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Home My WebLink About2023 City Newsletter - Fall216 Fourth Street North Stillwater MN 55082 www.stillwatermn.gov 651-430-8800 Stillwater City News Fall 2023 Chestnut Street Plaza Project Ready to Reopen After nearly a year of Chestnut Street in front of the Historic Lift Bridge being closed for construction, the work will be finally wrapping up and expected to be completed by September 15th. Chestnut Street from Main Street to the Historic Lift Bridge will now be open only to pedestrians and bicyclists. Improvements to the intersection at Main Street and Chestnut Street were made for better pedestrian experience with road narrowing and intersection bump outs. Thanks to Pember Construction and all of their subcontractors, working with the City on the construction delays and to TKDA for the engineering oversight on the project. Thank you all for your patience during the construction and supporting the businesses downtown. Parking in Downtown Stillwater has changed  Starting September 8th, additional parking spots in premium locations east of Main Street became paid parking spots.  Portions of Main Street have 30-minute “Quick Zones” for quick trips to local businesses.  The existing free street and surface lot parking spots west of Main Street will remain free. Watch signs for time limits.  All paid parking spots can be reserved in one- hour increments at $1 per hour from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. using the Passport Parking mobile app or through street side credit card kiosks.  If you live or work in downtown Stillwater, monthly parking permits are available for pur- chase. To order your permit online visit www. cityof stillwater.revtrak.net/  To learn more about the parking changes, scan the QR code or visit www.stillwatermn.gov/ parking Stillwater’s Grant-Funded Natural Resource Projects Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Urban & Community Forestry 2023 Preparing for EAB Grants Program Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), an exotic invasive beetle, has killed millions of ash trees in eastern North America since 2002. EAB can kill a healthy ash tree in as little as two years. EAB was first detected in Stillwater in 2018 and has since devastated the city’s ash population. In 2012, ash trees accounted for 17% of the city’s tree canopy, according to a DNR survey. All untreated ash trees are expected to die. In July 2023, Stillwater was awarded $28,830 for the removal and replacement of 53 infested ashes. They will be replaced with a diverse mix of trees expected to thrive in our changing climate. Removals will begin in fall 2023. The City is working to secure funding to facilitate further EAB management. Now is the best time to get healthy ash trees treated! For more info on EAB, contact Andrew Coyne at 651-430-8836 or acoyne@ci.stillwater.mn.us or visit https://www.mda.state.mn.us/eab. Minnesota DNR Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) Grants: Croixwood Open Square - Stillwater’s woodland restoration project at Croix- wood Open Square is coming to an end. In 2021, the Minnesota DNR awarded the City of Stillwater a grant of $31,500 to restore the 9-acre oak forest. The site was invaded by buckthorn at the project’s start. Removal efforts have shown promising results – with less than 10% of the area still showing buckthorn presence. The final step was completed in June, with 390 tree seedlings planted in grow-shelters across the site. This “artificial regeneration” will aid in establishing a new cohort trees to take over as the forest ages. The city will continue to monitor for buckthorn as native species return to the site. Pioneer Park - Habitat restoration is underway at Pioneer Park. In 2023, the Minnesota DNR awarded the City of Stillwater a grant of $47,775 to restore the hillside woodland on the eastern border of the park. The 2-acre site was densely invaded by buckthorn, black locust and garlic mustard. Prominence of the three invasive plants has made it near-impossible for native vegetation to grow. The project began in June with the removal of flowering garlic mustard plants. In August, contractors removed buckthorn and black locust trees across the site. Next steps include follow-up treatments and establishment of native vegetation. Native plants will provide important sources of food and refuge for insects, birds and other wildlife. The project is planned to be completed by March of 2026. Lumberjack Landing – A Great River Greening Cooperative Agreement Habitat restoration will soon be underway at Lumberjack Landing, formerly North Aiple Park located north of downtown along the St. Croix River. The project is managed by Great River Greening, a non-profit organization respon- sible for restoring thousands of acres of public land in Minnesota. Starting with buckthorn control, contractors will be working to restore valuable floodplain forest habitat along the south half of the park. The forest is densely populated by invasive woody plants, preventing native vegetation from establishing. The goal is to control invasive plants and replace with native species to enhance biodiversity, water quality, forest resilience, and to provide habitat to the many inhabitants of the forest and shoreline. White woodpecker stripped bark is often a sign of infestation, 1/8” D-shaped exit holes are a diagnostic symptom of Em- erald Ash Borer. Water Efficiency Rebate Available The City of Stillwater was awarded a $25,000 Metropolitan Grant as part of the Council’s 2022- 2024 Water Efficiency Grant Program. Stillwater is one of many cities in the Twin Cities Metropoli- tan Area that applied for and was accepted into this grant program. Grant funds will be used for the City’s water conservation program. The City is offering rebates to Stillwater properties that are connected to the City Water Supply systems who replace their washing machines, replace toilets or by replacing their irrigation controller with a smart irrigation controller. Rebate categories and amounts are as follows: • Clothes Washers - Rebate $200 or 80% the cost of a new US DOE Energy Star labeled clothes washer, whichever is less, (excluding sales tax and labor/installation costs). • Toilets - Rebate up to $100 or 80% of the cost of a new EPA WaterSense labeled toilet, which ever is less, (excluding sales tax and labor/installation costs). • Smart Irrigation Controllers - Rebate up to $150 or 80% on the cost of a new US EPA Water- Sense labeled smart controller, whichever is less, (excluding tax and labor/installation costs). Rebates are for replacement of existing devices only. New construction and new developments are not eligible. Program runs from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024. Rebates are available on a first come first served basis are not guaranteed. It is the customers responsibility to verify if funds are still available. Copies of receipt for a qualifying devices must be provided with rebate request form and all supplemental information must be submitted to the City of Stillwater by mail, or online. Rebate is for the cost of the device only and excluded sales tax and any installation/labor costs. Rebates will show as a credit of your utility bill. Rebate application available on the City’s website at www.stillwatermn.gov/waterrebate. Any questions, contact the Public Works Utility Department at 651-275-4100. Special Assessment Payoff Did you know? If you are currently paying annually on your special assessment with your tax payment, you have the option to pay it off or make a larger payment towards your principal to pay it down and save yourself in annual interest costs. Interest on special assessments currently range from 2.55% to 4.5% per year and terms range from 3 to 15 years depending on the assessment. Payments can be made to the City of Stillwater by November 15th for those looking to reduce or eliminate their assessment on their 2024 tax bill. Contact City Hall at 651-430-8813 for more information and your payoff amount. 2023 Construction Season Wraps Up Several construction projects took place in the City of Stillwater this summer and as autumn begins, the projects are completed or are near completion. 72nd Street Road and Trail Improvements: This project located on the north side of Long Lake between Northland Drive and Rutherford Road adds asphalt surface over the existing gravel road and adds an 8 foot trail on the north side of the road. Construction should be completed by the end of September. 2023 Street Improvement Project: Mill and overlay and reconstruction of the streets in the Legends neighborhood and streets in the vicinity of Lakeview Hospital were completed in July . CSAH 5 (Owns Street) between Olive Street and Sycamore Street: This Washington County led project rehabili- tated the road surface and replaced existing concrete sidewalk. Sidewalk work is completed and the first layer of asphalt has been installed. The road is open to traffic. Other Projects: Improvements were made in five City parks including new trails installed at Meadowlark Park and Anez Ridge Park. Two parking lots were reconstructed at Lily Lake Park. A new playground was installed at the Old Athletic Field on Burlington Street and new playground equipment was installed at Washington Square. Legalization of Adult-use Cannabis In May, Governor Tim Walz signed a bill into law making Minnesota the 23rd state to legalize adult use cannabis. The legislation moving forward decriminalizes possession and consumption of certain amounts of cannabis. Effective August 1, 2023, the new law allow for a person 21 years of age or older to:  Possess two ounces or less of cannabis flower in a public place  Possess two pounds or less of cannabis flower in a residence  Consume cannabis in their own private residence  Possess any cannabis paraphernalia The law still prohibits people from?  Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of cannabis  Possession of any amount of cannabis in a motor vehicle if it does not meet the pack- aging requirements set in the statute  Smoking cannabis while in a motor vehicle  Sale or delivery of cannabis to any person under the age of 21  Smoking cannabis in a public place or where prohibited by the property owner The new law also lifts some prohibitions on the growing and selling of cannabis. However, the sale of cannabis will be highly regulated and will only be allowed from licensed businesses. The penalties for illegal possession, sale, or use still may include fines, jail time, and in some instances, prison. It is important to know the difference of what is now legal and what remains illegal under Minnesota’s new cannabis law. Visit https://cannabis.mn.gov/ for more information. Time to “Dim the Lights, for Birds at Night” As part of City of Stillwater's Bird City initiative and its commitment to GreenStep City Best Practices, the city is urging residents and businesses to adopt measures that address light pollution and its impact on the environment. Over 250 species of birds migrate through Stillwater, up the St. Croix River Valley each spring and fall. The majority of birds migrate at night and can be drawn off their flight path by lit structures and collide or drop from exhaustion after circling lit buildings. The "Lights Out" program, which includes dimming, shielding, or eliminating excess lighting, has already been adopted by many cities nationwide and can dramatically reduce these collisions. Lights Out is a voluntary program developed by the National Audubon Society, in which building owners, managers, tenants, and residents work together to ensure that unnecessary lighting is turned off at certain times of the year. A blackout is not required. This also saves electricity and cuts costs. To prevent the bird fatalities, simply turn off exterior lighting (except for securi- ty), dim lobby and atrium lighting and turn off interior lighting especially upper floors from midnight until dawn. Join the effort by turning off excess lights during the birds fall migration of August 15th through November 15th. If you want a reminder to dim your lights, sign up at https://mn.audubon.org/conservation/lights-out-program Winter Parking is in Effect from November 1 to March 31 On the odd numbered days cars parked in the street must be on the side of the street with odd numbered addresses. The even numbered days on the side of the street with even numbered addresses. Vehicles may park on both sides of the street between 7 pm and midnight each day. Additionally, in downtown there is no parking on city streets from 2 am to 6 am during these same months. Parking at signs is still observed throughout the year (i.e. 4 hour lots; 3 hour parking zones). Greeley Street is enforced for odd/even parking as well as Myrtle Street. Between Owens Street and Greeley Street odd/even parking is allowed on Myrtle once the snow has been cleared. The Stillwater Human Rights Award Goes To…. The City of Stillwater Human Rights Commission received a number of outstanding nominations for the Stillwater Human Rights Award. After careful deliberation, the Commission selected Dr. Will Antell as the 2023 awardee, recognizing his lifelong commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for Native Americans. Dr. Will Antell, a member of the White Earth Nation, has provided over five decades of educational leadership. He was a coach, teacher, Director of Indian Education, Assistant Commis- sioner for MN Dept of Education and on numerous boards on behalf of American Indians in MN. He dedicated his life to breaking down barriers and fighting to improve the lives of marginalized people. His dedication will have lasting impacts across many generations. The commission’s decision was by no means easy, since the entire field of nominees was truly remarkable. Here are the other nominees and how they contribute to our community. Matthew Allen compassionately and graciously serves the needs of clients of Valley Outreach. He is described as an extremely caring person. Rebecca Erickson volunteers at Family Means giving families a needed break through the Respite Program. She also serves as vice-chair of the board of Daylight US, a school in Kenya to protect orphans from tribal violence. Rebecca has a special gift of connecting with people. Patricia Finnegan has worked tirelessly to provide food for those experiencing food insecurity by collecting donations, purchasing products and acquiring food cards. Anyone that contacted Pat could find the help they needed with the food delivered to St. Michael’s. Paula Harrison created the Unified Physical Education course as well as the TRUST (True Respect Unifies Togeth- er,) and Special Olympics Polar Plunge. Paula has fostered a more inclusive culture that respects the dignity of all individuals. Chris Pomeleo has shown extreme kindness to two boys, both who live with Down Syndrome. Chris hired the boys to help around his barber shop, Prohibition Barbers, and has assisted the boys with learning many tasks while advocating for them and mentoring them as a true friend. Stillwater Public Library - Children’s Department truly embodies the notion that libraries teach us that all humans have worth and value. The children in our community experience this through high-quality, fun activities such as puppet shows, excellent book selections, and dedicated staff. The Stillwater Human Rights Commission thanks all of the nominees for their service and hopes you will be inspired by these amazing role models! If you know someone making a difference in Stillwater, please contact City Hall to submit a nomination for the 2024 award. Presenting to Antell (center) were Patina Park, Tribal State Relations from MN Governor's Office, and Mayor Ted Kozlowski Utility Statements and Payments Did you know you can get your utility statements by email? Yes, you can by logging into https://stillwater.merchanttransact.com and log in to your account or create an account and select your preferences. You can also pay online through this same account to avoid any delays in mail delivery that may result in late fees. Another payment option would be direct debit where the payment comes out of your bank account automatically on the due date. Fill out the backside of your statement and return with a voided check to City Hall. Or visit the city’s website at www.stillwatermn.gov/city government/departments/administration/finance/utility-billing A PUBLICATION OF STILLWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY V OLUM E 34S HELFL IFE S EPTEM BER 2023 224 3RD ST N * STILLWATER, M N 55082 * 651‐275‐4338 * LIBRARY.STILLWATERM N .GOV LIBRARY HOURS Monday ‐ Thursday 10 AM to 8 PM Friday & Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM Sunday (during school year) 1 PM to 5 PM SEPTEMBER IS LIBRARY CARD SIGN‐UP MONTH There’s nothing more empowering than a library card. Through access to technology, media resources, and educational programs, libraries provide people of all ages the opportunity to pursue their dreams and passions. September is Library Card‐Sign‐up Month. If you don't have a library card, visit us to get a free card and discover what you've been missing. Here’s our top 10 favorite reasons to have a library card: 1. Check out books, DVDs, CDs, and magazines. You can also use your card to download magazines eBooks, eAudio, and eMagazines. Plus, no late fees—we are ﬁne free! 2. Take the internet with you. You can check out a hotspot or a laptop and hotspot combo to use anytime, anywhere. Hotspots can be checked out for 1 month and can connect up to 10 devices at a time. 3. Read a newspaper. Whether you want to read a local or international newspaper or dig into archives of the past, we have databases to access your favorite editions of the Pioneer Press, Star Tribune, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and more. 4. Grow your business. Libraries are places for innovators. Grow your business or sharpen your career skills with learning resources such as LinkedIn Learning Job or JobNow. Use library spaces, Wi‐Fi, and printers to work away from the office or away from home. 5. Gaze at the stars. Explore the universe with a library telescope kit. Borrow a reﬂector telescope to experience detailed views of the moon or search for celestial objects. 6. Tackle vehicle maintenance and repairs. Find online automotive repair and maintenance guidance with ALLDATA Repair. 7. Host your own book club. Want to start your own book club? Choose from a large selection of book club kits. Each kit contains 10 copies of a title along with a discussion guide available for a six‐week check out. Just add readers! You can even reserve library space to hold your meeting. 8. Learn a new language. Learn a few key phrases for an upcoming trip aboard or become ﬂuent in another language with Transparent Language or Mango Languages. 9. Get help with homework. Get assistance with a tough assignment or dive deeper into a topic with our homework resources. There's even free online tutoring. 10. Discover your family history. Uncover your family history with Ancestry and FamilySearch. Research your Stillwater ancestors using the library’s St. Croix Collection. WRITING CONTEST Tuesday, October 3, 5‐6:30 PM Library Terrace Heather Logelin, President & CEO of the St. Croix Valley Foundation, will provide news about SCVF and information about supporting nonproﬁts through estate planning. Sponsored by the Stillwater Public Library Foundation. Appetizers provided. RSVP by September 28 to ESTATE PLANNING Calling all young writers ages 8‐12. Enter our mystery writing contest based on Long Lost, a middle‐grade novel by MN Book Award Winner, Jacqueline West! Submit your short story using one of Jaqueline’s writing prompts. For prompts and details, visit library.stillwatermn.gov/ mystery‐youth‐writing‐contest. Readers of all ages can meet Jacqueline West at a visit to the library on Thursday, October 26 from 6‐7:30 PM. WE ARE WATER MN On view at Stillwater Public Library, October 12 ‐ December 3, 2023 Programs In conjunction with the exhibit, we’re offering a special series of programs that further explore water stories: Lake Superior in Acrylics with Karen Chan Thursday, October 5 (online) & Wednesday, October 11 at 5:30 PM Hydroponic Gardening the Very Easy Way Saturday, October 7 at 10:30 AM Tour the St. Croix Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant Tuesday, October 17 at 10:45 AM Anton Treuer presents Native Americans and Logging the Northwoods, an Indigenous History Thursday, October 19 at 6 PM (online) Minnesota Waters: Cultural Signiﬁcance Through Storytelling & Art Tuesday, October 24 at 4 PM Water: Sustaining Bird Life with Joanna Eckles, American Bird Conservancy Monday, October 30 at 5:30 PM (online) We are Water Artists ‐ Reception Thursday, November 16 at 6:30 PM: Marvelous Mussels (geared to ages 8‐12) Saturday, December 2 at 10:30 AM Programs are free. Register to attend at library.stillwatermn.gov/calendar. Discovery Room The Discovery Room is ready for imaginative play centered around the theme of water and the St. Croix River. Children can investigate a pretend pool containing stuffie ﬁsh and puppet animals that are found in the St. Croix River Valley; navigate boats through lift bridges on a tabletop river; identify animal tracks; purchase ﬁshing nets and magniﬁers at the play Water Discovery store; and investigate wind currents with chiffon scarves and felt rain clouds with the ﬂight lab wind tunnel. Open during library hours, the Discovery Room is a place for kids and caregivers to play and imagine together. The Discovery Room themes are created by staff and funded by donors to the Stillwater Public Library Foundation and other generous supporters. Exhibit We are Water MN is an interactive traveling exhibit steeped in stories. Explore the science, history, culture, and relationships of water in Minnesota and the lower St. Croix River Valley. The exhibit will be viewable during library hours from October 12 through December 3, and will feature local water perspectives from Astoria Jespersen, Emily Tweed, Fred Grieco, Greg Seitz, Pam Carlson, Rosie Peters, Amy Frisch‐ mon, Andy Veu, Kami Mendlik, Daniel Bruber, Mark Edlund, and Paul Red Elk. The beautiful exhibit pieces are designed for curious people of all ages from water experts to water lovers to water users to wee ones. We all need water! We are Water MN is led by the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; Board of Water and Soil Resources; the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; the Minnesota Historical Society, and University of Minnesota Extension. We are Water MN is funded in part by the Clean Water, Land, & Legacy Fund and the National Endowment for the Humani‐ ties and was brought to the library in partnership with ArtReach St. Croix. S HELFL IFE SEPTEM BER 2023, VOLUM E 34 SHEL FLIFE IS FUNDE D BY A GIFT FROM THE STILLWATER PUBL IC LIBR A R Y FOU NDATION. E-Bike Battery Recycling Large lithium-ion rechargeable bat- teries (over 300 watt-hours) are be- coming common in household equip- ment like e-bikes and scooters. These batteries can be very dangerous if not handled and disposed of properly. Search the Disposal Directory online to find a disposal option near you: WashCoRecycles.com/Disposal WASTE REDUCTION NEWS New North Environmental Center A new second environmental center will be built near Highway 61 and Headwaters Parkway in Forest Lake. The new center will allow residents in the northern part of Washington County to dispose of hazardous materials, electronics, and other items that don’t belong in the trash. Groundbreaking is scheduled for September 2023 with an anticipated opening date in late 2024. Additionally, the Washington County Northern Yard Waste site, which is currently in Hugo, will move next to the new environmental center in Forest Lake. All County residents will be within 25 miles from an environmen- tal center and yard waste site. Mattress Clean-up Coming in October Do you have a mattress or box spring that needs to be thrown away? Don't put it in your trash instead recycle it! Over 95% of your mattress is recyclable. The City of Stillwater is collaborating with Ramsey/Washington County Recycling and Energy to offer free mattress and box spring recycling collec- tion by Second Chance Recycling. Every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the month of October, residents will be able to place mattresses, box springs and crib mattresses out for collection without it counting towards your large bulky item collection. Simply schedule a date with Second Chance Recycling to pick up your mattresses or box springs and then set them out curbside for collection. Please select your pickup day on a different day as your trash pickup so not to confuse the trash hauler. This special program is being done by Second Chance Recycling and is only for the month of October and for City of Stillwater residents. There is no cost for the collection, but there is a limit up to four per household. Visit Second Chance Recycling website at www.secondchancerecyclingmn.com/curbside-collection-program/ to schedule your pickup date. Any questions contact City Hall at 651-430-8800. Recycling is good for the environment and our local economy. Learn more about recycling by visiting https://www.co.washington.mn.us/ 626/Recycling-and-Waste-Disposal Stop Treating Us Like Garbage Fall into Good Recycling Habits this Year Raking leaves is necessary because leaves can clog drains, get stuck in the gutters and coat everything. Despite the fact that they still have use, most are layered on top of the landfill or buried under layers of more trash. Yard Waste does not break down in landfills and takes up valuable space. Do NOT put grass clippings, leaves, sticks or plants into your recycling or trash cart, instead…  Add leaves to your compost as brown materials.  Mow fallen leaves into your yard and leave the clippings on the ground.  Place in designated cart or compostable bag and leave curbside for collection. Other ideas you can do with fall leaves Vermicomposting or worm composting, turns kitchen scraps and other green waste into a rich, dark soil that smells like earth and feels like magic. Worms love leaves! Mulch – There are so many benefits to using mulch in the garden. Why go out and buy mulch, when you can have it free from your yard. Recycling yard waste is one of the best ways to keep your plants hydrated and to add nutrients to your soil on a consistent basis. Chicken Bedding – If you have chickens, it might be a nice to give them some nice crunchy leaves to scratch around in. Collect a bunch of leaves, then keep the extra in dry place. As the leaves in the pin decompose, you can replace it with fresh leaves. Then in the spring, you have a batch of rich compost. Have fun with your kids – There are hundreds of activities that you can do with your family to repurpose leaves. Some ideas are making leaf prints, leaf wreaths, leaf bowls, leaf coasters and more. What could be a better decoration than the essence of fall. It is illegal to put yard, garden, or tree waste into the garbage. City of Stillwa- ter residents can place yard waste curbside for Waste Management to collect until November 30th. If you have a large amount of yard waste, please con- sider bringing it to these other sites. Washington County Site Free and open to county residents. 1. Northern Yard Waste Site 5527 170th Street North in Hugo | 651-275-7475 Accepted items include leaves, grass, brush and tree waste. Privately‐Owned Sites Open to everyone. Fees apply. 2. Cottage Grove - Rumpca Companies Inc. 9600 Glendenning Road | 651‐459‐1556 3. Denmark Township - Gertens RES 12119 70th St. S. | 651‐458‐4412 City‐owned Sites Open to listed city-residents only 4. Forest Lake - 651‐464‐3550 5. Marine on St. Croix - 651‐433‐3636 6. Newport - 651‐459‐5677 Yard Waste Drop-off Sites Pet Waste Uncollected When pet waste is left uncollected, it gets washed into the stormwater systems and into our lakes and rivers. It then decays in the water, releasing ammonia and depleting oxygen levels. This is harmful to fish and other animals. These nutrients also promote week and algae growth, as well as elevated bacteria levels that can cause unsafe conditions for recreation- al activities. Trash & Recycling Cart Service Do not put carts on the street, as this creates a hazard to vehicles. Place carts at the end of your driveway or property within 2-3 feet from cars, trees, mailboxes, fences and between carts. Remember to remove carts from curbside after items are collected. If it has just snowed and your street hasn’t been plowed, you must clear a space to ensure your carts are safely off the road. Hazardous material will be accepted from households only. Home Improvement: Paints, stains, varnishes, preservatives, paint removers and thinners Auto & Recreation: Antifreeze, motor oil, filters and propane tanks Yard & Garden: Insect, roach, ant killers, ferti- lizers and pesticides Household Items: Household cleaners, aerosol cans, fluorescent bulbs (DO NOT TAPE), mercury thermometers and thermostats, all batteries (No EV batteries), household sharps – place in sealed, sturdy container labeled “Household Sharps”, vaping devices and e-liquids Washington County is sponsoring a one-day household hazardous waste collection event at Lily Lake Ice Arena located at 1208 South Greeley Street on September 23, 2023 from 8 am to 2 pm. Items accepted are: Electronics such as computers, monitors and accessories, TV’s, DVD players, VCR’s, phones, fax machines, and microwaves will be accepted. Remove batteries from all electronic devices and bring separately. Paper shredding is offered at this event. No more than 4 boxes per customer. Shredding capacity is limited due to truck size and may be reached before the end of the event. Drop-off Procedures • Waste must be in the trunk, rear of SUV, or cargo bed. • Stay in your vehicle unless you are directed to self-unload large electronics. • Provide your zip code to attendant; driver's license not required. Hazardous Materials Accepted Other Shredding Events at Washington County Environmental Center September 27 & November 8 8 am to 4:30 pm Washington County offers free paper shredding events for confidential papers at the Environment Center. Documents will be shredded on-site by Shred Right and recycled. CDs, floppy disks, and other media will be accepted for off-site destruction. These events are free and open to residents and businesses  Limit 6 boxes nor more than 30 lbs. each  Put documents in boxes or paper bags. No plastic bags  Totes and reusable bags will be returned  Staples and paper clips are OK. Remove 3-ring binders, large binder clips, plastics, or metals  Do not tape boxes shut Learn more at WashCoRecycles.com/Shredding Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event Stillwater Fire Department Mobile Blood Drive Tuesday, October 17, 2023 - 8:00 am to 1:00 pm The Stillwater Fire Department is located at 250 Maryknoll Drive North Sign up link: https://www.mbcherohub.club/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/72297 Stillwater Fire Department Open House Saturday, October 14, 2023 - 10:00 am to 1:00 pm Firefighting Demonstrations Blood Pressure checks Learn Hands only CPR Freckles the Fire Dog Stillwater Police Department Stillwater Public Works Lakeview Hospital EMS Child Safety Seat information Minnesota State Patrol Refreshments will be served This year the Cub Pharmacy Mobile Flu Clinic will be on site. You can fill out their consent form and receive a shot. Stillwater Police Department Cops and Bobbers Event Join us on September 23, 2023 at Lily Lake Park for fishing with the Stillwater Police. This event is free for children 4 years and older. (No experience is needed). Equipment is provided unless you want to bring your own Event starts at 10 am. Meet at the Lily Lake Park fishing pier located at 1208 Greeley Street South. Register at: https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/913719332026/true#/ invitation or email communityoutreacch@ci.stillwater.mn.us *Limited spots available Catalytic Converter Marking Event The Stillwater Police Department will once again be hosting a catalytic converter marking event on Saturday, October 18th. It may not be prime season for this type of crime to occur but that doesn’t mean it’s o.k. to let your guard down. Catalytic converter thieves will be waiting. Take the time to help protect your vehicle. Register your vehicle online at https://signup.com/go/dqUrgaE or visit the City’s website and follow the link to our signup mo- bile app to register your vehicle. Please note: an appointment must be made for this event. For questions or to learn more about this program contact: Community Resource Officer Junker at 651-351-4930 or email bjunker@ci.stillwater.mn.us Toys for Tots Collection begins Monday, November 13th, and runs through December 8th Join the Stillwater Police Department in making this Christmas one to remember for a child in need by donating an unwrapped toy as we join the United States Marines Corps in their Toys for Tots Campaign. Check out the collection sites at the Stillwater Police Department lobby, the lobby of City Hall, Stillwater Public Library, ACE Hardware, MidwestONE Bank, Resource Bank, and Pappa John’s. Thank you in advance for your generosity and for making this holiday season a bit brighter for those among us who need it most. Welcome New Hires Levi Olson, Public Works Timothy Beebe, Public Works Erin Look, Library Erick Arreola, Part Time On Call Firefighter Devin Cates, Part Time On Call Firefighter Employee Anniversaries 5 years Sharon Provos, Finance Mick Greiner, Facilities Management George Burns, PT OC Fire Fighter Anthony Harrington, PT OC Fire Fighter Ryan Sarner, PT OC Fire Fighter 10 years Robert Peltier, Fire Keri Goetl, Library Todd Kockelman, PT OC Fire Fighter 20 years Chad Rogness, Public Works Interested in Joining Our Team? The City offers a “notify me” feature when a job opening is posted. To sign up for vacancy an- nouncements or to view the City’s employment opportunities visit www.stillwatermn.gov/city- government/employment-opportunities. Teddy Bear Park Temporary Closure Teddy Bear Park in under- going a resurfacing project. The work began after La- bor Day and the park will remain closed until the project is finished. This work is very weather de- pendent but the goal is to be completed by October 1st and reopen the park. The City will make an announce- ment on social media when the park will reopen for the re- mainder of the season. The park closes for the winter sea- son in mid to late October. Please contact the Parks Depart- ment with any questions. New Playground Feedback The Stillwater Parks Department wants to hear from you! In 2024, the Parks Department will be redoing the playgrounds at Lily Lake Park and Staples Park. If you frequent these parks and would like to provide input on playground features or designs, please email your ide- as to parks@ci.stillwater.mn.us Waste Management Alerts Free Head Start Preschool & Early Head Start programs The Anoka/Washington County Head Start, Early Head Start program is enrolling now in Stillwa- ter! Programs are free for eligible families with chil- dren from birth to age five and pregnant women. The Head Start program provides education, nutrition, mental health, school readiness and parent engagement services to children and families from income eligible households. To learn more or apply, visit www.accap.org/head-start/enrollment-4/ or call 763-783-4314.