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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012• Footloose Dinner Theater Saturday, April 14, 6-7:30PM Maplewood Community Center • 1st Annual Maplewood/ North St. Paul Joint Parks Clean-up Event Saturday, April 21, 8AM-1PM www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/recreation • Senior Expo Thursday, May 24, 10AM-2PM Maplewood Community Center • God Spell Dinner Theater Friday, August 10, 6-7:30PM Maplewood Community Center 5 Easter Egg Hunt 7 Police Dept. Expansion 8 Code Compliance 10 Spring Clean Up 11 50’s Tribute Show 12 Gateway Corridoor Save The Date Maplewood Monthly 2 Earth Hour 4 Council CornerMONTHL Y Deals New! SAVE On A Great Monthly Deal On pg.3 Thank you to our partners Minnesota’s Leading Travelgoods Specialty Retailer Planning A Trip Outside The USA? Planning travel outside the United States? First, get your U.S. passport at Maplewood City Hall, 1830 East County Road B. We’ll be open on Saturday, March 10, 10:00AM - 3:00PM and you do not need an appointment. You will be able to apply for standard processing (4-6 weeks) or pay an additional $60 for expedited processing (2-3 weeks, door-to-door). Passport Day in the USA also means passport-themed gifts. Each passport customer will receive a complimentary luggage tag and the opportunity to register to win a beautiful luggage tote. If you’ve been waiting to get your passport, this is the time! Call 651.249.2005 for more details. Frequently Asked Questions About Maplewood’s New Trash Plan New trash collection service under the Maplewood Trash Plan will begin on October 1, 2012. The plan includes City-wide residential trash collection for all single-family residents. Trash collection will be carried out by the City’s trash hauling contractor, Allied Waste Services. The Maplewood City Council authorized a five-year contract with Allied Waste Services on November 28, 2011. Since that time the City has received several questions regarding the plan. The responses to the frequently asked questions below represent the City’s best information available at this time. As more information and resident instructions become available, these will be communicated in the newsletter and the Maplewood Trash Plan webpage at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/trash. How much will my trash collection cost under the new plan? Refer to the table for monthly fees for every week trash collection (includes all fees, County and State taxes, and the City’s trash cart fee [estimated at 75 cents per month per household]) Will the price stay the same over the five-year contract? The price could adjust once a year based on inflationary factors including the cost of disposal at the designated resource recovery facility, Consumer Price Index, and the specified price of diesel fuel. - continued on page 9 New Trash Hauling Fees Cart Capacity Price per Month 20 gallon $9.30 32 gallon $10.62 65 gallon $11.91 95 gallon $13.37 For low volume trash generators the plan will also offer a 20 gallon capacity cart with every other week collection at $6.83 per month. Maplewood Seasons Inside! March 2012 City Newsletter Promote Your Business Reach over 22,200 homes, businesses, and apartments with the Official Maplewood City Newsletter. The entire newsletter is featured on the city website. For more information, contact Heidi Carey at 952.212.7333 or heidi.carey@ci.maplewood.mn.us. Thank you to the advertisers who help support this publication! Frequently Called Numbers Maplewood City Hall General Information 651.249.2000 Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30PM Deputy Registrar and Passport Hours Monday: 8:00AM - 6:00PM Tuesday - Friday: 8:00AM - 4:30PM Maplewood Community Center Registration 651.249.2230 Customer Service 651.249.2230 Admissions 651.249.2210 Theater/Banquet Room Rental 651.249.2103 Group Information 651.249.2204 Aquatics 651.249.2206 Fitness 651.249.2207 Maplewood Recreation General Information 651.249.2007 Maplewood Nature Center General Information 651.249.2170 Code Enforcement Hotline 651.249.CODE (2633) Online: Go to www.ci.maplewood.mn.us and click on “Report A Violation” on the right-hand side of the home page. Maplewood Public Works General Information 651.249.2400 City of Maplewood Elected Officials Will Rossbach: Mayor 651.484.5427 will.rossbach@ci.maplewood.mn.us Kathleen Juenemann: Councilmember 651.771.3670 kathleen.juenemann@ci.maplewood.mn.us James Llanas: Councilmember 651.488.2745 james.llanas@ci.maplewood.mn.us Robert Cardinal: Councilmember 651.765.8600 bob.cardinal@ci.maplewood.mn.us Marvin Koppen: Councilmember 651.770.5391 marvin.koppen@ci.maplewood.mn.us Jim Antonen: City Manager 651.249.2050 jim.antonen@ci.maplewood.mn.us City of Maplewood 2 March 2012 Maplewood Meeting Schedule Business & Economic Development Commission: 3rd Thursday at 6:00PM City Council: 2nd & 4th Monday - Listening Forum at 6:30PM Meeting at 7:00PM City Council Workshop: 1st Monday at 5:15PM Community Design Review Board: 4th Tuesday at 6:00PM Environmental & Natural Resources Commission: 3rd Monday at 7:00PM Heritage Preservation Commission: 2nd Thursday at 7:00PM Housing Redevelopment Authority: 1st Wednesday at 7:00PM Human Rights Commission: 2nd Tuesday at 7:00PM Parks & Recreation Commission: 2nd Wednesday at 7:00PM Planning Commission: 1st & 3rd Tuesday at 7:00PM All City Council and Commission meetings are broadcast live on Channel 16 and are rebroadcast on a schedule that is posted at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us.* Any meeting cancellations are posted on the City’s website. *Meetings are also streamed live on the City’s website. Earth Hour 2012 At 8.30PM on Saturday, March 31, 2012, hundreds of millions of people across the globe will switch off the lights of homes and businesses for one hour - Earth Hour. Earth Hour is the world’s largest public environmental action designed to raise awareness about sustainability issues. Earth Hour encourages individuals, businesses, and governments to show leadership on environmental solutions through their actions. Earth Hour serves as a platform to showcase to the world what measures you are taking to reduce your environmental impact. Earth Hour asks everyone to take personal accountability for their impact on the planet and make behavioral changes to facilitate a sustainable lifestyle. Carol Mason Sherrill, Maplewood Environmental and Natural Resources Commissioner, states that “the first step to a more sustainable lifestyle is as easy as turning off your lights. By switching off your lights for Earth Hour you are acknowledging and celebrating your commitment to do something more for the planet that goes beyond the hour.” Find out how you can get involved by visiting www.earthhour.org. FREE Solar Assessment 800-620-3370 • info@allenergysolar.com www.allenergysolar.com Min 3kW - offer good through 3/310/2012 Get It Before It’s Gone 60% XCEl REBATE & 30% TAX CREDiT! Call Now for an additiona l $1,500 OFF! MO N THL Y MO N THL Y Deals Deals Call 1-866-222-4595 today to receive $40 off a Premium Home Energy Squad visit. Mention MMAR40.* *Offer ends April 15, 2012. 651-578-0676 www.oak-meadows.org Schedule a visit with Kim and receive a special gift! (651) 774-9558 Your Electronic Filing Specialists! Individual, Small Business & Corporate $10 .00 Off! New Customers Only Exp. 4/15/12. Must present ad to redeem discount. millertax@integra.net 1696 White Bear Ave N, Maplewood Join A Maplewood Commission And Make A Difference in Your Community The City of Maplewood is now accepting applications to fill 12 openings; one (1) on the Business & Economic Development Commission; one (1) on the Community Design Review Board, two (2) on the Heritage Preservation Commission, three (3) on the Human Rights Commission, two (2) on the Parks & Recreation Commission and three (3) on the Planning Commission. These openings are due to terms expiring at the end of April and some commissioners resigning. The City Council will interview candidates that apply and will appoint individuals to fill these openings. More information on the commission can be found on the City’s website at 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 online on the City’s website. The application deadline is March 16, 2012. Completed applications should be submitted to the City Manager’s office at 1830 County Road B E, Maplewood, MN 55109. Get Noticed. To advertise your business in this section contact Heidi Carey at heidi.carey@ci.maplewood.mn.us or 952-212-7333. free $25.00 Olive Garden Gift Card When You Set Up An estimate for Siding, Roofing, or Windows. 763-493-5500 Expires 3/31/12. Must own your home and mention this offer when you call to schedule your appointment. Serving MN for 65+ YeArS! www.minnesotaexteriors.com A+ rated MN Lic # BC002877 Council Cor n e r City of Maplewood 4 March 2012 Maplewood At The Crossroads By Councilmember Bob Cardinal Speaking of change; the city of Maplewood employee count is 180 good workers today. Exactly 1 out of 4, one-fourth, one quarter, 25% of this number is 45 Stars- which have served the City of Maplewood for over 15 years each. This makes me happy. For a city and a family to be healthy, its members must exercise their given gifts. The city council and mayor’s job is to serve the citizens. Service is to be alert to people’s needs. The city council should take action and be about citizen’s needs, not to be about their own agenda. One of the city council’s legacies when I was mayor from 1999 – 2005, was Legacy Village; a total mix of housing for thousands of new residents to Maplewood, increasing our city population several thousand in number. The legacy of the prior city council ending in December 2011 was making trash collection in Maplewood a one company monopoly, voted on and action taken after the election on November 8, 2011, when the makeup of the new city council changed for the 2012 city council. This action deserved a grade of “F” for fail- ure in leadership in Maplewood. That spells a total lack of leadership for the city of Maplewood in 2011. Now, this year, 2012, we will have a new level of leadership. Yes, that means we can only go up. Questions yet to be answered: • Compare Maplewood with North St. Paul rates. $5.00 seems like a big difference. Two very comparable cities, why are the projected rates in Maplewood so much cheaper? • The council never had a true study. They only compared open system to one hauler. They never compared it to zoning or other options. • The city council only compared haulers rates in 2011 to first year’s proposed contract rates, not the last year of contracts rates. • The council won an award in June 2011 for going organized. How could it not be premeditated? These behaviors go beyond the rational. Logic would dictate that a different path be taken. People want good, clean, safe, healthy environments. That should be our civic pride in Maplewood. We can seek understanding of the history of Maplewood and the people who contributed to it. We can ask them to tell about it, as the people usually will do this. It is on this historical foundation that Maplewood will build our future. Part of respecting history is spending time in it. We can make a special effort to find out what has gone on in the past. Reading reports and files tells us how Maplewood has operated, added to face-to-face contact with the people who made Maplewood history. When we learn the culture we also learn what has made Maplewood what it is today. The future is built upon the past. The chances are that the resources that move Maplewood forward will be largely drawn from the same resources that brought it to where it is today. Maybe the resources will be supplemented, maybe they will be used differently, but most of what is needed to move Maplewood forward is in Maplewood right now. Our challenge is to help our citizens to find it, transform it, align it, or even create it out of what we find. What can we do and what should we not be doing? One of the main reasons efforts to change large systems falter is because most people did not know what they were signing up for when they began. We have to learn more about what really happens when we try to change citizen’s lives. We must let go of our naïve assumptions and our need for immediate action. This is not an argument against their restructuring. But there must be very compelling reasons for a change of this magnitude to justify such a consuming effort. We need to help our staff understand the immensity of their undertakings before they commit to them. Do not read this as an argument against change. Quite the opposite. It is an argument for knowing the truth about change. A change with a large time and resource perspective will probably help residents accept the inevitable obstacles as givens rather than as tests of will and patience. What is working in Maplewood, what is not working in Maplewood, and what can we do about it? This will require increasing transparency in Maplewood which will: • Enhance accountability • Increase citizen involvement in government • Raise performance • Boost government credibility and • Reduce corruption. Future – how to get there? If something is on the drawing board – it is already obsolete. Tuesday-morning quarterbacking is even more tempting in cities than it is in football. We can avoid assigning blame and instead can attempt to understand, so that we can help Maplewood move into the future. Offering residents a broad range of perspectives better enables them to discern the truth. We still have very much to learn, especially in devising suitable ways of collaborating more generously and effectively with other cities, school districts, counties, and the State of Minnesota and Federal levels of government. My wish for all of Maplewood this year of 2012 is that: You will be happy at home. The highest office in the land is a citizen. 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 opinons of the City of Maplewood. 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 opinons of the City of Maplewood.City News Community Garden Plots At Edgerton Community gardens were popular in 2011, with hundreds of people renting plots in Maplewood. This year, residents wishing to rent garden space have several options to choose from in Maplewood. The City offers garden plots at Edgerton Park (at Roselawn and Edgerton). Plots are 12’x15’ and there is a $25 plot fee for the season. The garden is open April 27 - October 15, 2012. To register for a plot, call 651.249.2120 or visit www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/communitygarden. Returning gardeners may reserve their spots now; gardeners new to the site may register beginning March 5th. Additional community garden sites with plots to rent in Maplewood: School District 622 Community Education rents out garden plots at Cowern Elementary School and has one large plot that people will tend together at Carver Elementary School (www.isd622.org/communityeducation). First Evangelical Free Church manages a large garden at County Road C and Hazelwood (www.harvestgardens.org). Watch for gardening classes in the April edition of the Parks and Recreation brochure. City of Maplewood 5 March 2012 Easter Eggstravaganza SATURDAY, MARCH 31, 10:00AM Pre-Hunt Activities 10:00AM Egg Hunt 11:00AM at Edgerton Community Gym 1929 Edgerton Street in Maplewood Experience the best egg hunt around! The City of Maplewood is teaming up with Perkins Restaurant to offer an assortment of delicious pastries. After you enjoy a delicious breakfast, visit the famous Easter Bunny and hunt for colorful eggs on the grounds outside at Edgerton Gym. Children will be divided into two age groups and will be hunting for wrapped candy and plastic eggs, some which may be redeemed for great prizes (including Perkins gift certificates!) Bags of goodies will be available for children under 2 years of age. Don’t forget your camera! Cost is $5.00 per child. Register today online at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us or by calling 651.249.2230 and join the fun. Thank you to our partner On The Police Scanner In January, the Maplewood Police Department responded to 1,972 calls for service. 19 Assault Cases 2 Robbery Case 28 Burglary Cases 137 Theft Cases 13 Auto Theft Cases 36 Theft from Vehicle Cases 30 Criminal Damage to Property Cases Officers also made 40 arrests for shoplifting and 14 arrests for DWI. ENJOY A CATERED DINNER FOLLOWED BY A MAGICAL THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE! TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT WWW.ASHLANDPRODUCTIONS.COM BEGINNING MARCH 1 2100 WHITE BEAR AVE • MAPLEWOOD, MN 55109 • 651.249.2230 SATURDAY, APRIL 14 • DINNER 6:00PM • SHOW 7:30PMDINNER THEATERPresented By Ashland Productions T TDaddy Daughter DanceDaddy Daughter Dance wwFriday, April 13, 6:30 - 8:00PM at the Maplewood Community Center $25/couple • $7 each additional child MCC & NSP members: $20/couple • $5 each additional child (651) 249.2230 Girls ages 5-12 City of Maplewood 6 March 2012 City News 2012 Street improvement Projects The City of Maplewood’s Public Works Department is in charge of maintaining the public infrastructure which includes the streets, storm sewer, and sanitary sewer within the public right-of-way throughout the City. As this public infrastructure ages, it gets to a point where basic maintenance is no longer cost-effective and more intensive repairs or replacement is necessary. These more intensive projects are typically completed as public improvement projects. Each year the City prepares a 5 year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) that is adopted by the City Council in order to prioritize these prospective projects for the coming years. The CIP serves as a planning document for future projects and their proposed funding sources. The Maplewood Public Works Department is proposing the following two public improvement projects for 2012: Bartelmy- Meyer Area Street Improvements, City Project 11-14 The streets and utilities included in the Bartelmy-Meyer Area have deteriorated to the point that a full reconstruction project is necessary. The streets in this neighborhood contain significant cracking, settlements, patching, and potholes that are not effectively repaired with basic maintenance. The utilities in this neighborhood, such as the water main and storm sewer system, are in need of total replacement. During neighborhood meetings held with area residents concerns were also raised about vehicle speeding, flooding issues, pedestrian safety, and the need for an update to Gethsemane Park Playground. The streets included in the Bartelmy-Meyer Area Street Improvement Project include: • Bartelmy Lane – (Stillwater Road to Minnehaha Avenue) • Brand Street – (Bartelmy Lane to End) • Mary Street – (Minnehaha Avenue to Bartelmy Lane) • Meyer Street – (Minnehaha Avenue to 7th Street) • 7th Street – (Sterling Street to End) • Sterling Street – (Mary Street to 7th Street) The water main and storm sewer are proposed to be replaced throughout the project area. Repairs are also proposed to the sanitary sewer mainline and services in select areas. The streets in the project area are proposed to be fully reconstructed including the replacement of sub-grade materials, new concrete curb, and new asphalt pavement. The playground at Gethsemane Park is proposed to be updated as well. The City has the opportunity to partner with the Ramsey- Washington Metro Watershed District on this project as part of a unique one-time grant opportunity utilizing “Living Streets” concepts. The proposed design incorporates narrower streets, boulevard rain gardens, sidewalks along one side of all neighborhood streets, and additional tree installations to improve water quality, pedestrian safety, reduce traffic speeds, and to enhance the urban forest. This project begins in May 2012 and will be completed in the fall of 2012. 2012 Mill and Overlays, City Project 11-15 The streets included in the 2012 Mill and Overlay project have surfaces that have deteriorated to the point at which patching is no longer cost-effective. These streets contain a great deal of surface cracking, potholes, and patching that present a decreased level of service for the residents of Maplewood and an ongoing maintenance problem for the City’s Street Department. The streets included in the 2012 Mill and overlay project include: • Conway Avenue – (McKnight Road to Century Avenue) • Highwood Avenue – (McKnight Road to Farrell Street) • Linwood Avenue – (McKnight Road to Century Avenue) • Maryland Avenue – (McKnight Road to Lakewood Drive) • Roselawn Avenue – (Rice Street to Trunk Highway 61) • Stillwater Avenue – (McKnight Road to Lakewood Drive) • Southlawn Drive – (Beam Avenue to Legacy Parkway) The project streets are proposed to have the top 2” of bituminous pavement milled and replaced with a new 2” smooth bituminous surface. Other repairs associated with this project include the replacement of broken concrete curb and gutter, the replacement of all bituminous curbing, the updating of pedestrian ramps to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, the installation of dynamic speed display signs on select streets, and the replacement of old sanitary sewer castings. This project begins in May 2012 and will be completed in the fall of 2012. Proposed Condition City of Maplewood 7 March 2012 City News Council To Consider Expanding Police Department One of the City Council’s goals for 2011 was to consider the facilities and building/office needs for our Police and Fire Public Safety Departments. The City Council authorized preparation of a study of space needs within the Police Department by architect, Larry Koch, of SEH, Inc. A copy of the report and summary of the findings along with options for expanding the Police Department are available on the City’s website at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us under the Police Department section of the webpage. The SEH representatives spent a significant amount of time reviewing Police operations and conducted a survey of personnel regarding the needs of the various Police functions. [Please note: this was a study of the needs for space for our police department. We do not expect any major expansion in personnel or service provision for Police in the next 10-15 years.] In summary, the study determined that no new space has been provided to our City’s Police Department since construction of our original City Hall in 1985-86, even though Department needs and size have expanded in some areas by more than 200% in the 25+ years since the last improvements to address the department needs. Some specific findings were the lack of adequate locker room space for our uniformed officers as well as the placing of as many as six officers into an office area designed for one officer. In general, the finding of the study was that our Police Department has only 45% of the space needed for professional operations. The report shows that building a new facility for our Police Department would cost between $13.8 and $16.5 million. The Council decided to not explore the new facility option further, but to explore options that would use existing spaces within other areas of City Hall that might require relocation of some other department functions to other areas on the City Hall campus. The Council held a work session on February 6, 2012 to review options and to expand on the impact to City Hall with new information on an option that uses existing space to provide for a significant relocation of one police function into the current space occupied by the Community Development staff. The Council discussed a staff recommendation to address a portion of the needs beginning in late 2012 and to defer 25-40% of the total expansion needs for 5-7 years. The staff proposal is to address Police Chief Dave Thomalla’s highest priority of providing additional space for locker rooms as priority #1a and office space as priority #1b. The staff proposal may delay the addition of the expanded parking area, and would defer over $3.3 million from the overall project. The Management staff noted that while those additions are part of the best long-term plan to meet our Police Department needs, and should be included in building planning, the Council goal of financial sustainability require prioritization and delay of specific needs. The current recommended plan from the management staff includes a phased approach, which would include an expenditure of approximately $4.0 million in 2012 - 14; with the next phase of approximately $3.5 million in post 2016-18. The Council’s top goal for 2011-12 was financial sustainability, so planning for this $4.0 million expense has been incorporated into the long-range planning. The Council approved staff to prepare consideration of the $4.0 million expenditure in 2012 to 2014 with the provision that no major tax increase could result from the project. The financial budget approved in 2011 will help address these needs, as operation costs have been reduced to set aside $200,000 annually for the payment toward a $4.0 million bond. The current plan would require an additional $175,000 per year for 15 years to pay that type of debt. Staff will continue to explore further operational reductions in city-wide expenses to keep any proposed debt from this bond sale below a 1.0% tax increase. This type of bonding is called a CIP Bond, which can be issued by the Council for various types of public facility improvements, such as City Hall, Fire Stations, Police Stations, or Public Works Buildings. These types of CIP Bonds can be issued without a referendum if certain conditions are followed, including that the Council must hold a Public Hearing on the proposed improvement project. [Note: the Council has not decided on this approach and has not called for a Public Hearing.] This proposal, if approved by the Council, would be to issue $4.0 million in CIP Bonds and offset the cost of payment for those bonds by reductions in existing expenses to limit any tax increase to less than 1.0% for property owners. For more information on this proposal, please contact Police Chief Dave Thomalla at david.thomalla@ci.maplewood.mn.us or Assistant City Manager Chuck Ahl at chuck.ahl@ci.maplewood.mn.us. (651) 748-9009 WWW.MAPLEWOODHISTORICALSOCIETY.ORG 1 st City of Maplewood 8 March 2012 City News Code Compliance in Maplewood The City of Maplewood has numerous rules and regulations that protect property owners and neighborhoods, which are called the City Code of Ordinances, or “Code”, for short. When someone calls with a nuisance code complaint, our City staff usually ask if they’ve discussed the problem with the complainant. City staff encourages residents to try resolving the issue themselves before getting the City involved. However, if you need assistance from the City, a complaint can be filed at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/codeviolation or phone 651.249.Code (2633). It’s important for you to note that the City is obligated by Minnesota State Law not to disclose the name of the person who made the complaint. In addition, please note that the City does not investigate anonymous complaints. The different types of complaints the City receives are shown in the following chart. In addition, the chart demonstrates the proportion of these complaints to each other in 2011. Compliance The City’s preference is for the resident to comply voluntarily. Most violations are quickly remedied in 7 to 10 days. Violations that may require more time and/or effort are given a bigger window of time to come into compliance. Once a compliance order is issued the property owner may contact the inspector for further information regarding the City Code, the enforcement process or to seek an extension on the compliance date. If the alleged violator admits the violation(s) and requests extended time for compliance, it may be granted if circumstances warrant and/or if a “good faith” effort has been made to correct the violation(s). The ideal outcome is to attain compliance within the requested time. Occasionally, a second notification letter is necessary to encourage compliance. Infrequently, after all attempts to obtain compliance are exhausted, a citation will be issued and then the case is turned over to the City Attorney for prosecution through the court system. If a citation is written, the resident must schedule a date in Ramsey County Court at which time the matter is heard by a judge. The judge determines if a fine must be paid and how/when the matter will be resolved. The fine may not exceed $300. The City only utilizes the courts as a last resort since the primary goal of code enforcement is voluntary compliance, not punishment. Abatements A common domino effect of foreclosures is as follows: Homeowners move out of the house during a foreclosure process often leaving trash and debris at the property along with uncut grass which quickly reaches long grass status of 8-inches in height. Upon receipt of a report of long grass, an inspector from the City’s Community Devel- opment Department will inspect the property to see if it is in violation of city code. If a code violation exists, code enforcement will post a letter on the property and mail a letter to the property owner stating that they must bring their property into compliance within 7-days, at which time a follow-up inspection is performed. If the property remains in violation, the inspector will have the City’s Public Works Department mow the lawn, for which the city will bill the property owner. Unpaid bills will be assessed against the property. Code enforcement has been a team effort for the City of Maplewood. The Health Officer, the Building Inspectors, the City Planners, the Police Department, Fire Department and the Public Works Department work together to enforce the City Code. Number of Abatements Number of Citations Issued City of Maplewood 9 March 2012 City News - Trash Plan Continued From Cover How do I order trash service? This spring the City will send a survey to all eligible residents requesting that you order your preferred trash collection service level, yard waste subscription, and specify other special needs such as walk-up service requests for elderly or if you have physical limitations. If a resident fails to submit the survey, the City will provide a 95 gallon cart as the initial default level of service. The City is conducting the initial cart survey as part of the cart purchasing, so all questions should be directed to the City. Who is included in the trash plan? All single-family residential properties (properties with one to four units) will be included in the trash plan. Who is excluded from the trash plan? All townhome and manufactured home developments that currently have trash collection contracts are initially excluded. But these developments can opt into the plan. Information on opting into the plan will be sent to eligible townhome and manufactured home developments in the spring. Who will do the billing for trash collection? Allied Waste Services will send bills to residents once every two months beginning in October. Can I have a different trash hauler other than Allied Waste Services pick up my trash? No, as part of an organized trash collection system all residents in single-family homes must have their trash collected by Allied Waste Services as specified in the City’s trash collection contract. No other trash haulers will be licensed to pick up single-family residential trash after October 1, 2012. What if I have a contract with my current trash hauler that extends beyond October 1? All licensed residential trash haulers in the City of Maplewood have been notified that they must not enter into a contract which extends beyond October 1, 2012. If you have a contract which extends beyond that date, contact your trash hauler and request reimbursement for any service pre-paid beyond October 1. Contact the City for more information or assistance. Because of my physical limitations, my current trash hauler picks up my trash cart from the side of my garage. Will the new plan offer this service? Elderly residents or those with physical limitations can apply for walk-up collection service. This information will be included in the above-mentioned survey. Can I opt out of the plan? Minnesota Statutes 115A.941, subdivision (b), states that a city may exempt a residential household from the requirement to have solid waste collection service if the household ensures that an environmentally sound alternative is used. The Maplewood City Council will be reviewing standards and procedures of this opt out option during their review of the City’s solid waste management ordinance this spring. Will Tennis Recycling continue to pick up my recycling? Yes, Tennis Recycling will continue to pick up recycling at all residential properties in Maplewood. Will I continue to be billed for recycling on my water bill? Yes, your recycling fee of $2.22 per month will continue to be billed on your water bill. What size cart is included in the yard waste subscription? The subscription yard waste service will cost $79.50 per year and will include a 95 or 65 gallon cart which will be supplied by Allied Waste Services. The service will run April through November each year. For 2012, the yard waste subscription rate will be prorated and the fee will be $19.80 for the months of October and November. What if I only have occasional yard waste to be picked up? For one-time pick up of yard waste you would contact Allied Waste Services in advance (once the new trash service begins on October 1). Allied will charge $3.50 per compostable bag of yard waste picked up for the one-time service. Will the City continue to offer Clean Up Events? In 2012 the City will hold a Spring Clean-Up event scheduled for Saturday, April 21 from 8:00AM - 1:00PM at Aldrich Arena (see Spring Clean-Up article on page 10). The Fall Clean-Up event is under review. Residents will receive more details on the Fall Clean-Up in the coming months. Additional Information? Visit the Maplewood Trash Plan webpage at www.ci.maplewood. mn.us/trash or contact Shann Finwall, Environmental Planner at 651.249.2304 or shann.finwall@ci.maplewood.mn.us. Number of Abatements Number of Citations Issued City of Maplewood 10 March 2012 City News Spring Clean Up And Home improvement & Design Expo SATURDAY, APRIL 21 8:00AM - 1:00PM (Spring Clean Up) 10:00AM - 5:00PM (Home Imp. & Design Expo) Aldrich Arena, 1850 White Bear Ave. Attention Maplewood residents - help Maplewood clean house by participating in the annual Spring Clean-Up event held at Aldrich Arena parking lot. When you’re done cleaning up, get a head start on your next home improvement project by attending the Home Im- provement and Design Expo in the Aldrich Arena building. All Spring Clean-Up participants will receive a FREE ticket to the Home Expo! During the Spring Clean-Up event residents will be able to dispose of appliances, tires, construction debris, furniture, car parts, scrap metal, other assorted junk, and all electronic equipment such as televisions, computers, monitors and cell phones. No yard waste will be accepted. Yard waste can be brought to one of four Ramsey County compost sites. For compost site information visit www. ramseyatoz.com or call 651.633.EASY (24/7). Following is a list of materials accepted at the Spring-Clean Up event and the cost of disposing of those materials: HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE- NO CHARGE www.ramseyatoz.com or 651.633.EASY (24/7) In conjunction with Maplewood’s Spring Clean-Up event, Ramsey County will be collecting household hazardous waste including oil, antifreeze, paint, fluorescent and compact fluorescent bulbs, and other hazardous waste items. FURNITURE COLLECTION BY BRIDGING- NO CHARGE www.bridging.org A non-profit organization called Bridging will be on site to collect reusable furniture and house wares which will be redistributed free of charge to families in need. Bridging accepts mattresses and box springs in good condition, quality used furniture, and cookware. Bridging asks that all donations be free of rips, stains, pet hair, and be in good working condition. MATTRESS COLLECTION BY PROJECT FOR PRIDE IN LIVING- NO CHARGE www.pplindustries.org Project for Pride In Living is a non-profit organization that recycles mattresses, box springs, sleeper sofas, futons and water beds that are not reusable, and would not be taken by Bridging. RECYCLE THAT BICYCLE- NO CHARGE www.re-cycle.com Bicycles in any condition will be collected once again by Re-Cycle, a used bicycle shop. Many of the bicycles will be restored and returned to the road for reuse. BRO-TEx CARPET RECYCLING - NO CHARGE www.brotex.com/carpetrecycling Keep your old carpet out of the waste stream by recycling it with Bro-Tex. Bro-Tex recycles the materials from the carpet for use in new carpet, plastic resin for making plastic parts, plastic drainage pipe, new carpet pad, acoustic matting, sorbent material for water pollutants or as an energy substitute for natural gas and coal. Carpet must be dry, maximum of six-foot wide carpet rolls, tied with string or twine, padding separated from carpet accepted as well. FOOD DRIVE FOR SECOND HARVEST HEARTLAND FOOD BANk www.2harvest.org In conjunction with this event, Maplewood will be sponsoring a food drive for the Second Harvest Heartland Food Bank. You can also drop off your food donation at the door as you enter the Home Improvement and Design Expo. For more information visit the City’s website at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/recycling or contact Shann Finwall, at 651.249.2304 or shann.finwall@ci.maplewood.m.us. COLLECTION FEES (CASH OR CHECk ONLY) TYPE OF LOAD E-WASTE Cars and Truck Load $10 Televisions $5 each SUV/Van/Truck $15 Computer/Monitor Additional Trailer $20 Printers DVD/VCR INDIVIDUAL ITEMS Car tires on or off rims $5 Appliances $15 SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 10:00AM - 5:00PM ALDRICH ARENA fREE to All Spring Clean-Up Participants! Explore up to 100 exhibitors featuring the latest products and services for starting your home improvement project. Talk with the experts and get free tips and ideas. Meet builders, remodelers, landscapers, designers and other home improvement professionals. Plus view on-going speakers, presentations, demonstrations and entertainment. City of Maplewood 11 March 2012 City News 2100 White Bear Avenue • Maplewood, MN 55109 Purchase Tickets Today at www.ashlandproductions.ORG Join The Cast Of at our SHOW After Party for a totally radical 80’s prom! Prom ONLY Tickets: $12/Advance • $15/Door PROM & SHOW COMBO DISCOUNT TICKETS ALSO AVAIALBLE PRESENTED BY ASHLAND PRODUCTIONS AprIL 28 • 10:00PM (FOLLOWING FOOTLOOSE PERFORMANCE) 80’s PROM A Footloose After Party! Maplewood Area Historical Society and Ramsey County Libraries Present: TueSdAyMARCH 20 7:00- 9:00PMAt the Maplewood Library3025 Southlawn drive “Life at the Ramsey County Poor Farm”A Talk By Pete Boulay Free Admission! Learn how ramsey County cared for its citizens in the early years when they were too sick or poor to provide for themselves – including their burial in an unmarked cemetery. see photos from the late 1800 to early 1900’s and stories of senior care before social security and nursing homes. (651) 748-9009 www.Maplewoodhistoricalsociety.org This project was funded in part with money from the vote of the people of mn on nov. 4, 2008 which dedicated funding to preserve minnesota’s art and cultural heritage Back To The Fifties Tribute Show FRIDAY, MARCH 16 AT 7:00PM Come on down to the Maplewood Community Center located at 2100 White Bear Avenue for a nostalgic trip down memory lane at this 1950’s Tribute Performance. Hear all the great voices of the past in one great night of music! The first set will include a musical remembrance of Buddy Holly as well as a tribute to Bobby Vee and Roy Orbison. The second set will play host to additional singing stars of the ‘50s and ‘60s including Patsy Kline and Paul Anka. Also enjoy the music stylings of Gene Pitney whose hits include, “Town without Pity,” “Only Love Can Break A Heart,” and “Liberty Valence.” An Everly Brothers tribute will round out the act with hits such as, “Bye Bye Love,” “Wake up Little Suzie,” “Cathy’s Clown,” “Dream,” and “Claudette.” Led by one of the original members of The Shadows – the group that played in Fargo-Moorhead for Holly, the Big Bopper, and Richie Valens after their plane went down following the rocker’s previous night’s show in Clear Lake, Iowa – this performance is generally regarded as the #1 tribute show in the nation, according to fans and critics who have seen the show. The Maplewood Performing Arts Theatre is a first class venue for concerts and performing arts of all kinds. Located in the East Metro area, the Maplewood Performing Arts Theatre is the Twin City’s best kept secret. This beautifully intimate theater seats up to 276 guests for concerts, theatrical productions, and more. Don’t miss your opportunity to see this phenomenal show live! Tickets are priced at $20.00 in advance or $25.00 at the door. Call 651.249.2230 or visit www.maplewoodarts.com to purchase your tickets today. MAPLEWOOD ARTS Theatre performing 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. PEDAL TO THE METAL SOME PEOPLE BURN RUBBER TO GET ATTENTION. WE LOWER AUTO LOAN RATES. 2.99% MODEL YEARS 2009 & NEWER l NO PAYMENTS FOR 90 DAYS (651) 225-2700 l 1 800 223-2801 Interest rate may vary by model year, term of loan, credit worthiness and amount financed. Rate effective 2.13.12 and is subject to change. Interest will accrue for the first 90 days without payment. offer only available on new loans to CCCU. RAtes As low As APR CCCU COM APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Interest rate may vary by model year, term of loan, credit worthiness and amount financed. Rate effective 11.1.11 and is subject to change. Interest will accrue for the first 90 days without payment offer only available on new loans to CCCU. SOME PEOPLE BURN RUBBER TO GET ATTENTION, WE LOWER AUTO LOAN RATES. PEDAL TO THE METAL 2.99%APR ’5 YEAR TERM ’MODEL YEARS 2008 & NEWER ’NO PAYMENTS FOR 90 DAYS! APPLY TODAY! RATES NOW AS LOW AS cccu.com SHLANDPRODUCTIONS Performance for a Lifetime www.ashlandproductions.org 651-274-8020 Ashland Collaborative Theater April 13th through the 29th Purchase tickets online starting February 27th. The Musical Gateway Corridor Open House Learn about the bus and rail transit options and routes being studied along the Gateway Corridor (1-94 between Minneapolis, St Paul, and Eau Claire, WI). Information will be presented on how many people are expected to ride the line and a comparison of the costs to build, operate and maintain each option. Get your questions answered and share your ideas and opinions about the transit options and routes under consideration. For additional information about the public open houses and the Gateway Transit Alternatives Analysis study, visit www.thegatewaycorridor.com or contact the Gateway Corridor Project Team at gatewaycorridor@co.washington.mn.us or 651.430.4300. To request an ASL or language interpreter, contact the Gateway Corridor Project Team no later than Friday, March 23. All facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities. PUBLIC OPEN HOUSES March 27, 6-8PM Eastside Community Center (presentation at 6:30PM) Harding High School 1526 6th St. East, St. Paul March 29, 5-7PM Chippewa Valley Technical College (presentation at 5:30PM) Health Education Center Room 118 615 W. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire, WI April 4, 5-7PM St. Croix Government Center (presentation at 5:30PM) Lower Level (enter by Sheriff’s Office) 1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, WI April 5, 5-7PM Woodbury City Hall (presentation at 5:30PM) Ash/Birch Room, Main Floor 8301 Valley Creek Road, Woodbury • Gathering At Fish Creek Bluff Saturday, June 16, 1-4PM Call 651.249.2170 for more details. • Family Nature Photography Saturday, July 21, 9-11AM Maplewood Nature Center • Fishing Clinic July 28 and July 31 Maplewood Nature Center • Godspell Dinner Theater Friday, August 10, 6-7:30PM Maplewood Community Center 4 Council Corner 5 Arbor Day 5 Tree Inspections 6 CIP Adoption 7 Senior Wellness Cont. 8 Maplewood IT Save The Date Maplewood Monthly 3 Trash Cart Sizes 4 Commission OpeningsMONTHL Y Deals New! SAVE On A Great Monthly Deal On pg.3 City Council Adopts Capital Improvement Plan On March 26, 2012, the City Council unanimously adopted the Capital Improvement Plan for the 2013 - 2017 planning period. Adopting the CIP does not commit the Council to the proposed projects, nor implement the assumptions made during the preparation; however, it is the basis for the 2013 Budget document as the CIP provides direction to the staff on the intent of the Council to implement these projects. The CIP was prepared by the City’s Management Team based upon instructions that only minimal new funds are available and that new proposals will likely require reductions in expenditures within other areas of the budget. This remains consistent with the Council’s goal to establish Financial Sustainability in the overall planning for all areas of the City Budget. - continued on page 6 Maplewood Senior Wellness Expo Thursday, May 24, 10:00aM - 2:00PM Maplewood’s Senior Expo is back for another exciting day packed full of information, giveaways, demonstrations, presentations and snacks. The health expo will be held on Thursday, May 24 from 10:00AM - 2:00PM at the Maplewood Community Center located at 2100 White Bear Avenue. Meet the experts who can make your life healthier and happier! Learn hundreds of ways to improve your health and extend your life. Make sure to stop at each information booth and also attend the life- enhancing seminars. Participate in a full line-up of activities to keep you entertained, educated and informed. Sessions include: 10:15AM Aging In Place Home Modifications Presented By Accessible Homes - Learn the tools you’ll need to make an informed decision about home modifications. See the new and innovative products that will help you age in place. Also learn what to avoid in the marketplace. 11:00AM Your Retirement Income: Optimize It. Protect It. Enjoy It. Presented By Thrivent Financial For Lutherans - This educational workshop was created for pre-retirees and recent retirees to help them take steps to manage their retirement savings – for life. This work- shop is designed to help participants gain a better understanding of a retirement income distribution framework that accounts for their time horizon, needs and goals and how to build a floor of guaranteed income that will last a lifetime. We’ll also discuss the importance of a growth strategy for near-term and long-term gains. - continued on page 7 May 2012 City Newsletter Thank you sponsors Sandberg Funeral & Cremation Services & Promote Your Business Reach over 22,200 homes, businesses, and apartments with the Official Maplewood City Newsletter. The entire newsletter is featured on the city website. For more information, contact Heidi Carey at 952.212.7333 or heidi.carey@ci.maplewood.mn.us. Thank you to the advertisers who help support this publication! Frequently Called Numbers Maplewood City Hall General Information 651.249.2000 Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30PM Deputy Registrar and Passport Hours Monday: 8:00AM - 6:00PM Tuesday - Friday: 8:00AM - 4:30PM Maplewood Community Center Registration 651.249.2230 Customer Service 651.249.2230 Admissions 651.249.2210 Theater/Banquet Room Rental 651.249.2103 Group Information 651.249.2206 Aquatics 651.249.2206 Fitness 651.249.2207 Maplewood Recreation General Information 651.249.2120 Maplewood Nature Center General Information 651.249.2170 Code Enforcement Hotline 651.249.CODE (2633) Online: Go to www.ci.maplewood.mn.us and click on “Report A Violation” on the right-hand side of the home page. Maplewood Public Works General Information 651.249.2400 City of Maplewood Elected Officials Will Rossbach: Mayor 651.484.5427 will.rossbach@ci.maplewood.mn.us Kathleen Juenemann: Councilmember 651.771.3670 kathleen.juenemann@ci.maplewood.mn.us James Llanas: Councilmember 651.488.2745 james.llanas@ci.maplewood.mn.us Robert Cardinal: Councilmember 651.765.8600 bob.cardinal@ci.maplewood.mn.us Marvin Koppen: Councilmember 651.770.5391 marvin.koppen@ci.maplewood.mn.us Jim Antonen: City Manager 651.249.2050 jim.antonen@ci.maplewood.mn.us City of Maplewood 2 May 2012 Maplewood Meeting Schedule City Council ......................................................................... 7:00PM Listening Forum ............................................................... 6:30PM 2nd and 4th Monday of the month City Council Workshop ........................................................ 5:15PM 1st Monday of the month Business & Economic Development Commission ............... 6:00PM 4th Thursday of the month Community Design Review Board ....................................... 5:15PM 4th Tuesday of the month Environmental & Natural Resources Commission ............... 7:00PM 3rd Monday of the month Heritage Preservation Commission ...................................... 7:00PM 2nd Thursday of the month Housing Redevelopment Authority ....................................... 7:00PM 2nd Wednesday of the month Human Rights Commission .................................................. 7:00PM 2nd Tuesday of the month Parks & Recreation Commission ......................................... 7:00PM 3rd Wednesday of the month Planning Commission .......................................................... 7:00PM 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month City Hall will be closed Monday, May 28th in observance of Memorial Day. All City Council and Commission meetings are broadcast live on Channel 16 and are rebroadcast on a schedule that is posted at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us.* Any meeting cancellations are posted on the City’s website. *Meetings are also streamed live on the City’s website.• Senior Wellness ExpoThursday, May 24, 10AM-2PMMaplewood Community Center • God Spell Dinner Theater Friday, August 10, 6-7:30PM Maplewood Community Center 4 Council Corner 5 Arbor Day 5 Tree Inspections 6 CIP Adoption 7 Senior Wellness Cont. 8 Maplewood IT Save The Date Maplewood Monthly 3 Trash Cart Sizes 4 Commission Openings M ONTHL YDeals New! SAVE On A Great Monthly DealOn pg.3 City Council Adopts Capital Improvement PlanOn March 26, 2012, the City Council unanimously adopted the Capital Improvement Plan for the 2013 - 2017 planning period. Adopting the CIP does not commit the Council to the proposed projects, nor implement the assumptions made during the preparation; however, it is the basis for the 2013 Budget document as the CIP provides direction to the staff on the intent of the Council to implement these projects. The CIP was prepared by the City’s Management Team based upon instructions that only minimal new funds are available and that new proposals will likely require reductions in expenditures within other areas of the budget. This remains consistent with the Council’s goal to establish Financial Sustainability in the overall planning for all areas of the City Budget. - continued on page 6 Maplewood Senior Wellness Expo Thursday, May 24, 10:00aM - 2:00PM Maplewood’s Senior Fair is back for another exciting day packed full of information, giveaways, demonstrations, presentations, and snacks. The health fair will be held on Thursday, May 24 from 10:00AM - 2:00PM at the Maplewood Community Center located at 2100 White Bear Avenue. Meet the experts who can make your life healthier and happier! Learn hundreds of ways to improve your health and extend your life. Make sure to stop at each information booth and also attend the life- enhancing seminars. Participate in a full line-up of activities to keep you entertained, educated and informed. Sessions include: 10:15AM Aging In Place Home Modifications Presented By Accessible Homes - Learn the tools you’ll need to make an informed decision about home modifications. See the new and innovative products that will help you age in place. Also learn what to avoid in the marketplace. 11:00AM Your Retirement Income: Optimize It. Protect It. Enjoy It. Presented By Thrivent Financial For Lutherans - This educational workshop was created for pre-retirees and recent retirees to help them take steps to manage their retirement savings – for life. This work-shop is designed to help participants gain a better understanding of a retirement income distribution framework that accounts for their time horizon, needs and goals and how to build a floor of guaranteed income that will last a lifetime. We’ll also discuss the importance of a growth strategy for near-term and long-term gains. - continued on page 8 May 2012 City Newsletter Thank you sponsors Sandberg Funeral & Cremation Services City of Maplewood 3 May 2012 BACKYARD GRADUATIONBACKYARD GRADUATION • Chairs, Tables, Tents • Canopies • Bounce Houses & Laser Tag • Sumo Suites, DJ System • Much More! PARTY SUPPLIES! www.all-around-fun.com (651) 426-3806 952.474.8058 TwinCitiesCruises.com    www.all-around-fun.com 15% OFF LABOR When You Mention This Ad. Spring Cleanups • Mowing • Landscaping Tree & Bush Pruning • Snow Plowing Experience a revolution in property maintenance where the customer comes first! 612.516.0946 starspangledllc.com email - sales@starspangledllc.com Residential & Commercial Maintenance Exp. 10-31-12MONTHL Y Deals Maplewood Residents: Choose Your Trash Cart Size By June 1 Maplewood’s City-wide residential trash plan will begin October 1, 2012. The City will be providing the trash carts in four sizes: 20, 32, 65, and 95 gallon. You have the choice of what size best suits your disposal needs. You can order your trash cart in one of two ways: 1.) Indicate your trash cart size preference on the cart order form that was sent to all eligible single family residential properties in April. Drop the postage paid order in the mail. 2.) Fill out your trash cart size preference online at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/trashcarts. You will need to enter your name, address, barcode number (found on the mailer), email, phone number and cart size. Sample trash carts are on display at the Maplewood City Hall, Community Center, Nature Center, and the Ramsey County Library. Delivery of the trash carts will begin in mid-September. Residents who do not indicate a trash cart size preference by June 1, 2012, will be given a 95 gallon trash cart. For more information visit www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/trash or call 651.249.CART (2278). Commission Openings The City of Maplewood is now accepting applications to fill two openings; one the Human Rights Commission and one on the Planning Commission. The City Council will interview candidates that apply and will appoint individuals to fill these openings. The Human Rights Commission advocates for equal opportunities for all citizens of Maplewood in: housing, employment, public accommodations, services and education, in addition to continu- ously working to improve human rights within the community. The Planning Commission is an advisory committee to the City Council. Their duties are to prepare and recommend a comprehensive plan for the development of the city and to review zoning and land use matters like rezoning requests, zoning variances, property subdivisions, right-of-way vacations and home occupation requests. More information on the commission 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 online on the City’s website. The application deadline is May 18, 2012. Completed applications should be submitted to the City Manager’s Office at 1830 County Road B E, Maplewood, MN 55109. 507-206-0988 www.allamericansegway.com In Apple Valley & Rochester 50% OFF Tours! Tickets must be purchased by May 31 and are valid through Oct. 1, 2012. Nothing Beats A Segway Ride. Council Cor n e r City of Maplewood 4 May 2012 Moving In The Right Direction By Councilmember Kathleen Juenemann Many times in the past months the news media teems with reports of the negative political climate, bad economic times, high unemployment and public dissatisfaction. These descriptions would lead us to believe that “the sky is falling,” the future is bleak and government is bad and ineffective. It is true that these are tough economic times - not a first for the country or this city. It is difficult to maintain a stable quality of life and to continue to provide good services. It is apparent that people throughout the country, and in the state, demand more and more but don’t expect to pay for it. While we are all impacted by the unfortunate state of the economy, in Maplewod we are fortunate to have a city council that seeks to continue to deliver high quality services and appropriate expected amenities (good streets, good parks and recreation programs, the Nature Center, etc.) while striving for financial sustainability. And, we are blessed with competent, creative staff that has the expertise and dedication to move us in the right direction to achieve our goals in a cost effective, efficient way. The other members of the Maplewood team are you, the citizens. Without your dedication, cooperation and creative efforts, we cannot maintain a thriving, functional, viable and vital community. So again, we must all thoughtfully consider these questions. How much vision do we have? How engaged are we willing to be? How do we accept change and make it a positive in our community? Do we care enough to move forward together? May 13-18 is National law Enforcement Week, an opportunity for us all to acknowledge and express our appreciation to our Police Officers for their courage and willingness to protect and service us 24/7, 365 days a year. We also need to remember, with sadness and gratitude, the supreme sacrifice of Sgt. Joe Bergeron who was murdered on May 1, 2010, while on duty serving our community. Law Enforcement Week would be a wonderful time to stop and visit the impressive Police Officer Memorial, dedicated to Sgt. Bergeron, located just east of the front doors of city hall. 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 opinons of the City of Maplewood. On The Police Scanner In March, the Maplewood Police Department responded to 2,062 calls for service. 15 Assault Cases 1 Robbery Case 21 Burglary Cases 90 Theft Cases 18 Auto Theft Cases 33 Theft from Vehicle Cases 17 Criminal Damage to Property Cases Officers also made 40 arrests for shoplifting and 17 arrests for DWI. Save The Dates! Sunday, May 20 “Spring Planting Day” at the Bruentrup Heritage Farm, 2170 E. County Road D from 11AM - 3PM. Admission is free! Saturday, May 26 “Flowers to Spring Forward” is the theme of our ever-popular Spring Tea at the Bruentrup Heritage Farm, 2170 E. Country Road D. Admission is $25 each. Call 651.770.1592 for reservations for the 11:30AM seating. Sunday, June 3 “Ice Cream Social” at Bruentrup Heritage Farm, 2170 E. County Road D. Free admission. Ice cream sundaes are $2 per serving. Please bring a non-perishable food item for donating to the North St Paul Food Shelf. Tuesday, June 5 “Grampa Otto’s Lake Phalen” is a talk by Char Wasiluk at the Maplewood Library, 3025 Southlawn Drive from 7-8PM. Admission is free! Saturday, June 9. Enjoy a “Lawn chair Lunch at Lookout Park” from noon - 12:45PM with Janice Quick Admission is free to MAHS members and $5 for non-members and includes cold, bottled water. Bring your lunch and a lawn chair or a blanket. Meet at the corner of Phalen Place and Ripley Avenue. 651.748.9009 www.maplewoodhistoricalsociety.org Fridley 1202 E. Moore Lake Dr Fridley, MN 55432 (763) 574-0075 E C th t’ thi Eye Care that’s nothing short of Visionary! The World’s Not Flat Why should your vision be?The World s Not Flat. Why should your vision be? The Eye Care Center is one of the first clinics in the country to offer iScription. Taking your vision to the next dimension! Thorough Preventative Exams Latest Technology in treatment of Eye Disease Contact Lens Specialists Exceptional Eyewear Selection Unparalleled Service Two Convenient Locations to serve you: Maplewood Fridley 1965 11th Ave E, Ste 101 1202 E. Moore Lake Dr Maplewood, MN 55109 Fridley, MN 55432 (651) 777 3555 (763)574 0075(651)777-3555 (763)574-0075 Gregory Kraupa O.D Bradley Richter O.D Mitch Albers O.D Steven Nauman O.D Tina McCarty O.D Mahnia Madan O.D s Gregory Kraupa O.D s Mitch Albers O.D s Tina McCarty O.D s Bradley Richter O.D s Steven Nauman O.D s Mahnia Madan O.D Maplewood 1965 11th Ave E, Ste 101 Maplewood, MN 55109 (651) 777-3555 s Thorough Preventative Exams s Latest Technology in treatment of Eye Disease ss Contact Lens Specialists ss Exceptional Eyewear Selection ss Unparalleled Service Two Convenient Locations to serve you: The World's Not Flat. Why should your vision be? The Eye Care Center is one of the first clinics in the country to offer iScription. Taking your vision to the next dimension! Eye Care that's nothing short of Visionary! Eye Care That’s Nothing Short Of Visionary! The Eye Care Center is one of the first clinics in the country to offer iScription. Taking your vision to the next dimension. Maplewood 1965 11th Ave E., Ste 101 (651) 777-3555 Fridley 1202 E. Moore Lake Dr. (763) 574-0075 • Preventative Exams • Contact Lenses • Exceptional Eyeware Selection • Unparalleled Service • Latest Technology In Treatment Of Eye Disease 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 opinons of the City of Maplewood.City News Maplewood Proclaims Arbor Day Date Maplewood City Council has proclaimed Saturday, May 12 Arbor Day in Maplewood. Arbor Day is observed throughout the United States as a day to celebrate trees. National Arbor Day is the last Friday of April, but states and communities vary the date to coincide with planting times and community activities. This year’s celebration will feature tree planting at Lion’s Park. Two local Lions groups are donating trees for the park and sponsoring the celebration— St. Paul East Parks Lions and Maplewood Oakdale Lions. Bring the family and help plant trees at this beautiful neighborhood park. Maplewood’s City Forester will be on hand to answer tree questions. Annual Inspections Of Elm, Oak & Ash The City has hired Andy Hovland, a certified arborist and licensed Tree Inspector with Branch and Bough Tree Service, to survey trees on public and private land in Maplewood for Dutch elm disease, oak wilt and emerald ash borer. If you suspect your tree has one of these diseases, call the City’s disease tree line at 651.249.2407. 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. Emerald Ash Borer Update In 2011, Maplewood City Council approved an Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Management Plan. EAB is an insect that feeds on ash trees. If the EAB population is high enough in a tree, the tree will die. EAB was discovered in St. Paul in 2009 and has since been confirmed in a few additional metro sites; it has not yet been found in Maplewood. Maplewood’s EAB Plan focuses on detection, pre-emptive removal of declining ash or diseased ash, and replanting. The council decided that the City will not allow the use of insecticides on our boulevard or park ash trees. If you decide to use pesticide on trees on private property, carefully evaluate the environmental impacts and the application method. If you suspect an ash tree in Maplewood may be infested with EAB: • Review the “Do I Have EAB?” checklist, copies available at Maplewood Nature Center or at www.mda.state.mn.us/en/plants/ pestmanagement/eab. • If you still think it may be EAB, contact the state’s Arrest-A-Pest Hotline (651.201.6684) or Maplewood’s Tree Disease Line (651.249.2407). • Information on EAB will be available at the City’s May 12 Arbor Day celebration. In addition, the Nature Center is offering a program on EAB on June 23, 10-11AM (free, call 651.249.2170 to register). 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 land- scaped 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 pur- chased, at a total maximum reimbursement of $200. See the Tree Purchase Rebate Form for details, 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. Please Don’t Transport Fire Wood Did you know that there is a firewood quarantine in Hennepin, Ramsey, Winona and Houston Counties? In 2009, the state issued a quarantine to restrict the movement of ash trees, limbs, and branches outside counties where Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is present. In addition to ash trees, the quarantine includes firewood from all non-coniferous (hardwood) trees. For more information, visit www.mda.state.mn.us/en/plants/pestmanagement/eab. City of Maplewood 5 May 2012 Full Service Tree Care Specializing In Difficult Removals HUGO TREE (651) 429-4705 www.hugotree.com 35 Years Of Experience! Removals, Pruning and Lot Clearing - we do it all! Arbor Day Planting Celebration SATuRdAY, MAY 12, 9:30AM - 12:00 nOOn Lions Park, 618 Farrell Street (West of Century, South of Minnehaha) FREE — Fun for all ages! • Help plant trees at Lion’s Park (shovels provided). • Ask our City Forester your tree questions • Learn how to plant a tree (10:00AM and 11:00AM) • Tree activity for kids & refreshments For more information, or if you have a group attending, call the Nature Center at 651.249.2170. Sponsored by our local Lion’s clubs City of Maplewood 6 May 2012 City News - Council Adopts CIP Plan Continued From Cover A copy of the adopted version of the 2013 - 2017 Capital Improvement Plan is available on the City’s website at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us and is under the Finance Department section. The biggest change in this document from the previous year’s plan is the inclusion of a new Fire Station at 3M and upgrade to the Fire Station at Hazelwood/County Road C, plus expansion of the Police Department / City Hall, which adds $7.0 million in improvements to the plan. In addition, the East Metro / Marshlands Fire Training Facility was granted State Bond funds late in 2011, so this project has been added to the plan. The document explains each of the proposed projects and analyzes the impacts on the budget for the various funds, along with the tax impact necessary to implement these projects as proposed. The Council’s goal of financial sustainability has necessitated the deferral of a number of projects. As recently as three years ago, the 2010 - 2014 CIP was approved at a $77.76 Million level. The final 2013 - 2017 CIP is proposed at $67,692,880, a $10 million reduction in proposed projects from previous year’s plans. The revisions from the draft include deferral of the second phase of the City Hall/Police Department Expansion project, deferral of the third phase of the Fire Department Expansion; deferral of the Hillcrest Area Redevelopment Project; and deferral of a couple of park projects by 1-2 years. This financial sustainability requirement stabilizes the amount of debt that the City maintains. Current debt levels for 2012 are $81,192,297, decreasing to a level of $66,053,712 in 2017. City debt continues to be rated in the top 10-12% of all agencies in Minnesota based upon evaluations by national rating agencies. These agencies comment on the City’s continued investment in replacing and rehabilitating our infrastructure [streets, pipes and facilities], as well as our well planned financial status. This bond rating saves residents and property owners thousands of dollars per year while the replacement/rehabilitation of our infrastructure continues to show national agencies that Maplewood plans to maintain our property values and neighborhood investments, while maintaining a relatively stable tax base. Highlights Of The Plan Include: 1. new Fire Stations/Facilities a. A new station within the South Leg of Maplewood on or near the 3M Campus to be built in 2012 - 2013. The project assumes implementation of an agreement with a local partner and selling bonds for the Fire Station expense to provide for the $5.25 million project. This proposal could involve Tax Increment Financing for expansion of facilities and jobs, but the key assumption is that the facility would be built without a need for a tax increase. b. Refurbishment/replacement of Fire Station #7 at Hazelwood and County Road C in 2014 - 2015. This is a cost of $2.5 million that will be paid from the Public Safety Expansion Fund and will not require City Bonding. This assumes that the Century Avenue, Londin Lane and McMenemy Street stations are abandoned; the property sold at a value of $2.5 million by 2014. This funding would then be used for the construction of new Fire Station #7 at the same location. c. Construction of the East Metro – Marshlands Fire Training Facility on abandoned MndOT right of way at TH 5 and Century Avenue. This project was added to the City project list as part of State Bonding being provided in the July 2011 Bonding Plan. The project will involve up to 16 regional fire departments entering into a Joint Powers Agreement to have state of the art fire training facilities on the property. No tax money from Maplewood is planned for this project. 2. Police department Expansion beginning in 2012 - 2013 a. An independent architect provided the City Council with a study of the space needs study documenting that our Police Department has only 45% of the required space for their operations. This project proposes to expend $4.25 million in 2012-2013. A second phase of $3.38 million has been deferred to post 2017. The initial project would be funded through the issuance of CIP Bonds and would include departments moving to the unfinished vacant space at Public Works for expanding the Police Department into existing space at City Hall. Existing expenses have been reduced on an annual basis such that no major tax increase will be necessary for this project. Appleton, Wisconsin • Minneapolis, Minnesota Thrivent.com • 800-THRIVENT (800-847-4836) 27193 N10-11 Registered Representatives for securities and investment advisory services offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Free Retirement Seminar on May 24th at 10am at the Maplewood Community Center. Dana Erickson, ChFC®, FIC Financial Associate 651-439-7091 Janelle Calhoun Financial Associate 651-287-9437 Fire Station #7 City of Maplewood 7 May 2012 City News - Council Adopts CIP Plan Continued From pg 6 3. Continuation of a Street Reconstruction Program a. The streets program was significantly reduced in the 2012 - 2016 CIP, but continues to invest at reduced levels through 2016 and then expands in 2017. The program has been reduced from the original plan to approximately 60% of the recommended projects. The City Engineer estimates that the quality of the City streets will remain approximately equal to current conditions, although some streets will decrease to poor conditions. b. Construction of a new interchange on TH 36 at English Street. This project is proposed to occur in 2013 and involve the removal of the last signal on Truck Highway 36 between Century Avenue in Oakdale and Interstate 35W in Roseville. The replacement of the signalized intersection at English will involve the construction of a full-access interchange with the bridge for English Street over the top of TH 36. Engineers are still developing plans for this project; however, it is anticipated that the construction will require a full closure of TH 36 between White Bear Avenue and TH 61 from July 4th and Labor Day of 2013. The approved plan for this project estimates a cost of nearly $23 million, with the City’s share at about $4 million, with no impact on taxes for these funds. 4. Other major projects involving parks, open spaces, buildings and equipment are listed by expense, funding plan and year of implementation. The CIP is assembled by neighborhood within Maplewood. Copies of the plan and descriptions of all planned projects are available on the City website. The CIP is a planning document for the next five years for capital projects. It guides the policies and investments of the City through this period. Consideration of the need to repair and rehabilitate the Communities infrastructure needs to be balanced with maintaining as low of a tax rate as possible. The City’s Commissions reviewed the proposed plan prior to the adoption by the City Council and all the Commissions recommended adoption of the CIP. Many Commis- sioners commented on the balancing of maintaining a tax levy at current levels will continuing to invest in our Community’s facilities. Comments or questions can be directed to chuck.ahl@ci.maplewood.mn.us. - Senior Wellness Expo Continued From Cover 12:00PM Cutting Edge Technology In Eye Care Centers Presented By Eye Care Centers - Do you ever experience dryness, excessive tearing, scratchiness, burning, foreign body sensation, fluctuating or blurring of vision, tired eyes, general discomfort, sensitivity to light, contact lens intolerance or tear debris? These are some symptoms of a group of conditions know as Dry Eye which result from inadequate wetting and eye lubrication. This seminar will provide an overview of healthy tears as well as the different causes and treatment options for dry eye. 12:45PM The Key Elements Of Estate Planning Presented By Baker Williams Law - You wrote a Will, but do you have a plan? Estate planning involves much more than writing a will. All of the things you think will happen may not work out the way you hope. Learn what issues lie ahead and how you can take control of your future. 1:30PM Afterlife Planning - Presented By Sandberg Funeral Home - Why prearrange your funeral? How much is the cost of cremation? Will I get a Social Security or Veteran’s benefit? Who do I call when my loved one dies? Can I have my ashes scattered? Do I have to have a vault? Get the answers to all of your afterlife planning questions and more! All day - BInGO - Come join in on all of the fun! Three rounds of BINGO will be played each hour (guests can participate in a maximum of three rounds) beginning on the hour, with grab bag prizes awarded for each round. Don’t miss this important event. Call 651.249.2230 for more details. - Our Family Serving You Since 1942 - Sandberg Funeral & Cremation Service 2593 East 7th St., North St. Paul (651) 777-2600 www.sandbergfuneralhome.com Offering Advanced Planning Take control and be prepared. 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. PEDAL TO THE METAL SOME PEOPLE BURN RUBBER TO GET ATTENTION. WE LOWER AUTO LOAN RATES. 2.49% MODEL YEARS 2009 & NEWER l 6 YEAR TERM (651) 225-2700 l 1 800 223-2801 Interest rate may vary by model year, term, credit worthiness and is subject to change. RATES AS LOW AS APR cccu.com SHLANDPRODUCTIONS Performance for a Lifetime www.ashlandproductions.org 651-274-8020 SummerTheaterCamp T h u m bs Up: The Case of the Pi l f e r e d P lu m Grade 1-6 Grade 8-12 (limited cast) R ob o t s Rebooted Grade 1-6 See our website for full details! Growing With Technology Technology is a growing part of our everyday life, both personally and professionally. The City’s use of technology has grown substantially in the last ten years and to support this growth we have our Information Technology (IT) department. The IT department originally began out of necessity to support and maintain the systems and applications that the City uses internally along with the connectivity to these resources from our remote sites. This continues to be the area where the majority of our resources are allocated. The IT department is responsible for assisting City employees on everything from our security system to our phones along with everything that our employees do on their computers. With over 300 users at 13 different sites all using a variety of applications, the four members of our IT department are in high demand. Another role of our IT department is the creation and dissemination of maps. These maps are used internally for planning and management and also externally in conveying vital information to our citizens. If you’ve seen a City zoning or park map you’ve seen the work of our GIS Analyst. Along those same lines, we continue to strive to offer more and more services and resources online. We understand that there is an expectation from our citizens regarding technology and accessibility. With the click of a mouse you now have a wealth of information at your fingertips. Searching City Council minutes back to 1956 and watching any of this year’s commission meetings are just a couple of examples of resources that are available to you via our website. And we continue to add more. We’ve worked with Ramsey County to create a site where you can search for any number of park facilities throughout all of Ramsey County. Keep an eye open for this service in the coming months. We firmly believe that technology not only allows us to do more with less but also allows us greater transparency as a public entity. The IT department assists our employees in not only reaching, but exceeding those goals. 3 City Code 4 Council Corner 5 A Busy Maplewood 5 Working Together Trash Hauling 6 Maplewood Monthly BIG NEWS: Maplewood Brings Back Spectacular Fireworks Show And Much More! Fireworks will once again light the Maplewood sky this July 4th in the 50-acre Hazelwood Park located at 1663 County Road C. This year’s event will take place from 4:00 - 10:00PM and is held inconjunction with Taste of Maplewood & Friends. Admission is FREE! The Dog House Bar & Grill will be onsite serving up refreshing adult beverages including beer and two of their signature drinks. Vendors will provide a mix of favorite American foods, including barbecue beef and pork, hot dogs, hamburgers, frozen treats and popcorn, pizza, as well as Mexican food. Coolers will not be allowed in the park. Don’t miss the live music starting at 6:30PM by Shag - a high energy pop-rock dance cover band. Shag plays Top 40 radio hits from the 80’s through today. Whether you want to get your groove on or just sing along to your favorite tunes, Shag is sure to deliver all night long. The feature entertainment will be the brilliant fireworks show at dusk. Residents have raved about Maplewood’s fireworks show saying “It’s the best show around!” The show promises to be a breathtaking pyrotechnic display that will be a highlight of the holiday. As Independence Day rounds the corner for the 236th time, at the request of our citizens and neighbors the city council proudly brings back the July 4th celebration. We are anxious to see you there! Don’t forget your lawn chairs and blankets. In the event of inclement weather, and for more details, visit the website at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us. June 2012 City Newsletter LIGHT iT UPMAPLEWOODReturn of July 4th FireworksIn Conjunction with Taste of Maplewood H H H H H H H July 4 th Fireworks hazelwood park Proudly Presented by The CiT y oF MaPlewood & H H JUly 4Th 4-10PMsponsors live Music By Maplewood Seasons Inside! Lutheran Church of Peace Preschool 7 Election Help Needed 8 Recycling Matters Frequently Called Numbers Maplewood City Hall General Information 651.249.2000 Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30PM Deputy Registrar and Passport Hours Monday: 8:00AM - 6:00PM Tuesday - Friday: 8:00AM - 4:30PM Maplewood Community Center Registration 651.249.2230 Customer Service 651.249.2230 Admissions 651.249.2210 Theater/Banquet Room Rental 651.249.2103 Group Information 651.249.2206 Aquatics 651.249.2206 Fitness 651.249.2207 Maplewood Recreation General Information 651.249.2120 Maplewood Nature Center General Information 651.249.2170 Code Enforcement Hotline 651.249.CODE (2633) Online: Go to www.ci.maplewood.mn.us and click on “Report A Violation” on the right-hand side of the home page. Maplewood Public Works General Information 651.249.2400 City of Maplewood Elected Officials Will Rossbach: Mayor 651.484.5427 will.rossbach@ci.maplewood.mn.us Kathleen Juenemann: Councilmember 651.771.3670 kathleen.juenemann@ci.maplewood.mn.us James Llanas: Councilmember 651.488.2745 james.llanas@ci.maplewood.mn.us Robert Cardinal: Councilmember 651.765.8600 bob.cardinal@ci.maplewood.mn.us Marvin Koppen: Councilmember 651.770.5391 marvin.koppen@ci.maplewood.mn.us Jim Antonen: City Manager 651.249.2050 jim.antonen@ci.maplewood.mn.us City of Maplewood 2 June 2012 Maplewood Meeting Schedule City Council ......................................................................... 7:00PM Listening Forum ............................................................... 6:30PM 2nd and 4th Monday of the month City Council Workshop ........................................................ 5:15PM 1st Monday of the month Business & Economic Development Commission ............... 6:00PM 4th Thursday of the month Community Design Review Board ....................................... 6:00PM 4th Tuesday of the month Environmental & Natural Resources Commission ............... 7:00PM 3rd Monday of the month Heritage Preservation Commission ...................................... 7:00PM 2nd Thursday of the month Housing Redevelopment Authority ....................................... 7:00PM 2nd Wednesday of the month Human Rights Commission .................................................. 7:00PM 2nd Tuesday of the month Parks & Recreation Commission ......................................... 7:00PM 3rd Wednesday of the month Planning Commission .......................................................... 7:00PM 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month All City Council and Commission meetings are broadcast live on Channel 16 and are rebroadcast on a schedule that is posted at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us.* Any meeting cancellations are posted on the City’s website. *Meetings are also streamed live on the City’s website. City Hall will be closed July 4th in observance of Independence Day. Antique Car Day at Bruentrup Heritage Farm 2170 E. Co. Rd. D in Maplewood Sun, July 8 11AM - 3PM Vintage Cars • Old City of Gladstone Exhibit • Tour the 1912 Farm House • 1905 Barn and Children’s Exhibits in the Barn Free Admissi o n ! 651.748.9009 NOW OPEN! We Want to Earn Your Business by Earning Your Trust Family Owned & Operated 1728 Rice Street Maplewood, MN651-489-9455 M-F 7am-7pm, Sat 8am-4pm • Engine repair & replacement • Manufacturer recommended maintenance • Transmission repair & replacement • Full tune ups • Oil changes • Tire & wheel replacement • Suspension diagnostic & replacement • Alignments • Air conditioning repair & service• Towing• Brake service & replacement • Advanced air bag diagnostic • Engine & transmission diagnostic • Vehicle inspection Complete Repairs & Diagnostic on All Domestic, European & Asian Imports Check Engine Light On?FREEDIAGNOSTICWith Repair! (up to 1 hour) FREEBRAKE INSPECTIONInspect pad/shoes, inspect rotor/ drums, inspect hydraulic system, top off brake fluid *Dye & refrigerant extra FREE ALIGNMENT CHECK $49.99 * AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM CHECK & SERVICE With coupon. 1 coupon per visit. Not valid with any other offers. Exp. 7-5-12. 651-489-9455 With coupon. 1 coupon per visit. Not valid with any other offers. Exp. 7-5-12. 651-489-9455 With coupon. 1 coupon per visit. Not valid with any other offers. Exp. 7-5-12. 651-489-9455 With coupon. 1 coupon per visit. Not valid with any other offers. Exp. 7-5-12. 651-489-9455 Need a Tow? We Do That!Larpenteur Ave. W.Rice St. Approved WITHOUT any corrections.  Approved WITH CORRECTIONS indicated.  Make changes marked & show corrected proof. Signature: Date:  Copy in Ad  Locations  Offers  Dates  Image (s)  Phone (s)  License #'s  Cities Metro Super Saver Ad IN-HOME: May 31PROOF Please look your ad over carefully & respond to this by: 3pm Mon. May 21 Send changes/approval. Email Changes: design@metrosupersaver.com Fax Changes: (651) 484-1120  NOTE: Colors in proof may not reflect printed ad. Ad may not be scaled to size. SS-01 SS-01 SS-01 SS-01 NOW OPEN! We Want to Earn Your Business by Earning Your Trust Family Owned & Operated 1728 Rice Street Maplewood, MN651-489-9455 M-F 7am-7pm, Sat 8am-4pm • Engine repair & replacement• Manufacturer recommended maintenance• Transmission repair & replacement • Full tune ups • Oil changes • Tire & wheel replacement • Suspension diagnostic & replacement • Alignments • Air conditioning repair & service • Towing • Brake service & replacement • Advanced air bag diagnostic • Engine & transmission diagnostic • Vehicle inspection Complete Repairs & Diagnostic on All Domestic, European & Asian Imports Check Engine Light On?FREEDIAGNOSTICWith Repair! (up to 1 hour) FREEBRAKE INSPECTION Inspect pad/shoes, inspect rotor/ drums, inspect hydraulic system, top off brake fluid *Dye & refrigerant extra FREEALIGNMENT CHECK $49.99 * AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM CHECK & SERVICE With coupon. 1 coupon per visit. Not valid with any other offers. Exp. 7-5-12. 651-489-9455 With coupon. 1 coupon per visit. Not valid with any other offers. Exp. 7-5-12. 651-489-9455 With coupon. 1 coupon per visit. Not valid with any other offers. Exp. 7-5-12. 651-489-9455 With coupon. 1 coupon per visit. Not valid with any other offers. Exp. 7-5-12. 651-489-9455 Need a Tow? We Do That!Larpenteur Ave. W.Rice St. Approved WITHOUT any corrections.  Approved WITH CORRECTIONS indicated.  Make changes marked & show corrected proof. Signature: Date:  Copy in Ad  Locations  Offers  Dates  Image (s)  Phone (s)  License #'s  Cities Metro Super Saver Ad IN-HOME: May 31PROOF Please look your ad over carefully & respond to this by: 3pm Mon. May 21 Send changes/approval. Email Changes: design@metrosupersaver.com Fax Changes: (651) 484-1120  NOTE: Colors in proof may not reflect printed ad. Ad may not be scaled to size. SS-01 SS-01 SS-01 SS-01 NOW OPEN! We Want to Earn Your Business by Earning Your Trust Family Owned & Operated 1728 Rice Street Maplewood, MN 651-489-9455 M-F 7am-7pm, Sat 8am-4pm • Engine repair & replacement • Manufacturer recommended maintenance • Transmission repair & replacement • Full tune ups • Oil changes • Tire & wheel replacement • Suspension diagnostic & replacement • Alignments • Air conditioning repair & service • Towing • Brake service & replacement • Advanced air bag diagnostic • Engine & transmission diagnostic • Vehicle inspection Complete Repairs & Diagnostic on All Domestic, European & Asian Imports Check Engine Light On?FREEDIAGNOSTICWith Repair! (up to 1 hour) FREEBRAKE INSPECTIONInspect pad/shoes, inspect rotor/drums, inspect hydraulic system, top off brake fluid *Dye & refrigerant extra FREEALIGNMENT CHECK $49.99 * AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM CHECK & SERVICE With coupon. 1 coupon per visit. Not valid with any other offers. Exp. 7-5-12. 651-489-9455 With coupon. 1 coupon per visit. Not valid with any other offers. Exp. 7-5-12. 651-489-9455 With coupon. 1 coupon per visit. Not valid with any other offers. Exp. 7-5-12. 651-489-9455 With coupon. 1 coupon per visit. Not valid with any other offers. Exp. 7-5-12. 651-489-9455 Need a Tow? We Do That!Larpenteur Ave. W.Rice St. Approved WITHOUT any corrections.  Approved WITH CORRECTIONS indicated.  Make changes marked & show corrected proof. Signature: Date:  Copy in Ad  Locations  Offers  Dates  Image (s)  Phone (s)  License #'s  Cities Metro Super Saver Ad IN-HOME: May 31PROOF Please look your ad over carefully & respond to this by: 3pm Mon. May 21 Send changes/approval. Email Changes: design@metrosupersaver.com Fax Changes: (651) 484-1120  NOTE: Colors in proof may not reflect printed ad. Ad may not be scaled to size. SS-01 SS-01 SS-01 SS-01 NOW OPEN! We Want to Earn Your Business by Earning Your Trust Family Owned & Operated 1728 Rice Street Maplewood, MN 651-489-9455 M-F 7am-7pm, Sat 8am-4pm • Engine repair & replacement • Manufacturer recommended maintenance • Transmission repair & replacement• Full tune ups • Oil changes • Tire & wheel replacement• Suspension diagnostic & replacement • Alignments• Air conditioning repair & service • Towing • Brake service & replacement • Advanced air bag diagnostic • Engine & transmission diagnostic • Vehicle inspection Complete Repairs & Diagnostic on All Domestic, European & Asian Imports Check Engine Light On?FREEDIAGNOSTICWith Repair! (up to 1 hour) FREEBRAKE INSPECTIONInspect pad/shoes, inspect rotor/drums, inspect hydraulic system, top off brake fluid *Dye & refrigerant extra FREEALIGNMENT CHECK $49.99 * AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM CHECK & SERVICE With coupon. 1 coupon per visit. Not valid with any other offers. Exp. 7-5-12. 651-489-9455 With coupon. 1 coupon per visit. Not valid with any other offers. Exp. 7-5-12. 651-489-9455 With coupon. 1 coupon per visit. Not valid with any other offers. Exp. 7-5-12. 651-489-9455 With coupon. 1 coupon per visit. Not valid with any other offers. Exp. 7-5-12. 651-489-9455 Need a Tow? We Do That!Larpenteur Ave. W.Rice St. Approved WITHOUT any corrections.  Approved WITH CORRECTIONS indicated.  Make changes marked & show corrected proof. Signature: Date:  Copy in Ad  Locations  Offers  Dates  Image (s)  Phone (s)  License #'s  Cities Metro Super Saver Ad IN-HOME: May 31PROOF Please look your ad over carefully & respond to this by: 3pm Mon. May 21 Send changes/approval. Email Changes: design@metrosupersaver.com Fax Changes: (651) 484-1120  NOTE: Colors in proof may not reflect printed ad. Ad may not be scaled to size. SS-01 SS-01 SS-01 SS-01 NOW OPEN! We Want to Earn Your Business by Earning Your Trust Family Owned & Operated 1728 Rice Street Maplewood, MN 651-489-9455 M-F 7am-7pm, Sat 8am-4pm • Engine repair & replacement • Manufacturer recommended maintenance • Transmission repair & replacement • Full tune ups • Oil changes• Tire & wheel replacement • Suspension diagnostic & replacement• Alignments • Air conditioning repair & service • Towing • Brake service & replacement • Advanced air bag diagnostic • Engine & transmission diagnostic • Vehicle inspection Complete Repairs & Diagnostic on All Domestic, European & Asian Imports Check Engine Light On?FREEDIAGNOSTICWith Repair! (up to 1 hour) FREEBRAKE INSPECTIONInspect pad/shoes, inspect rotor/ drums, inspect hydraulic system, top off brake fluid *Dye & refrigerant extra FREE ALIGNMENT CHECK $49.99 * AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM CHECK & SERVICE With coupon. 1 coupon per visit. Not valid with any other offers. Exp. 7-5-12. 651-489-9455 With coupon. 1 coupon per visit. Not valid with any other offers. Exp. 7-5-12. 651-489-9455 With coupon. 1 coupon per visit. Not valid with any other offers. Exp. 7-5-12. 651-489-9455 With coupon. 1 coupon per visit. Not valid with any other offers. Exp. 7-5-12. 651-489-9455 Need a Tow? We Do That!Larpenteur Ave. W.Rice St. Approved WITHOUT any corrections.  Approved WITH CORRECTIONS indicated.  Make changes marked & show corrected proof. Signature: Date:  Copy in Ad  Locations  Offers  Dates  Image (s)  Phone (s)  License #'s  Cities Metro Super Saver Ad IN-HOME: May 31PROOF Please look your ad over carefully & respond to this by: 3pm Mon. May 21 Send changes/approval. Email Changes: design@metrosupersaver.com Fax Changes: (651) 484-1120  NOTE: Colors in proof may not reflect printed ad. Ad may not be scaled to size. SS-01 SS-01 SS-01 SS-01 City of Maplewood 3 June 2012 952.474.8058 TwinCitiesCruises.com    City Code: Before And After The City of Maplewood maintains a professional staff that is responsible for enforcing the City’s Code of Ordinances. These staff members performed approximately 50 code enforcement abatements in 2011. Abatements occur when property owners fail to respond to a citation for a violation of the City Code and clean-up or revisions are deemed necessary. Examples of abatements are long grass that is mowed or debris that has been removed from a property by the City. Abatements usually occur at vacant properties due to failure to comply with enforcement orders by the property owner. Five of the 50 abatements in 2011 required the task of obtaining a dumpster and removing debris from the property. As of April 30, 2012, the City has already performed two abatements requiring the use of dumpsters. The Abatement Process Is As Follows: • Identify the property by complaint or observation. • Post notification of the code violation and the enforcement order(s) to the property and mail it the property owner. This provides about seven to ten days notice to come into compliance. • Follow up on the violation and verify the abatement has been completed. • If the issues has been resolved, the case is closed. • If the violation still exists, a dumpster is ordered and the Public Works Department is notified to clean-up the property. • After the abatement has been completed, the property is invoiced the cost of the clean up by the City Finance Department. • If the invoice is not paid, the invoice assessed to the property taxes. For more information on Maplewood codes contact the Code Complaint Line at 651.249.2633 or visit the City website at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us. Before After 2170 E. Co. Rd. D in Maplewood Free Admissi o n ! - Our Family Serving You Since 1942 - Sandberg Funeral & Cremation Service 2593 East 7th St., North St. Paul (651) 777-2600 www.sandbergfuneralhome.com Offering Advanced Planning Take control and be prepared. Promote Your Business Reach over 29,000 homes, businesses, and apartments with the official Maplewood City Newsletter. The entire newsletter is featured on the city website. For more information, contact Heidi Carey at 952.212.7333 or heidi.carey@ci.maplewood.mn.us. Thank you to the advertisers who help support this publication! Council Cor n e r City of Maplewood 4 June 2012 Ramsey County Fair By Councilmember Marv Koppen I choose to have my article this month cover the Ramsey county fair; a major event that has taken place in Maplewood for many years. I sought input from Joe Fox, Fair Board Secretary and Fair Manager for some details. The Ramsey County Fair started in White Bear in 1913 and remained there until the late 1940’s when it moved to the current site at 2020 White Bear Avenue in Maplewood. It has been held in Maplewood every year since that time except for 1998 when I t was held for one year at Harriet Island in St. Paul. The formal organization that conducts the fair is the Ramsey County Agricultural Society. The Society is an incorporated 501C3 organization and its primary function is to conduct the County Fair. It is governed by a 14 member board of directors. The board has a Present, Vice President, Treasurer, and a Secretary/Manager. The board members, all volunteers, are elected on a rotating 3-4 year terms. The board is elected by members of the Ramsey county Agricultural Society. Anyone can join the society for a nominal annual membership fee. The County Fair is funded largely from income generated during the fair and from donations and sponsorships from local businesses and civic organization. Until 2003 the Ramsey county Board of Commissioners provided a limited amount of funds for the operation of the fair. Although no direct funds are provided from the county, the Ramsey County board and the County parks and Recreation Department are assisting in many ways to make it possible for the Fair to Continue in Ramsey County. In 1994 the Washington and the Ramsey County Fairs were making plans to merge into one fair. However, the residents in Ramsey county pleaded for its continuance in this area. So it is here today because of the interest and support from the local communities. Every county in Minnesota has a county fair. There are many features of a county fair that make them different than other community festivals. Many of the events are in competition for entry into the Minnesota State Fair. Only 4-Hers who have competed at the County Fair are eligible to compete at the State Fair. A few other educational exhibits must first compete at the county fair. This is also true for the county talent contest winners and for the county senior citizen of the year. Winners in these two areas represent the county in those events at the State Fair. The 99th Annual Ramsey county Fair this year will be held from Wednesday, July 11 through Sunday July 15th. It may be different than what we expect to see at a rural county fair, but there are also many similarities. The free admission fair has carnival rides, 4-H and classes open for competition to the general public (adults and youth), commercial exhibitors, food vendors, entertainment of all kinds, include daily bands, petting zoo, farmer for the day exhibit, bingo, beer garden and much more. A full schedule of events and other information about the fair can be seen on their website – ramseycountyfair.com. Many civic organizations, and of course several departments in the city of Maplewood, have played an important role to the success and are part of why the fair still exists in Maplewood. Fair office phone number is 651.770.2626. See you at the County Fair – if not this year then at the 100th Anniversary in 2012! 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 opinons of the City of Maplewood. On The Police Scanner In April, the Maplewood Police Department responded to 2,068 calls for service. 17 Assault Cases 3 Robbery Case 11 Burglary Cases 121 Theft Cases 21 Auto Theft Cases 25 Theft from Vehicle Cases 29 Criminal Damage to Property Cases Officers also made 55 arrests for shoplifting and 16 arrests for DWI. 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 opinons of the City of Maplewood.City News A Very Busy Maplewood The construction of private property within Maplewood seems to have left the thoughts of the economic slowdown as a distant memory. This construction is monitored by the City of Maplewood through the Community Development Department. The Community Development Department is a collection of professional staff that is charged with protecting individual property rights throughout Maplewood. These professionals work to protect public health, safety, and welfare by ensuring that land use and buildings meet applicable city codes, regional goals, and State and Federal laws. The staff makes recommendations to assist in guiding future growth and construction in the City to enhance economic development. In addition, these professionals provide the leadership of the programs that encourage the conservation of our Community’s natural resources. Our Community Development staff has been extremely busy during 2012 monitoring the construction of numerous new projects. A drive or stroll around many parts of Maplewood will show these construction projects underway: • The former Best Buy store is being demolished and refurbished into a new shoe store. The City is excited to welcome a DSW Shoe Warehouse to this new location north of Maplewood Mall. • Next door to DSW Shoes, the old Pannekoeken Restaurant is being remodeled into a new Pizza Ranch restaurant. • The former Circuit City building is being upgraded to make way for an LA Fitness. • The BP Service Station at County Road D and White Bear Avenue has been working through the City approval process to rebuild on this location with new facilities. • The major improvements to Maplewood Mall are nearly complete and were part of a Grand Re-opening on April 21st. A number of new stores and changes continue within the Maplewood Mall, including a new Men’s Warehouse Store. • On the south side of Maplewood Mall at the northeast corner of Beam Avenue and Southlawn Avenue, the Metropolitan Transit Authority is constructing a parking ramp to provide improved service to transit users at this location. • Just to the west of Southlawn on Beam Avenue, the old Gander Mountain store is being refurbished and upgrade and will be the future home of the HealthEast Spine Center. • Further west on Beam Avenue, at TH 61, Maplewood Toyota is working on a new facility in cooperation with LaMetry Auto Body, where LaMetry will have a new facility and Maplewood Toyota will be expanding into the LaMetry Auto Body building. • Construction is moving quickly on the new 106-unit senior housing facility on the former Tourist Cabin property at East Shore Drive and Frost Avenue. That four story facility will be open later in 2012 and as part of that project, the City is improving Frost Avenue, replacing the Phalen Stream Bridge and making major improvements to the Gladstone Savanna. • City Hall and the Maplewood Community Center are seeing energy improvements installed to take advantage of new alternative energy initiatives. At no upfront cost to Maplewood taxpayers, solar panels have been installed on the roof of the Maplewood Community Center and will be installed near City Hall to reduce energy usage in these public facilities. • The Tubman Housing Facility on the campus of the St. Paul Monastery at Larpenteur and Century Avenue is implementing major interior remodeling as part of their improvement plans for that campus. • A major multi-million improvement to six of the main buildings on the 3M Campus continues to upgrade the corporate campus. • And, finally, contrary to many news reports on the depressed housing industry, Maplewood has already issued ten permits for new single family homes to be added to our Community, most in the southern leg of the City. Each of these projects are exciting additions to Maplewood and are guided through the various codes and needed inspections through our professional Community Development Staff. Questions or comments about the above mentioned projects can be directed to Acting Community Development Director Chuck Ahl at chuck.ahl@ci.maplewood.mn.us. City of Maplewood 5 June 2012 Foundation Work on the Metro Transit Parking Ramp Framing Work on The Shores Senior Housing Complex Near Lake Phalen City of Maplewood 6 June 2012 City News Together We Can! The safety of Maplewood residents is a paramount concern for the City organization. Departments within the City work together to ensure healthy and safe living environments for residents. Police, Fire, Health, Building and Code Enforcement all collaberate to provide the best service possible in addressing substandard properties. While the City does not have a formal rental housing program, concerns for residents in rental homes occasionally need to be addressed through various inspections. If a property renter has a safety or health concern, the first action must be that a tenant work with their landlord to resolve whatever issue may exist. However, substandard properties that pose a life, safety or health risk to occupants are not acceptable. When major concerns with these life-safety issues occur, many departments of the City respond. Examples of various work that departments are doing to ensure healthy and safe living environments are: • The Police Department provides enforcement of criminal activities and community leadership. • The Fire Department conducts inspections on a regular basis to enforce the State Fire Code. Fire inspectors look at life safety items such as fire extinguishers, exit lights, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. • The Health Department enforces state health regulations and the City Code for sanitary conditions. Education is also a key aspect provided by the Health Officer. • The Building Department enforces the State Building Code. This occurs when replacing items such as existing doors, windows, water heaters, boilers and decks. • The Code Enforcement Department enforces the City Code of minimum standards for residential properties. Inspectors verify that electrical, plumbing and mechanical facilities function according to code. The overall goal is that these inspections will result in improved property conditions and a better quality of life for our residents. Managing The City’s Solid Waste Waste is called many things – garbage, trash, waste, refuse, rubbish, solid waste – and comes from many sources. Our household garbage is called mixed municipal solid waste and includes recycla- ble materials and non-recyclable wastes that are generated through the normal course of a day. Minnesota statutes require counties to create solid waste management plans and implement activities to meet the state’s policy for waste management. Ramsey County completed a revision to their solid waste management plan on March 20, 2012. The plan serves as a guide to municipalities, the waste industry, and others as decisions are made about waste management. Two key themes outlined in the new plan include: waste is not just the responsibility of government- it is everyone’s responsibility; and Waste should be treated as a resource, something that our parents and grandparents knew well. Maplewood has an ordinance that regulates the management of solid waste within its borders. The existing ordinance was adopted in 1997 and was drafted to meet the state and county solid waste management policies at that time. In order to better manage solid waste, meet new state and county policies, and create regulations for the city’s new organized residential trash collection service, the city is amending its solid waste management ordinance. The amendments will promote the theme that waste is everyone’s responsibility and will encourage re-use of resources by the separation and recovery of materials and energy from waste. In addition to the ordinance, Maplewood will have a set of “standards” that will be the understandable, day-to-day implementation of the ordinance such as trash cart placement, pick up schedule, etc. The City Council will hold a public hearing on the new solid waste management ordinance on June 11, 2012 at 7:00PM. To learn how you can help the city reduce waste, or to review the Ramsey County Solid Waste Master Plan or the city’s proposed solid waste ordinance amendments, visit the Maplewood Trash Plan webpage at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/trash. SWING INTO SUMMER! Join your friends and play a round. Keller 651.766.4170 Goodrich 651.748.2525 Manitou Ridge 651.777.2987 The Ponds at Battle Creek 651.501.6321 www.RamseyCountyGolf.com CALL FOR A TEE TIME TODAY City of Maplewood 7 June 2012 City News Become An Election Judge Election Judges serve as guardians of Democracy. They are vital to efficient and honest elections with accuracy, integrity and dignity. The City of Maplewood needs more than 200 Election Judges to work at the polls every election. You can join this team of dependable and caring individuals who help ensure this basic right of U.S. citizenship: to vote in fair and free elections. How can I become an Election Judge? Call 651.249.2003 or email deb.schmidt@ci.maplewood.mn.us to have an application mailed to you or visit the city website at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us and go to the elections page to find an application. After completing the form email it to deb.schmidt@ci.maplewood.mn.us or via US Mail to: City Clerk - Elections City of Maplewood 1830 East County Road B Maplewood, MN 55109 Who is eligible? To be an Election Judge, you must: • Be eligible to vote • Be able to read, write and speak English • Attend a training class To serve as an Election Judge in Maplewood, you must be a resident of the State of Minnesota. Election Judges are paid an hourly wage and like jury duty, Minnesota law allows time off from work without lost wages to serve as an Election Judge if you give 20 days prior notice to your employer. Salvation Army Helps Families In Need The Salvation Army center in Maplewood will be adding a food shelf to its services on June 4. Beginning with the recession in 2008 the Army saw a significant increase in suburban families in crisis and stepped up its outreach to give financial assistance. Typically 90% of those served are first time recipients. Along with a general change in financial health for local families, the food shelf outreach was spurred by the decision of the North St Paul Food Shelf to close services for Maplewood residents because of a strain on its resources. Maplewood residents accounted for nearly half of all the families served. The Salvation Army food shelf hours will be 10:00AM to 2:00PM on Mondays and Thursdays. “We expect more than 200 families each month,” said Major Jim Curl, administrator for the Maplewood Salvation Army center. “In reality that number will grow as more families know about this provision. We hope that the community rallies around this new service and helps us to fill the shelves.” Donations of nonperishable food or monetary donations may be dropped off at The Salvation Army, 2080 Woodlynn Ave, Monday through Friday 9:00AM to 4:00PM. www.partnersobgyn.com Birch Run Station in Maplewood 1737 Beam Ave (Next to JoAnn Fabrics) Specialty Women’s Health Obstetrics • Gynecology • Infertility • Surgery Office Procedures • Next Day Appointments Available (651) 770-3320 New Patients Welcome! 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. ANSWER THEC ANSWER THE CALL OF THE ROAD ADVENTURE AWAITS WITH A LOW RATE LOAN FROM CITY & COUNTY CREDIT UNION. 2.49% MODEL YEARS 2009 & NEWER l 6 YEAR TERM ANY VEHICLE, INCLUDING MOTORCYCLES, RVs & BOATS (651) 225-2700 l 1 800 223-2801 Interest rate may vary by model year, term, credit worthiness and is subject to change. cccu.com RATES AS LOW AS APR SHLANDPRODUCTIONS Performance for a Lifetime www.ashlandproductions.org 651-274-8020 Summer Theater Camp T h u m bs Up: The Case of the P i l f e r e d P lu m Grade 1-6 Grade 8-12 R ob o t s Rebooted Grade 1-6 See our website for full details! Performances Recycling Matters Tennis Sanitation, the City’s recycling partner, presented their annual recycling report to the City Council in March. The report reflects that Maplewood residents recycled a total of 2,541 tons of recyclable materials in 2011. This was an average of 38.91 tons per single family household per month and 12.96 tons per multi-family household per month. Take a look at the natural resources saved by your efforts: Resources Amounts Saved Conversion Trees 23,831 trees 309,803 pounds of CO2 Absorbed Annually, which can compensate for the CO2 emitted from approximately 18 automobile fuel uses per year. Electricity 1,834,061 kWh Enough electricity for 18 Minnesota households per year on average Oil 7,023 barrels of oil Enough fuel for approximately 1,000 cars per year Natural Gas 28,607,002,620 BTUs Enough to heat approximately 318 homes per year Resources: US Forest Service (www.fs.fed.us), US Department of Energy (www.energy.gov), Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (www.pca.state.mn.us), Recycling Association of Minnesota (www.recycleminnesota.org), and Rethink Recycling (www.rethinkrecycling.com) For more information on recycling, visit www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/recycling. 3 City Code 4 Council Corner 5 A Busy Maplewood 5 Working Together Trash Hauling 6 Maplewood Monthly July 2012 City Newsletter 7 Election Help Needed 8 Recycling Matters • Fun With The Sun Friday, August 3, 12:30-2PM Maplewood Nature Center Learn about the nature center’s solar panels, make a solar boat or car while you bake a treat in the solar oven. Fun for ages 8+ • Godspell Dinner Theater Friday, August 10, 6-7:30PM Maplewood Community Center • Enchanted Experience Sunday, August 19, 1-3PM Maplewood Community Center • Bridal Expo Sunday, September 23, 12-3PM Maplewood Community Center Save The Date BBQ, Bingo And Beer Thursday, July 26 (6:00-7:30PM dINNEr; 6:30-9:00PM BINGO aNd KIds’ aCTIVITIEs) aT ThE MaPlEwOOd COMMuNITy CENTEr, 2100 whITE BEar aVE Take a break from cooking and come to Maplewood Community Center for barbeque. The City is working to acquire beautiful bluff lands near Fish Creek in south Maplewood. The Fish Creek Committee is supporting this effort with events to raise awareness and funds for the site. The committee invites you to join them for a tasty BBQ buffet of ribs, chicken, corn, salads, and dessert (cash bar). For kids there will be face painting, Fish Creek nature “Bingo” and more. St. Paul East Parks Lions is running Bingo for adults and donating Bingo proceeds to Fish Creek land acquisi- tion. Come for dinner and stay for games. To purchase tickets visit www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/fishcreek or call 651.249.2230. $10/adult if purchased by July 23; $15/adult at the door (includes meal and 3 bingo cards) $7/children ages 3-12 (includes food and kids’ activities) Maplewood Fire Department A year has now passed since the Maplewood Fire Department made the change from paid on-call firefighters to part-time firefighters signing up to work scheduled hours out of three stations. In 2010, a leadership team of firefighters from each of the five stations was formed to study the current service delivery model. This leadership team was called the Quality Improvement Committee or (QIC). The charge of the QIC was to study the current situation within and outside the Department; look at factors, forces, opportunities and threats affecting the Department’s promise of continuing to provide excellent cost effec- tive services. At the same time, sustainabil- ity was the galvanizing principle that guided all discussions, research and conclusions in developing the Department’s strategic plan. (The strategic plan can be found on the city website.) Some of the notable changes in our new delivery model were going from two ALS ambulances in service around-the-clock to three ALS ambulances operating around-the-clock and from staffing two fire stations around-the-clock to staffing three stations around-the-clock. The QIC team determined that to maximize the use of staff, it would be necessary to relocate and build new stations that would be sus- tainable and move us forward for the next 30 to 40 years in order to guarantee the community the best possible service level. It was determined that one station in the southern leg located centrally would meet these needs. The 3M Company has offered us a location on their campus and design plans are underway. We will rebuild the northern station at its existing location and remodel the station located in the Gladstone area. - continued on page 3 Bingo & Beer Frequently Called Numbers Maplewood City Hall General Information 651.249.2000 Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30PM Deputy Registrar and Passport Hours Monday: 8:00AM - 6:00PM Tuesday - Friday: 8:00AM - 4:30PM Maplewood Community Center Registration/Customer Service 651.249.2230 Admissions 651.249.2210 Theater/Banquet Room Rental 651.249.2103 Group Information 651.249.2206 Aquatics 651.249.2206 Fitness 651.249.2207 Maplewood Recreation General Information 651.249.2120 Maplewood Nature Center General Information 651.249.2170 Code Enforcement Hotline 651.249.CODE (2633) Online: Go to www.ci.maplewood.mn.us and click on “Report A Violation” on the right-hand side of the home page. Maplewood Police General Information - Non-Emergency 651.767.0640 Maplewood Public Works General Information 651.249.2400 City of Maplewood Elected Officials Will Rossbach: Mayor 651.484.5427 will.rossbach@ci.maplewood.mn.us Kathleen Juenemann: Councilmember 651.771.3670 kathleen.juenemann@ci.maplewood.mn.us James Llanas: Councilmember 651.488.2745 james.llanas@ci.maplewood.mn.us Robert Cardinal: Councilmember 651.765.8600 bob.cardinal@ci.maplewood.mn.us Marvin Koppen: Councilmember 651.770.5391 marvin.koppen@ci.maplewood.mn.us Jim Antonen: City Manager 651.249.2050 jim.antonen@ci.maplewood.mn.us City of Maplewood 2 July 2012 Maplewood Meeting Schedule City Council ......................................................................... 7:00PM Listening Forum ............................................................... 6:30PM 2nd and 4th Monday of the month City Council Workshop ........................................................ 5:15PM 1st Monday of the month Business & Economic Development Commission ............... 6:00PM 4th Thursday of the month Community Design Review Board ....................................... 6:00PM 4th Tuesday of the month Environmental & Natural Resources Commission ............... 7:00PM 3rd Monday of the month Heritage Preservation Commission ...................................... 7:00PM 2nd Thursday of the month Housing Redevelopment Authority ....................................... 7:00PM 2nd Wednesday of the month Human Rights Commission .................................................. 7:00PM 2nd Tuesday of the month Parks & Recreation Commission ......................................... 7:00PM 3rd Wednesday of the month Planning Commission .......................................................... 7:00PM 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month City hall will be closed July 4th in observance of Independence day. All City Council and Commission meetings are broadcast live on Channel 16 and are rebroadcast on a schedule that is posted at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us.* Any meeting cancellations are posted on the City’s website. *Meetings are also streamed live on the City’s website. 952.474.8058 TwinCitiesCruises.com     Promote Your Business Reach over 29,000 homes, businesses, and apartments with the official Maplewood City Newsletter. The entire newsletter is featured on the city website. For more information, contact Heidi Carey at 952.212.7333 or heidi@careycommunications.org. Thank you to the advertisers who help support this publication! City of Maplewood Elected Officials Will Rossbach: Mayor 651.484.5427 will.rossbach@ci.maplewood.mn.us Kathleen Juenemann: Councilmember 651.771.3670 kathleen.juenemann@ci.maplewood.mn.us James Llanas: Councilmember 651.488.2745 james.llanas@ci.maplewood.mn.us Robert Cardinal: Councilmember 651.765.8600 bob.cardinal@ci.maplewood.mn.us Marvin Koppen: Councilmember 651.770.5391 marvin.koppen@ci.maplewood.mn.us Jim Antonen: City Manager 651.249.2050 jim.antonen@ci.maplewood.mn.us City of Maplewood 3 July 2012 continued... Fire Dept. We currently have 46 part-time firefighters and 15 full-time firefight- ers to cover the calls around-the-clock. In the event of a working structure fire, our neighboring departments are toned for the fire at the same time we are, and this method of delivery is called auto aid. In the past, departments would wait until they were on the scene and determine if they needed more resources and then would ask for assistance from the neighboring departments which was called mutual aid. By moving to an auto aid program, we were able to decrease the response time of additional resources that were needed. Auto aid is currently being used by many of the fire departments within Ramsey and Washington Counties. In 2011, we responded to 4,084 calls for service which was 266 more calls than we answered in 2010. Response times are impor- tant in the delivery of services no matter what type of service delivery model you use. In 2010, our average response time for fire calls was seven minutes and 16 seconds and in 2011 it was six minutes and 38 seconds. For medical responses, from 2009 to 2011, our average response time was six minutes and 30 seconds and in 2011, five minutes and 50 seconds. What is more important than response time is the quality of care a patient will receive when we arrive. In 2011, we moved our medi- cal direction to St. John’s Hospital under the direction of Dr. Peter Tanghe. Dr. Tanghe is actively involved in our medical training, dose ride-alongs or may just stop at a call if he’s in the area. He has also added new procedures and equipment to assist our medical personnel in better serving our customer’s medical needs. Maplewood EMS has begun offering hands only CPR training to the public. In the coming months, Maplewood’s EMT’s and paramed- ics will be offering this training to local businesses, churches and schools with the goal of improving the city of Maplewood’s by- stander CPR rates. If you would like more information or would like to host a class, please contact Michael Mondor Assistant Fire Chief/ EMS at michael.mondor@ci.maplewood.mn.us. The EMS field is ever-changing and today we are doing procedures in the field that were only done in the emergency room in the past. We had our groundbreaking ceremony and unveiling of the new East Metro public safety training facility on June 14, 2012. We are very excited about all the new opportunities for all types of training within all public safety disciplines that this new facility will provide. Our goal is to have the facility up and running by the fall of 2013. From all of us at the Maplewood Fire Department, have a safe and wonderful summer! Fire Chief Steve Lukin Council Cor n e r City of Maplewood 4 July 2012 Three Subjects Of Interest By Councilmember Bob Cardinal In this summer newsletter, you will read a little something about three subjects of interest. First: your neighborhood; Second: garbage; and Third: local business. So, here goes: What is the name of the neighborhood you live in? Can you define the logical boundaries of your neighborhood? Are there 50 or 100 or 200 or 300 or more homes in your neighborhood? What do you like best or most about your neighbor- hood? Why is your neighborhood important to you? What should the city do to keep neighborhoods strong? What is the single most important thing the city of Maplewood needs to know about your neighborhood? Lastly, how can the City of Maplewood make your neighborhood better? Please let us know. Now, why are we so obsessed with garbage? Please reflect on the following statements: • Americans are making 50% more garbage per person than the countries of Germany and Japan. • Garbage has become a measure of prosperity in America and in the world. • Trash is a picture of our lives and our priorities. • In the United States the garbage truck is now 1 out of every 6 trucks on the road. • Garbage in America mostly ends up in landfilling, approximately 70%. Recycling and composting, about 25%. Energy generated from waste, about 5%. Germany passes zero percent onto land fills, recycling about 65%, and burning incineration about 35%. The country of Bulgaria in Southeastern Europe passes all garbage, trash and waste to landfills. Recycling, composting, and burning incineration - zero percent. • Five percent of the world’s population lives in America and America accounts for nearly 25% of the world’s trash and garbage. • In America annually, we throw away about 35 billion plastic bottles; plastic would rate as the highest portion of what is thrown away. By the year 2000, Americans consumed 100 billion plastic shopping bags a year with estimated cost to retailers at 4 billion, cost passed onto consumers. Today, 10% of the world’s oil supply is used to make and distribute throw away plastics. Almost 30 billion pounds of food goes into waste, about 25% of the American food supply each year. • America is home to 4% of the world’s children. What percent of the world’s toys do Americans buy and throw away? Answer: 40% • How many plastic water bottles do Americans throw away a second? Answer: 694. • How much food do Americans throw in the trash every year? Answer: 96 billion pounds. • How many people can be fed with 5% of that wasted food? Answer: 4 million for a year. • How many of your food dollars are spent on packaging? Answer: $1 out of every $11 • How much energy is wasted on junk mail? Answer: 1 days’ worth could heat 250,000 homes. • How many liters of water are needed to make one liter of bottled water? Answer: 3 liters. • How much disposable plastic wrap is made each year in America? Answer: Enough to shrink wrap Texas. • How many non-recyclable Styrofoam cups do Americans throw away in a year? Answer: 25 billion, or enough cups to circle the earth over 400 times. • How much plastic trash ends up in the ocean? Answer: The United Nations estimates there are about 46 thousand pieces of plastic trash per square mile of ocean, and those 5 to 6 million tons of plastic trash are dumped, blown, or washed into the seven seas. A couple of ways to get started on the low waste path: Buy in bulk. It eliminates packaging and it can be more economical in the long run. Use handkerchiefs instead of paper tissues. Only recycle paper if it’s been printed on both sides, otherwise, use the blank side for making lists or jotting down notes. Use cloth napkins instead of paper napkins. Source: Garbology by Edward Humes (2012) Now, local business: One hundred dollars spent at non-local- ly owned business; $33 stays local. One hundred dollars spent at a locally owned business: $78 stays local. Source: ‘Locally owned businesses’ Local First Arizona, www.localfirstaz.com/studies/index.php, accessed March 4, 2011. So what should we do to help locally owned businesses? Bob Cardinal Councilmember 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 opinons of the City of Maplewood. 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 opinons of the City of Maplewood. Maplewood Mall Rainwater Management Extreme Makeover Grand Opening 3001 White Bear Ave N, Maplewood East Main Entrance Saturday, September 15, 11:00 am —3:00 pm Event Highlights:  Farnsworth School Marching Band and Student Parade  Learn what the RAINWATER MAKEOVER is all about  Landscaping artists and experts “Show & Tell”  “Photo opps” with our mascot LEAP Frog  Get a free plant for your yard (while they last) and LEAP Frog temporary tattoos for your children  Apply for grants to makeover YOUR yard  Learn about the Girl Scout Service Project For event details contact: Louise Watson 651-792-7956 FIRST of its kind rainwater-friendly shopping mall. Find out WHY we did it. 11:00 am School Band and Parade Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Noon— 3:00 pm 15—30 minute TOURS s tart at the east main entrance. 11:00 am —3:00 pm Art, displays, and activities Rain or Shine: Come see how rainwater is captured and soaks into the ground ! Rainwater management is the reason for the changes that you will see at the Maplewood Mall. It’s far better to let rain soak into the ground rather than flood our streets and pollute our creeks and lakes. Maplewood Mall Rainwater Management Extreme Makeover Grand Opening 3001 White Bear Ave N, Maplewood East Main Entrance Saturday, September 15, 11:00 am —3:00 pm Event Highlights:  Farnsworth School Marching Band and Student Parade  Learn what the RAINWATER MAKEOVER is all about  Landscaping artists and experts “Show & Tell”  “Photo opps” with our mascot LEAP Frog  Get a free plant for your yard (while they last) and LEAP Frog temporary tattoos for your children  Apply for grants to makeover YOUR yard  Learn about the Girl Scout Service Project For event details contact: Louise Watson 651-792-7956 FIRST of its kind rainwater-friendly shopping mall. Find out WHY we did it. 11:00 am School Band and Parade Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Noon— 3:00 pm 15—30 minute TOURS start at the east main entrance. 11:00 am —3:00 pm Art, displays, and activities Rain or Shine: Come see how rainwater is captured and soaks into the ground ! Rainwater management is the reason for the changes that you will see at the Maplewood Mall. It’s far better to let rain soak into the ground rather than flood our streets and pollute our creeks and lakes. Maplewood Mall Rainwater Management Extreme Makeover Grand Opening 3001 White Bear Ave. N, Maplewood - East Main Entrance Saturday, September 15, 11AM - 3PM Maplewood Mall Rainwater Management Extreme Makeover Grand Opening 3001 White Bear Ave N, Maplewood East Main Entrance Saturday, September 15, 11:00 am —3:00 pm Event Highlights:  Farnsworth School Marching Band and Student Parade  Learn what the RAINWATER MAKEOVER is all about  Landscaping artists and experts “Show & Tell”  “Photo opps” with our mascot LEAP Frog  Get a free plant for your yard (while they last) and LEAP Frog temporary tattoos for your children  Apply for grants to makeover YOUR yard  Learn about the Girl Scout Service Project For event details contact: Louise Watson 651-792-7956 FIRST of its kind rainwater-friendly shopping mall. Find out WHY we did it. 11:00 am School Band and Parade Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Noon— 3:00 pm 15—30 minute TOURS s tart at the east main entrance. 11:00 am —3:00 pm Art, displays, and activities Rain or Shine: Come see how rainwater is captured and soaks into the ground ! Rainwater management is the reason for the changes that you will see at the Maplewood Mall. It’s far better to let rain soak into the ground rather than flood our streets and pollute our creeks and lakes. Maplewood Mall Rainwater Management Extreme Makeover Grand Opening 3001 White Bear Ave N, Maplewood East Main Entrance Saturday, September 15, 11:00 am —3:00 pm Event Highlights:  Farnsworth School Marching Band and Student Parade  Learn what the RAINWATER MAKEOVER is all about  Landscaping artists and experts “Show & Tell”  “Photo opps” with our mascot LEAP Frog  Get a free plant for your yard (while they last) and LEAP Frog temporary tattoos for your children  Apply for grants to makeover YOUR yard  Learn about the Girl Scout Service Project For event details contact: Louise Watson 651-792-7956 FIRST of its kind rainwater-friendly shopping mall. Find out WHY we did it. 11:00 am School Band and Parade Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Noon— 3:00 pm 15—30 minute TOURS s tart at the east main entrance. 11:00 am —3:00 pm Art, displays, and activities Rain or Shine: Come see how rainwater is captured and soaks into the ground ! Rainwater management is the reason for the changes that you will see at the Maplewood Mall. It’s far better to let rain soak into the ground rather than flood our streets and pollute our creeks and lakes. FIRST of its kind rain-water friendly shopping mall. Find out why we did it. Rain or shine! Come see how rainwater is captured and soaks into the ground. Event Highlights: • Farnsworth School Marching Band and Student Parade • Learn what the RAINWATER MAKEOVER is all about • Landscaping artists and experts “Show & Tell” • “Photo opps” with our mascot LEAP Frog • Get a free plant for your yard (while they last) and LEAP Frog temporary tattoos for your children • Apply for grants to makeover YOUR yard • Learn about the Girl Scout Service Project Rainwater management is the reason for the changes that you will see at the Maplewood Mall. It’s far better to let rain soak into the ground rather than flood our streets and pollute our creeks and lakes. For event details, contact Louise Watson (651) 792-7956. 11:00AM School Band and Parade Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Noon - 3:00PM 15 - 30 Minute Tours Start at the Main Entrance 11:00AM - 3:00PM Art, Displays, and Activities City of Maplewood 6 July 2012 City News Maplewood Trash Plan - Next Steps Maplewood’s City-wide residential trash service will begin October 1, 2012, with Allied Waste Services contracted to collect trash from all single-family residential homes (4 units or less). The City will supply the trash carts for the new service. In April the City mailed trash cart orders to all eligible homes requesting that residents submit their trash cart order by June 1, 2012. Trash cart size options include: 20 gallon, 32 gallon, 65 gallon and 95 gallon. During the trash cart order period the City received several questions regarding the carts and the trash plan. This article is intended to answer those questions and review the next steps in the implementation of the Maplewood Trash Plan. I didn’t get my cart order in on time, now what? Residents who did not submit a trash cart order by the June 1 deadline will be delivered a 95 gallon cart as the default size. do the prices include all fees and taxes? Yes, all fees and taxes are included. Following are the per-month, per-household prices (including taxes and cart fee) for each cart size: 20 gallon = $9.31 32 gallon = $10.63 65 gallon =$11.93 95 gallon =$13.39 The prices include the State solid waste management tax (9.75%), the Ramsey County environmental charge (28%), and the City’s trash cart fee (75 cents per month, per household to cover the cost of the City-owned trash carts). Is the 20 gallon every other week service level still available? Yes, residents must apply to the City to receive approval for this service level (forms are available at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/ trash). This service level is designed for residents that have intermittent occupancy of their homes or that have an extremely small generation of trash. Cost for this service level is $6.83 per month (all taxes and cart fee included). Will the prices stay the same throughout the five-year contract with allied? The base prices remain fixed for five years. Overall pricing can be adjusted once a year based on inflationary factors including the cost of disposal at the designated resource recovery facility, Consumer Price Index, and the specified price of diesel fuel. The City Council will review price adjustments yearly and residents would be notified of any changes. Can you give me information on the make and color of the trash carts? The City is purchasing the trash carts through Otto Environmental Services. The trash carts carry a 10-year warranty and meet the engineering design standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). New trash carts are manufactured with less plastic than older carts, creating more flexibility to hold up to the automated lift. The trash carts will be black in color and will contain the Maplewood logo and website on the sides of the cart. The Environmental and Natural Resources Commission chose the black carts for environmental and financial reasons – black carts are manufactured with up to 50% post consumer product (recycled trash carts), and for this reason the City received the lowest possible pricing on the black carts. when will the new trash carts be delivered? Allied Waste Services will begin delivering the trash carts on September 10, until final deliveries are made by the end of September. Can I switch cart sizes once they are delivered? The contract with Allied Waste Services allows for one free cart exchange per year, with a $10 fee for additional exchanges in one year. So if a resident finds that the trash cart that will be delivered to them in September is not the right fit for their household, they can exchange that cart immediately or anytime thereafter. do I have to cancel my current trash service? All licensed single-family residential trash haulers in the City of Maplewood have been notified that their trash hauling license will not be renewed past September 30 and that they must not enter into a contract or bill Maplewood residents past that date. what happens to our existing trash carts? The existing trash carts are owned by your current trash hauler. The existing haulers will pick up their trash carts in October. More information on this process will follow in a future City News article. - continued on next page City of Maplewood 7 July 2012 City News - Trash Plan continued from page 6 how do I order additional carts? Residents may request additional carts for use in cases of high volume trash generation. Examples include group homes or residential day cares. Following is the total cost of a second and subsequent cart (prices include taxes and cart fee): 20 gallon = $6.02 32 gallon = $7.34 65 gallon = $8.64 95 gallon = $10.01 The form to order additional carts can be found at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/trash. Can I Opt Out of the Maplewood Trash Plan? All single-family residential properties (up to 4 units) are included in the City-wide trash service. There are a few exemptions where residential properties can opt out of trash service including: 1) extremely small generation of trash which allows you to self haul your trash to a licensed facility or share a trash cart with a neighbor or family member; 2) permission to use a commercial dumpster (i.e., own a business where you have licensed trash hauling or work for a business that allows you to use their commercial dumpster); and 3) vacant properties (temporary vacancy due to the sale of a house or foreclosure). Opt out forms are available at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/trash and require documentation or signatures that verify that the property owner’s trash is being disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner. There is a one-time $35 fee for opting out of the Maplewood Trash Plan. This fee is used to cover the administrative costs associated with verifying trash is disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner. how do townhomes and manufactured homes opt into the Maplewood Trash Plan? Townhomes and manufactured home associations that have an existing contract with a trash hauler are exempt from the City’s new residential trash service, but may opt into the Maplewood Trash Plan at any time. Opt In forms are available at www.ci.maplewood. mn.us/trash. If associations choose to opt into the Maplewood Trash Plan, the association may choose one trash cart size for all residents within the association, or allow each resident to choose a size individually. Allied will bill the association for the trash service, unless other arrangements are made by the association and the city-contracted garbage hauler. Once an association opts into the trash plan, the association must continue to have City-contracted trash services (cannot opt out). Upon approval of an association’s opt in request, the trash cart orders will be placed and the City will notify the association when trash service under the Maplewood Trash Plan can begin, usually within 60 days of receipt of the opt in request. will yard waste be included in the Maplewood Trash Plan? Allied will be offering a yard waste subscription through the City-wide residential trash service. A yearly subscription will cost $79.50 and will be picked up weekly from April until November. The first year of the City-wide trash service Allied is offering a pro-rated subscription rate of $19.80 for the months of October and November 2012. Allied will be sending yard waste subscription information to all eligible residential households in August or September. Can I get walk up service if I have a physical limitation and can’t get the trash cart to the curb? Elderly residents or those with a physical limitation can apply for walk up service. This service involves the City-contracted trash hauler walking the cart to the curb, emptying the trash cart and walking it back to its original location. Walk up forms are available at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/trash and require City approval. addITIONal INFOrMaTION? Visit the Maplewood Trash Plan webpage at www.ci.maplewood. mn.us/trash or contact Shann Finwall, Environmental Planner at 651.249.2304 or shann.finwall@ci.maplewood.mn.us. LIGHT iT UPMAPLEWOODReturn of July 4th FireworksIn Conjunction with Taste of Maplewood Blue Package Delivery, LLC 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. Rewards program subject to change. Yearly cash back payout for Visa Platinum Rewards is for net purchases and is in the form of a credit applied to your Share Account. Cash back rewards will not accumulate on any fees, balance transfers, cash advances or interest charges. See Visa Card Terms & Conditions for complete details. cccu.com YOU BE THE JUDGE - APPLY TODAY! 651 225-2700 l 800 223-2801 SHLANDPRODUCTIONS Performance for a Lifetime www.ashlandproductions.org 651-274-8020 Summer Theater Camp T h u m bs Up: The Case of the P i l f e r e d P lu m Grade 1-6 Grade 8-12 See our website for full details! Performances Grade 5-9 Correction to June recycling Matters article In the June 2012 City Newsletter the City reported that Maplewood residents recycled a total of 2,541 tons of recyclable materials in 2011 – an average of 38.91 tons per single family household per month and 12.96 tons per multi-family household per month. While Maplewood residents are GREAT recyclers, the average amount should have been noted in pounds, not tons. We apologize for the confusion. On The Police Scanner In May, the Maplewood Police Department responded to 2,308 calls for service. 20 Assault Cases 2 Robbery Case 30 Burglary Cases 113 Theft Cases 16 Auto Theft Cases 49 Theft from Vehicle Cases 30 Criminal Damage to Property Cases Officers also made 53 arrests for shoplifting and 8 arrests for DWI. Cards & Bunco Party Friday, July 20, 6-10PM $3 / person Come join the fun at the Bruentrup Farm! (651) 426-4718 3 Free Cable Stations 3 Fish Creek Event 4 Council Corner 5 Police Highlights Buckthorn Info 6 Maplewood Monthly September 2012 City Newsletter 7 Miracles Of Mitch 8 Charitable Gambling Wednesday, September 5 - Grand Re-opening of Child Care at Maplewood Community Center! • “Bloody September , 1862” Tuesday, September 11, 7-8PM Maplewood Library Sponsored by The Maplewood Area Historical Society and Ramsey County Libraries. A talk by Jeffery Williams, historian and member of the Minnesota Civil War Commemoration Task Force, about the role Minnesotans played in the Civil War. 651.748.9009 • The Gathering On Fish Creek Bluff Saturday, September 22, 1-4PM Fish Creek Bluff (See pg 3) • Bridal Expo Sunday, September 23, 12-3PM Maplewood Community Center Save The Date Maplewood Bridal Expo: The Perfect Solution For Brides To Be sunday, september 23, noon - 3:00 pm at tHe maplewood Community Center, 2100 wHite bear avenue Wedding woes? Worry no more! The Maplewood Community Center’s semi-annual Bridal Expo will provide you with everything you need to plan your special day. Meet with dozens of top wedding professionals and learn about everything from cake and catering to flowers and photos. Offering a comprehensive collection of vendors including event planners, photographers, florists, DJs and transportation specialist, the 2012 Fall Bridal Expo is your one-stop wedding planning resource. Bring your family, your friends, and your course, your wedding party for a day of fun, food, and fashion. Maplewood Community Center cater- ers will offer exquisite samples of their wonderful cuisine. Don’t miss our strolling fashion show pre- sented by Wedding Connection. From the perfect bridesmaid dress to the perfect bridal up-do, this show will feature a variety of looks, including the must-see fashions of spring. While you are there register to win one of our many spectacular door prizes. Whether you have just started your wedding planning or are putting the finishing touches on your event, this Bridal Expo will offer something for everyone. To purchase tickets, call 651.249.2230. Admission is free with pre-registration or $5.00 at the door. Fish Creek Forever The city and its partners have been working hard to secure funds to purchase the 70-acre Fish Creek property in south Maplewood. This past summer we received two more grants and we have now raised $1,725,000. We need an additional $435,000 to acquire to protect this land forever. Please join us on the bluff top September 22 to explore the site and see why people are excited about preserving land in the Fish Creek area. For information on the project, including upcoming events, please visit www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/fishcreek, or contact Ginny Gaynor at 651.246.2416. If you wish to make a donation towards acquisition of this parcel, please see our partner’s website, Friends of the Mississippi River, at www.fmr.org/support/fish_creek. Seasons Inside! Frequently Called Numbers Maplewood City Hall General Information 651.249.2000 Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30PM Deputy Registrar and Passport Hours Monday: 8:00AM - 6:00PM Tuesday - Friday: 8:00AM - 4:30PM Maplewood Community Center Registration/Customer Service 651.249.2230 Admissions 651.249.2210 Theater/Banquet Room Rental 651.249.2103 Group Information 651.249.2206 Aquatics 651.249.2206 Fitness 651.249.2207 Maplewood Recreation General Information 651.249.2120 Maplewood Nature Center General Information 651.249.2170 Code Enforcement Hotline 651.249.CODE (2633) Online: Go to www.ci.maplewood.mn.us and click on “Report A Violation” on the right-hand side of the home page. Maplewood Police General Information - Non-Emergency 651.767.0640 Maplewood Public Works General Information 651.249.2400 City of Maplewood Elected Officials Will Rossbach: Mayor 651.484.5427 will.rossbach@ci.maplewood.mn.us Kathleen Juenemann: Councilmember 651.771.3670 kathleen.juenemann@ci.maplewood.mn.us James Llanas: Councilmember 651.488.2745 james.llanas@ci.maplewood.mn.us Robert Cardinal: Councilmember 651.765.8600 bob.cardinal@ci.maplewood.mn.us Marvin Koppen: Councilmember 651.770.5391 marvin.koppen@ci.maplewood.mn.us Jim Antonen: City Manager 651.249.2050 jim.antonen@ci.maplewood.mn.us City of maplewood 2 september 2012 Maplewood Meeting Schedule City Council ......................................................................... 7:00PM Listening Forum ............................................................... 6:30PM 2nd and 4th Monday of the month City Council Workshop ........................................................ 5:15PM 1st Monday of the month Business & Economic Development Commission ............... 6:00PM 4th Thursday of the month Community Design Review Board ....................................... 6:00PM 4th Tuesday of the month Environmental & Natural Resources Commission ............... 7:00PM 3rd Monday of the month Heritage Preservation Commission ...................................... 7:00PM 2nd Thursday of the month Housing Redevelopment Authority ....................................... 7:00PM 2nd Wednesday of the month Human Rights Commission .................................................. 7:00PM 2nd Tuesday of the month Parks & Recreation Commission ......................................... 7:00PM 3rd Wednesday of the month Planning Commission .......................................................... 7:00PM 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month City Hall will be closed september 3 in observance of labor day. All City Council and Commission meetings are broadcast live on Channel 16 and are rebroadcast on a schedule that is posted at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us.* Any meeting cancellations are posted on the City’s website. *Meetings are also streamed live on the City’s website. Promote Your Business Reach over 29,000 homes, businesses, and apartments with the official Maplewood City Newsletter. The entire newsletter is featured on the city website. For more information, contact Heidi Carey at 952.212.7333 or heidi@careycommunications.org. thank you to the advertisers who help support this publication! Contact Sadie Bartling at 515.783.4581 or Sadie.Bartling@hotmail.com see results in as little as 45 minutes!! City of Maplewood Elected Officials Will Rossbach: Mayor 651.484.5427 will.rossbach@ci.maplewood.mn.us Kathleen Juenemann: Councilmember 651.771.3670 kathleen.juenemann@ci.maplewood.mn.us James Llanas: Councilmember 651.488.2745 james.llanas@ci.maplewood.mn.us Robert Cardinal: Councilmember 651.765.8600 bob.cardinal@ci.maplewood.mn.us Marvin Koppen: Councilmember 651.770.5391 marvin.koppen@ci.maplewood.mn.us Jim Antonen: City Manager 651.249.2050 jim.antonen@ci.maplewood.mn.us City of maplewood 3 september 2012 - Fish Creek continued from pg 1 In August, work began on a Master Plan and Management Plan for the site. Though Maplewood does not yet own the site, some of the grants received require a management plan. A series of three public meetings was scheduled to solicit input from the public. At the next meeting, staff will present the draft concept plan and solicit input. Please join us for the third public meeting on September 11, 6:30 at Maplewood Nature Center, 2659 East County Road B in Maplewood. The Gathering On Fish Creek Bluff saturday, september 22, 1:00 - 4:00pm (raindate: sept 23) Free for all ages! Celebrate and discover the cultural and natural history of this beautiful parcel overlooking the Mississippi. Explore the hills and valleys, bird with binoculars, make a corn husk doll, and build and fly a kite. See live raptors. Relive history with Fur Trader stores and more from the Maplewood Historical Society. Watch the little Thunder- birds Drum and Dance Troupe, and participate in a Circle Talk by Jim Anderson, Tribal leader, Mendota Mdewakanton Community. location: On Fish Creek Bluff. From Interstate 94, take McKnight Ave. south to Carver Ave. Go east on Carver to Henry Lane. Park on Henry Lane. For more information call 651.249.2170 or visit www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/fishcreek. City Meeting LIVE Schedule The following dates and times for City meetings are authorized by the City Council and cable cast live on Maplewood Television, Channel 16 to Maplewood residents who have Comcast cable. All meetings are held in the Maplewood City Council Chambers located at 1830 County Road B East. Due to lack of quorum or other circumstances, these meeting dates/times are subject to change and/or cancellation: City Council 2nd & 4th Mondays at 7:00PM City Council Workshops As needed at 5:15PM Business & Economic Dev. Com. 4th Thursday at 6:00PM Community Design Review Board 4th Tuesday at 6:00PM Env. & Natural Resources Commission 3rd Monday at 7:00PM Heritage Preservation Commission 2nd Thursday at 7:00PM Housing & Redevelopment Authority 2nd Wednesday at 7:00PM Human Rights Commission 2nd Tuesday at 7:00PM Parks & Recreation Commission 3rd Wednesday at 7:00PM Planning Commission 1st & 3rd Tuesday at 7:00PM Police Civil Service Commission As needed City meeting replay schedule (Replay times are subject to change) City Council Thursday 10:00AM & Saturday 5:00PM City Council Workshops Thursday 8:00AM & Saturday 3:00PM Bus. & Economic Dev. Com. Saturday 10:00AM Community Design Review Bd Friday 5:00PM & Sunday 11:00AM Env. & Natural Resources Com. Friday 12:00PM & Sunday 4:00PM Heritage Preservation Com. Friday 7:00PM & Sunday 8:00AM Housing & Redev. Authority Friday 10:00AM & Sunday 6:00PM Human Rights Commission Friday 8:00AM & Sunday 8:00PM Parks & Recreation Com. Friday 2:00PM & Sunday 1:00PM Planning Commission Thursday 2:00PM & Saturday 12:00PM Police Civil Service Com. Saturday 8:00AM From 8:00AM to 4:30PM on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday we broadcast programming from Government Television Network (GTN) whose schedule can be found HERE. Get Maplewood Cable Stations - Free! Maplewood Television, along with three other public and education access channels are available at no cost to Maplewood residents. You do not have to subscribe to any other paid cable package with Comcast. You may request Universal Service even if you subscribe to satellite television. There is no installation charge and no monthly fee for these six PEG channels if you have a cable-ready TV. 15 Suburban Community Channels 16 Maplewood Television 18 Ramsey/Washington TV18 19 On Location TV19 Contact Comcast customer service at 651.222.3333 and ask for “Universal Service” today!. Keep up with the Maplewood City Council and other City meetings, school board meetings, local sports, parades, concerts and public access programs. • Our teachers are experienced and dedicated early education specialists. • Our curriculum emphasizes cognitive development and intellectual challenge, exceeding guidelines established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). • Our enrichment programs include music, science, foreign language, and exercise and nutrition. • Full-time and part-time programs available for infants through school-age. Council Cor n e r City of maplewood 4 september 2012 Bittersweet By Councilmember James Llanas This is my final article as a member of the Maplewood City Council and I write these words with mixed emotions. First, let me begin by saying what a complete and profound honor it has been to represent you on the city council. I have learned so much during my tenure and I am forever grateful for the experience. My single greatest reward has been hearing from residents, responding to your calls and emails and listening to you as you addressed the council at meetings. I say with great respect that while we didn’t always agree, I tried very hard to stand in your shoes and understand how the decisions of the council impacted your family. I would encourage you all to engage in your community with your passion and talents. We are fortunate to have diverse and skilled residents who can offer their city/neighbors a wealth of experience and knowledge. I never imagined I would ever run for public office, often saying the risk was too high and the rewards were too little. I could not have been more wrong. I tried hard to bring a unique voice, a different perspective and an inclusive view to those who traditionally had been excluded from the process. You can make a difference and I would hope that you consider volunteering, serving for a commission, running for public office or simply expressing your views to your elected officials. During my tenure, several members of my immediate family and close friends moved and called Maplewood their new home. They found a community where they could raise their children, have neighbors they cared for and could enjoy the many parks and trails we have to offer. When I moved my family here, I was attracted to the community for the same reasons. Having knocked on many doors during campaigns and having jogged many of the trails and streets of Maplewood, I remain convinced this is an amazing place to call home. We are fortunate to have a city staff that is talented and in high demand. They are extreme professionals having endured the high and lows of council politics. They have experienced the pains of a recession and found ways to do more with even less. The leadership of the departments at all levels provides open access to the community and always responds in a proficient and thoughtful manner. If you have questions about noise, road projects, police/fire, parks, anything...look at the website for the right person to contact and I assure you, your concerns will be addressed. I want to thank the Mayor and fellow council for their hard work. It is not easy sitting in those chairs taking unfounded rumors, listening to outright lies and innuendos. I am proud that truth wins out and courage to do what is right always prevailed. I am bewildered why some go to such great lengths to cost the city money needlessly, to personally attack the council for selfish gain and how they can sit in the council chairs to serve themselves and not their constituents. I urge you all to vote...the elections at the local level matter as much as who is your Senator or President! The St. Paul paper recently ran a story about my departure and I just want to clarify one thing. I was elected to this council because I effectively ran a campaign saying what I could do to represent the citizens. I was chosen from a field of nine to help lead the city in matters that were vital to its growth because of what I valued and who I am as a person. Few cared about the color of my skin but more about the content of my character. I am grateful to have lived in a community where morals and standard mattered more than what political party you voted for. I only wish for Maplewood’s continued success and I am grateful to have lived in this amazing city! 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 Koppen, Mayor Rossbach, Councilmembers Juenemann and Llanas On The Police Scanner In July, the Maplewood Police Department responded to 2,471 calls for service. 39 Assault Cases 3 Robbery Case 17 Burglary Cases 136 Theft Cases 18 Auto Theft Cases 32 Theft from Vehicle Cases 37 Criminal Damage to Property Cases Officers also made 54 arrests for shoplifting and 15 arrests for DWI. Police Department Highlights The Maplewood Police Department serves the citizens of Maplewood and has done so since 1986 from the same location. Staffing increases and technology changes have slowly outgrown the physical space in the police department. In 1986 it was pondered as to how we would ever fill the “expansion” space provided. The department has adjusted and adapted many times over those 25 years to accommodate changes, but the time has come to explore expanding our workspaces. Realistically, a plan to build a new police department would leave two-thirds of City Hall vacant. The exploration process began last year and preliminary plans have been examined and modified. Funding has been approved by the City Council and we are beginning to move forward with a plan that will modify areas of City Hall to accommodate the investigative function of the police department while expansion space will be added to the existing building to provide more adequate locker room and restroom facilities. A covered parking area will also bring police vehicles out of the elements so concerns of plowing the cars out and clearing them of snow before they can respond to calls will be alleviated. We look forward to an improved and expanded work space to serve the citizens better and carry the police department forward into the next 25 years. The citizens of Maplewood again participated in festivities for National Night Out on August 7. The goal of National Night Out is for neighbors to meet neighbors and team-up to be the eyes and ears of the police department. Neighborhood relationships are a vital component to crime prevention and it is encouraging to see citizens taking an active role in the safety of their community. Another opportunity for citizen involvement is the Citizen Police Academy which is scheduled to begin in September and will run for eight weeks on Thursday evenings. Participants have the opportunity to get a glimpse of the training officers experience and understand how they apply their skills. If you would like to participate in the 2012 Citizen Academy or have questions, visit our website at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/police or call Sgt. Paul Thienes at 651.249.2657. Your police department responded to over 24,000 calls for service in 2011. Maplewood’s 53 dedicated officers respond to call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Department has a total staff of 59 full-time employees. Maplewood’s newest police officer is Officer John Carnes. Officer Carnes was sworn in as a Maplewood Officer on March 12. He brings a wealth of experience to Maplewood having served for many years as a police officer in Minnesota and Florida. We look forward to his dedication and contributions to the Department and the citizens of Maplewood. On May 17, the Maplewood Police Department hosted the first annual Suburban Ramsey County Law Enforcement Ceremony. This ceremony was held during Law Enforcement Week to honor those officers in suburban Ramsey County who have sacrificed their lives while serving our citizens. Maplewood provided an appropriate setting for the first ceremony, which will be moved around Ramsey County in future years, by holding the ceremony at the memorial which was dedicated following the death of Maplewood Police Sgt. Joe Bergeron in 2010. We look forward to continued service to the citizens of Maplewood and encourage everyone to become involved in the numerous volunteer opportunities within the department and join us in making a greater and safer community. As a reminder, Maplewood City Ordinance prohibits on–street park- ing year-round between 2:00AM and 6:00AM. To avoid a citation, please make sure your vehicles and those of your guests, are not parked on the street between those hours. 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. City News City of maplewood 5 september 2012 City of maplewood 6 september 2012 City News Buckthorn Curb-side Pick-up Maplewood residents who remove large volumes of buckthorn from their properties will qualify for free curbside pick-up of buckthorn this fall (no other shrubs will be picked up). This service is available to residents with enough buckthorn to fill more than one large pickup truck. Pickup will be on designated days in November and for pre-registered households only. If you do not have enough to fill a large pickup truck, get three or four neighbors to participate in the program and we can include your block. To register: send your contact information (name, daytime phone, email and address) and that of any other interested households in your neighborhood to: Maplewood Nature Center, 2659 7th St. East, Maplewood, MN 55119, or, email this information to Carole Gernes at cgernes@ci.maplewood.mn.us. Pickup from more than one household in a given neighborhood will save Maplewood tax dollars! You will receive a letter of confirmation with instructions for the pick-up. Buckthorn is an aggressive, invasive European shrub that is taking over our native woodlands. Maplewood encourages residents to remove it from their properties. Unlike native shrubs, it retains its green leaves late into the fall, long after other leaves have turned color or fallen. This is the easiest way to identify buckthorn and the best time for removal. To avoid accidental removal of beneficial dogwoods and cherries, we urge residents to wait until fall before removing their buckthorn. Buckthorn prevents the growth of native tree species, ferns and wildflowers. Uncontrolled buckthorn growth may lead to the loss of our native woodlands. Tips for identifying buckthorn and effective removal can be found in the Maplewood Buckthorn Management brochure, available online at http://www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/index. aspx?nid=385. 2012 Buckthorn Drop-off Site If you live in Maplewood, and do not have enough buckthorn for the free pick up program, you may drop off your buckthorn at the site below, ONLY on November 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Dumping of materials other than buckthorn or at other times is NOT allowed and is punishable with a fine of up to $700 and/or 90 days in jail. londin lane Fire station, 2501 londin lane: Place your buckthorn between the signs on the west side of the parking lot. Do not block fire station traffic. Do not drive off the paved parking area. After these dates, bring your buckthorn to one of the four Ramsey County Compost Sites that accept brush. Note: not all compost sites accept brush! All roots must be removed. Bring proof of residency. Site maps and hours are available online at www.co.ramsey.mn.us/ph/rt/yard_waste_collection_sites.htm. For more information, call Ramsey County at 651.633.3279. Maplewood Buckthorn Herbicide Coupon Join the City’s effort to remove buckthorn from Maplewood. To help with this important community environmental issue, these businesses are offering Maplewood residents a discount on buckthorn herbicide products. Make sure to purchase Glyphosate products at a 25% or higher concentration. If using Glyphosate, use a water-safe formulation for use within 10 feet of water or storm drains. Dege’s Garden Center: 25% OFF! Ferti-Lome© Brush and Stump Killer (8%Trichlopyr) 831 Century Ave. N. Maplewood • 651.739.5296 Gertens: 25% OFF! Bonide® Brush and Stump Killer (8% Trichlopyr) Ferti-lome© Brush and Stump Killer (8% Trichlopyr) Hi Yield KillZAll® (41% Glyphosate) Promo Code: MW 5500 Blaine Ave. • Inver Grove Heights • 651.450.1501 Linder’s Garden Center: 20% OFF! All Trichlopyr products (8% concentration) 270 Larpenteur Ave. W. • St. Paul • 651.488.1927 Bachman’s: 20% OFF! Bonide® Stump-Out Vine and Stump Killer (8.8% Trichlopyr) (Maplewood store only) 2600 White Bear Ave. • Maplewood • 651.770.0531 Coupon good 9/1/12 – 10/15/12 Back to 50’s Barndance at bruentrup barn, 2170 e. Co. rd. d SEPT 22, 6-9PM Adults $7 Kids $5 Pie, ice cream, coffee available for purchase (651) 748-9009 www.maplewoodhistoricalsociety.org City of maplewood 7 september 2012 City News Pride Of Maplewood Award Congratulations to Officer Lonn Bakke for being nominated as the Pride of Maplewood by his co-workers. Officer Bakke joined the Maplewood Police Department in November 1996. “Officer Bakke is a D.A.R.E. officer and has a special connection with the Maplewood youth.” “Lonn is always willing to help out whenever ever need him, even though it falls outside his normal duties.” “He is outstanding with the residents of Maplewood, and is very compassionate when dealing with victims of crime.” “Lonn takes the time to listen, gathering all the information until he has all the facts.” “Lonn takes his job as officer very seriously, and proudly represents the Maplewood Police Department” Thank you, Officer Lonn Bakke for all you do for the citizens and youth of Maplewood, employees and co-workers. Officer Lonn Bakke (left) Chief David Thomalla (right) Miracles Of Mitch The Miracles of Mitch Foundation (MOMF) was formed by Steve and Becky Chepokas in memory of their son Mitch. Since his passing in 2003, the MOMF has provided financial and quality-of-life support to the families of children being treated for cancer in Minnesota. In 2004, Steve Chepokas met his friend, and world champion triathlete, Tony Schiller to discuss a new fundraising event. Out of that conversation the concept for the MiracleKids Triathlon was born. The first triathlon was held in 2004 with pledges of $13,000. With growing success there are now two annual triathlons held. So far in 2012, $383,500 has been raised! During his hospital stay, Mitch anonymously donated money earmarked for him to other pediatric patients. Before his death, Mitch had one final “pinky swear” with his dad: to do as much as they could to help other pediatric families during such a stressful time. The motto of the triathlon is, “Kids racing for kids who can’t.” The triathlon is divided into three areas; swimming, biking, and running. During the race, triathletes have the name of a pediatric cancer patient they are racing for wrote on their left leg. Nine year old Hannah Wellens decided to participate in the August 4, 2012, triathlon after hearing what one of her classmates had endured last year during her cancer treatments. “Mom, did you know that my friend almost died from an allergic reaction she had to her medicine?” “Mom, did you know she has a thing in her chest to receive her medicine?” “Mom, my friend has lost her hair twice in nine months because of her treatment.” “Mom, I CAN do this. If my friend has had to go through all of that, I CAN do this.” Hearing those words City employee Molly Wellens, knew that she and her husband Jeff were fully on board. Hannah raised over $4,500 for the “Miracles of Mitch” foundation. EVERY dollar donated goes to a child/family battling cancer. She is already talking about how she can raise more money next year! Hannah’s parents, are very proud that their daughter wanted to participate in the triathlon knowing that not many adults would take on such a task. Molly stated, “The triathlon was such an incredible day, the whole experience was unbelievable. Hearing the personal stories of how cancer has affected so many different people kept pushing Hannah to raise more money. It was heartwarming to see the number of people that supported Hannah, our family, and kids with cancer by making a donation.” Molly Wellens works for the City of Maplewood as the City’s Health Officer, Hannah is her and husband Jeff’s oldest daughter. Molly Wellens and daughter Hannah 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. Federally insured by NCUA. cccu.com ADD CONVENIENCE AND VALUE TO YOUR FALL CURRICULUM Visit City &County Credit Union for a variety of back- to-school essentials,including Private Student Loans, Visa®Credit Cards and reloadable pre-paid cards, free checking,mobile banking with apps,free access at over 28,000 ATMs and more! (651)225-2700 l 1 800 223-2801 SHLANDPRODUCTIONS Performance for a Lifetime www.ashlandproductions.org 651-274-8020 October 26, 27, 28 November 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 JOSEPH DREAMCOAT TECHNICOLOR AMAZINGAND THE Now Accepting Applications For 2013 Charitable Gambling Funds The City of Maplewood is now accepting applications for the use of the 2013 proceeds of the City’s 10% Charitable Gambling Tax. The application deadline is September 21, 2012. In order to qualify an organization must be a non-profit corporation with an IRS 501(c) (3) designation serving the citizens of Maplewood. The first priority will be given to funding City of Maplewood organizations and second priority to organizations from outside the city proposing to meet the needs of Maplewood residents. In general, requests from organized athletic groups are not funded. The City Council awarded a total of $30,000 in Charitable Gambling Tax Funds in 2012. Funds went to the following groups: American Red Cross - TC Area Chapter, Boy Scout Troop 461, Dispute Resolution Center, District 622 ADD/ADHD Support Group, District 622 Education Foundation, Friends of Ramsey County Libraries, Maple Tree Monastery Childcare Center, Maplewood Area Historical Society, Maplewood Mall - Simon Youth Foundation, Maplewood Police Explorers, Maplewood Police Reserves, Maplewood Youth Scholarship Fund, North St. Paul Area Food Shelf, Ramsey County Fair, Second Chance Animal Rescue, Tubman Family Alliance, and Weaver Elementary PTA. The funds are awarded by a vote of the Maplewood City Council. Applications are available on the city website www.ci.maplewood.mn.us or by calling Sarah Burlingame at 651.249.2051. The deadline is September 21, 2012. 3 Commission Openings 3 Town Hall Meetings 4 Council Corner 5 Fall Leaves 6 Fall Clean Up Women’s Expo 7 Maplewood Monthly October 2012 City Newsletter 7 Trash Plan Roll Out 8 Veteran’s Memorial • Halloween Haunt October 12 & 13, 6:15PM at the Maplewood Nature Center Join us for a mystery nature hike! Call 651.249.2170 to register. • Coppélia the Magic Doll November 17, 7PM & 18, 2PM Maplewood Performing Arts Theatre Call 651.249.2330 for tickets. Note: See Page 2 For The New Recreation E-newsletter Information Save The Date Halloween Fun For Everyone Spooky Splash SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 5:00 to 8:00 PM Maplewood Community Center, 2100 White Bear Ave. Join us for our annual Halloween Celebration - the Spooky Splash Pool Party (low-scare adventure). Participate in games, bounce in the jump castle, take part in creepy crafts, get your face painted and participate in our coloring contest. Come dressed in your favorite spooky, silly or crazy Halloween costume and enter the costume contest. Prizes will be awarded for the best costume in each age group. Then change into your suit and join us in the pool. We’ll leave the underwater lights on and overhead lights off for a unique swimming experience. This event is free to MCC members and the cost of a daily admission for non-members. Call 651.249.2230 for more details. Vote November 6, 2012 Federal Election Due to the 2012 redistricting process, there have been changes in numerous polling places and precinct boundaries. Locate your polling place at http://xnet.co.ramsey.mn.us/elections/precinctfinder/ Voting Will Take Place At The Following Polling Places Precinct 1 Maplewood Fire Station #3 (Parkside) 2001 McMenemy Road Precinct 2 St. Jerome’s School (School Gym) 380 E. Roselawn Avenue Precinct 3 Edgerton School (School Gym) 1929 Edgerton Street Precinct 4 Maplewood Fire Station #2 (Gladstone) 1955 Clarence Street Precinct 5 Gladstone Community Center (In the Gym) Frost Avenue at Manton Street Precinct 6 Maplewood Fire Station #7 (Hazelwood) 1530 County Road C Precinct 7 First Evangelical Free Church (School Gym) 2696 Hazelwood Street Precinct 8 Ramsey County Library 3025 Southlawn Drive Precinct 9 Maplewood Community Center 2100 White Bear Avenue Precinct 10 Maplewood Community Center (Formerly City Hall) 2100 White Bear Avenue Precinct 11 Maplewood Middle School (School Gym) 1896 Lakewood Drive N. Precinct 12 Beaver Lake School (In the Gym) 1060 Sterling Street N. Precinct 13 Maplewood Fire Station #1 (E. Co. Line) 1177 N. Century Precinct 14 Carver School (In Gym #2) 2680 Upper Afton Road Precinct 15 Lutheran Church of Peacepresident2012 47 Century Ave S Precinct 16 Maplewood Fire Station #4 (E. Co. Line 2) 2501 Londin Lane In conjunction with the Federal General Election, there will be a Special Municipal Election to fill the seat vacated by Councilmember Llanas through January 6, 2014. In-person absentee voting will be available at the Maplewood City Hall located at 1830 County Road B East, Maplewood, beginning September 21, 2012, Monday through Friday from 8:00AM to 4:30PM. Extended hours for absentee voting will occur on Saturday, November 3, 2012 from 10:00AM to 3:00PM and on Monday, November 5, 2012 from 8:00AM to 5:00PM. For additional information about the General Election, including sample ballots, maps and absentee ballot applications, please visit the City of Maplewood website at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us. *Precincts in red denotes a change in precinct boundaries and your polling place may have changed. Frequently Called Numbers Maplewood City Hall General Information 651.249.2000 Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30PM Deputy Registrar and Passport Hours Monday: 8:00AM - 6:00PM Tuesday - Friday: 8:00AM - 4:30PM Maplewood Community Center Registration/Customer Service 651.249.2230 Admissions 651.249.2210 Theater/Banquet Room Rental 651.249.2103 Group Information 651.249.2206 Aquatics 651.249.2206 Fitness 651.249.2207 Maplewood Recreation General Information 651.249.2120 Maplewood Nature Center General Information 651.249.2170 Code Enforcement Hotline 651.249.CODE (2633) Online: Go to www.ci.maplewood.mn.us and click on “Report A Violation” on the right-hand side of the home page. Maplewood Police General Information - Non-Emergency 651.767.0640 Maplewood Public Works General Information 651.249.2400 City of Maplewood Elected Officials Will Rossbach: Mayor 651.484.5427 will.rossbach@ci.maplewood.mn.us Kathleen Juenemann: Councilmember 651.771.3670 kathleen.juenemann@ci.maplewood.mn.us James Llanas: Councilmember 651.488.2745 james.llanas@ci.maplewood.mn.us Robert Cardinal: Councilmember 651.765.8600 bob.cardinal@ci.maplewood.mn.us Marvin Koppen: Councilmember 651.770.5391 marvin.koppen@ci.maplewood.mn.us Jim Antonen: City Manager 651.249.2050 jim.antonen@ci.maplewood.mn.us City of Maplewood 2 October 2012 Maplewood Meeting Schedule City Council ......................................................................... 7:00PM Listening Forum ............................................................... 6:30PM 2nd and 4th Monday of the month City Council Workshop ........................................................ 5:15PM 1st Monday of the month Business & Economic Development Commission ............... 6:00PM 4th Thursday of the month Community Design Review Board ....................................... 6:00PM 4th Tuesday of the month Environmental & Natural Resources Commission ............... 7:00PM 3rd Monday of the month Heritage Preservation Commission ...................................... 7:00PM 2nd Thursday of the month Housing Redevelopment Authority ....................................... 7:00PM 2nd Wednesday of the month Human Rights Commission .................................................. 7:00PM 2nd Tuesday of the month Parks & Recreation Commission ......................................... 7:00PM 3rd Wednesday of the month Planning Commission .......................................................... 7:00PM 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month All City Council and Commission meetings are broadcast live on Channel 16 and are rebroadcast on a schedule that is posted at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us. Any meeting cancellations are posted on the City’s website. Meetings are also streamed live on the City’s website. Green Or Bust! Don’t Be Left Out. The Maplewood/North St. Paul Recreation publication is going GREEN as part of the city’s commitment to being a Minnesota GreenStep City. The November 2012 recreation publication will not be mailed to your home. Sign up for our E-newsletter to ensure you receive your brochure, via email! A PDF version of the publication will be available on the website and facebook. Email your email address to recreationonline@ci.maplewood.mn.us. Hard copies will be available at Maplewood City Hall, Maplewood Community Center and the North St. Paul Community Center. To request that a copy be mailed to your home, please call 651.249.2120. Fall 2012 AUG - OCT MAPLEWOOD NOrth St. PAuLPArKS & rECrEAtION - TogeTher Bringing You More - New Theatre ShowsExciting MCC AnnouncementThe Fish Creek AffairAnd More! p.6 p.21 p.4 Discover Your Recreation Pleasure “Like” Maplewood Parks & Recreation On Don’t Miss Out! The November ‘12 Issue Is Going Electronic. Learn More On Pg 3 City of Maplewood Elected Officials Will Rossbach: Mayor 651.484.5427 will.rossbach@ci.maplewood.mn.us Kathleen Juenemann: Councilmember 651.771.3670 kathleen.juenemann@ci.maplewood.mn.us James Llanas: Councilmember 651.488.2745 james.llanas@ci.maplewood.mn.us Robert Cardinal: Councilmember 651.765.8600 bob.cardinal@ci.maplewood.mn.us Marvin Koppen: Councilmember 651.770.5391 marvin.koppen@ci.maplewood.mn.us Jim Antonen: City Manager 651.249.2050 jim.antonen@ci.maplewood.mn.us City of Maplewood 3 October 2012 • Our teachers are experienced and dedicated early education specialists. • Our curriculum emphasizes cognitive development and intellectual challenge, exceeding guidelines established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). • Our enrichment programs include music, science, foreign language, and exercise and nutrition. • Full-time and part-time programs available for infants through school-age. Commission Openings The City of Maplewood is now accepting applications to fill one opening on each of the following commissions (total of five openings): the Environmental & Natural Resources Commission, Human Rights Commission, Heritage Preservation Commission, Park & Recreation Commission and the Police Civil Service Commission. The City Council will interview candidates that apply and will appoint individuals to fill these openings. The Environmental and Natural Resources Commission (ENRC) makes recommendations to the Community Design Review Board, Planning Commission and the City Council on new policies, operating procedures and ordinances that control, protect, preserve and enhance the City’s environmental assets. The ENRC also works to promote sustainable practices, greater use and appreciations of the City’s environmental assets and overall environmental awareness through educational programs, communications and environmental projects. The Human Rights Commission advocates for equal opportunities for all citizens of Maplewood in: housing, employment, public accommodations, services and education, in addition to continuously working to improve human rights within the community. The Heritage Preservation Commission was created to help the City of Maplewood with its overall historic preservation goals, which include; supporting the protection of the City’s heritage by preserving, protecting, conserving, and wisely using the significant historical, cultural, architectural, or archeological objects, structures, buildings, or sites in the City. The Parks and Recreation Commission is an advisory board to the City Council on all issues of park acquisition, development, open space, trails and leisure programs and works to provide a community environment for all citizens to participate in and enjoy cultural and recreational activities on an equitable basis. The Police Civil Service Commission is a three-member group responsible for overseeing selection processes for sworn officers and acting as a hearing body for discipline and discharge issues for the Maplewood Police Department in accordance with M.S. Chapter 419. More information on the commissions can be found on the City’s website at 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 online on the City’s website. The application deadline is October 26, 2012. Completed applications should be submitted to the City Manager’s Office at 1830 County Road B E, Maplewood, MN 55109. Join Us For Two Town Hall Meetings Two educational forums sponsored by the Maplewood Human Rights Commission. Voter Identification Forum TuesdAy, OCTObeR 9, 7:00PM - 9:00PM Should identification be required to vote? Some argue that I.D. is required for nearly all transactions these days and it will reduce voter fraud. Others say there is no evidence of voter fraud and it will just be a barrier to voting. What do you think? Join the discussion in the Maplewood City Hall Council Chambers located at 1830 County Road B East. The Future of Marriage in Minnesota TuesdAy, OCTObeR 23, 7:00PM - 9:30PM What is the function of marriage in our society? What are the public and social benefits of marriage? How is marriage different from a civil union? Should marriage be only between a man and a woman? Dr. Bill Doherty, Professor of Family Social Science at the U of M, and others will speak on the history and culture of marriage including social, religious, economic, and legal perspectives. Hear the issues and join the discussion at the Maplewood Community Center in the banquet room located at 2100 White Bear Avenue. Council Cor n e r City of Maplewood 4 October 2012 Preserving History: The Bruentrup Farm By Councilmember Marv Koppen Preserving history in Maplewood has been a focus of the Maplewood Historical Society since its creation more than 20 years ago. In Maplewood, citizen volunteers make a strong community with pride for our past and dedication for a bright tomorrow. Making it happen with active volunteers like George Rossbach is a natural. George, Carolyn Peterson, Char Wasiluk and other members of the historical society decided they were going to preserve an important part of Maplewood history in 1999, the Bruentrup Dairy Farm. It was located at the corner of White Bear Avenue and Lydia Avenue right across the street from Maplewood Mall. But to do it they needed to work with the owners Bill and Raydelle Bruentrup who decided to sell the six acre parcel of land after his sister died since she lived on the farm which was the last remaining working farm in Ramsey County. They met with city officials and members of the historical society and mapped out a plan to move the farmhouse, barn, an outbuildings to an 23 acre open space parcel on County Road D. A very ambitious undertaking to be sure but they were determined and wouldn’t take no for an answer. Financing the effort was a primary focus of the stakeholders and the Bruentrups were the first to make a sizeable donation and then local legislative leaders were contacted to carry legislation to provide the additional funds necessary for the move including architectural plans, site preparation, footings and foundations and the physical move of the buildings by Semple Movers from St. Paul. The Maplewood delegation made their way to the Minnesota State Capitol lead by Mayor George Rossbach who testified on behalf of the city as to the relevance and importance of preserving an important part of Maplewood history and making it a heritage and legacy for the city for years to come. State Senator Chuck Wiger and State Representative Scott Wasiluk were instrumental in assisting the efforts of the citizen volunteers who were mobilized and eager to make a positive difference in the city. Moving day arrived with a bright sunny morning and excitement in the air as the KMSP-9 television news crew was present to cover the event. Historical Society members, residents, city officials, and staff witnessed history as the Semple Mover’s crew began the delicate process of lining up the moving trailers under the farmhouse and jacking began. The short ride from Lydia to Woodlynn to County Road D was slow but steady and an anxious crew relaxed after the house was set in place on its new foundation. Subsequent work on the Bruentrup Farm was completed by Bill Bruentrup, George Rossbach, Glen Peterson and a number of dedicated citizen volunteers including commissioners, staff, boy scouts, and trades people. The farm is a shining example of how great things can be accomplished with a simple common goal of preserving history. Most recently the grandson of Commission member Carolyn Peterson was married in a wedding at the farm and it was enjoyed by dozens of family members and friends with a new generation of young people making new memories and history for the City of Maplewood. If you would like to volunteer with the Heritage Preservation Commission or the Historical Society please visit the City website at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us 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 Koppen, Mayor Rossbach, Councilmembers Juenemann and Llanas Ope n i n g T h i s M o n t h ! Ope n i n g T h i s M o n t h ! 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. City News City of Maplewood 5 October 2012 What To Do With Fall Leaves Keeping leaves out of the street storm drain is something easy we can do to help keep our local lakes clean. Leaves have the nutrient phosphorus and when phosphorus enters our lakes – through storm drains or falling from tree to lake – it encourages green algae to thrive. Maplewood city ordinance and Minnesota state law prohibit citizens from throwing, blowing, plac- ing, or discharging leaves or any other materials onto a public roadway. The city helps minimize the amount of sediment and organic matter entering lakes and wetlands through its street sweeping program. Maplewood’s public works crew sweeps city streets twice in spring, once in summer, and twice in fall. A few target areas are swept a third time in fall. Fall sweeping typically begins in mid-October and may go until late November. Residents are encouraged to help by keeping leaves out of the storm drains in front of their homes. Phosphorous is an important nutrient for plants. So, why not put the phosphorus in leaves to work in our yards rather than our wetlands? Here are some options for how to handle fall leaves: If a thin layer of leaves covers your lawn, simply mow the lawn and leaves with a mulching mower. The nutrients in the leaves will help fertilize your grass. (If you cannot see any grass blades poking above the leaves, the layer is probably too thick for this method since the amount of leaf matter could smother the grass.) Rake (Hand raking is good exercise, quiet and non-polluting) leaves into a corner of the yard and compost them for fertilizer for next year. A simple wire fence in a 5’-6’ diameter circle is all that is needed to contain them. City ordinance does require that the compost pile be placed in the back yard, at least 5 feet from the rear and side property lines. Water the compost pile if dry to speed the composting process. Rake leaves and use them to mulch shrub or flower beds. This helps retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds. If desired, before using leaves as mulch, chop them into smaller pieces by raking into small piles and running a lawn mower over them. Rake leaves into paper or compostable bags and take to a Ramsey County compost site. For details visit www.ramseyatoz.com or call 651.633.EASY (answered 24/7). Subscribe to the yard waste service provided by the city’s new trash hauler, Allied Waste Services. The yearly subscription is $79.50, with weekly pick up from April through November. Allied will provide the yard waste cart for this service. For October and November of 2012, the fee has been prorated to $19.80. Allied also offers one- time yard waste pick up for $3.50 per compostable or paper bag. To subscribe to yard waste service, please contact Allied Waste Services at 651.455.8634. Consider gathering your neighbors, family members, or a scout troop to join forces and rake leaves from storm drains in your neighborhood. For information on environmental neighborhood groups visit www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/neighborhoodgroups or the Girl Scout’s leaf raking Centennial Day of Service to be held October 13 visit www.gsrv100.org/centennial_day_of_service/. (651) 462-7279 www.nightmarehalloween.com OCT. 5, 6, 12, 13, 17-21, 24-31 Oct. 5 & 6 Super Hero Wknd: Super Heroes Mn Oct. 12 & 13 Pirate Wknd: Capt Jack Sparrow Mn and Creepy Feature Show- including snake dancing, rat box, snake box and daytime HAUNTED HAY RUN a fun halloween run that is over 3 miles long. Oct. 19 & 20 Zombie Wknd: local Zombie band, zombies in the park. October 26 & 27 Vampire Wknd: Dj in the party barn Creepy Feature Show Bar, concessions, palm reader, games, dancing, bonfires and much more. New! Computerized Halloween Light Show Horrif Hayride Trail & Haunted House LOCATED AT RUNNING ACES HARNESS PARK 15201 ZURICH ST. NE - FOREST LAKE / COLUMBUS (EXIT 129 ON I-35) ic & City of Maplewood 6 October 2012 City News City of Maplewood 6 October 2012 City News City News Maplewood Trash Plan Schedule To Roll Out The First Week Of October New Residential Trash Service Beginning the first week in October residents should ensure that they place their new city trash cart at the curb for trash pick up by Allied Waste Services, the City’s residential trash collection contractor. Trash collection will continue to occur on your regularly scheduled trash and recycling pick up day. Cart Pick Up by Haulers that Will No Longer Provide Service Trash haulers in Maplewood that will no longer provide residential trash and yard waste services are responsible for picking up their existing carts. This should occur at no charge to the customer. Haulers have been informed of this and have been making individual arrangements to pick up carts during their last service route in September, but no later than November 1, 2012. If your hauler fails to pick up your trash or yard waste cart by November 1, 2012, contact the City to arrange for pick up. The City will store unclaimed carts and release them to the hauler for a fee. Unclaimed carts in storage past February 1, 2013, will be sold or recycled at the City’s discretion. Exciting Fashion Trends, Wellness Tips, And Shopping At Maplewood’s Women’s Expo - Free Admission! SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3 • 10:00AM - 2:00PM Maplewood Community Center, 2100 White Bear Ave. Grab your girlfriends and join us for a girl’s day out at the Maplewood Women’s Expo. Enjoy an entertaining and educational day featuring fashion, accessorizing, health and wellness, decorating and so much more. Explore your personal style and shop for great products from trendy jewelry to hip handbags. Get tips from industry experts on everything from beauty and makeup to financial planning for your family. Participate in a free bra fitting and undergarment consultation. With our FREE Henna tattoo artist and live music this is a party not be missed! Be sure to stay long enough to see our fabulous fashion show sponsored by Macy’s at 1:15PM. Whether you are looking for the perfect outfit for a night on the town or just the right look for the office, the Macy’s fashion show will feature a variety of must-see winter looks! Visit www.ci.maplewood.mn.us or call 651.240.2230 for more details. Fall Clean Up Event Saturday, OctOber 13 8:00aM tO 1:00PM aldrich arena, 1850 White bear avenue During the Fall Clean Up Maplewood residents, with proof of residency, will be able to dispose of or recycle miscellaneous junk, construction debris, bulky metals, tires, appliances, electronics, furniture (including mattresses), carpet, bicycles and household hazardous waste. New this year the City will also be collecting car seats and concrete, landscape rock, and clean dirt. There is a fee for some items collected. Payment can be made via cash or check. type of Load and Fee Vehicle Loads • Level Pick-Up Load $10.00 • 4’ x 8’ Trailer Load $20.00 • Car Load $10.00 • Mini Van Load $15.00 Bulky Items • Non Freon Appliance $15.00 • Freon Appliance $20.00 • Electronics $5.00 • Car Tires $5.00 • Furniture Which Cannot Be Reused $5.00 (couches, mattresses, chairs) additional Materials collected at No charge • Furniture Which Can Be Reused (lightly used) - Bridging (www.bridging.org) • Children’s Car Seats - Re-Seat (recycleminnesota.org). • Bicycles (any condition) - Re-Cycle (www.re-cycle.com) • Carpet (dry carpet and foam padding, max. 6-foot wide roll) – Bro-Tex (www.brotex.com/carpetrecycling) • Household Hazardous Waste – Ramsey County (www.co.ramsey.mn.us/ph/hw/household_hazard ous_waste_accepted_items.htm) Food drive for Second Harvest Heartland Food bank (www.2harvest.org) In conjunction with this event, Maplewood will be sponsoring a food drive for the Second Harvest Heart- land Food Bank. You can drop off nonperishable food and cash donations for Second Harvest Heartland Food Bank at the Fall Clean Up entry gate. Exit Exit Recycle Area HHW b b Metals W/Freon No Freon Tires E-waste Mattress Dirt/rockDemo Demo MSW MSW _ b b b b__ a a _HHW LineLine 1 Line 2 Gate _ _ ` ` b b b b b b Aldrich Arena Care Center Maplewood Fall Cleanup Map * Orange lines represent Barriers for traffic ** Bin Location Subject to Change¯ Clean Up Entry October 13th, 8 am to 1 pm, Aldrich Arena 0 200 400100 Feet Van DykeWhite Bear1850 White Bear Ave N Maplewood, MN 55109 yard Waste – ramsey county compost Sites (www.ramseyatoz.com) or 651.633.eaSy 24/7 No yard waste (except landscape rock and clean dirt) will be accepted. These items can be brought to a Ramsey County compost site. additional Information Visit the City’s Recycling webpage at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/recycling or contact Shann Finwall, Environmental Planner at 651.249.2304 of shann. finwall@ci.maplewood.mn.us. Fall clean up Layout - use Van dyke entrance City of Maplewood 7 October 2012 City News Maplewood Trash Plan Schedule To Roll Out The First Week Of October New Residential Trash Service Beginning the first week in October residents should ensure that they place their new city trash cart at the curb for trash pick up by Allied Waste Services, the City’s residential trash collection contractor. Trash collection will continue to occur on your regularly scheduled trash and recycling pick up day. Cart Pick Up by Haulers that Will No Longer Provide Service Trash haulers in Maplewood that will no longer provide residential trash and yard waste services are responsible for picking up their existing carts. This should occur at no charge to the customer. Haulers have been informed of this and have been making individual arrangements to pick up carts during their last service route in September, but no later than November 1, 2012. If your hauler fails to pick up your trash or yard waste cart by November 1, 2012, contact the City to arrange for pick up. The City will store unclaimed carts and release them to the hauler for a fee. Unclaimed carts in storage past February 1, 2013, will be sold or recycled at the City’s discretion. Billing by Haulers that Will No Longer Provide Service Billing by trash haulers that will no longer provide residential trash and yard waste services should not extend beyond September 30, 2012. Beginning October 1, 2012, charges for residential trash will be billed by Allied on a bi-monthly schedule. Allied should be contacted with billing questions. The City has been notified that some haulers have billed their residents for services beyond September 30, 2012. This error could be due in part to trash hauling bills being distributed for the upcoming service period (e.g., the next two months or the next quarter) and the hauler’s automatic billing methods not being adjusted in time. To ensure that you are not overbilled by your hauler, examine your trash and yard waste bills very carefully, especially during the transition to the new organized trash collection system. If you are being charged for service beyond September 30, this is an error and you should not pay the bill until all of your questions are answered satisfactorily. If you have already paid for a bill you believe is in error, you should request reimbursement from the hauler. Ask your hauler to clarify what you are being charged for and for what months of service. Additional Information • Maplewood Trash Plan Web Page - www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/trash • City Contact: Shann Finwall, Environmental Planner at 651.249.2304 or shann.finwall@ci.maplewood.m.n.us. • Allied Waste Services 651.455.8634 Exciting Fashion Trends, Wellness Tips, And Shopping At Maplewood’s Women’s Expo - Free Admission! SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3 • 10:00AM - 2:00PM Maplewood Community Center, 2100 White Bear Ave. Grab your girlfriends and join us for a girl’s day out at the Maplewood Women’s Expo. Enjoy an entertaining and educational day featuring fashion, accessorizing, health and wellness, decorating and so much more. Explore your personal style and shop for great products from trendy jewelry to hip handbags. Get tips from industry experts on everything from beauty and makeup to financial planning for your family. Participate in a free bra fitting and undergarment consultation. With our FREE Henna tattoo artist and live music this is a party not be missed! Be sure to stay long enough to see our fabulous fashion show sponsored by Macy’s at 1:15PM. Whether you are looking for the perfect outfit for a night on the town or just the right look for the office, the Macy’s fashion show will feature a variety of must-see winter looks! Visit www.ci.maplewood.mn.us or call 651.240.2230 for more details. COUNTER TOPS, CABINETS, & MORE www.countertopscabinetsandmore.net Thank you sponsors 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. Equal Housing Lender. Mortgage services not available in all states. cccu.com Elect Big Savings - Mortgage Refi 2012 For a better rate, no hidden fees, and lower monthly payment, refinance your mortgage at City & County. Contact us today to see how much you can save! (651) 225-2700l800 223-2801 SHLANDPRODUCTIONS Performance for a Lifetime www.ashlandproductions.org 651-274-8020 October 26, 27, 28 November 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 JOSEPH DREAMCOAT TECHNICOLOR AMAZINGAND THE NSP Veteran’s Memorial Pavers Engraved paver stones are available to honor any U.S. Veteran who provided honorable military service. • A 4x8” single Veteran Paver: $100 • 8x8” Veterans’ Group Paver: $1,000 • All donations are welcomed. The North St. Paul Veterans Park Initiative is sponsored by American Legion Post 39, a 501(c) (19) organization in collaboration with the community and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1350. Anyone who wishes to make a financial gift to the North St. Paul Veterans Park may do so through will, trust, bequest, retirement account, life insurance, bank and brokerage accounts or simply a memorial gift. For more deatils visit www.vfw1350.org or contact Joe Zakrzewski at 651.773.8526 (American Legion #39). On The Police Scanner In August, the Maplewood Police Department responded to 2,430 calls for service. 26 Assault Cases 1 Robbery Case 41 Burglary Cases 136 Theft Cases 32 Auto Theft Cases 61 Theft from Vehicle Cases 43 Criminal Damage to Property Cases Officers also made 52 arrests for shoplifting and 25 arrests for DWI. 3 Fish Creek Forever 3 City Survey Coming 4 Council Corner 4 Police Scanner 6 Plowing Reminders Highway 36 Project 6 Maplewood Monthly November 2012 City Newsletter 7 Gladstone Savanna 8 Recycling Plastic • Thanksgiving Holiday Craft Fun November 15, 6:15 - 7:15PM Maplewood Community Center • Rockie Lynne December 7, 8:00PM Maplewood Performing Arts Theatre Tickets: www.maplewoodarts.com • Santa’s Workshop Party December 14, 6:00 - 8:30PM Maplewood Community Center • Back to the Fifties Tribute Show December 15, 7:00PM Maplewood Performing Arts Theatre Tickets: www.maplewoodarts.com Note: See Page 2 For The New Recreation E-newsletter Information Save The Date Public Hearing on City Budget and Levy - December 10 Per state law, cities are required to certify their maximum proposed property tax levies to the county auditor by September 15. The proposed tax levy that is given preliminary approval cannot be increased. Therefore, it is important that the proposed tax levy provides adequate revenues to finance the 2013 Budget. At the City Council meeting held September 10, 2012, the City Council set the maximum tax levy for 2013 at $18,656,930, which is a 4.5% increase over 2012. 4% of this is for the City budget and 0.5% is a new levy for the Maplewood Area Economic Development Authority. The tax impacts of the proposed budget, as well as the programs and services supported by it, will be reviewed at a public hearing during the regular Council meeting December 10, 2012, 7:00PM., at Maplewood City Hall. All interested citizens are invited to attend. City Taxes Based on information received from Ramsey County, city taxes on a single-family home valued at $182,900 – the average value for taxes payable in 2012 – will decrease $41 next year, declining from $752 to $711. The calculations assume that the home experiences a 12.14% decrease in value. Here are the estimated city tax changes on homes with higher and lower values than the average. Home market values do not increase or decrease by the same percentage for all properties. Therefore, the estimated city tax increase may be higher for some, particularly if there have been improvements that add value. Similarly, a larger decrease in value could cause a larger decrease in taxes. General Fund The budget is composed of a number of different funds, the largest of which is the General Fund. The General Fund is the primary operating fund of the city and includes such services as police, fire, public works, community development, citizen services, park maintenance and administration. The revenues to support the General Fund come from a variety of sources, the largest of which is property taxes at approximately 67%. Other sources of revenue include permit fees from new home and business construction, charges for various services, miscellaneous revenues and intergovernmental revenues. Value of Property for Pay 2012 Value of Property for Pay 2013 Taxable Market Value for Pay 2013 2012 City Tax 2013 City Tax $ Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease) $100,000 $87,900 $58,571 $ 336 $ 306 ($30)(9.0%) $150,000 $131,800 $106,422 $ 587 $ 550 ($37)(6.2%) $182,900 $160,700 $137,923 $ 752 $ 711 ($41)(5.4%) $275,000 $241,600 $226,104 $1,213 $1,161 ($52)(4.3%) $350,000 $307,500 $297,935 $1,588 $1,527 ($61)(3.9%) On the expenditure side, just under 75% of the General Fund is spent on employee salaries and benefits, with the balance spent on contractual services, other operating expenses and capital items. Approximately 55% of the General Fund budget is allocated to public safety (police and fire) and 17% to public works. The remaining 28% is allocated to Citizen Services, Community Development, Administration, Building Maintenance, and Parks. Providing a Good Value Under the proposed city budget, the average homeowner receives police and fire protection; snow plowing and street maintenance; park development and maintenance; recreational programs and facilities; and many other services for about $59.25 per month. Here is a breakdown of the levy by fund: General Fund $39.69 Ambulance Service Fund $1.43 Community Center Operations Fund $1.46 Recreation Programs Fund $0.56 Capital Improvements Project Fund $0.57 Fire Truck Replacement Fund $0.16 Park Development Fund $0.10 Public Safety Expansion Fund $0.99 Redevelopment Fund $0.06 Debt Service $13.95 Economic Development Authority $0.28 Value of Property for Pay 2012 Value of Property for Pay 2013 Taxable Market Value for Pay 2013 2012 City Tax 2013 City Tax $ Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease) Home market values do not increase or decrease by the same percentage for all properties. Therefore, the estimated city tax increase may be higher for some, particularly if there have been improvements that add value. Similarly, a larger decrease in value could cause a larger decrease in taxes. General Fund The budget is composed of a number of different funds, the largest of which is the General Fund. The General Fund is the primary operating fund of the city and includes such services as police, fire, public works, community development, citizen services, park maintenance and administration. - continued on page 6 Frequently Called Numbers Maplewood City Hall General Information 651.249.2000 Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30PM Deputy Registrar and Passport Hours Monday: 8:00AM - 6:00PM Tuesday - Friday: 8:00AM - 4:30PM Maplewood Community Center Registration/Customer Service 651.249.2230 Admissions 651.249.2210 Theater/Banquet Room Rental 651.249.2103 Group Information 651.249.2206 Aquatics 651.249.2206 Fitness 651.249.2207 Maplewood Recreation General Information 651.249.2120 Maplewood Nature Center General Information 651.249.2170 Code Enforcement Hotline 651.249.CODE (2633) Online: Go to www.ci.maplewood.mn.us and click on “Report A Violation” on the right-hand side of the home page. Maplewood Police General Information - Non-Emergency 651.767.0640 Maplewood Public Works General Information 651.249.2400 City of Maplewood Elected Officials Will Rossbach: Mayor 651.484.5427 will.rossbach@ci.maplewood.mn.us Kathleen Juenemann: Councilmember 651.771.3670 kathleen.juenemann@ci.maplewood.mn.us James Llanas: Councilmember 651.488.2745 james.llanas@ci.maplewood.mn.us Robert Cardinal: Councilmember 651.765.8600 bob.cardinal@ci.maplewood.mn.us Marvin Koppen: Councilmember 651.770.5391 marvin.koppen@ci.maplewood.mn.us Jim Antonen: City Manager 651.249.2050 jim.antonen@ci.maplewood.mn.us City of Maplewood 2 November 2012 Maplewood Meeting Schedule City Council ......................................................................... 7:00PM Listening Forum ............................................................... 6:30PM 2nd and 4th Monday of the month City Council Workshop ........................................................ 5:15PM 1st Monday of the month Business & Economic Development Commission ............... 6:00PM 4th Thursday of the month Community Design Review Board ....................................... 6:00PM 4th Tuesday of the month Environmental & Natural Resources Commission ............... 7:00PM 3rd Monday of the month Heritage Preservation Commission ...................................... 7:00PM 2nd Thursday of the month Housing Redevelopment Authority ....................................... 7:00PM 2nd Wednesday of the month Human Rights Commission .................................................. 7:00PM 2nd Tuesday of the month Parks & Recreation Commission ......................................... 7:00PM 3rd Wednesday of the month Planning Commission .......................................................... 7:00PM 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month City Hall will be closed November 12 in observance of Veterans Day and November 22 & 23 for Thanksgiving. All City Council and Commission meetings are broadcast live on Channel 16 and are rebroadcast on a schedule that is posted at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us.* Any meeting cancellations are posted on the City’s website. *Meetings are also streamed live on the City’s website. Promote Your Business Contact Heidi Carey at 952.212.7333 or heidi@careycommunications.org. Thank you to the advertisers who help support this publication! www.integrityfurnace.com Clean Air Made Easy With Integrity! FREE Video Inspections With Every Service. AIR WASH DUCT CLEANING$8995 $8995 ROTARYBRUSH CLEANING$15995 Reg. $15995 Reg. $13995 Reg. $25995 Not valid with other offers. Exp. 12/15/12 Integrity • 651-414-9722 Not valid with other offers. Exp. 12/15/12 Integrity • 651-414-9722 Not valid with other offers. Exp. 12/15/12 Integrity • 651-414-9722 FREE Dryer Vent Cleaning with any purchase*. Privately Owned and Operated with Over 15 Years of Experience.100% Satisfaction Guarantee! FURNACE ORFIREPLACECHIMNEY CLEANING SAVE $100! *roof top dryer vents may be additional charge Green Or Bust! Don’t Be Left Out. The Maplewood/North St. Paul Recreation publication is going GREEN as part of the city’s commitment to being a Minnesota GreenStep City. The November 2012 recreation publication will not be mailed to your home. Sign up for our E-newsletter to ensure you receive your brochure, via email! A PDF version of the publication will be available on the website and facebook. Email your email address to recreationonline@ci.maplewood.mn.us. Hard copies will be available at Maplewood City Hall, Maplewood Community Center and the North St. Paul Community Center. To request that a copy be mailed to your home, please call 651.249.2120. Fall 2012 AUG - OCT MAPLEWOOD NOrth St. PAuLPArKS & rECrEAtION - TogeTher Bringing You More - New Theatre Shows Exciting MCC Announcement The Fish Creek Affair And More! p.6 p.21 p.4 Discover Your Recreation Pleasure “Like” Maplewood Parks & Recreation On Don’t Miss Out! The November ‘12 Issue Is Going Electronic. Learn More On Pg 3 City of Maplewood Elected Officials Will Rossbach: Mayor 651.484.5427 will.rossbach@ci.maplewood.mn.us Kathleen Juenemann: Councilmember 651.771.3670 kathleen.juenemann@ci.maplewood.mn.us James Llanas: Councilmember 651.488.2745 james.llanas@ci.maplewood.mn.us Robert Cardinal: Councilmember 651.765.8600 bob.cardinal@ci.maplewood.mn.us Marvin Koppen: Councilmember 651.770.5391 marvin.koppen@ci.maplewood.mn.us Jim Antonen: City Manager 651.249.2050 jim.antonen@ci.maplewood.mn.us City of Maplewood 3 November 2012 • Our teachers are experienced and dedicated early education specialists. • Our curriculum emphasizes cognitive development and intellectual challenge, exceeding guidelines established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). • Our enrichment programs include music, science, foreign language, and exercise and nutrition. • Full-time and part-time programs available for infants through school-age. Craft/Bake Sale Fri. Nov. 16, 5-7pmSat. Nov. 17, 9am-1pm at Oak Meadows Senior Living 8131 Fourth St N • Oakdale • www.oak-meadows.org • (651) 578-0676 New Items Both Days! Holiday Items • Clothing • Honey • Cupcakes Crochet Items Most Under $10 • Jewelry Glass Pendants • Sun Catchers • Food Candles • Purses • Scarves • Pins • More Fish Creek Forever The City and its partners continue to make progress on raising funds to preserve the 70-acre Fish Creek parcel in South Maplewood. Information on the project is available on the website listed below. Here are some highlights from the summer. • $1,725,000 has been secured to purchase the site. The City needs an additional $426,000 to acquire and protect this land. • Many residents ventured out to explore the site in 2012, on their own or attending hikes and events put on by Maplewood Nature Center and partners. Over 200 people visited the site in September for The Gathering at Fish Creek Bluff. • Classroom sessions on area history and site archeology brought residents together to learn more about this land. • The City and County developed a Master Plan for the site. Three public meetings were held to gather input and discuss the plan. Three Maplewood Commissions reviewed the plan. The Master Plan is now on its way to the City Council for review. To see the plan, visit the website listed below. • Great River Greening received a $187,500 grant to begin restoration in the Fish Creek area- on Ramsey County Open Space and on the new parcel being acquired. What’s coming up for Fish Creek? November 3 – The Fish Creek Affair. The Fish Creek Committee invites you to celebrate Fish Creek and help raise funds for site acquisition. Join us at the beautiful Maplewood Community Center for a gala event with social hour, dinner, music by Café Melange, and a silent auction. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased by calling 651.249.2330. November 15, 2012 – Give to the Max Day. On Thursday, November 15, hundreds of Minnesota nonprofit organizations will raise millions of dollars in just 24 hours. The Fish Creek Committee encourages you to consider a donation to a local project on this day – Fish Creek. Friends of the Mississippi River is fiscal agent for individual donations for Fish Creek. If you’d like to contribute to acquisition of Fish Creek, visit: www.fmr.org/support/fish_creek. Be sure to indicate Fish Creek when you enter their on-line giving page. For more information on the Fish Creek project, contact Ginny Gaynor at 651.249.2230 or visit www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/fishcreek. City of Maplewood Citizen Survey In our ongoing efforts to identify ways to better serve our community, the City of Maplewood is conducting a Citizen Survey. The 2012 City of Maplewood Citizen Survey will be held November 5 - 26, 2012. The survey serves as an important evaluation tool that enables residents to rate city services and offer input on what the City of Maplewood does well and where it can make improvements. Results from this survey will assist the Maplewood City Council and the City Manager in setting priority focus areas for city services in the future. Residents who would like to participate can complete the survey online November 5 - 26, 2012 by visiting: www.surveymonkey.com/s/maplewood2012 A hard copy of the 2012 City of Maplewood Citizen Survey can also be completed at Maplewood City Hall, 1830 County Road B East, Monday through Friday from 8:00AM to 4:30PM. Thank you in advance for taking part in the 2012 City of Maplewood Citizen Survey. Council Cor n e r City of Maplewood 4 November 2012 Maplewood Sustainability By Councilmember Kathleen Juenemann The dictionary definition* of “to sustain” includes to keep in existence, maintain; to supply with necessities; to support the vitality or resolution of. The term sustainability is more than a buzz word to the City of Maplewood; it is a goal, a basis for establishing ordinances and practices, a sound principle for planning and action. Financial sustainability, a major City Council goal established at our annual retreats in 2011 and 2012, is one of the foundation stones of a vital, stable, viable, properly functioning community. Financial stability is accomplished by making sound budget decisions and equalizing expenditures and revenues every year, while providing quality, efficient services to our citizens. Such sustainability is the result of good planning, cost assessment, balancing short term and long term needs and projects with associated financial impacts. The real value of our city’s sound planning and solid financial operation is evident in our excellent bond rating in the top 10-12% of all government entities in the state. Some of our current projects requiring evaluation of service needs and cost balancing are providing adequate equipment and fire stations for our Fire Fighters, sufficient space needs for our Police Department to operate appropriately, and the future of our park planning and improvements. In addition, we must continue to examine and improve our city infrastructure – streets, sewers, water systems – on a regular basis. Investing in ourselves is a necessity to our sustainability. Environmental sustainability is, perhaps, a more familiar term to us. It means we develop practices to support, preserve and protect the natural environment, resources and condition, while meeting needs of the present and guarding those needs for the future. Protecting the environment and making good use of and preserving our natural resources are important to our community. Maplewood is endowed with lakes, wetlands, woodlands, a small prairie and 14 city owned open spaces (300+ acres). We have a history of working together to protect and preserve our natural treasures. From a long tradition of developing and valuing parks and recreation programs, establishing our Nature Center, passing a $5 million Open Space Referendum in 1993, to our current effort to acquire the Fish Creek parcel (after almost 30 years of interest and effort), we are a community that values nature and outdoor opportunities. With the dedication and efforts of our Parks Commission and our Environmental & Natural Resources Commission, we have developed a good parks system and Open Space Program. The Commissions have helped guide the Council in establishing protections for our wetlands and for our valuable trees; adopted an alternative energy ordinance; and we have in place efficient systems for recycling and, recently, organized trash collection. We also have a “Green Team”, a staff committee who work to promote balanced, sustainable practices within the city and community. Their goal is to establish actions/practices that cause little or no negative effect on the natural environment and promote “environmentally sustainable operating practices”. They have already assessed our current policies and operations for energy use, fuel consumption, environmental impacts, etc. They have helped implement a “green purchasing policy” and are working to decrease our carbon footprint. Currently we have a City Council with the will as well as a competent, co-operative staff with the ability to move us forward in “going green”. Ultimately, financial and environmental sustainability responsibilities lie with us. Maplewood is our community, and we need to be aware of ordinances and practices and to be responsible stewards of its many treasures: well managed city services, operation and infrastructure, parks and open spaces, trees and native plants, public spaces and facilities. P.S. I wish all staff, commissioners/community volunteers and all residents a holiday season of happiness and peace. * The American Heritage Dictionary 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 Koppen, Mayor Rossbach, Councilmembers Juenemann and Llanas On The Police Scanner In September, the Maplewood Police Department responded to 2,173 calls for service. 25 Assault Cases 3 Robbery Case 23 Burglary Cases 107 Theft Cases 19 Auto Theft Cases 52 Theft from Vehicle Cases 38 Criminal Damage to Property Cases Officers also made 44 arrests for shoplifting and 21 arrests for DWI. - City Budget continued from cover The revenues to support the General Fund come from a variety of sources, the largest of which is property taxes at approximately 67%. Other sources of revenue include permit fees from new home and business construction, charges for various services, miscellaneous revenues and intergovernmental revenues. On the expenditure side, just under 75% of the General Fund is spent on employee salaries and benefits, with the balance spent on contractual services, other operating expenses and capital items. Approximately 55% of the General Fund budget is allocated to public safety (police and fire) and 17% to public works. The remaining 28% is allocated to Citizen Services, Community Development, Administration, Building Maintenance, and Parks. Providing a Good Value Under the proposed city budget, the average homeowner receives police and fire protection; snow plowing and street maintenance; park development and maintenance; recreational programs and facilities; and many other services for about $59.25 per month. Here is a breakdown of the levy by fund: General Fund $39.69 Ambulance Service Fund $1.43 Community Center Operations Fund $1.46 Recreation Programs Fund $0.56 Capital Improvements Project Fund $0.57 Fire Truck Replacement Fund $0.16 Park Development Fund $0.10 Public Safety Expansion Fund $0.99 Redevelopment Fund $0.06 Debt Service $13.95 Economic Development Authority $0.28 TOTAL MONTHLY $59.25 Summary of Maximum Levy Increase The proposed budget included a tax levy increase of 3.5%. Because the preliminary tax levy amount approved can only be decreased (not increased), the Council wanted to insure they had sufficient funds to cover any unknown costs that may arise between September 10th – when they approved the max levy, and December 10th – when the final levy will be approved. The Council allocated an additional $50,000 for new fire fighters; $50,000 for fire station infrastructure; and $78,530 for debt service – increasing the maximum tax levy increase from 3.5% to 4.5% over 2012. Prior to adoption of the final levy, the Council will determine if the additional levy increase is needed or if other reductions can be made to the budget. The maximum levy increase for 2013 is currently 4.5% or $803,407. This can be broken into parts as follows: More information about the proposed 2013 city operating budget is available on the Maplewood website at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us. Comments can be sent to gayle.bauman@ci.maplewood.mn.us or chuck.ahl@ci.maplewood.mn.us. 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. City News City of Maplewood 5 November 2012 Independent, Assisted Living and Memory Care Rentals1870 East Shore Drive • Maplewood, MN 55109 www.ShoresOfLakePhalen.com 11:00 a.m. Ribbon Cutting Program 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Open House with Lunch Buffet & Tours Complimentary Valet Parking RSVP to651-777-7784 GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION Saturday, December 1, 2012 YOU’RE INVITED Proposed Council Final Max Operating cost increases $185,180 $ 50,000 $235,180 1.3% Ambulance Fund increases $100,000 $100,000 0.6% Debt Service increases $105,427 $ 78,530 $183,957 1.0% C.I.P. Fund increase $ 35,000 $ 35,000 0.2% Public Safety Bonding $ 60,000 $ 50,000 $110,000 0.6% Redevelopment Levy $ 20,000 $ 20,000 0.1% New EDA Levy $ 89,270 $ 89,270 0.5% Park Dev. Fund Levy $ 30,000 $ 30,000 0.2% TOTAL $624,877 $178,530 $803,407 4.5% Maximum Levy Increase for 2013 City of Maplewood 6 November 2012 City News Highway 36 / English Street Interchange Project Coming in 2013 After many years of studies, discussions, outreach, and approvals, the Highway 36 / English Street Interchange Improvement project is about to become a reality. The project will remove the last at-grade signalized intersection along Highway 36 between the eastern Ramsey County line and Interstate 35W in Roseville. A number of public open-houses, one-on-one meetings, and citizen design committee meetings have been held to shape this into a successful project that accomplishes improved safety and mobility along Highway 36, while also providing acceptable local access to Maplewood’s businesses and residents. This project will replace the Highway 36 / English Street signalized intersection with a tight diamond interchange with English Street bridged over Highway 36. Access ramps to and from English Street will be provided for both eastbound and westbound traffic along Highway 36. This will provide good access to the local roadway system and help foster redevelopment. Other Improvements Associated with the Project: • County Road B / Highway 61 intersection reconstruction and relocating the frontage road further to the east to avoid confusion and improve safety. • Roadway connection from Gervais Avenue to Barclay Street allowing residents in the Gervais/Viking/Hazelwood neighborhood to properly access the new interchange. • Reconstruction of deteriorating local roadways and utilities in the immediate area including sidewalk installation. • Pedestrian facilities including a trail located on south side of County Rd B between Highway 61 and Weaver Elementary School. • A new Bruce Vento Trail bridge over Highway 36 to accommodate the new interchange and Highway 36 improvements. • Noise wall construction along the south side of Highway 36 generally between the Bruce Vento Trail and Hazelwood Street. Earthen berm with landscaping on the north side of Highway 36 between Barclay Street and Germain Street. • Eliminating unsafe access points at Hazelwood Street and Atlantic Street. • Highway 36 will be built to an urban section with aesthetic enhancements in the corridor. The design plans for this project have been completed. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in the spring of 2013. This project will require a number of detours. Please note a full closure of Highway 36 between Highway 61 and White Bear Avenue is likely in the July and August timeframe of 2013 (approximately 60-75 days). This closure allows the overall project improvement to be substantially completed in one year instead of two. Additional open house meetings will be held this winter and spring in coordination with MnDOT to further discuss project phasing, detours, and local access during construction. Please contact Public Works at 651.249.2400 with questions or comments. Also, please refer to the following website for additional project detail. www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/hwy36maplewood/ Snow Plowing Safety Reminders Winter is quickly approaching and 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 of the following: • 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. Their field of vision is limited and visibility can be reduced by blowing snow. • Do not shovel or blow snow into the street. It’s 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. The city attempts to remove snow as close to the curb as possible to allow access to the mailbox by the postal depart- ment. 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 2:00AM and 6:00AM. 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.ci.maplewood.mn.us under city departments, Public Works division, or call the Public Works Department at 651.249.2400. City of Maplewood 7 November 2012 City News Gladstone Savanna Drainage Basin and You The Gladstone Savanna consists of approximately 115 acres of residential, commercial, streets, and open space property. This drainage basin stretches from the Gladstone Savanna as far north as Skillman Avenue and as far east as Barclay Street. Runoff from this drainage basin ultimately discharges to Lake Phalen. Different activities done by residents, businesses, and the City ultimately affect the quality of water that discharges to Lake Phalen. The first activity that has an effect on water quality is called Illicit Discharge. Illicit discharge at its basic level is any discharge into the storm sewer system that is not composed of entirely storm water. Illegal dumping of materials such as paint, oil, and sewage from into storm drains are examples of illicit discharge. Additionally, it can be generated through illegal connections to the storm sewer system from commercial and residential properties. All of these activities contribute to the degradation of downstream water bodies. For the Gladstone Savanna Drainage Basin, these type of discharges end up in Lake Phalen. Therefore, it is always important to dispose of materials though proper methods such as the recycling centers. It is important that proper erosion control methods are applied to keep sediment from entering into the City’s storm sewer system during construction activities. Sediment can travel a long distance from a construction site before it has a chance to settle. The City of Maplewood has a permitting process for construction projects that include grading activities. The permit helps define the erosion control methods necessary to keep sediment from leaving the construction site. This includes the use of such techniques as installing silt fence, inlet protection devices, pretreatment areas, erosion control blanket, and making sure the project area is reestablished with vegetation shortly after construction. By working through the permitting process residents and business owners can make a huge difference in the quality of the downstream water bodies such as Lake Phalen. The City has established a storm water ordinance that sets design guidelines for future projects and development in the City of Maplewood. The ordinance sets standards to control the amount of runoff from proposed projects, treatment requirements to help limit total suspended solids, illicit discharges, and banning the use of coal tar sealers used on driveways. Proper planning and following the city storm water ordinances are another step that can be taken to protect our environment and improve the quality of storm water runoff. The City also takes an active role in protecting our local water bodies by using water quality best management practices for our public improvement projects such as road reconstruction projects and the Gladstone Savanna Improvements. The Gladstone Savanna Improvement project included the construction of a pretreatment basin and a large infiltration basin located at the west end of the savanna. The new basin is capable of capturing and infiltrating a 1.5” rainfall event without discharging to the downstream area. These improvements will provide volume control and water quality treatment for the Gladstone Savanna and the approximately 115 acre drainage area. Residents, business owners, and the City all play an important part in keeping the environment and the surrounding water bodies in good condition. By working together we are able to help improve the quality of storm water runoff to our local water bodies such as Lake Phalen. www.partnersobgyn.com Birch Run Station in Maplewood 1737 Beam Ave (Next to JoAnn Fabrics) Specialty Women’s Health Obstetrics • Gynecology • Infertility • Surgery Office Procedures • Next Day Appointments Available (651) 770-3320 New Patients Welcome! City of Maplewood 1830 County Road B East Maplewood, MN 55109 Phone: 651.249.2000 www.ci.maplewood.mn.us PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit #32324 Twin Cities, MN********ECRWSS** RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER Upon request, this newsletter will be made available in an alternate format.Printed on 10% post consumer product. now you can even Make a Deposit by snapping a p ure. Federally insured up to $250,000 by NCUA. cccu.com ! INTRODUCING !! !! With City & County’s App for your iPhone, Android or iPad, you can pay your bills, make a transfer, locate the nearest ATM and even make a deposit by snapping a picture. Get started today! Visit your associated app store and search for PC FIRST mobile. (651) 225-2700l800 223-2801 What Types Of Plastics Can I Recycle? Did you know that more plastics can now be recycled? In addition to the old favorites—bottles, jugs, and jars-Tennis Recycling collects clean plastic food packaging containers, including round yogurt and dairy tubs, clear PET #1 clamshell plastic, drink cups, and berry baskets. All containers must be clean and contain no food waste or trash. Accepted non-food plastics include plant pots and garden trays, along with rigid plastics such as buckets, toys, and containers. Tennis will also collect large items for recycling such as plastic crates, totes, laundry baskets, pallets, and lawn furniture. Depending on the type of resin, different products can be re-made from plastic. The resin type is depicted in a triangular symbol on the product or packaging with numbers ranging from one to seven. Following are examples of what each of these types of plastics can be recycled into: #1 - Polyethylene terephthalate (PETE) can be recycled into bottles or broken down and re-formed as packaging, carpeting and Mylar. #2 - High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is recycled into containers, pipes and buckets. #3 - Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is manufactured into scraps that can be used to make more PVC. #4 - Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is recycled as trash bags. #5 - Polypropylene (PP) is commonly broken down and formed back into pallets and buckets. #6 - Polystyrene (PS) is often recycled into insulation, park benches, clothes hangers and many other products. #7 - Category number seven is reserved for any plastic not in categories one through six. Very few of these plastics can be recycled on a wide scale. For additional recycling information, visit www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/recycling or contact Tennis Recycling at 651.459.1887. Heating Costs Expected To Rise. Make your home warmer & more energy efficient with Energy Star Windows, Doors, and Insulation. Attic Insulation 6 Months Same as Cash Financing And 20% Instant Savings! (Exp. Nov. 30, 2012) $150 OFF / Window On 4 or More Wood Windows $100 OFF / Window On 4 or More Vinyl Windows (Exp. Nov. 30, 2012) Are You Ready? Call Today for a FREE Estimate. (651) 203-0149 www.nwfaMN.com Multiple financing options available! BC248265 Tennis Recycling, Maplewood’s Recycling Partner 3 Commission Openings 3 Historical Certification 4 Council Corner 5 Gateway Corridor Update 6 Recreation Highlights Holiday Recycling 7 Maplewood Monthly December 2012 City Newsletter 7 Christmas Tree Pick Up 8 Theatre Concerts • Santa’s Workshop Party December 14, 6:00 - 8:30PM Maplewood Community Center • Back to the Fifties Tribute Show December 15, 7:00PM Maplewood Performing Arts Theatre Tickets: www.maplewoodarts.com • Tonic Sol-Fa January 11 & 12, 7:30PM Maplewood Performing Arts Theatre Tickets: www.maplewoodarts.com • Winter Open House: Snowshoes & Tracks January 19, 10AM-3PM Maplewood Nature Center Save The Date MnPASS Express Lanes Proposed On Interstate 35E So what is MnPASS? MnPASS Express Lanes provide reliable travel times, reduced congestion, and provide travel options for all commuters among many other benefits. Buses, motorcycles, and carpools can use the MnPASS Lanes for free during peak travel times; while solo drivers can pay an electronic toll. The City Council will hold a Municipal Consent Public Hearing on December 10, 2012 at 7:00PM at City Hall for the Interstate 35E MnPASS Improvement Project led by MnDOT. MnDOT is proposing one additional travel lane in both the north and south directions on I-35E through Maplewood. These lanes would be designated as MnPASS Express Lanes. As a result of increased capacity on I-35E, MnDOT is required to secure Municipal Consent from the city. The MnPASS project is generally located on I-35E between Pennsylvania Avenue in Saint Paul and Little Canada Road in Little Canada. The bridges at Larpenteur, Roselawn, and County Rd B would all be replaced as part of the project within Maplewood. In addition, resurfacing I-35E with concrete is proposed. Three noise walls are proposed to be constructed in Maplewood as part of this project. The walls are proposed in the following locations: • On east side of I-35E from Larpenteur Avenue extending north along the service road • On west side of I-35E from just north of Champps Restaurant extending north up to just south of Roselawn Avenue • On east side of I-35E from Skillman Avenue extending north up to County Rd B Construction on the section of the project that runs through Maplewood is likely to occur in 2014 and 2015. Additional meetings will be held in the future concerning access and detouring. If you would like to voice your input on this project please plan on attending the Public Hearing on December 10 at 7:00PM at Maplewood City Hall. Additional project information can be found at the City’s website under the “Projects” link or at: www.dot.state.mn.us/cayugamnpass/index.html. Election Results Congratulations to Councilmember Rebecca Cave winner of the Special City Council Election held on November 6, 2012. Councilmember Cave will complete the term vacated by former Councilmember James Llanas to January 6, 2014. Frequently Called Numbers Maplewood City Hall General Information 651.249.2000 Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30PM Deputy Registrar and Passport Hours Monday: 8:00AM - 6:00PM Tuesday - Friday: 8:00AM - 4:30PM Maplewood Community Center Registration/Customer Service 651.249.2230 Admissions 651.249.2210 Theater/Banquet Room Rental 651.249.2103 Group Information 651.249.2206 Aquatics 651.249.2206 Fitness 651.249.2207 Maplewood Recreation General Information 651.249.2120 Maplewood Nature Center General Information 651.249.2170 Code Enforcement Hotline 651.249.CODE (2633) Online: Go to www.ci.maplewood.mn.us and click on “Report A Violation” on the right-hand side of the home page. Maplewood Police General Information - Non-Emergency 651.767.0640 Maplewood Public Works General Information 651.249.2400 City of Maplewood Elected Officials Will Rossbach: Mayor 651.484.5427 will.rossbach@ci.maplewood.mn.us Kathleen Juenemann: Councilmember 651.771.3670 kathleen.juenemann@ci.maplewood.mn.us Rebecca Cave: Councilmember 651.249.2000 rebecca.cave@ci.maplewood.mn.us Robert Cardinal: Councilmember 651.765.8600 bob.cardinal@ci.maplewood.mn.us Marvin Koppen: Councilmember 651.770.5391 marvin.koppen@ci.maplewood.mn.us Jim Antonen: City Manager 651.249.2050 jim.antonen@ci.maplewood.mn.us City of Maplewood 2 December 2012 Maplewood Meeting Schedule City Council ......................................................................... 7:00PM Listening Forum ............................................................... 6:30PM 2nd and 4th Monday of the month City Council Workshop ........................................................ 5:15PM 1st Monday of the month Business & Economic Development Commission ............... 6:00PM 4th Thursday of the month Community Design Review Board ....................................... 6:00PM 4th Tuesday of the month Environmental & Natural Resources Commission ............... 7:00PM 3rd Monday of the month Heritage Preservation Commission ...................................... 7:00PM 2nd Thursday of the month Housing Redevelopment Authority ....................................... 7:00PM 2nd Wednesday of the month Human Rights Commission .................................................. 7:00PM 2nd Tuesday of the month Parks & Recreation Commission ......................................... 7:00PM 3rd Wednesday of the month Planning Commission .......................................................... 7:00PM 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month All City Council and Commission meetings are broadcast live on Channel 16 and are rebroadcast on a schedule that is posted at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us.* Any meeting cancellations are posted on the City’s website. *Meetings are also streamed live on the City’s website. City Hall will be closed December 25 in observance of Christmas and January 1 in observance of New Year’s Day. Tea Party at the Radisson Roseville You & Your Favorite Doll or Teddy Bear are Invited! On Saturday January19, 2013 from Noon – 4pm. Choose from either: Tea Party Luncheon Only: $20 Adults $15 Children (12 years & younger) Overnight Package: $119.00 – Standard Sleeping Room & Tea Party for one adult & one child. – Enjoy swimming & fun in our large pool! Advance tickets only. To reserve your sleeping room or tickets: 651-367-3903 Radisson Hotel Roseville | 2540 N. Cleveland Ave. Roseville, MN 55113 | 651-636-4567 | 1-800-333-3333 | radisson.com/rosevillemn RADISSON HOTEL ROSEVILLE A Magical Holiday Gift! Promote Your Business Reach over 22,200 homes, businesses, and apartments with the Official Maplewood City Newsletter. For more information, contact Heidi Carey at 952.212.7333 or heidi.carey@ci.maplewood.mn.us. Thank you to the advertisers who help support this publication! A Great Gift Idea! Holiday Tea January 12, 2013 At Bruentrup Heritage Farm 2170 County Road D East 11:30 am and 2:30 pm $25.00 Reservations: 651.770.1592 City of Maplewood Elected Officials Will Rossbach: Mayor 651.484.5427 will.rossbach@ci.maplewood.mn.us Kathleen Juenemann: Councilmember 651.771.3670 kathleen.juenemann@ci.maplewood.mn.us Rebecca Cave: Councilmember 651.249.2000 rebecca.cave@ci.maplewood.mn.us Robert Cardinal: Councilmember 651.765.8600 bob.cardinal@ci.maplewood.mn.us Marvin Koppen: Councilmember 651.770.5391 marvin.koppen@ci.maplewood.mn.us Jim Antonen: City Manager 651.249.2050 jim.antonen@ci.maplewood.mn.us City of Maplewood 3 December 2012 • Our teachers are experienced and dedicated early education specialists. • Our curriculum emphasizes cognitive development and intellectual challenge, exceeding guidelines established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). • Our enrichment programs include music, science, foreign language, and exercise and nutrition. • Full-time and part-time programs available for infants through school-age. Maplewood Achieves Historic Preservation Certification In March 2012 the City of Maplewood achieved Certified Local Government (CLG) status through the Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the National Park Service joining 43 other Minnesota cities with this certification. The Maplewood Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) worked for more than ten years to become certified. As a Certified Local Government, Maplewood will partner with SHPO on preservation issues. It also gives the City access to federal preservation grants administered through SHPO. Obtaining CLG status shows a commitment to identifying, preserving, and protecting the historical and cultural resources within Maplewood that have enduring and significant value for residents. The City seeks to preserve what is important and significant from the past for future generations. CLGs have authority and responsibility for designating and nominating local properties to the National Register of Historic Places. The Ramsey County Poor Farm Barn and Bruentrup Farm are the only two properties in Maplewood currently included in the national registry. CLG grants can be used for preservation planning, nominating properties to the National Register, and public education programs. The Maplewood Heritage Preservation Commission is currently evaluating grant possibilities. Public input is encouraged. HPC meetings are held the second Thursday of each month at 7:00PM in the council chambers at city hall. Visit the the City website at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us under government and Heritage Preservation Commission for more details. Commission Openings The City of Maplewood is now accepting applications to fill three openings; one on the Heritage Preservation Commission, one on the Human Rights Commission, and one on the Parks & Recreation Commission. These openings are due to commissioners resigning. The City Council will interview candidates that apply and will appoint individuals to fill these openings. The Heritage Preservation Commission was created helps the city of Maplewood with its overall historic preservation goals, which include; supporting the protection of the City’s heritage y preserving, protecting, conserving, and wisely using the significant historical, cultural, architectural, or archeological objects, structures, buildings, or sites in the City. The Parks and Recreation Commission is an advisory board to the city council on all issues of park acquisition, development, open space, trails and leisure programs and works to provide a community environment for all citizens to participate in and enjoy cultural and recreational activities on an equitable basis. The Human Rights Commission advocates for equal opportunities for all citizens of Maplewood in: housing, employment, public accommodations, services and education, in addition to continuously working to improve human rights within the community. More information can be found on the City’s website www.ci.maplewood.mn.us or by calling 651.249.2000. Applications can be picked up at the City Hall front desk or found online on the City’s website. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. Ramsey County Poor Barn Bruentrup Farm House Council Cor n e r City of Maplewood 4 December 2012 The Holiday Season - A Time To Reflect And Give Thanks By Mayor Will Rossbach As you receive this letter we will be in the middle of the holiday season, for many it is a time to reflect and give thanks. Most of us have much to be thankful for even in these more difficult times. There are members of our community however who are struggling to hold their lives together. Currently Maplewood has 10-11% of our population who live below the poverty level. I know that Maplewood is populated by good people and a great many of you work to make sure that your neighbors get a helping hand when one is needed. It can be difficult at times when you’re working hard just to meet your own family’s needs to think about helping others; or that the little you might be able to do will do any good. I know, however, that any amount can help when combined with the gifts of others. There are many churches and organizations in Maplewood who are dedicated to helping the less fortunate among us. Here is an update on some of their efforts. The Salvation Army The Salvation Army has a local facility which assists Maplewood residents in many ways. Local programs and services include an Emergency Food Shelf, assistance with rent, utilities, and transportation. They also have an excellent adult daycare program along with many other programs. Call 651.779.9177 to learn more about the program or to request help. Redeeming Love Church Redeeming Love Church is introducing their new Manna Pantry Food Shelf. The Pantry carries non-perishable food items and guests can visit once a month as needed. Hours of operation are: Monday - Friday, 9:00AM - 4:00PM. Contact Pastor Reneé Wood, Community Care Pastor: 651.777.5200 ext. 33. The church wants to announce that beginning January 14, 2013, Redeeming Love Church will be the new Fare For All site due to the closing of the North St. Paul Community Center site. Fare for All is community—supported and open to everyone. The more people that participate the better! Fare for All buys fruits, vegetables, and frozen meat in bulk to save you up to 40% off grocery store prices. They select the best food from their shipments, pre-packaging it to give you the greatest deals! Woodland Hills Church Woodland Hills Church is working through their Making Space Ministry which is an effort to help those with the greatest needs by sheltering the homeless and is also very close to opening a food shelf with their partner Merrick Community Services. They also are working with Ramsey County and in November they started hosting a pilot job skills training program in partnership with Workforce Solutions of Ramsey County. Under and unemployed participants will receive training in resume writing, online networking and interviewing skills to help them become competitive in the job market. Gethsemane Church Gethsemane Church is also working to feed people this holiday season. Their own words seem to tell the story best: “During the months of October and November, at Gethsemane we have received an overwhelming amount of families needing food. Our hope is to raise 1,000 turkeys to help feed these hungry families. On Saturday December 15th we will be distributing (hopefully) 1,000 turkeys. If you would like to get involved please call us at 651.739.1264 and commit to donating a turkey! We can’t do it alone. If you are able when buying your Thanksgiving and or Holiday turkey, instead of buying one, buy two, and bring the second one to Gethsemane Faith Community in Maplewood at 10:00AM on December 15th to be distributed to hungry families at noon Saturday, December 15th. It takes many individuals to equal 1,000, but it only takes that many people to feed 1,000 families. So no matter what the efforts of one person it multiplies at least by two! Your contribution matters!” All of these organizations are working hard for our neighbors here in Maplewood. As stated by Gethsemane, YOU MATTER. Please consider helping as you can. Happy Holidays! 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. On The Police Scanner In September, the Maplewood Police Department responded to 2,114 calls for service. 23 Assault Cases 0 Robbery Case 27 Burglary Cases 78 Theft Cases 17 Auto Theft Cases 53 Theft from Vehicle Cases 22 Criminal Damage to Property Cases Officers also made 50 arrests for shoplifting and 12 arrests for DWI. Bus Rapid Transit Service Recommended For Maplewood The Gateway Corridor’s Alternatives Analysis study is nearly complete and a preferred transit option has been recommended. The Gateway Corridor Commission has identified a new dedicated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line along Hudson Road from St. Paul to Woodbury as the best option for the region. The BRT option will have buses running all day on dedicated lanes with station stops every mile to half mile. The line will provide a fast, reliable and convenient trip for travelers into downtown St. Paul and on to Minneapolis and other regional destinations. The 10 proposed station stops will provide connec- tions to key destinations throughout the Corridor including Union Depot, Metro State University, SunRay Shopping Center, 3M and multiple commercial and job centers in the eastern suburbs. The Gateway Corridor Commission also released a draft of the Alternatives Analysis Final Report for public comment. The public is encouraged to provide additional comments on the narrowing of alternatives by visiting the Gateway Corridor website at www.thegatewaycorridor.com. Once all comments are received the report will be revised as necessary. The Commission is scheduled to approve the final report at its December 13th meeting. The next phase of the study, preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), is expected to start in early 2013. The Commission advanced the BRT Option along Hudson Road as well as LRT (Light Rail Transit) along Hudson Road, the second highest ranked option. Both options have the same route, station stops and similar service plans. For more information on the Gateway Corridor, please visit www.thegatewaycorridor.com or the Gateway Corridor Facebook page. 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. City News City of Maplewood 5 December 2012 City of Maplewood 6 December 2012 City News A Busy Year For Parks & Recreation Parks and Preserves Many of our parks received improvements in 2012! Lions Park was completed with rave reviews from the neighborhood. A new playground was installed at Gethsemane Park in conjunction with the Bartlemy Meyer Neighborhood Improvement Plan with input from neighborhood residents and students at Gethsemane School. Trail overlays at City Campus, Harvest, Playcrest, Nebraska, and Geranium Park’s were completed by our Public Works Department. In addition, the city has secured a grant from the Minnesota Twins Community Fund and also received a donation from the Maplewood Athletic Association to upgrade a field at Edgerton Park in honor of longtime Maplewood resident Tom Kelly. This will be completed in June of 2013. Coming up in 2013, residents will see the completion of Joy Park and a brand new playground at Geranium Park. Many great things are happening at the Neighborhood Preserves. Phase I improvements were implemented at Gladstone Savanna Neighborhood Preserve, including soil remediation, archeological investigation, storm water basin, installation of trails, and seeding with a temporary cover crop. Future phases of this project will include native seeding, landscaping, tree planting, interpretive features, and a new playground. In June, the prairie was seeded at Beaver Creek Neighborhood Preserve. Volunteers at the Priory Neighbor- hood Preserve created and installed an interpretive trail. Rain gardens and buffers were planted at Joy Park Neighborhood Preserves by Eagle Scouts and other volunteers. Nature Center The Nature Center, first established in 1979 as part of a federal grant, is staffed by naturalists and sports a visitor center and a 40 acre preserve. At the nature center you can find information about the 13 other neighborhood preserves. The visitor center offers interactive environmental education through programs, exhibits and demonstrations. The building is open year round, Tuesday through Saturday, so come on out for a snowshoe hike this winter. Naturalists conduct environmental programs on invasive species, wildlife ecology, and native plant communities. Programs are available for all ages and types of groups including families, preschool, school age and college students. Volunteers are an integral part of the operation and help out with groups, tend to the wildflower gardens, and participate in citizen science monitoring programs. A major project this past year was the acquisition of a 70 acre parcel of the Fish Creek Natural Area adjacent to County land in south Maplewood. For more information about this site and how you can help visit www.maplewoodnaturecenter.com/fish creek. Recreation Programming Our Maplewood Recreation Staff oversee a vast variety of programs for the residents of Maplewood, North St. Paul and surrounding communities. As part of our Joint Powers Agreement with North St. Paul, we offer everything from tumbling/gymnastics to ceramics, as well as adult and youth sports leagues in softball, basketball, volleyball, soccer, floor hockey, dodgeball, table tennis and more. This year has also been filled with many new and exciting programs and events for our active adult 55+ patrons. Weather permitting, we will have hockey and pleasure rinks at eleven locations in Maplewood and North St. Paul, six of which will have staffed warming houses. Programming plans for 2013 include expanded summer camp offerings, adult sports tournaments and community special events – stay tuned. As Maplewood’s diversity continues to grow, Maplewood Parks and Recreation has made it a 2013 goal to provide resources and services to serve the needs of all members of the community. Maplewood Community Center The Maplewood Community Center is now in its 18th year of operation! With over 5,500 members, the Community Center strives to continue to offer a multitude of recreational opportunities in a safe, maintained and inviting environment. Our most recent building improvements include the transformation of our fitness center. Our newly renovated space now offers state of the art cardiovascular and strength equipment. Our wide variety of cardio machines includes tread- mills, elliptical cross-trainers, step mills, summit trainers, stationary bikes, stair climbers and rowers. Most machines have an entertainment system, allowing members to watch television or use an iPod during their workout. The Maplewood Community Center also offers a variety of entertainment options including an annual concert series – popular shows in 2012 included I Remember Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison and Guaranteed Cash. Look for Martin Zellar, Tonic Sol-Fa and more in 2013! We are now on Facebook! “Like” the Maplewood Community Center to stay updated on the latest news, specials and programs. See our ad on page 7! The new playground at Gethsemane Park MCC’s New Fitness Equipment City of Maplewood 7 December 2012 City News Recycle Your Holidays Do you have a string of unwanted or broken holiday lights? Thinking of switching to energy efficient LED holiday lights? Well now is the time to recycle those old lights. The City of Maplewood is partnering with the Recycling Association of Minnesota to collect broken, old, or unneeded holiday lights through the end of January 2013. The program employs over 200 individuals with disabilities at vocational centers throughout the State of Minnesota. Every part of the strand is dismantled and recycled locally. Holiday light recycling drop off sites are located at the Community Center (2100 White Bear Avenue - lower level east entrance) and City Hall (1830 County Road B East - lobby). For more information and other drop off locations, visit www.recycleminnesota.org. Christmas Tree Pick Up Residential homes with trash service through the Maplewood Trash Plan are eligible for one FREE Christmas tree pick up. Allied Waste Services will be collecting Christmas trees the weeks of January 7 and January 14, with the last day of pick up scheduled for January 18, 2013. Just place your Christmas tree at the curb on your usual trash and recycling pick up day. The tree should have all ornaments and lights removed and should not be wrapped in a plastic bag. The trees will be collected and composted as part of the City’s yard waste program. For more information contact Allied Waste Services, the City’s contracted residential trash hauler, at 651.455.8634. www.partnersobgyn.com Birch Run Station in Maplewood 1737 Beam Ave (Next to JoAnn Fabrics) Specialty Women’s Health Obstetrics • Gynecology • Infertility • Surgery Office Procedures • Next Day Appointments Available (651) 770-3320 New Patients Welcome! LET MAPLEWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER HELP! Join Or Renew Your Annual Membership Between Dec15 - January 31 & Get One Month Free Plus $50 In MCC Bucks! THERE WILL NEVER BE A BETTER TIME TO START FEELING YOUR BEST THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS MCC BUCKS$ VALUE: $25.00 NOT VALID FOR THEATER TICKETS, MASSAGE, ROOM RENTALS OR SUBWAY PURCHASES MCC BUCKS$ VALUE: $25.00 NOT VALID FOR THEATER TICKETS, MASSAGE, ROOM RENTALS OR SUBWAY PURCHASES MC C BUCK S$ VALUE: $25.00 NOT VALID FOR THEATER TICKETS, MASSAGE, ROOM RENTALS OR SUBWAY PURCHASES MCC BUCKS$ VALUE: $25.00 NOT VALID FOR THEATER TICKETS, MASSAGE, ROOM RENTALS OR SUBWAY PURCHASES MCC BUCKS$ VALUE: $25.00 NOT VALID FOR THEATER TICKETS, MASSAGE, ROOM RENTALS OR SUBWAY PURCHASES MCC BUCKS$ VALUE: $25.00 NOT VALID FOR THEATER TICKETS, MASSAGE, ROOM RENTALS OR SUBWAY PURCHASES Use MCC Bucks for child care, swim lessons, personal training, fitness programs and more! 2100 WHITE BEAR AVE • MAPLEWOOD, MN 55109WWW.MAPLEWOODCOMMUNITYCENTER.COM 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. cccu.com Oh, What Fun!  Isn’t going to happen? Let City & County Credit Union give you what you want. 2.49% MODEL YEARS 2009 & NEWER l NO PAYMENTS FOR 90 DAYS (651) 225-2700l800 223-2801 Interest rate may vary by model year, term, credit worthiness and is subject to change. RATES AS LOW AS APR Sounds Of The Season At The Maplewood Performing Arts Theatre The Maplewood Performing Arts Theatre announces four exciting performances taking place this December. Enjoy a night out at our elegant and intimate theater and experience original entertainment! Rockie Lynne – December 7, 2012 (8:00PM) Please join us in welcoming Rockie Lynne for an exclusive evening of acoustic music and storytelling. This special night of acoustic entertainment features Rockie on with his guitar in a unique and “unplugged” way. Advance Tickets: $12.50 Day of Show: $15.00 Back To The Fifties Tribute Show – Saturday, December 15, 2012 (7:00PM) The Shadows Tribute Show returns to Maplewood with their Las Vegas showroom caliber musical tribute to the biggest music stars of the 50’s and 60’s! Advance Tickets: $25.00 Day of Show: 30.00 Tonic Sol-Fa – January 11 & 12, 2012 (7:30PM) Improvisational and passionate music combined with cutting-edge stage presence is the bench- mark by which critics and fans agree: nobody does it like Tonic Sol-fa. Advance Tickets: $25.00 Day of Show: $30.00 Martin Zellar – January 19, 2012 (7:30PM) Former leader of the legendary Midwest-based and country-rock band, the magic of Zellar’s songs is a combination of lyrical sincerity, inspired yet simple arrangements, and his unmistakable raspy voice. Advance Tickets: $20.00 Day of Show: $25.00 Tickets for all four shows available at www.maplewoodarts.com! SHLANDPRODUCTIONS Performance for a Lifetime www.ashlandproductions.org 651-274-8020 January 25, 26, 27 February 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10 Performances February 21 - May 5 CT! Ashland Collaborative eater P ir ates The M u s ical