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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002 Stillwater City NewsletterVOL. 15 No.1 Official City Newsletter 216 N Fourth St., Stillwater, Minnesota 55082 PRSTD U.S POSTAGE PAID Stillwater, MN 55082 Permit No, 206 Postal Patron Mayor and Council Elected Farewell to Terry & Taco Open house for Public 14lnrks Facility Special Election - s & Answers How the Mail Ballot Process works County environmental charge to appear on trash bill Downtown Parking Program Stillwater Police Dept. TIP LINE Holiday tree removal Who's Who in City Hall Winter reminders Forester Information Winter Parking Regulations Snowmobiling in Stillwater Briefs: Attention Merchants Volunteer drivers St. Croix Valley Recreation Center Information CO Poisoning can kill Winter safety Test your home for Radon Have a healthy vacation Winter fire safety Community support provides Fire Dept. with State of the Art Thermal Imaging Technology •••••••••• Special Election by Mail Ballot on January 28 The City of Stillwater will be conducting a Special Election by Mail Ballot with two questions. Pages 2 -10 contains information on the two ballot questions and the mail ballot process. Mayor Kimble S elect Mayor Jay Kimble was reelected as Mayor. Mayor Kimble has served the residents of Stillwater as Councilmember from 1983 -1990; 1993 -1994 and Mayor since 1995. David G. Junker was elected as Councilmember for Ward 1. Mr. Junker serves on the City's Parks Board (1989 to present) as commission member and past chairperson. . ene " Gary Kriesel was elected as Councilmember for Ward 4. Mr. Kriesel has served on the City's Charter Commission for the past three years. The City Council will be missing two familiar faces who have been very important to the City for the past several years. Terry Zoller's (Ward 1) and Gene "Taco" Bealka's (Ward 4) terms on the City Council expired at the end of 2002. Terry and Taco have been very instrumental in the remodeling and expansion of City Hall; the building of the St. Croix Valley Recreation Center, the orderly annexation and the overall improvement of City services. Good Luck Terry and Taco. Thanks for a job well done. You will be missed. Open House Activities: * Tour of building * Equipment demos * Snacks and refreshments * Meet Public Works employees * Discussions with architect and contractor * Balloons and coloring books for the kids * Talk to your City Council You are invited! What: Public Works Facility Open House When: Saturday January 18, 11 A.M — 2:30 P.M. Where: 3325 Boutwell Road -% mile east of Manning Ave. on 80th Street (Boutwell Road) Facts about the Public Works Facility • Project was conceived in 1994. • Construction cost for buildings, site work and park improvements was $4.9 million. • The main building is 43,000 sf. and the salt building is 4,200 sf. • All 40 Public Works vehicles and 20 Public Works employees will be housed inside the main building. • The structure is built with over 300 tons of steel. • The garage area is designed with a 113 foot clear span (no posts holding up the roof!) • The project also includes a little league ball field, picnic areas, 2,000 feet of trails, and over 200 trees. The Charter Commission has requested that the City Charter be amended to place management of the City's waterworks under the management of the City. The City Council determined that the matter should be decided by the City's voters. The City Council has also placed a second question on the ballot with regard to whether the City Council should be authorized to issue liquor licenses in excess of the number now permitted. The goal of this question and answer section is to provide voters with information so that you may make an informed choice at the special election on January 28, 2003. We encourage you to read this brochure and most importantly exercise your right to vote at the Special Election. that the City waterworks that is owned and operated by the City be managed by the City Council, thereby dissolving the Board of Water Commissioners ?" ANSWER: The Board of Water Commissioners has done an excellent job of managing the City's waterworks for a long time. Their integrity and service to the community has been commendable. The basic issue is whether the citizens of Stillwater could be better served by merging the Water Department with the City Public Works Department. Section 13.01 of the current City Charter provides: "The system of waterworks owned and operated by the City shall be under the control and management of a Board of Water Commissioners." If a majority of votes are cast in favor of this question, the system of waterworks already owned and operated by the City would also be controlled and managed by the City. What is the History of the Water Board? Municipal water service was first offered in the City of Stillwater by a private company operating under a franchise granted by the City Council. On April 23, 1880, the City granted a 30 -year franchise to the "Stillwater Water Company" . The franchise obligated a minimum amount of construction per year, required the provision of good water, authorized the use of City right —of —way and restricted the water rates charged to consumers "not to exceed the average rates now charged at St. Paul, Minnesota; Dubuque and Clinton, Iowa." The franchise also provided that the City would have the option to purchase the water works from the private company at the end of the franchise period. The City exercised the option to acquire the water works in 1911 and appointed a Board of Commissioners to manage the waterworks. The Water Board, consists of three members who serve three year terms and who are appointed by the City Council. ANSWER: After two years of study, the Charter Commission concluded there may be a better way of managing the Water Department and possibly saving taxpayer dollars. The City's Charter Commission unanimously recommended this proposed change. An independent auditor hired by the City provided an analysis (included in this newsletter) showing probable savings and cost avoidance. The immediate and probable savings identified by the auditor considered funding for new staff positions included in the preliminary 2003 budget. These new positions have been eliminated from the 2003 budget due to lack of funds. The need for these positions has not diminished. ANSWER: The Water Department would continue to have its own operating statement and balance sheet. Almost all cities account for their water operation in this manner. Stillwater already operates three similar dedicated funds for sanitary sewer, storm sewer and parking. ANSWER: It is against the Minnesota Statutes to take money out of a utility operation and use it for general city operations. The city would operate the water department in the same way the City operates the sewer department, as a separate dedicated fund. The City has operated the sewer department in this manner for over half a century. ANSWER: Water fees can only be used for water expense. Minnesota Statute requires the provider of water service to establish just and equitable charges for use of the water service. This statute bars the Water Board or the City Council from establishing and collecting any charges that are not as "nearly as possible proportionate to the cost of furnishing the service." ANSWER: Out of 854 Minnesota cities only six still operate with independent water boards. What is the City Charter? The word "charter" is derived from the Historical Legislative action that was needed to create a city in the 19th Century. When Stillwater was formed in 1843, the local inhabitants petitioned the State Legislature to enact a law granting a "charter." The charter granted by the state was a full chapter in the state statutes and recited the powers of the city, provided for the election of a mayor and councilmen, and gave the city authority to collect tax. The current laws regarding Charter cities authorize cities to provide for "the establishment and administration of all departments of city government and for the regulation of all local municipal functions. This authority is broad, and extends to all aspects of local government. What is the history of the Charter Commission? Historically, the City Charter Commission worked on the initial Charter from 1896 until it was finally enacted in 1913. The Charter was first updated in 1926. The Charter remained practically unchanged from 1926 until 1987. Since 1987, the Charter has been changed to create the ward system of electing city council, to create restrictions on the sale of city park land, and to establish provisions relating to conflicts of interest for local officials. The City Charter can now be changed by ordinance if recommended by the Charter Commission or by a referendum submitted to the voters. Members of the Charter Commission are appointed to serve by the Chief District Judge. Most recently the Charter Commission studied the efficiencies of merging the Water Department into the of the City's Public Works Department. As a result, the commission was unanimous in placing this question on the ballot. LarsonAllen Achieve the Desired Effect'' 220 South 6th Street #300, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402 -1436 612/376 -4500, FAX 612/376 -4850, www.larsonallen.com August 19,2002 At your request, we have analyzed the Water Commission and the City of Stillwater's costs to assist the City in identifying immediate and predictable cost savings or cost avoidance and identifiable general efficiencies if the Water Commission were to merge into the City. Our analysis project used a "three column" approach identifying potential cost savings or avoidance: 1. Immediate cost savings were identified. These are costs that are currently being incurred which would be avoided if the two entities combined. 2. Near future opportunities for probable avoidance of costs were identified. These are costs that, with the efficiencies of having one entity, appear could be avoided in the near future. These are not costs that the City or Water Commission are currently incurring. They are costs expected to be incurred (i.e. they are included in current budget requests), but which will likely be avoided if staff and equipment of the Water Commission are available to be shared with the City. 3. Prospective cost savings or cost avoidance opportunities were identified. These cost savings are less likely to be realized and are predicated on the occurrence of several factors in order for the savings to ultimately be realized by the City. Lastly, we also analyzed and discussed with staff some potential one -time costs, which may be incurred by the City if the merger were to occur. Below is a table which details the areas described above: Potential Annual Cost Savings or Avoidance Immediate Probable Cost Prospective Savings Avoidance Cost Avoidance Totals Mailing and Invoice Expense $ 4,000 $ 4,000 Reduce Overtime - Weekend 10,000 10,000 Reduced Audit Fee 3,000 3,000 Payroll Database Charge 500 500 Water Building Utilities 1,500 1,500 Telephone at Water building 3,000 3,000 Avoid Additional Finance Staff $ 45,800 45,800 Avoid Additional Service Staff 50,000 50,000 Avoid Additional Secretary $ 46,000 46,000 Equipment Rental Savings 5,400 5,400 Reduce Overtime - Plowing 3,750 3,750 Totals $ 22,000 $ 95,800 $ 55,150 $ 172,950 One -time Costs Training $ 1,000 Radio Signal Control Box $ 20,000 (or optional moving of water control panel for $75,000) Legal and Accounting Fees (Est.) $ 5,000 It should be noted that the items listed under Potential Savings or Avoidance would be saved annually, if they were to occur. The items listed under Costs are one -time occurrences. Details of the Potential Annual Cost Savings or Avoidance table presented above are as follows: ➢ The savings from mailing and invoices occur as a result of combining the water and sewer billing. This would cut postage and paper costs in half between the Water Commission and the City. ➢ Overtime pay will likely be reduced with the Water and Sewer departments working together. Currently, each} department has an employee on overtime pay every weekend to check all the pump stations. A minimum of four hours of overtime is paid according to the contracts under which the employees work. With a small amount of training, it appears one individual could check both water and sewer pumps in less than a four hour period. ➢ Each entity currently contracts for an annual audit of its financial statements. With a merger of the two, the Water Commission's separate audit would be eliminated. While some additional audit procedures would need to be added to the City's audit, the cost would be significantly less than two complete audits. ➢ The City prepares a separate payroll for the Water Commission, as it currently is a separate entity. A $500 database fee is charged by the software vendor for each payroll. With a merger, running two separate payrolls could be eliminated. ➢ If the merger occurred it appears the Water Commission would move to the new public works building. The current Water Commission main office building would remain, as it is a pump building as well, but would become significantly unoccupied, saving some heating /utilities costs. ➢ There are additional telephone lines available at the City building locations. Using these available lines should essentially eliminate the telephone charges that are paid by the Water Commission. ➢ We understand the City has identified three new job positions which are needed, or will be needed in the near future. The positions include an additional employee in the finance department, a secretary at the new public works building and an additional service person in public works. With some restructuring of duties and efficiencies gained in the two entities working together, it is quite possible the need to hire from outside the City for two of the positions would be eliminated. It does not appear likely that all three positions could be satisfied in the short term by the merger alone, however, our conversations with appropriate staff indicate some sense that the future addition of a third administrative position may be avoided sometime in the future as a result of the merger. ➢ The Water Commission currently contracts out the use of most large equipment. Assuming the equipment of the City is not in use on other projects and is capable of the work needed, there appears savings could occur. Due to the variables involved, the estimated amount is shown in the "prospective" column. ➢ There is typically a significant amount of overtime paid during the snow plowing season. With increased employees in the public works department and appropriate cross training, overtime may be reduced. The amount was estimated based upon an estimation of time the Water Commission employees may have available to assist in plowing during the winter months. The amount may vary significantly based on snow fall and Water Commission employee availability. There are additional efficiencies that could occur with the merger of the two entities. Due to the nature of the items and uncertainty of future events, no value of cost savings or avoidance could be placed on the items: • A uniform process for the inspections of sewer and water. The main concern appears to be better documentation and retention of sewer hookups. It is undeterminable what future time savings may occur as a result. • Increased uniformity in the planning of significant public works projects. While reasonable communication generally takes place on all public works projects, increased communication and conformity of ideas may occur with the groups working closer together. Again, these items are speculative, but our conversations with staff indicate that some opportunities exist. One -time Costs In addition to potential savings relating to the merger of the two entities, there are also some costs that would be incurred if a merger were to occur. There has already been a significant amount of time spent by various individuals in relation to this issue and more time will surely be required as the issue progresses. In addition to the expenditure of time, other cost include: ➢ Training time for employees to be able to assist with work in other areas. Example, as noted above having one person check on both the water and sewer pump stations. The cost in the chart above includes one day of time for 5 sewer and water employees. ➢ After discussions with engineers at the City, it appears the City could install a radio signal control box at the Water Commission Building for approximately $20,000 in order to avoid moving the entire water control panel. The control box would relay the needed information to the new public works building. This would minimize the expense until the control panels were in need of an upgrade. Atithe time of upgrade, the full control panel could be moved to the public works building. The $20,000 investment would not be lost as the control box would still be usable for the pump at the Water Commission building. Optionally, the Water Commission staff estimates that the water control panel could be moved to the new Public Works facility for $70,000 to $80,000. ➢ Legal and accounting fees would be incurred to rewrite the city charter and assist with the accounting issues related to the merger. This cost is difficult to estimate, however, it is likely that some additional costs will be incurred beyond the cost savings analysis detailed herein. ➢ If the issue makes it to the election ballot there will be some costs in educating the citizens on the issue. The costs here will vary based on the amount of effort each group may want to spend in promoting the issue. It is foreseeable that there may be funds spent by each group and promoting a different outcome. The information above is provided for the information of the City of Stillwater and the Water Commission of the City of Stillwater. It was obtained by inquiry of City and Water Commission personnel and analysis of financial records regarding costs information. All amounts are estimates and full realization of savings cannot be guaranteed. We recommend this "estimated cost savings" information be used in conjunction with other non - financial issues (e.g. employee morale, establishing one common location for citizens to deal with both water and sewer billings issues, etc.) to assess the overall appropriateness of this issue for the City, its Water Commission, and its citizens. We appreciate the opportunity to assist you in this important decision process. If we can be of further assistance on this issue or if you have any questions on the above information, please feel free to contact us. Sincerely, Larson, Allen, Weishair & Co., LLP Thomas P. Koop, CPA Principal ANSWER: At the request of the Charter Commission, the City agreed to hire an independent auditing firm to review the possible reorganization and document cost savings. The auditor chosen for the report has been the auditor for the Water Board as well as the City of Stillwater for the past six years, so the auditor has familiarity with both operations and incentive to be impartial. ANSWER: Rates must be set based upon the cost of service whether the Water Department is managed by the Water Board or the City Council. Won't we lose our current checks a vu ANSWER: Most citizens know the Mayor and City Council. All semimonthly meetings of the City Council are open to the public and broadcast on public television and typically reviewed by at least three local newspapers. An annual independent audit of income and expenditures is required for all City and Water Board operations. Meetings of the Board of Water Commissioners are also open to the public. Minnesota "open meeting" law applies to both entities. ANSWER: The aquifer, or source of water, will not change regardless of who manages the Water Department. The equipment will not change and all tests required by the Minnesota Department of Health will continue to be done. ANSWER: If Stillwater voters approve the merger, current Water Department employees will be brought into the City Public Works Department. Their expertise in waterworks will be recognized and they will continue to work in that area. They will also be cross - trained so they can work in other areas as needed. Current Water Department employees have expressed concern that changing their full -time efforts now dedicated to water operations will affect the quality of service provided. ANSWER: The Charter amendment would legally take effect 30 days after the election, but the merger would take place over time. Gradually the separate departments would cross -train and begin working together and sharing equipment and job duties. Within the first year the billing system would be consolidated into one quarterly bill for City utilities. ANSWER: The aquifer, watermains, buildings and other equipment will be the same. For the foreseeable future the people who work for the Water Department will remain the same. The only change a consumer might notice, is one utility bill that includes charges for sewer, storm water, and water usage. One bill would save the City consumers (the taxpayer) mailing expense. Under the present arrangement, the City sends a separate bill for sewer and storm water and the Water Board sends a separate bill for water usage. community if the City Council? ANSWER: It is true that elimination of the Water Board will close an historical chapter for the City, but the site of the Water Board and the buildings of the Water Department will remain as they are. Since much of the equipment needed to run the water system is located in these buildings, the visual history of the City will remain for all residents to appreciate. "Shall the City Council be allowed to issue 'or licenses for the sale of intoxicating liquor at r excess of the number permitted by law ?" 4.fol v 'rpm/ off =.s74P finuffinr lfr, ns ANSWER: By law — 12 licenses, however, by special laws and referendum vote another 10 have been added (including Club licenses). ANSWER: Since' the City has developed as a center for fine dining and entertainment, it has become apparent there are not enough licenses to go around. A number of restaurants do not have full on -sale liquor licenses should they wish to obtain one. With some worthy projects, the City has been forced to hire a lobbyist to seek special laws each time a new restaurant seeks a license. This is a waste of money and effort. ff, ANSWER: The City Council has wide discretion to decide to whom and where a new license will be located. The City's zoning and Minnesota Statutes also dictate where establishments that offer liquor can be located. Contact City Hall (430 -8800) or the Board of Water Commissioners (439 -6231) for further information on the ballot questions The City of Stillwater encourages all citizens to carefully review educational materials regarding this referendum issue and to exercise your right to vote. If a change is made it will be up to the voters to decide. Prepared and paid for by the City of Stillwater, 216 North 4th Street, Stillwater, Minnesota 55082. This publication is not circulated on behalf of any candidate or ballot question. Who will automatically receive the mailed ballot? Every registered voter who lives within the City limits of the City of Stillwater. To be considered a registered voter you must be registered before January 7 to receive a ballot. How will residents out of town during the mailing period receive their ballots? Ballots cannot be forwarded by the Post Office Residents who will be absent from the City from January 8 to January 28, 2003 or longer, may vote by absentee ballot. An Absentee Ballot Application must be completed and returned to the City Clerk prior to an Absentee Ballot being sent to the out -of -town resident at their temporary address. The Absentee Ballot Application is available during normal business hours at the official polling place for the special election which is Stillwater City Hall, 216 North Fourth St., or the Water Department, 204 North Third Street, or be obtained through the City's web site www.ci.stillwater.mn.us. Once the ballots are available, absentee ballots will be mailed to the out -of -town resident at their temporary address. When will absentee ballots be available? Minnesota Statute requires that absentee ballots be available 30 days before the election, which is December 28, 2002. You may vote absentee up until January 27 at 5:00 P.M. How can non - registered voters receive a ballot? Non - registered voters would also vote by the absentee ballot process. The Absentee Ballot Application is available during normal business hours at the official polling place for the special election Stillwater City Hall, 216 North 4th St., or the Water Department, 204 North 3rd Street, or be obtained through the City's web site www.ci.stillwater.mn.us. Once the application is received and the absentee ballots are available on December 28, 2002, the absentee ballot, along with a Minnesota Voter Registration Card will be sent to the non - registered voter. Is a voter's signature and witness signature required on the return ballot envelope for registered and non- registered voters along with proof of residence for non - registered voters? Yes. The voter's information and signature and witness portions on the return envelope (for registered or non- registered voters) are required. SEE SAMPLE ON PAGE 10. If this portion is not completed, the ballot will be rejected by the Election Judges and the vote will not be counted. A witness must meet one of the following requirements: • anyone who is registered to vote in Minnesota including your spouse or another relative who meets this qualification; • a notary public; • or any person having authority to administer oaths. In the case of a non - registered voter the Proof of Residence portion of the return envelope must also be completed as well as the voter information and witness portion as described above. SEE SAMPLE ON PAGE 10. If voter information, witness portion, and the Proof of Residence portion of the return envelope are not completed or the registration card not included in return envelope, the ballot will be rejected by the Election Judges and the vote will not be counted. One of the following items must be used for proof of residence and shown to the witness: a. a valid Minnesota driver's license, permit, or identification card, or a receipt for any of these forms, that contains your current address; or b. one document from the list in (i) and one document from the list in (ii) below: (i) an original bill in your name for gas, electric, telephone, cable television, solid waste, water, or sewer services showing your current address and due up to 30 days before or after election day, and (ii) your Minnesota driver's license or identification card, United States passport, United States military identification card with your photograph, or Minnesota post secondary student identification card with your photograph; c. the signature of a registered voter who lives in your precinct; if your witness is registered to vote in your precinct, your witness may also vouch for you; d. a student identification card, registration card, or fee statement that contains the student's current address in the precinct; or e. a current valid registration in the same precinct. What if a ballot gets lost in the mail, or the voter spoils the ballot how would the voter get a new ballot? If a ballot is lost in the mail, voters can contact City Hall, complete a Replacement Mail Ballot Affidavit and receive a replacement ballot. If a ballot is spoiled in anyway, a spoiled ballot must be returned to the City Clerk by mail or in person prior to receiving a new ballot. How can the ballot be returned to City Hall? Ballots must be received at City Hall, 216 North Fourth Street by 8:00 P.M., January 28, 2003 by one of the following methods: • either in person between 8:00 —4:30 P.M. January 8 through January 24, 2003; January 25, 2003 -10:00 A.M. — 3:00 P.M.; January 27, 2003 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.; or January 28, 2003, 7:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M. or • by mail (return ballot envelope is stamped and self addressed) or • by designated agent delivered before 8:00 P.M., Tuesday, January 28, 2003. An individual shall not be the designated agent of more than three voters in one election. When will the votes be counted? Election Judges will count the ballots at 8:00 P.M. at Stillwater City Hall Council Chambers on Tuesday, January 28, 2003. Who can provide additional information about voting procedures? If you need more information, please contact City Hall at 430 -8800. Vii)te 7 TO BE COMPLETED BY VOTER 7 VOTER'S NAME (PLEASE PRINT) VOTER'S ADDRESS (PLEASE PRINT) I certify that on election day I will meet all the legal requirements to vote by absentee ballot. VOTER'S SIGNATURE DATE 7 TO BE COMPLETED BY WITNESS V I certify that the voter • showed me the blank ballots before voting; • marked the ballots in secrecy or, if physically unable to mark the ballots, the ballots were marked as directed by the voter; and • enclosed and sealed the ballots in the secrecy envelope. NAME OF WITNESS (PLEASE PRINT) ADDRESS OF WITNESS (PLEASE PRINT) SIGNATURE OF WITNESS DATE TITLE OF WITNESS (IF AN OFFICIAL) 7 FOR OFFICE USE ONLY 7 ❑ ACCEPTED ❑ REJECTED Reason 7 TO BE COMPLETED BY VOTER • VOTER'S NAME (PLEASE PRINT) VOTER'S ADDRESS (PLEASE PRINT) I certify that on election day I will meet all the legal requirements to vote by absentee ballot. VOTER'S SIGNATURE DATE • TO BE COMPLETED BY WITNESS 7 I certify that the voter • showed me the blank ballots before voting; • marked the ballots in secrecy or, if physically unable to mark the ballots, the ballots were marked as directed by the voter; • enclosed and sealed the ballots in the secrecy envelope; • registered to vote by filling out and enclosing a voter registration card in the ballot envelope; and • provided proof of residence as indicated below. NAME OF WITNESS (PLEASE PRINT) ADDRESS OF WITNESS (PLEASE PRINT) SIGNATURE OF WITNESS DATE TITLE OF WITNESS (IF AN OFFICIAL) • PROOF OF RESIDENCE USED BY VOTER • Witness - Please check one ❑ MN Driver's License /Permit/ID Card or receipt with current address. Number: ❑ Utility bill plus a MN Driver's License /ID Card, U.S. passport, U.S. Military ID card with picture, or student ID card with picture. Number: ❑ Previous registration in the same precinct. ❑ Student ID Number: ❑ Notice of Late Registration from county auditor or municipal clerk. ❑ Registered voter in the precinct who vouched for absentee voter's residence in the precinct. (Please complete the next three lines.) VOUCHER'S NAME (PLEASE PRINT) VOUCHER'S ADDRESS (PLEASE PRINT) VOUCHER'S SIGNATURE 7 FOR OFFICE USE ONLY • ❑ ACCEPTED ❑ REJECTED Reason Stillwater MN 55082 .y q C V .0 '9' N+ '" O y O 0 .p + A O vi 8 ti � . 5 , ; n N C 'r] c:s ry ye °°°'Q U aUo � g4 ca. 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Na 206 Postal Patron T,HISSUE' Minnesota Territorial/State Prison 1851-1914 Fire Prevention Week St. Croix Area United Way Speech -to -Speech Relay Bus Route Changes Register to Vote Polling Place Locations November 5th Election Absentee Ballots Available at City Hall Ward Map Who's Who in City Hall A Thank you from the Fire Department Snowmobiling in Stillwater Winter Reminders Carbon Monoxide Fact Sheet Winter Parking Regulations Downtown Parking Program Water Rates Raised Sign Reminder Looking for a Job? Suggestions from City Forestry Consultant Tree Trimming & Mulch Availability Getting Ready to Rake? Charter 3rd Monday City Council 1st & 3rd Tuesday Heritage Preservation 1st Monday Human Rights Last Wednesday Library 2nd Tuesday Parks Board 4th Monday Planning 2nd Monday Mayor Jay Kimble 439-2888 Council Ward 1 Terry Zoller 439-5286 Ward 2 John Rheinberger 439-4199 Ward 3 Wally Milbrandt 439-0185 Ward 4 Gene "Taco" Bealka 439-4387 Minn : via " arr nail at Pris‘cm From 1851-1853, the territory of Minne- sota built a prison in Stillwater, north of the growing commercial district. The site was known as Battle Hollow, a naturally formed cavity in the St. Croix River bluffs. Named for a violent skirmish, which occurred when a group of Dakota attacked an Ojibwe camp in 1839. White settlement began in the Still- water vicinity in 1838, but the city was not founded until 1843. The original territorial prison buildings were built in the southeast corner of the hol- low and consisted of a three-story prison, a workshop, an office and a machine shop. The warden's house was built just to the south of the prison. All of these 1850's structures were built of stone from local quarries. In 1858, Minnesota attained statehood and the Stillwater prison became the first state prison. In 1871 all of the original prison buildings, except the warden's house were torn down and a new cell and administration complex was built immediately south of the original prison buildings. Throughout the 1870's and early 1880's the prison and workshop complex expanded until almost the entire hollow had been filled with buildings. The prison buildings were built of stone and the center row of shops were built of stone and brick, while most of the northern shop complex was built of wood. In 1884, two January fires destroyed almost all of the shops complex and seriously damaged the prison complex. The initial wardens of the prison were businessmen who used the convict labor in shops located within the prison walls. The manufacturing complex rapidly expanded and the prison yard continually ex- panded to the north and the west until in 1889 it encompassed over 9 acres. Manufacturing initially focused on wood products such as shingles, flooring and barrels. In 1876 the shops began manufactur- ing threshing machines and in 1882 a railroad car facility was built. Twine manufacturing began in 1891. A new prison site was chosen at Bayport, and construction at the site began in 1910. The Territorial Prison was closed in 1914. The last standing structures of the old prison, built in 1891 were destroyed the night of September 3, 2002, apparently due to arson. Some of the foundation walls remain; the fate of the remnants is yet to be determined. For more information on the history of the prison site, contact the Washington County Historical Society at (651)439-5956. *Excerpts were from the Stillwater Territorial Prison Site Reuse Study. Update on New Pub' Wurks Building The new Public Works facility is well on its way to being completed. Inside the building the HVAC is nearing completion and finishing touches are being done in order to get the interior ready for painting. The site grading and storm sewer installation should be finished by the end of September. Site restoration, parking lot and driveway construction will take the better part of October, Fencing and plantings are scheduled for completion by November 1. It is anticipated that a move -in date will be November 15. N r wa1c Fire ep„ •tniE NFPA "Team UpforFire Safes" � 7 during Fire Pre11 vN�-gff L!kj'!; October : M ri 2, 2002 The Stillwater Fire Department is joining forces with the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), a nonprofit organization, to spread the word about "Toom Up for Fire Safety" this year's Fire Prevention Week (FPW) campaign, October 6- 12, 2002. This year's theme encourages children and families to recognize the role they play in keeping their home fire -safe by focusing on three key safety messages: 1) Installing and testing smoke alarms listed by a qualified testing laboratory; 2) Practicing home escape plans; and 3) Hunting for home hazards. According to NFPA, 85% of all fires occur in the home, and most of these fires are preventable. "When there is a fire, you may have only two minutes to get out of the home. Having working smoke alarms and a well -practiced home escape plan are crucial so that everyone knows exactly what to do if a fire breaks out", said Rob Zoller, Fire Education Officer for the Stillwater Fire Department. Rob also stated, "Taking a few moments to inspect and correct common fire hazards in your home can make a real difference in your family's safety and well-being." The Stillwater Fire Department plans to increase public awareness of "Team Up for Fire Safety" with messages through visits to area schools, fire safety messages displayed around town, and a Fire Department Open House at the fire station, 216 N. 4th St., October 12, from 10:00 am — 1:00 p.m. Open house will feature: Demonstrations of Fire Fighting Equipment Station tours and Meet your Fire Fighters Informational Safety Brochures Practice the Use of a Fire Extinguisher Visit Lakeview Hospital EMS Advanced Life Support Ambulance Receive a Free Fire Prevention Calendar Stillwater Police Department will be available for Personal Child Identification Cards Register for Door Prizes and Giveaways Children can use a fire hose to hit a fire target Free Refreshments and MORE! A reminder also to mark your calendar for the Annual Stillwater Fire Department Fish Fry Dinner to be held October 18th at the Stillwater VFW. The proceeds from this excellent meal will help us reach our goal to purchase a Thermal Imaging Camera. St. Croix Area United Way c Unl bed Way Give Where You Live Give where you live support neighbors and friends, help build our community so hope never ends. Food, clothing & shelter even a day without pain, things many take for granted others struggle to obtain. Your donation and mine joined together increase in power, sparking a chain reaction encouraging a seed to flower. If you care about where the resources stay, then Give Where You Live —to your local area United Way. - Poem written by Jean M. Berry, St. Croix Area United Way volunteer Even though you may work outside the St. Croix Area, your contribution to the St. Croix Area United Way need not go to the Twin Cities. It will stay RIGHT HERE in the Stillwater area to help your family, friends and neighbors, if you so designate. Be sure to write "St. Croix Area United Way" on your pledge sheet to guarantee your gift stays here in your community. Contact United Way at 439-3838 for more information. MillneSOta Relay for Speech to Speech A free service from Minnesota Relay. Helping people with speech difficulties to communicate on the telephone! What is Relay? Minnesota Relay Service facilitates telephone calls between people with hearing loss and persons that can hear. Specially trained operators, or communication assistants (CAs), link TTY (teletypewriter) users with hearing people using standard telephones. What is STS Relay? Speech -to -Speech (STS) relay works for people with speech difficulties similar to the way traditional relay works for people with hearing loss. Using a standard or hands -free telephone and with help from the STS CA, people with speech difficulties can communicate with people that have difficulty understanding them. To learn more about Speech -to -Speech or to schedule a free -of - charge presentation for employees, groups or organizations, please call: (651) 297-4565 (Metro area), or 1-800-657-3599 (Greater Minnesota), a-mail:TACIPcpmmerce@state.mn.us or visit the MRS website at rttp://www.commerce.state.mn.lt$ and click on: Minnesota Relay Service. Bus Rout-: Changes Provide New Service St. Croix Valley Transit Route 245 is now providing morning service to Stillwater Junior High as part of a series of bus route changes that took effect March 16th. The changes were made by the Metropolitan Council to better serve residents of Stillwater, Oak Park Heights and Bayport. Prior to March 16, Route 245 only provided service from Stillwater Junior High in the afternoon for students returning home. Now a morning trip is available to bring students to school, arriving at about 7:10 a.m. Route 245 now serves the new Boutwell's Landing apartments in Oak Park Heights as well. It continues to connect with Route 294 for travel along Highway 5 in Oak Park Heights, to Lake Elmo and to downtown St. Paul. Other changes in the area include making local Route 246 a "Dial -Up" bus service rather than a fixed route. This means residents in the service area now are picked up at their door and dropped off directly at their destination. Anyone can use the service but reservations are required at least two hours before the trip. The 246 Dial -Up service area includes portions of Oak Park Heights around the Raymie-Johnson apartments and St. Croix Mall and the City of Bayport. It also connects riders with Route 245 at Target/Cub for local travel to stops along that route. Route 245 operates Monday through Friday 6:30 a.m. — 7:30 p.m. and Saturday 7:20 a.m. — 7:00 p.m. For more information, call 612-373-3333. Or look for a new schedule at Washington County Government Center or Washington County Library. The 246 Dial -Up service operates Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For a reservation call 651-275-4315. Register to Is4te Voters must register if they have moved or changed their name since they last voted, have never voted, or have not voted in the last four years. The deadline for preregistration for the November General Election is Tuesday, October 15 at 5:00 p.m. You may register on election day, but must provide one of the following proof of residence: A current Minnesota Driver License, learner permit or identification card (or receipt for a new one) with your address Photo ID with current utility bill: Photo ID includes; MN drivers license or MN ID with former address — out state License can not be used. US passport, military ID, MN student ID Utility Bill includes: Cable TV, electric, gas, phone, water, garbage, or sewer Due within 30 days of the election, and Includes the voter's name and current address A U.S. passport or military ID card and a utility bill* A notice from Washington County distributed due to redistricting Someone who is registered in the precinct where you live to vouch for you at the polling place You may pick up a voter registration form at City Hall, 216 North Fourth Street during regular office hours, M-F 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., through the City's website (Election Information) www.ci.stillwater.mn.us, or register in person at the Washington County Courthouse to make the process as smooth as possible when you arrive at the polling place on Election Day. If you have any questions, contact the City Clerk at 430-8800. NOTE: New registration must be received by Washington County before October 15. If not received by that date you will have to register on Election Day. Polling Place Locations Ward 1, Precinct 1 Oak Park Elementary School, 6355 Osman Avenue Ward 1, Precinct 2 Our Saviors Lutheran Church Olive & Brick Ward 2, Precinct 3 Ward 2, Precinct 4 Ward 3, Precinct 5 Ward 4, Precinct 6 United Methodist Church Myrtle & Greeley Stillwater City Hall 216 North Fourth Street Stonebridge Elementary School 900 North Owens Lily Lake Elementary 2002 West Willard Street Nc Jmber 5th Election Municipal Offices - Mayor & Councilmember The following are candidates running for City Offices in the November 5th General Election: Mayor Jay L. Kimble John Rheinberger Ward 1 Robert T. Gag David G. Junker Ward 4 Gary Kriesel Absentee Ballots Available at rift/ Hall Stillwater City Hall will receive absentee ballots on October 4. In order to qualify to vote absentee you must meet one of the following criteria: • Absence from precinct • Illness or disability • Religious discipline or observance of religious holiday • Service as election judge in another precinct To receive an absentee ballot application for the General Election contact City Hall at 430-8800, or download the application from the City's web site—www.ci.stillwater.mn.us— Click on the Election information link on the main page. You may vote by Absentee for the General Election at City Hall beginning October 4 during the hours listed below: • Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. • Saturday, November 2 - 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. • Monday, November 4 - 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact City Hall at 651- 430-8800. HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT WHERE TO VOTE? CALL CITY HALL AT 430-8800 \ 1 k o = % t. § _ k § di,) z 2■ t2 t$ �k 2® ealin �:� E« -. �§ §m.w3•. .§ !2 •6 ■2 T .§ Eal k k. ° k { m 2 J° �§ �| 2 ��� I @z 2 .1,i A oG 00 2 §2 \� f §2 \2 t a) 0 . En � o c 0) 0 g ■ F E e C 1-_. ,� n= _. ��= o0= R\\ k� ��� R� ®fa. g7a. II A k 2k 2. &;»a «& ƒ ka +ll- u -= 0 MAIL `‘EG ISTRATIO N RAM TO WASHINGTON COUNTY BEFORE OCTOBER 15, 2002 INSTRUCTIONS FOR VOTER REGISTRATION 1. Print your full legal name. Do not use initials, nicknames, or abbreviations. 2. Print the house number and street address or rural route and box number where you live. If your residence does not have a street address or rural route and box number, use this line to describe the location of your home (for example, one mile east of Co. Rd. 42, 2 miles south of State Hwy. 12). 3. Print the name of the township or city and county where your residence is located. 4. If your mail cannot be delivered to the address listed in number 3, provide the P.O. Box or alternate address where you receive mail. 5. Provide your full birth date - month, day, and year. Enter the telephone number in the appropriate space, including the area code. 6. If you were previously registered, write the name and/or address you used before. If you are registered to vote in another state, write the name and address under which you are registered in that other state. 7. If you do not know the school district in which you live, leave this area blank. 8. It is very important that you read everything in the statement before signing your name. 9. Please cut along the dashed box around the voter registration card, place it in an envelope and mail it to: ASSESSMENT TAXPAYER SERVICES & ELECTIONS WASHINGTON COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER 14949 - 62ND STREET N. P.O. BOX 6 STILLWATER, MN 55082 Call your county auditor if you need information about registration or voting assistance for elderly or disabled individuals or patients in health care facilities. Registration instructions can be made available in large type, Braille, or on cassette tape. Save Time at Polling Places - REGISTER EARLY! If you have moved into the Stillwater area or within the City, changed your name since you last voted, have never voted, or have not voted in the last four years you will be required to register to vote. Save time on Election Day by registering to vote before October 15. Read the directions on the back of this page, fill out the following form and mail to Washington County before October 15 (ADDRESS ON BACK OF THIS FORM). This will save you and election judges considerable time at the polling place on Election Day. If you have questions regarding this form or do not know where you vote please contact the City Hall at 430-8800. Feel free to make copies of this form for eligible voters in your home. cili < here MINNESOTA VOTER REGISTRATION CARD Please type or print in ink. 1. What is Your Full Name? Last First Middle 2. Where Do Number Street Apt. # You Live? Stillwater MN 55082_ City State Zip Code 3. In What City or Township Stillwater Washington Do You Live? Check One: CI City CI Township County 4. If Mail Cannot Be Delivered Where You Live, Where Do P.O. Box City Zip Code You Receive Your Mail? 1 5. When Were —_`// What Is Your You Born? Month Day Year Telephone Number? ____ (Fold Here) 6. Have You Been Name: Registered Before Last First Middle Under Another Address: Name or Address? City State Zip Code 7. In What School District Stillwater Area Schools - ISD -834 Do You Live (If Known)? School District Name or Number 8. Read The Statement Below And Sign If All Parts Apply To You. • will be at least 18 years old on election day; • am a citizen of the United States; • will have resided in Minnesota for 20 days immediately preceding election day; • maintain residence at the address given on the registration form; I certify that I: • am not under guardianship of the person; • have not been found by a court to be legally incompetent to vote; • have not been convicted of a felony without having my civil rights restored; and • have read and understand this statement, that giving false information is a felony punish- able by not more than 5 years imprisonment or a fine of not more than $10,000, or both. Date / / SIGNATURE Month Da v Year X 0 co co co L cut J here A PUBLICATIO OF THE STILLWATER PUB IC LIBRARY VOLUME 7 NUMBER 4 FREE! able * AUTUMNcit 2002 STILLWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY * 223 NORTH FOURTH STREET * STILLWATER, MN 55082 * 651.439.1675 CARNEGIE BUILDING HITS 100 In November 1902, ground was broken for Stillwater's new Carnegie library. Following the referendum in 1897 that established a public library, community members worked hard to provide the library with adequate space. Attorney S. Blair McBeath approached Andrew Carnegie, who had been funding library construction across the country. Once Stillwater selected a site and promised that it would provide tax support for operations, Carnegie sent Stillwater a check for $27,500. In all, Carnegie built 1,689 American libraries. As one of the fewer than 800 such U.S. buildings still used as a library, we take historic preservation seriously. As we develop plans to provide Stillwater with enough library space to meet the demands of the 21st Century, we hope to preserve and showcase the historic Carnegie structure. Lynne Bertalmio, Director FRIENDS@SPL October is membership month for Friends@Stillwater Public Library. Why join Friends? Members help the library purchase books on CD and large print books. They co-sponsor programs, supply the Sports Complex with reading materials, and give staff and Board great feedback about services. Join F@SPL in October! Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sundays* * Closed Sundays June -August HOURS 10 A.M. - 1 - 10 A.M. - 1 - 10 A.M. - 10 A.M. - 1 - 9 P.M. 9 P.M. 9 P.M. 9 P.M. 5 P.M. 5 P.M. 5 P.M. PROGRAMS Storytime (for ages 3-8) Wednesdays, 10:30 A.M. PajamaTime Storytime (for ages 3+) Thurs., Sept. 19 - Nov. 21 7 P.M. Toddler Storytime (for ages 2 & 3) Fri., Oct 4 - Nov 22 10:30 A.M. Halloween Storytime (for ages 4+) Mon., Oct. 28, 7 P.M. Twin Cities One Book September 15 - November 15 Electronic Ancestors (for adults) Sat., Nov. 2, 9 A.M. Mystery Book Club (for adults) Mon., Oct. 14 & Tues., Nov. 19; 7 P.M. Senior Surf Day (for seniors) Thurs., Oct. 24, & Tues., Nov. 26 10 A.M. - Noon MYSTERY BOOK CLUB The Moving Target Mystery Book Club meets monthly. Upcoming sessions are scheduled for Monday, October 14, and Tuesday, November 19, at 7 P.M. Call the library or check our website for upcoming topics. SENIOR SURF DAY In connection with the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging, the library will offer Senior Surf Days on Thursday, October 24, and Tuesday, November 26, 10 A.M. to noon. These free sessions include a video presentation followed by hands-on instruction in Internet use. Websites of particular interest to seniors will also be featured. Space is limited and registration is required. To register, call 651.439.1675, ext. 30. ELECTRONIC ANCESTORS Have you ever felt that your ancestors spent their energy hiding their tracks from their descendants? Join Dean Thilgen on Saturday, November 2, at 9 A.M., as he profiles Internet resources and electronic databases that give you new tools for tracking down that elusive great -great -great aunt. Space is limited and registration is required. (To accommodate more partcipants, the program has been scheduled while the library is closed). To register, call 651.439.1675, ext. 30. L E T O U R MIND U N D E E P ***globeIf lite *** BARCODE ACCESS TO THE INTERNET In August, the library implemented a new method of allocating access to the Internet from our search stations. Patrons no longer sign up for a half-hour of Internet time at the Information Desk. Now, after a one-time activation of your library card, you may proceed directly to a search station, input your library barcode and personal identification number, and begin your search. The computer will keep track of the 60 minutes per day that you are allotted. Hopefully, this will lead to less waiting at the Information Desk and better statistics on Internet use - a library service that is growing rapidly. This change is another reason that it is very important that you bring your borrower's card with you to the library. TIPS FOR HOMEWORK AND RESEARCH With school again underway comes the pressure to complete assignments and term papers. A few tips may help you avoid frustration and complete your projects on time. Ask for Help Call or e-mail the Information Desk before coming to the library or ask for help in framing your search upon your arrival. Come Prepared & Allow Plenty of Time Bring your library card, money for copies, and paper and pencil. Be Aware of Potential Limitations Demand can cause a "run" on materials and equipment. Prepare for Change Resources change daily, particularly electronic databases. Ask staff for the latest! TWIN CITIES ONE BOOK SPL will particpate in the Twin Cities One Book metro -wide celebration September 15 - November 15. The aim is to bring adults and young adults together around a book that both groups will enjoy. This year's selection is Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, who grew up in Minnesota. Hatchet is the story of a 13-year-old boy who survives a plane crash in the remote wilderness and survives on his own. As part of the celebration, Paulsen will speak on October 25 and 26 at the Children's Theater. SPL will offer a family book discussion of Hatchet, a viewing of A Cry in the Wild (a film based on the book), and a nature program for older children. Attend any program to become eligible in a drawing for free tickets to see Gary Paulsen on Saturday, October 26. Participate in the metro -wide Orienteering@ your library trivia contest with prizes including a kayak, backpacks, and survival cooking classes. For program details, check our website or call the Youth Services Line 651.439.1675, ext. 31. TEENS, JOIN THE FUN Teen Read Weeks are set for October at the library. Teen volunteers, with staff member Lindy Howe, are developing activities around the theme of music. The events will culminate with the awarding of prizes - gift certificates donated by area merchants. If you'd like to help or want more information, stop in the library, check our website, or call the Youth Services Line 651.439.1675, ext. 31. HALLOWEEN STORYTIME A special Halloween Storytime is scheduled for Monday, October 28, at 7 P.M. There will be stories, songs, and surprises for children ages 4 and older. All are invited to come in costume. STORYTIME PROGRAMS In addition to the regular preschool storytimes every Wednesday at 10:30 A.M., the library will offer two series of special storytimes this fall. Pajama Time Storytimes are on Thursday nights September 19 - November 21 (but no program on October 31) at 7 P.M. Designed for children ages three and over, PajamaTitne lasts 30 - 40 minutes and is co -sponsored by ECFE. Toddler Storytimes, designed for children ages 2 and 3, run on Fridays, October 4 - November 22, at 10:30 A.M. Toddler programs last 20- 30 minutes. HOLIDAY BOOK DRIVE Children who take pleasure in reading do better in school and later in their jobs than children who have not grown up with the habit of reading. Although everyone may use the public library, some children never have the experience of owning a book because the family's budget just doesn't stretch that far. Library users have the opportunity to see that some children experience the joy of book ownership. The library will collect new children's books for distribution through the Holiday Bureau this year. The public is invited to bring new, unwrapped children's books for children of all ages to the library through Sunday, December 8. www.ci.stillwater.mn.us/library Learr ;o Skate/Hockey Sta =up Group Lessons at the St. Croix Valley Recreation Center ' fv Arena Office Phone: 651-430-2601 FALL 2002 TUESDAYVENINGS (DATES: OCT: 22, 29, NOV: 5, 12, 19, 26, DEC: 3, 10, 2002) 6:00-6:30 pm TOTS, TOTS, Pre. -Alpha, Pre -Alpha, Alpha, Beta 6:30-7:00 pm TOTS, TOTS, Pre -Alpha, Alpha. Beta, Gamma 7:00.7:30 pin TOTS, TOTS, Pre -Alpha, Pre -Alpha. Alpha, Beta 7:30.8:00 pm TOTS. Pre -Alpha. Alpha. l3eta, Gamma, Delta 8:00.8:30 pm *Adults, Freestyle 1-10 8:30-9:00 pm Program Class 1-3, Advanced Hockey Skating Skills FALL 2002 SATURDAY MORNINGS (DATES: OCT: 19, 26, NOV: 9, 16, 23, *30, DEC: 7, 14, 2002) NO CLASS: NOV 2nd! (NOTE: November 30th Class held at LILY LAKE ICE ARENA!) TOTS, Pre -Alpha, Freestyle 1-3. Freestyle 4+ TOTS, TOTS, Pre -Alpha, Alpha, Beta, Delta TOTS, Pre -Alpha, Alpha, Alpha, Beta, Gamma 9:30-10:00 am 10:00-10:30 am 10:30-11:00 am Description of Classes TOTS: 3 1/2 - 6 Years Old. Just Starting, Basic Skills. Pre -Alpha: 1 Foot Glides, Backward Skating, Stronger Basic Skills. Alpha: Forward Crossovers, Forward Stroking. Snowplow Stop. Beta: Backward Crossovers, Backward Stroking, T-Stops. Gamma: Outside 1 Foot Three Turns, Mohawks, 2 Foot Hockey Stop. Delta: Inside 1 Fool Three Turns, Forward Edges, Bunny Hops. Lunge. Freestyle Class Descriptions !Far Testing: The Skater most first pass the elements, then pass the program to complete !heir level) Freestyle 1 Freestyle 2 Freestyle 3 Freestyle 4 Waltz Jump, Forward Spiral, 2 Foot Spin, Back Edges 1/2 Flip, Forward Pivot. Two Forward Spirals. 1 Foot Spin, I/2 Lutz, 1/2 Toe Walley, Dance: Step, Ballet Jump. Salchow. Toe Loop, 3/3/3 Change Foot Spin. Back Spiral, Dance Step, Back Pivot. Flip Loop, Left & Right Back Spiral, Dance Step, Sit Spin. 1/2 Loop. For Freestyle Levels 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 contact the Skating Director. $65.00 Per Class / 8 Weeks / Half Hour Group Lesson / Includes; 10 Free Public Skating Passes. All Classes will be held at the St. Croix Valley Recreation Center, unless otherwise noted. You must pass the level Prior to advancing to the next level. Class Ratios are one Instructor to every 11 Skaters. Testing will be held the last day of each class (Awards for all Skaters). *You must be 15 Years Old + to enroll in Adult Classes. Beginner Skaters are encouraged to wear Helmets. Beginning Skaters (Mays and Girls) pre encouraged to wear GOOD Leather F#aura Skates (Side Blades). No Pareaats allowed on the Ice (unless they are wearing skates & Volunteering for the entire Class). Classes are filled on a first come, first serve basis. No refunds, unless class is canceled due to low enrollment. Skating Professionals will be available to evaluate the skaters class placement at Registration. Private Lessons & Competition Opportunities Available - Contact the Skating Director. 2003 Spring Ice Show! (Skater must be in 2 sessions of classes, either: Summer 2002, Fall 2002, or Winter 2003 to be in Spring Ice Show AND/OR Two Classes during one session.) REGISTRATION (In Person!) St Croix Valley Recreation Center, 1675 Market Drive Stillwater, MN 55082 REGISTRATION BEGINS: (October 7th it 8th, 2002 FROM 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM) (Mailed in registrations opened at 8:00 PM, October 8t1r, 2002 - Receipts mailed) Skaters Name: Age: Address: City: Stale: Zip: Home Phone: Email Address: Tues / Sat Class Title: Time: 2nd Choice: COME JOIN THE FUN! Stillwater Scene PRSTD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Stillwater, MN 55082 July, 2004 Permit No. 206 Official City Newsletter Postal Patron VOL. 15 • No. 3 216 N Fourth St., Stillwater, Minnesota 55082 IN THIS ISSUE Are You a Responsible Pet Owner? Are You a Responsible Pet Owner? N. Hill Project is Underway it in a sanitary manner.” Violation of this The City has been Filing Opens July 6 Ordinance is a misdemeanor. receiving many If you see Election Information complaints regard- someone violating this ordinance, call the Still- VOTE-Election Changes ing pet owners let- water Police Department at 351-4900. When VOTE-Absentee Voting ting their dogs def- off the owner’s premises, dogs and cats must City Council Adopts New ecate in City Parks. be leashed at all times. Dogs and cats run- Fireworks Ordinance City Parks, right-of-ways and open space have been ning loose will be picked up. The charge is Stillwater Organizations tarnished by dog owners failing to cleanup after their $50, plus boarding fees if the animal is taken Urged To Join Crime Alert pets. Not only is this against the City ordinance, it could to a shelter. A ticket may be issued for repeat Network become a possible health hazard to people who use offenses which could result in a fine of $115 Quik Tip Remember that the City Parks. The City Council just recently amended and a misdemeanor. Lumberjack Days “baggie” when walking your dog. the City’s ordinance to allow pets in the City Parks, but if Historic Book Available BE RESPONSIBLE - irresponsible pet owners continue to abuse this ordi- Who’s Who In City Hall DON’T LOSE THE PRIVILEGE! nance the City Council can and is considering closing Stop Sign Changes The Stillwater Police Depart- public spaces to pets. Yield to Vehicle On Right! ment is enforcing Ordinance 858 which states “It is Motorists! Watch Those unlawful for any Owner to suffer or permit an animal Crosswalks & Pedestrians to defecate on public or private property, without im- New State Law Prohibits mediately removing the excrement and disposing of Phosphorus Fertilizers Some Tree Information Filing Opens July 6 Grill Safely This Summer North Hill Project is Charter Filing for City Council opens Tuesday, July 6 3rd Monday - 7 p.m. Underway and continues through City Council Tuesday, July 20, 2004. 1st Tuesday - Regular Voters will elect two City Meeting 4:30 p.m. & The City is Council members this Recessed Meeting 7:00 moving forward fall. Those elected will p.m. on the North Hill serve four-year terms. The positions to be on 3rd Tuesday - 7 p.m. project this the ballot are currently held by John Heritage Preservation summer. The Rheinberger (Ward 2) and Wally Milbrandt 1st Monday - 7 p.m. extreme north- (Ward 3). Human Rights east corner of Candidates may file for office at City Hall Last Wednesday - 7 p.m. the City, parts of during regular business hours from 8 a.m. to Library it also known as 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. On July 20, affidavits 2nd Tuesday - 7 p.m. Dutchtown, has will be accepted until 5 p.m. The filing fee is Parks Board been without public utilities and relying on private sys- $5. 4th Monday - 7 p.m. tems. After getting word that the City received a million City Council elections are nonpartisan. Planning dollar grant from the State Legislature, City Council Council members run by ward residency. If 2nd Monday - 7 p.m. elected to go forward with this $6.4 million project. more than two candidates file for an office in Water Board Starting this June, new sanitary sewer, water, storm the same Ward, there will be a Primary held 2nd Wednesday - 8:30 a.m. sewer and streets will be provided to neighborhoods September 14. The two candidates with the east of 2 Street, west of the St. Croix River and north nd most votes in each Ward will then be placed Mayor Jay Kimble of River Heights Drive. Later in the summer, areas on the ballot for the General Election to be 775-6996 west of 2 Street and North of Stillwater Country Club nd held November 2. Those elected will take Council and other isolated areas will receive service as well. office at the first Council meeting in January Ward 1 David Junker When the projected is completed over 100 homes will 2005. 430-0650 receive public utilities and major environmental pro- Stillwater’s City Council consists of the Ward 2 John Rheinberger tection strategies will have been put into place pro- mayor and four council members who each 439-4199 tecting both Brown’s Creek and the St. Croix River. serve four-year terms. Elections are held in Ward 3 Wally Milbrandt Residents having questions about the project or its November of even-numbered years and terms 439-0185 schedule should contact the Engineering Department are staggered. For additional information, Ward 4 Gary Kriesel at 430-8830. contact the City Clerk at 430-8802. 430-0537 WHO'S WHO IN CITY HALL John Nobles John Nobles is the new Building In- spector and has been in this position since June 10th He was born and raised in New Or- leans, was in the Army for four years and then moved to the City of Stillwater and has lived here for the last nine years. He has received his State Cer- tification for Building Official and en- joys using his skills for the City of Stillwater. He also enjoys camping, boating and most sports with his wife, Dianne, four children and friends. Ken Olson Ken Olson is the new full -time Firefighter /Engineer at the City of Stillwater's Fire Department. His first day was Sep- tember 16, 2002. Ken received an Associate De- gree from Dakota County Technical College and is a State Certified Firefighter. Before coming to Stillwater he was a firefighter at Roseville for 12 years, 5 of which he was a Captain. He is married to his wife, Laura and has a 21/2 year old daughter, Kaylee. Kevin is an avid fisherman and he grew up in Hastings so he's glad to be back by the river again. The Stillwater Fire Department sincerely thanks all the people and businesses that donated so generously for the lifesaving thermal imaging camera. The new camera will be on display at the fire department Open House Saturday, October 12, 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Please come to see the camera and other fire prevention activities. • i> ler ; eminitirS No one wants to get left out in the cold! The City of Stillwater's snow removal staff will be working hard to provide efficient and quality service to the residents of Stillwater during the winter season. With a forecast of 2 -5 inches Public Works personnel begin plowing, after the snow stops. For a forecast of 6 -10" they begin after approximately two inches have fallen. Eight drivers plow approximately 70 miles of commercial and residential streets. Most streets require four passes to be cleared curb to curb. There are also approximately 400 off - street parking stalls in the downtown area. Public Works plows snow from the middle of a street to both sides, to even up the amount of snow that is deposited on each side of the street. The City's snow plowing priorities are: 1. Major collector streets. 2. Downtown parking lots and streets. 3. Commercial district streets. 4. Local steep grade streets. 5. Remaining local streets. Downtown parking areas receive high priority only during nighttime plowing operations when the lots are empty. If plowing begins during business hours, parking lots are completed after normal business hours. The goal of the Public Works Department is to have residential streets plowed within 12 hours after the end of a snow storm and snow removal from the downtown area accomplished within three days. Skilled snow removal personnel with public cooperation, will ensure a safe winter season for the residents of Stillwater. By following guidelines and ordinances, winter storm inconveniences and traffic hazards will be minimized. If your vehicle is found to be in violation of this ordinance (Municipal Ordinance, Sec. 51 -5, Subd. 5 - Calendar Parking), you may be issued a summons and your vehicle may be towed. A violation of this ordinance carries a maximum fine of up to $700.00 and /or 90 days in jail, plus vehicle impoundment and towing charges. SIDEWALK SNOW REMOVAL Clearing of snow and ice from public sidewalks is the responsibility of the property /business owner. Snow and ice must be removed from sidewalks within 24 hours after the end of the storm (Municipal Code, Sec. 38 -01, Subd. 2.2v - Nuisance) FIRE HYDRANTS Residents are asked to keep snow cleared from around fire hydrants. Should you have a fire at your home this will enable firefighters to provide a quicker solution for the protection of life and property. EXTENDED VACATIONS Residents who leave on extended vacation should have timers on their lights to represent the family's normal schedule. Have a relative or neighbor check on the property occasionally. Have sidewalks and driveway cleared and place a car in the driveway to give the impression that someone is home. Residents can stop at the police department and fill out a vacation check card; police will check the exterior of the home as time allows. GARBAGE CONTAINERS Please have your garbage container back far enough from the road so that snowplows do not knock it over. 3111 The pay parking program is free from November 1, 2000 through April 30, 2001. Pay parking lots include the South Main St. Lot (south of Brick Alley), River Lot (east of the Freighthouse) and the Maple Island Lot (north of the Amoco Gas Station). Please don't get this confused with the permit parking program. The permit parking program is year round and is for employees who need to park all day. There is free parking with a 4 hour limit at five lots, 2 hour parking at one lot and unlimited parking at the north end of town and at the Mulberry and Second St. lot. There is unlimited parking after 6 p.m. and all day Sat. and Sun. at three lots. You may stop in at City Hall and get a map showing where the free parking is available. Carbon monoxide is a tas eless, colorless, odorless gas that interferes with the delivery of oxygen throughout the body. Sources of carbon monoxide include: • unvented kerosene and gas space heaters • leaking chimneys :nd furnaces • back - drafting from furnaces • gas water heaters • woodstoves and fi eplaces • gas stoves • automobile exhau t from cars in attached garages. Fetuses, infants, elderly people and people with anemia or with a history of heart or respiratory disease can be affected more quickly by carbon mo oxide. At lower levels, carbon monoxide can cause flu -like symptoms: headaches, dizziness, weakness and fatigue. At igher levels, or with prolonged exposure, it can cause confusion, disorientation, impaired vision and coordination, br -in damage, coma and death. Ways to Reduce Risk • Keep gas appliances properly adjuste • Consider purchasing a vented space • Use proper fuel in kerosene space he • Above gas stoves, install and use an • Be sure flues are open when fireplace • Choose properly sized woodstoves th woodstoves fit tightly. • Have a trained professional inspect, cl any leaks promptly. • Do not idle car inside the garage. Are There Warning Devices Available? A variety of carbon monoxide detectors, bot packages carefully and compare features. Look requirement that the detector sound an audible themselves provide adequate warning. If you h Read the owner's manual completely and be Safety Commission recommends that every ho What to Do if the Carbon Monoxide Alarm If the alarm sounds and anyone is feeling sy Leave the house immediately. Call 911 from a monoxide poisoning, ventilate the home by o ately. Then call an appliance repair technician o carbon monoxide and carbon monoxide detect The Minnesota Safety Council, founded in 19 in Minnesota by preventing unintentional injurie 651 - 291 -9150 or 1- 800 - 444 -9150, 474 Concor Acknowledgments: Environmental Protection Agency Minnesota Department of Health Reliant Energy - Minnegasco Xcel Energy eater when replacing an unvented one. ters. haust fan that is vented to outdoors. are in use. t are certified to meet EPA emission standards. Make certain that doors on all an and tune -up your central heating system (furnaces, flues and chimneys) annually. Repair plug -in and battery- powered, are available at hardware, home and discount stores. Read or a detector that meets Underwriters Laboratories Safety Standard 2034, which includes the alarm. Patch detectors, which change color in the presence of carbon monoxide, do not by ve family members with special health needs, purchase a detector labelled "supersensitive." ure to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding installation. The Consumer Product e have at least one carbon monoxide alarm installed near the sleeping area. ounds ptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, your home may have a potentially dangerous level. eighbor's home. If the alarm sounds and no one is feeling any symptoms of carbon ening windows and doors and turning on fans. Turn off any combustion appliances immedi- Xcel Energy at 1- 800 - 895 -2999 to find the cause of the alarm. For more information about rs contact the Minnesota Safety Council. 8, is a non - governmental, not - for - profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life and death. Contact the Minnesota Safety Council at msc(amnsafetycouncil.orq, or phone is Avenue St. Paul, Minnesota 55103 In the continuing effort t the City of Stillwater is Recycling Tote Bags to resi use these Tote Bags for (instead of bagging them use them as a book bag, bag. The bags are fully imprinted with the City of Sti logo. The funding for the c is from the Washington Cou Residents may pick up a Canvas Recycling 216 N. 4th Street, Stillwater, Minnesota. Limit 1 first come — first served, while supplies last. promote recycling, providing Canvas ents. Residents can agging purchases n plastic or paper), a reusable lunch washable and are (water and recycling nvas recycling totes ty Recycling Grant. ote Bag at City Hall, bag per household, Head Start is a quality preschool program for children who will be three or four years old by September 1 of this year and their families. There is NO COST to families who participate in the program. Families must meet income guidelines. Any family enrolled in the MFIP program, including child care assistance, and SSI, and foster children are eligible even if their annual income exceeds the current guidelines. Head Start focuses on the child's physical, intellectual, emotional and social development while providing advocacy for parents. Head Start serves children and their families of any race, color, creed, national origin, and special needs. It is fun, educational and FREE to eligible families. For more information and to obtain an application call the Anoka/ Washington County Head Start program at 763 - 783 -4300. In 2001 the City Council adopted a new ordinance eliminating all snow emergency route designations. Instead, odd /even Calendar parking will govern on all streets previously marked as snow emergency routes. This change has come about for a number of reasons. First, the City does not announce snow emergencies nor do we announce the end of these snow emergencies. This can result in confusion as to when snow emergency regula- tions apply to the snow emergency routes. This confusion has caused difficulties for proper plowing operations, difficulty removing and hauling out snow, and made it difficult to enforce and regulate a confusing ordinance. Because snow emergency route designation is eliminated, all people living on old snow emergency routes will be required to park on the odd side of the street on odd numbered days and the even side of the street on even days. Note: Between 7 p.m. and midnight of each day is a switch over time when vehicles can be parked on both sides. The vast majority of the City is already under an odd /even parking regulation. This proposed change would make it less confusing and improve the City's efficiency in removing snow. Liberty & Legends Subdivisions The City Council considered and adopted a modification to enact an odd /even parking regulation for the entire calendar year in the Liberty /Legends neighborhoods. This results in parking on the odd numbered side of the street on odd days and the even side of the street on even numbered days. Parking is allowed on both sides of the street from 7 p.m. to midnight. The current City ordinance puts odd /even parking controls into effect from November 1 through April 1 throughout the City. For Liberty /Legends, this is in effect throughout the entire year. This change also results in the removal of a number of no parking signs that are currently in place in the neighborhood. This change is due to concerns from the Fire Department regarding access to the neighborhood. The streets in the Liberty /Legends neighborhoods have been constructed to a narrower section than is typical. This narrow street design has been put into place to slow down traffic and generally make neighborhoods friendly to pedestrians. When this change was made, we anticipated the possibility of potential special parking control regulations. Based on the expe- rience of the past three years and the concern raised by the Fire Chief, Council adopted by ordinance this change. If you have questions or comments concerning this issue, feel free to contact the City Engi- neering Department, 651 - 430 -8830. PARKING QUIZ: (True or False) During winter months, if the odd side of my street is marked "No parking ", I can still park on the odd side of the street on the odd days of the month. ANSWER: False. Winter Calendar parking regulations do not cancel out other parking controls. Therefore there would be NO on street parking on odd days of the month for a street marked "No Parking" on the odd side. Snowmobiling is an exciting winter sport. The state of Minnesota has over 18,000 miles of snowmobile trails. Along with the sense of freedom you get when riding a snowmobile comes responsibilities. It is important to know the local city ordinances and state laws regarding snowmobiling. In the city of Stillwater it is unlawful to operate in any of the following places and conditions: 1) A. Upon private property without written permission. B. Upon any school grounds, park property or golf courses without owners permission. C. Upon any street except in the right hand traffic lane normally used for vehicle traffic. D. Upon any public sidewalk or walkway. E Upon lakes and rivers in the city within twenty five yards of any fisherman or pedestrian. E. In any other area where the use of a snowmobile may be considered hazardous to others. 2) Persons that are 14 years of age, but less than 18 can operate on public streets within the city limits if they have in their immediate possession a valid snowmobile safety certificate or a valid motor vehicle license. All residents born after December 31, 1979 must have a snowmobile safety certificate to operate a snowmobile anywhere in Minnesota. Also anyone under the age of eighteen must wear a helmet. 3) No persons may operate a snowmobile within the city limits during the times of 11:00 P.M. and 7:00 A.M. on Sunday through Thursday and between midnight and 7:00 A.M. on Friday and Saturday unless it's for an emergency. 4) No snowmobile may travel at a speed greater that 20 mph when traveling on city streets. Snowmobiles must yield the right -of -way to all other traffic which is approaching uncontrolled intersections. Snowmobiles must operate in single file. BRIEFS Board of Water Commission Raises Water Rates Effective January 1, 2003 there will be an increase in water rates. This increase will be for water used after the readings taken for the January 1, 2003 water bill. The minimum quarterly bill remains the same $13.50 per quarter for up to 10,000 gallons. The increase for monthly customers and anyone using over the minimum will go from $1.40 per thousand to $1.50 per thousand. The following is the new water rate: Minimum rate $13.50 per quarter inside city and $18.50 outside city for up to 10,000 gallons payable in advance from the first day of January, April, July and October each year (except bills rendered monthly). Balance at $1.50 per thousand inside city ($2.00 outside city). If you have any questions, please contact the Water Board at 651- 439 -6231. Friendly Sign Reminder The City of Stillwater has a sign ordinance that prohibits all signs on the boulevard, on electrical and phone poles, with the exception of traffic signs. This includes all garage sale signs and real estate signs. One sign is permitted on the property that is for sale. During an Election Year Minnesota Statutes governs political signs not the City's sign ordinance. However, political signs are not allowed on street right -of- ways or electrical and phone poles, they must be on private property. If you have any questions, call Sue Fitzgerald, City Hall at 430 -8822. Looking for a Job? Visit your Washington County WorkForce Center or visit the website: www.mnwfc.orq. The heart of the WorkForce Center is the Resource Area featuring all the tools, resources and information you could want for your job- related needs. The Resource Area features computers, fax machines, copiers and more - all at not cost! Everyone can use the career and job - related tools WorkForce Centers provide to job seekers, employers and those with special needs. The Stillwater WFC is located in the Washington County Government Center 14949 62nd St. No. Room #20, Stillwater. Plant Health Probleihs 1 If you have a tree or shrub with health problems, call the Forestry Consultant, Kathy Widin at 430-8765 and she can answer your question over the phone or make a site visit to look at the ailing plant. This is a service paid for by the City of Stillwater. Oak Wilt Cost Share Grant The City has received a cost -share grant for oak wilt control from the Minn. Dept. of Natural Resources. The cost share is a 50:50 match for costs to remove recently wilted red or pin oaks or to do root graft disruption with a vibratory plow to isolate diseased trees. If you live in the City of Stillwater and think you have oak wilt on your property and might qualify for cost -share reimbursement for control costs in fall or winter 2002, please call the Forestry Consultant at 430-8765. Tree Pruning Fall and winter are good times to prune large shade trees. It is also a good time to check trees for cracks, decay and structural problems. Always be sure any tree service you hire holds current liability insurance and workman's compensation. Tree Trimming and Mulch Availability The City crews will be coming around again this year to trim back trees in the City right-of-way and boulevards. Any resident that wishes to trim their own right-of-way or boulevard tree can pile the branches on the curb and call the Public Works Department with the address. When enough calls have been taken, we will pickup and chip the branches then haul them away. The wood chips will be available for Stillwater residents to use at their own homes for free. The stockpile of wood chips will be located at the south end of the Lily Lake Ice Arena on South Greeley Street. Help yourself. If the pile is getting low, check back another time it might be replenished. Trees and/or tree limbs that come down during a storm event can also be cut up and piled on the curb for pickup. We will not pick up any branches or trunks over 12" in diameter. As most residents may know, the City storage area or the old dumpsite is closed to the public for brush and tree drop-off due to the lack of room. So, if you have any other yard waste or tree limbs besides a right-of-way or boulevard tree, please contact Waste Management (952-890-1100) for their pickup information. Getting Ready to Rake That Lawn? The State of Minnesota banned leaves, grass clippings and brush from going to landfills and processing facilities in 1990. Yard waste must not be mixed with regular garbage and needs to be collected separately. Here are some options for disposing of your yard waste: Do not catch grass clippings while mowing. Leave the short clippings on the lawn to conserve soil moisture and return nutrients to the soil. This requires less frequent fertilizing. Grass clippings can also help maintain a healthier lawn by encouraging growth (because the soil temperature is cooler) and reducing lawn wear (because a cushioning layer is created.) Mulch leaves and grass and leave them on your lawn. Backyard composting yields a rich humus that can be used for flower and vegetable gardens, or added to lawns and around trees. Contact Washington County Public Health Department at 430-6655 for more information about composting. Bag leaves or grass clippings in plastic or paper bags for pickup at curbside. Be sure to place them separately from your regular garbage. Tree branches and brush must be bundled and not exceed 4 feet in length or 35 pounds per bundle for pickup. Yard waste picked up by the City's residential hauler, Waste Management, is composted. Yard waste is picked up from approximately April 1 through November 1, or depending on weather. Yard waste will not be picked up before April or after October 31. CITY DATA City Hall 216 N Fourth Street City Numbers Admin-430-8800 Building-430-8825 Engineering/Public Works-430-8830 Fire-351-4950 Garage-439-5933 Library-439-1675 Parks-439-4561 Police-351-4900 Planning-430-8820 Sewer Billing 430-8815 Water Billing 439-6231 Waste Management Questions on Service and Billing 952-890-1100 ■ St. Croix Recreation Center 430-2601 ■ City Web Site www.ci.stillwater.mn.us Stiliwate ‚ Scene Official City Newsletter uly, zuu: VOL. 14 No. 3 216 N Fourth St., Stillwater, Minnesota 55082 PRSTD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Stillwater, MN 55082 Permit No. 206 Postal Patron Garage Sale Signs New Ward Boundaries Election Judges Needed Filing Open until July 16 Polling Place Locations Who's Who in City Hall Lumberjack Days Small Fireworks Legalized Check Crime is on the Rise in Stillwater Stillwater Fire Dept. Seeking Funds for Imaging Camera Tree Information Keep Your Neighbors Happy and Your Pets Safe Operation Child Print No Lifeguards on Duty Stillwater License Center Motorists! Watch Those Crosswalks & Pedestrians Openings on Downtown Parking and Human Rights Commissions City Data Months Meetings: Charter 3rd Monday City Council 1st & 3rd Tuesday Heritage Preservation 1st Monday Human Rights Last Wednesday Library 2nd Tuesday Parks Board 4th Monday Planning 2nd Monday Mayor Jay Kimble 439-2888 Council Ward 1 Terry Zoller 439-5286 Ward 2 John Rheinberger 439-4199 Ward 3 Wally Milbrandt 439-0185 Ward 4 Gene "Taco" Bealka 439-4387 J �a 6`k_. r,L.hh9r Friendly Reninder The City of Stillwater has a Sign Ordinance that prohibits all signs on boulevards, electrical/ teleohone poles and another persons' property. This includes all garage sale signs and real estate signs. One sign is permitted on the property that is having the garage sale or on the real estate that is for sale. If you have any questions, please call Sue Fitzgerald, City Hall at 430-8822. New Ward Boundaries in Effect for Fall Elections The Charter Commission and City Council have approved new Ward boundaries that will be in effect for the upcoming Primary Election (September 10) and General Election (November 5). Two new polling places have been created to maintain population balance within the Wards. In August, Washington County will be sending a notification to every registered voter within the City informing them of any polling place changes. If you have any questions on where you vote prior to receiving the notification, please contact Stillwater City Hall, 430-8800. More Election Information on Page 2 and on Election Information Insert Election fudges Needed Serving as an election judge is an opportunity to serve your community. Election judges are responsible for the administration of the election procedures in each voting place on election day. Training is provided. Judges are vital to efficient and honest elections. State law allows time off from work without loss of wages to serve as an election judge with 20 days prior notice to the employer. Students 16 and over may serve as trainee election judges. Judges work at either or both the Primary Election and General Election. Judges can choose to be paid an hourly wage or volunteer their services. Initial selection ofjudges will begin in June. For additional information see below or contact Diane Ward, City Clerk, at 430- 8802. What are election judges? Election judges are responsible for the administration of election procedures in each voting place on Election Day. Become a member of this proud team working to guarantee the election process is fair and in accordance with our laws. Who is eligible? Judges must reside in and be entitled to vote in the County where they serve. Students, 16 and over, may serve as trainee election judges. No more than half the election judges can be members of the same major political party in each polling place. Therefore, you will need to declare a major political party. You cannot be a candidate in the election or closely related to a candidate. You also cannot be closely related to another election judge working in the same polling location. Closely related means a spouse, parent, child or sibling. ■ ■■■■r■■■■r■■■rrrrr■■rrr■■■■■■■■■■■ ✓ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ or ■ ■ ■ ✓ ■ ■ o r ✓ ■ ■ ■ ■ • ■ If you wish to be an election judge,: please complete the following informa- ■ tion and mail to the City of Stillwater, At-; tention: Diane Ward, City Clerk, 216: North Fourth Street, Stillwater, MN. 55082 ■ ✓ ✓ Please Print r ■ Name: ■ Address: Home Telephone: Work Telephone: Email: ■ ✓ ■ • ✓ ✓ • ■ ✓ ■ ■ ■ ✓ ■ ■ :,_tom r ✓ ■■i■rr■rr■■r■■r■rr■■■■■r■rr■rr■■rr Are election juuges paid? Judges can choose to be paid an hourly wage or volunteer their services. The current pay is $8.00 per hour. State law allows time off from work without loss of wages to serve as an election judge with 20 days prior notice to employer. Judges work at either or both the Primary and General election. Filing Open until July 16 Filing for City Council opened July 2 and I� I continues through Tuesday, July 16. Voters will elect two City Council members and Mayor this fall. Those elected will serve four-year terms. The positions to be on 1 1 11111 the ballot are currently held by Terry Zoller (Ward 1), Eugene "Taco" Bealka (Ward 4) and Mayor Jay Kimble. Candidates may file for office at City Hall during regular business hours from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Monday-Friday. On July 16, affidavits will be accepted until 5 p.m. The filing fee is $5. City Council elections are nonpartisan. Council members run by ward residency and the Mayor is elected at -large. If more than two candidates file for an office in the same Ward, there will be a Primary held September 10. The two candidates with the most votes in each Ward will then be placed on the ballot for the General Election to be held November 5. Those elected will take office at the first Council meeting on January 7, 2003. Stillwater's City Council consists of the mayor and four coun- cil members who each serve four-year terms. Elections are held in November of even -numbered years and terms are stag- gered. For additional information, contact the City Clerk, at 430-8802. 'ling Place Locations Ward 1, Precinct 1 Ward 1, Precinct 2 Ward 2, Precinct 3 Ward 2, Precinct 4 Ward 3, Precinct 5 Ward 4, Precinct 6 Oak Park Elementary School, 6355 Osman Avenue Our Saviors Lutheran Church Olive & Brick United Methodist Church Myrtle & Greeley Stillwater City Hall 216 North Fourth Street Stonebridge Elementary School 900 North Owens Lily Lake Elementary 2002 West Willard Street Whops Who in CI, Hall Lumberjac. Days - July 25-28 Chris Rhoades Chris Rhoades joined the Stillwater Police Department on April 1, 2002. He -eirp-s‘ graduated from Hudson High School in 1996. After high school Chris attended Mankato State University and enrolled in the Law Enforcement Program. While in college he joined the 34th Military Police Co. and attended basic training at Ft. McClellan, AL. After graduating from Mankato he heard of the opening in Stillwater and was excited for the chance to work in the area that he grew up in. Chris looks forward to working and living in the Stillwater area for a long time. Paul Kezar Paul Kezar joined the Stillwater Police Department April 2, 2002. After receiving a degree in mortuary sci- ence Paul decided he would rather go into law enforcement, which he did through Century College. He was a part- time deputy for St. Croix County before joining our police department. Paul is married and has a 31 /2 year old daugh- ter and a baby due in July. He enjoys living in the St. Croix Valley, hunting with his two labs and fishing. Paul has been wanting to work for the City for a long time and is extremely happy here. David Fleischhacker David Fleischhacker started his job as Maintenance Worker III for the City of Stillwater May 6, 2002. He was born and raised in St. Paul. Dave graduated from St. Agnes High School and attended TVI for two years for Heavy Equipment Mechanic. He worked for T.A. Schifsky Construction for eleven years before oak coming here. Dave enjoys fishing and spending time with his wife Kelly and two children, Adam and Nikki, at their cabin in Turtle Lake. He likes the variety he has with his job at the City of Stillwater. Michael Hagen Michael Hagen started his job as Maintenance Worker III on May 1, 2002. He was born and raised in Stillwater, he now lives in Scandia. Mike went to River Falls Uni- versity and majored in Soil Science. He worked for Peterson Excavating for ten years and then the Chisago County Public Works Department for two years before coming to Stillwater. He lives on a hobby farm with his wife, Sue and their two boys -John, age 6 and David, age 4. In his spare time he has a bar- becue catering business and enjoys hunting and fishing. He also likes the variety of his job and working in the beautiful City of Still- water. Lumberjack Days activities will begin Thursday, July 25 and continue through Sunday, July 28. This community celebration i"st�r►� �` x dates back to 1934 when it was called Stillwater's Pioneer Celebration. It soon became known as Lumberjack Days to remember the contribution of the "fast vanishing lumberjack" to the S111.1.WATF.R, • history of Stillwater. M1IINNESOTA 'AY The many activities of Lumberjack Days have ranged from best lumberjack costume, log rolling, fiddling, greased pole climb, soap box derby, water- ski shows, train excursions, vaudeville show, and even a thrilling human torch dive from the interstate bridge. The celebration grew over the years and attracted crowds up to 45,000. The annual event continued for many years until the celebration outgrew its locale and the outbreak of World War II took many of the volunteers overseas. Lumberjack Days was reborn in 1968 by a small group of Stillwater business people to promote civic pride and community spirit. Since 1994, Lumberjack Days has been under the leadership of the Lumberjack Days Festival Association, Inc. This year's activities include concerts by Power of Ten and Boogie Wonderland (Thursday, 7:30 p.m.) The Billy's and Martin Zellar (Friday, 7:00 p.m.), The Dweebs (Sat., 1:30 p.m.), Badfinger and Air Supply (Sat., 7:00 p.m.), Brassworks and Jack Brass Band (Sun., 5:00 p.m.) and The Hollies (Sun., 7:00 p.m.); Bicycle/Skateboard Exhibition, lronjack Lumberjack Show, 10 mile run, 5k walk or run, Kids Fest & Teddy Bear Band and a spectacular fireworks finale Sunday evening. Also featured are some old favorites such as drum corps competition, treasure hunt, pancake breakfast, sidewalk sales, parade, etc. For more information, call the event hotline, 651-430-2306 or visit the website, www.lumberjackdays.com. Small Fireworks Legalized As of April 30, 2002, the sale, possession and use of some nonexplosive and non -aerial consumer fireworks were legalized in Minnesota. Examples include items such as sparklers, cones and tubes that emit sparks, novelty items like snakes, and party poppers. These "consumer" fireworks may not be used on public property such as parks, roads, alleys, schools, or any government property. Only persons that are 18 years of age or older may purchase fireworks. Sale, possession and use of explosive or aerial fireworks including firecrackers, bottle rockets, missiles, roman candles, mortars and shells, remain illegal and are prohibited for con- sumer sale and use. More information may be obtained at www.fire.state.mn.us and click on consumer fireworks informa- tion, or contact the Stillwater Fire Department at 651-351-4963. Check Crime is on t►te Rise in Stillwater eta Check crime is on the rise in Minnesota and Still- water is no exception. In the past few weeks the . _ Stillwater Police Depart- ment has seen an increase in check fraud and Non - sufficient funds checks (NSF) being reported from local mer- chants. The Stillwater Police Department would like to remind merchants there is a policy in place to assist in the apprehen- sion and prosecution of check crimes. The goal of the Stillwater Police Department when investigat- ing check crimes is to apprehend and prosecute those respon- sible. In order to do this, area merchants and the Stillwater Police Department need to work together. The merchant failed to review proper identification in most of the check or fraud cases reported to the Stillwater Police Department in the last few months. By following this policy, merchants will reduce the num- ber of check crimes they incur and satisfy all criteria the Stillwater Police Department needs to prosecute those responsible. The Stillwater Police Department will investigate and prosecute NSF checks when the following criteria has been met: A single check or a combination of checks written on the same account by the same individual must total $50.00 or more in a six month period. Checks must be commercially printed and numbered. Checks must bear the full name, date of birth, current ad- dress, driver's license number and telephone number of the per- son passing the check. If this information is not printed on the check the clerk must write it on the check at the time of accep- tance. State issued picture identification must be checked by the person accepting the check. A notation must be made on the check as to what form of identification was received. Yellow Minnesota driver's license receipts are not acceptable unless accompanied by the expired driver's license or identification card. Yellow driver's license receipts are currently one of the most widely used forms of false identification in Minnesota. County issued identification cards are also unacceptable. The Stillwa- ter Police Department suggests merchants request a second form of identification such as a credit card or work ID. In the case of NSF checks, the check must be sent through the banking system twice and returned with the instruction "Do Not Redeposit" before it will be accepted for investigation. A 15 day notice of demand, which complies with Minnesota Statute 609.535, must be sent to the person named on the ac- count prior to submitting it to the Stillwater Police Department for investigation. The merchant, in the case of NSF checks, must also complete a Stillwater Police Department bad check packet. Only NSF checks drawn on banks within the Seven County Metro Area and St. Croix, Polk, and Pierce Counties in Wiscon- sin will be accepted for prosecution. All NSF checks over $500.00 will be considered for investigation and/or prosecution. Merchants should report check forgeries, no account checks, or account closed checks to the Stillwater Police Department immediately, while the party passing the check is still at the h� ^ Charles Cheokwriter 1020 Don Vie Way G,naavaawa. DC ,PAY ACME, Inc. FIFTEEN El 7H �S Lis.00J emu merchants locL i.. If merchants would like to request copies of the Stillwater Police Department's bad check packets or if merchants have any questions, please contact the police department at 351- 4900. Stillwater Fire Department Seeking Funds To Purchase Thermal Imaging Camera The Stillwater Fire Department is accepting donations to- ward the purchase of a Thermal Imaging Camera. This life saving piece of equipment is used for search and rescue op- erations, locating victims and/or lost firefighters in structure fires, and to locate fire extension in a building fires. These cameras have been proven to be a vital tool for the fire service. When there is heavy smoke in a structure fire, it is impossible to see your hand in front of you face! This camera, with the latest technology, allows firefighters the ability to "see" through the smoke and locate potential victims much quicker, saving precious time and pro- viding firefighters a much better opportunity to save lives. Ther- mal imagers also allow firefighters the ability to locate poten- tial fire extension much quicker and more accurately, thus helping to reduce the potential damage done to your home. The cost of this life saving technology is not cheap; thermal imaging cameras, along with all the necessary equipment, cost approximately $25,000.00. Thanks to your generous con- tributions, the Stillwater Fire Department has collected over $7,500.00 to date towards the purchase of one of these units. If you are interested in helping purchase this camera for the Stillwater Fire Department, please mail or drop off your tax- deductible donation to: "Friends of Fire" C/O The Stillwater Fire Department 216 North Fourth Street Stillwater, MN 55082 If you have any questions, please call us at 651-351-4950. The Stillwater Fire Department wishes to thank you for your continued support. A PUBLICATION OF THE STILLWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY VOLUME 7 NUMBER 3 SUMMER 2002 e�.if e STILLWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY * 223 NORTH FOURTH STREET * STILLWATER, MN 55082 * 651.439.1675 ON THE SCHEDULE On May 21, the Stillwater City Council voted 4-1 to put the library's building expansion project on the 2004 capital improvements schedule. The resolution that was passed states that, if the Library Board raises $4 million in gifts and pledges, the City of Stillwater will provide public funding of $4 million for the library building and up to $1 million to alleviate parking congestion in the library's neighborhood. In the next few months, we will be moving forward to develop a fundraising plan, recruit campaign leadership, and develop a building plan and schedule. We do not underestimate the effort required by a fundraising campaign of this nature, but we are heartened by the support of the City Council, by the encouraging advice from those who participated in our feasilibity study, and by the excitement that so many of our library users have expressed. Lynne Bertalmio, Director BIRTHDAY PARADE One hundred years ago, Stillwater was abuzz with plans for its new Carnegie library. We're planning a series of events to celebrate our building's centennial. The first will be our contingent in the Lumberjack Days Parade on Sunday, July 28. If you'd like to march with us, please call 651.439.1675, ext. 17. Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sundays* 1 * Closed Sundays until September 8 HOURS 10 A.M. 1 10 A.M. 1 10 A.M. 10 A.M. PROGRAMS Storytime (Ages 3-8) Wednesdays, 10:30 A.M. Book Bites for Kids (Grades 1-4) Tues., Jul. 9, 23, & Aug. 13, 3-4 P.M. Books After Breakfast (Grades 4-6) Fri., July 12- Aug. 16, 10 -11 A.M. The Silly Sisters (for Families) Thurs., July 18, 6:30 P.M. Amazing Jeffo (for Families) Thurs., Aug. 1, 6:30 P.M. Summer Extravaganza (for Families) Thurs., Aug. 8, 6:30 P.M. Next Step: Kindergarten Tues., Aug. 20 & Mon., Aug. 26, 7 P.M. Mystery Book Club (for Adults) Wed., July 17; Mon., Aug. 19; & Thurs., Sept. 19, 7 P.M. Senior Surf Day (for Seniors) Thurs., July 18, & Tues., Aug.20 10 A.M. - Noon - 9P.M. - 9P.M. - 9P.M. - 9P.M. - 5P.M. - 5P.M. - 5 P.M. * * * FREE! * * * MYSTERY BOOK CLUB The Moving Target Mystery Book Club is meeting monthly. To accommodate as many people as possible, we've scheduled upcoming sessions on different days of the week, so please add the dates to your calendar. The next sessions are Wed., July 17; Mon., August 19; and Thurs., September 19; all at 7 P.M.. We focus on a different aspect of mysteries each session. Call the library or check our website for the next topic. SENIOR SURF DAY In connection with the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging, the library will offer Senior Surf Days on Thursday, July 18, and Tuesday, August 20, 10 A.M. to noon. These free sessions will include a video presentation followed by hands-on instruction in Internet use. Websites of particular interest to seniors will also be featured. To accommodate the most participants, the program has been scheduled while the library is closed. Space is limited and registration is required. To register, call 651.439.1675, ext.18. WHAT'S STILLWATER READING? SPL Teen Volunteer Sonya Roen recommends To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee and In His Steps by Charles M. Sheldon. L E T 114 I N D U N * * * *beif life *** DATABASE CHANGES Budget shortfalls at the state level will soon have an effect on our database offerings. Minitex, which has provided statewide access to some databases, received a 14% reduction in its budget. One of the unfortunate results will be the discontinuance of Proquest's Newspapers5 database, which gave us access to major American newspapers. Our regional library system MELSA may also have to make some difficult choices about database offerings. If you don't find a database that you have been using, please check with Information Desk staff for suggested alternatives. CHECK MNLINK Want to locate a title that we don't have without checking every library catalog individually? Try a MnLink search at www.mnlink.org. Access to most Minnesota library catalogs is included. You may search the whole state or by region or type of library. Other electronic resources are also available from MnLink's home page, including indexes to government documents and ownership of periodicals throughout the state. PLAN TEEN READ MONTH October is Teen Read Month. We urgently need teen volunteers to help plan the month's events. Volunteers will pick a theme; design publicity efforts; develop 2 or 3 activities; eat snacks; and have fun in the process. Planning will start early in August. If you are interested, contact Gail or Lindy at 651.439.1675, ext. 14, or leave your name at the Information Desk. FEAST-I-VAL RETURNS? We're in the planning stages for a return of Footlights Feast-i-val, a puppetry arts workshop and performance. We hope to offer two sessions - one for children ages 8-11 and one for 12-teens - where participants will create giant puppets and masks and develop a play for presentation to the whole community as a bang-up finale to our Summer Reading Program. The funding for this workshop is from a grant awarded to Stillwater Area Schools - and its partner SPL - by the Fund for the Improvement of Education. As this newsletter goes to print, we are still finalizing plans with the artist and adjunct personnel. For dates and more information, call Gail at 651.439.1675, ext 14. BOOK BITES FOR KIDS Cool off with tantalizing stories and fun activities on summer afternoons. Designed for kids in grades 1 - 4, Book Bites are scheduled on Tuesdays, from 3 to 4 P.M. The line-up includes Hamstermania on June 25, Fractured Fairytales on July 9, Wordplay on July 23, and a Captain Underpants party on August 13. Snacks are included! GET READY FOR KINDERGARTEN Next Step: Kindergarten storytimes will be presented Tues., August 20, and Monday, August 26. Both programs start at 7 P.M. Planned in partnership with the School Readiness Program of ECFE, the hour-long program explores the joys and fears of starting kindergarten. DISCOVER A HOPPIN' PLACE @ YOUR LIBRARY It's not too late to join the summer reading program A Hoppin' Place @ Your Library. Children simply need to pick up a reading record, set a reading goal, and start reading. After 5 books, children get a button. On reaching their goal they receive a Certificate of Achievement, a place on our Wall of Fame, and a chance to win a t-shirt. Free entertainment for families continues on Thursday evenings. Co- sponsored by ECFE and MELSA, these programs begin at 6:30 P.M. and usually take place on the library's lawn or in City Hall. Participants are urged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for outdoor performances. July 18 August 1 at City Hall August 8 The Silly Sisters Improvisational stories Amazing Jeffo Magician Summer Extravaganza Music and merriment BOOKS AFTER BREAKFAST Children's summer book discussions for grades 4-6 (older and younger kids are welcome, too) run on Fridays, July 12 to August 16, from 10 to 11 A.M., with Youth Services Associate Lindy Howe. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets will be discussed on July 12; Out of the Dust on July 19; any title by Roald Dahl on July 26; Through My Eyes on August 2; Strudel Stories on August 9; and a group choice on August 16. 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Hockey Rules will be followed & score will be kept. Must play at 2002 -2003 level. Equipment: Participants are required to supply all protective equipment required by USA Hockey. Deadline for application: July 15, 2002 Please return form as soon as possible. This is individual sign -up only. Teams will be balanced for competitive games. League Objective: Players should have fun and work to improve their skills. No fighting or abuse of players, coaches or officials will be tolerated. Results will be expulsion from the league with no refund. Questions: Call Tony Scheid or Doug Brady at 651 - 430 -2601 • BANTAMS PEEWEES • SQUIRTS PERIENCED MITES COACIIE S NEEDED Application Name Address City State Zip Birth Date E -mail Phone Parents Names Alternate Phone Health Ins. Provider Policy # Last Year's Team Position: Forward Name Phone E -mail Defense Goalie (Please circle one of the above) I would like to coach: Make check payable to: St. Croix Valley Rec Center, 1675 Market Drive Stillwater, MN 55082 Parental Consent Form: Insurance: Each child is required to have primary insurance. In consideration of the acceptance of the applicant, he /she agrees that St. Croix Valley Rec Center and /or its staff, coaches and employees will not be held responsible for any accidents or loss of personal property, however caused, and agree to release them from all claims or damages which may arise as a result of such accidents or loss. It is further agreed that all risk while participating in this league are assumed by the players and his parents and /or guardians and this assumption is acknowledged, approved by their signature hereto. We have read the foregoing and agree to the terms and conditions and give our consent to his/her participation in this league. Signature of Parent Date Z80S5 NW 'iolo^^119S Stillwater FALL LEAGUE 40N4 HOCKEY League Season League Season • 1 PRACTICE • 11 GAMES Cost: $100 Includes numbered hockey jersey 2 games played per week 8 teams per level :.i ey: tinter 1615 Market-Drive .._... .. ,.n_.. .. 1 er 1 ...m .,u �.. et�sared -� iO.2 03.....n „w, v -St &oirV i 7th thru September 14th, 2002 Apple Scab Apple scab is a fungal disease which affects many varieties of apples and flowering crabapples. It infects trees first in the spring, causing velvety olive -green to black spots on the leaves. The leaves usually turn yellow after infection and fall from the tree. The fungus continues to infect leaves throughout the grow- ing season. In wet years, susceptible trees may be almost completely bare by August. Most newer varieties of flowering crabapples are resistant to apple scab. If you have a tree which is susceptible to the disease you will have to spray with a fun- gicide to protect uninfected leaves. To control the disease, the tree should be sprayed once every two weeks from petal fall to mid - August with a fungicide such as captan or chlorothalonil, following label directions. Raking fallen leaves and disposing of them away from the tree may also help cut down on disease incidence. Resistant varieties of flowering crabapples include: Prairifire', Thunderchild', and `Professor Sprenger'. Birch Leafminer A common insect pest seen in early summer is the birch leafminer. This sawfly causes birch leaves to become papery and brown. Leafminers are unsightly but do not harm healthy trees. If control is desired, a registered insecticide such as Orthene, would need to be sprayed on trees in early spring when leaf mines are the size of a dime and light -green in color. Spraying after leaves have brown blotches has no effect on this insect pest. Soil injection in the fall with Merit insecticide can also control birch leafminer. Dutch Elm Disease and Oak Wilt These are serious wilt diseases of elm and oak. Removing wilted elms before they can serve as a breeding place for elm bark beetles (which spread Dutch elm disease), and removing wilted red or pin oaks before the oak wilt fungus produces spores, helps to reduce the incidence of these diseases in our commu- nity. If you suspect that you have these diseases on your property and would like information on how to control them, please call the Forestry Consultant at 430 -8765 (voice - mail). Answers to Plant Problems If you have a problem with a tree or shrub in your yard, want to identify a plant unknown to you, or have a question about tree care or a boulevard tree, call the Forestry Consultant, Dr. Kathy Widin, at 430 -8765 (voice - mail). As a service to City residents, she will answer your question by telephone or make a site visit to diagnose the problem. As summer approaches, the number of animal complaints increases. Here is a summary of the animal Ordinances and Statutes that are important for you to remember: -All dogs over 6 months of age are required to have an annual City license. The cost is $10.00 and are valid from May 1St until the following April 30th. This insures that your dog will be returned quickly if lost. Proof of valid rabies vaccination is required. - No animals are allowed to run at large. The City ordinances defines animals as any nonhuman living being, domestic or wild. (This means dogs and cats.) At large is defined as off the owner's premises and not under the control of the owner or a member of his immediate family either by leash, cord or chain, or similar physical restraint. - It is considered a nuisance for any animal to habitually or frequently bark or cry; to frequent school grounds, parks or public beaches; to chase vehicles; to molest or disturb any person if such person is not on the property of the owner or custodian of such animal; or to molest, defile or destroy any property, public or private. -All animals must be provided shade from the direct rays of the sun, during the months of June to September. Fresh wa- ter must be provided. -It is unlawful to permit an animal to defecate on public prop- erty (i.e. parks, trails, boulevard etc.) or the private property of another, without immediately removing the excrement and dis- posing of it in a sanitary manner. If you are having a problem, call the Police Department im- mediately at 351 -4900. The Stillwater Police Department will be participating in OP- ERATION CHILD PRINT this year at the Lumberjack Days festival in cooperation with the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Educational Foundation. Parents are encouraged to bring your child to the police booth where police officers and staff will be on hand to fingerprint your child. The fingerprint card of your child will then be turned over to the parent for safe keeping. This year the Stillwater Police booth will be located north of Mulberry St., between the Desch building and PD Pappys. Public safety brochures along with informational books from the Attorney Generals Office will be available as well as free balloons and junior badges for the kids. After much research and careful consideration, the City Council and Park Board came to the conclusion that it is no longer feasible to have lifeguards on duty at the Lily Lake Beach. Due to the number of wave pools and indoor water parks in the area, the use of Lily Lake Beach has declined substantially in recent years. The City has also had difficulty recruiting lifeguards due to the employment opportunities at these other facilities. In addition, it has become too costly to continue this service. Based on Summer 2001 usage, it cost the City's taxpayers approximately $10 per visitor per visit to have lifeguards on duty at Lily Lake Beach. The Beach will be open, but everyone needs to be aware that there will be no lifeguards on duty. If you have any questions regarding city matters or com- ments on the newsletter you may contact Sue Moore at smoore @ci.stillwater.mn.us or Diane Ward at dward @ci.stillwater.mn.us or mail your questions or comments to the City of Stillwater, 216 N. 4th St., Stillwater, MN 55082 in care of Diane or Sue. If we receive questions, our answers will be in the next newsletter. EMINDFP I._: rdi The City's ordinance regulating the use of lawn chemicals that can degrade water quality is in effect. The Ordinance was adopted to minimize the amount of lawn chemicals carried in water runoff to Lily Lake, McKusick Lake, Long Lake, and the St. Croix River. The Ordinance states: • All fertilizers and lawn chemicals must be kept off paved surfaces like streets and driveways. Once on a paved surface, the slightest rainfall will wash the chemicals into the storm drainage system and the lake or pond to which it discharges. • Fertilizers containing more than 3°/0 phosphorous are prohibited unless a reliable soil test shows that the soil is deficient in phosphorous. • The use of fertilizers containing phosphorous is prohibited in the buffer zone (i.e. 50 feet from lakes, ponds, wetlands creeks or standing surface water). • Fertilizing is prohibited when the ground is frozen and between November 15 and April 1. • The MN Extension Service (651) 430-6800 or the Washington County Soil and Water Conservation District (651) 439-6361 must be consulted before using pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and other chemicals. Learn to Read -Your Fertilizer The grade or analysis of a fertilizer represents the three primary plant nutrients in its composition. By convention, nitrogen is expressed on an elemental basis as percent N, whereas phosphorus and potassium are expressed on an oxide basis as percent P2O5 (phosphate) and percent K2O (potash), respectively. Minnesota State law requires that any material sold as fertilizer is clearly labeled with its fertilizer grade (e.g., 10-3-10) and the manufacturer guarantees this analysis. The first number in the series is the percent of nitrogen, the second number is the percent of phosphate and the third number is the percent of potash. It should be noted that nitrogen, phosphate and potash do not exist in fertilizer in these forms. Rather, these forms are calculated based on the elemental analysis to provide a convenient way of comparing the nutrient value of one fertilizer with another. For example a 10-20-10 fertilizer has the same amount of nitrogen and potash, but over six times as much phosphate as a 10- 3-10 fertilizer. Also note that the percentages do not add up to 100. This is because the fertilizer is made up of other elements not included in the analysis and in some cases may also contain a filler or carrier. Check with your local hardware store for non -phosphorus fertilizer. Do You Need A Building Permit? Building permits are required for any work being done on a residence (i.e., siding, reroof, window replacement, etc.) that is $500 or more, including labor and materials. Building permits and relevant information can be obtained at City Hall or the City's website (www.ci.stillwater.mn.us). Building Inspectors are in the office from 8:00 — 9:00 AM and 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM. If you have any questions, feel free to contact them at 430-8825 and they will return your call as soon as possible. The Building Inspection Department will enforce the 24-hour requirement for scheduling inspections. Due to the workload, it is no longer possible to schedule same -day inspections. No exceptions will be allowed. • Commercial lawn companies must be licensed. The license fee is $250 and payable at City Hall. Fertilizers and other lawn chemicals are often necessary to establish and maintain healthy lawns. In turn, healthy lawns can help protect water quality by promoting infiltration of precipitation and thereby reducing runoff that picks up pollutants as it travels across the urban landscape. However, adding chemicals to lawns when they aren't needed or applying chemicals in the wrong way increases the likelihood that they will leave the lawns for which they were intended and find their way to our lakes and rivers. Lawn fertilizers can be a source of phosphorous pollution to lakes and rivers. Too much phosphorous in the runoff entering a lake results in excessive algae growth, which decreases water clarity, causes surface scums which can foul shorelines, and depletes oxygen needed by game fish to survive. Careful attention to the type of fertilizers and the way they are applied can help protect the quality of these important public resources (see related article on next page). If you have any questions or concerns about the requirements of the City's Fertilizer Ordinance, please contact the Administration Department at (651) 430-8800. Getting Ready to Rake That Lawn? The State of Minnesota banned leaves, grass clippings and brush from going to landfills and processing facilities in 1990. Yard waste must not be mixed with regular garbage and needs to be collected separately. Here are some options for disposing of your yard waste: Do not catch grass clippings while mowing. Leave the short clippings on the lawn to conserve soil moisture and return nutrients to the soil. This requires less frequent fertilizing. Grass clippings can also help maintain a healthier lawn by encouraging growth (because the soil temperature is cooler) and reducing lawn wear (because a cushioning layer is created.) Mulch leaves and grass and leave them on your lawn. Backyard composting yields a rich humus that can be used for flower and vegetable gardens, or added to lawns and around trees. Contact Washington County Public Health Department at 430-6655 for more information about composting. Bag leaves or grass clippings in plastic or paper bags for pickup at curbside. Be sure to place them separately from your regular garbage. Tree branches and brush must be bundled and not exceed 4 feet in length or 35 pounds per bundle for pickup. Yard waste picked up by the City's residential hauler, Waste Management, is composted. Yard waste is picked up from approximately April 1 through November 1. Yard waste will not be picked up before April or after October 31, or depending on weather. Nrial Stillwater Migi*IMEUMI License 4 ��+ J Deputy Registrar Services for the Stillwater Area River Heights Plaza 1520 W. Frontage Road (Highway 36) Stillwater, MN 55082 Telephone: (651) 430 — 6176 Hours: Monday, Thursday, Friday 7:30a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Services: Birth Certificates Cross Country Ski Passes Death Certificates Disability License Plate Applications & Parking Permits Drivers License Renewals & Duplicates Game & Fish Licenses Homestead Regular Applications License Plates & Stickers for cars, trucks, motorcycles, & trailers Maps of Washington County Marriage License Applications Minnesota State ID Cards Motor Vehicle Title Transfers Notary Public Passports & Passport Photos Washington County Park Permits Watercraft Titling, Registration & Transfers All Terrain Vehicle & Snowmobile Registration & Transfers if1wl .,twlf . isl Watch Those Crosswalks & Pedestrians Just a reminder that motorists are required by State Law to yield to pedestrians at marked crosswalks. State law states the following: "Where traffic -control signals are not in place or in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall stop to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any crosswalk (does not have to be marked) at an intersection, but no pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield. This provision shall not apply under the conditions as otherwise provided in this subdivision. When any vehicle is stopped at a marked crosswalk or at any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle. A person who violates this subdivision is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than 90 days or to payment of a fine of not more than $700, or both. A person who violates this subdivision a second or subsequent time within one year of a previous conviction under this subdivision is guilty of a gross misdemeanor and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than one year or to payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both." Apply Now for the Stillwater Downtown Parking and Human Rights Commissions Applications are being accepted for an opening on the Downtown Parking Commission and the Human Rights Commission. These openings are volunteer positions, appointed by the City Council. Interested citizens willing to volunteer their services may pick up an application at City Hall or call 430-8800. The Downtown Parking Commission consists of seven members; five downtown business or property owners and two residents from the broader community. The Downtown Parking Commission is established to oversee the development and implementation of the Downtown Parking Plan. This includes planning for long-range parking lot improvements and day-to-day regulation of public parking spaces. Members serve two year terms. The purpose of the Human Rights Commission is to aid and advise the City Council in ensuring equal opportunity in those areas protected by law and in other related concerns for all citizens of the City. All members will be appointed for two year terms that are staggered in order to provide continuity of policy and program. Please return applications no later than noon July 31, 2002. Criteria for evaluation include (but is not necessarily limited to): personal and professional experience relating to the subject area of the commission; knowledge of the community; knowledge of city government; experience from similar appointments. CITY DATA City Hall 216 N Fourth Street City Numbers Admin-430-8800 Building-430-8825 Engineering/Public Works-430-8830 Fire-351-4950 Garage-439-5933 Library-439-1675 Parks-439-4561 Police-351-4900 Planning-430-8820 Sewer Billing 430-8815 Water Billing 439-6231 ■ Waste Management Questions on Service and Billing 952-890-1100 ■ St. Croix Recreation Center 430-2601 ■ City Web Site www.ci.stillwater.mn.us ■ Stillwater City Council Regular Replays Friday at 7:00 Saturday at 1:00 p.m. Sunday at 10:00 p.m. Channel 16 Stillwater City Scene Every Wednesday at 9:00 p.m. Editors: Sue Moore Diane Ward VOL.14 No.2 ater Scene ril, 20Q2 Official City Newsletter 216 N Fourth St., Stillwater, Minnesota 55082 kir PRSTD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Stillwater, MN 55082 Perrnit No. 206 Postal Patron '4 ter" rr r<t) 11 -1uru d�ub1i; t-ieariny on Ward Boundary Changes Election Judges Needed Fililng Opens July 2nd Police Officer of the Year When the Siren Sounds Fire Dept. Seeking Funds Bus Route Changes Fertilizer Ord. in Effect Reading Your Fertilizer Do You Need A Bldg.Permit Getting Ready to Rake? Plant a Tree for Arbor Day Update on New PW Bldg. Downtown Parking Motorists! Dog Licences Due Dog Licensing Clinic Hazardous Waste In Your Home? Community Transportation Looking for a Job? 2002 Street Reconstruction Gun Locks Available Friendly Sign Reminder Adopt a Rose Bed Seasonal Employment in Public Works Department Identity Theft & Other Financial Crimes Charter 3rd Monday City Council 1st & 3rd Tuesday Heritage Preservation 1st Monday Human Rights Last Wednesday Library 2nd Tuesday Parks Board 4th Monday Planning 2nd Monday Mayor Jay Kimble 439-2888 Council Ward 1 Terry Zoller 439-5286 Ward 2 John Rheinberger 439-4199 Ward 3 Wally Milbrandt 439-0185 Ward 4 Gene "Taco" Bealka 439-4387 Ward Boundary Changes On March 19, 2002 the courts released new congressional and legislative district boundaries. As a result, part of Ward 1 is in Legislative District 56A and the rest of Stillwater is in Legislative District 52B. The City Charter states that the Charter Commission may redefine ward boundaries subject to the limitations and restrictions of State Statutes. Due to the increase in population, the ward boundaries will be adjusted. The Charter Commission and City Council have until April 30, 2002 to address redefining ward boundaries. The Charter Commission met on April 1 to approve a proposed plan (shown below). A public hearing on the proposed plan will be held on Monday, April 15, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. at Stillwater City Hall, 216 North Fourth Street. If you have any questions prior to the public hearing, please do not hesitate to contact Diane Ward, City Clerk at 651-430-8802. Note: The addition of a precinct in Ward 1 and Ward 2 will create two (2) new polling locations Election Needed Serving as an election judge is an opportunity to serve your community. Election judges are responsible for the administration of the election procedures in each voting place on election day. Training is provided. Judges are vital to efficient and honest elections. State law allows time off from work without loss of wages to serve as an election judge with 20 days prior notice to the employer. Students 16 and over may serve as trainee election judges. Judges work at either or both the Primary Election and General Election. Judges can choose to be paid an hourly wage or volunteer their services. Initial selection of judges will begin in June. For additional information see below or contact Diane Ward, City Clerk, at 430-8802. What are election judges? Election judges are responsible for the administration of election procedures in each voting place on Election Day. Become a member of this proud team working to guarantee the election process is fair and in accordance with our laws. Who is eligible? Judges must reside in and be entitled to vote in the County where they serve. Students, 16 and over, may serve as trainee election judges. No more than half the election judges can be members of the same major political party in the ward. Therefore, you will need to declare a major political party. You cannot be a candidate in the election or closely related to a candidate. You also cannot be closely related to another election judge working in the same polling location. Closely related means a spouse, parent, child or sibling. Are election judges paid? Judges can choose to be paid an hourly wage or volunteer their services. The current pay is $8.00 per hour. State law allows time off from work without loss of wages to serve as an election judge with 20 days prior notice to the employer. Judges work at either or both the Primary and General election. ■ r r■■ r■ r■ r u M R r N N u■■■■ M r elf 11 ■■■■■ r■ r r w ' x If you wish to be an election judge r T please complete the following information r and mail to the City of Stillwater, Atten- • • ;) tion: Diane Ward, City Clerk, 216 North • Fourth Street, Stillwater, MN 55082 • • • Please Print ■ • Name: r w • Address. • Home Telephone: Work Telephone: Email: r r ■ r r ■ r • ■ ■ r • r r r • r . • ■ r r x r r ■ How are judges selected? Appointments are recommended by the City Clerk, depending on the needs for each election, and approved by the City Council. How are election judges trained? Judges are required to attend a paid two-hour training class. Classes are held in the City of Stillwater. What are some of the duties of election judges? • Set up for 7:00 a.m. opening of the polls • Distribute and collect ballots • Register new voters • Help voters who require assistance • Process absentee ballots • Record and certify vote totals Filing Opens July 2 Filing for City Council opens July 2 and continues through Tuesday, July 16. Voters will elect two City Council members and Mayor this fall. Those elected will serve four-year terms. The positions to be on the ballot are currently held by Terry Zoller (Ward 1), Eugene "Taco" Bealka (Ward 4) and Mayor Jay Kimble. Candidates may file for office at City Hall during regular business hours from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Note: City Hall will be closed on July 4.) On July 16, affidavits will be accepted until 5 p.m. The filing fee is $5. City Council elections are nonpartisan. Council members run by ward residency. If more than two candidates file for an office in the same Ward, there will be a Primary held September 10. The two candidates with the most votes in each Ward will then be placed on the ballot for the General Election to be held November 5. Those elected will take office at the first Council meeting in January 2003. Stillwater's City Council consists of the mayor and four council members who each serve four-year terms. Elections are held in November of even -numbered years and terms are staggered. For additional information, contact the City Clerk, at 430-8802. Po!k' Offi (®r rhe) „ �a � Police departments and similar organizations are often run by rules and policies and employees are noticed only when a rule or policy is violated. In an effort to recognize the good and often great efforts made by our employees, the police department renewed its awards program. For several years the program was in place but it had rarely been utilized. Every month during 2001 individual officers were nominated for above average performance throughout the month. Supervisory staff, who observe consistent professional per- formance, make the nominations. One outstanding incident will not necessarily earn a nomination for the month's Outstanding Service Award. The award is earned through consistent exemplary perfor- mance throughout the month. At the end of the year supervisory staff once again makes nomina- tions for Officer of the Year. Supervisors take into account employ- ees' performance and contributions to the department made by an employee throughout the entire year. A few officers were nominated for the award and all were deserving of their nominations. However, only one officer can receive the award each year. In 2001, Officer Nate Meredith was selected to receive the Officer of the Year Award. Throughout the year Officer Meredith led the entire patrol division in officer initiated activity. Officer initiated activ- ity includes any activity that an officer initiates on his own, this is primarily traffic enforcement. In addition to this Officer Meredith is a use of force instructor for the department, an explorer scout advisor, bicycle patrol officer, and has volunteered to build and repair emer- gency equipment for the police department vehicles. Officer Meredith's attendance during 2001 was exemplary. Officer Meredith's professionalism and dedication is evident through his work and his performance has brought credit to the police depart- ment and the City of Stillwater. "When the Siren Soun ds Spring has sprung and, since it is the season, the Stillwater Fire Department would like you to take a few minutes to review these tornado safety rules. Two definitions that everyone should be familiar with are TORNADO WATCH and TORNADO WARNING. TORNADO WATCH: Indicates weather conditions are favorable for the formation of tornadoes. Be alert and stay informed of rapidly changing weather conditions! TORNADO WARNING: Indicates a tornado has been sighted. SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY! Educate your family members on the meanings of these terms and make sure they know what to do when a watch or warning is issued. Locate shelter areas within your home and practice taking shelter with your family. The preferred shelter area is below grade or in the basement of your home. If you do not have a basement, seek shelter in small interior rooms — stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls. Closets, bathrooms, or other small rooms should be considered. If you are away from home, at a shopping mall, school, hospital, nursing home, or the office, proceed to the predesignated shelter area. Avoid large, open areas such as auditoriums, or atrium areas. If caught outdoors with no shelter readily available, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and shield your head with your arms. Severe Weather Awareness Week is April 15 — 19, 2002. The State of Minnesota, in cooperation with the National Weather Service and local governments, will conduct two tornado drills on Thursday, April 18. Please take a moment and discuss with your family what to do "When the Siren Sounds." For more information on tornado and severe weather safety, contact Stuart Glaser, Assistant Fire Chief, at 351-4970. Stiliwate,r, re Dept. Seeking Funds to Purchase Thermal Imaging Camera The Stillwater Fire Department is accepting donations toward the purchase of a Thermal Imaging Camera. This life saving piece of equipment is used for search and rescue operations, locating victims and/or lost firefighters in structure fires, and to locate fire extension in building fires. These cameras have already been proven to be a vital tool for the fire service. When there is heavy smoke in a structure fire, it is impossible to see your hand in front of your face! This camera, with the latest technology, allows firefighters the ability to "see" through the smoke and locate potential victims much quicker, saving precious time and providing firefighters a much better opportunity to save lives. Thermal imagers also allow firefighters the ability to locate potential fire extension much quicker and more accurately, thus helping to reduce the potential damage done to your home. The cost of this life saving technology is not cheap; thermal imaging cameras, along with all the necessary equipment, cost approximately $26,000.00. To date, the Stillwater Fire Department has collected over $4,500.00 towards the purchase of one of these units. If you are interested in helping purchase this camera for the Stillwater Fire Department, please mail or drop off your tax-deductible donation to: "Friends of Fire" c/o Stillwater Fire Department, 216 North Fourth Street, Stillwater, MN 55082. If you have any questions please feel free to call us at 651-351-4950. The Stillwater Fire Department wishes to thank you for your continued support. Bus Route Changes Pr o k,, r'ido New Service St. Croix Valley Transit Route 245 is now providing morning service to Stillwater Junior High as part of a series of bus route changes that took effect March 161h. The changes were made by the Metropolitan Council to better serve residents of Stillwater, Oak Park Heights and Bayport. Prior to March 16, Route 245 only provided service from Stillwater Junior High in the afternoon for students returning home. Now a morning trip is available to bring students to school, arriving at about 7:10 a.m. Route 245 now serves the new Boutwell's Landing apartments in Oak Park Heights as well. It continues to connect with Route 294 for travel along Highway 5 in Oak Park Heights, to Lake Elmo and to downtown St. Paul. Other changes in the area include making local Route 246 a "Dial -Up" bus service rather than a fixed route. This means residents in the service area now are picked up at their door and dropped off directly at their destination. Anyone can use the service but reservations are required at least two hours before the trip. The 246 Dial -Up service area includes portions of Oak Park Heights around the Raymie-Johnson apartments and St. Croix Mall and the City of Bayport. It also connects riders with Route 245 at Target/Cub for local travel to stops along that route. Route 245 operates Monday through Friday 6:30 a.m. — 7:30 p.m. and Saturday 7:20 a.m. — 7:00 p.m. For more information, call 612- 373-3333. Or look for a new schedule at Washington County Government Center or Washington County Library. The 246 Dial -Up service operates Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For a reservation call 651-275-4315. A PUBLICATI► OF THE STILLWATER PL IC LIBRARY VOLUME 7 NUMBER 2 SPRING 2002 eYf�.ife * * * FREE! * * * STILLWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY * 223 NORTH FOURTH STREET * STILLWATER, MN 55082 * 651.439.1675 MOVING AHEAD The library's feasibility study is complete and has been presented to the City Council. It shows that there could be substantial private support for a building expansion. A task force of Library Board members is working with the City Administrator on two issues: how to generate the public dollars needed for the project and how to provide adequate parking in the neighborhood. The task force will report to the City Council in April. Lynne Bertalmio, Director INSIDE THE NEWBERY AWARD Gail Nordstrom, Youth Services Librarian, talks about her experience on the 2002 Newbery Award committee, reviews her favorite new children's books, and examines trends in children's literature on Tuesday, April 23, at 3:30 P.M. GENEROUS FRIENDS Friends@Stillwater Public Library have just given the library $1,000 for the purchase of DVDs. They have also increased to $200 their monthly donation for the purchase of books on CD. Look for their gifts on library shelves soon. To support these donations, F@SPL are selling packets of Stillwater postcards. You'll find them at the Circulation Desk. L E T Y U R HOURS Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sundays* * Sundays through May 19 10 A.M. 9 P.M. 1 9P.M. 10 A.M. - 9 P.M. 1 - 9P.M. 10 A.M. - 5 P.M. 10 A.M. - 5 P.M. 1 5P.M. PROGRAMS Preschool Storytime for Ages 3-5 Wednesdays, 10:30 A.M. Toddler Storytime for Ages 2-3 Fridays, 10:30 A.M. March 1 - April 26 Kit and Kaboodle Music for All Ages Thurs., June 20, 6:30 P.M. Schiffelly Puppets Family Fun Thurs., June 27, 6:30 P.M. The Silly Sisters Stories for Families Thurs., July 18, 6:30 P.M. Mystery Book Club For Adults Wed., April 17, 7:30 P.M. Inside the Newbery Award Tues., April 23, 3:30 P.M. Senior Surf Day For Seniors Thurs., May 9, 10 A.M. MIND MYSTERY BOOK CLUB There will be an organizational meeting for the library's new mystery book club on Wednesday, April 17, at 7:30 P.M., in the Margaret Rivers Room at the library. Guidelines will be developed and a permanent monthly meeting time chosen. For the first meeting, bring the title of a favorite mystery book with you to share with others. If you would like to participate, but can't be at this meeting, call 439.1675 ext. 18 and leave your name and phone number. SENIOR SURF DAY In connection with the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging, the library will offer its second Senior Surf Day on Thursday, May 9, 10 A.M. to noon. This free session will include a video presentation followed by hands- on instruction in Internet use. Websites of particular interest to seniors will also be featured. To accommodate the most participants, the program has been scheduled while the library is closed. Space is limited and registration is required. To register, call 439.1675 ext. 18. WHAT'S STILLWATER READING? Jill Greenhalgh of the Arcola Mills Foundation recommends Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich and Expecting Adam by Martha Beck. U N ***6beif lite *** FIX YOUR CAR @ THE LIBRARY The library now has a great database for automotive repair. ALLDATA is an online repair guide for U.S. and most imported cars and light trucks from 1982 to the present. In addition to repair information for the do-it-yourselfer, you'll find technical service bulletins, parts and labor data, scheduled maintenance information, and recall notices. At this point, ALLDATA is available from the library search workstations but not for remote access. LEARN A TEST DATABASE LearnATest is an antidote to test - taking jitters. This database allows you to take a number of practice tests online. Included are SAT, ACT, adult basic skills, civil service, law enforcement, military, EMS, postal services, firefighter, and U.S. citizenship tests. LearnATest is available from library search stations and from remote sites. You'll need your library barcode to log in from home or office. LITERATURE RESOURCE CENTER The online database, Literature Resource Center, provides access to biographies, bibliographies, and critical analyses for more than 120,000 authors, with in-depth coverage of 2,500 of the most - studied writers. There are eight ways to search for information: author, title, genre, literary movement/time period, literary theme, and custom search. There are also essays on publishing companies and literary topics. This database is available in the library and from remote sites. CATCH A KAB The Stillwater Area High School yearbook Kabekonian is one of the most frequently used titles in the St. Croix Collection. Children use them to research student life in the past. Celebrants use them as fodder for anniversaries, retirements, and roasts and toasts. And they jog the memories of reunion planners. We have a good collection, but we're missing some years. If you have a Kab that's looking for a good home, call 439.1675 ext. 16. CHECK -IT -OUT - YOURSELF DAY Did you think Monday, April 15, was just tax day? File your taxes by all means, but then come to the library and check out your own materials. If over 100 people use our Express Check -Out on that day, the library will be eligible to win $1,000 from 3M, the manufacturer of SelfCheck equipment. BOOK DISCUSSIONS Children's summer book discussions continue this year, led by Lindy Howe, Youth Services Associate. The program is designed for grades 4-6, but older and younger children are welcome. The series runs on Fridays, July 12 to August 16, from 10 to 11 A.M. Participants will read Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling, Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse, any title by Roald Dahl, and a book chosen by the discussion group as a whole. Children may attend any or all sessions. For more information, call 439-1675 ext. 14. DISCOVER A HOPP1N' PLACE @ YOUR LIBRARY We're planning a summer filled with reading and activities for children and their families. The Summer Reading Program kicks off on June 1, with reading records, bookmarks, buttons, and stickers by children's author and Caldecott-winning illustrator Peggy Rathmann. This year's theme is Discover a Hoppin' Place ® Your Library. The materials feature Rathmann's curious hamsters, based on critters in her book 10 Minutes Till Bedtime. Be sure to stop by the library for more details on how children may participate. Free entertainment for families will be featured on Thursday evenings. Co -sponsored by ECFE and MELSA, these programs begin at 6:30 P.M. and usually take place on the library's lawn (in case of inclement weather or upon request of the performer, events will move to City Hall). Participants are urged to bring blankets or lawn chairs. June 20 June 27 indoors July 18 Kit and Kaboodle Music for all ages Schiffelly Puppets The Silly Sisters Improvisational stories Save August 1 and 8 for additional family programs! TEEN VOLUNTEERS Interested in volunteering this summer? Pick up an application form and attend an orientation session on Saturday, May 18, or Saturday, June 8, at 10 A.M. For more information, call Gail at 439.1675 ext. 14. www.ci.stillwater.mn.us/library City of Stillwater 2001 Drinking Water Report The City of Stillwater is issuing the results of monitoring done on its drinking water for the period from January I to December 31, 2001. The purpose of this report is to advance consumers' understanding of drinking water and heighten awareness of the need to protect precious water resources. Source of Water The City of Stillwater provides drinking water to its residents from a groundwater source: seven wells ranging from 83 to 305 feet deep, that draw water from the Jordan aquifer and the Prairie Du Chien - Jordan aquifer. Call 651-439-6231 if you have questions about the City of Stillwater drinking water or would like information about opportunities for public participation in decisions that may affect the quality of the water. Results of Monitoring No contaminants were detected at levels that violated federal drinking water standards. However, some contaminants were detected in trace amounts that were below legal limits. The table that follows shows the contaminants that were detected in trace amounts last year. (Some contaminants are sampled less frequently than once a year; as a result, not all contaminants were sampled for in 2001. If any of these contaminants were detected the last time they were sampled for, they are included in the table along with the date that the detection occurred.) Key to abbreviations: MCLG - Maximum Contaminant Level Goal: The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety. MCL - Maximum Contaminant Level: The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology. AL --Action Level: The concentration of a contaminant, which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirement, which a water system must follow. 90th Percentile Level --This is the value obtained after disregarding 10 percent of the samples taken that had the highest levels. (For example, in a situation in which 10 samples were taken, the 90th percentile level is determined by disregarding the highest result, which represents 10 percent of the samples.) Note: In situations in which only 5 samples are taken, the average of the two with the highest levels is taken to determine the 90th percentile level. ppb -- Parts per billion, which can also be expressed as micrograms per liter (ug/1). ppm -- Parts per million, which can also be expressed as milligrams per liter (mg/1). nd -- No Detection. N/A --Not Applicable (does not apply). Contaminant (units) Nitrate (as Nitrogen) (ppm) MCLG MCL Level Found 10.0 10.0 Range Average (2001) /Result* 1.2-3.3 3.3 Mercury (inorganic) (ppb) Fluoride (ppm) Barium (ppm) 2.0 4.0 2.0 4.0 2.0 2.0 nd-0.01 1.2-1.3 0.01 Typical Source of Contaminant Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks, sewage; Erosion of natural deposits. Erosion of natural deposits; Discharge from refineries and factories; Runoff from landfills; Runoff from cropland. 1.23 State of Minnesota requires all municipal water systems to add fluoride to the drinking water to promote strong teeth; Erosion of natural deposits; Discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories. nd - 0.02 0.02 Discharge of drilling wastes; Discharge from metal refineries; Erosion of natural deposits. *This is the value used to determine compliance with federal standards. It sometimes is the highest value detected and sometimes is an average of all the detected values. If it is an average, it may contain sampling results from the previous year. Contaminant (units) Lead (ppb) (09/16/1998) MCLG I AL N/A Copper (ppm) (09/16/1998) N/A 15 9000 I Level 4.4 1.3 0.59 # sites over AL 1 out of 30 0 out of 30 Typical Source of Contaminant Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits. Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits. Some contaminants do not have Maximum Contaminant Levels established for them. These "unregulated contaminants" are assessed using state standards known as health risk limits to determine if they pose a threat to human health. If unacceptable levels of an unregulated contaminant are found, the response is the same as if an MCL has been exceeded; the water system must inform its customers and take other corrective actions. In the table that follows are the unregulated contaminants that were detected: Contaminant (units) Level Found Typical Source of Contaminant Range (2001) Average Result Sodium (ppm) 3.8-6.11 6.11 Erosion of natural deposits. Level Found Contaminant (units) Range Average Typical Source of Contaminant (2001) Result Sulfate (ppm) 11.0-16.0 16.0 Erosion of natural deposits. Compliance with National Primary Drinking Water Regulations The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally -occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Contaminants that may be present in source water include: Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife. Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally -occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming. Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban storm water runoff, and residential uses. Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff, and septic systems. Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally -occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities. In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. Food and Drug Administration regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water, which must provide the same protection for public health. Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791. Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromisedpersons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPAICDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791. STILLWATER POLICE DEPARTMENT KEY HOLDER INFORMATION Business Owners, Churches, Schools, Clinics & Organizations The Stillwater Police Department is updating their key holder list. If you own or operate a business, or are the key holder of a church, school, clinic or organization in the City of Stillwater, please take a moment and fill out the following key holder information request. The information will be put into our data base so that the police department can notify a key holder in the event of an alarm or emergency. Send the completed form to the Stillwater Police Department Records Division, 216 North 4th Street, Stillwater, MN 55082. Thank you. Business Name: Business Phone: Business Address: Name: Key holder #1 Key holder #2 Key holder #3 Daytime Phone: ( ) ( ) ( ) Evening Phone: ( ) (__) ( ) Pager/Cell: ( ) ( ) ( ) Alarm Company Name: _ Alarm Company Phone #: ( ) Fire Key Box: O No Q Yes If yes, where is it located? Additional Comments: J Events In Stillwater 2002 Call the number listed, or Chamber of Commerce for more information. Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce (651) 439 -4001 Yg Minnesota Zephyr Dinner Train 430 -3000 or 1- 800 - 992 -6100 0 Q r .a 0 O P.D. Pappy's / live bands (651) 430 -1147 Andiamo Cruises on the St. Croix (651) 430 -1234 Stillwater Trolley Narrated Tours (651) 430 -0352 -J 26 -27 Valley Chamber Chorale (651) 430 -6233 30 Thomas Loome Collecting Cookbooks (651) 430 -3385 18 -19 Rivertown Art Fair (651) 439 -4001 gSt. Croix Pottery Tour (651) 439 -3297 27 Memorial Day Parade 8:30 am Bayport (651) 439 -4001 LLJ 14 -17 Taste of the Valley (651) 439 -4001 j 19 Music on the Waterfront (651) 439 -4001 26 Music on the Waterfront (651) 439 -4001 4 Fireworks (651) 430 -2306 Marine Fireworks (651) 433 -3636 Afton Fireworks (651) 436 -5090 10 Music on the Waterfront (651) 439 -4001 17 Music on the Waterfront (651) 439 -4001 TBA Drum Beauty 24 Lumberjack Days Kick off at the Historic Courthouse a Family Event (651) 430 -6233 25 -28 Lumberjack Days (651) 430 -2306 1 -4 8 -11 TBA TBA Washington County Fair Huff n Puff Days Lake Elmo / Lake Elmo Jaycees Party in the Park Oak Park Heights (651) 439 -4439 National Night Out Bayport (651) 439 -2530 SEPTEMBER 14 -15 Rivertown Restoration Home Tour w 5 -6 Fall Colors Fine Art and Jazz m O 0 26 Community Trick or Treating (651) 439 -4001 NOVEMBER 22 Preview Event Christmas at the Courthouse (651) 430 -6233 23 -24 Christmas at the Courthouse (651) 430 -6233 TBA Yule fest at Trinity (651) 439 -7400 TBA House of Santa's Valley Tours (651) 439 -6110 DECEMBER TBA Progressive Victorian High Tea and B &B Tour (651) 430 -2653 or (651) 430 -2955 TBA Stillwater Nutcracker (651) 439 -2820 6 -8 Valley Chamber Chorale (651) 430 -6233 7 Twinkle Parade (651) 439 -4001 City Hall 216 North Fourth Street Stillwater, MN 55082 (651) 430 -8800 Telephone Numbers Parking Information and Permits: Contact City Hall (see above) Emergency: 911 Police: (651) 351 -4900 Fire: (651) 351 -4950 Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce: (651) 439 -4001 Historic Courthouse: (651) 430 -6233 Washington County Information: (651) 439 -3220 Extended hour parking permits available at City Hall for residents and employees 2 HR PARKING 8AM -6PM MON -SUN Parking on downtown streets is either 30- minute or 2 -hour, as indicated by the signs. Published 2002 by City of Stillwater, Minnesota. Printed in USA. Printed by ECOPRINT USA. Photo by Deb Chia! Photography. All information contained herein is subject to change without notice. 2002 illwater THE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA a v J a DOWNTOWN STILLWATER PUBLIC PARKING t St. Mary's Church n Historic Courthouse St. Michael's Church 14 (ub Foods Hdgrin. Andiomo Showboats z 0 0 FOURTH THIRD Armory SECOND MAIN STREET (HWYs 36 & 95) Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce WATER Legion Lumber Baron's Hotel n City Hall/PolicelFire Dept. Trinity Post Office Church m Library -a NCI Lowell Inn 11 SAM BLOOMER Lowell Park 8 Gazebo z o_ z >-z Stillwater Yacht flub Pioneer Park • Washington County Historic Museum FREE PARKING 4 Hour Limit Lot 4 Bridge Lot Lot 5 Mulberry Point Lot Lot 7 Water St. Lot Lot 12 Olive St. & 2nd St. Lot Lot 13 UBC Lot 2 Hour Limit Lot 3 Chestnut St. Lot Lot 6 Maple Island Lot Unlimited Lot 8 Railroad Lot Lot 9 North Main St. Lot Lot 10 Mulberry St. & 2nd St. Lot FREE PARKING Unlimited After 6pm and All Day Sat. and Sun. Lot 11 Lowell Inn Lot Lot 14 Riverview Lot ((ub) PAY PARKING 24 Hours Lot 1 South Main St. Lot Lot 2 River Lot (Nelson /Chestnut) Managed by IMPARK (612) 341 -8000 Pay Parking Lots 1 & 2 Effective & Enforced: May 1 - Oct. 31 *Posted time limits will be enforced year round Public Restroom Information — — Old Railroad PitiOffii . for Arbor Day Arbor Day is April 26th and May is Arbor Month in Minnesota. Plant a tree to com- memorate a birth, anniversary, or other special event. When selecting a tree to plant, do some home- work regarding the growing conditions (such as soil, light, and moisture), as well as the space available for the tree to attain a healthy mature size. Match the tree's growing requirements to the site. Choose trees with good characteristics, not just rapid growth rate. Some species which have been found to do well in the Stillwater area are: red maple (rubrum species, not red -leaved Norway maple), green ash (improved cultivars such as 'Summit' or 'Bergeson'), bicolor oak, American linden (bass- wood) and thornless honeylocust. To plant, prepare a plant- ing hole at least twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. Place the root ball on firm soil and remove the top rungs of the wire basket, burlap and twine from the root ball before filling in the hole. If the roots are in a container, even a "biodegradable" one, remove it before planting. There is no need to add soil amendments, but if you choose to, make compost, top soil or composted manure only one-third of the back fill mix. Water the tree well and continue watering (10-15 gallons - more for trees greater than 1.5 inches in trunk diameter) once a week the first growing season, depending on weather conditions and soil type. Mulch the tree from the trunk out several feet with 4 inches of wood chip or shredded bark mulch to keep the root system cool and moist. In areas where root space is constricted, or near overhead power lines, small ornamental trees or shrubs work best. 0 Update on New Pubic Works 8 .4iIding Construction of the Public Works Building is progressing along nicely. At the time this publication went to press the steel erector was in the pro- cess of setting the roof framing. If the weather is good, light gage roof and wall framing should be completed by the end of April. From there the contrac- tor will be installing the roof decking, starting on the trim work, preparing subgrade inside the building area to pour concrete floors, and then pouring concrete floors. An- ticipated completion of this phase of the building construction is the end of May. June and July will see the shingles going on, installation of exterior walls, windows and the big overhead doors. In late summer the work will be concentrated on finish- ing the interior and completing the site work for the parking areas, ballfields, ponds and landscaping. The expected comple- tion for the Public Works Building is November or December. The next four months you will really be able to see the building take shape and get a good idea of what the finished product will look like. Plant Flowering Trees & Shrobs for Spring Color When planning new additions to your landscape, consider adding spring - flowering shrubs and trees. Flowers in May and June remind us what we've been waiting for all winter. Ornamental flowering crabapples (such as 'Indian Magic', 'Prairie Fire', and 'Thunderchild') produce beautiful blooms in May. Japanese tree lilac has white blooms in June. Popular shrubs with spring flowers include yellow forsythia (northern cultivars such as 'Northern Sun'), common lilacs, azaleas ('Lights' series) and rhodo- dendrons (PJM). Following in late May and June are bridalwreath ('Van Houtte' spirea), Korean lilacs and many varieties of shrub roses. OakWilt To prevent insect transmission of the oak wilt fungus this spring and early summer, do not prune or wound oaks be- tween April 1st and July 1st. If trees are wounded during this time, apply a tree wound dressing, shellac or latex house paint to the wound immediately. All oak species in Minnesota are susceptible to oak wilt and will wilt in summer from a spring infection. Call the Forestry Consultant at 430-8765 if you suspect that you have oak wilt on your property. Plant Problems? If you are a Siilwater resident and have a problem with a tree or shrub, call Dr. Kathy Widin, the Forestry Consultant, at 430-8765 (voice -mail). She can answer your questions either over the phone or by making a site visit. This service is provided by the City at no charge to residents. Downtown Parking Program Changes There are two changes in the downtown parking program for 2002. Please refer to the enclosed parking map. • The Maple Island Lot #6 (located on Main St. between the Maple Island Building and the Oasis Market) is now a free parking lot with a 2 hour parking limit. • The pay rates for River Lots #1 & #2 are now $1.00 for 2 hours and $5.00 for all day. All downtown Stillwater offers free public parking (except in Lots #1 and #2). There are a total of over 1400 public parking spaces in downtown Stillwater. Please note the posted time limits for all lots and on -street parking. The time limits are enforced. The Downtown Parking Commission is looking for members. If you are interested in serving on this commission please contact City Hall (430- 8800). Motorists! Wa i° h Ti? o s e Crosswalks & °edestrians With spring and summer approaching remember that motorists are required by State Law to yield to pedestrians at marked crosswalks. State law states, "Where traffic -control signals are not in place or in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall stop to yield the right-of- way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a marked crosswalk at an intersection, but no pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield. When any vehicle is stopped at a marked crosswalk or at any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle." Dog licenses are due by May 1 for all dogs over six months of age. The fee for each male or female dog is $10 (fee is the same whether spayed or neutered). Owners must have a current rabies certificate when applying for a license. The license is valid for one year and expires April 30 of the following year. For your convenience you can cut/fill out the application form, mail the $10.00 payment, current rabies certificate and form to City Hall and in return we will mail the certificate back to you, along w th a 2002 license tag. A kennel license is required where four or mo e dogs over four months of age are kept. The $50 fee covers all dogs kept during the year. A special use permit is also required. When off the owner's premises, dogs and cats must be leashed at all times. Dogs and cats running loose will be picked up. The charge is $50, plus boarding fees if the animal is taken to a shelter A ticket may be issued for repeat offenses. The Stillwater Police Department is enforcing Ordinance 858 which states "It is unlawful for any Owner to suffer or permit an animal to defecate on public or private property, without immediately removing the excrement and disposing of it in a sanitary manner." Violation of this Ordinance is a misdemeanor. Remember that "baggie" when walking your dog. DOG LICENSE APPLICATION ■CHECK ONE: RABIES INOCULATION: ■ 1 Male Date Female Expiration date 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ' City of Stillwater (Attention: Receptionist) , 216 N. Fourth Street, Stillwater, MN 55082 ;Dog's Name Breed 'Color Age ;Owner's Name ,Address ;Home Telephone (required) ,Work Telephone 'Checks Payable /Mail To: Saturday, May 4, 2002 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (noon) the City of Stillwater will hold a Dog Licensing Clinic at the Stillwater Fire Department. You may park at the West end of the Trinity Church parking lot (South of the Fire Department). Just bring in your rabies certificate and $10.00 for the 2002 dog license. ALL DOGS MUST BE LEASHED, OVER 3 MONTHS OF AGE AND ACCOMPANIED BY AN OWNER 18 OR OVER. Wondering what to do with your old paint, gas in your home? Bring them to a temporary Hous The temporary Household Hazardous Waste The collection date and hours will be: Saturday, May 18, 2001 9:00 am - 1:n0 pm ine, paint thinner, garden chemicals and other unwanted or unusable hazardous products hold Hazardous Waste Collection in Stillwater for proper disposal. Collection will be held at: Lily Lake Ice Arena 1208 S. Greeley Street WHAT TO BRING* Used oil, oil filters, anti - freeze, other auto fluids Pesticides, garden chemicals, insecticides Paint thinner, solvents, gasoline Photographic chemicals Ni -Cad batteries (Rechargeable) Drain cleaner, other cleaners Pool Chemicals Propane cylinders *Proof of county residency (such as a driver's li Note: Business waste is not accepted. Washington County also operates a perman Hadley Avenue North in Oakdale. The days a April through October: Tuesday 12:00 pm - 7: pm - 7:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Ye There is no fee to dispose of household hazard Hazardous Waste Management is a program of questions or comments about this program or n Health and Environment at 651- 430 -6770 or 65 Paints, stains, varnishes Full or partially full aerosol containers Driveway sealer, roof coatings Acids, bases Fluorescent lamps Mercury waste (thermostats, switches, etc.) Any other poisonous, flammable or corrosive household products ense) is required. nt Household Hazardous Waste Facility. The year -round facility is located at 1900 d hours of operation are: 0 pm, Thursday & Saturday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm November through March: Tuesday 12:00 is and other major holidays. us waste at the temporary collections or at the permanent facility. Household the Washington County Department of Public Health and Environment. If you have ed assistance due to a disability or a language barrier, call the Department of Public - 430 -6665 (TDD 439 - 3220). You may also check out our web site at for additional information. Be a Volunteer Driver and help a neighbor. Many people are unable to get to medical or medical related appointments because they have no transportation. This is especially true for the senior population. Volunteer drivers set their own shedule. Drive as often as you choose and on the days /times you are available in your own vehicle. Most ride requests take an hour or two once a week. Many are with in local communities and greatly needed. Volunteer drivers receive mileage reimbursement, orientation, trainings, but most of all the gratitude of a member of your community who needs help. Does this sound like something you would like to do? Please call Community Volunteer Service 651 - 439 -7434 for additional information. Visit your Washington County WorkForce Center or visit our website: The heart of the WorkForce Center is the Resource Area featuring all the tools, resources and information you could want for your job - related needs. The Resource Area features computers, fax machines, copiers and more - all at not cost! Everyone can use the career and job - related tools WorkForce Centers provide to job seekers, employers and those with special needs. The Stillwater WFC is located in the Washington County Government Center 14949 62nd St. No. Room #20 At the March 19, City Council meeting Council approved the 2002 Street Reconstruction Project. This years project will make improvements to streets located in the Fairmeadow and the Croixwood neighborhoods and they include: Fairmeadows Area 1. Oak Ridge Road 2. Oak Ridge Court 3. Darrell Drive 4. Darrell Court 5. Laurie Lane 6. Laurie Court 7. Hansen Place 8. Crestwood Terrace 9. Dundee Place 10. Fairmeadows Road Croixwood Area 11. Skyview Court 12. Green Meadow Court 13. Northland Court 14. Marine Circle Court 15. Woodridge Lane 16. Icerose Lane 17. Nightingale Boulevard (Icerose to1124 Nightingale) All streets in the project will be rehabilitated by milling the existing bituminous surface, blending the bituminous milling with the existing gravel to improve the street base and finally overlaid with four new inches of bituminous. The project will also repair curb and gutter that is in poor condition and make improvements to the existing storm sewer system. The estimated cost of the project is $940,403.75. PROPOSED SCHEDULE Advertise for Bids Receive Bids Council Awards Contract Begin Construction Complete Construction Assessment Hearing March /April, 2002 April 15, 2002 April 16, 2002 May 6, 2002 August 31,2002 October 1, 2002 If you have any questions, please contact Shawn Sanders, 651 - 430 -8835 CITY BRIEFS Gun Locks Available At Stillwater Police Dept. The Stillwater Police Department has received 300 free gun locks from the National Shooting Sports Foundation which is sponsoring "Project Home Safe." This is a nationwide project which encourages locking rifles, shotguns and handguns in the home to help ensure safe and responsible firearm ownership and storage. The gun locks are available to Stillwater residents only at no charge and can be picked up at the Stillwater Police Department window during normal administrative hours. One gun lock per household please. Friendly Sign Reminder The City of Stillwater has a sign ordinance that prohibits all signs on the boulevard, on electrical and phone poles, with the exception of traffic signs. This includes all garage sale signs and real estate signs. One sign is permitted on the property that is for sale. If you have any questions, call Sue Fitzgerald, City Hall at 430 -8822. Adopt A Rose Bed The rose beds along County Road 5 - between Target and Oasis Market at Croixwood Blvd are in dire need of loving care and weeding. You could choose to adopt one or more beds (each bed has about 25 rose bushes in it). If you're interested please contact: Sue Fitzgerald at 430 -8822. Seasonal Employment in Public Works Dept. The City of Stillwater is accepting applications for temporary summer help in its Public Works departments. Starting wage is $11 per hour. Must be 18 years of age or older. A City application must be completed and returned. Application deadline is May 15, 2002 or until positions are filled. Applications may be obtained at City of Stillwater, 216 N. 4th St., Stillwater, MN 55082 or (651) 430 -8800 or www.ci.stillwater.mn.us. Applications will NOT be accepted via fax or email. Identity Theft & OthL._ Financial Crimes The Stillwater Police Department is committed to making the City of Stillwater a safe and enjoyable place to live. The police department will do this by keeping the citizens of this community informed about criminal trends in the area. This article will focus on the increasing crimes in the area of identity theft, credit card fraud, and check forgery. There is a continuing problem in the Stillwater area as well as in the rest of the state and nation of these financial crimes increasing at a dramatic rate. The increase in technology that is available to the public, businesses, and government is also available to the criminal element of the society. There are businesses that exist only to collect and sell your personal information. A savvy criminal with an Internet connection and a few dollars can gather a lot of personal information on just about anyone. Those less savvy will go through your trash to get your personal information or steal the mail out of your mailbox. Once the criminal has your information they can use it to open bank accounts, credit card accounts, loan accounts, obtain ID cards and more. This is not a "how to" article, so you will be spared the details of how the crimes are committed. This article will focus on prevention tips. The first step in prevention is to realize that YOU ARE A POTENTIAL VICTIM OF THESE CRIMES. The victims of these crimes come from all professions and walks of life. Even police officers that investigate these crimes on a daily basis have been victimized. If you use the Internet for purchasing goods or services you will be asked to provide credit card information or bank account numbers. Use caution when disclosing this information. Only complete such transactions when you receive a secured authentication key from your provider (a small lock icon in the lower right corner of the screen). Only deal with reputable businesses on the Internet. If you conduct business on the Internet on a regular basis you may want to get a credit card for exclusive use on the Internet. Use care in disposing of ALL financial records. It is recommended that you shred all documents that you intend to dispose of that have any account information on them. That would include voided checks, credit card statements, bank statements, credit applications and investment statements to name a few. Any documents that you are required to keep should be stored in a secure area. Shred any pre -approved credit card mailings that you do not apply for. Shred the checks that credit card companies include with your statement if you do not use them. Keep close track of your mail. Remove incoming mail from your mailbox promptly. Place outgoing mail in post office collection boxes, not your mailbox. If you have a problem with mail delivery or mail theft contact the police department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The most common ways that your checks, credit cards, or personal information will be stolen from you are: • Your car - Do not leave purses, wallets, briefcases, or anything containing checks, credit cards, or personal information in your car at any time. Identity thieves constantly prowl vehicles for these items. They hit everywhere, small towns and big cities alike. • At work - Lock up purses. It is likely that you can trust your co-workers, but identity thieves are always going through the back rooms in stores and shops with few employees, day care facilities, nursing homes and churches. If confronted they will just tell you that they are looking for someone, a bathroom, or they are just lost. Be aware of this and report any suspicious persons to the police right away. Have a description of the person and a vehicle and a license plate if possible. • At recreation areas, health clubs, sporting events - Lock up the checkbooks and credit cards. This is another popular spot for thieves. When making a purchase, expect to produce ID, and be gracious to the employee that checks your ID. Vigilance by store employees is an excellent way to combat check and credit card fraud. If all legitimate purchasers insist that their ID is properly checked on both check and credit card purchases, there will be less opportunity for the criminal to profit from check forgery, credit card fraud, and identity theft. The Stillwater Police Department has a limited number of publications and brochures available to distribute. The following links are to web publications from the Minnesota Attorney Generals Office and others: lip./iwww.. state.mn.us/consumer/privacy/guardincgyprivacy/default.htm http;llwww,ag..state, mn. us/consumertkyr/kyr°/p5Fdec01 _}734n Izslz:/fwww.aarp.Qo/confacts/money/identity.html The following web sites contain more information: www.arj.state.mn.us www.usps.gov/postalinspectors http://www.traild.org / httl.' ' .... •' 1/ The Minnesota Department of Public Safety will allow persons who are the victim of identity theft to place an alert on their driver's license. Go to: www,di s.state.mn.us Select Driver and Vehicle Services the select Forms, and then select Driver's License Forms, then Victim of Identity Theft. The following credit approval companies have a "Fraud Alert Database" for Identity Theft Victims: Equifax 1-800-525-6285 Experian 1-888-397-3742 Trans Union 1-800-680-7289 If you are a victim of identity theft, check forgery, or credit card fraud the laws and jurisdictional issues are complicated, so please call the Stillwater Police Department (651-351-4900) for assistance. CITY DATA City Hall 216 N Fourth Street City Numbers Admin-430-8800 Building-430-8825 Engineering/Public Works-430-8830 Fire-351-4950 Garage-439-5933 Library-439-1675 Parks-439-4561 Police-351-4900 Planning-430-8820 Sewer Billing 430-8815 Water Billing 439-6231 Waste Management Questions on Service and Billing 952-890-1100 ■ St. Croix Recreation Center 430-2601 ■ City Web Site www.ci.stillwatermn.us i• Stillwater Scene VOL. 14 * No. 1 Official City Newsletter January 2002 216 N Fourth St., Stillwater, Minnesota 55082 PRSTD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Stillwater, MN 55082 Permit No. 206 Postal Patron Changing of the Guard Stillwater Sees Double During Drunk Driving Law Enforcement Period Calendar Parking Enforcement Construction Begins on New Public Works Facility WinterYard Care Head Start City Briefs Winter Reminders Snowmobiling in Stillwater City Data ShelfLife St. Croix Valley Recreation Center - Ice Arena Activities & Field House Activities Monthly Meetings: Charter 3rd Monday City Council 1st & 3rd Tuesday Jieritage Preservation 1st Monday Human Rights Last Wednesday Library 2nd Tuesday Parks Board 4th Monday Planning 2nd Monday Mayor Jay Kimble 439-2888 Council Ward 1 Terry Zoller 439-5286 Ward 2 John Rheinberger 439-4199 Ward 3 Wally Milbrandt 439-0185 Ward 4 Gene Bealka 439-4387 GuardarR.9 City Administrator Nile Kriesel submitted his resignation to the City Council on March 2, 2001. At that time, the City Council authorized the process for a search for a new city administrator. The City hired The Brimeyer Group, an executive search firm, to assist the City Council in finding a new administrator. After extensive nation-wide search, the top five candidates were Jon Hohenstein, City of Mahtomedi; Charles Robinson, City of Forest Lake; Robert Wolfington, City of Benson; Larry Hansen, City of Stewartville, and Chantell Kadin, City of Stillwater. After all -day interviews on November 17 Council was faced with a difficult decision because of the quality of the candidates. Council has selected Mr. Larry Hansen as the new city administrator. After serving over 23 years as City Coordinator/Administrator, Nile Kriesel (left) will retire on January 31. Although his career in Stillwater began in 1978, Nile has been a resident of Stillwater for most of his life. Some of the major projects that were completed under his leadership were sanitary sewer and water to serve the South Hill, remodeling of City Hall, construction of the St. Croix Valley Recreation Center, downtown street reconstruction project, annexation of approximately 960 acres from Stillwater Township, development of Market Place retail area, and storm water management to help protect Stillwater's lakes and streams. The work atmosphere and staff commitment to the community has come from Nile's leadership. More career information could be added, but that is not the purpose of the article. We, as his staff, want to express how much he will be missed around City Hall. We will miss his comments (always followed by a smart remark), his "play -on -words", and his never ending adventures filled with humor and reflections of his younger days growing up in Stillwater, of his time in the Navy, and cross-country escapades, which always brought us laughter. We always wondered how he ever lived long enough to retire. We will also miss hearing how good his golf game .ould have been! Most of all, we will miss his kindness and thoughtfulness not only on a professional level, but also on a personal level. We certainly cannot forget Nile's wife Martha. She has been a part of the Stillwater family as long as Nile and she is definitely the "woman behind the man" We wish Nile a wonderful retirement and extend our sympathy to Martha and his children, Kim and Chance, during his adjustment to retirement. Nile has come a long way, from the shoe shine boy hanging out with his friends on Chilicoot Hill to the top guy at City Hall. We want to thank Nile for his leadership, being enjoyable to work with, the laughter, the stories, and most of all the friendship. We will miss him and hope to see him often! Larry Hansen (right), currently the City Administrator for the City of Stewartville, Minnesota will start in Stillwater on January 14 to work closely with Nile until he retires on January 31. Larry has been the City Administrator and resident of Stewartville since 1987. At Stewartville, he has been involved with a downtown renovation project and a 60-unit senior housing project. He attracted several businesses to Stewartville including a medical manufacturer, Rochester Medical Corporation and GeoTech, plastics manufacturer, and Halcon an office furniture manufacturer. When asked what motivated him to apply for the position Larry stated "I was looking for more professional challenges and my wife and I were picky about where we wanted to live. Stillwater is a beautiful town." He also stated that he looks forward to meeting and working with staff, Council, and getting to know the community. He has a purchase agreement on a house on Interlachen Court Way. He plans on moving to Stillwater with his wife Sharon and daughter Robyn. Until then he will be commuting from his sister's home in Shoreview. Welcome to Stillwater Larry! A retirement party for Nile will be held on Saturday, February 9 Contact City Hall for further information (430-8800) S#illwatts' Sees Double During flunk Driving Law Enforcement Period Last year Minnesota law enforcement officers arrested nearly 35,000 drivers for DWI offenses. In a continuing effort to combat impaired driving — which accounted for 245 deaths (39 percent of all traffic fatalities) in 2000, Stillwater Police officers carried out extra enforcement and education activities targeting drunk driving from Dec 13 through Dec 22. The enforcement effort is a component of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's (DPS) Safe & Sober campaign, which is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last year Stillwater Police made 152 DWI arrests. "Our goal is to make sure the holiday season isn't ruined by drunk drivers", says Sgt. Jeff Magler. "This is our time to teach those who do drink and drive a lesson — before they take someone's life away, or their own". Minnesota's 245 alcohol -related deaths and the 4,402 alcohol - related injuries in 2000 cost the state $329,769,400. Due to heavy enforcement periods, more lives have been saved and more people — one out of every 10 Minnesota adults — have a DWI on their driving record. A DWI offense can result in up to one year in jail and a $3,000 fine. Earlier this year the Stillwater Police Department, along with more than 350 law enforcement agencies and all Minnesota State Patrol districts, carried out extra seat belt enforcement and education activities in connection with Safe & Sober and the NHTSA. "Enforcing Minnesota's seat belt law is to ensure that Minnesotans are riding safely," says Sgt. Jeff Magler. "On average there are two funerals a day due to motor vehicle crashes in Minnesota. Buckling up cuts the risk of dying in a crash by half." Seat belt usage in Minnesota is 74 percent, slightly higher than the national average, but numbers vary regionally. The State's most recent survey found for the third consecutive year, there has been an increase in seat belt usage. The Safe & Sober program, sponsored by the Minnesota DPS and NHTSA, is designed to reduce the number of traffic crashes and serious injuries by increasing safety belt use and reducing impaired driving. 2000 Minnesota Impaired Driving Facts • In 2000, 245 persons were killed in alcohol -related crashes; 4,402 persons were injured; 632 of them severely. • There were 34,803 DWI arrests last year, 43% of were repeat offenders. • One out of 10 Minnesota adults have a DWI on their driving record. • Last year, 66% of the people that died in alcohol -related crashes were themselves the person whose drinking behavior caused the crash. Calendar Parking Enforcement 39% of fatalities are alcohol -related and 10% of injures are alcohol -related, costing Minnesota $329,769,400 per year. Overall, males and young people are over represented in alcohol -related crashes, with young people accounting for a disproportionate share of fatalities, • Between the ages of 20-44, 56% of traffic fatalities are alcohol -related. • Males made up 73% of the offenders last year. However, females are getting arrested more and more often (27% of incidents in 2000 vs. 21 % in 1991). • Most alcohol related crashes involve a single vehicle colliding with a fixed object (34%) or a single vehicle losing control and overturning (24%). Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays account for 81 % of the alcohol related crashes; the hours of 9:00 P.M. to 3:00 A.M. account for 50% of alcohol -related crashes. • The majority of traffic fatalities are comprised of males, young people and drivers under the influence. • 39% of all traffic fatalities are alcohol -related. However, between the ages of 20-44, 56% of traffic fatalities are alcohol -related. • 83% of drivers killed that tested .10 or higher were male. 2000 Minnesota Safety Belt Statistics • 625 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes on Minnesota roadways; 520 of them were motor vehicle occupants. Of the 520 motor vehicle occupants killed, only 153 (29%) were reported to have used their seatbelts. 2,525 occupants sustained severe injuries in motor vehicle crashes on Minnesota roadways. Of those severely injured, only 1,154 (46%) were reported to have used their seat belts. • Almost half (46%) of the vehicle occupants that were not injured in motor vehicles on Minnesota roadways were buckled up. • One person in Minnesota was killed every 14 hours in a motor vehicle crash. • One person in Minnesota was injured every 11.7 minutes in a motor vehicle crash. Minnesota's seat belt use rate of those killed in traffic crashes is below the national norm. Nationally, about 35% of those killed were using seat belts at the time of a crash; in Minnesota, only about 30% of those killed were using their seat belts. Safety belts cut the risk of being killed or seriously injured in a motor vehicle crash by about 50%. N1r � s The Stillwater Police Department began enforcing the Calendar Parking Ordinance on November 1. The ordinance states that from November 15' until April 1st vehicles must be parked on the side of the street that bears addresses that are odd or even corresponding with the number of the day of the month. For example, a vehicle parked on the street on January 2 must be parked on the even side of the street. Each day there is a change over period from 7:00 PM until midnight where vehicles can be parked on either side of the street. The street width in the Liberty and Legends developments required that the ordinance be in effect throughout the year, not just November through March. The police department will enforce this ordinance year round in the Liberty and Legends developments. The police department requests residents to comply with this ordinance, as their cooperation will allow the snow plows to keep the streets free from ice and snow and allow easier access for emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire trucks. If residents comply with the ordinance it will guarantee cleaner and safer streets throughout Stillwater. A PUBLICATIO OF THE STILLWATER PUB C LIBRARY VOLUME 7 NUMBER 1 WINTER 2002 ctfJLttc * * * FREE! * * * STILLWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY * 223 NORTH FOURTH STREET * STILLWATER, MN 55082 * 651.439.1675 BUSY DAYS AHEAD Statistics show that the library experiences cyclical patterns, with heavy use in the months January through April. The library is particularly busy in March when the deadline for many school projects coincides with early spring thaws that wake many of us from "hibernation." There have been days in March when it has been difficult to find a vacant chair or a free computer. We are planning for more space - our building expansion feasibility study will be completed soon. If you do feel crowded, we suggest the following tips: place holds and renew materials by phone or online; discover the library's many databases that you can access from remote locations; ask for a quiet study room. And please have patience: it's great that we are a community that wants to read and learn! Lynne Bertalmio, Director WHAT'S STILLWATER READING? Dr. Andrea Tipple has just been appointed to the Library Board. While on sabbatical this year, she's had more time to read. Her recent favorites include Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris, Alexa Albert's Brothel: Mustang Ranch and Its Women, and The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood. Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sundays* HOURS 10 A.M. 1 10 A.M. 1 10 A.M. 10 A.M. 1 * Sundays through May 19 - 9P.M. - 9P.M. - 9P.M. - 9P.M. - 5P.M. - 5 P.M. - 5 P.M. PROGRAMS Preschool Storytime for Ages 3-5 Wednesdays, 10:30 A.M. Bedtime Storytime for Ages 3-8 Thursdays, 7 P.M. February 7 - March 28 Toddler Storytime for Ages 2-3 Fridays, 10:30 A.M. March 1 - April 26 I Love to Read Storytime Mon., February 11, 7 P.M. Adult Winter Reading House History Class Thurs., January 17 & 24, 7:30 P.M. The Best Mysteries Wed., January 30, 7:30 P.M. Best Books for Parents Tues., February 26, 7:30 P.M. House Restoration Books Mon., March 18, 7:30 P.M. WINTER READING: IT'S WARM BETWEEN THE COVERS It's Warm Between the Covers...of a Book, our fourth annual reading program for adults and children 3 to 7 (see page 2 for children's activities) will begin on January 28. On Wednesday, January 30, Jeff Hatfield from Uncle Edgar's bookstore will highlight new and classic mysteries of note. We'll also discuss the formation of a mystery book club. On Tuesday, February 26, a parent educator from Early Childhood Family Education will present I Wish My Child Had Come with Instructions: The Best Books for Parents. Youth Services Librarian Gail Nordstrom will also review some of the best books to read with children, organized by age group. On Monday, March 18, members of Rivertown Restoration will review the best books on house restoration - from their own experience. All programs begin at 7:30 P.M. There will be a display of reading lists and reviews in the library's rotunda to help you choose your winter reading. Everyone who provides a book review will receive an edible treat (provided by Friends@Stillwater Public Library). Volunteer reviewers will also be eligible to win autographed books by Minnesota authors Leif Enger and William Kent Krueger in our prize drawing. L E T Y o U R Al I N D U N * ***belt * * * NEW PERIODICALS Magazines provide a wealth of current information and enjoyable reading. Every year, we review our holdings and add titles that patrons have suggested or that fill gaps in our collection. Some new titles for 2002 are Analog, Better Homes and Gardens Wood, Biography, Birder's World, Climbing, dwell, Electronic Gaming Monthly, Motorhome, New Mobility, New York Review of Books, Passionfruit, Travelocity, and Yoga Journal. A list of all of our periodical holdings is available in the library and on our website. With the exception of the current issue, most magazines may be checked out. Also, remember that we have databases that index many of our holdings and supplement our physical collection. Some of these databases are accessible at home, school, or office from our website. HOUSE HISTORY CLASS Donald Empson, local historian, will teach a free, two-part class on researching the history of your old Stillwater house on Thursdays, January 17 and 24 at 7:30 P.M. Participants should plan to attend both sessions. To register, call 651.439.1675 ext. 18. Empson will demonstrate the use of land records, tax assessor's records, building permits, and other available sources to determine the history of your home. Empson is a cerified principal investigator under the U.S. Department of Interior Standards qualified to do architectural surveys. He has completed five surveys that date and provide histories of Stillwater neighborhoods. LOFT CLASS SPL is cooperating with The Loft to offer Exploring Voice and Form, a writing class taught by Joan Hause. Hause has been on the editorial boards of Water -Stone and Artword Quarterly. The course will use the concepts of voice and form to approach writing in many genres from poetry to fiction to memoir. The class will be held on Thursdays, February 7 through April 25, from 7:30 to 9:30 P.M. To accommodate its many writing exercises, the class will be held in the Police/Fire Training Room on the lower level of Stillwater City Hall, at 216 N. Fourth St. (across the street from the library). For further information or to register, contact The Loft at 612.379.8999 or www.loft.org. DOORSTEP DELIVERY It may be cold and icy outside, but the library is closer than you think! Individuals who are temporarily or permanently unable to come to the library may have library materials delivered to their doors. Books (including large print), audiotapes, compact discs, and magazines are all available for delivery. Materials will be delivered by a staff member on a regular basis. Items may be checked out for three weeks. We will also provide you with a form to tell us what kind of subjects, authors, or formats you wish to receive. To participate, call the Outreach Library Service at 651.439.1675 ext. 25. Just request Doorstep Delivery and leave your name, address, and telephone number. WINTER READING PROGRAM, FAMILY STYLE The research is compelling: reading daily to young children, from infants on up, makes a dramatic impact on their brain development and ultimately helps them become more successful learners. In addition, parents find that reading to their children gives them an oasis of valuable one-on-one time amidst hectic family schedules. That's why the Winter Reading Program includes a family component. Children ages 3 to 7 and their parents are encouraged to read together and discover the fun to be found in books and in the library. The activity -based program suggests stories to read and tell, CD's to listen to, or library programs to attend. And, as for adults who read this winter, edible treats are offered for completing activities. Activity sheets will be available in the library's Children's Room beginning Monday, January 28. Families may begin at any time, read and listen at their own pace, and have until March 31 to complete the program. I LOVE TO READ STORYTI ME Celebrate "I Love to Read" month by taking part in Valentine festivities at a holiday storytime for children ages 3 to 8 (and their parents!) on Monday, February 11, at 7 P.M. This is a free, one -hour program. Our preschool, bedtime, and toddler storytimes continue (see page 1). Remember to check our website for late -breaking program news. www.ci.stillwater.mn.us/library Sir Crazyvwrie/ Field House Activities Winter 2002 Schedule Open Walk/Run: The field house is available for walking/running Monday — Friday beginning at 6:00 am. The track is around the outside soccer field lines, 4.5 laps is one mile. Cost: $.50 / youth & senior $2.00 / adult $3.00 / family Punch card: $5.00 for 20 times $20.00 for 20 times $30.00 for 20 times Open Field: Our dome is available for family and/or individual fun! Half field for 14 & over, other half for 14 & under (includes families) Adult times: Tuesday & Fridays 11:30am—1:30pm Family/Youth times: Tuesday & Thursdays 3:00pm — 4:30pm All groups: Saturdays 9:00am — 10:00am Cost: $2.00 / youth & senior $3.00 / adult $5.00 / family Punch card: $15.00 for 10 times $25.00 for 10 times $40.00 for 10 times Adult Touch Football League: Nine league games with play-offs, two game officials, played 6 vs. 6 Registration due: January 7 Cost: $600.00 Recreational "B" league: Wednesday nights 7:00-11:00pm games, starts Jan. 23 Competitive "A" league: Wednesday nights 7:00-11:00pm games, starts Jan. 23 Youth Soccer Leagues: St. Croix Soccer's Indoor Competitive Youth Soccer League (Full for the second session, we will be running leagues in fall of 2002) Contact Doug Brady for registration, 651-430-2601. Session one: November 3 — December 23 Times: Saturday 12pm- 8pm Session two: January 5 — February 24 Sunday loam — 4pm Golf: Starts January 2002 Cost: $7.50/half hour, unlimited balls Times: Mon., Wed., Fri.: l0am-2pm; Wed. Evenings 5:30-8pm Ice Arena Activities Winter 2002 Open Skating: Pick up schedule at Rec. Center office or on web at: www.ci.stillwater.mn.us Times: Monday — Friday, 11:00am-1:OOpm, Saturday & Sunday afternoons. Please check schedule for exact times (www. ci.stillwater. inn. us). Cost: $2.00 / youth & senior $3.00 / adult $5.00 / family Punch card: $15.00 for 10 times $25.00 for 10 times $40.00 for 10 times Open Hockey: Pick up schedule at Rec. Center office or on web at: www.ci.stillwater.mn.us All players must check out a markless puck from the office, $1.00 deposit. Players 18 and under must wear a helmet, no exceptions. Times: Monday — Friday 11:00am-1:OOpm (all ages) Check schedule, not always constant. Cost: Same as open skating. Pros Ice: Pick up schedule at Rec. Center office or on web at: www.ci.stillwater.mn.us Cost: $6.50 / hour Punch card: $65.00 for 11 times Skating Lessons: 8 weeks of group lessons & 10 punch open skating card Classes on Tuesdays and/or Saturdays Private lesson available, contact Skating Director; Shelia Thelen @ 651-430-2601 Registration: February 4th & 5th, from 6:OOpm- 8:OOpm (in person at Rec. Center) Cost: $65.00 Adult Hockey League: Two eight team leagues: Recreation "B" and Competitive "A" Sundays: 1:00pm- 10:OOpm game times No checking or slap shots. Numbered jerseys provided. Registration due: January 6th Cost: $900.00 League runs: January 20- April 7, with play-offs to follow Cans ruction Begins on New Public Works Facility Construction of the new Public Works Facility is underway! The 40,000 square foot building, located on Boutwell road, 1/4 mile east of Manning Avenue, is scheduled for completion in November of 2002. It will be the new home and base of operations for the city's public works department, including the street, sewer, parks, and maintenance divisions. The building has been under consideration for the last six years. The building will finally address the serious problems of inadequate space and inefficient, antiquated facilities. Currently public works operations function out of 4 different locations, and much of the city's equipment is stored in other cities, rental space, or outside in the elements. Bringing all our personnel and equipment to a central facility will make for some significant improvements in productivity. Special care was taken in the design to address environmental and neighborhood concerns, and the architecture is reminiscent of a farming operation. The project also includes significant park improvements. Immediately adjacent to the facility there will be a new ball field, a picnic pavilion, play structure and trail system. Much of the 15 acre site will be landscaped with a restored prairie, and the trail system will provide opportunities for viewing the adjoining wetland complex. Yard Care Winter Pruning: January and February are good months for tree pruning. Trees are dormant, and insects and diseases are not active, so wounding is not as much of an issue. Wounds dry out less than if trees are pruned in the fall, and good wound sealing occurs as trees gear up for spring growth. Late February and early March are the best times for pruning fruit trees, including ornamental crabapples. Winter is also the best time for pruning oaks to avoid spring to early summer wounding and insect transmission of the oak wilt fungus. When hiring a tree service, check to make sure that they have current liability insurance and worker's compensation. Landscaping forWildlife: Winter is a tough time for birds and animals so offering food in your yard is a way to help them out. Bird feeders with fresh seed, squirrel feeders and suet feeders also add a lot of interest and enjoyment to our long cold months. Planting native shrubs, trees and wildflowers that produce fruit and seeds also attracts wildlife to your yard. Some of the best plants that I've observed for winter -feeding are flowering crabapples with persistent fruit (I've even seen ring- necked pheasants in these trees!), spruce and pine (cones), oaks (acorns), winterberry, high bush cranberry, coneflowers, black-eyed susans and thistle. Shade trees offer insects hidden in bark crevasses and sap in late winter and evergreens provide shelter. Growing many different kinds of plants will increase the diversity of animals you attract. Plant Problems House Calls: Tree and shrub problems don't necessarily go away in the winter and neither does the forestry consultant. When leaves are gone is a good time to look at shade trees for trunk and branch problems, hazardous splits or cracks, pruning issues, and also to discuss strategy for management of oak wilt infection centers. Foliar problems on evergreens can still be seen and control strategies recommended for spring. If you are a Stillwater resident and have a question about your outdoor plants, call Dr. Kathy Widin, Stillwater Forestry Consultant at 430-8765. Head Start is a quality preschool program for children who will be three or four years old by September 1, 2002 and their families. There is NO COST to families who participate in the program. Families must meet income guidelines. Any family enrolled in the MFIP program, including child care assistance, and SSI are eligible. Foster children are eligible even if their annual income exceeds the current guidelines. Head Start focuses on the child's physical, intellectual, emotional and social development while providing advocacy for parents. Head Start serves children and their families of any race, color, creed, national origin, and special needs. It is fun, educational and FREE to eligible families. For more information and to obtain an application call the Anoka/Washington County Head Start program at 763-783-4300. CITY BRIEFS Latest Stillwater History Published Donald Empson has published "A History of the South Half of Carli & Schulenburg's Addition," a study of the neighborhood north and west of the old Prison site. This part of Stillwater was developed by Dr. Christopher Carli and his wife, Lydia. Boundaries of the area are between the east side of N. Fourth Street and the River; between Elm Street and Sycamore Street. The two industries that fueled the growth of this neighborhood were the Seymour, Sabin & Co. shops, most of which were within the Prison site, and the Schulenburg Boeckeler Mill which was at the foot of Sycamore Street. The book has over 40 illustrations, it is thoroughly indexed, and all the information has footnotes. Research sources included old tax records, building permits, old newspapers, land records, and city directories. Each of the 127 homes within the area have been researched to find the date they were built. A History of the South Half of Carli & Schulenburg's Addition can be purchased, within the next month, only at Len's Family Foods, at Myrtle and Owen Streets in Stillwater. A limited number of books have been printed. For further information, contact Donald Empson, 651-351-0172 Canvas Recycling Tote Bags In the continuing effort to promote recycling, the City of Stillwater is providing Canvas Recycling Tote Bags to residents. Residents can use these Tote Bags for bagging purchases (instead of bagging them in plastic or paper), use them as a book bag, or a reusable lunch bag. The bags are fully washable and are imprinted with the City of Stillwater and recycling logo. The funding for the canvas recycling totes is from the Washington County Recycling Grant. Residents may pick up a Canvas Recycling Tote Bag at City Hall, 216 N. 4th Street, Stillwater, Minnesota. Limit 1 bag per household, first come — first served, while supplies last. Stillwater City Council Regular Replays of Council Meetings Friday at 7:00 p.m. Saturday at 1:00 p.m. Sunday at 10:00 p.m. Channel 16 Stillwater City Scene Every Wednesday at 9:00 p.m. The full weeks schedule is printed in the Friday Stillwater Gazette Winter Reminders The City of Stillwater's snow removal staff will be working hard to provide efficient and quality service to the residents of Stillwater during the winter season. With a forecast of 2-5 inches Public Works personnel begin plowing, after the snow stops. For a forecast of 6-10" they begin after approximately two inches have fallen. Eight drivers plow approximately 70 L. miles of commercial and residential streets. Most streets require four passes to be cleared curb to curb. There are also approximately 400 off-street parking stalls in the downtown area. Public Works plows snow from the middle of a street to both sides, to even up the amount of snow that is deposited on each side of the street. The City's snow plowing priorities are: 1. Major collector streets. 2. Downtown parking lots and streets. 3. Commercial district streets. 4. Local steep grade streets. 5. Remaining local streets. Downtown parking areas receive high priority only during nighttime plowing operations when the lots are empty. If plowing begins during business hours, parking lots are completed after normal business hours. The goal of the Public Works Department is to have residential streets plowed within 12 hours after the end of a snow storm and snow removal from the downtown area accomplished within three days. Skilled snow removal personnel with public cooperation, will ensure a safe winter season for the residents of Stillwater. By following guidelines and ordinances, winter storm inconveniences and traffic hazards will be minimized. If your vehicle is found to be in violation of this ordinance (Municipal Ordinance, Sec. 51-5, Subd. 5 - Calendar Parking), you may be issued a summons and your vehicle may be towed. A violation of this ordinance carries a maximum fine of up to $700.00 and/or 90 days in jail, plus vehicle impoundment and towing charges. SIDEWALK SNOW REMOVAL Clearing of snow and ice from public sidewalks is the responsibility of the property/business owner. Snow and ice must be removed from sidewalks within 24 hours after the end of the storm (Municipal Code, Sec. 38- 01, Subd. 2.2v - Nuisance) FIRE HYDRANTS Residents are asked to keep snow cleared from around fire hydrants. Should you have a fire at your home this will enable firefighters to provide a quicker solution for the protection of life and property. EXTENDED VACATIONS Residents who leave on extended vacation should have timers on their lights to represent the family's normal schedule. Have a relative or neighbor check on the property occasionally. Have sidewalks and driveway cleared and place a car in the driveway to give the impression that someone is home. Residents can stop at the police department and fill out a vacation check card; police will check the exterior of the home as time allows. GARBAGE CONTAINERS Please have your garbage container back far enough from the road so that snowplows do not knock it over. r46I Snowmobiling in Stillwater Snowmobiling is an exciting winter sport. The state of Minnesota has over 18,000 miles of snowmobile trails. Along with the sense of freedom you get when riding a snowmobile comes responsibilities. It is important to know the local city ordinances and state laws regarding snowmobiling. In the city of Stillwater it is unlawful to operate in any of the following places and conditions; • Upon private property without written permission. • Upon any school grounds, park property or golf courses without owners permission. • Upon any street except in the right hand traffic lane normally used for vehicle traffic. • Upon any public sidewalk or walkway. • Upon lakes and rivers in the city within twenty five yards of any fisherman or pedestrian. • In any other area where the use of a snowmobile may be considered hazardous to others. Persons that are 14 years of age, but less than 18 can operate on public streets within the city limits if they have in their immediate possession a valid snowmobile safety certificate or a valid motor vehicle license. All residents born after December 31, 1979 must have a snowmobile safety certificate to operate a snowmobile anywhere in Minnesota. Also anyone under the age of eighteen must wear a helmet. No persons may operate a snowmobile within the city limits during the times of 11:00 P.M. and 7:00 A.M. on Sunday through Thursday and between midnight and 7:00 A.M. on Friday and Saturday unless it's for an emergency. No snowmobile may travel at a speed greater that 20 m.p.h. when traveling on city streets. Snowmobiles must yield the right-of-way to all other traffic which is approaching uncontrolled intersections. Snowmobiles must operate in single file. By driving safe, smart and legal, you not only protect your future, but also the future of your sport. CITY DATA City Hall 216 N Fourth Street City Numbers Admin-430-8800 Building-430-8825 Engineering/Public Works-430-8830 Fire-351-4950 Garage-439-5933 Library-439-1675 Parks-439-4561 Police-351-4900 Planning-430-8820 Sewer Billing 430-8815 Water Billing 439-6231 Waste Management Questions on Service and Billing 952-890-1100 ■ St. Croix Recreation Center 430-2601 ■ City Web Site www.ci.stillwater.mn.us ■ Editors: Sue Moore Diane Ward VOLUME 8 NUMBER 1 WINTER 2003 A PUBLICATION OF THE STILLWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY * * * FREE! * * * STILLWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY * 223 NORTH FOURTH STREET * STILLWATER, MN 55082 * 651.439.1675 BUILDING NEWS Recently, a patron asked, "What's happening with the building expansion? I haven't heard lately." A lot of preparation must go into the development of a project of this size. To date, the Board of Trustees has recruited the Capital Campaign Steering Committee, which is in the process of developing a plan and strategies for raising $4 million in private contributions from foundations, individuals, and corporations. The Building Expansion Advisory Committee, made up of representative community members, has been meeting to help us identify those features that the community would like to see in its library. And in December, the Board appointed the Architect Selection Committee that will interview design firms and recommend a selection to the Trustees. It may seem quiet; behind the scenes the game's afoot, Watson! Lynne Bertalmio, Director F @SPL POSTCARDS To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the library's original Carnegie building, the Friends have produced a set of beautiful, sepia toned postcards of the library. Proceeds from their sale will support popular library collections such as books on CD. The cards are displayed for sale in the library. L E T o u R HOURS Monday 10 A.M. Tuesday 1 Wednesday 10 A.M. Thursday 1 Friday 10 A.M. Saturday 10 A.M. Sunday 1 - 9 P.M. - 9 P.M. - 9 P.M. - 9P.M. - 5 P.M. 5P.M. 5P.M. PROGRAMS Preschool Storytime (for ages 3-8) Wednesdays, 10:30 A.M. Toddler Storytime (for ages 2 -3) Fridays, 10:30 A.M. January 24 - February 28 Bedtime Storytime (for ages 3 +) Thursdays, 7 P.M. February 6 - March 27 WINTER READING PROGRAM Mystery Book Club (for adults) Thurs., Jan. 16 & Tues., Feb. 18, 7 P.M. The Best Sci -Fi & Fantasy (for teens and adults) Thurs., Jan. 23, 7 P.M. I Love to Read Storytime Mon., February 10, 7 P.M. Between the Covers Reading Day Wed., Feb. 12, 10 A.M. - 9 P.M. Children's Illustrator Lauren Stringer Mon., March 10, 7 P.M. William Kent Krueger, Author (for teens & adults) Tues., March 18, 7 P.M. WINTER READING PROGRAM It's Warm Between the Covers... of a Book, our Fifth Annual Winter Reading Program will begin Saturday, January 18. Reading lists, a Reader's Advisory Bookshelf (see p. 2), and reviews will all be displayed in the library's rotunda to help you choose your winter reading. Also, pick up a reading record to keep track of your winter reading selections. On Thursday, January 23, at 7 P.M., Don Blyly, owner of Uncle Hugo's Bookstore in Minneapolis, will highlight new and classic science fiction and fantasy too good to miss. In honor of I Love to Read Month, on Wednesday, February 12, we will hold our first "marathon" with staff and patrons reading all day in the library. If you would like to be one of our readers, call 651.439.1675 ext. 30 to sign up for a 45- minute slot. We are still making arrangements for a February author program; check our website and the newspapers for details. On Tuesday, March 18, William Kent Krueger will visit the Moving Target Mystery Book Club in a program that is open to the whole community (see p. 2 for details). During the Winter Reading Program, everyone who contributes a book review to our display will receive an edible treat provided by Friends@SPL. NEW PERIODICALS Magazines provide a wealth of current information and enjoyable reading. Every year, we review our holdings and add titles that patrons have suggested or that fill gaps in our collection. Some new titles for 2003 are Budget Travel, Country Home, and Savoy for adults and Soccer Jr., Spin, and Twist for younger patrons. We noticed one disturbing trend when we prepared our subscription list this year: although inflation rates may be low in other segments of the economy, the prices of magazines seem to be increasing steeply, limiting our buying power and forcing us to drop some subscriptions. This year, we'll issue our first magazine "wish list" of titles we'd like to carry but can't afford. If you would like to give the community a tax- deductible gift this year, please ask for the list. MYSTERY BOOK CLUB The Moving Target Mystery Book Club meets monthly. The next session is scheduled for Thursday, January 16, when the selection will be a culinary mystery. The following session will be Tuesday, February 18. On Tuesday, March 18, the Club invites all community members to attend as it welcomes William Kent Krueger, author of the Minnesota mysteries Iron Lake, Boundary Waters, and Purgatory Ridge. Mr. Krueger will talk about his writing career and answer questions. We hope to hear selections from his forthcoming book. All sessions are at 7 P.M. For other upcoming mystery topics, call the library or check our website. bett * * * READER'S ADVISORY SERVICES As we begin our Winter Reading Program, we would like to remind you that the library has several resources to help you find that perfect book for fireside reading on cold winter nights. We offer two electronic databases - NoveList and What Do I Read Next? - that will try to match your reading tastes with suggested titles. Also, try our Reader's Advisory Bookshelf which includes reference books such as Fiction Catalog, Genref lecting, Good Fiction Guide, and The Reader's Advisory Guide to Genre Fiction. All will be on display during our Winter Reading Program. Staff members are also on hand to help you use these tools or to make personalized reading suggestions. Just ask at the Information Desk or look for roving staff (during selected hours) in the multicolored aprons. SPECIAL NEEDS COLLECTIONS The library has resources that are designed for special user groups or patrons with special needs. For adults, these include large print books, books on tape and CD, and audio - described videos for the visually impaired; and books for adult new readers and other materials to support adult literacy. For kids we have Storykits, Learning Readiness Activity Kits, and Baby Fun Kits to introduce the joys of reading and the habit of life -long learning. All are listed in our catalog. For help finding them, call the Information Desk at 651.439.1675 ext. 11. WINTER READING PROGRAM, FAMILY STYLE In the family component of the Winter Reading Program, children ages 3 to 7 and their parents are encouraged to use these winter months as a great time to read together. The activity -based program suggests stories to read and tell, CDs to listen to, and library programs to attend. On Monday, March 10, at 7 P.M., artist Lauren Stringer, illustrator of Mud, Scarecrow, Red Rubber Boot Day, and Our Family Tree, will talk about her creative journey from painter and sculptor to children's book illustrator. Older children, teens, and adults are also invited to attend this event co- sponsored by Friends@Stillwater Public Library. Activity sheets will be available in the Children's Room beginning Saturday, January 18. Families may begin at any time, read and listen at their own pace, and have until March 31 to complete the program. As an added incentive, there will be a weekly book drawing for those who participate, sponsored by Friends@SPL. As always, there will be edible treats for all who complete activities! Our regular storytime series continue (see p.1). Check our website for details. I LOVE TO READ STORYTIME Celebrate I Love to Read Month by taking part in Valentine festivities at a holiday storytime for children ages 3 to 8 and their parents on Monday, February 10, at 7 P.M. This is a free, one -hour program. www.ci.stillwater.mn.us/library The Stillwater Fire Department would like to remind you to be fire safe this winter! Fire Facts > Heating fires cause 10 percent of residential fires in Minnesota. > In 2001, cooking was the number one cause of fires. Heating fires were number two, and arson came in third. > Over one -half (63 %) of all heating fires in Minnesota involved fireplaces or chimneys. > Heating fires in Minnesota in 2001 caused over $5.3 million in damage to residential property. > Residential fires accounted for 87 percent of all fire deaths in 2001. The most dangerous place to be, in regards to fire, is in you own home! > In 2001, careless smoking was the leading cause of fire fatalities in Minnesota, with 10 civilian deaths (21%). > As of August 1, 1993, smoke detectors are required, in every Minnesota dwelling that has a sleeping area. Fire Safety Tips > Safety around heating equipment and appliances is an important first step in reducing the number of fires that occur annually. Keep children and loose clothing at a safe distance. > Use a yardstick to measure the distance between anything that can burn and your home heating equipment. If you don't have at least three feet of clearance, you are at risk. > Always turn off portable heating appliances when leaving home or retiring for the evening. Be sure the fire in the fireplace is completely out before going to bed. > Have chimneys, fireplaces and other heating devices inspected be a qualified professional at the start of every heating season. > Use a sturdy screen or glass closure in front of your fireplace, and burn only clean fireplace wood. Never burn treated lumber. > Install smoke detectors on every level of your home, including the basement, and test them monthly. > If you smell gas in your home, contact your local utility company immediately and follow their instructions. > Install a residential fire sprinkler system in your home. > Inspect heat tape before using. Never thaw frozen pipes with an open flame. For Additional Information Contact Stillwater Fire Department 651 -351 -4963 The Stillwater Fire Department would like to extend its appreciation to everyone who donated to the thermal imaging camera fund. Thanks to our community's generous contributions, the Stillwater Fire Department now has a new state of the art fire - fighting tool. The new camera has already been used at a recent house fire in the Stillwater area. The camera assisted fire fighters to ensure the fire was completely extinguished and that no hidden embers would re- ignite the structure. Using the camera saved many hours of potential overhaul operations and limited the damage done to the home by reducing the amount of walls and ceilings needing to be removed to locate any hidden embers. The new thermal imaging camera utilizes infra red heat sensing technology to help fire fighters "see" through smoke and locate the seat of the fire much quicker and safer than previous fire fighting methods. Having the ability to locate the fire faster and more accurately reduces the danger fire fighters face and limits the amount of damage done to the structure. This technology also assists fire fighters in finding victims trapped by the fire and rescuing them. The camera has other uses as well. The heat sensing ability of the camera makes it an ideal tool to help locate individuals who may be lost in the woods or fields. Utilizing the camera for hazardous materials events is another aspect of this heat sensing technology. Many chemicals release a thermal plume, which the camera may be able to "see" and this helps public safety personnel make the appropriate decisions to protect life and property base on where the plume may be going. The camera was purchased solely through public donations and fundraisers. The total cost of the camera and its associated equipment totaled $16,800.00. The residents of Stillwater can be proud of their contribution to public safety through this equipment purchase. All the members of the Stillwater Fire Department sincerely thank you for your continuing support! CITY DATA City Hall 216 N Fourth Street City Numbers Admin - 430 -8800 Building - 430 -8825 Engineering /Public Works - 430 -8830 Fire - 351 -4950 Garage - 439 -5933 Library - 439 -1675 Parks - 439 -4561 Police - 351 -4900 Planning - 430 -8820 Sewer Billing - 430 -8815 Water Billing - 439 -6231 ■ Waste Management Service and Billing 952 - 890 -1100 • St. Croix Recreation Center - 430 -2601 • City Web Site www.ci.stillwater.mn.us • Mayor Jay Kimble 439 -2888 Council Ward 1 David G. Junker 430 -0650 Ward 2 John Rheinberger 439 -4199 Ward 3 Wally Milbrandt 439 -0185 Ward 4 Gary Kriesel 430 -0537 Charter 3rd Monday City Council 1st & 3rd Tuesday Heritage Preservation 1st Monday Human Rights Last Wednesday Library 2nd Tuesday Parks Board 4th Monday Planning 2nd Monday Carbon Monoxide - or CO - is an invisible, odorless gas, produced by the incomplete burning of fuels in furnaces and other fuel burning appliances. CO can build up inside homes during the winter, when the furnace is running and the house is sealed up. Low levels of CO can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, weakness and shortness of breath. Higher levels can be fatal. > Take steps to protect your family from CO! Make sure your heating system and all fuel- burning appliances are adequately vented and properly maintained. > Do an annual furnace check and energy audit preferably in the fall. Hire a qualified technician if you want to install a new furnace or other fuel- burning appliance. And install a UL- listed CO alarm in your home. Questions about CO? Call the Minnesota Department of Health at (651) 215 -0909 or 1- 800 - 798 -9050. Suppose a storm hit and you were stranded in your car overnight. What would you do? Keep an emergency supply kit in your car. Your supply kit should include: > 3 -pound coffee can, candles, matches, cup > red bandana and plastic whistle > pencil and paper, cell phone > first aid kit, essential medications > flashlight and spare batteries > large plastic garbage bags, safety pins > bottled water and snack foods > blankets, warm boots and clothing > safety flares, shovel, bag of sand Danger, Thin Ice! Last winter in Minnesota, five people died when they fell through ice they thought was safe. Over the last 10 years, 63 people have broken through thin ice and drowned. Sixty -five percent of all ice drownings are vehicle related. Ice Safety Tips: ➢ WARN your children to stay away from ice - covered ponds and streams ➢ NEVER walk on ice that is less than four inches thick. Do not snowmobile on less than five inches of ice and do not drive your car on less than 12 inches of new clear ice. The Scoop About Snow Shoveling While shoveling snow can be good exercise, it can also be deadly for optimistic shovelers who take on more than they can handle. Take it easy. Snow shoveling is a weight - lifting exercise that raises your heart rate and blood pressure. Warm up before starting the job and stretch both before and after shoveling. If you must shovel, remember to: ➢ Take frequent breaks. If your chest feels tight, stop immediately. ➢ Push the snow forward rather than lifting it. Pick up only small amounts when needed. ➢ Use your legs, not your back (as with any lifting activity). Bend and "sit" into the movement allowing your large muscle groups to do most of the work. Radon is an odorless, invisible, natural y occurring radioactive gas. Radon can build up inside your home - especially - during the winter months - and long term exposure o radon can increase your risk of lung cancer. In Minnesota, one ho e in three typically exceeds federal guidelines for radon. Test your home for radon - using a testing device listed by t e U.S. EPA. > Use a testing unit designed to take long -term average readin.s such as an alpha track detector. > Leave the unit in place for at least three months preferably fi r a full year. Then have the results analyzed, following the directions that came with the unit. > If your home exceeds the federal guideline, contact the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) or the Minnesota Safety Council about steps you can take to reduce radon leve s in your home. Call MDH at (651) 215 -0909 or 1- 800 - 798 -9050. Call the Minneso a Safety Council at 1- 800 - 444 -9150 or (651) 291 -9150. Winter in Minnesota is the season f. r bargain vacation packages and war weather get - aways. Careful planning ca help you protect your health while yo escape the cold. If you'll be going abroad, ask your doct or clinic what special immunizations you'll need for the places yo plan to visit- and make arrangements to get them. Also make sure you and your family have all of your basic adult an childhood immunizations. Ask your doctor or clinic about avoiding contaminated food an water, and coping with foodborne illness. Also ask about how to prote t yourself against diseases carried by insects, such as malaria an yellow fever. Above all, plan ahead. Contact your doctor or clinic as soon as yo know where you'll be going- and when. You may need to visit a speci -1 clinic for some types of immunizations - and some vaccines need fo r weeks or more to take effect. For more information, call the automated Minnesota Travel -r Resource Line at 612/676 -5588 (TDD 612/676- 5533). 51C1017f Fii//17 Recreation Center Open Walk/Run: The field house is available for walking /running Monday - Friday beginning at 6:00 am. Lakeview Hospital sponsors no charge walking Wednesday mornings from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The track is around the outside soccer field lines, 4.5 laps is one mile. Cost: $.50 / youth & senior Punch card:$5.00 for 20 times $2.00 / adult $20.00 for 20 times $3.00 / family $30.00 for 20 times Open Field: Our dome is available for family and /or individual fun! Half field for 14 & over, other half for 14 & under (includes families) Family /Youth times: Tuesday & Thursdays 3:OOpm - 4:30pm All groups: Sundays 12:OOpm- 1:OOpm Cost: $2.00 / youth /senior Punch card:$15.00 for 10 times $3.00 / adult $25.00 for 10 times $5.00 / family $40.00 for 10 times Adult Slow Pitch Softball League: League registration due by the December 20. One level of play. One game played per week on Tuesday or Thursday night. Game times are 10:00pm and 11:OOpm. Team fee is: $600.00. League starts Jan. 7 - Mar. 6, play- offs Mar. 11,13,18, & 20. Limited space available! Youth Soccer Leagues: St. Croix Soccer's Indoor Competitive Youth Soccer League is now accepting Registration for leagues in winter of 2003 Contact Doug Brady for registration, 651 - 430 -2601. Session one: November - December Times: Saturday 12pm- 8pm Session two: January - February Times: Sunday 10am -4pm Golf: Starts January 2003 Cost: $7.50 /half hour, unlimited balls Times: Wed. & Fri. Please check schedule or web site at: www.ci.stillwater.mn.us Open Skating: Pick up schedule at Rec. Center office or on web at: www.ci.stillwater.mn.us Times: Please check Schedule Please check schedule for exact times on the web at: www.ci.stillwater.mn.us. Cost: $2.00 / youth & senior Punch card: $15.00 for 10 times $3.00 / adult $25.00 for 10 times $5.00 / family $40.00 for 10 times Open Hockey: Pick up schedule at Rec. Center office or on web at: www.ci.stillwater.mn.us All players must check out a markless puck from the office, $1.00 deposit. Players 18 and under must wear a helmet, no exceptions. Times: Check Schedules For time (all ages) Cost: Same as open skating. Check schedule, not always constant. Pros Ice: Pick up schedule at Rec. Center office or on web at: www.ci.stillwater.mn.us Cost: $6.50 / hour Punch card: $65.00 for 11 times Skating Lessons: 8 weeks of group lessons & 10 punch open skating card Classes on Tuesdays and /or Saturdays. Classes start Feb. 8th and run through April 5th. Private lessons available from our highly recognized professional staff, contact Skating Director; Shelia Thelen @ 651- 430 -2601. Registration (in person) begins: January 27 & 28, 2003. From 5:30- 8 :OOpm . Cost: $65.00 Home School and Moms & Tots are available on Tuesday Afternoons. 12:30pm- 2:30pm. Adult Hockey League: Two eight team leagues: Over 30 League and Open. No checking or slap shots. Numbered jerseys provided. Registration due: January 9 Cost :$900.00 League runs: January 26 - April 6 with play -offs to follow. fi]*DixViluiE/ Recreation Center Recreation Center' Beginning in April 2002, residents will notice a change in their trash bill. On November 19, the Washington County Board voted to move most of the solid waste fee, designated at the "Waste Management Service Charge" on residents' property tax statements, off the property tax and onto the waste hauler trash bill. The result is a 34.2% increase in the taxable portion of the garbage bill and a $39.00 decrease in the "Waste Management Service Charge" found on the special assessment line of the property tax statement. Th charge on the hauler bill, now called the "County Environmental Charge ", does not provide additional revenue to the County, but is a different way to generate the same amount of revenue formerly collected on the property tax statement. The shift from a flat fee on the property tax to a hauler - collected fee based on solid waste volume is a more equitable way to pay for solid waste management programs as those who generate more trash will pay more than those who produce less. This also provides a financial incentive to reduce waste and recycle more as recycling services are exempt from the charge. How does this affect Stillwater residents? The 34% charge added onto the taxable portion of the garbage bill will result in an increase of $1.91/mo. for Senior level service, $2.79/mo. for 30- gallon service, $3.44/mo. for 60 gallon, and $4.11/mo for 90- gallon service. Bearing in mind that the Waste Management Service Charge (that is currently collected on the property tax) will be reduced by $39.00, and that the County Environmental Charge will only be collected for 9 months in 2003, residents will actually be paying less in 2003. County Environmental Charge Based on 2003 Garbage Rates Senior 30 Gallon 60 Gallon 90 Gallon $17.19 $25.11 $30.96 $36.99 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 20.19 28.11 33.96 39.99 42.00 42.00 42.00 42.00 2003 County Environmental Charge 2003 Property Tax Charge 2003 Total County Charges 2002 Total County Charges (on property tax) SAVINGS $21.81 $13.89 $8.04 $2.01 e What programs are funded through the County Environmental Charge? The County Environmental Charge pays for household hazardous waste collections, recycling grants to cities and townships, solid a d hazardous waste enforcement, and trash processing at the resource recovery facility in Newport. Programs Funded Through the County Environmental Charge Household Hazardous Waste (12 %) Residential Recycling (12 %) Problem Materials Management and Enforcement (3 %) Resource Recovery (73 %) For information about the County Environmental Charge, please call Washington County at (651) 275 -7303. The pay parking program is free from November 1, 2002 through April 30, 2003. Pay parking lots include the South Main St. Lot (south of Brick Alley), River Lot (east of the Freighthouse) and the Maple Island Lot (north of the Amoco Gas Station). PERMIT PARKING ONLY Please don't get this confused with the permit parking program. The permit parking program is year round and is for employees and downtown residents who need to park beyond the posted time limits. There is free parking with a 4 hour limit at five lots, 2 hour parking at one lot and unlimited parking at the north end of town and at the Mulberry and Second St. lot. There is unlimited parking after 6 P.M.. and all day Saturday and Sunday at three lots. You may stop in at City Hall and get a map showing where the free parking is available. The Stillwater Police Department would like to announce t e implementation of the SPD TIP LINE. The phone number is (65 351 -4945. If you or someone you know has information on a crime in Stillwat you can call the new SPD TIP LINE and report the information. In the tip line you can remain anonymous. The tip line is mann:d Monday- Friday, 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. in which you can speak direc ly with Stillwater Police Department personnel. After hours, the li e goes to a voice mail system and you can leave your information on a recorder. Your information could help balance the scales of justice. He us make your community safe!!! The Stillwater Police Departme thanks you. Holiday trees for residents of the City of Stillwater are picked up curbside on your regularly scheduled collection day during the first two full weeks of January by the City's contracted hauler, Waste Management. Trees are then chipped and composted. Trees that are over 7 feet tall, must be cut in half. p ANSWER: Since the City has developed as a center for fine dining and entertainment, it has become apparent there are not enough licenses to go around. A number of restaurants do not have full on -sale liquor licenses should they wish to obtain one. With some worthy projects, the City has been forced to hire a lobbyist to seek special laws each time a new restaurant seeks a license. This is a waste of money and effort. ANSWER: The City Council has wide discretion to decide to whom and where a new license will be located. The City's zoning and Minnesota Statutes also dictate where establishments that offer liquor can be located. Contact City Hall (430 -8800) or the Board of Water Commissioners (439 -6231) for further information on the ballot questions The City of Stillwater encourages all citizens to carefully review educational materials regarding this referendum issue and to exercise your right to vote. If a change is made it will be up to the voters to decide. Prepared and paid for by the City of Stillwater, 216 North 4th Street, Stillwater, Minnesota 55082. This publication is not circulated on behalf of any candidate or ballot question. Who will automatically receive the mailed ballot? Every registered voter who lives within the City limits of the City of Stillwater. To be considered a registered voter you must be registered before January 7 to receive a ballot. How will residents out of town during the mailing period receive their ballots? Ballots cannot be forwarded by the Post Office Residents who will be absent from the City from January 8 to January 28, 2003 or longer, may vote by absentee ballot. An Absentee Ballot Application must be completed and returned to the City Clerk prior to an Absentee Ballot being sent to the out -of -town resident at their temporary address. The Absentee Ballot Application is available during normal business hours at the official polling place for the special election which is Stillwater City Hall, 216 North Fourth St., or the Water Department, 204 North Third Street, or be obtained through the City's web site www.ci.stillwater.mn.us. Once the ballots are available, absentee ballots will be mailed to the out -of -town resident at their temporary address. When will absentee ballots be available? Minnesota Statute requires that absentee ballots be available 30 days before the election, which is December 28, 2002. You may vote absentee up until January 27 at 5:00 P.M. How can non - registered voters receive a ballot? Non - registered voters would also vote by the absentee ballot process. The Absentee Ballot Application is available during normal business hours at the official polling place for the special election Stillwater City Hall, 216 North 4th St., or the Water Department, 204 North 3rd Street, or be obtained through the City's web site www.ci.stillwater.mn.us. Once the application is received and the absentee ballots are available on December 28, 2002, the absentee ballot, along with a Minnesota Voter Registration Card will be sent to the non - registered voter.