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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008 - 12 DecMaplewood Monthly January 2009 City Newsletter Council Considers Options for Levy Reduction on 2009 Budget By Acting City Manager, Chuck Ahl ,SPMHE] On September 8, 2008, the City Council adopted a resolution setting the maximum levy increase for +MJX+YMHI the 2009 Budget at a 6.0% increase over the 2008 levy amount. In total dollars, this levy increase is: -RWMHI $15,546,450 [08 Levy] X 6% = $935,370. The tax levy is the amount of funds that the City collects from property taxes. The tax levy of $16,481,820 proposed for 2009 is out of a total budget of over $39 million. The other revenues in the budget are sewer fees, environmental utility fees, service fees associated with the Maplewood Community Center and Recreation programs, ambulance service fees, and building permit fees. The 6% tax levy increase was set based upon a preliminary analysis of the City’s needs. A tracking of governmental expenses, called the Implicit Price services have increased by 6.2%. Major expenses increasing for the city include fuel and utilities up nearly $175,000 from 2008, bituminous materials for roadway maintenance, employee health care costs, and debt service to pay for bonds sold to pay for neighborhood roadway reconstruction. Included in the proposed 2009 budget are expenses for re-creating the position of Deputy Police Chief to help administer our Police Department Services, a new ¾ time technician to assist with computer and technical services for the new Inside: web page and a new building maintenance technician to assist with repairs to City Hall, the Community Center and our Fire Stations. 2 Caught Recycling Property tax statements have been mailed to all property owners estimating taxes on their property in 2009. The 3 Council Corner will debate options to reduce the levy amount at their Truth in Taxation Hearing that is scheduled for Monday, December 8, 2008 at 7:00PM in the City Council Chambers. All persons wishing to be heard 3 New Pedestrian Trail should either appear at this hearing, or provide comments to the Council members prior to this date. Levy Reduction Options 4 2009 Budget (cont.) 6 Commission Corner Option #1: Keep the levy at the maximum 6.0% increase set in September. The breakdown of the 6.0% proposed maximum levy increases are as follows: 1) Additional Funds in General Fund for operations: $507,955 6 Working Together 2) Additional subsidy for Community Center operations: $ 70,000 3) Additional funds for the Debt Service Fund for bonded debt: $357,415 7 Code Compliance TOTAL LEVY INCREASE $935,370 Option #2: Make cuts to reduce the increase to 4.5% 7 Pet Licensing This option proposes that savings from a re-assignment of duties implemented in October 2008, that eliminated the Deputy Director of Public Works position and created the Parks and Community 8 Holiday Safety Development Director position be accounted for in this budget. (story continued on page 4) 9 What’s New In Maplewood Diana Longrie: Mayor 651.774.1490 diana.longrie@ci.maplewood.mn.us Kathleen Juenemann: Councilmember 651.771.3670 kathleen.juenemann@ci.maplewood.mn.us Will Rossbach: Councilmember 651.779.0220 will.rossbach@ci.maplewood.mn.us Erik Hjelle: Councilmember 651.846.4328 erik.hjelle@ci.maplewood.mn.us John Nephew: Councilmember 651.776.5963 john.nephew@ci.maplewood.mn.us Chuck Ahl: Acting City Manager 651.249.2050 chuck.ahl@ci.maplewood.mn.us Frequently Called NumbersMaplewood Meeting Schedule Maplewood City Hall City Council: Monday, January 12 & 26 at 6:30PM General Information 651.249.2000 Citizen Forum: Saturday, January 3 at 10:00AM Deputy Registrar and Passport Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:00AM - 4:30PM Environmental & Natural Resource Commission: Tuesday, January 6 at Saturday: 8:00AM - 12:00PM 5:15PM Maplewood Community Center Planning Commission: Tuesday, January 6 & 20 at 7:00PM Registration 651.249.2230 Community Design Review Board: Thursday, January 9 & 23 at 6:00PM Customer Service 651.249.2230 Admissions 651.249.2210 Park Commission: Wednesday, January 21 at 7:00PM Theater/Banquet Room Information 651.249.2103 Housing & Redevelopment Authority: Wednesday, January 14 at 7:00PM Group Information 651.249.2203 Birthday Party Information 651.249.2203 Historical Preservation Committee: Thursday, January 15 at 7:00PM Aquatics 651.249.2206 All City Council and Commission meetings are broadcast live on Channel Child Care 651.249.2218 16 and are rebroadcast on a schedule that is posted at Fitness 651.249.2207 www.ci.maplewood.mn.us. Any meeting cancellations are posted on the Maplewood Recreation City’s website. General Information 651.249.2120 Maplewood Nature Center General Information 651.249.2170 Code Enforcement Hotline 651.249.CODE (2633) Advertise with us ! Make a statement in your community. Reach over 18,200 homes, businesses, and apartments with newsletter is featured on the city website for a full year. For more information, contact Heidi Carey at 651.249.2021 or heidi.carey@ci.maplewood.mn.us. Thank you to the advertisers who support this publication! City of Maplewood 1 January 2009 Ramsey County (Maplewood Police, Minnesota State Patrol, Mounds View Police, New Brighton Police, North St. Paul Police, Ramsey County Sheriff, Roseville Police, St. Anthony Police, St. Paul Police, and White Bear lake Police) work together on selected roadways 36 corridor between Highway 280 and Century Avenue. These two events resulted in removing 36 intoxicated or impaired drivers from the road those nights. drive safely and responsibly during the upcoming holiday season. 2 City of Maplewood City of Maplewood January 2009 January 2009 January 2009 By Councilmember Kathleen Juenemann The Council Corner is a space that is rotated monthly between the Mayor and Council members. Dear Friends and Neighbors, As I write this letter, it is only two weeks before Thanksgiving and six weeks until Christmas/winter holidays. This is the time of the year In addition to our personal reasons for gratitude, I believe we all have cause to be thankful for the positive conditions and good services our fellow proactive residents. While there is always room for change and improvements, we are indeed fortunate to enjoy the quality of life we have in this community. As the holiday season approaches, there is always a sense of renewed hope, peace and resolve. It is my hope that we will all – city council, staff and citizens – move into the new year with hope for a better, more productive year ahead; with serious intent to create genuine peace and acceptance in our community; with true resolve to work together to achieve reasonable goals for maintenance and revitalization of our city with the guidance and assistance of our new city manager. New Pedestrian Trail ConstructedDitch the Workout and Join the Party with : Winter Zumba at MCC! Hazelwood/HWY 36 Crossing Closed By Michael Thompson, Acting Public Works Director Pedestrian crossing on Highway 36 at Hazelwood Street is no longer one of these great classes, call 651.249.2230 or visit MCC Customer Service. permitted. During the improvements to Session One: Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30PM, Jan. 6 - Feb. 24 Hazelwood Street this Cost: $56 ($42 for MCC members) summer the City worked Session Two: Thursdays, 5:30-6:30PM, Jan. 15 - Feb. 26 with Mn/DOT to provide Cost: $56 ($42 for MCC members) an alternative pedestrian route. A trail was installed on Session Three: Saturdays, 11:30-12:30PM, Jan. 10 - Feb. 28 the south side of the highway connecting Hazelwood No class on January 24 Street directly to the Bruce Vento Trail, which utilizes the Cost: $56 ($42 for MCC members) bridge overpass. Mn/DOT is continuing to work on ZUMBA EXPRESS: solutions to dissuade pedestrians from crossing at the Don’t have time for an old location and just recently excavated the center hour-long workout? Check out the median. The City continues to work with Mn/DOT on addressing pedestrian safety. Thursdays, 4:30 - 5:15PM, Jan. 15 - Feb. 26 Also as part of the street improvement project, aCost: $49.00 ($35.00 for MCC members) sidewalk was installed along the east side of T’ai Chi Ch’uan Hazelwood Street between Highway 36 and Frost Wednesdays, Jan. 14 - March 4, 7:30-8:30PM (Free Demo On Jan. 7) Avenue, which now provides a direct connection to the Location: Dragons Kung Fun Studio, 2572 7th Ave E., North St. Paul Gateway Trail. A second trail was constructed providing a connection between Sherwood Park and the T’ai Chi Ch’uan, practiced in China for 2,500 years, uses relaxed new sidewalk on Hazelwood Street. The sidewalk and movements to develop strength and eliminate tension. Doing so will trails have greatly improved the walkability for Cost is $50.00. neighborhood residents and students attending nearby Register John Glenn Middle and Weaver Elementary.by calling 651.249.2230 or by visiting MCC Customer Service. City of Maplewood 3 December 2008 Holiday 2008 % Holiday Happenings in Your Neighborhood This season, get into the holiday spirit with these fun events happening HOLIDAY CRAFTS right in your backyard at the Maplewood Community Center (2100 White THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 6:15 - 7:15PM Bear Avenue, Maplewood, MN 55109).Parents, do you need a little help getting your kids in the holiday spirit? Children ages 5 - 8 are invited to the Maplewood Community Center HOLIDAY GIFT EXPO Motion Zone to create fun and easy holiday crafts, guaranteed to put FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 3:00 - 8:00PM them in a festive mood. Cost is $7.00 and pre-registration is required Are you a last minute shopper? Do you have a holiday to-do list a mile at least one week before class date. We’ll have fun music playing and a long? If so, then Maplewood Community Center’s Holiday Gift Expo is delicious snack prepared so grab your paint shirt and come join us for a great time! Call the Maplewood Community Center at 651.249.2230 to register. holiday-ready merchandise. This holiday season avoid the crowded malls and streets and utilize this one-stop-shop to simplify your holiday HOLIDAY SING-A-LONG gift purchasing. In addition to our wide selection of vendors, the MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 11:00AM - 12:00PM Maplewood Community Center will also offer childcare. AND just for Join Maplewood Community Center’s guitar instructor and local stopping by to register you are eligible to win one of many fabulous musician Dave Roby for a holiday sing-a-long. Participants will sing along door prizes. So this year come to the Maplewood Community Center for to the great seasonal and holiday musical that we all of your last-minute holiday shopping needs! For more information all know and love. Don’t miss this contact Pauline Staples at 651.249.2103. FREE, festive event! For more information call COOKIES WITH MRS. CLAUS 651.249.2204. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1:00 - 3:00PM Come spend an afternoon with Mrs. Claus! Children ages 5 - 9 are invited to the Maplewood Community Center to decorate holiday a snack and gather around Mrs. Claus as she reads The Night Before Christmas. Cost is $5.00 per child. Parents are welcome to stay as well! Call the Maplewood Community Center at 651.249.2230 to register. Gift Giving Made Easy! 4. Give Education: Give your adventurous friend or family member a crash course in something they haven’t tried before with lessons for activities Holiday season is upon us and with that comes the rush of holiday such as scuba diving, in line skating, snowboarding or mountain climbing. shopping and the oftentimes daunting task of determining the best gift for If your gift recipient is more of a watcher than a doer, buy them a everyone on your shopping list. This year, skip the stress and show loved magazine subscription to keep them informed throughout the year. ones you really care with one of these unique and thoughtful gift ideas: 5. Give Membership: Another gift that keeps on giving is a year-long 1. Give An Experience: Does your wife love theater? Is your sister a membership. For the active athlete consider a gym membership so they baseball fan? If so, consider giving tickets to sporting events, concerts, can get their exercise high even in winter months. The life-long learner plays, or other entertainment venue. will appreciate a Science Museum or Historical Society membership and children are sure to love a membership to the zoo! 2. Give Custom: Not only are customized gifts guaranteed to be unique, they also show the recipient that you put special thought into your 6. Give Homemade: Taking the time to make your gift, rather than purchase. Many customized items can be created online and, depending purchase it is another great way to show your recipient that you care. on the item designed, can incorporate a name, message or photo. The key is to play to your strengths and make your gift unique. For However, be sure to allow extra time for customizing in your holiday example, if you love to cook start with a basic cookie recipe that you can planning! modify for a variety of tastes and shapes. 3. Give All Year: Whether your dad is a wine connoisseur or your mother is 7. Give the Gift of Giving: Are you shopping for someone who literally a chocolate addict you can arrange to have these (or many other items) has everything? This year, instead of purchasing another redundant tie delivered each month to your gift recipient. Visit www.club-offers.com or kitchen appliance consider making a charitable donation organization for information on available clubs. personal to your recipient in that person’s name. Picking Out The Perfect Pine The selection and decoration of a holiday tree is one of the most popular traditions associated with the celebration of Christmas. This year, choose the perfect tree with these simple tips: Measure Twice: Before you begin shopping for your “perfect tree” decide both the space’s ceiling height and width. Also measure your tree stand to determine the maximum diameter of the tree trunk it can hold. %RKYW1IEXW as well as gloves (to protect your hands) with you when you shop. that do not fall off when you pull on a branch and the trunk butt of a fresh tree should be sticky with resin. they offer more space between branches and typically have stronger stems to hold heavier ornaments. trunk bottom so the tree will begin to soak water immediately. Holiday Recipe Article Cute Snowmen Cookies 1. Preheat oven to 350F. 0 Delight your friends with these fun and festive holiday recipes! Candy-Coated Marshmallows and Caramels of refrigerated sugar-cookie Use store-bought marshmallows and caramels for these fun holiday treats! dough. Skewer one marshmallow or two caramels with a colored wooden or plastic toothpick, then separately melt Candy Melts (white and cocoa varieties; 2. Tear off a piece of dough available at Michaels and wilton.com) according to package directions. and roll it in your palms to Dip marshmallows or caramels into Candy Melts, then roll in decorative sprinkles, red and green sugar or nonpareils, or use a spoon to drizzle with a slightly larger piece into melted red and green Candy Metls. Let treats set, then place each one in a a 1-inch ball, and a still small paper cup to serve. slightly larger piece into a For a fun gift idea, line a small gift box with colored tissue paper remaining dough. Place 1 and arrange the candies inside. Before closing boxes, carefully balls slightly. remove toothpicks from treats and tuck them inside the box. Tie with 3. Bake cookies for 12 minutes. Cool on rack. Pipe frosting for scarves a ribbon. and use the frosting to attach M&M’s Minis buttons, mini-chocolate-chip Everything Has Its Place Holiday decorations are fun to take out but can be a hassle to put away. minute decorations. Label each box neatly with the contents or, for a Simplify your holiday storage and manage your post-party cleanup with visual reference, take a picture of the inventory and place it on the front. these tips and tricks for keeping holiday trim and accents in order. piece of masking tape to ID each string as indoor or outdoor. Then wind involved, and you’ll get it all done in no time! Make it a party. After the lights around sturdy cardboard or tubing (old gift wrapping tubes everything is stored away and cleaned up, enjoy food, music and work well). conversation with everyone who helped. in bubble wrap to help keep them from breaking or chipping while in storage containers to plastic containers with secure lids to protect from storage. Line the container with bubble wrap for additional protection moisture and critters. Buying containers in the same size will also make and label the container as “Fragile” and “This Side Up” to prevent for neat and orderly stacking and save space in your storage area. accidents. City Council to Consider Options (continued from cover) This re-assignment of duties resulted in one less city building inspector. The reported savings from this re-assignment of duties is estimated at $23,220 for the General Fund, with savings in other Funds that do not impact the tax levy. The proposed budget included an Additional Insurance maintenance equipment. This option proposed to reduce that $250,000 Insurance Reserve by 85% and to cover that potential expense with other City reserve funds. This plan would require that the Council revise priorities during the year, should the situation arrive that these unexpected funds be needed. There are currently no indications that the reasons for the Additional Insurance Fund Program will be forthcoming. Option #3 make cuts to reduce the increase to 3.0% [Acting City Manager Recommendation] This option proposes that the levy increase be set at one-half the maximum levy set in September which would be a 3.0% levy increase or $467,685 over the 2008 levy. The allocation would be: 1) Additional funds in the General Fund for operations: $ 82,845 2) Additional subsidy for Community Center operations: $ 27,425 3) Additional funds for the Debt Service Fund for bonded debt: $357,415 TOTAL LEVY INCREASE $467,685 This is the recommended option from the Acting City Manager. This option would permanently account for the savings from the reorganization of Community Development and Parks and would fully eliminate the $250,000 proposed in the Additional Insurance Program. Regarding the later, although we not anticipate a need for those funds in 2009, other funding options are available should a need arise. The Council will also consider a reduction in the Fund Balance (city reserves needed for operations to cover expenses prior to the receipt of revenues) to 37.5% as part of an analysis of risk factors. A number of risk factors that could cause budget problems in 2009 were considered and weighed by foreclosure and non-payment of taxes, decreased building permit revenue due to the stalled economy, possible increases in fuel and utility fund the proposed Deputy Police Chief position from internal Police Department savings from an Early Retirement Incentive Program. Option #4 make cuts to reduce the increase to 2.0% This option proposes that the levy increase be set at a 2.0% levy increase or $310,930 over the 2008 levy. The allocation would be: 1) Reduce funds in the General Fund for operations: ($ 46,485) 2) No additional subsidy for Community Center operations: $ 0 3) Debt Service Fund: $357,415 TOTAL LEVY INCREASE $310,930 This option proposes all of the reduced costs included in Option 3 while further reducing allocated operations reserves. Financial staff is not recommending the reduction of reserve funds given the current uncertainties affecting the City. A more prudent approach would be mid-year budget adjustments only if necessary, including staff reductions to meet unexpected expenditures. This option also requires elimination of the proposed building maintenance staff, which is a position that was originally within the budget in 2006, but was eliminated in cost savings measures when an employee left. Our building maintenance is in need of improvements, especially missing has been the City’s efforts at recycling and green initiatives. Our investment in facilities has suffered slightly due to the lack of preventive maintenance and cleaning. Further reductions in this option are reductions in expenses at Maplewood Community Center. This could further delay needed building improvements at MCC. This option also would require an increase in fees charged for our recreation programs. Our staff analysis indicates reduction in this option would be encouraging long-term employees to retire early through an Early Retirement Incentive Program. This (Story continued on page 5) City of Maplewood 4 December 2008 City Council to Continue Options (continued from page four) Option #5 make cuts to eliminate the increase for a 0.0% Levy Increase This option proposes that the levy increase be set at the 2008 levy. The following is a list of likely impacts from cuts for implementing this option: The following reductions would be necessary to implement this option: a) Savings from the Community Dev – Parks Re-org - $ 23,220 b) Reduce the Additional Insurance Program by 100%: $250,000 c) Reduce the Fund Balance to 37.0% $206,400 d) Fund the Deputy Police Chief position from Early Retire Savings: $ 25,000 e) Cut the new Building Maintenance Technician from budget: $ 45,900 f) Reduce the MCC operations subsidy to 2008 level: $ 27,425 g) Increase Recreation Program Fees by 8% $ 16,495 h) Plan for savings from the Early Retirement Program: $ 30,000 i) Cut temporary staff from Community Development $ 19,100 j) Cut the 0.75 FTE Info Technician from IT Dept $ 30,000 k) Cut Part-time staff at Nature Center $ 20,000 l) Cut Maintenance Materials and Overtime from Public Works $ 36,000 m) Cut Overtime-Part-time in City Clerk and Deputy Registrar $ 9,500 n) Cut Overtime in Fire Department Budget $ 17,400 o) Cut Overtime in Police Department Budget $ 51,000 p) Use one-time cash for Debt Service Fund $127,930 Total Reduction for Option #5 $935,370 of the departments. This could result in a reduction of staff within our Community Development department that provide us support to Commissions and Committees. The City would eliminate the new ¾ time person proposed in our IT Department that was proposed to return staff levels to that in that service would be reduced at the Nature Center to 3-4 days per week. The City would also likely see a reduction in maintenance materials for street repair and snow/ice control, along with a reduction in service. Plowing of sidewalks after a snow event would be extended out during working hours only and pothole repair and boulevard maintenance would be reduced. A reduction in hours for our Deputy Registrar and City Clerk functions would likely occur resulting in longer lines at the counter, and delays in responding to data requests. Further, this option would require a reduction in Department would result in a reduction in overtime for patrol and medics. This would reduce service to our community and is not recommended. Finally, the reduction in Debt Service payments would be a last resort. This would propose to use one-time funds that are dedicated to Capital Improvement Projects and provide this year’s increase to the Debt Service Fund. The City’s Debt is currently well managed as reported by an independent study performed by an outside consultant hired by the City Council. Maplewood currently is on track to have over 75% of our debt retired (or paid off) in less than 10 years. This far exceeds a majority of municipalities nationally and results in very favorable rates for borrowing. Cuts in funding our debt payments is not a sustainable reduction and may impact this bond rating. A recent Moody’s rating service on Maplewood’s most recent bond issue acknowledged that the city’s 0% levy increase in increase in 2010 would need to be covered by a near doubling of funds. While many of the reductions are not recommended, this option should be the last considered by the City Council. Voice your Opinion As noted, the City Council will consider all of these options, plus other potential reductions at their hearing on December 8, 2008. Property owners are welcome to attend or can provide written correspondence to the attention of Acting City Manager, Chuck Ahl, at chuck.ahl@ci.maplewood.mn.us or by mailing comments to City Hall prior to the hearing date. City of Maplewood 5 December 2008 By Commission Chair Ginny Yingling Commission Corner: Environmental and Natural Resources The Maplewood Environmental and Natural Resources (ENR) Commission was established to provide advice to the city council on environmental priorities; review existing environmental policies, procedures, and ordinances; and promote greater use, understanding and appreciation of the city’s environmental assets. As part of our work, the ENR Commission has recently completed review and revisions to the city’s wetland ordinance, to protect this vital component of our natural environment. The major objectives of the wetland ordinance are to: protect and enhance water quality in the bodies of water the wetlands surround, provide critical habitat to plant and animal species that depend on wetlands, and protect the aesthetic aspects of changes have been proposed to the ordinance. First, the draft ordinance would Washington Metro Watershed District. Second, the width of buffers surrounding regarding the amount of buffer needed to remove polluted runoff and the needs of upland habitat and nesting areas for wetland species. Finally, additional language was added to grandfather in most existing uses of residential properties. The city council will likely take up consideration of the wetland ordinance early next year. Maplewood residents are encouraged to provide feedback to the city council www.ci.maplewood.mn.us. Working Together With Our Neighbors By Bryan Nagel, Street Maintenance Superintendent Recently the idea of working with our neighboring communities has been suggested as a cost and energy saving measure. Some people’s reaction has been one of surprise when they discover that the City of Maplewood is not only currently doing, but has done so for many years. Here are a few examples of how the City of Maplewood works directly with our neighboring cities: twelve years later, we continue to share this equipment. However, the City of North St. Paul does not have a sign shop and the City of Maplewood does. Sharing these resources between the up buckthorn piles throughout Maplewood. The clam truck has also been used to assist our city crews during storm cleanup and tree of many functions. To allow for the interchange of truck bodies and roll-offs between these municipalities and our own, Maplewood’s Oakdale. These are just a few examples of how equipment sharing has worked over the years and resulted in a positive experience for all entities involved. City of Maplewood 6 December 2008 Code Compliance in Maplewood: An Introduction Code Enforcement is responsible for identifying citizens who are violating property-related laws. If they won’t change their behavior voluntarily, Code Enforcement has the authority to issue a citation or to resolve the issue in other manners as permitted by the City Code. The most common complaints include: Before you call with a complaint, please discuss the problem with your neighbor. If you are unable to resolve the issue, call 651-249-CODE (2633) or visit www.ci.maplewood.mn.us to submit a code violation. What happens after you call? access to the property the investigation will be limited to what can be viewed from the street. In some instance the City may petition the situation. The violation is explained to the resident and a date by which the situation must be resolved. If the resident is not present for the inspection a compliance order may be issued. To be admissible in court the Compliance Order must be written, it must describe the location and nature of the violation, it must establish a time for the correction of the violation and give notice of how to appeal any decision, it possible, the notice must be posted on the property or dwelling. The primary goal of code enforcement is voluntary compliance, not punishment. The courts are only used as a last resort. After reasonable attempts to obtain compliance, a citation will be issued and the case will be turned over to the City Attorney for must be paid and how the matter will be resolved. To submit a code violation call 651-249-CODE (2633) or visit www.ci.maplewood.mn.us. Pet Licensing 4IX0MGIRWI%TTPMGEXMSR Maplewood ordinance requires licensing Check One: of all cats and dogs over three months ________ $21 Male ________ $18 Neutered Male (Seniors 62 or older receive discounts, of age. If you have not already licensed ________ $21 Female ________ $18 Spayed Female please call for more information) your pet and it is not convenient for you Add $1 Penalty for licenses purchased after January 31! to come to City Hall, you may obtain I, ___________________________________________residing at _____________________ the license by mail. Complete the form and mail it along with the appropriate ______________________________________, Maplewood, MN_______________________ Telephone (H)____________________________ (W)________________________________ of rabies vaccination from your hereby apply for a permit to keep the below-described cat/dog and do agree to comply with the rules and veterinarian to: regulations duly adopted by the lawful governing body of the City of Maplewood and the provisions of Cat/Dog License Municipal Code 1101, and subsequent amendments and any other applicable state and local laws. 1830 East County Road B Maplewood, MN 55109 Cat_______ Dog_______ Rabies Shot Date________Next Due_________ Color____________ Applications can also be obtained online Breed____________________Pet’s Name______________________ Age________________ at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us. Call Date____________________ Owner’s Signature_____________________________________ 651-249-2000 for more information. City of Maplewood 7 December 2008 Holiday Safety Tips On the Police Scanner The holidays are a special time of year, but they can also leave In October, the Maplewood Police Department responded to individuals especially vulnerable to theft and other crimes. Here 2,122 calls for service. Included in this number were the following are some tips to help make your holidays safe and happy: incidents: Out & About 30 Assault Cases 3 Robbery Cases 37 Burglary Cases with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows. 125 Theft Cases 41 Criminal Damage to Property Cases to be gone for a few minutes. 19 Auto Theft Cases 77 Theft from Vehicle Cases for DWI. become separated in a store or shopping mall. They should never go to the parking lot alone or leave with a stranger. with a check or credit card when possible (and have a record of all your credit card numbers in a secure place). or store and shield your PIN number from the view of others. on a shelf while distracted by shopping. Keep wallets in an inside pocket. At Home it’s only for a few minutes. Leave lights and a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied. doorway. a trusted neighbor watch your house and pick up the mail and newspapers, and make arrangements for your driveway to be plowed in the event of snow. City of Maplewood 8 December 2008 City of Maplewood PRSRT STD 1830 County Road B East U.S. POSTAGE Maplewood, MN 55109 PAID Phone: 651.249.2000 Permit #4903 St. Paul, MN www.ci.maplewood.mn.us ********ECRWSS** RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER Printed on recycleable paper. Upon request, this newsletter will be made available in an alternate format. What’s New In Maplewood? By Tom Ekstrand, Senior Planner Menard’s Store Improvements: Although Menards is not new to Maplewood the store’s extensive building and site improvements may certainly make you think otherwise. Recent improvements include a remodeled entryway with log and stone entry columns and the addition of a new garden center extending west of the main building. These changes represent beautiful improvements fro both Menards and the community. Menards has also proposed a new lumber storage building designed to be built within their fenced outdoor storage yard. This proposal is currently under review and will be brought before Council in December. Projects Under Review: Look in future issues of Maplewood Monthly for updates Maplewood.