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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 -06-07 Jun-JulMaplewood is a spectacular place to celebrate July 4th! Come to the 50-acre Hazelwood Park located at 1663 County Road C (near Maplewood Mall). The event will take place from 4:00 - 10:00 pm. Admission is FREE for everyone! The Dog House Bar & Grill will be on site serving up refreshing adult beverages. Vendors will provide a mix of favorite foods: tacos and burritos, mini donuts, cheese curds, chicken fries, a variety of tator tot recipes, gyoza, egg rolls, corn on the cob, hot dogs, corn dogs, brats, hamburgers, pizza, ice cream sandwiches, ice cream on a stick, sno-cones, lamb & beef gyros, greek salad and more. Live music will start at 6:30 pm by the Good For Gary Band - Twin Cities Hottest Top 40 Cover Band. The band’s humor and enthusiasm shines through in their bar-rocking, stage-jumping performances. You will hear some Lady Gaga, Eminem, Usher, and Rihanna - don’t miss it! Test your skills on the 60’ or 38’ Millennium Obstacle Course. Cool off on the “18’ Hot Lava Water Slide” or jump in one of the giant inflatables. Wristbands are $3.00 per person for unlimited rides. The featured entertainment will be the brilliant fireworks show at dusk. The show promises to be a breathtaking pyrotechnic display that will be the highlight of the holiday. Many people arrive early to stake out a seat on the lawn and enjoy the fun activites taking place at the park. Bring your chairs and blankets, but coolers will not be allowed in the park. Come celebrate with your neighbors. Visit www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/july4th for more details. City’s Official NEWSLETTER MAPLEWOOD June/July 2015presented by CITY OF MAPLEWOOD and Thank you Sponsors: All American Segway, Costumes Plus, City & County Credit Union, Sprint, Xcel Energy of July ELEBRATIONCight it UpLMAPLEWOOD In This Issue Archeology Dig MCC / Ramsey County Fair Council Corner Road Construction Update New Thrift Store Opens NEW! FREE! WOW Events AT WAKEFIELD PARK Wednesdays 6:00 - 8:00 pm Entertainment for the whole family, including activity stations, games, jump castle, food and more! Each month features a different theme. Fitness Is Fun!- June 24 Around the World- July 29 Art in the Park- August 26 2 3 4 6 7 Maplewood Seasons Inside! Living Light It Up Maplewood On Saturday, July 4th at Hazelwood Park Bingo Bash & Movie Night at the MCC- August 13, 5pm Food trucks, bounce castle, music and more! Bingo follows at 6pm with proceeds going to the Youth Scholarship Fund. The movie (Brave) starts playing at dusk in the lower parking lot (inside if bad weather). Don’t forget a chair and bug spray! GOOD FOR GARY Municipal Primary Election: August 11, 2015 Two Councilmembers’ offices will be on the ballot. To see a list of the candidates who are on the ballot and for additional information regarding the candidates and the election visit the city website at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us and enter “election” in the search bar or contact Karen Haag, Director of Citizen Services at (651) 249-2002 or via email at karen.haag@ci.maplewood.mn.us. Watch for additional information in the next edition of the Maplewood Living. Elected Officials Nora Slawik: Mayor ........................................................(651) 738-7099 nora.slawik@ci.maplewood.mn.us Marylee Abrams: Councilmember ............................(651) 249-2000 marylee.abrams@ci.maplewood.mn.us Robert Cardinal: Councilmember ..............................(651) 765-8600 bob.cardinal@ci.maplewood.mn.us Kathleen Juenemann: Councilmember ................... (651) 771-3670 kathleen.juenemann@ci.maplewood.mn.us Marvin Koppen: Councilmember .............................. (651) 770-5391 marvin.koppen@ci.maplewood.mn.us Melinda Coleman: City Manager ..............................(651) 249-2055 melinda.coleman@ci.maplewood.mn.us MAPLEWOODLiving 2 / June/July 2015 Residents have a special opportunity in July to participate in an archeological dig at Maplewood’s Fish Creek Preserve! A 2005 study unearthed Native American artifacts at two locations within the preserve. This summer, the public can help follow-up on that initial study during two archeology field days, July 24 and 25, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. Archeologist Jeremy Nienow, PhD., RPA will lead the archeological survey. On Field Day 1, the group will do shovel testing to define the western boundary of one of the archeological sites. Field Day 2 will focus on excavating a 1-meter square test area to further understand the site’s potential contribution to the archaeological record of the past. Participants will learn about archeology and the methods used to conducted archaeological work in the 21st century. The program is open to adults and children ages 14 and over with an adult. This is very physical work and participants must be able to stoop and bend, use a shovel, and be outdoors for the full 5-hour session. You can sign up for one day or two days. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. The cost is $15 per session. To register, visit www.maplewoodnaturecenter.com and click on the Register Online-Go! button, or call (651) 249-2170. This program is presented by Maplewood Area Historical Society, Ramsey County Historical Society, and City of Maplewood. Archeology Dig at Fish Creek Costumes Plus_ Open Year-Round The largest selection of costumes and accessoriesfor the entire FAMILY for any occasion 2839 White Bear Ave. N Maplewood, MN Tel. (651)-748-1185 www.costumes-plus.com Archeology Dig at Fish Creek YMCA Swim Academy Joins MCC The YMCA will launch ‘YMCA Swim Academy’ on June 15th, implementing its nationally-recognized curriculum to teach water safety skills and connect students with the health benefits of swimming! Addition- ally— through a gracious grant contribution from the Hawkins Foundation and Abby’s Hope Foundation—the YMCA will be able to offer free water safety classes for 250 youth; working with area schools and other non-profits to identify kids most in need of lessons. MCC Aquatics Center Contest Celebrate summer pool season by entering the Maplewood Community Center’s aquatics center contest. Simply count all of the fish on our poolside ocean mural and submit your answer at MCC customer service or admissions. All correct answers will be entered into a drawing to win a $25.00 MCC gift card. Complete this swimmingly fun task by August 1, 2015 to participate. Adding Value to your MCC Membership: Zumba, Zumba Gold, Zumba Toning, and Aqua Zumba - FREE! We are pleased to announce that starting in August 2015, Zumba, Zumba Gold, Zumba Toning, and Aqua Zumba will be included as FREE classes for MCC members! These classes will also be open to anyone in the community for the regular MCC daily admission rates ($8/Adult or $6/ senior or youth). That’s right! After years of offering these classes as part of our Specialty Fitness Programs, we are shifting them onto our regular group fitness schedule. Led by certified Zumba instructors, the Maplewood Community Center’s Zumba “parties” are a great way to get fit while having fun. Zumba combines dynamic music with high-energy dance moves to create a party atmosphere for participants of all fitness levels. Zumba Fitness classes are often called exercise in disguise – fun and effective! Child- care is available during most classes, (FREE with family memberships). Check out the Group Fitness Schedule online or at the Community Center for up to date class offerings. YMCA Swim Academy Lesson June/July 2015 / 3 Maplewood Community Center News & Events www.maplewoodcommunitycenter.com • (651) 249-2230 102ND ANNUAL RAMSEY COUNTY FAIR July 15-19, 2015 (Parade: July 15th, 7:00 pm) County fairs have evolved with the changing times, adapting to the changing communities. The Ramsey County Fair, celebrating its 102nd year, has had its changes, but also realizes the value of traditions and has striven to keep as many traditions as possible for families to pass along to future generations. While many County Fairs have had to start charging a fee for admission, Ramsey County remains one of the few FREE admission fairs, charging only a $3.00 parking fee (if you should park in the lot). The Ramsey County Fair has also striven to keep affordable food vendors and amusement rides each year making it an affordable day for a family to come and celebrate with their neighbors. There is something for everyone at the fair! Music, entertainment, food, rides, 4H displays, exhibits of food, art and crafts. Do you have a family recipe that you love to make? Do you have something that you’ve sewn, quilted knitted, or painted? Submit it to the Fair and you may just win that prestigious County Fair Blue Ribbon! Do you have a special talent? Enter into the Amateur Talent contest, winners get to move on to the State Fair competition. Or maybe you would just enjoy sitting back and listening to music in the shade, with a lemonade in one hand and cotton candy in the other. Kids - ever wanted to know what it’s like to be a farmer? Check out the farmer for the day or the big tent on Saturday to enjoy activities presented by the folks from Gibbs Farm Museum of Pioneer and Dakotah Life. And, you can’t beat the fun at our carnival and midway! Visit the Ramsey County Fair website at www.ramseycountyfair.com and we’ll see you at the fair! 4 / June/July 2015 COUNCILCORNER 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 Abrams, Mayor Slawik, Councilmembers Koppen and Juenemann - MAPLEWOOD - July 2015 Column By: Mayor, Nora Slawik I hope you are enjoying summertime in Maplewood! Walk around your neigh- borhood, bike the Gateway Trail, canoe, kayak, push a stroller, garden or bar- beque and enjoy our long, warm days. I am hoping to see many of you at our annual Light It Up Maplewood event on July 4, 4:00-10:00 pm at Hazelwood Park. I want to give you a summer update on our Strong Neighborhoods for A Strong Maplewood initiatives. Your City Council and staff have been working hard on a number of important ideas. Web Page Redesign and Rebranding: The redesign of the City’s website is moving full-speed ahead. The new site will have tools for residents to stay more connected with the City. We will have a Council Corner to highlight our elected officials and how residents can connect with them. We will have tools such as blogs, citizen engagement tools (MindMixer), social media feeds, mailing lists and alerts that will all allow citizens to sign-up and stay connected to City Hall. It will no longer be 1-way communication coming out of City Hall, we want to capture the power and ideas of our residents. In addition, we are working with employees, advisory boards and residents to create a new logo and new look for our web page and other city materials for a brand refresh. Community Policing Efforts: The police department has been actively assigning identified neighborhood issues to officers for the purpose of problem solving. Officers are proactively focused on quality of life related issues, including: noise, loitering, property damage, and locations that generate a high volume of calls for service. Another key feature of the 2015 policing plan is increased traffic enforcement. The City is also partnering on a domestic violence project with the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office and the Tubman Organization. A recent report to the Council by our City Prosecutor shows that domestic violence related arrests and prosecutions are up over last year. Ramsey County Attorney John Choi along with Tubman and Maplewood Police Department staff will make a report to the Council in September to discuss project outcomes for the first six months of the two year project. Crumbling Road: I heard loud and clear from many of you that our streets need attention, especially with the premature failures from faulty pavement placed in the late 80s and early 90s. The staff led an extensive outreach process with the public and worked with the city council to develop a long-term investment and commitment into these local street repairs. A franchise fee was unanimously adopted this year by the council which will allow the City to repair an additional two miles of street per year. The commencement of this 20 year program will focus on fixing the extensive pavement stripping (failures) in the south leg which is affecting quality of life. I am very excited about this additional investment on top of our base program and residents will start realizing this benefit in 2016. Contact Michael Thompson, Public Works Director/ City Engineer, at (651) 249-2403 for more information. Code Enforcement: Code Enforcement staff and the Police Department are actively engaged in a variety of increased code enforce- ment efforts. To date the collaboration has identified and focused on numerous code enforcement issues – both large and small. By working together, code enforcement and police staff create a stronger – 24 hour a day – presence to monitor compliance with City code requirements and can more swiftly address non-compliance with enforcement action. The enforcement of City codes is an important part of our strong neighborhood strategy to ensure community and improve livability. Residents should know they have at their disposal staff from both - continued on page 5 June/July 2015 / 5 1736 East Cope Ave, Maplewood Is Your Smile Portrait Ready? That’s our specialty. DENTISTRY FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY (651) 770.3831www.maplewooddental.com MAPLEWOODDENTAL ASSOCIATES, P.A. Annual Inspections of Diseased Trees The City will be inspecting trees on public and private lands in Maplewood for oak wilt, Dutch elm disease, and emerald ash borer (EAB). EAB has not yet been detected in Maplewood. Certified arborists from S&S Tree and Horticultural Specialists will do the inspections. If you suspect your tree has one of these diseases or pests, call the Public Works Department at (651) 249-2400. 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. 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 landscaped 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 purchased, at a total maximum reim- bursement of $200. See the Tree Purchase Rebate Form for details before purchasing your tree, 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. Cont. PG 4... Mayors Column the police and code enforcement departments to address neighborhood code concerns or violations. The MCC and the YMCA Partnership: Recently a new partnership was implemented between the Maplewood Community Center and the YMCA which involves the latter managing the aquatic programming and supporting staff in the overall management of the MCC. The framework for the partnership agreement between the City and the YMCA is as follows: • YMCA will manage the MCC Aquatic Center; • YMCA will manage the two City Beach contracts; • YMCA will conduct swimming lessons, including sessions for our MCC summer day campers. With the exception of the Aquatics Center, all other programs and services will remain with the Maplewood Community Center Staff. We recognize that the Maplewood Community Center has long been a key community asset. However, in recent years the cost of maintaining this asset has placed a troubling burden on Maplewood residents, council and staff. Our hope is that by partnering with other civic- minded organizations and renewing our organizational focus, we can create a more sustainable business model – one that will allow this asset to flourish in our community for years to come I hope to see you out and about this summer at our farmers markets, parks, lakes, trails, festivals and on July 4th. Wishing you a healthy, happy and relaxed summer. - continued on page 5 6 / June/July 2015 2015 Road Construction Summer will soon be arriving and bringing with it sun, vacations and road construction! Road construction will be affecting travel in the City of Maplewood and in an effort to notify Maplewood residents and frequent visitors to our city we have compiled a list of impacted areas. The following streets will be impacted by projects that fall under the responsibility of several different agencies including the City of Maplewood, Ramsey County, MnDOT, and Saint Paul Regional Water Services: Frost Avenue and English Street - (Gladstone Phase 2 Improvements) This City of Maplewood project includes Frost Avenue improvements, from Phalen Place to English Street, along with improvements to English Street from the Gateway Trail to Ripley Avenue. The general landscaping theme completed in Phase 1, between Highway 61 and East Shore Drive, will be continued in this phase. The project also includes the burial of existing overhead power lines, pavement rehabilitation, trails, sidewalks, and enhancements to the Gladstone Savanna. County Road B - (Arkwright -Sunrise Area Improvements) The Arkwright-Sunrise Area project is a City of Maplewood street reconstruction project that was substantially completed in 2014. The remaining work left to be completed this summer includes the construction of a bituminous walk along the south side of County Road B between Mississippi Street and Edgerton Street. County Road B – (Trail and Safety Improvements) The City of Maplewood will be constructing a new trail along County Road B as part of a Safe Routes to School project in partnership with Ramsey County. The project will complete a major segment of the County Road B corridor trail and will help provide a safe route for students walking or biking to John Glenn Middle School and Weaver Elementary School. Additionally, residents will be provided a safe route to walk or bike to the Maplewood Community Center, Keller Lake Regional Park, and the new boardwalk along Keller Lake. The new segment will connect the existing trail that leads to the Maplewood Community Center at Van Dyke Street to the existing trail at Birmingham Street. The project also includes the construction of a missing segment of sidewalk on the east side of White Bear Avenue, just south of County Road B, and the replacement of the existing traffic signal at the intersection of White Bear Avenue and County Road B. White Bear Avenue – (Pipe Bursting Project) This summer Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS) plans to conduct a “Pipe Bursting Project” to replace the existing 6” water main with a new 8” water main under White Bear Avenue, from County Road B to Prosperity Road. “Pipe Bursting” is a trenchless method of replacing buried pipelines, such as water mains, without the need to dig a trench for the removal and replacement at the existing pipe. For more information or questions about the Pipe Bursting project this year, contact Rich Hibbard, project manager for SPRWS, at (651) 266-6268. White Bear and Larpenteur Avenues – (Ramsey County Resurfacing Projects) Ramsey County is leading several construction and maintenance projects throughout the county this summer. One project that will affect traffic in the City of Maplewood is a pavement resurfacing project on White Bear Avenue generally from Frost Avenue to Radatz Avenue. A second project, also in the City of Maplewood, is a resurfacing project on Larpenteur Avenue from Edgerton Street to Parkway Drive. This includes the installation of a new traffic signal at the intersection of Larpenteur Avenue and Edgerton Street. Larpenteur Avenue will also be restriped from four lanes to three lanes, between DeSoto Street and Parkway Drive, creating a center left turn lane. For more information on these and other Ramsey County projects, contact the Ramsey County Public Works Department at (651) 266-7100 or visit www. co.ramsey.mn.us/pw. I-35E – (MnPass Project) This is the second year of construction for MnDot’s MnPass project. This year construction includes bridge replacement, ramp construction, and lane construction. For more information on this project, see MnDOT’s I-35E Corridor Projects webpage (www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/ projects/35estpaul/mnpass.html). For more information on City of Maplewood construction projects, see the “Projects” pull down tab located near the top of the City of Maplewood’s webpage (www.ci.maplewood.mn.us) or contact the Public Works Department at (651) 249-2400. It will be a busy road construction season here in Maplewood. If you travel on these roads please be patient if there are traffic delays and keep an eye out for the workers and project inspectors that are working on these projects. June/July 2015 / 7 BusinessMaplewood HigHligHt Better Used Thrift Store opened its doors on May 26 at 1990 County Road D East. The store is a branch under Piercing Hearts Ministry which is a 501c3 Non-Profit. Piercing Hearts Ministry ministers to the poor, homeless, and broken on the streets. They also help addicts get into a faith-based recovery program by providing a partial or full scholarship. Once they are out of recovery, Piercing Hearts Ministry provides another partial or full scholarship for them to go to college or a ministry training program to help them in their walk with God. Hans Lindstrom was previously bound up in drugs and drinking. He spent time in jail, drug treatment centers, halfway homes, four high schools, and many mental health clinics. He turned his life around but employers did not want to hire him. “I decided I needed to be the on- ramp for people with a rough background - to give them a chance at starting fresh. We don’t judge people for their past, we just want to be there for them.” said Hans. Hans had a vision for the thrift store. “I wanted customers to feel as though they are walking into their home,” said Hans. “I knew in my heart that I wanted to open the Better Used Thrift Store. I was unsure how to make it happen financially, but God said to do it.” The thrift store puts most of the income, after expenses, back into the ministry. Donations are taken at the store during business hours. The store sells new or gently used clothing, shoes, purses, jewelry, housewares, vehicles and much more. Hours: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri 10 am-7 pm, Thurs 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Closed Sundays For more information on Better Used Thrift Store, call (651) 748-2871 or visit them at betterusedthrift.com. Better Used Thrift Store owners, Hans and Melissa Lindstrom Shoppers will find clothing, jewelry, children’s books, toys and more. Maplewood Has A New Thrift Store For Shoppers To Enjoy Presentation of Mary School (Pre-K through 8th Grade) A place where children grow in faith and knowledge every day in a safe and nurturing environment. • Half day and full day programs year-round• Small class sizes with experienced teachers that are attentive to your child’s unique needs• Cutting edge technology and instructional practices which increase engagement and achievement Before/After Care Available www.presentationofmary.org/school1695 Kennard Street | Maplewood651-777-5877 nationally accredited 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. Take our 5-Minute Checking Challenge to see how your bank compares to our free checking at City & County. If you’re not convinced we’re better, WE’LL PAY YOU $5 - NO NO STRINGS ATTACHED. Offer not valid on existing CCCU Checking accounts. Must meet minimum qualifications to open a CCCU checking to receive the $5 challenge incentive. CCCU deposits are federally insured up to $250,000 by NCUA. ®®®® $10$10offoff OFFER GOOD THRU JULY 5, 2015. Valid at these TNT® Fireworks tent locations: Cub Foods • 100 W County Rd B Menards • 2280 Maplewood Dr. Cub Foods • 2390 White Bear Ave CODE# 4103 ®®®® ANY PURCHASEof $50 or moreANY PURCHASEof $50 or more Commission Openings The City of Maplewood is now accepting applications to fill openings on the following commissions: • Environmental & Natural Resources Commission (1 opening) • Heritage Preservation Commission (1 opening) • Housing & Economic Development Commission (1 opening) • Parks & Recreation Commission (3 openings) • Planning Commission (1 opening) These openings are due to terms expiring and resignations. The City Council will interview candidates that apply and will appoint individuals to fill these openings. More information on the commissions 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 on the City’s website. Applications are accepted at any time. However, in order to take part in the next scheduled interview session you must submit your application by July 6, 2015. Completed applications should be submitted to the City Manager’s Office at 1830 County Road B E, Maplewood, MN 55109.