HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 -11-12 Nov-DecCity’s Official NEWSLETTERMAPLEWOODLiving Nov/Dec 2015Year End Report from City Manager Coleman- 2015 Highlights
This has been a year of many accomplishments in the City
of Maplewood. As I complete my first year in the City
Manager position, I would like to thank the Mayor and
Council for entrusting me with the stewardship of our City
resources. I would also like to thank our resident volunteers
that serve on our advisory boards and commissions. Together
with City staff we have accomplished much this year.
Following is a summary from our senior management team.
In March, the City Council and the Senior Management Team
met to establish strategic priorities for the next three years.
- continued on page 4
Two New Councilmember Elected at the November 3, 2015 Municipal Election
Councilmember Elect Bryan Smith, a marketing manager at
Tennant Company, hopes to focus on marketing the City to
business owners and developers, improving code enforcement
and maintaining a path of reasonable government.
Councilmember Elect Tou Xiong, an urban planning organizer for
Harrison Neighborhood Association, stated that he will be turning
his attention towards more civic engagement, building the local
economy and addressing infrastructure needs throughout the city.
A swearing in ceremony will be held in City Hall Council Chambers
located at 1830 County Road B at 6:00 pm on January 11, 2016.
Congratulatory cake and coffee will be served. The public
is invited.
For additional information visit the City website at
www.maplewoodmn.gov and key in “election” in the search bar
or call Director of Citizen Services, Karen Haag, at (651) 249-2000
or via email at karen.haag@maplewoodmn.gov.
In This Issue
State of Maplewood Luncheon Snow Plow Reminders Commission Openings New Businesses Energize Maplewood!
Public Hearing
A Public Hearing for the 2016 tax
levy and budget will be held in
City Hall Council Chambers on
December 14, 2015 at 7 pm. For
more details, call Finance Director
Gayle Bauman at (651) 249-2902
Fish CreekOpen House
Wednesday, December 2, 6-8 pm
Battle Creek Recreation Center
75 Winthrop Street S, St. Paul
Join us for an open house/public
input session on the installation
of trails in the Fish Creek Preserve.
Residents will get to see and
weigh in on what the trail
alignment will look like.
2
3
6
7
8
Maplewood
Seasons Inside!
Tou Xiong
Maplewood City Hall
Bryan Smith
Frequently Called Numbers
City Hall (651) 249-2000
Maplewood Community Center (651) 249-2230
Recreation (651) 249-2120
Public Works (651) 249-2400
Police Non-Emergency (651) 767-0640
Visit the City website at www.maplewoodmn.gov for the
meeting schedule of the City Council, Commissions and Boards.
2 / Nov/Dec 2015
State of Maplewood
Luncheon
Mayor Slawik will share highlights and accomplishments from 2015,
discuss development and redevelopment projects, and lay out a vision for a
better Maplewood! Following the Mayoral Address, Melinda Coleman,
Maplewood City Manager, will introduce members of City Council and
City Department Heads
plus - presentation of maplewood business awards!
THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 11:00AM – 1:00PM
thank you sponsors:
Cost: $15.00/person • Pre-register by January 7 • Limited to the first 75 participants
For more information and to register,
visit www.maplewoodmn.gov
Letters for Santa (Ages 2+)
Tuesday, December 8, 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Our elves will have everything that you need to
write and decorate the perfect letter to Santa! Enjoy
holiday stories and delicious treats while you create.
Parents are welcome to stay. Children must be potty
trained if parents choose to leave. Cost is $5.
Santa’s Workshop Party (Ages 3+)
Saturday, December 12, 9:30 - 11:30 am
Join us for treats while your parents are out shopping
or working out at the MCC. We’ll have a visit from
Santa, games, music, movies, crafts, holiday stories
and more! Bring an unwrapped gift for Toys for Tots
and receive a prize. Cost is $10 ($7 MCC members).
Elected Officials
Nora Slawik: Mayor ........................................................(651) 738-7099
nora.slawik@maplewoodmn.gov
Marylee Abrams: Councilmember ............................ (651) 249-2000
marylee.abrams@maplewoodmn.gov
Robert Cardinal: Councilmember ..............................(651) 765-8600
bob.cardinal@maplewoodmn.gov
Kathleen Juenemann: Councilmember ................... (651) 771-3670
kathleen.juenemann@maplewoodmn.gov
Marvin Koppen: Councilmember .............................. (651) 770-5391
marvin.koppen@maplewoodmn.gov
Melinda Coleman: City Manager ...............................(651) 249-2055
melinda.coleman@maplewoodmn.gov
Bryan Smith: Councilmember Elect .......................... (651) 888-0085
bryan.smith@maplewoodmn.gov
Tou Xiong: Councilmember Elect .............................. (651) 444-0531
tou.xiong@maplewoodmn.gov
AT MAPLEWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS AT THE MAPLEWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER
City’s Official NEWSLETTERMAPLEWOODLiving Nov/Dec 2015Year End Report from City Manager Coleman- 2015 Highlights
This has been a year of many accomplishments in the City of Maplewood. As I complete my first year in the City Manager position, I would like to thank the Mayor and Council for entrusting me with the stewardship of our city resources. I would also like to thank our resident volunteers that serve on our advisory boards and commissions. Together with City staff we have accomplished much this year. Following is a summary from our senior management team.
In March, the City Council and the Senior Management Team met to establish strategic priorities for the next three years. - continued on page 4
Two New Councilmember Elected at the November 3, 2015 Municipal Election
Councilmember Elect Bryan Smith, a marketing manager at Tennant Company hopes to focus on marketing the city to business owners and developers, improving code enforcement and maintaining a path of reasonable government. Councilmember Elect Tou Xiong, an urban planning organizer for Harrison Neighborhood Association stated that he will be turning his attention towards more civic engagement, building the local economy and addressing infrastructure needs throughout the city. A swearing in ceremony will be held in city hall council chambers located at 1830 County Road E at 6:00 pm on January 11, 2016. Congratulatory cake and coffee will be served. The public is invited. For additional information visit the city website at www.maplewoodmn.gov and key in “election” in the search bar
or call Director of Citizen Services Karen Haag at (651) 249-2000 or via email at karen.haag@maplewoodmn.gov.
In This Issue
State of Maplewood Luncheon Snow Plow Reminders Comission Openings New Businesses
Energize Maplewood!
Public HearingA Public Hearing for the 2016 tax levy and budget will be held in City Hall Council Chambers on December 14, 2015 at 7 pm. For more details, call Finance Director
Gayle Bauman at (651) 249-2602
Fish CreekOpen HouseWednesday, December 2, 6-8 pm
Battle Creek Recreation Center75 Winthrop Street S, St. Paul
Join us for an open house/public input session on the installation of trails in the Fish Creek Preserve. Residents will get to see and weigh in on what the trail alignment will look like.
2
3
677
Maplewood Seasons Inside!
Tou Xiong
Maplewood City Hall
Bryan Smith
To advertise in this newsletter call
Heidi Carey at (952) 212-7333 or email
heidi@careycommunications.org.
Children must be potty trained - Parents this is a kid only party.
Nov/Dec 2015 / 3
Snow Plowing Safety Reminders
With winter quickly
approaching, 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:
• 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. Visibility can be
reduced by blowing snow.
• Do not shovel or blow snow into the street. It is
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 operations.
• The City attempts to remove snow as close to the curb
as possible to allow access to the mailbox by the postal
department. 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
2:00 am and 6:00 am. 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.maplewoodmn.gov under
City Departments, Public Works division, or call the Public
Works Department at (651) 249-2400.
4 / Nov/Dec 2015
The Council identified the following key Strategic Objectives:
• Coordinated Communication
• Effective Governance
• Targeted Redevelopment
• Operational Effectiveness
• Financial Sustainability
These Objectives have been embraced by staff and the
Council has recently approved the 5 Strategies as well as
key outcome indicators, targets and measures for success.
The entire Strategic Plan can be found on the City Web
Page at www.maplewoodmn.gov.
The objectives will also be tied to our 2016 Budget in each
department’s budget request. The Preliminary Budget is
also available to view on the City web page. The Public
Hearing on our Budget will be held on December 14th in
the City Council Chambers at 7:00 pm. Following is a list by
Departments of our more significant accomplishments:
Citizen Services: Annually, this department serves over
70,000 customers that need business
licenses, permits, motor vehicle registration,
driver’s licenses and passports. In addition,
they have created an on-line business
registration program and created an
on-line business directory that identifies
750 Maplewood businesses. This depart-
ment is also responsible for organizing the July 4th Taste
of Maplewood city-wide event. Approximately 10,000
people attended the 2015 event which boasts some
of the best fireworks in the Metro area.
Karen Haag, Department Head (651) 249-2002
karen.haag@maplewoodmn.gov
Environmental and Economic Development: A major
event for the department was handling
the inspections for the 500,000 square
foot Research and Development Building
at 3M. In addition, this department
shepherded the Villages at Frost and
English, in Gladstone. This project involved
many partners, including Ramsey County
and the Metropolitan Council to assist with the de-con-
struction of the Maplewood Bowl site to make way for new
housing and a small commercial area. This is an example of
private/public partnership to continue the redevelopment
of the Gladstone Neighborhood. This new housing is also
being constructed under the Green Building Code.
Nick Carver, Interim Department Head (651) 249-2321
nick.carver@maplewoodmn.gov
Finance Department: This department is responsible
for producing the City’s three major
financial documents- the Budget, the
Capital Improvement Plan and the
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
This year, with the Finance Department’s
help, the City adopted a new policy regard-
ing the City Building Replacement needs.
We continue to look for revenue sources to help fund
building maintenance needs. The Department is incorporating
changes into the budget document so that it reflects the
Strategic Planning Objectives. They are also changing the
format to make it easier for residents to read and understand.
Gayle Bauman, Department Head (651) 249-2902
gayle.bauman@maplewoodmn.gov
Fire Department: In June, the Fire Department went live
with the new County-wide Computer Aided
Dispatch System (CAD). With the addition
of CAD, we are able to get real time infor-
mation delivered to computers in our fire
trucks and ambulances. This includes GPS
that allows staff to see maps and directions
in the vehicle providing the best response
route to the call. The City’s new Fire Training Center is open
and allows neighboring communities to receive training on
all types of fire incidents. The department is also working
with Council Member Abrams to launch the Heart Safe
Community Program. This program trains thousands in
Hands Only CPR and looks to locate at least 48 public
access points to AED’s.
Steve Lukin, Department Head (651) 249-2802
steve.lukin@maplewoodmn.gov
Human Resources: The department implemented a new
online recruitment tool called NEOGOV.
This has made the recruiting process more
efficient and increased the quantity and
quality of applicants. We also added an
on-line process for registering for health
and other employee benefits. HR was
responsible, along with the City Manager,
for successfully negotiating our seven union contracts. The
HR Director also assisted with the development and
adoption of the City’s Strategic Plan.
Mike Funk, Department Head (651) 249-2053
mike.funk@maplewoodmn.gov
Continued from Pg 1... Year End Report
- continued on page 5
Nov/Dec 2015 / 5
Information Technology: There were four major initiatives
for the IT Department: the redesign of the
City’s webpage, increased coordination
of the City’s social media presence, the
implementation of the Computer Aided
Dispatch (CAD) for the Police and Fire
Departments and the implementation of
the Records Management System for the
Police Department. All of these projects support the City’s
Strategic Objectives and particularly important, support
our Public Safety staff.
Mychal Fowlds, Department Head (651) 249-2923
mychal.fowlds@maplewoodmn.gov
Parks: The City Council approved the Parks and
Recreation Master Plan in January which
sets the stage for prioritizing and planning
for Parks improvements and initiatives. The
YMCA came in as a partner to manage the
Aquatics Center and swim program. Other
projects included the groundbreaking for
the very first Tuj Lub Courts at Keller Park,
partnering with the Safe Routes to School for a new trail
connecting the City campus with John Glenn and
Weaver Schools and Keller Lake Park. Work also
continues at Fish Creek Preserve and the Gladstone
Savanna. We were successful in obtaining grant funds to
start our Kid City Program. The City will collaborate with
Z Puppets Rosenschnoz and a multicultural artist team to
design and implement Kid City: afterschool and summer
arts workshops that bring youth from diverse backgrounds
together to laugh, learn, play and create a stronger
cross-cultural, family community in Maplewood.
Duwayne Konewko, Department Head (651) 249-2330
duwayne.konewko@maplewoodmn.gov
Police: The major accomplishments for the Police
Department include the expanded role
of our Community Service Personnel in
our Animal Control Program in lieu of using
an outside contractor, and expanding de-
partment diversity through targeted recruit-
ment and hiring. Our Chief was recently
promoted to Public Safety Director where
he will oversee and lead on Strategic Planning for the Fire
Department. He is also a leader on the State-wide effort to
seek temporary data classification on body worn camera
video and actively participates in the domestic violence
joint prosecution project.
Paul Schnell, Department Head (651) 775-1520
paul.schnell@maplewoodmn.gov
Public Works: Through stakeholder input revenues were
diversified to allow for an additional $1
million/year investment into fixing deterio-
rating pavement on local neighborhood
streets. The second phase of the Gladstone
Redevelopment was completed on Frost
Avenue, which leveraged over $2 million in
grant funds. Also, a Safe Routes to School
grant allowed construction of the County Rd B Trail, which
now extends from Highway 61 to White Bear Avenue.
Lastly, we were recognized by the St. Paul Area Chamber of
Commerce for “Excellence in Operations.”
Michael Thompson, Department Head (651) 249-2403
michael.thompson@maplewoodmn.gov
City Manager: As City Manager it is my responsibility to
make sure the Council goals and objectives
are met. This article was meant to high-
light our success in accomplishing several
goals. The Council goal, Coordinated
Communication, is one I take seriously. It
is important that we communicate with
our residents and our partners. We do this
through this magazine, social media, newspaper articles
and our City Web Page. Please take some time and check
out the redesigned page. The new updates make it easier
to find information as we have added several new pages
including how to notify us with code violations, areas in
need of repair or feedback on community topics and
projects. Please feel free to contact any of the department
heads or me if there is anything that we can assist you
with at anytime.
Melinda Coleman, City Manager (651) 249-2055
melinda.coleman@maplewoodmn.gov
Continued from Pg 4... Year End Report
School’s Out! (Grades K-6)
At MAPLEWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER
BEFORE & AFTER CARE HOURS:
7:00 am - 9:00 am & 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Available for an additional fee
Regular Hours 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Kids are invited for action packed days full of
sports, swimming, crafts and more. Don’t miss out
on our great field trips. Bring your tennis shoes,
swimsuit, lunch and towel. Registration deadline
is one week before program date. Sign up today!
www.maplewoodmn.gov
Dates: Dec. 28, 29, 30, 31, Mar. 21, 22, 23, 24, 25
- continued on page 5
6 / Nov/Dec 2015
10 & 20 VISIT PASS SALE
CHECK OUT EVERYTHING
MCC HAS TO OFFER...
• Aquatics Center
• Cardio & Weight Centers
• Drop-In Child Care
• Daily Locker Use
• Walking/Jogging Track
• FREE Group Fitness Classes
• Family Friendly Atmosphere
2100 WHITE BEAR AVE • MAPLEWOOD, MN 55109
WWW.MAPLEWOODCOMMUNITYCENTER.COM • 651-249-2230
$10 OFF A
10 VISIT PASS
OR $20 OFF A
20 VISIT PASS
HURRY - OFFER VALID DECEMBER 1 - 31AND SO MUCH MORE!
Resolve to Make a Difference in Maplewood in 2016
As 2015 draws to a close and you begin to think about
your possible resolutions for 2016, ask yourself if there
is anything that you can do to make a difference in
your community. The City of Maplewood has eight
commissions and boards where citizens have a chance
to get involved and be a part of the decision making
process. Commissions include: Community Design Review
Board, Environmental & Natural Resources Commission,
Heritage Preservation Commission, Housing & Economic
Development Commission, Human Rights Commission,
Parks & Recreation Commission, Planning Commission
and Police Civil Service Commission.
The wide range of commissions offers residents the
opportunity to apply to be a part of a group where they
can put their interests, talents and strengths to use.
There are currently openings on the following
commissions and boards:
• Environmental & Natural Resources Commission
(1 opening)
• Heritage Preservation Commission (1 opening)
• Housing & Economic Development Commission
(1 opening)
• Human Rights Commission (1 opening)
• Parks & Recreation Commission (1 opening)
• 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.maplewoodmn.gov or by calling
City Hall at (651) 249-2000. Applications can be picked
up at the City Hall reception desk or found online on the
City’s website. Applications are accepted at any time and
interviews are held multiple times throughout the year.
Completed applications should be submitted to the City
Manager’s Office at 1830 County Road B E, Maplewood,
MN 55109.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
651.748.0404
Awarded Best Liquor Store in Town
Phillips 80pf Vodka 1.75L
24pk 12oz Can
BIG DiscountLiquors
(North of Hwy36 on WhiteBear Ave.
Next to Rainbow)
$15.99ea
Miller Lite Coors Light Cash w/Coupon Exp.12.31.15
Samuel Adams
Angry Orchard
ABSOLUT
With any $10+ Wine Purchase
FREE
One 50ml Vodka
Coupon Exp.12.31.15
Thousands of Wine to Choose
Christian Brothers
vs Brandy1.75L
$14.99ea
Limit 1 w/Coupon Exp.11.30.12
$10.99ea
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________$10.99ea
12pk Btl/Can
Limit 1 w/Coupon Exp.12.31.15
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.
Nov/Dec 2015 / 7
BusinessMaplewood HigHligHts
Harbor Freight Tools Opens Store In Maplewood
“We’re thrilled to open our sixth Harbor Freight Tools
store in Minnesota and we are very pleased by the warm
welcome we’ve received in Maplewood” said Eric Smidt,
President of Harbor Freight Tools. “At Harbor Freight,
we’re all about delivering high quality tools at ridiculously
low prices. We do it by manufacturing our tools at the
same factories as the expensive brands, but we cut out
the middle man and pass the savings on to our customers.
We’ve also invested millions of dollars to build and
operate our own state-of-the-art quality test labs to
ensure that we’re constantly driving quality at the lowest
possible price. We invite everyone in the Maplewood area
to visit our new store at 2950 White Bear Ave. N and see
why if you buy tools anywhere else, you’re throwing your
money away.”
Founded in North Hollywood, CA in 1977 and now based
in Calabasas, Harbor Freight Tools is the leading discount
tool retailer in the U.S.
selling high quality
tools at low prices
in over 600 stores
nationwide and online.
Harbor Freight Tools
stocks over 7,000 items
including automotive,
air and power tools,
shop equipment, and
hand tools. With a
commitment to quality and a lifetime guarantee on
all hand tools, Harbor Freight Tools is a favorite of
automotive and truck repair shops, government agencies,
schools, manufacturers, contractors, and tool enthusiasts
who want top-quality, great selection, and value. They
serve over 20 million customers nationwide. Additional
information about Harbor Freight Tools and online sales
can be found at harborfreight.com, on Facebook at
facebook.com/harbor.f.tools and on Twitter at twitter.
com/harborfreight. To reach the Maplewood location
call (651) 777-0713.
The nation’s largest retailer of used cars officially opened
its second location in the Twin Cities, located at 1325
Beam Avenue East in Maplewood. The store is more than
20,000 square-feet, occupies more than seven acres, and
stocks more than 300 used vehicles. CarMax opened a
store in Brooklyn Park in March, which was the first in
the state of Minnesota.
In celebration of the Maplewood store opening, CarMax
donated $5,000 to the White Bear Area YMCA. This
donation came at the recommendation of Maplewood
CarMax associates who also spent a day volunteering
with the organization to help transform a non-utilized
skateboard park into a community garden. It is complete
with compost bins, and is designed to teach gardening
skills to area children.
“CarMax associates love to volunteer and build strong
relationships with community partners where they live
and work,” said John Hutt, location general manager
of the Maplewood CarMax. “With the opening of our
second location in the Twin Cities, we look forward to
providing more customers with the easy, no-haggle
experience they’ve come to expect from CarMax and that
sets us apart from other dealers.”
CarMax was founded more than 20 years ago to
fundamentally change the way car buying is done. They
make the process more ethical, fair, and transparent by
offering a no-haggle, no-hassle experience. They stand
behind their vehicles with a 5-day money-back guarantee
and a limited 30-day warranty. CarMax also takes the
hassle out of selling your car by offering fast, commitment
free appraisals – they’ll buy your car, even if you don’t
buy theirs.
For more details, call (651) 765-6099
or visit www.carmax.com.
CarMax Opens In Maplewood
Harbor Freight Tools in Maplewood
Maplewood CarMax Team
City of Maplewood
1830 County Road B East
Maplewood, MN 55109
Phone: (651) 249.2000
www.ci.maplewoodmn.gov
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.
Starting November 23rd, pick up your
• Very Merry •
HOLIDAY KIT + $25
AT CITY & COUNTY CREDIT UNION
When you open a checking account
with a debit card.
CCCU.COM | (651) 225-2700 | 1 800 223-2801
Deposited Federally Insured by NCUA.
Limit one kit per member - while
supplies last. Promotion valid only
on new accounts to City & County
Credit Union.
Energize Maplewood! Team Energy Challenge
Are you up for a little neighborly competition? Strut your
stuff in our upcoming Energize Maplewood! Team Energy
Challenge. Lead a team or join a team, it doesn’t matter.
Just score big. The team that scores the most points will
win the grand prize. Form teams of 10 to 20 households
with your neighbors, congregation, school group, or
friends, or join an existing team. Each team will rack up
points by saving energy, attending events, sharing
success on social media, and participating in a list of
energy saving activities. Along the way, you’ll be able
to track your month-to-month energy use with your
team and earn additional points for being the biggest
energy loser.
The Challenge will begin January 2016 and run through
June 2016. Look for opportunities to win smaller prizes,
attend exclusive events, and learn ways to make your
home more comfortable and healthy, all while saving
energy and money.
Now is the time to register your home, join a team, and
volunteer to lead! Visit the Energy Challenge webpage at
www.maplewoodmn.gov/energychallenge to sign up. For
questions, contact cindy.ojczyk@maplewoodmn.gov or
(651) 249-2306.
(The Energy Challenge is sponsored by the City of
Maplewood and Xcel Energy. While it targets Maplewood
residents, anyone that is an Xcel Energy electric and
natural gas customer is eligible to participate.)