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2004 Stillwater City Newsletter
Stillwater Scene PRSTD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Stillwater, MN 55082 October, 2004 Permit No. 206 Official City Newsletter Postal Patron VOL. 15 • No. 4 216 N Fourth St., Stillwater, Minnesota 55082 IN THIS ISSUE Fire Prevention Week 2004 Fire Prevention Week 2004 The Stillwater Fire Department is joining the National Fire Annual Fish Fry Protection Association (NFPA) this fall to remind children and Election Information adults about fire safety during Fire Prevention Week, October Do You Know Where You 3-9, 2004. This year’s theme, “It’s Fire Prevention Week: Test Vote? Your Smoke Alarms”, highlights the importance of all families Polling Place Locations installing and maintaining smoke alarms in the home. Election Changes Smoke alarms are the most effective early warning device City Auction - October 6th available for the home. Since they were introduced to consum- TVs and Computers Don’t ers in the 1970’s they have helped to reduce the home fire Belong in the Trash death rate by half. Even though they are now widely popular, Stillwater Police Department roughly 70 percent of home fire deaths result from fires in homes Reminds Residents About with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. a Few Ordinances That Are Fires can spread through a home rapidly, and in some cases, individuals may have as little as two minutes Being Enforced to escape to safety once the alarm sounds. The Stillwater Fire Department encourages residents to keep Do you enjoy working with smoke alarms working and to leave immediately when a smoke alarm sounds. youth? In addition, residents should identify escape routes in the home and choose an outside meeting place Getting Ready to Rake Your where everyone can gather after they’ve escaped. Practice ensures that everyone in the home knows the fire Lawn? escape plan, they’re familiar with the sound of the smoke alarm, and they know how to exit quickly. Are Rising Interest Rates The following is a list of smoke alarm tips: Getting You Down • Install at least one smoke alarm on every level of the home and outside each sleeping area. Traffic Corner • Snow Plow Reminder Mount smoke alarms on ceilings or high walls. Speeding Takes Its Toll • Test smoke alarms once a month, following the manufacturers instructions. Tree Information • Replace batteries once a year or as soon as the device “chirps”, indicating that the battery is low. Tree Trimming & Mulch • Winter Parking Regulations Replace all smoke alarms after 10 years, even those that are hard wired or smoke alarms with Charter “long-life” (10 year) batteries. Smoke alarms with “long life” batteries also need to be replaced when the alarm “chirps” or fails to respond to periodic testing. The batteries in these units cannot 3rd Monday - 7 p.m. be replaced. City Council • 1st Tuesday - Regular Alarms that are hardwired to the home’s electrical system should be installed by a qualified Meeting 4:30 p.m. & electrician. Recessed Meeting 7:00 FIRE DEP AR TMENT OPEN HOUSE p.m. 3rd Tuesday - 7 p.m. When: Saturday, October 9, 2004 Heritage Preservation Place: 216 North 4 Street, Stillwater th 1st Monday - 7 p.m. Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Human Rights Last Wednesday - 7 p.m. There will be fire education information, firefighting demonstrations, station tours, blood pressure checks, Library child fingerprinting and face painting. Visits by the Stillwater Police Department, Lakeview Hospital EMS, 2nd Tuesday - 7 p.m. Washington County Public Health Child Safety Seat information, Xcel Energy, White Bear Lake Fire Sprin- Parks Board kler Trailer, Life Link Helicopter and Freckles the Fire Dog. Visitors will have the opportunity to practice using 4th Monday - 7 p.m. a fire extinguisher; kids fire hose squirt, register for door prizes, and enjoy free refreshments. All residents are Planning welcome! 2nd Monday - 7 p.m. Stillwater Fire Department Annual Fish Fry Water Board 2nd Wednesday - 8:30 a.m. Mayor Jay Kimble Please help support the efforts of the Stillwater Fire Department by attending the annual Fish Fry. 775-6996 Council Date: Friday, October 22 Ward 1 David Junker Place: Stillwater VFW 430-0650 5880 Omaha Avenue Ward 2 John Rheinberger Oak Park Heights 439-4199 Time: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm or until out Ward 3 Wally Milbrandt 439-0185 Proceeds from the fundraiser go towards the purchase of emergency equipment and supplies for the Ward 4 Gary Kriesel Stillwater Fire Department. 430-0537 Election Informatioi . Polling F . _ ce Locations General Election: The General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 2, 2004. For new voters in Stillwater or if you have moved within Stillwater since the 2002 election or the Primary in September 2004 the cut-off for voter pre -registration for General Election is October 12, 2004 at 5:00 p.m. Absentee Ballots will be available October 1, 2004 - 30 days prior to the General Election. If pre -registration cards are not received by the City or Washington County by the pre -registration deadline, new voters will then have to register at the polling place on election day because their names will not be on the Election Day voting rosters. City Election: Voters will elect two City Council members - in Ward 2 and Ward 3. Those elected will serve four-year terms. City Council elections are nonpartisan. Council members run by ward residency. Those elected will take office at the first Council meeting in January 2005. 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. Do You Know Where You Vote? If you have any questions on where you vote prior to the elec- tions, please contact Stillwater City Hall, 430-8800 or visit the Secretary of State's web site http://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/ 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 United Methodist Church Myrtle & Greeley Ward 2, Precinct 4 Stillwater City Hall 216 North Fourth Street Ward 3, Precinct 5 Stonebridge Elementary School 900 North Owens Ward 4, Precinct 6 Lily Lake Elementary 2002 West Willard Street Polling Places are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Election Day LP Mew le MIS Wirliir„r4) zrliifl Kw ,� ® rim pp Election changes related to Help America Vote Act (HAVA) The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) Definition: Deficient Registrations created a requirement for first-time voters Deficient (M.S. 201.071 subd 3) who apply to register by “mail” on or after • No voter registration application is deficient if it: January 1, 2003. • Contains the voter’s name, address, date of birth, • MN DL/ID or SSN Definition: Mail–in Registration “Mail-in registration is defined as a voter registration application • Prior registration, if any, and signature. delivered to the secretary of state, county auditor, or municipal clerk • Is absence of a zip code by the United States Postal Service or a commercial carrier” (M.S. • “failure to check a box on an application form that a voter 201.061). has certified to be true does not cause the registration to be New identification requirement applies to voters who: deficient” • • registered by mail, and Means citizenship and age checkboxes need not be checked • if the voter has signed the oath on the voter registration have not previously voted in an election in Minnesota for application. federal office. • “A voter registration application submitted by a voter who The voter must show I.D. before voting unless the state can match does not have a Minnesota driver’s license or state the voter information on the application with information in the identification number, or a social security number, is not Department of Public Safety (DPS) database. Finding a match is deficient for lack of any of these numbers.’ called DPS verification. • The system will be able to determine if the voter was issued a number. When a voter registration is processed in the statewide voter registration system, the system checks to see: NOT The following items do cause a voter registration application • If the applicant is a new voter who has never voted for to be deficient (if they are left blank): federal office in the state. • Telephone number • If the voter is exempt from the requirement because the • E-mail address voter is on the permanent list to receive absentee ballot • Citizenship question (top of application) applications. • Age question (top of card) • If the voter votes through health care facility outreach • Lack of MN driver’s license, MN identification or social absentee voting. • security numbers if none exist for the voter. If the voter is a military or overseas voter under the Uniformed and Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA). Voters will be notified if they are first-time voters with mail-in registration who may be requested to show I.D. before voting. Voters who are DPS verified will become exempt from the requirement upon verification. Voters who must show I.D. have “incomplete” registrations. Absentee Voting Voters “complete” their registrations by one of the following methods: Absentee voting allows voters who will be out of town, serving as • Showing I.D. to the County Auditor 20 days before election/ an election judge in another precinct, illness or disability, or religious • These are the discipline or observance of religious holiday to vote. Re-Registering on Election Day. only reasons that entitle you to vote by absentee ballot. • Re-Registering through the absentee process. • Showing I.D. on Election Day to the Roster Judge. General Election: Absentee voting will open on October 1, 2004 • for the General Election on November 2, 2004. Absentee voting will Acceptable I.D. is the same as any document used in Election be done at Stillwater City Hall Day registration. • 8:00 am to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday Definition: Incomplete Registrations • Saturday, October 30, 2004, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Incomplete: • Monday, November 1, 2004 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. • A voter registration that has not been verified, and • The voter is a first time voter, who has not shown I.D. and Absentee Ballots received by election officials • Mailed in the voter registration application. after Election Day will not be counted Incomplete registrations are not deficient. City Auction - October 6th Stillwater Police Department Reminds On Wednesday, October 6, 2004, the City of Stillwater will host an auction to sell forfeiture vehicles and unclaimed property. The auction will start at Residents About a Few 5:00 p.m., with viewing at 4:00 p.m. It will be held at the new Public Works Facility, 3325 Boutwell Rd. N., Ordinances That Are Stillwater. Payment with cash or check accepted. Items include: Being Enforced • 10 vehicles • 1 Yamaha Motorcycle • Household Furniture Vehicles For Sale : Per city ordinance 51-2, Subd 6: • Construction Tools It is unlawful to park any vehicle upon any city street • Office Items - file cabinets, copy machine, decollator for the purpose of displaying it for sale. • Auto Shop Items - Hoist, fuel tanks, tire changer, lift It is prohibited for vehicles to be parked on a city street • or city property that display “For Sale” on or in the ve- Bikes hicle. • Stereo Equipment • And more....... Posting of signs and other printed material : Per city ordinance 38-4, Subd 1: No persons may post, stick, stamp, paint or affix any notice, placard, bill, card, poster, advertisement or other TVs and Computers paper or device to attract the attention of the public to or upon any sidewalk, crosswalk, curb or curbstone, flag- Don’t Belong in the stone or any other portion or part of any public way or any lamp post, electric light, telephone pole, railway Trash structure, hydrant, shade tree or upon the piers, col- umns, trusses, girders, railings, gates or other part of There’s a toxic surprise — 2 to 8 pounds worth — in most TVs and com- any public bridge or other public structure or building or Lead puter monitors. . If lead gets into our rivers, streams and lakes, it can upon any pole, box or fixture except as authorized or harm our health and damage the environment. The stakes are high, with required by laws of the United States or the City code. Minnesotans owning an estimated 3.5 million TVs and 700,000 computers. It is prohibited to display garage sale signs, open house signs, missing animal signs etc., on city streets KNOW WHAT: or property, including street corners, boulevards, trees TVs and computers don’t belong in the trash. Besides lead, their compo- and poles. nents contain toxic metals such as mercury and cadmium that can poison If any of these signs are displayed where prohibited humans and animals. Keeping these dangerous materials out of our soil do not remove them yourself, report it/them to the and water is vital, and recycling is the smart way to do it. Stillwater Police Department. If you remove them it could be construed as a theft and you could be criminally RECYCLING OPTIONS AVAILABLE ONLY FOR RESIDENTS OF THE charged with theft for removing the signs. The non- CITY OF STILLWATER emergency phone number for the Stillwater Police De- The City of Stillwater’s solid waste and recycling contract with Waste partment is 651-351-4900. Management includes the monthly pick-up of TVs and computers at curbside. must Residents call Waste Management at (952) 890-1100 to get on the schedule. Waste Management will let you know the date of the next sched- uled pick-up. Only residents that have scheduled a pick-up with Waste Traffic Corner Management will have their TVs and computers picked-up that month. RECYCLING OPTIONS AVAILABLE OUTSIDE THE Cul-de-sacs and other “quiet streets” can CITY OF STILLWATER be very popular for kid activities such as biking, rollerblading, and just plain Electronics Recycling Companies goofing around. This can lead to some Many local companies take TVs and/or computers for recycling. This serious safety lapses. Although there website, www. greenguardian.com/throw6.asp (then click on the “many lo- may not be many vehicles on these cal companies” link) provides a list of companies by city. Call ahead to streets, the drivers that do enter them, verify what electronics items are accepted, and for fees, hours, and direc- don’t necessarily drive differently than on tions. a busier street. Parents should remind themselves and their children of the Manufacturer Recycling Programs danger of playing in the street, and the Some electronics manufacturers offer programs for products at the end of need to always give vehicles great respect. Young children especially, may their useful life. Drop-off or mail-back options may be available, usually for not be able to distinguish between a quiet a fee. Note that some manufacturer programs will take back any brand. street and the greater hazards of a busy Check the websites of Apple, Dell, Gateway, Hewlett Packard, IBM, MPC, street. One distracted driver or over and Sony. Links to all these sites can be found on the website: www. confident child can lead to tragedy. greenguardian.com/throw6.asp REMIND ‘EM! *** Information for this article was taken from the website www.greenguardian.com *** Getting Ready to Rake Snow Plow Your Lawn? Reminder No one wants to get left out in the cold! The State of Minnesota banned leaves, grass clippings and brush The City of Stillwater’s snow removal staff from going to landfills and processing facilities in 1990. Yard waste will be working hard to provide efficient and quality service to the must not be mixed with regular garbage and needs to be collected residents of Stillwater during the winter season. With a forecast of separately. 2-5 inches, Public Works personnel begin plowing after the snow Options for disposing of your yard waste: stops. For a forecast of 6-10" they begin after approximately two Do not catch grass clippings while mowing. Leave the short inches have fallen. Eight drivers plow approximately 70 miles of clippings on the lawn to conserve soil moisture and return nutrients commercial and residential streets. Most streets require four passes to the soil. This requires less frequent fertilizing. Grass clippings to be cleared curb to curb. There are also approximately 400 off- can also help maintain a healthier lawn by encouraging growth street parking stalls in the downtown area. Public Works plows (because the soil temperature is cooler) and reducing lawn wear snow from the middle of a street to both sides, to even up the (because a cushioning layer is created.) amount of snow that is deposited on each side of the street. The Mulch leaves and grass and leave them on your lawn. City’s snow plowing priorities are: Backyard composting yields a rich humus that can be used for 1. Major collector streets. flower and vegetable gardens, or added to lawns and around trees. 2. Downtown parking lots and streets. Contact Washington County Public Health Department at 430-6655 3. Commercial district streets. for more information about composting. 4. Local steep grade streets. Bag leaves or grass clippings in plastic or paper bags for pickup 5. Remaining local streets. at curbside. Be sure to place them separately from your regular garbage. Downtown parking areas receive high priority only during Tree branches and brush must be bundled and not exceed 4 nighttime plowing operations when the lots are empty. If plowing feet in length or 35 pounds per bundle for pickup. begins during business hours, parking lots are completed after Yard waste picked up by the City’s residential hauler, Waste normal business hours. The goal of the Public Works Department Management, is composted. is to have residential streets plowed within 12 hours after the end of a snow storm and snow removal from the downtown area Are Rising Interest Rates accomplished within three days. Skilled snow removal personnel with public cooperation, will Getting You Down?? ensure a safe winter season for the residents of Stillwater. By following guidelines and ordinances, winter storm The City of Stillwater is partnering with CEE Financial Resources, inconveniences and traffic hazards will be minimized. a local non-profit organization, to offer low-interest rates for home SIDEWALK SNOW REMOVAL improvements! Clearing of snow and ice from public sidewalks is the Right now, you may borrow up to $35,000 at a fixed interest rate responsibility of the property/business owner. Snow and ice must of 5.25% for your entire home improvement wish list. This low rate be removed from sidewalks within 24 hours after the end of the is available immediately with no application deadlines as long as storm (Municipal Code, Sec. 38-01, Subd. 2.2v - Nuisance) your household income is $88,000 a year or less. Repayment FIRE HYDRANTS terms of up to 20 years means CEE Financial Resources can tailor Residents are asked to keep snow cleared from around fire a monthly payment that is affordable for your budget! Most im- hydrants. Should you have a fire at your home this will enable provement projects are eligible for financing through this loan – firefighters to provide a quicker solution for the protection of life siding, roofing, windows, kitchen and bath remodel, plumbing, wir- and property. ing, driveways, sidewalks, carpet, flooring, furnace (including a/c!), EXTENDED VACATIONS basements, garages, fences, landscaping, and more! Residents who leave on extended vacation should have timers CEE Financial Resources also has available a Home Energy on their lights to represent the family’s normal schedule. Have a Loan. This program has NO income limits; the maximum loan relativ e or neighbor chec k on the proper ty occasionally . Ha v e amount is $10,000 and is also available at 5.25% interest for en- sidewalks and driveway cleared and place a car in the driveway to ergy-related improvements such as furnace, a/c, insulation, win- give the impression that someone is home. Residents can stop at dows, doors, and water heaters. For more information or to have the police department and fill out a vacation check card; police will an application sent to you, call Kristin at CEE Financial Resources check the exterior of the home as time allows. them at www.mncee.org . at 651-731-2626 or visit GARBAGE CONTAINERS Please have your garbage container back far enough from the Do you enjoy working with road so that snowplows do not knock it over. youth? Please volunteer with The Salvation Army Graffiti Skate Park, Speeding Takes Its Toll located in Stillwater . Our Mission is to create a safe and welcoming place where youth’s physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs are met through a Christian environment. Be good to your neighbors. Help make your community a Our volunteers assist staff with welcoming and check-in, as safer and more enjoyable place to live. Observe the 30 mph well as building relationships with the skaters. As role models, speed limit. Keep it slow and keep it safe! our volunteers demonstrate positive decision making and life skills. You can make a difference! If you are interested in learning more about this valuable volunteer opportunity please contact Chris at 651-351-2440. Tree Information CITY by Kathy Widin, Forestry Consultant D A T A Dutch Elm Disease This fatal wilt disease of elms is caused by a fungus and DED has been on the rise the past few years. The increase in diseased elms is probably due to recent mild winters and dry late summer and autumn months which increase bark beetle populations and stress elm trees. The City does not have an active management program for Dutch Elm Disease at this time and removal of diseased trees on private property is the responsibility of the property owner. For large landscape elms of high value, fungicide injection can protect against insect transmission of DED for several years. Risk Trees City Hall Fall and winter are good times to look at the structure of your yard and boulevard trees for problems. Splits or cracks in trunk crotches or branch unions, hanging broken branches, decay cavities, shelf 216 N Fourth Street fungi on trunks, spongy wood areas, particularly at base of tree, and sawdust coming out of trees, are all indications of trees which may pose a risk to people and structures. If you see any problems with City Numbers your trees, call the forestry consultant at 430-8765. Oak Wilt Admin -430-8800 Fall and winter are also good times to prune oak trees. Insect transmission of the oak wilt fungus Building -430-8825 can occur if oaks are pruned or wounded during the growing season (April through August). Painting Engineering/Public wounds on oaks is not necessary during fall and winter. Works -430-8830 Apple Scab and Anthracnose Diseases (maple, oak, ash) Fire -351-4950 Fungal leaf spots and blights were more prevalent this year due to the wet weather in spring and Library -439-1675 early summer. Trees which had disease suffered some leaf loss but most trees will recover without Planning -430-8820 noticeable damage. Diseases usually occur each spring but will be less of a problem if it’s dry. Police -351-4900 Fungicide sprays are usually not necessary, except for crabapples varieties which are susceptible to Public Works Facility apple scab. 275-4100 Tree Problems? Sewer Billing If you have a question about your trees or shrubs, call the Forestry Consultant, Dr. Kathy Widin, at 430-8815 430-8765. She can either answer your question over the phone or make an appointment to visit your Water Billing site. 439-6231 Tree Trimming and Mulch Availability n Waste Management Questions on Service The City crews will be coming around again this year to trim back trees in the City right-of-way and and Billing boulevards. Any resident who wishes to trim their own right-of-way or boulevard tree can pile the 952-890-1100 branches on the curb and call the Public Works Department with the address. When enough calls have been taken, we will pick up and chip the branches, then haul them away. n The wood chips will be available for Stillwater residents to use at their own homes for free. The St. Croix stockpile of wood chips will be located at the south end of the Lily Lake Ice Arena on South Greeley Recreation Center Street. Help yourself. If the pile is getting low, check back another time, it might be replenished. 430-2601 Trees and/or tree limbs that come down during a storm event can also be cut up and piled on the n curb for pick up. We will not pick up any branches or trunks over 12” in diameter. As most residents City Web Site may know, the City storage area or the old dumpsite is closed to the public for brush and tree drop-off www.ci.stillwater.mn.us 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 pickup information. n Winter Parking Regulations - Important Reminder Stillwater City Council Regular Replays of Council Meetings The current City ordinance puts odd/even parking controls into effect from November 1 through April 1 Friday at 7:00 p.m. odd numbered side of the street throughout the City. All people will be required to park their vehicles on the Saturday at 1:00 p.m. on odd dates and even numbered side of the street on even dates . Sunday at 10:00 p.m. Channel 16 Note: The time between 7 p.m. and midnight of each day is a switchover time Stillwater City Scene when vehicles can be parked on either side of the street. Shown at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday and 7:00 These parking controls apply whether or not any snow has fallen . These parking regulations improve the City’s efficiency in removing snow and eliminates confusion regarding snow emergencies and snow p.m. on Friday. emergency routes. n The full weeks schedule Liberty & Legends Subdivisions. is printed in the Friday For the Liberty/Legends neighborhoods, because of their narrow street design, these parking regulations Stillwater Gazette are in effect throughout the entire year. n A PUBLICATION OF THL STILLWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY VOLUME 9 NUMBER 4 AUTUMN 2004 ettlife * * * FREE! * * * STILLWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY * 223 NORTH FOURTH STREET * STILLWATER, MN 55082 * 651.439.1675 EXPANSION PROJECT We want to thank everyone who made our first golf tournament on August 31 such a success - sponsors, raffle and auction item donors, volunteers, golfers, diners, Oak Glen Country Club, and our emcee Lee Valsvik. Just in time, the rainy skies cleared so that the golfers could have a glorious round of golf, followed by an excellent dinner with raffle, silent auction, and live auction. We made over $13,000 for the library's renovation and expansion project. We were so encouraged by the enthusiastic participants that we plan to schedule another golf tournament next year. We have now raised over $2.5 million towards our $4 million goal. We had ample evidence this summer of why this project is so badly needed. Wednesday storytimes barely fit in the Margaret Rivers Room. Lines formed of people waiting to use computers, and overflow carts at the ends of most stacks held materials that wouldn't fit on the shelves. Lynne Bertalmio, Director SENIOR SURF DAY With the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging, we will sponsor Senior Surf Day on Thursday, October 21, from 10 A.M. to noon. This basic session on how to use the Internet is offered while the library is closed to ensure access to computers. Space is limited; call 651.439.1675 ext. 30 to register. Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1 - 5 P.M. Closed Sundays Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. HOURS 10 A.M. - 9 P.M. 1 - 9 P.M. 10 A.M. - 9 P.M. 1 - 9 P.M. 10 A.M. - 5 P.M. 10 A.M. - 5 P.M. PROGRAMS Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5) Wed., 10:30 A.M. Baby Storytime (birth-24 months) Mon., Oct. 4-25, 10:15 A.M. Bedtime Storytime (ages 3-8) Thurs., Oct. 14-Nov. 18, 7 P.M. Toddler Storytime (ages 2-3) Fri., Oct.15-Nov. 19, 10:30 A.M. Halloween Storytime (ages 4+) Sun., Oct. 31, 2 P.M. Libros Amigos (grades 7-9) Sun., Oct. 24, 2:30 P.M. Poetry Extravaganza (teens) Sat., Nov. 13, 1 P.M. Mystery Book Club (adults) Wed., Sept. 22, Oct. 20, Nov. 17 7 P.M. Senior Surf Day (adults) Thurs., Oct 21, 10 A.M. to Noon VALLEY READS In March 2005, ArtReach Alliance, I.S.D. 834 Continuing Ed, The Valley Bookseller, and the public libraries in the county will sponsor the first Valley Reads. Other cities have had an event where all citizens read and discussed the same book. Here, we hope to involve all of the communities in I.S.D. 834 in reading, discussion, and programs about the same title. Well before the programs are announced, there will be an opportunity to participate in this event. The book that will be read will be decided by the community. In November, ballots with five possible choices will be available at the library and many other locations. Please vote! The title will be announced in January to allow plenty of time to read the book by March. HOUSE HISTORIES If you have a house in Stillwater, we want to talk to you! One of the most frequent questions to the library's St. Croix Collection staff is about the history of Stillwater houses. If you have photos, written documents, or other data about the history of your house, we would like to include the information in the St. Croix Collection. You may retain your original documentation: the library will scan or copy it. Your house need not be "old;" any house is eligible for inclusion. To notify us, please call Peggy at 651.439.1675 ext. 26 or e-mail us at splinfo®washington.lib.mn.us with the subject line of House Histories. L E T p U R M I N D U N D E E P 1 * * * *heYf * * * NEW WEB ADDRESS We have just simplified our website address to www.stillwaterlibrary.org to help patrons remember how to find us. Be sure to update your library bookmark to reflect the change. NEW E-RESOURCES Our list of state -funded electronic databases (Electronic Library of Minnesota) has changed due to new licensing agreements at MINITEX. Providing full -text access to journal articles are two new business databases - Business Source Premier and Regional Business News - and a new education database Professional Collection. Also new are some general research databases, Academic Search Premier and MasterFile Premier. ELM has expanded access to WorldCat, the largest comprehensive bibliography in the world, which you may now search from home, school, or office. If any of your favorite databases were dropped in this change, please let us know at the Information Desk so that we can report public sentiment to MINITEX. WORD PROCESSING & MORE Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point software are now available on the public Internet computers in the Reference Room. Floppy and CD-RW drives for downloading and file copying have also been installed. Laser printers are networked to the Internet computers for black and white copies at $0.10 each. Color copies are available, by request only, at $1.00 each. Remember to bring floppy discs or CDs with you because the library does not supply or sell them. Also remember to bring your library card: you'll need it to log on. TEEN READ MONTH Teen Read Month is an American Library Association sponsored event to promote awareness of libraries among teens. At SPL, it will run October 18 - November 14 with the theme It's Alive@the Library. Activities will be displayed in the Teen area of the library. There will be a drawing for prizes at the end of the month. The more you participate, the greater the chance of winning. The month ends with our second annual Poetry Extravaganza on Saturday, November 13, at 1 P.M. This is an opportunity for teens to read their favorite poems or their original poetry before an appreciative audience. If you would like to help plan Teen Read Month or volunteer to work at an event, call Lindy at 651.439.1675 ext. 21. LIBROS AMIGOS Libros Amigos ("Book Friends" in Spanish), our book discussion group for teens, will meet on Sunday, October 24, from 2:30 to 3:30 P.M. Dates and titles for this fall and winter will be selected by the group. For more info, click Programs for Teens on the Programs page of our website or call Lindy at 651.439.1675 ext. 21. EARLY LITERACY With a $2,000 grant from the Stillwater Target store, the library is increasing its early childhood literacy efforts. One initiative that is already in place is our new Baby Storytimes at 10:15 A.M. on October Mondays. Coming soon are books and music to enhance storytimes. Later this fall, one table in the Children's Room will be devoted to early literacy, including toys that teach letter and number recognition. www.stillwaterlibrary.org HALLOWEEN STORYTIME Children aged 4 and over are invited to a special Halloween Storytime on Sunday, October 31, from 2 to 3 P.M. Before taking your costume out trick or treating, wear it to this storytime full of stories, songs, and surprises. FOR TEACHERS AND GROUP LEADERS The library has developed new guidelines about library services for teachers and others working with children in groups. The complete guidelines are available on our website by first clicking on the For Kids button and then selecting For Teachers and Youth Group Leaders. Topics covered include group visits to the library, librarian visits to schools and youth groups, school assignments, library cards, borrowing rules, interlibrary loans, and more. If you are planning a group visit to the library, would like to invite a librarian to visit, or wonder what resources the library has before developing your assignments, please check out this web page. HOLIDAY BOOK DRIVE Recent research shows that 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 library, some children never have the experience of owning a book because the family's budget just doesn't stretch that far. To make sure that children have the joy of book ownership, this year the library will collect new children's books for distribution through the Holiday Bureau and Head Start. The public is invited to bring new, unwrapped children's books for children of all ages to the library through Friday, December 10. Can We improve Hi;,.lway 36 and Save Our Ct..rimunity Character? As part of the St. Croix River Crossing, Mn/DOT is proposing improvements along Highway 36. Based on input from the communities, and design engineers, a recommendation was made to build a grade -separated (freeway) with two interchanges and overpasses in the designated corridor. The Buttonhook Concept (shown on the front) originally anticipated that 9 businesses would need to be "taken". As this concept was further developed, the impacts became too invasive. The Cut & Cover Concept (shown on the front) was created by local business people who worked with engineers, city staff and Mn/DOT to address the issues and to develop an alternative. This concept has been reviewed by MN/DOT and appears to be a feasible engineering concept with costs comparable to the Buttonhook Concept. The Chamber of Commerce and cities of Oak Park Heights and Stillwater have asked Mn/DOT to include this concept in the Draft EIS for further study. Buttonhook Concept Positive • Visibility of businesses from highway to attract customers. • Two -directional frontage roads on both sides of the highway. Negative • 32 commercial businesses and residential buildings will be totally taken. Additional undeveloped land will be taken. Several properties will be partially taken. • 50% of the Frontage roads are to be moved away from the highway at least'/z block. • Highway 36 will be 50% wider expanding the barrier between Stillwater and Oak Park Heights. • Tax revenues from the properties "taken" will be lost - increasing taxes to remaining properties. • Some remaining business will be on confusing access roads and cul-de-sacs. • Buttonhook ramps are confusing and susceptible to wrong -way entrance to freeway. • 10 signal lights will be used on the frontage roads requiring additional lanes to "stack" waiting cars. • • • ♦ • • • ♦ • Cut and Cover Concept Positive No commercial or residential properties will be taken as currently designed. Frontage roads remain in existing location for visibility and easy access. Brings communities together with land bridges above the highway for intersections, pedestrian/ bike trails and parks. Reduces sound & visual pollution of highway by placing freeway 22 ft below grade. Intersections remain at current cross street locations. Turn lanes allow driving to other side of TH 36 without going to intersection. Slip ramps are an easy merge onto and off of the freeway & safe when entering one-way. Adds new entrance to Government Center from the frontage road, reducing traffic on Osgood. Negative Reduces visibility of businesses from the highway relying on highway signage. Utilizes one-way frontage roads causing customers to go around the boulevard. What can you do? Your opinion counts! The open comment period is NOW. Please mail the attached response card or mail a letter by October 4, 2004 to Mn/DOT (address on reverse side of card). or email inetstcroixriverxing@dot.state.irur.us by October 5, 2004. It is the responsibility of Mn/DOT to design safe and functional roadways. It is our responsibility to let them know which design fits the character of our community. Presented by the Cut & Cover Concept Team • 651-430-1415 IdIDNOJ NOOHNOIIffiE O by x Cfg 01 • CD w eD CD w CD co CD hr 01-1 ti 0 CD CD (D N 1-1 0 P 0 co CD r7 Or 0 CD O L1[ -11 •11 o fD 7 co o * 10 ,C co 33 O m O. 1n /oieei /uaei6Iep O to 0 0 0. 7 co w O CD • CM) bd : CQ co co CD C• I) • CD CD C. n • l J CD 0• 0 O I CD CD CDcCD ▪ A J}I a Pit CD O w CD CD co • 0✓ 0< • m ryq 3 m 3 m 3 `C St. Ci mix Valley Recreation ,enter 1675 Market Drive, Stillwater, Minnesota 55082 651-430-2601 Home School Learn to Skate Group Lessons FALL 2004 TUESDAY AFTERNOONS (COST: $45.00 per class) (DATES: OCT: 5, 12, 19, 26 NOV: 2, 9, 16, 23, 2004) 12:30-1:00 pm 1:00-1:30 pm 1:30-2:00 pm 2:00-2:30 pm TOTS & Alpha TOTS & Pre -Alpha Alpha/Beta & Gamma/Delta Pre -Alpha & Beginner -Advance Freestyle 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, Iackward Stroking,' -Stops. Gamma: Outside I Foot Three Turns, Mohawks, 2 Foot Hockey Stop. Delta: Inside I Fool Three Turns, Forward Edges, Bunny I lops, Lunge. Freestyle Class Descriptions (Testing: The Skater must first pass these elements, ',nor to moving to the next level NO Program req.) Beginning Freestyle: Intermediate Freestyle: Advanced Freestyle: High Test Freestyle: Waltz Jump, Forward Spiral, 2 Foot Spin, Back Edges 1/2 Flip, 1/2 Lutz, 1 Foot Spin, Salchow Toe Loop, Loop, Flip, Lutz, Sit Spin, Camel Spin, Back Three Turns, Back Spin Axel, Double Salchow, Double Toe Loop, Camel Spin Combinations, Lay Back, Split Jumps Double Loop, Double Flip, Double Lutz, Double Axel, Triples, Flying Spins iA5.00 Per Cl ss / 8 Weeks / Half Hour Grunp_Lesson, 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 QId + tp enrol I in Adult Classes. Beginner Skatem pre encouraged to wear Helmets. Beginning Skaters (Boys and Girls) are highly encouraged to wear GOOD) Leather Figure Skates ('Single Blades). (Hockey skates are VERY difficult for little Cloys - under the age of 6!l Please start lithe boys in Figure Skates - then transfer into Hockey skates after .I year! No Parents Zllowed on the Ice (unless they care wearing ska/es & Volunteering with 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 Oppor- tunities Available - Contact Sheila Thelen Skating Director. 2005 Spring Ice Show! (Skater must be in 2 sessions of classes, either: Summer 2004, Fall 2004, or Winter 2005 to be in Spring Ice Show AND/OR 2 classes during one session.) REGISTRATION (tea mail or drop off) St Croix Valley Recreation Center 1675 Market Drive Stillwater, MN 55082 REGISTRATION BEGINS: SEPTEMBER 20th, 2004 LATE REGISTRATION IS ALWAYS AVAILA@LELCDNTACtTHEARENA FOR CLASS OFENINGS1 Skaters Name: Age: Address: City: State: Zip: Home Phone: Check One: Returning Student 0 New Student 0 $45.00 Tuesday Class Title: Time: 2nd Choice: PLEASE TRY TO REGISTER BY SEPTEMBER 28TH, 2004 L Skate/Hockey St t-up Group Lessons a St. Croix Valley Recreation Center r_7 Arena Office Phone: 651-430-2601 FALL 2004 TRAY EVENINGS (COST: $65.00 per ckiss) (DATES: OCT: 5, 12, 19, 26 NOV: 2, 9, 16, 23, 2004) 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 pm TOTS, TOTS, Pre -Alpha, Pre -Alpha, Alpha, Beta 7:30-8:00 pm TOTS, Pre -Alpha, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta 8:00-8:30 pm Beginning Freestyle, Intermediate Freestyle, Advanced Hockey Skating Skills 8:30-9:00 pm Advanced Freestyle, High Freestyle, *Adults FALL 2004 SAT[RRDAY MORNINGS (COST: $65.U1 per ele_jj (DATES: OCT: 9, 16, 23, 30 NOV: 6, 13, 20 DEC: 4, 2004) NO CLASS: NOV 27, 2004! 9:30-10:00 am 10:00-10:30 am 10:30-11:00 am TOTS, Beginning Freestyle. Int. Freestyle, Adv. & High Freestyle TOTS, TOTS, Pre -Alpha, Alpha, Beta, Delta TOTS, TOTS, Pre -Alpha, Alpha, Beta, Gamma 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 Foot Three Turns, Forward Edges, Bunny Hops, Lunge. Freesty'P Class Descriptions s- (Testing: The Skater must first pass these elements, prior to moving to the next level NO Program req.) Beginning Freestyle: Intermediate Freestyle: Advanced Freestyle: High Pest Freestyle: Waltz Jump, Forward Spiral, 2 Foot Spin, Back Edges 1/2 Flip, 1/2 Lutz, 1 Foot Spin, Salchow Toe Loop, Loop, Flip, Lutz, Sit Spin, Camel Spin, Back Three Turns, Back Spin Axel, Double Salchow, Double Toe Loop, Camel Spin Combinations, Lay Back, Split Jumps Double Loop, Double Flip, Double Lutz, Double Axel, Triples, Flying Spins $65.011 Per Class 18Weelg.! Ralf Hour ffr [gyp Lesson / Includes: 10 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 clays (Awards for all Skaters). *You must he 15 Years Old + to enroll in Adult Classes. Beginner Skaters are encouraged to wear Helmets. Beginning Skaters (Boys and Girls) are highly encour- aged to wear GOOD Leather Figure Skates (Single Blades). (Hockey skates are VERY difficult for little boys - under the age of 6!) Please start little hoes in Figure Skates- then transfer into hockey skates after 1 year! No Parents allowed on the Ice (unless they are wearing skates & Volunteering with 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 Sheila Thelen Skating Director. 2005 Spring Ice Show! (Skater must be in 2 sessions of classes, either: Summer 2004, Fall 2004, or Winter 2005 to be in Spring Ice Show AND/OR 2 classes during one session.) REGISTRATION (In Person!) St Croix Valley Recreation Center 1675 Market Drive Stillwater, MN 55082 REGISTRATION BEGINS: SEPTEMBER 20th Et 21 st, 2004 FROM 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM (Mailed in registrations opened at 8:00 PM, SEPTEMBER 21 st, 2004 - Receipts mailed) IAMB IS ALWAYSAVA1LABLELCONTACI T}IEABENAF4R_CIASSi)PENINGS1 Skaters Name: Age: Address: City: State: Zip: Home Phone: Check One: Returning Student 0 New Student 0 $65.00 Tiles/Sat Class Title: Time: 2nd Choice: COME JOIN THE FUN! Answers To Questions About Electronic Payment Q: What is electronic payment? A: Electronic payment is automatic bill payment whereby your payment is de- ducted automatically from your check- ing or savings account. Q: What is the advantage of elec- tronic payment? A: It saves time! It saves work! It sim- plifies your life! You can avoid the has- sle of writing or mailing checks! Q: How can you transfer money from my account? A: Only with your authorization. Q: When is the electronic payment transferred from my account? A: On its due date. You never have to worry about forgetting a payment or mailing it on time! Q: If I do not write checks, how do I keep my checkbook balance straight? A: Since your payment is made at a City of Stillwater 216 N. 4th Street Stillwater, MN 55082 For Office Use Only 1st Payment Date pre -established time, you simply record it in your check register on the appro- priate date. Q: Without a canceled check, how can I prove I made my payment? A: Your bank statement gives you an itemized list of electronic payments. It is your proof of payment. Q: Is electronic payment risky? A: Electronic payment is less risky than check payment. It cannot be lost, sto- len or destroyed in the mail. It has an extremely high rate of accuracy. Q: What if I change bank Accounts? A: Notify us and we will give you a new authorization form to complete. Q: How much does electronic pay- ment cost? A: It costs you nothing. Plus, you save the cost of stamps, checks and enve- lopes. Q: What if I try electronic payment and don't like it? A: You can cancel your authorization by notifying us at any time. But, once you've enjoyed the convenience, time and money savings of electronic pay- ment, we doubt you will want to go back to paying bills the way you did before. Q: How do I sign up for electronic payment? A: Complete and sign the authoriza- tion form below and return it to us along with a voided check or savings deposit slip. Q: How do I know if I have success- fully signed up for electronic pay- ment? A: On your quarterly billing statement you will see a note that says "Auto Withdrawal — Do Not Pay". If you do not see this note, please call (651) 430-8815 to verify that we received your information. X Yes, I'd like to sign up for Electronic Payment Customer Account #: 1St Payment Amount Payment dates are: Jan 10th April 10th July 10th Oct 10th Name on Account (Please print): Address: City: State: Zip: Please transfer payments directly from my: Checking Account (Attach a voided check) Routing # (between these symbols I: I:): Account # Savings Account (Attach a savings deposit slip) I authorize the City of Stillwater to process debit entries from my account. This authority will remain in effect until I give reasonable notification to — terminate this authorization. I understand that I will be mailed a copy of my bill each billing quarter and that the dollar amount due each quar- ter will vary according to the usage and the rates for the year. I have attached a voided check or savings deposit slip. Authorized signature on my account: Date: *Please attach voided check or savings deposit slip * i1twar THE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS FOR UTILITY BILLS ARE HERE. .. You can now have your City of Stillwater quarterly utility bills* automatically deducted from your checking or savings account. *Note: The City of Stillwater Quarterly Utility Bill includes fees for sanitary sewer, storm sewer and signs & lighting ONLY. This does NOT include your water bill. HOW: Complete and sign the form on the other side, attach a voided check or savings deposit slip and return to City to Stillwater, 216 North 4th Street, Stillwater, MN 55082. WHEN: Automatic Payment Request Received by: Billing Quarter Automatic Payment to Begin Date Automatic Payment will occur September 15th 4th Quarter (October to DecemberL January 10tt' December 15th 1st Quarter (January to March) April 10 March 15t 2nd Quarter (April to June) July 10th June 15th 3rd Quarter (July to September) October 10- Once you have signed up for automatic payments, it will remain in effect until you give the city notification to terminate IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS OR YOUR UTILITY BILL, PLEASE CONTACT MARY AT (651)430-8815. 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 Polling Place Locations Election Information Primary Election: Ward 1, Precinct 1 Oak Park Elementary School, The Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, September 14, 2004. 6355 Osman Avenue For new voters in Stillwater or if you have moved within Stillwater since the 2002 election the cut-off date for voter pre-registration for Ward 1, Precinct 2 Our Saviors Lutheran Church the Primary Election is August 24, 2004 at 5:00 p.m. Absentee Ballots will be available August 13 - 30 days prior to the Olive & Brick Primary Election. General Election: Ward 2, Precinct 3 United Methodist Church The General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 2, 2004. Myrtle & Greeley For new voters in Stillwater or if you have moved within Stillwater since the 2002 election or the Primary in September 2004 the cut-off Ward 2, Precinct 4 Stillwater City Hall for voter pre-registration for General Election is October 12, 2004 at 216 North Fourth Street 5:00 p.m. Absentee Ballots will be available October 1, 2004 - 30 days prior to Ward 3, Precinct 5 Stonebridge Elementary School the General Election. If pre-registration cards are not received by the City or Washington 900 North Owens County by the pre-registration deadlines new voters will then have to register at the polling place on election day because their names will Ward 4, Precinct 6 Lily Lake Elementary not be on the Election Day voting rosters. Any questions, please 2002 West Willard Street contact City Hall at 430-8800. Polling Places are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Election Day Do You Know Where You Vote? If you have any questions on where you vote prior to the elec- tions, please contact Stillwater City Hall, 430-8800 or visit the Secretary of State’s web site http://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/ Election changes related to Help America Vote Act (HAVA) The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) Definition: Deficient Registrations created a requirement for first-time voters Deficient (M.S. 201.071 subd 3) who apply to register by “mail” on or after • No voter registration application is deficient if it: January 1, 2003. • Contains the voter’s name, address, date of birth, • MN DL/ID or SSN Definition: Mail–in Registration “Mail-in registration is defined as a voter registration application • Prior registration, if any, and signature. delivered to the secretary of state, county auditor, or municipal clerk • Is absence of a zip code by the United States Postal Service or a commercial carrier” (M.S. • “failure to check a box on an application form that a voter 201.061). has certified to be true does not cause the registration to be New identification requirement applies to voters who: deficient” • • registered by mail, and Means citizenship and age checkboxes need not be checked • if the voter has signed the oath on the voter registration have not previously voted in an election in Minnesota for application. federal office. • “A voter registration application submitted by a voter who The voter must show I.D. before voting unless the state can match does not have a Minnesota driver’s license or state the voter information on the application with information in the identification number, or a social security number, is not Department of Public Safety (DPS) database. Finding a match is deficient for lack of any of these numbers.’ called DPS verification. • The system will be able to determine if the voter was issued a number. When a voter registration is processed in the statewide voter registration system, the system checks to see: NOT The following items do cause a voter registration application • If the applicant is a new voter who has never voted for to be deficient (if they are left blank): federal office in the state. • Telephone number • If the voter is exempt from the requirement because the • E-mail address voter is on the permanent list to receive absentee ballot • Citizenship question (top of application) applications. • Age question (top of card) • If the voter votes through health care facility outreach • Lack of MN driver’s license, MN identification or social absentee voting. • security numbers if none exist for the voter. If the voter is a military or overseas voter under the Uniformed and Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA). Voters will be notified if they are first-time voters with mail-in registration who may be requested to show I.D. before voting. Voters who are DPS verified will become exempt from the requirement upon verification. Voters who must show I.D. have “incomplete” registrations. Absentee Voting Voters “complete” their registrations by one of the following methods: Absentee voting allows voters who will be out of town, serving as • Showing I.D. to the County Auditor 20 days before election/ an election judge in another precinct, illness or disability, or religious • These are the discipline or observance of religious holiday to vote. Re-Registering on Election Day. only reasons that entitle you to vote by absentee ballot. • Re-Registering through the absentee process. • Showing I.D. on Election Day to the Roster Judge. Primary Election: Absentee voting will open on August 13, 2004 • for the Primary Election on September 14, 2004. Voting will be at Acceptable I.D. is the same as any document used in Election Stillwater City Hall - 8:00 am to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. We Day registration. will also be open Saturday, September 11, 2004, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for absentee voting for the Primary Election. Definition: Incomplete Registrations Incomplete: General Election: Absentee voting will open on October 1, 2004 • A voter registration that has not been verified, and for the General Election on November 2, 2004. Voting will be at • The voter is a first time voter, who has not shown I.D. and Stillwater City Hall - 8:00 am to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. We • will also be open Saturday, October 30, 2004, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Mailed in the voter registration application. for absentee voting for the General Election. Incomplete registrations are not deficient. Absentee Ballots received by election officials after Election Day will not be counted City Council Adopts New Fireworks Ordinance The State of Minnesota legalized some forms of consumer fireworks effective April 30, 2002. Examples of items that are now permitted include sparklers, cones and tubes that emit sparks, novelty items like snakes, and party poppers. With the legalization of these specific fireworks in Minnesota July 22-25 it required the City of Stillwater to amend the City Code to accommodate this change. The City Council at its May 18, 2004 meeting adopted the revised code and incorporated an annual permit fee of $100.00 for the retail sale of specific consumer fireworks. Retail outlets, including seasonal vendor Lumberjack Days activities will begin Thursday, July 22 operations, are now required to submit an application and fee to the City and continue through Sunday, July 25. This community Clerk in order to legally sell fireworks within the City of Stillwater. Upon celebration dates back to 1934 when it was called Stillwater’s receipt of the application, the City Clerk will submit the request to the Fire Pioneer Celebration. It soon became known as Lumberjack and Police Chief for processing and code compliance. Once accepted by Days to remember the contribution of the “fast vanishing fire and police, it will be placed on the City Council’s agenda for final lumberjack” to the history of Stillwater. approval and issuance of the permit. The many activities of Lumberjack Days have ranged from For more detailed information regarding legal consumer fireworks in the best lumberjack costume, log rolling, fiddling, greased pole State of Minnesota please contact the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office climb, soap box derby, water-ski shows, train excursions, at 651-215-0500 or via the web at http://www.fire.state.mn.us. 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 Stillwater Organizations Urged To locale and the outbreak of World War II took many of the volunteers overseas. Lumberjack Days was reborn in 1968 Join Crime Alert Network. 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 Police Chief Larry Dauffenbach announced Festival Association, Inc. This year’s activities include that Stillwater has joined a statewide crime alert concerts by Sugar Diva’s/Little River Band (Thursday, 7:00 network. The Minnesota Crime Alert Network will p.m.) Martin Zellar/Blues Traveler (Friday, 7:00 p.m.), enable the police department to quickly alert the Casablanca Orchestra (Sat., 1:30 p.m.), Lynard Skynyrd (Sat., community about a crime trend or criminal that 7:00 p.m.), Super Diamond (Sun., 7:00 p.m.); Exhibition, may affect them. Ironjack Lumberjack Show, 10 mile run, 5k walk or run, Kids The system, which is coordinated by the Fest & Teddy Bear Band and a spectacular fireworks finale Minnesota Department of Public Safety, uses Sunday evening. Also featured are some old favorites such broadcast fax technology and electronic mail to transmit crime alerts directly as drum corps competition, treasure hunt, pancake to people most likely to be affected by a particular crime or most likely to be breakfast, sidewalk sales, parade, etc. For more information, able to provide information to solve a crime. Anyone with an ordinary fax call the event hotline, 651-430-2306 or visit the website, machine or electronic mail can receive the information. www.lumberjackdays.com. “Our goal is to more quickly identify suspects and apprehend them, as well as provide crime prevention advice to the community” said Chief Dauffenbach. “The Crime Alert Network is more cost effective than mailing crime alerts and it allows us to simultaneously send hundreds of faxes/ electronic mail to destinations across the region or even across the state”. Historic Book Available The Network currently has more than 7,000 members statewide. Alerts are resulting in crimes prevented, criminals apprehended, stolen property As part of a continuing survey of Stillwater’s historic recovered and improved security measures within participating buildings and neighborhoods, partially funded by the City of organizations. I believe this will be a valuable communication tool for our Stillwater under the direction of the Heritage Preservation community”. Commission, Donald Empson and Kathleen Vadnais Linda Thompson will be coordinating this project for Stillwater businesses, recently published the History of the Churchill, Nelson & schools, Neighborhood Watch members, and others with fax machines or Slaughter’s Additions Residential Area . This area of the city, electronic mail. The cost of the membership is only $12.00 per year, but between S. Holcombe St. and Sixth Avenue South, between each new applicant is given a 90-day trial membership. Applications can W. Willard St. and W. Hancock Street is one of the most be picked up in the lobby of the police department, by calling (651)351- gracious neighborhoods of the city dating back to 1857. 4908, or call the Crime Alert Network Office at (651)793-1120 for more This 130-page book covers the early history of the information. neighborhood including the histories of over 300 homes. It Quick Tip includes a complete index of names, and footnotes documenting the information. Research sources included old tax records, building Don’t get swamped by a sewer backup. Avoid putting grease, coffee permits, old newspapers and land records. Further research grounds, rags, diapers, soil and other sewer blocking agents down your for the book included interviews with past and current toilets and drains. At the first sign of any trouble call a sewer cleaning residents. City Directories for 1894, 1930, and 1954 were company or plumber. Have your pipes cleaned and televised in the event used to index the earlier homeowners. Contact Donald of a problem. One rule of thumb, sewer backups always happen at the Empson at 651-351-0172. worst time. Stop Sign Changes go into Effect WHO’S NEW A T CITY CALL In June the City of Stillwater started making changes to a number of intersec tion controls. In particular Stillwater residents should take note of stop sign changes at: Ryan Mitchell Mulberry and Williams – was an east/west stop and will change to a north/ Ryan Mitchell joined the Stillwater south stop Police Department May 25, 2004. He William and Oak – was a north/south stop and will change to an east/west stop was born in Olive and Martha – was a three way stop and will change to a one way stop Duluth and Pine and Fourth Street – was a three way stop and will change to a two way stop raised most of his These changes are being implemented in order to eliminate confusion, improve the safety of childhood in the overall system as well as reduce speeds within the community. Motorists are reminded Maplewood, that stop means come to a complete and full stop. When approaching intersections with no the last four controls, do so with caution and yield to the driver on the right. years of high school he lived in Yield To The Vehicle On The Right! Hibbing. Ryan graduated from Hibbing High School, went to the University of An uncontrolled intersection is one with no traffic lights, stop signs or yield signs. These are Minnesota and received a degree at common in Stillwater neighborhoods. Apparently many drivers don’t understand or respect the Hibbing Community College in Law rule regarding right-of-way at these intersections. Enforcement. He was a part time Minnesota law is pretty simple when it comes to who has the right-of-way in uncontrolled police officer for the City of Chisholm intersections; always yield to the vehicle on the right. When two cars are nearing an intersection for nine months and worked for Wright at the same time, it’s not the first driver that has the right-of-way; it’s the driver on the right. County Sheriff’s Office for three years If the car on the right is turning and the car on the left is proceeding straight through the as a patrol deputy. In an effort to be not intersection, the rule still applies. The only uncontrolled intersection that does follow this closer to his relatives, he applied for rule is a T-intersection. In the case of an uncontrolled Tee, the thru street always has right-of-way the police officer position in Stillwater. and the single leg must yield. Ryan is married to Teresa, who Yield to the vehicle on the right! (It’s the law) received a teaching degree in Elementary Education from Concordia College, and has a 14 month old son named Austin. They bought a house Motorists! Watch Those Crosswalks & in Oakdale and plan on staying there for a long time. He enjoys basketball Pedestrians and softball. Ryan likes working for the beautiful City of Stillwater, with the nice people and the professional With Spring and Summer approaching remember that motorists are required police department. 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 Do you enjoy vehicle shall stop to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the marked crosswalk or unmarked crosswalk roadway within a at an working with 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 youth? marked impossible for the driver to yield. When any vehicle is stopped at a crosswalk unmarked crosswalk or at any 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 Please volunteer with The pass the stopped vehicle.” Salvation Army Graffiti Skate Park, located in Stillwater . Our Mission is to create a safe and New State Law Prohibits Phosphorus welcoming place where youth’s physical, emotional, social, and Fertilizers spiritual needs are met through a Christian environment. Our volunteers assist staff with Beginning in 2004, a new law went into effect in the State of Minnesota. This law prohibits the welcoming and check-in, as well use of lawn fertilizers containing phosphorus. Phosphorus is the chief culprit in degrading the as building relationships with the water quality in our lakes, rivers and streams. Phosphorus runs off of our lawns during storm skaters. As role models, our events. When it reaches a water body it provides nutrients for algae. Rapid algae growth volunteers demonstrate positive reduces water quality and eventually leads to severe algae blooms, fish kills and the death of decision making and life skills. beneficial aquatic plants. You can make a difference! If you Research has shown that most suburban lots already have abundant phosphorus. Therefore, are interested in learning more about fertilizing using phosphorus free fertilizers can result in a healthy and lush lawn. You can do this valuable volunteer opportunity your part to help the environment and save our lakes and streams. When you buy fertilizer please contact Chris at 651-351- make sure it is phosphorus free. Phosphorus is the middle number listed on the fertilizer tag. 2440. This number should be zero. CITY Some Tree Information by Kathy Widin, Forestry Consultant D A T A Common Mite Galls on Trees In the spring and early summer, galls or overgrowths of plant tissue occur on some flowers and leaves of shade trees. In many cases these galls are caused by tiny arachnids called eriophyid mites. This problem is common on silver maple (small round, red or green galls on leaves which turn black later in the summer), silver maple (red, velvety patches on the leaves which are bright at first and then fade to brown), cherry (small elongate red or green galls on leaves), and ash (greenish balls of distorted male flowers which turn brown and hang in trees over the winter). These galls are the result of egg-laying and then the distorted tissue grows around the eggs and protects the young as they mature. Mite galls are very noticeable but are only a cosmetic problem and do no harm to the trees. Control is difficult and not usually very effective due to problems with City Hall timing as the leaves or flowers are emerging. Also the problem may occur one year and not the next. Oak Wilt 216 N Fourth Street Mid- to late summer is the time when Oak Wilt sysmptoms become noticable on diseased oaks. Oak Wilt is a vascular wilt disease similar to Dutch Elm disease, and it can attack all oak species. It is usually fatal to Red and Pin Oaks; however, some Bur Oaks can live for a few years with the disease and a few may even City Numbers recover. Symptoms include wilting of leaves in mid-late summer, usually starting at the top of the tree. Red and Pin Oaks may die within just a few weeks. The disease can spread by insect transmission to fresh Admin -430-8800 wounds (primarily between April 1-July 1, but potentially April through mid-September) and also via movement Building -430-8825 through root grafts between Oaks of the same or similar species. To control insect transmission of the Engineering/Public fungus, do not prune or wound oaks during the growing season. If trees become wounded, paint the wound Works -430-8830 immediately with a tree wound paint, or latex house paint to discourage insect vectors. In areas where there Fire -351-4950 are healthy Oaks near diseased ones, root graft disruption with a vibratory plow may be necessary to prevent Library -439-1675 transmission of the disease through common root systems. A fungicide, Alamo, is registered for injection of Planning -430-8820 oaks and is suitable for use in some situations. Call the Forestry Consultant at 430-8765 if you suspect Oak Police -351-4900 Answers to Plant Problems Wilt on your property. 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 Public Works Facility Consultant, Dr. Kathy Widin, at 430-8765 (voice-mail). As a service to residents within Stillwater city limits, 275-4100 she will answer your question by telephone or make a site visit to diagnose the problem. Sewer Billing 430-8815 Stillwater Fire - Grill Safely This Summer Water Billing (NFPA Facts) 439-6231 Grilling n Fire in the grill, under hot dogs and burgers, is a welcome sight at the family cookout. But fire anywhere else Waste Management can make your summer kick-off barbecue memorable for all the wrong reasons. Facts & Figures Questions on Service In 1999, gas and charcoal grills caused 1,500 structure fires and 4,200 outdoor fires in or on home and Billing properties, resulting in a combined direct property loss of $29.8 million. *From NFPA’s Home Cooking Fire 952-890-1100 Patterns and Trends by John R. Hall, Jr., 2003. n Safety tips • St. Croix Position the grill well away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. • Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic. Recreation Center • Keep children and pets away from the grill area: declare a three-foot “safe zone” around the grill. 430-2601 • Put out several long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from heat and flames n when flipping burgers. • City Web Site Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill. • www.ci.stillwater.mn.us If you have a charcoal grill, purchase the proper starter fluid and store the can out of reach of children, and away from heat sources. n • If you have a propane grill, check the propane cylinder hose for leaks before using it. A light soap and Stillwater City Council water solution applied to the hose will quickly reveal escaping propane by releasing bubbles. Have leaking fuel lines repaired before using. Regular Replays of • All propane cylinders manufactured after April 2002 must have overfill protection devices (OPD). OPDs Council Meetings shut off the flow of propane before capacity is reached, limiting the potential for release of propane gas Friday at 7:00 p.m. if the cylinder heats up. OPDs are easily identified by their triangular-shaped hand wheel. Saturday at 1:00 p.m. You go grill! Sunday at 10:00 p.m. • If you are using fluid to start a charcoal grill, use only fluid intended for this purpose. It is extremely Channel 16 dangerous to substitute any other combustible liquid to start the coals. This is especially true for Stillwater City Scene gasoline, which can be ignited explosively by even a tiny spark. Shown at 2:00 p.m. • Apply starter fluid directly to the coals, then reseal and put away the can. Light the coals carefully, on Tuesday and 7:00 avoiding the flame flare-up. Store the can out of reach of children and away from heat sources. • p.m. on Friday. When you’ve finished cooking, keep an eye on the grill until it has completely cooled. Charcoal can be soaked with water to speed the cooling process, but use extreme caution to avoid the steam and n splatters, which can cause burns. The full weeks schedule A final word about cookouts: Propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used is printed in the Friday indoors, or in any enclosed spaces, such as tents, they pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing Stillwater Gazette occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation. n A PUBLICATli I OF THE STILLWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY VOLUME 9 NUMBER 3 SUMMER 2004 eYt�.ife * * * FREE! * * * STILLWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY * 223 NORTH FOURTH STREET * STILLWATER, MN 55082 * 651.439.1675 PROJECT PROGRESS Construction documents for the expansion and renovation project will be completed by mid -July. At $2.4 million, the Capital Campaign Committee is 60% of the way toward its goal of raising $4 million in private funds for the project. The library recently learned of a major in -kind gift. The 3M Foundation has pledged to provide the library with cutting -edge materials -handling equipment that should mean that the library can handle the increased circulation projected for Stillwater's growing population without a commensurate growth in circulation staff. In addition, we have a number of proposals before other potential donors. Lynne Bertalmio, Director TEE UP FORE! THE LIBRARY The library will host its first golf tournament Tee Up For the Library! on Tuesday, August 31, at Oak Glen Country Club. Golf, cart, dinner and a great time can be had for $120. Don't golf? Readers and library supporters who don't golf are invited to attend the dinner where exciting prizes, featuring reading and golfing getaways, will be raffled. The dinner -only price is $45. Sponsorships are available for this fundraiser for the library's expansion and renovation project. Reservation forms will be available soon. If you have a question or would like to be a tournament sponsor, please leave a message at 651.439.1675 ext. 30. Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday HOURS 10 A.M. 1 10 A.M. 1 10 A.M. 10 A.M. 1 Closed Sundays Memorial through Labor Day weekend. - 9 P.M. - 9 P.M. - 9 P.M. - 9 P.M. - 5 P.M. - 5 P.M. - 5 P.M. Day weekend PROGRAMS Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5) Wed., 10:30 A.M. Baby Storytime (birth-24 months) Fri., Aug 6, 13, 20 & 27, 10:15 A.M. Moose on the Loose (ages 7-10) Jul. 13, 27, Aug. 3 & 17, 1 P.M. Books After Breakfast (grades 4-6) Fri., July 9, 16, 23 & 30, 10 A.M. Libros Amigos (grades 7-9) Tues., Jun. 22, 29, Jul. 6 & 13 6:30 P.M. Kindergarten Bound Tues., Aug. 24; Mon., Aug. 30, 7 P.M. Summer Family Programs Thursdays, 6:30 P.M. Jul. 8, 22, Aug. 5 & 19 Author Pat Hanson (adults) Tues., July 20, 7 P.M. Mystery Book Club (adults) Wed., July 14, Aug. 18, Sept. 22, 7 P.M. CIPA COMPLIANCE To comply with the federal Children's Internet Protection Act, public libraries in Washington County will install filtering software on computers with access to the Internet in July. CIPA requires that public libraries receiving certain types of federal funding equip all library Internet access computers with a "technology protection measure" that blocks or filters visual depictions that are obscene, contain child pornography or are harmful to minors. Filters will be disabled for adults 17 or over (as defined by the law) if requested. Patrons may be asked to show identification as proof of age. Filtering software is an imperfect technology. Parents are still responsible for guiding their children's use of the Internet. Actions that were illegal before CIPA are still forbidden to all on library computers: library computers may not be used to access child pornography; gain unauthorized access to resources or entities (hacking); degrade or disrupt equipment or system performance; infringe U.S. copyright law; or violate federal, state or local laws and ordinances. STILLWATER AUTHOR READS Stillwater resident Pat Ferguson Hanson will read from her book and sign copies of The Five Goodbyes: Mothering My Child with Down Syndrome on Tuesday, July 20 at 7 P.M. in the Margaret Rivers Room. L E T O U R M I N D U N belt Life * * * SUMMER READING SUGGESTIONS If you have more time for reading in the summer - at the lake, at the cabin or floating down the St. Croix - our website has reading ideas, including the new "Staff Suggests" page. Just click on "For Book Lovers" on our home page <www.ci.stillwater.mn.us/library> to find access to booklists, reviews, and guides to Internet resources. There's also "Sue's Audio Books List" to make hours in the car fly by. LIBROS AMIGOS Libros Amigos ("Book Friends" in Spanish), the teen book discussion group, will meet Tuesday, June 22, 6:30- 7:30 P.M., to talk about Armageddon Summer by Jane Yolen and Bruce Coville. Be sure to bring your reading suggestions to this meeting when we will choose the titles for the next three sessions. Meetings will continue on Tuesday evenings through July 13. Come for rousing discussions and delicious snacks. More info? Call Lindy at 651.439.1675 ext. 21. TEENS GEAR UP FOR SUMMER Now teens have their own summer reading program! Through August 6, pick up your Gear Up startup kit, which includes a carabiner keychain and a sweet treat. Then simply read, listen, watch and write reviews for prizes. Just drop your review/entry form into the drawing box in the teen area. Then you are eligible for prize drawings on July 7 (Gear Up water bottles) and August 7 (gift certificates to area businesses). Teens must register in person at the Information Desk for this program. For more information, call Lindy at 651.439.1675 ext. 21. BOOKS AFTER BREAKFAST Our book discussion group for 4th, 5th and 6th graders will track down summer fun at the library. The group will meet for four weeks on Fridays from 10 - 11 A.M. The schedule of book selections is: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire on July 9; Lone Wolf by Kristine L. Franklin on July 16; and Zlata's Diary by Zlata Filipovic on July 23. For the last meeting, the group will select an author and read any book by that person. Participants may attend any or all sessions. It is helpful to read the book before the session. To ensure that we have enough copies of the books, please register in advance by calling Lindy at 651.439.1675 ext. 21. MOOSE ON THE LOOSE Take a hike to the library and explore the great outdoors with fun stories and activities for kids aged 7 to 10. Moose on the Loose takes place at 1 P.M. on Tuesdays, July 13 and 27 and August 3 and 17. Please bring a clean, light- colored t-shirt to the August 3 session. Check the themes on our summer flyer or on the library website. Attend any or all programs. Register by calling 651.439.1675 ext. 31. KINDERGARTEN BOUND Children entering kindergarten and their parents are invited to an hour- long storytime program that explores the fears and joys of starting school. Come to the library for either the Tuesday, August 24, or the Monday, August 30 session. The programs begin at 7 P.M. and are free to all families. This storytime is held in collaboration with the School Readiness Program of Early Childhood Education, District 834 Schools. TRACK IT DOWN AT YOUR LIBRARY Track It Down at Your Library, the summer reading program, is underway with reading records, bookmarks, and buttons featuring distinctive woodcuts of woodland animals by Minnesota illustrator Betsy Bowen. Be sure to stop at the library after August 16 to let us know if you met your summer reading goal. For each child reaching his/her goal, a donor will contribute $2 so the Heifer Project may purchase a llama for a family in South America! You'll also receive a Summer Fun Kit and be entered in a prize drawing to be held September 18. Free entertainment for families will be featured on selected Thursday evenings at 6:30 P.M. July 8 Rusty's Rockin' Jamboree Music for all ages July 22 in City Hall August 5 Magical Mia Dazzling illusion Eric the Juggling Magician Magic with lots of action August 19 Bells and Whistles Wacky storytelling Programs usually take place on the library lawn. Bring blankets or lawn chairs! Programs move to City Hall in bad weather or at performer's request. BABY STORYTIMES Children from birth to 24 months and their caregivers are invited to Baby Storytimes on Fridays, August 6, 13, 20 and 27, at 10:15 A.M. The 20-minute program includes books, rhymes, and songs to help stimulate the senses and introduce the wonder of books. www.ci.stillwater.mn.us/library STILLWATEF DOWNTOWN DIRECTORY GREATER STILLWATER Chamber a►i1 r of Commerce. Bayport • Late Elmo- Oak Park lieigl,ts • Stillwater Many numbered buildings have several businesses located in tem. For example, the building numbered 8 houses six retail businesses on the main floor, including Mill Antiques with 70 dealers. This Directory can be found on the City of Stillwater Website cited below. Single copies or pads of 50 can be obtained at the Chamber. listed below. .33 CD CD rano Unlimited after 6PM it Weekends J 0 0 000 lARMORY �./ 4 hr 4 hr Mulberry 0 0 v Commercial 0 Myrtle ■ 0 CHAMBER 0 4 Cheat nut Ai Olive 00 GRAND GARAGE 108 Nelson Ar PARKING INFORMATION Posted time limits in lots and on streets are enforced year round. Pay parking lots are in force May 1 to October 31. Parking on down town streets: 3 hours or 30 minutes as indicated by signs. Extended hours parking permits for residents and employees are available at City Hall for $10 per month. For more information please call 651-430-8800, WALKING INFORMATION A walk from the MN Zephyr parking lot 0 down Main Street to Nelson Street, over to the River Walkway and back up to the Zephyr lot is 1.25 miles approx. TOURIST & OTHER INFORMATION STILLWATER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE0651-439-4001 www,ilovestillwater.com STILLWATER CITY ADMINISTRATION 651-430-8800 www.ci.stillwater,mn.us STILLWATER POLICE DEPARTMENT 651-351-4900 STILLWATER FIRE DEPARTMENT 651-351-4950 The Downtown Directory was made possible by contributions from all downtown retail businesses. Offices, most service businesses and others outside the Historic District are not included because of space limits. © Copyright June 2004 by the Historic District Committee of the Greater Stillwater Chamber Of Commerce. Produced by Norman Steere for the Historic District merchants. Design services : Nick Gorski-nkg design. Rev. May 04 0 0 0 0 3 hr GAS STATION 0 4 0 01 The Aelght House CD St. Croix River wwr+. Av...�. r$e�� Aft g�ss..r...r tr,,"^V;7igporiuiri iSt. Croix River wvwti LOWELL PARK EVENTS 2004 Market, Music and Movies by the Bridge Tuesdays : July 6 to August 17 Lumberjack Days July 22 - 25 Fall Art Fair & Jazz Festival October 2 - 3 LOWELL PARK EVENTS 2005 Spring Art Fair May 21 - 22 Market, Music and Movies by the Bridge Tuesdays : July 5 to August 16 Lumberjack Days July 14 - 17 CAN ZUES & COLLECTIBLES Ar n Gothic Antiques 90 GAP Antique Clocks Er Watche 50 Antique Annex 50 Let There Be tight Antiques 18 Antique Radio Company 70 Main Street Antiques 26 Antiques St. Croix 58 Midtown Antiques Mall 95 Chelsea RHO Antiques 78 Mill Antiques 6 Country Charm Antiques 50 Stillwater Antiques Mall 45 Days of Yore Antiques 47 Valley Antiques 47 Gabrielle Gallery -Fine Antiques 26 Willoughby's Arts Er Antiques 54 ART GALLERIES & FRAMING Gallery of the Orient 108 North Main Studio - Pottery 6 Grand Salon and Gallery 108 Stillwater Art Guild Gallery 97 Kelley France S Gallery 106 Tamarack House Gallery 48 ATMs BANKS 14,15,31,38,68,84,100,101 Lake Elmo Bank ATM U.S. Bank BOOKSELLERS Loome Antiquarian Bookseller 79 The Valley Bookseller St. Croix Antiquarian Bookseller 88 CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES April at Sammies 87 One World Imports 44 Bumble Bee Kidz 108 Our Shop 115 Ethel's 108 Raffine Wedding Gowns Er Tuxedos 56 Juliette's Balcony 108 River Rats 94 Katydid's 76 St. Croix Active Wear 81 Nearly New Consignment Shop 50 CONFECTIONS, FOOD & BEVERAGES Barbara Ann's Fudge Shoppe 97 Oasis Market (at Gas Station) 31 Kinsel's Liquor 60 River Market Deli 15 Northern Vineyards Winery* 13 Tremblay's Sweet Shop 100 DRUGSTORE FARM STORE St. Croix Drug Co. 52 Stillwater Farm Store 113 FLORISTS Camrose Hill Flower Shop 92 Valley Floral Company FURNITURE & HOME DECOR Alfresco Casual Living 99 Gifts Et More Art Andes 56 Larry's Floor Covering Autumn Cottage 115 JP Laskin Company Enigma Global Artifacts 81 Treasures Within Fish Et Ships:Nautical Gallery 97 GAS STATION Oasis Market GIFTS Art 'n Soul 47 Cornerstone Christian Gifts 4 Elations 110 Kathe Wohlfahrt 51 Noah's Ark Country Store 48 GROCERY STORE River Market Co-op JEWELERS Diamonds on Main Gaalaas Jewelers LODGING Brunswick lnn 64 Lowell Inn 34 MAILING & SHIPPING U.S. Post Office 36A MUSEUMS & TOURS Stillwater Trolley 103 Warden's House Museum 2 OUTDOOR RECREATION & SUPPLIES 45 Degree 26 Gondola on St. Croix 109 R J. Asch Otterfitter 109 St. Croix Boat Et Packet Co. 117 Brothers Bait Er Guide Service 120 Stillwater Boat Rentals 9 PUBLIC RESTROOMS 46,50, 97,105,108 RESTAURANTS, BARS & COFFEE SHOPS American Legion 38 Mad Capper Saloon Et Eatery 84 Brine's Bar and Restaurant 85 The Main Cafe 48 Cesare's Wine Bar 40 Marx Wine Bar E Grill 93 Charley's Pub Chives Daily Grind Darla's Grill Et Malt Shop Dock Cafe Dreamcoat Cafe Espresso on 3rd Freight House Restaurant Grand Banquet Hall Grand Pizza Grumpy Steve's John's Bar La Belle Vie Loggers Bar Lowell Inn Seasons Tique St. Croix Boom Company St Croix Cards and Gifts Still H2O Bath & Candle Co. Still -Waters Trading Post HARDWARE 15 Maple Island Hardware 53 Sherburne's Gold Er Gems 89 Stokes Jewelry Services Luna Rosso Trattoria 110 Water Street Inn Wrap 'n' Ship 14 68 17 56 97 22 55 86 31 91 20 52 108 6 11 80 76 57 11 Joseph Wolf Historic Caves 110 57 Minnesota Zephyr 1 64 North Coast -American Restaurant 108 97 North End Coney Island 6 53 PD Pappy's 7 107 Pepito's 115 83 River Oasis Cafe 120 36B Ruby Begonia's 28 101 St, Croix Crab House 98 Et Music Cafe 97 96 Salad Shoppe 70 110 Savories 30 100 Starbucks 108 106 Stillwater Depot Grill 1 42 Supreme Bean 6 34 Water Street Inn 57 SPECIALTY SHOPS ArtRageous 99 O'Brien Photography 54 Bead Alley 115 Papeterie 56 Chef's Gallery 108 Rose Mille 49 Cockedoodledoo 76 Shorty Cleaners* 66 Grand Games 97 Stillwater Music 62 Howard Berg Photography 56 Tatt's by Zapp 70 Images of the Past Et Present 14 Toy Lounge 6 Johnny's TV 12 Trade Winds Spice Company 115 Kmitsch Girls -Collectibles 84 *asterisk denotes other businesses that have changing art exhibits*, SUMMER TUESDAYS MARKETS MUST( MOVIES * Sidewalk Sales be in at 10 am. * The Farmer's and ea Markets begin at 3 :30 pm in the parking lot ac[ jacent to Lowe! Park and include food from local restaurants. * Music begins at 8 pm on the lawn by the gazebo. * Movies begin at dusk. Rain location Water Street Inn. * Summer Tuesday begins July 6 and continue thru August 17. * Sh p * Eat * Listen * Watch * Enjoy! * Calendar of Music a d Movies July 6 Annie Humphrey, contemporary Native American music. Movie "smoke Signals" begins at dusk. July 13 The Blue Drifters perform traditional bluegrass music. Movie " ong Catcher" begins at dusk. July 20 Theatre u performs traditional Japanese drumming. Movie " ending Nemo" begins at dusk. July 27 Jumbo -Ya performs Cajun music. Movie " assion Fish" begins at dusk. August 3 The Mo Idy Figs perform Dixie and Jazz music. Movie "In the Heat of the Night" begins at dusk. August 10 Light from Heaven performs Cambodian music. Movie "rend it Like Beckham" begins at dusk. August 17 The Booby band performs traditional Irish music. Movie `Secret of Roan Irish" begins at dusk. (ftY6 OwC1! PA MJG 17 2009 - Siflw1CR, MN VOL. 15 No. 2 ater.. Seene,, r.. Official City Newsletter 216 N Fourth St., Stillwater, Minnesota 55082 1- : PRSTD U S POSTAGE PAID SIillwater, MN 55082 Permit No. 206 Postal Patron I -1"HAS ISSUE Stillwater Wins Award North Hill Project Update Stop Sign Changes CurveCrest Boulevard Trail Downtown is a Changing Filing Opens July 6 Need a Building Permit? Police Officer of the Year Dog Licenses Due Dog Licensing Clinic Bike Licensing Clinic Downtown Parking Friends of Stillwater Parks Garage Sale Signs New Franchise Fees Questions on Assessment of Real Estate? When the Siren Sounds Foodborne Illnesses Who's Who in City Hall Tree Pruning Ready to Rake Your Lawn? Motorists! Watch Those Crosswalks & Pedestrians Hazardous Waste Where am I? Charter 3rd Monday - 7 p.m. City Council 1st Tuesday - Regular Meeting 4:30 p.m. & Recessed Meeting 7:00 p.m. 3rd Tuesday - 7 p.m. Heritage Preservation 1st Monday - 7 p.m. Human Rights Last Wednesday - 7 p.m. Library 2nd Tuesday - 7 p.m. Parks Board 4th Monday - 7 p.m. Planning 2nd Monday - 7 p.m. Water Board 2nd Wednesday - 8:30 a.m. Mayor Jay Kimble 775-6996 Council Ward 1 David Junker 430-0650 Ward 2 John Rheinberger 439-4199 Ward 3 Wally Milbrandt 439-0185 Ward 4 Gary Kriesel 430-0537 Stillwater Wins Project of The Year Award!! At the annual conference of the City Engineer's Association of Minnesota, Stillwater was given the Project of the Year Award for the Trout Stream Mitigation Project. The Stillwater Trout Stream Mitigation Project protects Brown's Creek —a state -designated trout stream —from stormwater im- pacts generated by the City's 1800-acre Annexation Area. It succeeded in reconnecting the creek with its historic upstream watershed while restoring significant natural resources, replacing 100-year old infrastructure through the downtown area, and developing trails that connect Annexation Area neighborhoods with downtown. The cornerstone of the Mitigation Plan was to divert the Annexation Area's stormwater away from the creek and into McKusick Lake, then through McKusick Ravine to the St. Croix River. The project solution also proposed restoring the historic channel of Brown's Creek (the channel had been altered in 1846 to accommodate milling operations in downtown Stillwater). The final project in- cluded many significant enhancements including the McKusick Lake Boardwalk, Long Lake Flood controls, the McKusick Ravine Trail, and the new "Babbling Brook" flowing through McKusick Ra- vine. A major objective of the project was to avoid any costs to Stillwater residents. Almost the entire $5 million project was paid through impact fees charged to developers in the Annexation Area. The remaining costs were paid for by the Minnesota DNR, in partnership with the City of Stillwater, which built the trout stream channel through the Oak Glen Golf Course. North Hill Project Update This project will provide sewer and water to the northeast quadrant of the city. The "Dutch town" neighborhood has been on individual septic and wells for over 100 years. Work is underway on the first phase of the project, bring- ing City sewer and water up Highway 95 to the neighborhood. In May we will be receiving bids on the 2nd phase, which will bring sewer and water to the area east of 2nd Street. Later this year, plans will be completed for the final phase to serve properties west of 2nd Street. Much of the construction is anticipated to be completed this year. STOP Stop Sign Changes Go Into ttfecr The City of Stillwater will be adding and removing a number of stop signs around town. Over the years, many stop signs have popped up that are no longer appropriate. Unnecessary stop signs create confusion, have very low compliance, and often lead to increased speeds in adjoining neighborhoods. In an effort to make the community safer, cut down on noise and air pollution, and reduce the overall speeds through town. We will be making changes to roughly 10% of the intersections around town. Stay attentive for changes, remember residential speed limits are 30 MPH, and Stop means STOP! (Rolling stops don't count). Curve Crest boulevard Trail Project Construction of a bituminous trail along Curve Crest Boulevard is planned for this Summer. An eight -foot trail will be located on the north side of Curve Crest Boulevard from Greeley Street to Washington Avenue and on the south side of Curve Crest Boulevard from Washington Avenue to Market Drive. The trail will also extend north on Washington Avenue from Curve Crest Boulevard to Orleans Street. When completed, the new trail will link to the county trail system on County Road 5. It is expected that the work will be finished by August 31, 2004. The Downtown is a Changing - Planners Refine Vision for Downtown Stillwater. After six months of study and meetings, the plan for Downtown is updated. Members of the Planning Commission, Heritage Preserva- tion Commission, Parks Board, Downtown Parking Commission and Chamber of Commerce worked cooperatively on the plan update. The City Council adopted the plan at their meeting on February 3, 2004. Major components of the updated plan include: New Main Street Plaza connected by landscaped walkway to Lowell Park, en- larged Lowell Park to the west between Myrtle Street and Mulberry Street, consolidated parking areas west of Lowell Park between Myrtle and Stillwater Yacht Club and relocated parking west of Main Street along Second Street, located walking trail along railroad tracks from Laurel Street (Warden's House and Prison Wall interpretive trail) to south of Nelson Street (Andiamo boarding), new restroom sites and flood protection wall located. The improvements will be phased in over time as funds are available. The original Downtown Stillwater Plan was adopted in 1988. Since that time, the plan has guided public and private improvements for the Downtown area. Much has been accomplished in 15 years. In 1990- 1991, public facilities in the Downtown were rehabilitated including streets, sidewalks, lighting, pedestrian amenities, water and sewer lines and utility undergrounding. Since 1988, nearly 400 additional parking spaces have been added, Phase I and II Lowell Park Levee Wall has been completed and all Downtown railroad lands have been purchased. Filing Opens July 6 Filing for City Council opens Tuesday, July 6 and continues through Tuesday, July 20, 2004. Voters will elect two City Council members this fall. Those elected will serve four- year terms. The positions to be on the ballot are currently held by John Rheinberger (Ward 2) and Wally Milbrandt (Ward 3). 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 20, 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 14. 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 2. Those elected will take office at the first Council meeting in January 2005. 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. Do You Need a Building Permit? Building permits are required for any work being done on a residence (including furnaces, water heaters, siding, reroof, window replacement, etc.). 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 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. and noon to 2:00 p.m. 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. Private development has contributed to an improved downtown. Some of the major projects include CUB offices moved to the reno- vated junior high, new Lumber Baron's Hotel and Conference Cen- ter, Maple Island Building renovation and adaptive reuse, new Desch Office Building, Minnesota Zephyr Depot, renovated Piper Jaffery Building, Vittorios Building, Jassoy Building, Staples Mill, Gazette Building, Lowell Inn, Old Post Office, WR Medical Building and several other buildings. Three new housing developments - Terra Springs, Lofts and Still- water Mills on Main, will create a new 300 household neighbor- hood along North Main Street. These new residences will support existing Downtown businesses and help bolster growth in commu- nity commercial businesses. During 2004, funding alternatives and detailed implementation studies will be carried out to make sure public improvement projects are consistent with the historic character and design quality of Down- town. A colored map showing the revised Downtown Plan can be viewed on the City's web site: www.ci.stillwater.mn.us Police Officer of the Year - Investigator Jeff Stender At the end of each year, nominations are accepted for the Officer of the Year award. The selection is based upon performance criteria throughout the year and contributions the officer has made to the department and the community. In 2003, Investigator Jeff Stender earned the designation of Officer of the Year. Officer Stender earned this award by his consistency and diligence in the performance of his duties. Officer Stender has proven his dedication to the department throughout the year by consistently backing up patrol officers and following through on tough cases to get convictions and solve community problems. Officer Stender investigated and solved several major crimes during the year. Officer Stender worked with federal agencies to solve a counterfeit cigarette fraud, which will yield a substantial amount of forfeiture money to the department. The counterfeit cigarettes are alleged to have helped finance terrorists in the Middle East. He also broke up a prostitution business and assisted in the recovery of two children who had been kidnapped by their mother out of Nebraska. These are just a few of the cases that Officer Stender has been involved in 2003. The department and the City of Stillwater has and will continue to benefit from Officer Stender's skills and dedication. A PUBLICATION OF THE STILLWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY VOLUME 9 NUMBER 2 SPRING 2004 ett!JLtfe * * * FREE! * * * STILLWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY * 223 NORTH FOURTH STREET * STILLWATER, MN 55082 * 651.439.1675 DESIGN SOLUTIONS March is always our busiest month. This year, lines have formed for computer use, drivers jockeyed for parking space, and seating was at a premium. Our need for more space for all functions is critical. In planning the renovated and expanded library building, the architectural team has completed the schematic design and design development stages. Current work focuses on creating a warm and inviting Third Street entrance; redesigning the Fourth Street accessible ramp to correct water problems; crafting a children's program room that is flexibile enough to accommodate a host of ,different uses; and planning for cutting edge library technologies that will make the "back of house" work as efficiently as possible. To date, we have raised approximately $2.1 million towards our $4 million capital campaign goal. Lynne Bertalmio, Director SENIOR SURF DAY In conjunction with the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging, the library will offer Senior Surf Day on Thursday, April 29, from 10 A.M. to noon. This free session will include instruction followed by hands-on practice in Internet use. To ensure computer access, this session has been scheduled while the library is closed. Space is limited for this program and registration is required. To register, call the library's adult program line at 651.439.1675 ext. 30. HOURS Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Closed Sundays Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. 10 A.M. - 9 P.M. 1 - 9 P.M. 10 A.M. - 9 P.M. 1 - 9 P.M. 10 A.M. - 5 P.M. 10 A.M. - 5 P.M. 1 - 5 P.M. PROGRAMS Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5) Wed., 10:30 A.M. Toddler Storytime (ages 2-3) Fri., April 2 & 9, 10:30 A.M. Libros Amigos (grades 7-9) Sat., April 3, May 1 & 22 June TBA 11:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Homeschoolers Sneak Preview Wed., June 2, 2 P.M., or Fri., June 4, 10:30 A.M. Summer Family Programs Thursdays, 6:30 P.M. June 24, July 8 & 22 See page 2 for performers. Minnesota Crime Wave (adults) Thursday, April 1, 7 P.M. Senior Surf Day (adults) Thursday, April 29, 10 A.M. - Noon Mystery Book Club (adults) Thurs., May 20; Mon., June 14; Wed., July 14; 7 P.M. F@SPL GIANT BOOKSALE Friends@Stillwater Public Library will hold their annual giant booksale from Thursday, April 15 to Sunday, April 18 at the St. Croix Recreation Center. Hours for the sale are yet to be determined, but will be available on our website soon. Proceeds support library programming and acquisitions of new library materials. Where do Friends get the books for their sale? Some are discarded items from the library's collection, but many are used books donated by library supporters. If you would like to donate items to the sale, Friends will be accepting books at Cub Foods on Saturdays March 27, April 3 and April 10, from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. All books must be clean, in good condition and current. Friends will not accept donations of magazines, textbooks or condensed books. SELF PICK-UP OF HOLDS So that you spend less time waiting at the Circulation Desk (and can spend more time reading), your hold items are now shelved in a public area of the library near the desk where you may pick them up yourself. To preserve your privacy, items are shelved by a combination of the first two letters of your last name, the first two letters of your first name and the last four digits of your phone number. There is no need to worry that someone else will pick up your copy of the best seller you've waited for: our computer system won't let anyone else check out your holds. L E T o u R u N * * * gobelf life * * * HEALTH E—RESOURCES A simple web search for health information may return risky, unverified information. From our website, the library provides access to two excellent health databases, funded by the Electronic Library for Minnesota and in cooperation with the Washington County Library. Both may be reached by selecting "Subscription e-Resources" on our website. Health & Wellness Resource Center is a user-friendly source of full -text journal articles, reference guides on health issues and a drug finder section. Health Reference Center Academic provides citations for more scholarly health journals. (The library can request articles for you through interlibrary loan if we do not own the journal.) Besides journal articles, both databases provide a wealth of information on a wide range of health and wellness topics, including links to government databases and important websites on diet, cancer and health assessment. WEBSITE NOW IN-HOUSE The library's website is now the "homepage" for all in -library Internet access workstations. In addition to the catalog, databases and the Internet, you may now get access to library news, booklists and information about library programs. TEEN VOLUNTEERS Interested in volunteering at SPL this summer? Pick up an application form at the library and return it by May 15. All volunteers must attend an orientation session on Saturday, May 22, or Saturday, May 29, at 10 A.M. For more information, call Gail at 651.439.1675 ext. 14. LIBROS AMIGOS Libros Amigos, our year-round teen book discussion group, has selected titles for its next three meetings: Zigzag by Ellen Wittlinger on April 3, Loser by Jerry Spinelli on May 1, and Eragon by Christopher Paolini on May 22. All are on Saturdays, from 11:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Booklists and dates will be announced in May for four summer sessions. For more information, call Lindy at 651.439.1675 ext. 21. GET READY FOR GEAR UP! Gear up for reading as you gear up for summer! Qear Up is the metro -wide summer reading program for teens. Beginning in June, teens may pick up a starter kit that includes a carabiner keychain. Teens must register in person for this program. Participants who submit book reviews will be entered in drawings for prizes. Review forms will be provided. Reviews may be as simple as author, title and a thumbs -up or thumbs -down. However, we encourage participants to provide more of their reactions to the titles they have read because reviews will be posted to give other readers suggestions of books that they might like. More information will be available in June at the library, on our website or by calling Lindy at 651.439.1675 ext. 21. HOMESCHOOL PREVIEW Gail Nordstrom, Youth Services Librarian, will give a Summer Reading Program sneak preview for kids who are homeschooled. The 45-minute program is geared to children in grades 1-6. Participants may choose between presentations on Wed., June 2 at 2 P.M., or Fri., June 4 at 10:30 A.M. Call 651.439.1675 ext. 31 to register. TRACK IT DOWN AT YOUR LIBRARY We're planning an exciting summer for children and their families. The summer reading program kicks off on June 7 with reading records, bookmarks, buttons and more by Minnesota writer and illustrator Betsy Bowen. The materials feature Bowen's distinctive woodcut images of woodland animals to entice kids to Track It Down at Your Library. Stop by the library for more details on how children may participate. We thank Friends@ Stillwater Public Library for their generous support of the program. We'll feature free entertainment for families on selected Thursday evenings. Co -sponsored by Friends@SPL, ECFE and MELSA (our regional public library system), these programs begin at 6:30 P.M. and usually take place on the library's lawn (in case of inclement weather or at the request of the performer, events will move to City Hall). Participants are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs. June 24 James Wedgwood Ventriloquist July 8 Rusty's Rockin' Jamboree Music for all ages July 22 Magical Mia indoors Dazzling illusion More programs will be announced on our website and in our next newsletter. BOOKS AFTER BREAKFAST Our book discussion group for children in grades 4 to 6 will return to Friday mornings this summer. Booklists and exact dates will be announced in May. Information will be available in the library, on our website or by calling Lindy at 651.439.1675 ext. 21. www.ci.stillwater.mn.us/library City of Stillwater Drinking Water Report The City of Stillwater is issuing the results of monitoring done on its drinking water for the period from January 1 to December 31, 2003. 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. The Minnesota Department of Health has determined that one or more sources of your drinking water is susceptible to contamination. If you wish to obtain the entire source water assessrnent regarding your drinking water, please call 651-215-0800 or 1-800-818-9318 (and press 5) during normal business hours. Also, you can view it on line at www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/water/dwo/sw[j1swa. 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 2003. 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. pCi/I—PicoCuries per liter (a measure of radioactivity). ppb--Parts per billion, which can also be expressed as micrograms per liter (ug/I). ppm--Parts per million, which can also be expressed as milligrams per liter (mg/I). nd--No Detection, N/A --Not Applicable (does not apply). Contaminant (units) Fluoride (ppm) MCLG MCL Nitrate (as Nitrogen) (ppm) TTHM (Total trihalomethanes) (ppb) (02/06/2002) 4.0 10.0 N/A 4.0 10.0 100.0 Level Found Range (2003) Average /Result* 1.0-1.3 1.2-3.3 1.2 3.3 N/A 2.1 Typical Source of Contaminant 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. Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks, sewage: Erosion of natural deposits. By-product of drinking water disinfection. Contaminant (units) Level Found Range Average/ (2003) Result* Typical Source of Contaminant Radon (pCi/I) (10/21/2002) N/A 621.0 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. Radon is a radioactive gas which is naturally occurring in some groundwater. It poses a lung cancer risk when gas is released from water into air (as occurs during showering, bathing, or washing dishes or clothes) and a stomach cancer risk when it is ingested. Because radon in indoor air poses a much greater health risk than radon in drinking water, an Altemative Maximum Contaminant Level (AMCL) of 4,000 picoCuries per liter may apply in states that have adopted an Indoor Air Program, which compels citizens, homeowners, schools, and communities to reduce the radon threat from indoor air. For states without such a program, the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 300 pCi/I may apply. Minnesota plans to adopt an Indoor Air Program once the Radon Rule is finalized. Contaminant (units) MCLG AL 90% 1 # sites Level ,over AL Typical Source of Contaminant Lead (ppb) N/A 15 Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural (08/08/2001) deposits. N/A 1.3 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 tcs 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: Level Found Typical Source of Contaminant T Copper (ppm) (08/08/2001) Contaminant (units) DCPA diacid metabolite (I)Pb) Sodium (ppm) 6.0 0.499 1 out of 30 0 out of 30 Range Average/ (2003) Result nd-1.3 N/A 1.15 5.4 Sulfate (ppm) NIA 15.0 Degradation product of DCPA, an herbicide used on grasses and weeds with fruit and vegetable crops. Erosion of natural deposits. Erosion of natural deposits. Monitoring for unregulated contaminants as required by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rules (40 CFR 141.40) was conducted in 2003. Results of the unregulated contaminant monitoring are available upon request from Cindy Swanson, Minnesota Department of Health, at 651-215- 0767. 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 stormwater 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 stormwater 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 stormwater 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. lmmuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HI VIA IDS 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 800426-4791. Washington == County k 0LilseliloI(I nazi:la ;; Collection Events Schedule Cottage Grove Public Works Garage 8635 West Pt. Douglas Rd. Saturday, May 1 7 a.m. —4:30 p.m. Saturday, October 9 9 a.m. —1 p.m. Stillwater Lily Lake Ice Arena 1208 South Greeley Street Saturday, May 15 9 a.m. —1 p.m. Lake St. Croix Beach City Hall 1919 Quebec Avenue South Saturday, June 26 9 a.m. —1 p.m, Forest Lake Public Works Garage 21350 Forest Boulevard N. Saturday, June 12 9 a.m. —1 p.m. Scandia Old Public Works Garage 14727 209th St. N. Saturday, July 24 9 a.m. —1 p.m. Hugo City Hall 5524 North Upper 146th St. Saturday, Aug. 21 9 a.m. —1 p.m. See reverse side for maps Proof of county residency is required (i.e. drivers license) . You must live in Washington, Ramsey, Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, or Hennepin County. There is no charge for residents. Items accepted • Household Products Aerosols Cleaners Fluorescent bulbs Mercury switches and thermometers Paint Roofing tar Thinners and solvents • Automotive products Brake fluid Car batteries Driveway/garage sealers Gasoline Used oil and filters Not accepted • Lawn and garden products Herbicides Insecticides Pesticides Wood preservatives and stains • Hobby/Recreation Products Fire extinguishers Fireworks Glues, paints Lighter fluid Pool chemicals Propane tanks Rechargeable batteries iVfc7;j Appliances Asbestos �1 ‘ Business waste r°(‘ Compost Computers, TVs and other electronics Construction waste Explosives Tires Trash Treated wood Used cooking oil IJ For disposal and waste reduction assistance www.reduce.org uw lase� GreenGuardian.com Washington County Collection Events 2004 Hugo City Hall 5524 North Upper 146th St. Saturday, Aug. 21 9 a.m. —1 p.m. A N Wpm Forest Lake Public Works Garage 21350 Forest Boulevard N. Saturday, June 12 9 a.m. —1 p.m. Cottage Grove Public Works Garage 8635 West Pt. Douglas Rd. Saturday, May 1 7 a.m. —4:30 p.m. Saturday, October 9 9 a.m.-1 p.m. NEW SCANDIA FOREST LAKE TWP TWP HUGO MAY 'MP STILLWATER 1WP GRANT STILLWATER LAKE OAK ELMO PARK HGTS AFTON WOODBURY COTTAGE DENMARK GROVE 7WP Year-round Collection Center Household Hazardous Waste Facility 1900 Hadley Avenue North, Oa ► Tuesdays: 12 p.m. — . Thursdays: 9 a.m. — . Saturdays: 9 a.m. — cre �y 2tA 5t. N Nir Abh- 209ihaN Scandia Old Public Works Garage 14727 209th St. N. Saturday, July 24 9 a.m. —1 p.m. Lily Lake Wes! Orleans 0,40101 Blvd. 8 •36 Ci,v ctIIl sr A N 1 Stillwater Lily Lake Ice Arena 1208 South Greeley Street Saturday, May 15 9 a.m. —1 p.m. Lake St. Croix Beach City Hall 1919 Quebec Avenue South Saturday, June 26 9 a.m. —1 p.m. kdale 7 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m. For more information, contact Washington County Department of Public Health and Environment: Telephone: 651-430-6655 Web site: www.co.washington.mn.us/publichealth DEC EMB R No EMB R o r BER SEPTEMBER AUGUST ± LY JUNE MAY a RIL Mayfo All Year October Long cr.11U\ 90 NJ /+ //f )(_ /� } \ / \ * Fr K oCO cD FT ro 7 / La 0 0 0 0 / $ Fall Colors Fine Art and Jazz Festival E/I/ „ g = O. /LQ■ 0) \ \ ■ « Cl. ° ° a = o \ c / k 2 &er"I U/ )m\ Oj� !2 ��2 §K /§§ �R� /0 ■ O. � ƒ Ul -U llU 3 EL - (D k\ \ 3 @ n��32: c ��2 §=W$/\$22\� §§$ ko& /-\/)\\£�� . 000(0 13) IA IA 0 2 - m o o-.3 R IA 0/ a= § « Downtown Stillwater \\\ ( § gR3 0 §(! fD VI _ Minnesota Zephyr Dinner Train Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce (651) 439-4001 m m 3 � VOOZ easy aalem B\IC PARKING ;�, DOWNTOWN STILLWATER PUBLIC PARKING ' / ) ƒ | Est c, Hai St. CroixRiver St. CroixRiver LIMITED FREE PARKING FREE PARKING • Ce 7 E_ 2 o _- � cia&k ==- 7 —F ' 2 •l0 00 - ,so coo.- M 160 0 _L.0,o n1 7 - 2 %_J2d =�cD 2\� er co /\/\ 0 0 0 0 0 *Posted time limits wi!! be enforced year round WHO'S WHO IN CITY CALL "pic;had Rogness Chad Rogness started his job for LIDr� �y the City of Stillwater i,-- as Maintenance Worker II October 4, 2003. He was born and raised in Stillwater. Chad graduated from Stillwater High School and earned a teaching degree at St. Cloud State. He worked at the St. Croix Valley Recreation Center for a year, worked at construction and did some landscaping before coming to work here. Chad is married to Carrie, has a son - Carter and another child on the way. He loves spending time on the river fishing and camping, and play- ing softball. Chad's excited to give back to the community that has given him so much. He enjoys working with a great group of guys in such a beau- tiful City and nice new building. Chris Kopel Chris Kopel joined 1 the Stillwater Police Department in Octo- ber, 2003. He was born and raised in Stillwater, graduated from Stillwater High School and attended Century College for Law Enforcement. Chris was a Com- munity Service Officer for the City for 3 years before becoming a police officer. In his spare time he likes to hunt and fish and he also enjoys most sports. Chris says it's a privilege to work for the City he was born in. D Miller's Back! The police department is prepared for the summer months and the com- plaints that come with it. Every spring the police department increases staff- ing in Community Services in order to respond to reports of code violations or messy and unsightly property. The department accepts such complaints all year but the reports increase as the snow disappears. Citizens are encour- aged to report potential code violations to the police department's Community Services unit. Beginning on April 1, Of- ficer Leo Miller will be back on duty to handle the complaints. Officer Miller can be reached at 351-4944 or 351-4900. Avoid Tree Pruning in the Sprinc. By Kathy Widin, City Forester Tree pruning should be avoided in the Spring due to the high demands on the tree for nutrients and water at this time of year. Pruning further stresses the trees, making them suscep- tible to secondary insect and disease problems. Birch, Maple and a few other species also "bleed" sap from fresh wounds made in late Winter or Spring. This sap flow is not harmful to the tree but may be alarming to tree owners. Oaks should not be pruned between April 1 and July 1 to help prevent insect transmission of the Oak Wilt fungus to fresh wounds. Spring is a Good Time to Pliant Trees Spring is an excellent time of year for tree planting due to cool, moist soils and a long period for root growth before Winter. A few types of trees which have done well in the Stillwater area include: Basswood (American Linden), Bicolor or Swamp White Oak, River Birch, Thornless Honeylocust and Red Maple. Large shrubs for shade include Pagoda Dogwood, and Service - berry, and for sunny locations, Highbush Cranberry, common Lilac and Forsythia. Remember when planting trees and shrubs to give the plant's roots plenty of room to grow to maturity. Dig a hole wider than the root ball but no deeper. Place the roots on firm soil and backfill the hole with original soil. If soil is poor, you may add soil amendments such as black dirt or compost but these should comprise no more than 1/3 of the backfill soil. 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 residents within Stillwater city limits, she will answer your question by telephone or make a site visit to diagnose the problem. letting Ready to Rake Your 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 'II not be picked up before April or after October 31, or depending on weather. Motorists! Watch Those Apyvp6a44 Crtnsswa/ks & Parlestria.' With Spring and Summer approaching remember that motorists e required by State Law to yield to pedestrians at marked crosswalks. State law states, ere traffic -control signals are not in place or in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall s p 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 Due ♦ 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. We will mail the certificate back to you, along with a 2004 license tag. A kennel license is required where four or more 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 o sanitary manner." Violation of this Ordinance is a misdemeanor. Remember that "baggie" when walking your dog. Dog Licensing Clinic Saturday, April 17, 2004 from 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 (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 2004 dog license. ALL DOGS MUST BE LEASHED, OVER 6 MONTHS OF AGE AND ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT. Bike Licensina Clinic Saturday, April 17, 2004 from 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (noon) the City of Stillwater will hold a Bike 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 the completed form at right or your bike(s) for assistance in locating the information. The license fee is $1.00. Or you can mail in the completed form and the $1.00 and the license will be mailed back to you. Downtown Parking Program All of Downtown Stillwater offers free public parking except in the South Main Lot and the River Lot. The daily parking rate for the River and South Main lots is $5.00 All Day or $1.00 for 2 hours. The pay parking lots (River Lot and S.Main Lot) are effective and enforced May 1st - October 31 st. The Maple Island Parking Lot, located on Main St. between the Maple Island Building and the Oasis Market is FREE PARKING with a 2 hour time limit. There are over 1400 public parking spaces in downtown Stillwater. Please note the posted time limits for all lots and on -street parking. These time limits are enforced. The only change this year is that on -street parking has a 3 hour limit, instead of 2 hours. New parking brochures will be available some time in May. Friends of Stillwater Park Honorary Park Benches are available through Friends of Stillwater Parks. For more information and/or to order you may call 430-3307. 2004 DOG LICENSE APPLICATION CHECK ONE: RABIES INOCULATION: Male Date Female Expiration date Dog Name Breed. Color Age Owner's Name Address Home Telephone (required) Work Telephone Checks Payable/Mail To: City of Stillwater (Attention: Receptionist) 216 N. Fourth Street, Stillwater, MN 55082 • BICYCLE LICENSE INFORMATION Date: Name (please print) Address License No. Manufacturer/Model of Bicycle Color Phone No. Serial No. Boys _. Girls ♦Owners Signature Garage Sale Signs - A Friendly Reminder ♦ • The City of Stillwater has a Sign Ordinance that prohibits all signs on the boulevards, electrical/telephone 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. City implements Franchise Fees To help offset the loss of $1.5 million in State Aid, the city of Stillwater adopted an Ordinance imposing a franchise fee for gas and electric service. The fee is collected by Xcel Energy on a monthly basis and forwarded to the City quarterly. The fees are as follows: Gas Utility The franchise fee is the amount determined by applying the following schedule per customer premise/per month based on metered service to retail customers within the City: Gas Utility Class Monthy Fee Per Premise Residential $1.00 Commercial Firm Non -Demand $5.00 Commercial Firm Demand $5.00 Small Interruptible $5.00 Large Interruptible $5.00 Firm Transportation $5.00 Interruptible Transportation $5.00 Electric Utility The franchise fee is the amount determined by applying the following schedule per customer premise/per month based on metered service to retail customers within the City: Class Residential Sm C & I — Non-Dem Sm C & I — Demand Large C & I Public Street Ltg Muni Pumping —N/D MuniPumping — Dem Monthly Fee Per Premise $2.00 $2.50 $18.00 $125.00 $4.00 $2.00 $18.00 All fees collected are placed in the City's General Fund and used to pay for expenses and services deemed necessary by the City Council. If you have questions, please contact City Hall at 430- 8800. Many cities collect similar fees. Questions on your Assessment of Real Estate? 2004 Open Book Meetings for owners of property located in the City of Stillwater in Washington County, Minnesota, will be held at the following locations. Al Cottage Grove City Hall on Wednesday, the 7th of April 2004, 5:00 p.m. — 7:00 p.m. Al Oakdale City Hall on Wednesday, the 21 st of April 2004, 5:00 p.m.— 7:00 p.m. J Washington County Government Center on Wednesday, the 5th of May 2004, 1:00 p.m. — 7:00 p.m. These meetings are held for the purpose of reviewing and correcting the assessment of said Real Estate for the year 2004. All persons considering themselves aggrieved by said assessment, or who wish to complain that the property of another is assessed too low, are hereby notified to appear at any of the above mentioned meetings, and show cause of having such assessment corrected. No complaint that another is assessed too low will be acted upon until the person so assessed, or his agent, shall have been notified of such complaint. "When the Siren Sounds" 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 19 — 23, 2004. The State of Minnesota, in cooperation with the National Weather Service and local governments, will conduct two tornado drills on Thursday, April 22 at 1:55 p.m. and 6:55 p.m. 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, Acting Fire Chief, at 351-4970. Don't Get Bugged B Foodborne Illness What comes to mind when you think of a clean kitchen? Shiny floors? Sparkling appliances? Spotless countertops? These can certainly help but, a truly clean kitchen depends on safe food han- dling practices as well. When several members of a family come down with a severe case of diarrhea and vomiting the flu is often considered the source. But foodborne illness may actually be to blame. There are an estimated 76 million cases of foodborne illnesses in the United States each year, with at least 5,000 deaths. The majority of the cases are mild and involve flu -like symptoms. The great majority of these illnesses could be eliminated with more careful attention to safe food handling practices. 1. Clean - wash hands and kitchen surfaces frequently. 2. Separate - Don't cross -contaminate. 3. Cook - Be sure that foods are cooked to safe internal tempera- ture. 4. Chill - Refrigerate foods promptly to avoid the growth of harmful bacteria. Practice these simple food safety tips and you will prevent most cases of foodborne illnesses. Hazardous Waste In Your Home? Wondering what to do with your old paint, gasoline, paint thinner, garden chemicals and other unwanted or unusable hazardous products in your home? Bring them to a temporary Household Hazardous Waste Collection in Stillwater for proper disposal. The temporary Household Hazardous Waste Collection will be held at: Lily Lake Ice Arena Parking Lot 1208 S. Greeley Street. The collection date and hours will be: Saturday, May 15, 2004 9:00 am - 1:00 p.m. 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 Automobile batteries 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 *Proof of county residency (such as a driver's license) is required. Note: Business waste is not accepted. Washington County also operates a permanent Household Hazardous Waste Facility. The year- round facility is located at 1900 Hadley Avenue North in Oakdale. The days and hours of operation are: Year Round: Tuesday 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Thursday & Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's and other major holidays. There is no fee to dispose of household hazardous waste at the temporary collections or at the permanent facility. Household Hazardous Waste Management is a program of the Washington County Department of Public Health and Environment. If you have questions or comments about this program or need assistance due to a disability or a language barrier, call the Department of Public Health and Environment at 651-430-6655 (TTY 430-6246). You may also check out our web site at www.co.washington.mn.us/Dublichealth for additional information. Have You Ever Heard The Word Whprego? By the Stillwater Fire Department No, it's not a city up by Fargo. It's really two words the Stillwater Fire Department would like you to think of in terms of life safety when you are in a commercial building. Where am I? Where do I go? Most people never give it a thought until it's too late. When you are out shopping, sitting down to a meal at a restaurant, going to a movie, or staying at a hotel, ask yourself the above two questions. Where am I? Are you in a building that is too crowded, either with other people or with merchandise? Do you feel that you, and everyone else, could get out quickly and safely if the fire alarm sounded? Add a little smoke, heat and darkness. Look over your head and see if the building has an automatic fire sprinkler system. Do you know what they look like? If you see pipes close to the ceiling with little upside down windmill -looking devices, spaced every so often, chances are the building is sprinkled. However, if you are in a building that has a finished ceiling and you do not see these windmill -looking devices, that doesn't necessarily mean the building is not sprinkled. There are such things as resist sprinklers. If you see round metal plates, about 3 inches in diameter, in a line, spaced every so often, the building could be sprinkled. If a fire were to occur, these metal plates would drop off when the temperature reached 165 degrees and the sprinkler would activate. Where do I go? If the fire alarm were to sound, do I remember how I got to where I am? Can I get back out? Is there a secondary exit? Is there an illuminated exit sign above the doorway? Is the exit obstructed or blocked? It's pretty hard to find your way out in the dark, even if there is no fire. The Stillwater Fire Department wants you to be aware of your surroundings. Thinking about where you are and where you might have to go could save your life. CITY DATA City Hall 216 N Fourth Street City Numbers Admin-430-8800 Building-430-8825 Engineering/Public Works-430-8830 Fire-351-4950 Library-439-1675 Planning-430-8820 Police-351-4900 Public Works Facility 275-4100 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 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 Now shown at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday and 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The full weeks schedule is printed in the Friday Stillwater Gazette rah Stillwater Scene VOL. 15 • No. 1 Official City Newsletter 216 N Fourth St., Stillwater, Minnesota 55082 PRSTD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Stillwater, MN 55082 Permit No. 206 Postai Patron IN THIS ISSUE : Keep This... You May Be Missing Something!!! Keep This...You May Be Missing Something City Council Receives Park Proposal Crime Alert Network Citizen Observer Police Dept. Initiating Police Reserve Unit CO Poisoning Can Kill Test Your Home for Radon Winter Parking Downtown Parking Program Snowmobiling in Stillwater Snow Plow Reminder Holiday Tree Removal Winter Fire Safety Tips Forester Information City Data Charter 3rd Monday - 7 p.m. City Council 1st Tuesday - Regular Meeting 4:30 p.m. & • • releases in an effort to keep residents informed of changes that may affect them. • The City also has a web site (www.ci.stillwater.mn.us) full of useful information such as meeting times, • minutes of meetings, contact names for various departments, permits, election information and results, just to : name a few. • Before you throw this away thinking it's junk mail, sit down and look through it, you may find information that • affects you. • • • City Council Receives Park Proposal • • The City Council received a pleasant surprise at their regular council meeting on October 21, 2003. City • residents Sherry and Tom Armstrong offered to purchase 1.1 acres of land in Downtown Stillwater and turn • the site into an urban park featuring space for arts and crafts, special events, children activities and a 90-100 • • seat amphitheater. The park would have three terraces with views of the St. Croix Valley. An old horse barn • would be rehabilitated into an activity seating area, facilities for food services, restrooms and storage. The • park site includes the old Gordon Ironworks site, a portion of the Vittorio's building and rear parking area. • • The Armstrongs are working with community groups including Out Reach Alliance, The Stillwater • Perennial Garden Club, South Hill Associates, Washington County Historical Society, the Library, Stillwater • Area Schools, City Parks Board and the Historic Preservation Commission in the development of the park. • Plans for the park should be completed this winter with construction next year. City officials and the • community are thankful for the support, creativity and generosity of the Armstrongs. • • • ■ • • • ▪ Over the last 15 years the City has distributed this newsletter as a way to keep residents informed of various • aspects of City policies and operations. Inside these newsletters you will find information on current events, ' ordinances, policies, programs, services, city phone numbers, staff, etc. • The City uses various avenues to bring information to Stillwater residents. Publishing of certain information • is mandated by State Law or the City Charter as in the case of public hearing ordinances. The City publishes • required legal publications in the Stillwater Gazette. The City provides the Gazette and Courier with press Recessed Meeting 7:00 p.m. • 3rd Tuesday - 7 p.m. Heritage Preservation 1st Monday - 7 p.m. Human Rigjfts Last Wednesday - 7 p.m. Library 2nd Tuesday - 7 p.m. Parks Board 4th Monday - 7 p.m. Planning 2nd Monday - 7 p.m. Water Board 2nd Wednesday - 8:30 a.m. •• • Mayor Jay Kimble • 439-2888 • Council ■ Ward 1 David Junker • 430-0650 • Ward 2 John Rheinberger • 439-4199 • Ward 3 Wally Milbrandt • 439-0185 • Ward 4 Gary Kriesel • 430-0537 • 11, Crime Alert Network .;itizen Observer Business & Residential Information The Stillwater Police Department's ability to communicate with the community in a quick and efficient manner is extremely important in its day-to-day crime prevention and community policing efforts. As a smaller department, working with fewer staff and resources can make effective communication difficult. The new partnership between the Stillwater Police and the Crime Alert Network will aid in achieving this goal. The Crime Alert Network allows law enforcement to instantly update the community about crimes in the area. The alerts can provide information that impacts community members, parents of school children and businesses. Users designate which types of alerts they want to receive. Community members can register for crime alerts about thefts and other events in their area. On the site, police can offer details on each case as well as vehicle and suspect descriptions and photos. Parents can register for alerts about their children's schools. If local police need to communicate about severe weather, threats or other matters, they can send immediate notification to registered users about what is happening and what action the parents need to take. The Neighborhood Watch Program is another feature of Crime Alert Network. The Stillwater Police Department Administrator who oversees the local Neighborhood Watch Programs sets up the individual watch group pages for their community. The administrator categorizes these groups by watch zone or geographic area. Each area is assigned a "block captain". The administrator will send the message or alert to the block captain of a designated area and the block captain will then relay the information to the members in their zone or area. Business owners who participate can receive alerts targeted to specific business categories so users only receive information about crimes that are pertinent to them. The Stillwater Police Department can also post information regarding missing persons, unsolved cases and fugitives. Also listed on the site are crime prevention tips, local police programs, city ordinances, local events and much more. Users can bookmark the page for quick access. The best part is you don't need a Webmaster for these tools to work. All of the pages created by the police department utilize a template - based software that is user friendly. All you need to do is fill in the blanks. All of the pages are fully editable and updates made to the pages appear online immediately. Registered users can directly e-mail relevant information to the Stillwater Police Department, but anyone who visits the site can view the information. In this way, police can easily collect information and tips from people throughout the area and across the country. You can visit the Crime Alert Network Citizen Observer Website at www,oitizenobserver.com. If you need more information or are interested in signing up for the Crime Alert Network, please contact Jenn Peltier at the Stillwater Police department for an application at (651) 351-4900. Police Department Initiating Police Reserve Unit In recent years, the police department has been confronted with ever increasing demands. The load placed on the department during peak periods has exceeded our ability to provide a quality service to the community. In order to meet these demands and continue to provide quality services the police department is seeking members of the community to establish a police reserve unit. The police reserve unit will be comprised of non -sworn, volunteer members of the department. The volunteers will supplement our full- time officers with duties that do not require a sworn peace officer. These duties include traffic and crowd control, park patrol, vacation property checks and various other duties. The reserve unit will be especially useful during special events such as Lumber Jack Days and other community activities. All members of the reserve unit will be fully trained and equipped by the department to perform the duties requested of them. The selection process for the police reserve unit will include an application grading, an oral examination followed by a background investigation. Applications for these positions will be accepted until January 31, 2004. The department is requesting that any persons interested in becoming a Stillwater Police Reserve member contact Captain Craig T. Peterson at (651) 351-4900 or stop by the police department for an application. CO Poisoning Can Kill 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. Test your home for Radon! Radon is an odorless, invisible, naturally occurring radioactive gas. Radon can build up inside your home - especially during the winter months - and long term exposure to radon can increase your risk of lung cancer. In Minnesota, one home in three typically exceeds federal guidelines for radon. Test your home for radon - using a testing device listed by the U.S. EPA. • Use a testing unit designed to take long-term average readings such as an alpha track detector. • Leave the unit in place for at least three months preferably for 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 levels in your home. Call MDH at (651) 215-0909 or 1-800- 798-9050. Call the Minnesota Safety Council at 1-800-444-9150 or (651) 291-9150. A PUBLICATI OF THE STILLWATER PU ` IC LIBRARY VOLUME 9 NUMBER 1 WINTER 2004 etflLife * * * FREE! * * * STILLWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY * 223 NORTH FOURTH STREET * STILLWATER, MN 55082 * 651.439.1675 RENOVATION & EXPANSION On November 1, we unveiled the preliminary design for the renovated and expanded library. If you missed the occasion, the latest image of how the library will look is on our website. The current plans are also on display in the vestibule of the library. Please remember that the design is still under development and subject to change! On the same day, we also announced the capital campaign for the project. The Board of Trustees' goal is to raise $4 million in private funds to match the $4 million in public funds, and $1 million for parking, earmarked by the City of Stillwater. To date, we have raised approximately $1.8 million, with a number of grant proposals under consideration by potential funders. Private funds will allow us to match the quality of materials in the historic structure, and to provide the community meeting spaces and facilities that our focus groups have identified as needed in the city. Lynne Bertalmio, Director SUNDAY HOURS Our regular Sunday schedule will resume on Januray 4, 2004. We'll be open 1 to 5 P.M. on Sundays during most of the school year, and closed on Sundays during the summer (from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend). Please thank the Mayor and the City Council for their efforts to find funding to reopen the library on Sundays. L E T Y U R Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday it = h HOURS 10 A.M. - 9 P.M. 1 - 9 P.M. 10 A.M. - 9 P.M. 1 - 9 P.M. 10 A.M. - 5 P.M. 10 A.M. - 5 P.M. 1 - 5 P.M. Closed Sundays Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. PROGRAMS Preschool Storytime (ages 3-8) Wed., 10:30 A.M. Bedtime Storytime (ages 3+) Feb. 5-Mar. 25, 7 P.M. Toddler Storytime (ages 2-3) Feb. 20-Apr. 9, 10:30 A.M. Libros Amigos (grades 7-9) 3rd Saturdays, 11:30A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Mystery Book Club (adults) Thur., Jan. 15 & Wed., Feb. 18, 7 P.M. WINTER READING PROGRAM Sheila O'Connor Thur., Jan. 29, 7 P.M. I Love to Read Storytime (ages 3-8) Mon., Feb. 9, 7 P.M. Reading Marathon Wed., Feb. 11, All Day Robert Alexander Tues., Feb. 24, 7 P.M. Seussentennial (grades 1-6) Tues., Mar. 2, 3:30 - 5 P.M. Crime Wave Thur., Apr. 1, 7 P.M. N D WINTER READING PROGRAM It's Warm Between the Covers... of a Book!, our sixth annual Winter Reading Program, will begin Saturday, January 17. Reading lists and reviews will be displayed to help you choose your winter reading. A number of author appearances are scheduled to highlight winter reading opportunities. On Thursday, January 29, we will co-sponsor with The Valley Bookseller a reading by Sheila O'Connor, Minnesota author of Where No Qods Came. Told from the perspective of a 12- year-old girl, this novel set in Minneapolis is full of vivid characters. On Tuesday, February 24, Robert Alexander (aka R.D. Zimmerman), author of the best-selling The Kitchen Boy, will read from and discuss the inspiration for his novel about the last of the Tsars. On Thursday, April 1, Crime Wave will arrive in Stillwater. Minnesota mystery writers Carl Brookins, Ellen Hart, William Kent Krueger, and Deborah Woodworth will read from their works of murder and mayhem. These programs begin at 7 P.M. All readers are invited to participate in our second annual reading marathon. Call 651.439.1675 ext. 30 to volunteer for a 30-minute slot on Wednesday, February 11. Participants sit in the library rotunda and read - either out loud or silently! From January 17 through April 1, everyone who contributes a book review to our display may select an edible treat provided by Friends@SPL. U N * * * koberf life * * * NEW E-RESOURCES Check our website for two new online databases and the return of an old favorite. The new resources, Consulta and Informe! are Spanish language databases. Consulta provides a comprehensive collection of Spanish - language materials, including reference tools, a wide range of journals and primary source documents. Informe! indexes articles from 50 general interest Spanish language or bilingual magazines and newspapers. ProQuest NewsStand is back! The Electronic Library of Minnesota has received funding for this extensive newspaper resource. Indexing hundreds of national newspapers, ProQuest provides free access to current and archival full -text articles in titles such as The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times and The Wall Street Journal. All three titles are available from home, office or school as well as in the library. ASK US VIA E-MAIL Asking the library for help is getting easier. In addition to receiving reference help in person or by phone, just e-mail your question to: splinfo@washington.lib.mn.us and receive a response the same or next day. When e-mailing, be sure to describe your request in detail and include your name and e-mail address. If you choose, you may also wish to include your phone number in case we need clarification of your request. NEW WCL WEBSITE If you use the Washington County Library website in addition to ours, please bookmark their new address: www.co.washington.mn.us/library. E-MAIL © THE LIBRARY Want to keep up with children and grandchildren all over the world but don't have a computer? The library has public computers available to access most e-mail systems. With the wide range of free e-mail providers available, it's possible to keep in touch without a large or continuing expense. We've also upgraded our computers so that Internet searching is often faster and more convenient at the library than at home. LIBROS AMIGOS The Libros Amigos book discussion group for 7th, 8th and 9th graders will continue to meet once a month through the winter and spring. Meetings are usually held on the third Saturday of the month from 11:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M., but please call the library or check our website to confirm the date as well as the title of the book to be discussed. Books are chosen by the participants. Please come and champion your favorites titles and invite your friends to attend with you. Snacks are always served! For more information, call Lindy at 651.439.1675 ext. 21. TEEN READ MONTH Our first ever poetry slam, held during Teen Read Month, was a great success! Thanks to all our volunteers for their help and some awesome poetry! Thanks are also due to the businesses who donated prizes - The Valley Bookseller, Subway, Nelson's Ice Cream, Friends@Stillwater Public Library, Graffiti Center, the St. Croix Valley Recreation Center, Borders and Barnes & Noble. We're already hatching plans for Poetry Slam 2 next fall. WINTER READING PROGRAM, FAMILY STYLE In the family component of our 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. Designed to strengthen early literacy skills, this activity -based program suggests stories to read and tell, CDs to listen to, and library programs to attend. Activity sheets will be available in the Children's Room beginning Saturday, January 17. 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 book drawings for those who participate, sponsored by Friends@SPL. As always, there will be edible treats for all who complete activities! This year, as part of the National Education Association's Read Across America, the Winter Reading Program will celebrate Dr. Seuss's 100th birthday with a special Seussentennial, designed for grades 1 through 6, on Tuesday, March 2, with ongoing activities from 3:30 to 5 P.M. Play a Dr. Seuss trivia game, make a birthday card for Dr. Seuss, and try your hand at writing Seuss-like poetry. There will be readings and performances of the books, and all participants (parents, too!) are invited to attend dressed as a favorite character from Dr. Seuss. Please check our website for additional information about the Winter Reading Program. I LOVE TO READ Celebrate I Love to Read Month by attending a Valentine storytime for children ages 3 to 8 and their parents on Monday, February 9, at 7 P.M. This is a free, one -hour program. www.ci.stillwater.mn.us/library WZNITre Winter Parkii. AtiP Regulations NThe current City ordinance puts odd/even parking controls into effect from November 1 through April 1 throughout the City. All people will be required to park their vehicles on the odd numbered side of the street on odd dates and the even numbered side of the street on even dates. If "no parking" signs are on either side of a street you cannot park on that side ever. No parking is allowed on the wrong side of the street even if the plowing has been completed. Note: The time between 7 p.m. and midnight of each day is a switchover time when vehicles can be parked on either side of the street. These parking controls apply whether any snow has fallen or not. These parking regulations improve the City's efficiency in removing snow and eliminates confusion regarding snow emergencies and snow emergency routes. Downtown Parking Program The pay parking program is free from November 1, 2003 through April 30, 2004. 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 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 Sat. and Sun. at three lots. You may stop in at City Hall and get a brochure showing where the free parking is available. 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: 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. F. 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. low Plow Reminder 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. **** Holiday Tree Removal **** 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. Winter Safety Tips Winter and the cold weather is here to stay. All of us try to make a nice, warm, cozy, safe place to spend the next several months. But, if you don't "Watch What You Heat", it can be disastrous and sometimes deadly. In regards to fire, the most dangerous place to be is in your home. Heating fires are the number two cause of residential structure fires in Minnesota, in fact, over $3.5 million in damages were recorded in 2002 during the heating season. The following are some basic fire safety tips you should practice: • Use a yardstick to measure a three foot clearance between anything that can burn and your heating appliance. • Always turn off portable heating appliances when retiring for the evening or leaving the room. Have chimneys, fireplaces, and other heating devices inspected by a qualified professional 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. • Inspect heat tape before using. Never thaw frozen pipes with an open flame. • If you smell natural gas or propane in your home, call your local utility company or a qualified professional heating contractor immediately, and follow their advice. • Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement, and test them monthly. • Install a carbon monoxide (CO) detector in your home. CO is a poisonous gas caused by incomplete combustion and has no color or order. Contact your utility provider if you have questions or need additional information. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please feel free to contact the Fire Department at 651-351-4963. Forester Information By Kathy Widin Buckthorn European buckthorn is a small tree (or large shrub) which grows as an understory plant in our woodland areas. It particularly favors woods' edges. It has oval to round leaves with parallel veins, blue -black berries and thorns on the stems and branches. The bark is a dark purplish -brown and has white lines or lenticels on the bark surface. Since it is not native to our area, the leaves remain green into winter. It is very obvious now as it is the only plant with green leaves in the woods. Buckthorn is a problem because it crowds out native trees, shrubs, wildflowers and ferns, by its shade, by competition for water and nutrients and by the release of toxins into the soil which inhibit other plants. Left alone it will quickly colonize a woodland, spreading by seed and underground stems. Winter is a good time for buckthorn management. Stems can be pulled out or cut close to the ground and the cut surface painted with an herbicide such as glyphosate (e.g. Round -Up 25% active ingredient solution). Cutting alone will not control buckthorn since it re -sprouts readily from cut stumps. Herbicide application is necessary to prevent re -sprouting. Herbicides should always be applied according to label directions. The cut stems can be taken to a disposal site or cut up and left on the forest floor. If disposal is a problem, buckthorn can be killed by girdling (making shallow cuts around the stem) and painting the cuts with an herbicide. Buckthorn can then be left standing in the woods. This is a good method for larger areas, such as natural parklands. The City has purchased several girdling tools and will make them available for residents to use. Call the City Hall at 430-8800 to find out how to sign out the tools. The best time to cut and treat buckthorn is from late summer into winter (herbicide treatment is most effective when temperatures are above freezing). Ferns, wildflowers and shrubs may re -appear once buckthorn has been removed. If not, they can be re -planted in management areas. • • • • • • • • • ■ • ■ • • ■ • City Hall • Rodent Protection for Trees & Shrubs Rabbits and voles (field mice) chew stems of shrubs and small trees during the winter. Shrubs favored by rabbits include euonymus (burning bush), flowering almond and cherry, blueberries, raspberries and sumac. Both rabbits and voles like to feed on the stems of young fruit trees, especially flowering crabapples. To prevent damage, fence off shrubs with chicken wire or other fencing from the ground up several feet. To protect tree stems from feeding, install a cylinder of 1/4 inch mesh hardware cloth loosely around the trunk from an inch or two underground to the lowest branch. Taste repellents (purchased at garden stores or homemade with cayenne pepper) can be applied to plants to discourage feeding. Paper tree wrap is used to help prevent sunscald, a type of weather -related winter injury, and is not effective in preventing animal feeding. Plant Problems? If you have problems with outdoor plants or simply want to know the plant name or how to care for it, call the Forestry Consultant for the City of Stillwater, Kathy Widin, at 430-8765. • • Admin-430-8800 • Building-430-8825 Engineering/Public • Works-430-8830 Fire-351-4950 • Library-439-1675 Planning-430-8820 • Police-351-4900 Public Works Facility • 275-4100 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 • • ■ • ■ • • CITY DATA 216 N Fourth Street City Numbers • • ■ • • • • • ■ • • • • • • • • • • • • 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 ■ Lea Ito Skate/Hockey St: )tap Group Lessons at the St. Croix Valley Recreation Center Arena Office Phone: 651-430-2601 WINTER 2004 TUESDAY EVENINGS (COST: $65.00 per class) (DATES: FEB: 17, 24 MARCH: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 APRIL: 6, 2004) 6:00-6:30 pin 6:30-7:00 pm 7:00-7:30 pm 7:30-8:00 pm 8:00-8:30 pm 8:30-9:00 pm TOTS, TOTS, Pre -Alpha, Pre -Alpha, Alpha, Beta TOTS, TOTS, Pre -Alpha, Alpha, Beta, Gamma TOTS, TOTS, Pre -Alpha, Pre -Alpha, Alpha, Beta TOTS, Pre -Alpha, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta Beginning Freestyle, Intermediate Freestyle, Adv. Hockey Skating Skills Advanced Freestyle, High Freestyle, *Adults WINTER 2004 SATURDAY MORNINGS (COST: $65.00 per class) (DATES: FEB: 21. 28 MARCH: 6. 13. 20, 27 APRIL: 3, 10. 2004) 9:30-10:00 am 10:00-10:30 am 10:30-11:00 am TOTS. Beginning Freestyle. Int. Freestyle, Adv. & High Freestyle TOTS, TOTS, Pre -Alpha, Alpha, Beta, Delta TOTS, TOTS, Pre -Alpha, Alpha, Beta, Gamma 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 Foot Three Turns, Forward Edges, Bunny Hops, Lunge. Freestyle Class Descriptions frosting: The Skater must first pass these elements, prior to moving to the next level NO Prvgrmm sq.) Beginning Freestyle: Waltz Jump, Forward Spiral, 2 Foot Spin, Back Edges 1/2 Flip, 1/2 Lutz, 1 Foot Spin, Salchow Intermediate Freestyle: Toe Loop, Loop, Flip, Lutz, Sit Spin, Camel Spin, Back Three Turns, Back Spin Advanced Freestyle: Axel, Double Salchow, Double Toe Loop, Camel Spin Combinations, Lay Back, Split Jumps High Test Freestyle: Double Loop, Double Flip, Double Lutz, Double Axel, Triples, Flying Spins $65.0u Per Class / 8 Weeks / Half Hour Group Lesson / Includes: 10 Public Skatiaag 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 I3�L' g Skaters 113nys and (;iris} are highi �ncuuraged to wear GOt3D Le:rtfrer i lgr�re Skates (Singe Blades). [Mocker skates are VERY difficult for little boys - under the age of 6?) Please start little buys in Figure Skates - then transfer Into hockey skates after 1 year: No Parents allowed otnhe Ice (unless they are wearing skates & Volunteering with 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 Sheila Thelen Skating Director. 2004 Spring Ice Show! April 23rd Er 24th, 2004! Show: 7:00 p.m. Registration Deadline Feb. 3rd, 2004! (Skater must be in 2 sessions of classes, either: Summer 2003, Fall 2003, or Winter 2004 to be in Spring Ice Show AND/OR 2 classes during one session.) REGISTRATION (In Person!) St Croix Valley Recreation Center 1675 Market Drive Stillwater, MN 55082 REGISTRATION BEGINS: FEBRUARY 2ND & 3RD, 2004 FROM 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM (Mailed in registrations opened at 8:00 PM, FEBRUARY 3RD, 2004 - Receipts mailed) LATEREG1STRATION 1S ALWAYS AVAILABLE! CONTACT THE ARENA FOR CLASS OPENINGSI Skaters Name: Age: Address: ,. City: State: Zip: Home Phone: Check One: Returning Student ❑ New Student ❑ $65.00 Tues / Sat Class idle: Time: 2nd Choice: COME JOIN THE FUN! St. Croix Valley Recreation Center 1675 Market Drive Stillwater, Minnesota 55082 A := 651- 430 -2601 Home School Learn to Skate Group Lessons . Winter 2004 Group Classes (Dates: FEB: 17, 24 MARCH: 2, 9,16, 23, 30 APRIL: 6, 2004) 12:30 -1:00 PM Tots & Alpha 1:00 -1:30 PM Tots & Pre Alpha 1:30 -2:00 PM Alpha/Beta & Gamma/Delta 2:00 -2:30 PM Pre Alpha & Beginner -Adv. Freestyle Description of Classes TOTS: 3 1/2 - 6 Years Old. Just Starting, Basic Skills. R � ✓ Pre - Alpha: 1 Foot Glides, Backward Skating, Stronger Basic Skills. G/ Alpha: Forward Crossovers, Forward Stroking, Snowplow Stop. & P R /_ T �R Beta: Backward Crossovers, Backward Stroking, T- Stops. Fg / TQ Gamma: Outside 1 Foot Three Turns, Mohawks, 2 Foot Hockey Stop. 10 Delta: Inside 1 Foot Three Turns, Forward Edges, Bunny Hops, Lunge. ' � 200 4 � Freestyle Class Descriptions tTestifW The Skater mustftrstpass these elements, prior to moving to the next level. NO A%v m tt�a l Beginning Freestyle: Waltz Jump, Forward Spirals, 2 Foot Spin, Back Edges, 1/2 Flip, 1/2 Lutz, 1 Foot Spin, Salchow Intermediate Freestyle: Toe Loop, Loop, Flip, Lutz, Sit Spin, Camel Spin, Back Three Turns, Back Spin Advanced Freestyle: Axel, Double Salchow, Double Toe Loop, Camel Spin Combinations, Lay Back, Split Jumps High Test Freestyle: Double Loop, Double Flip, Double Lutz, Double Axel, Triples, Flying Spins $40.00 Per Skater Includes 1/2 hour of practice before or after class All Classes will be held at the St. Croix Valley Recreation Center. You must pass the level Prior to advancing to the next level. Class Ratios are one Instructor to every I 1 Skaters. Testing will be held the last day of each class (Awards for all Skaters). Beginner Skaters are encouraged to wear Helmets Beginning Skaters (Boys & Girls) are encouraged to wear GOOD Leather Figure Skates (Single Blades). (Hockey skates are VERY difficult for little boys - under the age of 6!) Please start little boys in Figure Skates - then transfer into hockey skates after I year! No Parents allowed on the Ice (unless they are wearing skates & Volunteering with 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 Sheila Thelen, Skating Director. 2004 Spring Ice Show! April 23rd & 24th, 2004! Show: 7:00 p.m. Registration Deadline Feb. 3rd, 2004! (Skater must be in 2 sessions of classes, either: Summer 2003, Fall 2003, or Winter 2004 to be in Spring Ice Show AND /OR 2 classes during one session.) — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — Registration (Via mail or drop off) St. Croix Valley Recreation Center 1675 Market Drive Stillwater, MN 55082 Registration Begins: January 26, 2004 Late Registration is always available! Contact the arena for class openings! Skaters Name: Address: Home Phone: City: Age: State: Zip: Check One: Previously Enrolled Skater ❑ New to SCVRC Program Time: $40.00 Tuesday Class Title: 2nd Choice: PLEASE TRY TO REGISTER BY FEBRUARY 10, 2004