in chlorides). The mechanics installed “on-spot” chains on all plow trucks which provide on demand traction when conditions warrant. This assures trucks will not get stuck, which believe it or not has happened a handful of times in the past, and allows for a more timely and efficient service on plow routes. At the start of this year liquid de-icing was introduced into the snow and ice program in the form of anti-icing and pre-wetting. Anti-icing is a proactive approach to snow and ice control. It is a chemical freezing-point-depressant that is applied in advance of a storm event. A liquid brine solution is spot applied to areas such as bridge decks, steep hills, curves, shaded areas, and other known trouble spots that we hear about from residents. Anti-icing prevents snow and ice from bonding to the surface making it easier to be plowed off and reduces the demand for salt application. A proactive approach to snow and ice control, rather than reactive, is the right path forward in providing better service to the traveling public. Pre-wetting also involves a liquid brine solution however it is introduced to the dry salt as it is applied at the spinner when being spread. Pre-wetting has many benefits such as lowering the effective working temperature of salt and jump starting the melting process. It also helps reduce cost and environmental impacts by preventing salt from bouncing or scattering off the street, which otherwise would occur with dry salt. The liquid make the salt sticky allowing it to adhere to the street surface. This has translated into reduced salt use compared to past years. The results are promising so far and the Department looks forward to continuing to find ways to more effectively serve the public. If you have questions or suggestions regarding the snow and ice program please call us at 651.249.2400. Park Maintenance This division consists of six full-time employees and an additional three seasonal employees during the summer months. Maplewood has 36 parks and 14 open spaces. The Parks Division is responsible for all maintenance related work. During the summer months the crews perform many tasks through- out the system with the primary task of turf maintenance or mowing. During the peak grass growing season at least half of the crew is out daily performing turf maintenance. Other activities include athletic field maintenance for softball fields and soccer fields, trash and recycle pick up, and playground equipment maintenance. During the colder winter months the primary focus is snow removal and ice rink maintenance. The park maintenance crew is responsible for snow removal at City Hall, Community Center, and the entire park trails system. - continued on page 7 City of Maplewood 7 March 2013 City News - continued from page 6 A Public Works Department Insight Did you know Maplewood has five hockey rinks and ten pleasure skating rinks? The goal is for the maintenance crews to start making ice on the rinks as soon as the weather dictates. It is preferable to have ice for residents for recreational use as often as possible, especially during the holidays and school breaks. But that is of course subject to Mother Nature. If we have temperatures in the high teens, good ice can be made very quickly. Once ice is established the crews are out daily cleaning the ice and flooding the rinks if necessary. There are five major ice rink sites; Four Seasons Park, Wakefield Park, Gethsemane Park, Afton Park, and Pleasantview Park. All the major sites except Pleasantview have warming houses that are run by the Recreation Department. When the weather is indifferent, as it sometimes is in Minnesota, and the crew is not needed for ice rink maintenance or snow removal, they are busy with tree trimming, equipment repair, in-house building projects, and other miscellaneous projects. This year one of those projects is the preparation for upgrades to the Edgerton Park ball field. As you may have heard this ball field will be dedicated in the summer as “Tom Kelly” field. Tom served as the Twins Manager from 1986 to 2001 and is a longtime Maplewood resident. This exciting project involves a partnership with the Twins organiza- tion through a grant and also donation of Target Field bench seating. Between now and this coming June our crews will be busy preparing for the retrofit to ensure the seating areas and field layout meet the new requirements. If you have any questions or concerns regarding general maintenance in the parks call the Public Works Department at 651.249.2400. For questions regarding recreation programs or operating hours for warming houses contact the Recreation Department at 651.249.2120. SHLANDPRODUCTIONS Performance for a Lifetime www.ashlandproductions.org 651-274-8020 Performances February 21 - May 5 CT! Ashland Collaborative eater P ir ates The M u s icalMEMORY CARE RENTAL APARTMENTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE Independent, Assisted Living, and Memory Care Rental Apartments 1870 East Shore Drive, Maplewood, MN 55109 Call today to schedule lunch and a tour. 651-777-7784 Quality Care, Focus on Relationships, Beautiful Private Apartment Homes, Excellent Service... Wakefield Rink - continued on page 7 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 Call Today for a FREE Estimate. (651) 203-0149 www.nwfaMN.com Multiple financing options available! BC248265 Save Some Green! on your home exterior projects $200 OFF Each Window 15% OFF Sunrooms, Screen Rooms, Pergolas & Patio Covers 40% OFFAttic Insulation SIDING Buy 4 Squares get the 5th one FREE Plastic Bag Recycling Plastic bags are a major cause of litter and waste. It is much better to use a reusable shopping bag than a plastic bag. But if you do find yourself with a plastic bag, you can now recycle it in the City’s residential recycling program. The City’s recycling partner, Tennis Recycling, LLC, has announced they will now be accepting plastic bags with recycling. Plastic bags accepted include all retail plastic bags, no Ziploc-style bags or plastic wrapping of any kind. Ensure the bags are clean and dry and that all contents, including receipts, are removed. Plastic bags should be consolidated into one bag, and then placed in the recycling bin. Plastic bags are recycled into many different products. Most plastic bags are recycled into composite lumber but can also be reprocessed into small pellets, or post consumer resin, which can become new bags, pallets, containers, crates, and plastic piping. If you bag your recyclables prior to placing them in the recycling bin, make sure to use a paper bag, not a plastic bag. Large pieces of cardboard can be placed outside of the bin, to ensure room for other recyclables. But keep in mind that recyclables don’t need to be bagged in the City’s single sort system. You can just place them loosely in the bin. For more information visit the City’s recycling webpage at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/recycling or contact Tennis Recycling at 651.459.1887.