HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985 Stillwater City NewsletterMAYOR: n v er CITY COORDINATOR:
Harry D. Peterson Nile L. Kriesel
COUNCILMEMBERS:
CITY CLERK:
Ann Marie Bodlovick Mary Lou Johnson
David C. Junker THE B I R T H PLACE O F M I N N E S O T A FINANCE DIRECTOR:
Jay Kimble Betty J. Caruso
Brad MacDonald CITY ATTORNEY:
David T. Magnuson
FALL 1985
It's hard to believe (or accept) that Winter is just around the
corner. Time to look for the of snow shovel and winter boots.
It's also time to look at the City's parking regulations that are
in force during the winter season to facilitate snow plowing and
removal. These regulations are set forth below and the City is
asking all residents (and businesses) to comply with the regula-
tions to help our Public Works Dept. to open up our streets and
parking areas as quickly as possible.
It would be even more helpful if all residents would park their
vehicles off street. Some residents do not have driveways,
however, a well frozen yard (which most of us have here in
Minnesota) might be a good spot if there is access to the yard.
In any event, please remember the following regulations:
1) Calendar Parking - Except in areas designated as snow
emergency routes, all persons parking vehicles on
streets and highways shall park such vehicles according
to the following system from December 1st through April
1st of each winter season.
Beginning at 12:01 a.m. on December 1st, and alternating
each day until midnight April 1st, vehicles shall be
parked on that side of the street or avenue which abuts
the premises, whether improved or unimproved, that are
or would be identified by odd and even numbered street
addresses.
On the days of the month which are odd numbered days,
1,3,5,7, 9,11,13,15,17,19,21,23,25,27,29 and 31, vehicles
shall be parked on the side of the street which resi-
dences have odd numbered street addresses.
On the days of the month which are even numbered days,
2,4,6,8,10 ,12,14,16,18,20,22,24,26,28,30, vehicles shall
be parked on the side of the street which residences
have even numbered street addresses.
Each day between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and midnight
shall be a change -over period and the above provisions
shall not be in force during such time.
CITY HALL: 216 NORTH FOURTH STILLWATER, MINNESOTA 55082 PHONE: 612 - 439 -6121
The term "day" shall designate a period beginning and
ending at midnight.
COUNCIL MEETING DATE
The City Council regularly meets on the first Tuesday of every
month-at 4:30 P.M. and 7:30 P.M.; and on the third Tuesday of
every month at 6:30 P.M.
FALL CLEAN UP - DROP BOXES
The drop boxes will be available at the Old City dumpsite (County
Hy. 12 - west of Myrtle Street) from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
October 19 -20, and 26 -27. The drop box service is included in
the rate agreement between the City and Junker Sanitation, Inc.
Therefore, fees or charges are not collected at the dumpsite.
Also, just a reminder that Junker Sanitation will collect and
dispose of drain oil (as well as other types of refuse) if put in
proper containers. The drain oil should be put in sealed or
capped plastic jugs. Junker Sanitation collects drain oil during
normal residential pick -up as well as at the old dumpsite on spe-
cified days.
Please be prepared to show identification that proves you are
currently a resident of Stillwater if you will be using the drop
box service.
DOG LICENSES
The 985 Dog Licenses were due on May 1st. There are many cards
in the current files that have not renewed their licenses for
1985 -- they are renewable each year.
We have received a communication from the State of Minnesota,
Board of Animal Health stating that it is a Petty Misdemeanor for
an owner or custodian of a dog to permit the dog to be uncon-
trolled off their property without it being identified with a tag
or plate attached to a collar or harness with the address and
telephone number of the owner; or an electronically activated
identification; or a legible tattoo; or an official license tag
of a city or county. Also, an owner or custodian of a dog not
appropriately vaccinated against rabies which bites or exposes a
person to rabies is guilty of a Petty Misdemeanor.
NO ANIMAL SHALL BE ALLOWED TO RUN AT LARGE IN THE CITY (regard-
less if it carries identification or not).
If you had a dog licensed in the past and no longer have the dog,
we would appreciate your letting us know so that we may remove
the registration card from the files. Call 439 -6121 and give
this information to the receptionist.
WATER METER CARDS
Residents are reminded to send in their water meter cards every
quarter.
iilll)w
THE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA
WINTER 1985
DOG LICENSES
The 1985 Dog Licenses are due by May lst If you did not submit proof of
rabies certificate last year, it will be necessary to have a current one
when you make application for your new license this year. Licenses are
renewable each year - rabies shots are good for two years. The license fees
for both male and female dogs are $3.00. REMEMBER - NO ANIMAL SHALL BE
ALLOWED TO RUN AT LARGE IN THE CITY (whether licensed or unlicensed).
PARKING PERMITS
The 1985 Downtown Stillwater parking permits are available at the City Clerk's
Office, 216 North Fourth Street. These permits may be used at any ten hour
meter in the parking lots. They may be purchased quarterly at $15.00, or for
the entire year at $60.00.
COUNCIL AGENDAS
The agendas for all the regular City Council meetings are available to those
wishing same upon receipt of your subscription with name and address and
remittance in the amount of $6.00 sent to the City Clerk's Office, 216 North
Fourth Street, Stillwater, 55082. MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO THE CITY OF STILLWATER.
MAYOR'S OFFICE HOURS
Mayor Harry D. Peterson is continuing his policy of maintaining regular office
hours at City Hall in order to be available to the public and city employees
for discussion of City business at an easily accessible place. Other meeting
times will be arranged by mutual agreement.
Regular hours are: Tuesdays 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Thursdays 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Mayor Peterson is also available by telephone. His home phone number is 439 -4150.
NOTES FROM YOUR LIBRARY
We all do it. Some The Stillwater Public Library hosts a five part, di s-
of us like it, some of cussi on series entitled "Working: Making a Living,
us don't. Some get Making a Life," on Thursdays at 7 :30 P.M. Partici-
paid, others get paid pants will read Russell Baker's Growing Up for
even more. January 31, David Ogilvy's The Confessions of an
Advertising Man for February 14, Arthur Miller's
Let's Talk About It. Death of a Salesman for February 28, Willa Cather's
Call the library for The Professor's House for March 14 and Studs Terkel's
details. Working for March 28. Discussed will be important
questions such as can the American Dream still come
. true? do we work to live or live to work? To
439 --1675 register, please call 439-1675.
PRIVATE WELL WATER TESTING
The Washington County Co munity Health Services Department administer a private
well water testing program. Through the program, property owners in the City
can have their well water analyzed for coliform bacteria and nitrate- nitrogen,
both of which are indicators of the sanitary quality of water. The cost of
the analysis for colifor bacteria and nitrate- nitrogen is $15.00; other tests
are available at an additional cost.
The City is encouraging eople who have questions about the sanitary quality
of their water to sample their well and have it tested. Test kits and
additional information can be received by calling Washington County Community
Health Services at 430-1100.
COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
The City Council recent1 confirmed appointments of the following Stillwater
citizens to the boards a d commissions indicated below:
Commission
City /Township Planning
Joint Cable T.V.
Main Street
Middle St.Croix Watershe
Park
Planning
Port Authority
Citizen
Harry Peterson (new)
Bill Fredell (reappointment)
Tom O'Brien (new)
Harry Peterson (new)
Mary (Sue) Collins (reappointment)
Gerald Fontaine (reappointment)
G. Dean Miller (reappointment)
Ron Vilmo (reappointment)
Jay Kimble (new)
James Gillespie (reappointment)
Carole Paukert (reappointment)
Recreation Brad MacDonald (reappointment)
Duane Nelson (reappointment)
James Swanson (reappointment)
David C. Junker (new)
Expiration
Date
12/31/85
12/31/86
2/28/86
12/31/85
12/31/87
12/31 /87
12/31/87
12/31/87
12/31/86
12/31/87
12/31/87
12/31/87
12/31/87
12/31/87
12/31/86
Commission membership listings are available upon request at a nominal charge.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
City Clerk's Office
439 -6121
Sewer & Refuse Billing
439 -6121
Public Works
439 -6121
Building Official
439 -6121
City Garage
439 -5933
Parks Department
439 -4561
Public Library
439 -1675
Stillwater Police
439 -1314
Stillwater Fire Dept.(Emerg) 439 -1313
" " (Non - Emerg) 439 -6120
Water Department 439 -6231
Wn. County Courthouse 439 -3220
Lakeview Hospital 439 -5330
Junker Sanitation 439 -7135
All Emergency Number 911
PARKING PERMITS
The 1984 Downtown Stillwater parking permits are available at the City Clerk's
Office, 216 North Fourth Street. These permits may be used at any ten hour
meter in the parking lots. They may be purchased quarterly at $15.00, or for
the entire year at $60.00.
COUNCIL AGENDAS
The agendas for all the regular City Council meetings are available to those
wishing same upon receipt of your subscription with name and address and
remittance in the amount of $6.00 sent to the City Clerk's Office, 216 North
Fourth Street, Stillwater, 55082. MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO THE CITY OF STILLWATER.
MAYOR'S OFFICE HOURS
Mayor Harry D. Peterson is continuing his policy of maintaining regular office
hours at City Hall in order to be available to the public and city employees
for discussion of City business at an easily accessible place. Other meeting
times will be arranged by mutual agreement.
Regular hours are: Tuesdays 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Thursdays 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Mayor Peterson is also available by telephone. His home phone number is 439 -4150.
BOARDS /COMMISSIONS APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED
The City Council confirmed appointments of the following named Stillwater
citizens to the boards and commissions indicated for terms ending December 31,
1986. Other members of these bodies continue their service each in three -year
terms.
Library Board - Donald Hanson (New Appointment)
Connie Casey (New Appointment)
Helen Dybvig (New Appointment)
Planning Commission Josephine Vania (Reappointment)
Douglas Seitz (Reappointment)
Colleen Mlecoch (New Appointment)
Board and Commission membership listings are available upon request at a nominal
charge
SEWER RATE INCREASE
Effective January 1, the sanitary sewer service charge for residential users
will be as follows: eo
The minimum charge shall be $,3600 for each three calendar months plus I
an average charge of $—.-66 .for every 1000 gallons of water used 'in excess It
of 10,gA0 —gal -tons p reap- t -F�- 1 ' '
The overage charge wi � !1 e 6as�on water usage for the first three calendar
months of the year.
f
•
f
n
MAYOR: ` •
Harry D. Peterson ter 10
a
1
COUNCILMEMBERS:
Ann Marie Bodlovick
David C. Junker THE 81RTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA
Jay Kimble
Brad MacDonald
CITY COORDINATOR:
Nile L. Kriesel
CITY CLERK:
Mary Lou Johnson
FINANCE DIRECTOR:
Betty J. Carust
CITY ATTORNEY:
David T. Magnuson
SUMMER 1985
GARBAGE RATE INCREASE
The City Council recently approved garbage rate increases
effective July 1, 1985. The new monthly rates are as follows:
Regular Dwelling Unit $8.60
Senior Citizen $7.45
Citizens are reminded that the Senior Citizen rate applies
to dwelling units where not more than two (2) people reside and
in which the male head of household is over 65, the female head
of household is over 62 or either is retired by virtue of
permanent disability, regardless of age.
City policy also allows for a complete waiver of the rate
for Senior Citizens in the event of a financial hardship. If you
feel you qualify for the reduced rate or the waiver of fees,
please contact City Hall at 439 -6121.
UNPAID UTILITY BALANCES
Any arrears on the enclosed bill if not paid by October 1,
1985, will be collected with your 1986 property taxes. A 10%
penalty will be added to cover additional administrative
expenses.
SANITARY SEWER BLOCKAGES
There continues to be a problem of sanitary sewer line
blockages due to certain types of material being placed in the
Sanitary Sewer System by certain users. The following types of
articles appear to be causing the blockages:
Disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, clothing and rags
and cooking grease as well as oil or oil base material and
chemicals.
95% of the blockages take place between the home and the main
sewer line and the cost of removing the blockage is the
responsibility of the homeowner. The cost of removing blockages
within the main sewer line is the responsibility of the City.
However, this cost is eventually passed on to the homeowner
through the sanitary sewer service charge.
The Public Works Department recommends that the
aforementioned articles (or anything that could potentially block
a sewer line) not be disposed of through the sanitary sewer
system. It would be to everybody's benefit if this
recommendation was heeded.
CITY HALL: 216 NORTH FOURTH STILLWATER, MINNESOTA 55082 PHONE: 612 - 439-6121
DOG "LICENSES
The 1985 Dog Licenses were due on May 1st. Remember, if you
did not submit proof of rabies certificate last year, it will be
necessary to have a current one when you make application for
your new license this year. Licenses are renewable each year -
rabies shots are good for two years. The license fees for both
male and female dogs are a$3.00.
NO ANIMAL SHALL BE ALLOWED TO RUN AT LARGE IN THE CITY
(At large shall be defined as: Off the premises of the owner and
not under the control of the owner or member of his immediate
family either by leash, cord, chain, or similar physical
restraint.)
Also, if you had a dog licensed in the past and no longer
have the dog, please call 439 -6121 and give this information to
the receptionist so that we can remove the registration card from
City files.
BOULEVARD AND SIDEWALK MAINTENANCE
The City Public Works Department would like to remind
citizens that trees abutting public sidewalks should be trimmed
to a height of eight feet over the walk and nine feet over the
public street. In many sections of the City, shrubs and hedges
encroach on the sidewalks causing an obstruction to citizens
desiring to use the public sidewalk.
It would be appreciated if citizens would keep trees,
shrubs, and ornamentals trimmed along our street and sidewalks to
provide an unobstructed path for citizens wishing to use the
public sidewalks. Also if the grass could be cut and trimmed by
your property - especially the boulevards - your property and the
City will be enhanced in beauty by your efforts.
PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALKS
Citizens are reminded that according to State Law, all
drivers must yield right -of -way to pedestrians in a crosswalk not
controlled by a traffic signal. Your cooperation in yielding in
crosswalk areas would be greatly appreciated by the City (and
especially by the pedestrians in the crosswalk!!!)
BUILDING PERMITS
We wish to call your attention to the fact that all building
construction work in excess of $500.00 requires a building permit
from the City of Stillwater and if you have any questions on this
matter, you are asked to contact the City's Building Official's
Office at 439 -6121.
MAYOR: • CITY COORDINATOR:
1 Harry D. Peterson Nile L. Kriesel
COUNCILMEMBERS: CITY CLERK:
Ann Marie Bodlovick Mary Lou Johnson
David C. Junker THE B I R T H P L A C E OF M I N N E S O T A FINANCE DIRECTOR:
Jay Kimble Betty J. Caruso
Brad MacDonald CITY ATTORNEY:
SPRING 1985 David T. Magnuson
DOG LICENSES
The 1985 Dog Licenses are due by May 1st. Remember,if you did not submit
proof of rabies certificate last year, it will be necessary to have a current
one when you make application for your new license this year. The li-cense fee
for both male and female dogs is $3.00. REMEMBER - NO ANIMAL SHALL BE ALLOWED
TO RUN AT LARGE IN THE CITY (whether licensed or unlicensed).
UTILITY BILL CHANGES
The sewer and garbage rates for the second quarter have not changed. However,
sewer charges are based on water consumption during January, February and March
so your utility bill could show either an increase or decrease, depending
upon changes in water consumption from the previous year.
POSTING OF BILLS AND SIGNS
Just a reminder that the posting of bills
on any portion or part of any public way
poles, telephone poles, public buildings,
Chapter 38.01. As in the past, the City
placing signs on any public property and
on private property as well.
BOARD OF REVIEW
or signs (including garage sale signs)
or public place, such as street light
etc., is prohibited per City Code
is asking its citizens to refrain from
to refrain from placing unsightly signs
The Stillwater Board of Review will meet at City Hall, 216 North Fourth Street,
on Wednesday, May 8, 1985, 2:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. for the purpose of reviewing
and correcting (where necessary) the assessed valuation on real estate properties
for the year, 1985.
All persons wishing to be heard on said assessed valuation will be heard at this
time to present cause for having said assessment corrected.
STREET ADDRESS NUMBERING
The following is an excerpt from the Stillwater City.Code Chapter 24.03 requiring
the placement of address numbers on the principal building:
Subd. 4. TYPE AND PLACEMENT OF NUMBERS. Each principal building shall
bear the number assigned to the frontage on which the front entrance
is located. In case a principal building is occupied by more than one
business or family dwelling unit, each front entrance of such principal
building shall bear a separate number. Numberals indicating the official
numbers for each principal building shall be reflectorized and a minimum
of three (3) inches in height and shall be posted at least five (5) feet
from the threshold on a building surface and placed in such a manner as
to be visible from the street on which the property is located. If
there is a main entrance visible from the street, the numbers shall be
placed within two (2) feet of that entrance.
CITY HALL: 216 NORTH FOURTH STILLWATER, MINNESOTA 55082 PHONE: 612 - 439 -6121
• - 2 - •
The numbering system is used for many reasons. One of the most important reasons
is to give our Fire Department or Police Department an address that can be easily
found in case of an emergency. It is, therefore, beneficial to you as a homeowner
or business owner to conform to this ordinance.
BUILDING PERMITS
We call your attention to the fact that all building construction work in excess
of $500 requires a building permit from the City of Stillwater. If you have any
questions in this area, you are asked to contact the City's Building Inspector's
Office at 439 - 6121.
All contractors performing such work must be licensed by the City of Stillwater
and if you wish to check out whether or not a given contractor is licensed,
you may contact the City Clerk's office for this information. Hiring a licensed
and insured contractor will give you protection in the case of faulty work done and
a possible default claim.
SPRING CLEAN -UP
The drop boxes will be available at the old dump site from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M
on May 4, 5, 11, and 12 for Spring clean -up. The old dump site is located
on the north side of County State Aid Highway #12 West Myrtle Street) between
Boutwell Road and Deerpath Street.
Now is the time to get rid of all of those items that you have been saving but
will never use. It is also a good time to be a good neighbor and clean -up that
storage area or that messy yard that you were going to clean up last year.
PLANTING OF TREES ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
The planting of trees within the limits of any street, public ground or highway
of the City of Stillwater without first obtaining a permit from the City is
prohibited. Anyone wishing to plant such tree or trees must apply to the Still-
water Park Commission for a permit stating the variety and precise location
proposed for each tree.
Please call the Parks Department (439 -4561) if you have any questions regarding
the planting of trees on Public property.
SIDEWALK MAINTENANCE
Is the sidewalk abutting your property in a safe condition? Although a side-
walk is considered public right -of -way, it is the property owner's responsi-
bility to maintain the sidewalk. If your sidewalk is in a state of disrepair
and unsafe for pedestrian traffic, you should consider having the sidewalk
repaired or replaced.
If you have any questions about the condition of your sidewalk and how to have
it repaired /replaced, please call the Public Works Department at 439 -6121.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * **
* *
* LANDLORDS -- PLEASE TRY TO MAKE THIS
* NEWSLETTER AVAILABLE TO YOUR TENANT(S)
MAYOR: CITY COORDINATOR:
Harry D. Peterson a Nile L. Kriesel
CLERK
'
COUNCILMEMBERS: C ITY C
Ann Marie Bodlovick Mary Lou Johnson
David C . Junker T H E B I R T H P L A CE OF M I N N E S O T A FINANCE DIRECTOR:
Jay Kimble Betty J. Caruso
Brad MacDonald CITY ATTORNEY:
David T. Magnuson
October, 1985
Dear Resident,
The Stillwater City Council is currently in the process of making some policy
decisions which may well affect the city budget and tax levy for years to come.
Before we make these serious decisions, we would like some input from you, the
taxpayers, we were elected to represent. Please assist us in our decision
making process by answering the questions below and dropping this question-
naire in the mail. Thank you for taking the time to respond. If you have
additional comments or questions regarding these issues, please feel free to
contact the councilmember of your choice to discuss them in greater detail.
The City of Stillwater operates a public library for its citizens, and has
done so since 1897. The 1986 operating budget for the library is approxi-
mately $282,441. This amount comes from the city portion of the property
taxes you pay each year. The tax levy for $282,441 is approximately 3.73
mills, which equates to about $60 per year for a homestead valued at $80,000.
QUESTION 1: HOW WOULD YOU LIKE THE LIBRARY OPERATING BUDGET TO BE HANDLED?
A: CONTINUE CURRENT OPERATING BUDGET AND FUNDING AS IS.
B: REDUCE OPERATING BUDGET TO BARE BONES SERVICE TO MINIMIZE COSTS.
C: RE -OPEN NEGOTIATIONS WITH WASHINGTON COUNTY TO MERGE OUR LIBRARY WITH
THE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM. (This would eliminate the city's special
levy for the Library budget and would decrease the taxes on a
Stillwater homestead residence valued at $80,000 by about $50 -$55 per
year)
D: REDUCE THE LIBRARY BUDGET THROUGH USER FEES AND /OR HIGHER OVERDUE
FINES.
E: OTHER:
The library is in need of renovation in order to provide mandated handicapped
access, a more modern level of service and energy saving insulation, etc.
(The renovation study is available at the library.) This renovation is esti-
mated at a cost of $725,000. If the city bonds for these improvements (with a
ten year pay back period) it would raise property taxes approximately 1.4
mills per year (a cost per year of about $20 on an $80,000 home.)
UESTION 2: HOW SHOULD THE COUNCIL PROCEED WITH THIS SUGGESTED RENOVATION?
A: BOND FOR THE RENOVATION IMPROVEMENTS AS DESCRIBED ABOVE.
B: LIMIT RENOVATION TO HANDICAP ACCESS AND NECESSARY ENERGY
IMPROVEMENTS.
C: PARTICIPATE IN RENOVATION ONLY IF REQUIRED BY MERGER WITH COUNTY
SYSTEM.
D: OTHER:
CITY HALL: 216 NORTH FOURTH STILLWATER, MINNESOTA 55082 PHONE: 612 - 439 -6121
0 9
QUESTION 3 : DO YOU USE THE SERVICES OF THE CITY LIBRARY?
A: OFTEN
B: OCCASIONALLY
C: SELDOM
D: NEVER
The City of Stillwater has about 70 miles of streets. The average street,
when constructed new, will last about 35 years if properly maintained. To
provide consistently serviceable streets, this means we should reconstruct
about 2 miles of street each year. Historically, street improvement costs
have been assessed on a front foot basis to benefiting (abutting) property
owners. 1985 street construction costs are about $88 per front foot. (If you
were assessed for reconstruction of your street, and you had a 100 foot wide
lot, your assessment for a new street with curb, gutter and sidewalks would be
$8,800). It has been suggested that street reconstruction be financed by the
city. State statute requires a minimum 20% be assessed to the property owner.
One suggestion has been that the city only assess the minimum 20% that is
required by State Statute. Such a policy would raise property taxes to a
maximum of $400 per year on an $80,000 home. Another suggestion is for the
city to pay 25% with 75% assessed. This formula would raise property taxes
about $104 per year. The maximum in each suggested formula would occur the
tenth year of a continuing street management program. (All costs 1985 $)
QUESTION 4: HOW SHOULD THE CITY FINANCE STREET RECONSTRUCTION?
A: ASSESS BENEFITING PROPERTY OWNERS THE ENTIRE COST OF THE IMPROVEMENT.
B: CITY GENERAL FUND PAYS 80 %, 20% ASSESSED TO PROPERTY OWNERS.
C: CITY GENERAL FUND PAYS 25 %, 75% ASSESSED TO PROPERTY OWNERS.
D: DON'T RECONSTRUCT STREETS UNTIL RESIDENTS REQUEST IT EVEN THOUGH DE-
LAYED IMPROVEMENT MAY COST MORE LATER. (Maintenance such as patching
is expensive, may not adequately prolong street life, and may not be
an available option given the limited resources of the general fund.)
E: OTHER:
Thank you for filling out and returning this questionnaire.
YOUR STILLWATER CITY COUNCIL