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Home My WebLink About05 May 16CITY’S OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER MAY 2016 In This Issue Movie Night at the Farm New City Finance Director Beware of Scammers New Crime Mapping Tool BBQ Safety Regulations Maplewood MallBusiness Offer For the month of May, Maplewood Mall is offering all businesses located within 10 miles of the mall a 50% discount on all corporate gift card activation fees. For more information call (651) 770-3863 or email nicole.drennan@wpglimcher.com. 2 3 4 5 8 A Day Without Laughter Is A Day Wasted By: Councilmember Tou Xiong One of the greatest moments of being a Maplewood resident at this time is seeing my neighbor laughing. My neighbor and I are both very different in age, culture, career, and even politics but sharing a laugh threw away those differences between us and definitely brought our families closer. The great Charlie Chaplin once said, “A day without laughter is a day wasted”. I think this quote speaks out to remind us about living life to the fullest by reaching out to the lighter nature in all of us. The work and representation of the City of Maplewood is no laughing matter, but we risk so many pitfalls if we fail to ‘lighten up’ as a city. What are these potential pitfalls that we as a city face? Simply, the fact is that really serious people that take themselves too seriously can be a real downer to be around. Also, we can alienate people or fail to appreciate the talented and friendly people all around us. One thing I have learned from my time on the Council is that we can get serious teamwork done and still enjoy it at the same time with a bit of laughter here and there. Moreover, we risk missing great opportunities by sticking to an extremely serious and rigid mindset. It is an outlook where we would end up doing things that we like to do or only what we can foresee and feel safe with. Here, I think it would be against the bold innovative experimentations that have helped make Maplewood such a great forward-thinking city. The city of Maplewood is bring the lighter side of life through laughter by way of welcoming Z Puppets’ Kid City into Maplewood. Throughout the year, Maplewood Parks & Recreation and Z Puppets Rosenschnoz will bring youth to “laugh, learn, play and spark connections across cultures” here in our great city through public art. There will be many events held throughout Maplewood (see ad on page 3 for more details), and I certainly look forward to being a part of the laughter movement. We can all be part of the lighter mood in our city and see the less serious side of our neighbors. So, in other words, we shall not have a day wasted in our city because we had lived without laughter. LIVING L A U G IH N Join Mayor Slawik, Kid City Artists and special guests for free fun activities to get the whole family laughing! Maplewood Community Center Doors open at 4PM Performance at 4:30PM This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. MAY14TH 2016 @ 4 PM SATURDAY Celebrate Maplewood’s 1st annual Day of Laughter!FREE! #KIDCITYMN For more info call 612-724-1435 ext. 4 or email Rachel@zpuppets.org www.bit.ly/KIDCITY Z PUPPETS ROSENSCHNOZ JUST KIDDING IMPROV FREE TREATS & ENTERTAINMENT SIAMA’S MUSICAL INSTRUMENT PETTING ZOO MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER 2100 White Bear Ave, Maplewood ADD YOUR LAUGHTER TO MAPLEWOOD’S LAUGHTER MUSEUM! 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 / May 2016 Elected Officials Nora Slawik: Mayor ........................................................(651) 738-7099 nora.slawik@maplewoodmn.gov Marylee Abrams: Councilmember ............................ (651) 249-2000 marylee.abrams@maplewoodmn.gov Kathleen Juenemann: Councilmember .................... (651) 771-3670 kathleen.juenemann@maplewoodmn.gov Melinda Coleman: City Manager ...............................(651) 249-2055 melinda.coleman@maplewoodmn.gov Bryan Smith: Councilmember ................................... (651) 888-0085 bryan.smith@maplewoodmn.gov Tou Xiong: Councilmember ......................................... (651) 444-0531 tou.xiong@maplewoodmn.gov CITY’S OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER MAY 2016 In This Issue Movie Night at the Farm New City Finance Director Beware of Scammers New Crime Mapping Tool BBQ Safety Regulations Maplewood MallBusiness Offer For the month of May, Maplewood Mall is offering all businesses located within 10 miles of the mall a 50% discount on all corporate gift card activation fees. For more information call (651) 770-3863 or email nicole.drennan@wpglimcher.com. 2 3 4 5 8 A Day Without Laughter Is A Day Wasted By: Councilmember Tou Xiong One of the greatest moments of being a Maplewood resident all this time is seeing my neighbor laughing. My neighbor and I are both very different in age, culture, career, and even politics but sharing a laugh threw away those differences between us and definitely brought our families closer. The great Charlie Chaplin once said, “A day without laughter is a day wasted”. I think this quote speaks out to remind us about living life to the fullest by reaching out to the lighter nature in all of us. The work and representation of the City of Maplewood is no laughing matter, but we risk so many pitfalls if we fail to ‘lighten up’ as a city. What are these potential pitfalls that we as a city face? Simply, the fact is that really serious people that take themselves too seriously can be real downer to be around. Also, we can alienate people or fail to appreciate the talented and friendly people all around us. One thing I have learned from my time on the Council is that we can get serious teamwork done and still enjoy it at the same time with a laughter here and there. Moreover, we risk missing great opportunities by sticking to an extremely serious and rigid mindset. It is an outlook where we would end up doing things that we like to do or only what we can foresee and feel safe with. Here, I think it would be against the bold innovative experimentations that has helped make Maplewood such a great forward-thinking city. The city of Maplewood is bring the lighter side of life through laughter by way of welcoming Z Puppets’ Kid City into Maplewood. Throughout the year, Maplewood Parks & Recreation and Z Puppets Rosenschnoz will bring youth to “laugh, learn, play and spark connections across cultures” here in our great city through public art. There will be many events held throughout Maplewood (see ad on page 3 for more details), and I certainly look forward to be part of the laughter movement. We can all be part of the lighter mood in our city and see the less serious side of our neighbors. So, in other words, we shall not have a day wasted in our city because we had lived without laughter. LIVING L AU G IHN Join Mayor Slawik, Kid City Artists and special guests for free fun activities to get the whole family laughing! Maplewood Community Center Doors open at 4PM Performance at 4:30PM This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. MAY14TH2016 @ 4 PM SATURDAY Celebrate Maplewood’s 1st annual Day of Laughter!FREE! #KIDCITYMN For more info call 612-724-1435 ext. 4 or email Rachel@zpuppets.org www.bit.ly/KIDCITY Z PUPPETS ROSENSCHNOZ JUST KIDDINGIMPROV FREE TREATS & ENTERTAINMENT SIAMA’SMUSICAL INSTRUMENTPETTING ZOO MAPLEWOODNATURECENTER 2100 White Bear Ave, Maplewood ADD YOUR LAUGHTER TO MAPLEWOOD’S LAUGHTERMUSEUM! To advertise in this newsletter call Heidi Carey at (952) 212-7333 or email heidi@careycommunications.org. LIVING Because the journey matters Call 651-770-4028 today to schedule a tour! Independent Living Assisted Living Memory Care Enhanced Care 2365 Helen St. North St. Paul, MN 55109 Because the journey matters Call 651-770-4028 today to schedule a tour! Independent Living Assisted Living Memory Care Enhanced Care 2365 Helen St. North St. Paul, MN 55109 • Independent Living • Assisted Living • Memory Care • Enhanced Care Call 651-770-4028 today to schedule a tour! 2365 Helen St. • North St. Paul Because the journey matters GREAT SMILES START HERE! cleanings • sealants root canals • teeth whitening tooth-colored fillings in-office gum therapy • and more DENTISTRY FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY (651) 770-3831maplewooddental.com MAPLEWOODDENTAL ASSOCIATES, P.A. 1736 East Cope Avenue, Maplewood Maplewood Channel 16 schedule is available online at www.maplewoodmn.gov/TV16. Thursday, June 23, 5:30 pm (movie starts at 6:30 pm) Join us for a fun family event on Thursday, June 23rd at the Bruentrup Historical Farm, located at 2170 County Road D East. Enjoy yard games, concessions, picnic areas, activity stations for the kids and more. This is a FREE event for everyone! Watch the movie “Barnyard” in the Historic Bruentrup Barn. “Barnyard” is about a farmer who is away, and all the animals play... and sing, and dance. Eventually, though, someone has to step in and run things, a responsibility that ends up going to Otis, a carefree cow. The show starts at 6:30 pm, rain or shine. Chairs are provided but you are welcome to bring your own. For more details visit the Maplewood Parks and Recreation facebook page. Maplewood Movie Night at Bruentrup Farm May 2016 / 3 L A U G IH N Join Mayor Slawik, Kid City Artists and special guests for free fun activities to get the whole family laughing! Maplewood Community Center Doors open at 4PM Performance at 4:30PM This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. MAY14TH 2016 @ 4 PM SATURDAY Celebrate Maplewood’s 1st annual Day of Laughter!FREE! #KIDCITYMN For more info call 612-724-1435 ext. 4 or email Rachel@zpuppets.org www.bit.ly/KIDCITY Z PUPPETS ROSENSCHNOZ JUST KIDDING IMPROV FREE TREATS & ENTERTAINMENT SIAMA’S MUSICAL INSTRUMENT PETTING ZOO MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER 2100 White Bear Ave, Maplewood ADD YOUR LAUGHTER TO MAPLEWOOD’S LAUGHTER MUSEUM! Purchase a Summer Membership valid from May 1 - August 31 and pay NO ADMINISTRATIVE FEE! SENIOR/YOUTH - $100 • $127 SAVINGS!* ADULT - $135• $168 SAVINGS!* COUPLE - $155 • $204 SAVINGS!* FAMILY - $195 • $220 SAVINGS! * Rates valid for summer memberships only. Summer membership valid May 1 - August 31, 2016. 2100 WHITE BEAR AVE • MAPLEWOOD, MN 55109 MAPLEWOODCOMMUNITYCENTER.COM • 651.249.2230 DON’T DELAY JOIN ANYTIME AFTER APRIL 30, BUT COME IN EARLY FOR THE GREATEST SAVINGS! AWESOME AMENITIES Aquatics & Fitness Centers • Drop In Child Care • Daily Locker Use • Walking/Jogging Track FREE Group Fitness Classes • Family Friendly Atmosphere • AND SO MUCH MORE SUMMER MEMBERSHIP SPECIAL: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF 2015 RATES Maplewood has hired Ellen Paulseth as its new Finance Director. She began in the position on Monday, May 2nd. Maplewood City Manager, Melinda Coleman announced in April that Paulseth had been selected to succeed Gayle Bauman, who left earlier this year after managing Maplewood’s Finance Department for more than the last five years. City Manager Coleman said that said Paulseth stood out from the other candidates for her years of government experience and technically sound skills. Paulseth comes to Maplewood with more than 30 years of government Finance experience. Before coming to Maplewood, she was Deputy Director of Accounting & Finance for Washington County, and Finance Director for Forest Lake and Centerville. Several candidates were considered before three finalists were named. The hiring decision was made after a panel interview, additional testing, and simulated budget presentations to the group. “All of the panels saw her as someone who will be a good leader and who wants to mentor the employees in her department. She is quite talented and will be a valuable member of our senior management team,”” City Manager Coleman said. Under Paulseth’s leadership, Maplewood finance department will continue to produce our Comprehensive Financial Reports, Annual Budget, and five-year Capital Improvement Projects Reports. Both the CIP and Budget processes are scheduled to start this month. Despite joining Maplewood during the busy financial reporting season, Paulseth said “I am very excited to join the Maplewood team and look forward to growing with Maplewood.” Ellen is involved in numerous community and civic organizations over the years and has enjoyed outdoor activities, traveling and the arts. Maplewood Welcomes Ellen Paulseth, the New City Finance Director 4 / May 2016 The Maplewood Police Department is dedicated to protecting its citizens. The following are three of the latest scams in which people have been cheated out of their money. Official Sounding Calls About Your Email Being Hacked or Your Computer Being Shut Down Scammers call and state there is a problem with your computer, and they need access to fix the problem. They may pressure you by saying that if the computer is not fixed immediately, you will lose all of the information on the computer. The scammer then talks you through a process that gives them control of your computer and they are then able to access all of your records (including financial documents). • Do NOT give control of your computer to anyone offering to “fix” your computer. • Never give out any financial or sensitive information to anyone who contacts you on the phone or the computer. • If you are pressured, act immediately by hanging up. If you have questions, call your computer software company directly by looking up the number yourself. Do not use a number the possible scammer provided. Care.com or Other Job Opportunity Websites First, CARE.COM is a legitimate website that assists people in finding babysitters, nannies, etc.… However, scammers have learned how to take advantage of this site and others like it. The scammer contacts you and agrees to hire you. They may say they are moving to the area from out of State. The scam is they then send you a check for a large amount of money and tell you to cash it. When you put the check in your bank account, it appears to be a good check. Checks Take 7-10 Days to Clear. The scammer contacts you before the check clears and says they need some of their money back. They tell you to keep a set amount of the money for yourself (for the inconvenience) and then have you send them a cashier’s check, money order, pre-paid debit card or cash for the remaining amount. After you do this, you discover the original check they sent you was not good, and you are out the money you sent to the scammer. Bottom line, do not send any money until after you have confirmed that the original check has cleared, and the money is in your account. Be suspicious anytime you are asked to send someone money! If you have questions, or you are suspicious Call Your Bank. Bank employees are a great resource and very knowledge- able about how to prevent being scammed. Calls From the Government or Other Official Groups THE IRS reports that over 450,000 people have been contacted by scammers claiming to be from the IRS. If you receive a phone call from what appears to be a legitimate group, like the IRS or Xcel Energy, be suspicious. Scammers have the ability to spoof a phone call so that your caller ID will read “IRS” or “XCEL ENERGY.” The scammer will try and convince you that you owe money and if you do not send the money immediately something bad will happen such as a warrant will be issued for your arrest or your power will be shut off. They will tell you to send or wire: money, prepaid debit cards, etc., immediately. Stop and Check it out. If you do not believe you owe the money, then hang up or tell the caller to send the information in writing and then hang up. • Most businesses will not call you if you owe money. They tend to send the demand for money by U.S. mail or email (if you have set up an online account with them). • Check out the information the caller is telling you. • Look up the number of the agency and call directly back to the agency (do not use the number provided by the caller). • If you need help verifying the information, contact a friend or relative to assist you before sending money. • Do not send or wire: money, cashier’s checks, money orders or pre-paid debit cards unless you are positive you owe the money, and you have verified the address where you are sending the money is legitimate. A good rule is to think before you send any money. Are you positive you owe the money? Are you positive the person/ agency you are sending the money to is real? Is the address legitimate? If you have any doubt, do a little research and check it out. Don’t Be The Victim of a Scam By: Detective Alesia Metry, Maplewood Police Investigations May 2016 / 5 SIZE Maplewood Community Center Presents SENIOR LIFESTYLE & WELLNESS EXPO HEALTH • HOUSING • FITNESS • WELLNESS GARDENING • LIFESTYLE AMENITIES AND MORE! THURSDAY, MAY 12 • 10:00AM - 1:00PM 2100 WHITE BEAR AVENUE • MAPLEWOOD, MN 55109 MAPLEWOODCOMMUNITYCENTER.COM • 651.249.2230 FREE EVENT ADMISSION! spring festival Presentation Parish MAY 13, 14 & 15Sat 11:30 am - 5:00 pmSun 11:30 am - 3:30 pm Food Booths • Beer • Pull Tabs Book Booth • Craft Show • Silent Auction Grannie’s Attic • Theme Baskets Kiddie Land • Live Outdoor Music Raffle $6,000 in Cash Prizes! a Acapulco Restaurant Taco Dinner Ala Carte Prices - Sat 5:00 - 7:30 pm Tinucci’s Chicken DinnerSun 11:30 am - 3:00 pm $3 kids $9 adults a Friday Family Night 6-9 pm Dancing, Food & Games Saturday Kittenball Tournament Bingo 7:30 - 9:30 pm Great Door Prizes 9:45 pm High-Stakes Bingo Live Music Outdoors Both Days! www.presentationofmary.org • (651) 777-8116 Church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 1725 Kennard St. in Maplewood MASS: Sat 5:00 pm • Sun 8:30 am & 10:30 am Fr. Charlie Lachowitzer presiding at all Masses. New! Classic Car Show - Sun 11:00-2:00 pm May 7th is Arbor Day in Maplewood! Arbor Day is observed throughout the United States and the world as a day to celebrate trees. Trees cool our homes and streets by providing shade in the summer, habitats for migrating birds, and pollen for native wild bees. Each state and community varies the date to coincide with planting times. The Maplewood Nature Center is celebrating Arbor Day with Trees for the Bees – a program for Girl Scouts (www.maplewoodmn.gov/1196/Arbor-Day). The nature center is also offering a class “Energy Saving Landscapes” on Thursday, May 12, from 6:30 – 7:45 pm. Participants will learn how trees and shrubs can help reduce our home energy bills. There will be a tour of hardy Minnesota native trees and shrubs in the yard. (register on-line) For additional self-guided family fun, hike the nature center trails (open seven days a week from dawn to dusk) to find and identify trees. May is Arbor Month in the state of Minnesota, and it’s a great time to plant a tree. Maplewood has a Cost Share Reimbursementfor residents planting deciduous shade trees in their yard. While it is tempting to plant a large tree, smaller trees have been found to quickly catch up to larger trees, have a higher survival rate, and cost less to install. A list of hardy and beautiful Minnesota native species to choose from is available at: www.maplewoodmn.gov/1071/Tree-Purchase-Rebate. Call the Nature Center at (651) 249-2170 if you have any questions about which tree species qualify for the rebate. Council Proclaims May 7th Arbor Day 6 / May 2016 Maplewood Pediatric Dentistry Claire Mielke, DDS Peter H. Mielke, DDS Board Certied Pediatric Dentists 651.779.9002 1675 Beam Avenue Suite 202 Maplewood, Minnesota 55109 www.MaplewoodPediatricDentistry.com We provide gentle encouragement in a fun, child-friendly atmosphere. We’re moving down the street this summer! Maplewood Participates in Building Safety Month To help raise awareness of building safety, the City of Maplewood Building Inspections Department proudly celebrates Building Safety Month during May. Building Safety Month is a public safety awareness campaign to help individuals, families and businesses understand what it takes to create safe, resilient, affordable and energy-efficient homes and buildings. “When our building safety and fire prevention experts inspect buildings and review construction plans to ensure code compliance they help to ensure the places where you live, learn, work, worship and play are safe,” said Maplewood Building Official Nick Carver. “We work closely with contractors, homeowners, plumbers, roofers and other construction industry trades to provide maximum public safety.” The building inspectors in Maplewood provide a critical service to your family’s safety and the protection of your assets. Whether in your home, place of business or enjoying a meal or a show, you can feel safe, you can trust everything has been taken care of to ensure the safest possible environments for your life to happen. That’s because of all the “invisible” work that has been inspected, corrected or eliminated to make it safe. The Police and Fire Departments are very visible reminders that Maplewood has your safety covered. But there are persons who go before them to make your environments safe. If not for contractor licensing and inspection services, construction work could be varied and even hazardous. Permits are the vehicle necessary to accomplish these services; without a permit the work you are paying for cannot be checked for code compliance. Maplewood strives to maintain the lowest possible building permit rates. Partially to encourage the proper permits are requested and issued, but also to provide this service at a great value for the citizens. What value can you give to your confidence in knowing your family is safe? Code officials work hard every day to provide public safety by ensuring buildings are constructed safely. If you do happen to see one of our invisible inspectors, just remember that they are your first line of defense in public safety. Want compassionate and individualized mental health care? Help for children, adolescents and adults. North St. Paul and Five Other Locations. (651) 662-0800 bhsiclinics.com Our staff of psychologists, psychiatrists, clinical social workers and family therapists are committed to offering high quality mental health care. 2497 7th Ave E, Suite 101 • North St. Paul Behavioral Health Services Maplewood Building Official Nick Carver May 2016 / 7 The Maplewood Police Department and BAIR Analytics Inc. recently partnered to provide a new way for the public to stay informed about crime and community safety issues in Maplewood. The Police Department now has an online crime map called RAIDS Online (www.raidsonline.com) that maps and analyzes crime data, alerts Maplewood citizens about crimes in their area, and allows the Maplewood Police Department to quickly alert the public about crimes as they occur. Online or via their mobile app (the RAIDS Online Mobile app is available for FREE on the Apple App Store) Maplewood citizens can view a map and grid with reported crimes and calls for service in their area and sign up for crime alerts that automatically emails information about recent crime activity. RAIDS Online automatically syncs with the Maplewood Police Department’s records system to keep crime information updated online and in the mobile app. “We’re pleased to be able to offer this new interactive mapping tool to our residents,” said Maplewood Police Chief Paul Schnell. “We know that the best community safety outcomes are the result of a strong, informed, and engaged partnership between police and community,” he added. Anyone can visit Maplewood’s crime map from the “Crime Mapping” link on the City website, www.maplewoodmn.gov. Police Department Introduces Crime Mapping Tool to Public Maplewood Police Department’s online crime map called RAIDS (www.raidsonline.com) City of Maplewood 1830 County Road B East Maplewood, MN 55109 Phone: (651) 249-2000 www.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. Build a BBQ haven or furnish your home with a CCCU Mortgage Bonus Loan! GET PRE-APPROVED TODAY! Equal Housing Lender. Offer is not available in all states. Payment example for a 30 Year Mortgage: A $100,000 mortgage rate of 3.875% for 30 years would have a principal and interest payment of $470.24. Assuming 80% Loan to Value, the resulting annual percentage rate would be 3.986%. Payments do not include applicable taxes and insurance, so actual obligation will be greater. Other restrictions may apply. Rate effective 2/1/16 and is subject to change. To qualify for the $5,000 interest free bonus loan, the applicant must meet standard underwriting criteria. The offer applies to loan applications received after April 1, 2016 and is only valid for 30 days after the 1st mortgage closing. The maximum term on the interest free loan is 24-months. Mortgages over $150,000 qualify for an interest free loan up to $5,000. Mortgages $150,000 or less qualify for an interest free loan up to $2,500. Cannot be combined with $999 closing cost offer or used to cover closing costs. Limited time only. CCCU.COM (651) 225-2700 1 800 223-2801 LIMITED TIME OFFER Interest-Free Bonus Loan with a 30-year Mortgage$5,000 MAKE YOUR NEW HOME, YOUR HOME. Presented by THE CITY OF MAPLEWOOD MONDAY, JULY 4TH 4-10PM at Hazelwood Park Spectacular Fireworks S h o w presented by Pyrtechn i c D i s p l a y , I n c . Adult Beverages | Food T r u c k s | G i a n t I n f l a t a b l e s * Live Music by the Good F o r G a r y B a n d | New! Pull Tab Booth H H H H H H WWW.MAPLEWOO D M N . G O V / J U L Y 4 T H *$3 wristbands • No coo l e r s i n t h e p a r k H of July ELEBRATIONCight it UpLMAPLEWOOD 2016 1663 County Road C (n e a r M a p l e w o o d M a l l ) MAPLEWOOD MALL ® GOOD FOR GARY Barbecues/Open Flames are prohibited for the following • Any structure containing three or more dwelling units. • On ground level Barbecues/Open Flames shall be 15 feet from the structure. • Examples: Apartment building, Townhomes any dwelling unit meeting the criteria in the first bullet point. Fuel Storage • No person shall store or use any fuel, barbecue, torch or similar heating or lighting chemical or device on any balconies for structures listed above. Exception • Listed electric or gas fired barbecue grills that are permanently mounted and wired or plumbed to the buildings gas supply or electrical system and maintain a clearance of 18 inches on all sides. • Lesser clearances may be installed on balconies and patios when approved. Single family dwellings • This section is for homes that don’t meet the criteria in the first bullet point. • Grills on decks are allowed, but you should make every attempt to keep the 15 foot clearance from the house. • Don’t store extra fuel next to the grill. • Using propane is a better option instead of charcoal because once the propane is shut off the flame is out. With charcoal the coals stay hot for hours and if the coals fall onto the deck it could cause a fire. Butch Gervais, Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal (651) 249-2804 butch.gervais@maplewoodmn.gov Barbecues / Open Flames on Balconies and Patios