HomeMy WebLinkAbout10 Oct 16CITY’S OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER
OCTOBER 2016
In This Issue
Policing: Beyond the Badge Halloween Safety Tips A Stronger MCC A Big Win For Victory Firefighter Ribbon
Cutting Ceremony
Fall Clean Up
Republic Services, Maplewood’s
contracted trash hauler, will be
collecting bulky items curbside at
up to 50% off the City’s trash hauling
contracted rate. The event is
scheduled for the last four full
weeks in October (October 3-7,
October 10-14, October 17-21,
and October 24-28). To schedule
bulky item collection contact
Republic Services at (651) 455-8634.
For additional details and pricing
visit the City’s website at
www.maplewoodmn.gov/cleanups.
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State General Election: November 8, 2016
The State General Election will be
conducted on Tuesday, November 8, 2016.
The hours of voting in all polling places
will be from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Voting Will Take Place At The Following Polling Places:
Precinct Address
Precinct 1 St. Paul Hmong Alliance Church 1770 McMenemy St.
Precinct 2 St. Jerome’s School 380 E. Roselawn Ave.
Precinct 3 Edgerton School 1929 Edgerton St.
Precinct 4 Maplewood Fire Station 2 (Gladstone) 1955 Clarence St.
Precinct 5 Gladstone Community Center 1945 Manton St.
Precinct 6 Redeeming Love Church 2425 White Bear Ave. N.
Precinct 7 First Evangelical Free Church 2696 Hazelwood St.
Precinct 8 Ramsey County Library 3025 Southlawn Dr.
Precinct 9 Maplewood Community Center 2100 White Bear Ave.
Precinct 10 Maplewood Community Center 2100 White Bear Ave.
Precinct 11 Maplewood Middle School 2410 Holloway Ave.
Precinct 12 Beaver Lake Lutheran Church 2280 Stillwater Ave.
Precinct 13 Gethsemane Lutheran Church 2410 Stillwater Rd.
Precinct 14 Carver School 2680 Upper Afton Rd.
Precinct 15 Lutheran Church of Peace 47 Century Ave. S.
To Be Eligible To Vote In Minnesota You Must:
• Be at least 18 years of age on Election Day
• Be a citizen of the United States
• Have resided in Minnesota for 20 days immediately preceding Election Day
• Have any felony conviction record discharged, expired or completed
• Not be under court-ordered guardianship where a court has revoked your
voting rights
• Not have been ruled legally incompetent by a court of law
Absentee Voting:
Any voter may vote early by absentee ballot. You may submit your absentee
ballot by mail or vote in person at City Hall located at 1830 County Road B East.
Absentee voting will be available beginning September 23rd.
- continued on page 2
LIVING
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 / October 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
To advertise in this newsletter call
Heidi Carey at (952) 212-7333 or email
heidi@careycommunications.org.
LIVING
How to Vote Absentee/Early by Mail:
First, you must submit a completed application to receive
an absentee ballot. You can submit your application by
mail, email, fax, or drop it off at City Hall located at 1830
County Road B East.
Absentee Ballot Applications are Available:
1. Online at www.maplewoodmn.gov and click on the
elections icon on the front page and then follow the link
to complete an absentee ballot application online.
2. You can print off an application and submit the paper
absentee ballot application to the City by:
Mail: City of Maplewood/Elections
1830 County Road B East
Maplewood, MN 55109
Email: elections@maplewoodmn.gov
Fax: (651) 249-2957
3. If you do not have online access, the Elections Division
can mail you an absentee ballot application. Please
contact us at (651) 249-2008.
When your application has been processed, an absentee
ballot packet will be mailed to you via First Class Mail.
Once you complete your absentee ballot, you may mail
your ballot back or drop it off at City Hall. If you are
mailing your ballot back to us, please ensure it is received
no later than Tuesday, November 8th. If you are dropping
off your ballot, or having someone else drop off your ballot
for you, please make sure it is received at City Hall no later
than 3:00 pm on Tuesday, November 8th, Election Day.
Absentee ballots cannot be dropped off at your
precinct location.
City hall will be open for absentee voting during the
following hours. Absentee voting for the Presidential
Election will be held in the Council Chambers.
Election results will be reported at the Secretary of State’s
website at www.sos.state.mn.us as results come in on
November 8th. For additional information regarding the
election and to find your polling place, visit the Elections
page by clicking the “VOTE” icon on the front page at
www.maplewoodmn.gov or by calling (651) 249-2000.
State General Election: November 8, 2016
- continued from page 1
BY KAREN HAAG, CITIZEN SERVICES DIRECTOR karen.haag@maplewoodmn.gov
Date(s) Open Close
Weekdays, Sept 23 - Nov 4 8:00 am 4:30 pm
Saturday, Nov 5 10:00 am 3:00 pm
Monday, Nov 7 8:00 am 5:00 pm
October 2016 / 3
All of us, who serve as your police officers, swear an oath
to serve this community and defend and protect the
Constitutional Rights of its people. When we start, we are
issued a badge, which literally and symbolically belongs
to the people of the City of Maplewood.
While the badge weighs just a few ounces, there are times
when the true weight of the badge is immense. We ask
much of our police officers and we should. Even in small,
safe communities like Maplewood, police work provides
no shortage of conflict and human tragedy. Despite the
periodic heaviness that comes with the wearing of this
badge, the opportunity to make a difference is incredible.
Within the past few weeks I received the email below,
which is illustrative of both the opportunity to make a
difference and the service focus of our officers. (I have
made slight alterations to the note to protect the author’s
privacy, but the message is unchanged).
“I write to share a story. With all the negativity surrounding
officers today I just wanted to share a story that changed
my life in a positive light forever. It happened around
Christmastime seven or eight years ago. I was a single dad,
alone with 1, 4, and 5 year old daughters. I was struggling
financially, and had no money and no food. Feeling
desperate, I went into a local grocery store and attempted
to steal bananas and milk for my kids. Not being a very
good thief, I was caught by store staff and I ran off.
As luck would have it, they got my plate number because
officers showed up to tow my car from my house – or so I
thought. When the officer came to my door, I didn’t answer
because I was scared about what would happen to my
kids. Fearing I was wanted, I found someone to watch my
kids for the night, and called the police saying I wanted to
figure this out. I was an emotional wreck.
I meet the officer (a current Maplewood police officer) that
night and explained my story and broke down, I explained
my situation and the reason I ran when caught stealing. I
told the officer I felt ashamed that I resorted to theft, but I
had no food or milk. The officer just listened and then took
the time to acknowledge the difficult position I was in and
encouraged me to stick with it, do the right thing and life
would get better. The officer took a $20 bill out of his own
wallet and told me to get food for my kids.
The kindness of the officer itself could have been a good
end to the story, but it wasn’t. A few days before Christ-
mas I received a card in the mail and opened it. Inside was
$120. The card was signed by the officer and his family
wishing me and my kids a great Christmas.
Things could have fallen apart for me had he not done
what he did. He changed my life. I had a positive outlook
after that and my life slowly got better. My kids are now
teens and I have full custody of them. In addition, I now
own my own townhome in a nearby community. I often
think back to my encounter with the officer as the turning
point in my life. Over the years, I’ve left voicemail
messages to thank him.
With all that is going on for police, I always think back
to that moment and cry. Had this officer not had the
kind heart he did, my life could have fallen apart and my
kids and I wouldn’t be where we are today. The officer is
an amazing person. Maybe he doesn’t know it, but he
changed my life forever, and I will never forget him or
his family.”
So, what does this story have to do with the badge?
The badge symbolizes a shield, which has historical
significance. Shields date back to the 1200’s and the days
of the Knights of the Roundtable. The knight’s shield served
two purposes: it conveyed authority and clearly identified
the knight who was empowered only to enforce the law for
the protection of the people of the villages. Shields were
always carried on the knight’s left hand side. Today, the
shield is worn on the left side of the uniform shirt. On it
there is typically an affixed state seal, the City’s name, the
wearer’s respective rank, and, and the officers badge
number. Knights also knew their shield was a means of
protection in that it signified the connection with other
knights and most importantly, the people they serve
and protect.
Even while the policing profession takes
the needed steps to build trust and
improve policing for the benefit of
everyone we serve, I am reminded
that it is necessary to look beyond the
badge – at the people. I’m proud of our
officers, and this story is just one of
the reasons.
Recent Focus on Policing: Beyond the Badge
BY PAUL SCHNELL, POLICE CHIEF paul.schnell@maplewoodmn.gov
4 / October 2016
TIPS FOR A NOT SO SCARY NIGHT
It won’t be long before smiling ghosts and goblins are
knocking at your door. Police Chief Paul Schnell says with
just a few steps Halloween can be a safe and memorable
time for families.
“We know kids and families look forward to Halloween
every year,” the Chief adds. “Taking the time to remember
just a handful of safety tips can make sure Halloween is a
great day for everyone.”
Preparing your Home for Trick or Treaters
• Make sure the walkway to your home is clear and that
exterior lights are on so friendly little monsters can find
their way to your doorbell.
• Report any dangerous or suspicious activity to 9-1-1.
• Do not give out homemade or unwrapped treats.
Be Safe Behind the Wheel
“On nights like Halloween, it’s vital that motorists are
cautious when they’re on the road,” Chief Schnell explains.
“Children may quickly dash off a sidewalk or out from
between parked cars so drivers really need to be
distraction free behind the wheel.”
Safe Costumes
• Wear costumes that are flame retardant to help prevent
any unfortunate jack ‘o lantern mishaps.
• Don’t allow costumes that are too long because it could
lead to trips and falls.
• Consider makeup instead of a mask. Masks can impair
vision when your little ghouls are crossing the street.
• If the fabric on your child’s spooky get-up is dark, put
some reflective tape on it.
Happy Hauntings
“To help ensure a safe and happy Halloween, families really
need only to take some simple common sense steps,” the
Chief notes.
• Make a pre-determined trick or treating route with a firm
time limit.
• Older ghosts and goblins should trick or treat in groups.
An adult should accompany smaller haunters.
• Try and trick or treat during daylight, but if that’s not
possible, make sure you have a working flashlight.
• Never go inside anyone’s home.
• Don’t accept a ride from a stranger.
• Be aware of traffic.
• Only cross the street at corners.
• Don’t take shortcuts through yards, alleys, or parks.
• No snacking until an adult has checked all the treats.
“Our officers will he out in the community on Halloween,”
Chief Schnell says. “So stop and say hello. And most of
them probably wouldn’t say no to a piece of candy.”
Preserving Historic Structures and Sites in Maplewood
Old places matter. They connect us to the past and provide
beauty and a sense of community identity. Preserving and
caring for historic buildings can conserve resources, reduce
waste, and bring economic benefits. The City and its
Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) encourage
owners of historic buildings to consider nominating their
site for one of the City’s preservation programs.
Century Homes Program
Homes over 100 years old are eligible for the Century
Homes Program. This program was initiated in 2003 and
is being reinvigorated this year. There are over 125 homes
in Maplewood over 100 years old. In October, owners of
these homes will receive a letter inviting them to participate
in the Century Homes
Program.
Local Designation
Maplewood’s Local
Designation Program
recognizes sites and
structures that are at
least 50 years old and
are historically or
architecturally
significant.
- continued on page 8
Maplewood home built in 1886
October 2016 / 5
During the last three decades, the
Maplewood Community Center (MCC) has
become one of our city’s true cornerstones.
The MCC has helped our community’s young
people learn new sports and complete the
perfect Mother’s Day craft project. Older
residents have used the MCC to maintain
their fitness and forge new friendships.
The MCC has unquestionably been a
positive force for our city and neighboring
communities.
Yet a look at the MCC’s future reveals
serious challenges. The facility currently needs
significant maintenance and improvements.
The MCC also runs at an annual deficit of between
$250,000 and $450,000.
With those realities in mind, the City has been in discus-
sions with the YMCA for that well-known organization to
take over all of the MCC’s operations, minus the theatre.
The YMCA has been running all of the MCC’s aquatics
programs for more than a year, so a potential expanded
relationship would simply build on an already strong
partnership.
If the agreement with the YMCA is approved, it will benefit
the City and MCC members in a number of ways:
• The City and the YMCA will jointly fund a capital
improvement fund.
• The YMCA will take full control of the facility’s
operational risk.
• Residents will be able to retain their access to special
pricing and will also be able to upgrade their member
ships to access YMCAs throughout the Twin Cities.
• Seniors who qualify for health insurance-funded
memberships at the MCC will automatically gain
access to YMCAs across the Twin Cities.
City leaders are also excited about expanding this
partnership because it would mean money currently used
to fund the MCC’s operations and capital investments
could instead be used to fund park improvements. We
know our parks are one of the City’s most valued features
and we want to do all we can to help them grow and
flourish for decades to come.
If the partnership
with the YMCA
comes to fruition,
it will be a classic
“win-win” for two
reasons. First, the
YMCA, with more
than 150 years of
experience, is
better equipped
than the City to
run the MCC as a
thriving, vibrant,
and adaptable
facility. With this
new arrangement, MCC
members would see their choice of programs and services
increase under YMCA leadership.
Second, the partnership would allow the City to better
fund its park system, which is vital to our mission of making
Maplewood a desirable place to call home for both current
and potential residents and businesses.
Both the City and the YMCA are excited about a potential
MCC partnership. Residents can expect a final resolution
soon and details will be shared on the City’s website, social
media platforms, and in future issues of Maplewood Living.
Maplewood, YMCA, Committed to a Stronger MCC
BY D UWAYNE KONEWKO, PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR duwayne.konewko@maplewoodmn.gov
6 / October 2016
A Big Win for Victory
City Sets Preliminary Levy
For Jeff Matt,
integrity and ethics
are everything. Matt,
who owns Victory
Auto Service & Glass
on Rice Street, has
focused on honesty
and quality service
since he opened his
first Victory in 1997.
Thanks to his
company’s success
and values, Matt
recently learned Victory has earned the prestigious 2016
International Torch Award for Ethics from the Better
Business Bureau. The award is reserved for those businesses
that have passed a rigorous examination that shows a
clear commitment to best practices in character leadership
and organizational ethics.
“We’re very honored to have received this award from
the Better Business Bureau,” Matt says. “It confirms to us
that our commitment to be fair, friendly, and ethical is
important.”
Headquartered in Fridley, Victory has shops in Brooklyn
Park, Chanhassen, Fridley, Ham Lake, Maplewood, and
St. Petersburg, Florida.
“In our company’s culture, we’ve learned that integrity
really is good business,” Matt explains.
“Victory has been a great addition to our community,” says
Mayor Nora Slawik. “We’re very pleased to see them earn
this kind of recognition from the Better Business Bureau.”
The Maplewood City Council adopted a 5 percent
preliminary 2017 tax levy at its September 12 meeting.
The total levy of nearly $21 million is preliminary until final
adoption in December. While the City Council cannot
increase the amount of the preliminary levy, it can
decrease the amount before final adoption.
The property tax levy will fund the city’s operations and
obligations for the next year. New 2017 initiatives include:
• Police body and squad cameras and data storage.
• Revised Comprehensive Plan.
• Increased domestic violence prosecutions.
• Contract increases for public safety dispatching.
• Assessment of public safety facilities.
• Fire truck and fire equipment replacement.
• Reductions and eliminations of deficit fund balances.
City taxes account for about 28 percent of your tax bill.
Your property tax bill also includes assessments from the
county, school district, and special districts. Maplewood’s
5 percent increase would have an impact of about $28
per year for the average homeowner.
A public hearing on the levy will be held on Monday,
December 12, at 7:00 pm in City Council Chambers
located at 1830 County Road B East. Questions can be
directed to Finance Director Ellie Paulseth via email at
ellen.paulseth@maplewoodmn.gov or by calling
(651) 249-2902.
Jeff Matt, owner of Victory Auto
Service & Glass
BY ELLIE PAULSETH, FINANCE DIRECTOR
ellen.paulseth@maplewoodmn.gov
October 2016 / 7
Participating congregations will earn points for
their parishioners scheduling Home Energy Squad®
visits between the dates of September 15 through
December 15, 2016. The Home Energy Squad® visits
will be offered to participants of the Energy Challenge
for a discounted price of $35 (normally $70). At the
end of the Energy Challenge the congregation with
the most points will win a FREE party catered by the
5-8 Tavern and Grill including games, prizes, and a
special appearance by TOLBY the energy-saving firefly.
For more details, or to sign up your congregation, visit
www.maplewoodmn.gov/energizeyourcongregation or
contact Stefan Schiltz, Energy Program Coordinator at
(651) 249-2306 or Stefan.schiltz@maplewoodmn.gov.
Energize Your Congregation! Energy Challenge
City Sets Preliminary Levy
During the energy challenge representatives
from Maplewood and the Neighborhood Energy
Connection will offer fun and educational
energy visits to your congregation
SEE YOUR FIREFIGHTERS IN ACTION
Sunday, October 9, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm FREE EVENT!
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 11:15 am
You are invited to a Grand Opening and Fire Safety Open House at
the East Metro Public Safety Training Facility.
The Open House includes: demonstrations of the facility’s burner
buildings, a car fire, a kitchen fire, state of the art training techniques,
and hands-only CPR training. This is a great event for children to
explore what it’s like to be a firefighter; they can even can spray an
actual fire hose! Enjoy refreshments, games, and prizes.
The East Metro Public Safety Training Facility is located at 1881 Century
Ave. N. in Maplewood (at the intersection of Hwy 120/Century Ave.
and Washington County Road 14 (Old Hwy 5).
Event organizers are Lake Elmo, Maplewood, North St. Paul, and Oakdale Fire Departments.
City of Maplewood
1830 County Road B East
Maplewood, MN 55109
Phone: (651) 249-2000
www.maplewoodmn.gov
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DECEMBER 15, 2016 -JANUARY 2017
DECEMBER 2016
NOVEMBER 2016
OCTOBER 2016
AUGUST -
SEPTEMBER 2016
prepare to Be Your Best Self...
maplewood community center membership specials
Purchase An Annual Membership & Pay
NO ADMIN FEE + Get $50 In MCC Bucks
10/20 Visit Pass Sale:
$10 Off A 10 Visit Pass OR $20 Off A 20 Visit Pass
Purchase ANY membership & Pay NO ADMIN FEE
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The goal of the local designation program is to preserve
the historic integrity of buildings and sites while ensuring
they continue to maintain functionality. The stories of these
special sites help build our understanding of local history.
The Bruentrup Heritage Farm is the only site currently on
Maplewood’s Local Designation list. The HPC is working
on designating a second site – Gladstone Savanna.
National Register
The Natural Register of Historic Places is a federal program
that honors structures or sites that are at least 50 years old
and have historic or architectural significance on the state
or national level. The Ramsey County Poor House Barn is
currently the only structure in Maplewood that has this
designation. In Minnesota, this program is administered by
the State Historic Preservation Office. But the City can apply
for grants to assist owners with the nomination process.
For more information on these programs, visit
Maplewoodmn.gov/history.
- continued from page 4 Preserving Historic Structures
Ramsey County
Poor Farm Barn Bruentrup Heritage Farm