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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000 Stillwater City NewsletterStillwater Scene VOL. 12 • No. 4 Official City Newsletter October, 2000 216 N Fourth St., Stillwater, Minnesota 55082 CART -SORT BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID Stillwater, MN 55082 Permit No. 206 Postal Patron IN THIS ISSUE Where to Vote Where to Vote Absentee Ballots/Voting Who's Who in City Hall Register to Vote Nov Elect. -Municipal Office Councilmembers Nat'l Fire Prevention Week Walking - a Workout that Really Works Water Rates Raised Stillwater Police Explorer Stillwater Fire Department Annual Fish Fry Handheld Radar Available to Residents Decomposition Happens! Downtown Parking Program Our Local United Way Rake a Difference Day The Cultural Scene City Briefs Winter Reminders Monthly Meetings: Charter 3rd Monday City Council 1st & 3rd Tuesday Heritage Preservation 1st Monday Human Rights Last Wednesday Library 2nd Tuesday Parks Board 4th Monday Planning 2nd Monday Mayor Jay Kimble 430-8746 Council Ward 1 Terry Zoller 439-5286 Ward 2 Eric Thole 430-3722 Ward 3 Rich Cummings 439-6539 Ward 4 Gene Bealka 439-4387 The above map depicts the four wards within Stillwater. If you are unsure of where you vote for the upcoming elections, contact City Hall at 430-8800 or check out the link on the City's web site www,ci.stillwater.mn.ys (Election Information) Stars represent polling places: Ward 1-0ak Park Elementary; Ward 2-First Methodist Church; Ward 3-Stonebridge Elementary; Ward 4-Lily Lake Elementary. Absentee BallotslVoting Available at City Hall Washington County has designated cities with full-time clerks to administer absentee ballots. In order to qualify to vote absentee you must meet one of the following criteria: • Absence from precinct • Illness or disability • Religious discipline or observance of religious holiday • Service as election judge in another precinct To receive an absentee ballot application for the General Election contact City Hall at 430-8800, or download the application from the City's web site — www.ci.stillwater.rnn.us (Click on the Election Information link on the main page). Applications are accepted in person, by mail to the City of Stillwater, 216 N. Fourth Street, Stillwater, MN 55082, or by fax 651-430-8809 (Attention: Diane Ward). Ballots are either mailed or personally given to the voter. No one other than the voter may fill out an application and receive a ballot . Agent delivery is available four (4) days before Election Day for a voter admitted to a health care facility (contact Diane Ward, 430-8802 for information on Agent Delivery). You may obtain an application, ballot, or vote by Absentee for the General Election at City Hall beginning Friday, October 6 during the hours listed below: • Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. • Saturday, November 4 - 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. • Monday, November 6 - 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. If you have any questions on the process, please contact City Hall at 651-430-8800. WHO'S WHO IN CITY HALL CHRIS CARVELLI Chris started as a Stillwater Police Officer July 1, 2000. He graduated from North St. Paul High School in '97. Chris attended Alexandria Technical College and com- pleted the Law Enforcement Program in '99. Prior to coming to Stillwater, he was a Community Service Officer for the Fridley Police Department. Chris loves his job and the people he works with. He enjoys outdoor activities such as snowmobiling, hunting and fishing. He also has a two year old daughter that keeps him busy on his time off. Jason Crotty Jason is a Light {�Y Equipment Operator for the Public Works Department. He lives in Somerset, WI and was recently married. They will be moving into their new house in October with their We boy ason enjoys working for the City and is looking forward to plowing the streets this winter for the residents of the City of Stillwater. Billy VonWald Billy started working for the Public Works Dept. July 1 as a Labor Maintenance Worker. He is a resident of Houlton, Wisconsin. Billy repairs and cleans up streets and will snowplow this winter. He enjoys all of the guys he works with and is looking forward to snowplowing this winter. In his spare time he likes to work on cars and play golf. Jeff Melstrom Jeff was hired as a Light Equipment Op- erator for the Public Works Department on July 31. He works on the city parks in the summer and will snowplow this winter. Jeff was born and raised in Stillwater. He loves working for the City of Stillwater. Jeff en- joys taking care of all the parks and snowplowing. In his spare time he likes to go camping, fishing and boat - inn with him wife, Gina, and his three boys Register to �te Voters must register if they have moved or changed their name since they last voted, have never voted, or have not voted in the last four years. The deadline for preregistration for the November General Election is Tuesday, October 17 at 5:00 p.m.You may register on election day, but must provide one of the following proof of residence: • A current Minnesota Driver License, learner permit or identification card (or receipt for a new one) with your address • One of the above with a former address and a utility bill* • A U.S. passport or military ID card and a utility bill* • A "Notice of Ineffective Registration" card mailed to you by your county auditor (if you turned in a registration card late) • someone who is registered in the precinct where you live to vouch for you at the polling place If you are a student, you can use... • Student photo ID, registration or fee statement with your current address • Student photo ID with utility bill* • Student photo ID if you are on a student housing list on file at the polling place *Note: The utility bill must have your name, current address and be due within 30 days of the election. Utility bills may be for electric, gas, water, solid waste, sewer, telephone, or cable TV. You may pick up a voter registration form at City Hall, 216 North Fourth Street during regular office hours, M-F 8:00 p.m.- 4:30 p.m. through the City's website (Election Information) www.ci.stillwater.mn.us, or register in person at the Washington County Courthouse to make the process as smooth as possible when you arrive at the polling place on Election Day. November 7th Election - Municipal Office - Councilmember The following are candidates running for Councilmember in the November 7th General Election: Ward 2 John Rheinberger Nance Purcell Ward 3 Wally Milbrandt Gary Talbot National Fire Prevention WeeM October 8 —14, 2000 All St. Croix Valley residents are encouraged to practice fire drills in their homes during the state-wide fire drill Wednesday, October 11, at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is also invited to the Stillwater Fire Department Open House Saturday, October 14, 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. There will be refreshments and demonstrations, including a fire sprinkler trailer and a chance for you to use a fire extinguisher on a real fire. Join us! "How to Turn Your Walking into a Workout that Really Works" Lakeview Hospital presents Sara Donovan, founder of Walk Sport America and national speaker promoting the benefits of walking. Wednesday, December 6"', 10:00 a.m. at the St. Croix Valley Recreation Center lobby This free class will be participatory and will engage you in walking at your personal pace and style that will give you muscle toning and fat burning results. Please register by calling 651-430-4697 before November 28. Those who register will be entered into a prize drawing. ST.CROIX VALLEY RECREATION CENTER FALL/WINTER SCHEDULE ICE ARENA ACTIVITIES 430-2601 Open Skating: Please pick up a schedule at the Rec Center office or visit our City of Stillwater WEB SITE at: www.ci.stillwater.mn.us Pass/Punch Cards are available. Cost: $2.00/youth & senior, $3.00/adult $5.00/family 10 punch card for $15.00 10 punch card for $25.00 10 punch card for $40.00 Adult Hockey League: Sunday nights 5:15-10:15 games,8-10 depending on playoffs. Cost: $800/team- includes jerseys and referees ($100 deposit required) League begins: Oct. 15th and ends Dec. 17th Registration Due: Oct. 2"d Forms available at Rec Center office. Pro Ice Time: Please pick-up schedule at the Rec. Center office or visit our City of Stillwater WEB SITE at: www.ci.stillwater.mn.us Pass/Punch cards are available: Cost: $6.50/hour 11 punch card for $65.00 Skating Lessons: Cost: $55.00/ 8 weeks- Starting in October Classes on Tuesday evenings, Saturday mornings, Sunday afternoons Private lessons available, contact Skating Director: Sheila Thelen @ 430-2601 * St. Croix Valley Recreation Center skaters' shine at Regional Ice show in Blaine. CONGRATULATIONS SKATERS!! THE ST. CROIX VALLEY RECREATION CENTER WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME NEW PROGRAM DIRECTOR CHAD ROGNESS TO ITS STAFF. Marketing Opportunities Contact Doug Brady for information on how you can help the youth of our community through Field House and Arena Advertising. Phone 430-2601 or stop in! Special Events Flans? The Recreation Center is available for birthday parties, corporate functions or any other special event. Please contact our office for help in planning and arranging your party. 430-2601 ST.CROIX VALLEY RECREATION CENTER FALL/WINTER SCHEDULE FIELD HOUSE ACTIVITIES 430-2601 Field House Walking: The field house is available for walking Monday — Friday beginning at 6:OOAM. Pass/Punch Cards are available. Cost: $.50/youth & senior, 20 punch card for $5.00 $2.00/adult 20 punch card for $20.00 $3.00/family 20 punch card for $30.00 Open Field Titne: Chance to get out of the wind and snow! Dome is available for family or individual recreation. Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:OOPM-5:OOPM & Sundays 10:OOAM-11:OOAM Cost: $2.00/youth & seniors $3.00/adult $5.00/family 10 punch card for $15.00 10 punch card for $25.00 10 punch card for $40.00 Adult Touch Football League: Tuesday or Thursday nights 9:00 and 10:00 games, 8-10 games depending on playoffs. Cost: $500/team includes- 2 referees (new for 2000) Play is 6 0n 6 League begins: Oct. 31sf and ends Jan. 4th Registration Due: Oct. 2"d Forms available at Rec. Center Fail/Winter Indoor Softball Leagues: Wednesday nights 6:00 & 9:00-11:00 games, 8-10 games with playoffs. Cost: $500/team includes- certitied umpires League begins: Nov. 1st and ends Jan. 3rd Registration Due: Oct. 2nd Forms available at Rec. Center Bocce Ball League; 20 weeks of modified bocce ball for only $100- teams of two Friday nights 5:OOPM-6:OOPM: League begins November 3rd Driving Range: Starting after the 1' of January: Wednesday nights 5:00-8:30 Cost: $7.50/ half hour of unlimited golf balls Batting Cages: Starting after the 1st of January: Wednesday nights 5:00-8:30 Cost: $3.00/ 50 pitches OAK WILT CONTROL PROGRAM The City of Stillwater is initiating an oak wilt control program to halt the spread of this tree disease. Inspections of areas where oaks occur within the City have been made in late summer and early fall and property owners with wilting oaks have been contacted regarding control options. Oak wilt is a vascular wilt disease similar to Dutch elm disease and 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. Symptoms: 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. Brown streaks are often seen in wilting branches when the bark is peeled off. Control Options: In areas where there are healthy oaks near diseased ones, root graft disruption with a vibratory plow may be necessary to prevent transmission of the disease through common root systems. A fungicide, Alamo, is registered for injection of oaks and is suitable for use in some situations. To control insect transmission of the fungus, do not prune or wound oaks between April 1st — July V. ***Cost -Share Money: The City has received a Forest Health grant from the Minn. Dept. of Natural Resources which provides some funds to assist with the cost of removal of wilting red/pin oaks and for root graft disruption work. If you have a confirmed case of oak wilt and need to pay for removal of currently wilting trees or are planning to have root graft disruption done this fall, call 430-8765 to find out about the cost -share program. What To Do: Call the Forestry Consultant at 430-8765 if you suspect oak wilt. She will come out to your property, confirm the disease and advise you about control methods which will work best in your situation. This service is provided at no charge to residents and the cost is covered by the City and the DNR grant. Pruning Trees/Shrubs Along Streets and Sidewalks In order to keep streets and sidewalks clear of branches of trees and shrubs, city crews will be pruning woody plants growing in and near city right-of-way areas this fall. Typically branches are pruned to a height of 12-14 feet above the roadway, 3 feet from the inside edge of sidewalks and 6 feet from the edge of roadways without sidewalks. The work will be done in October and November. City crews have been trained on proper pruning techniques. A note to residents: It is the homeowner's responsibility to trim trees/branches that are on private property that overhang into the street or obstruct traffic visibility and signs. Should the property owner not accomplish this, the City will trim trees that interfere with public safety issues. If you have any questions or concerns about this program, please call Tim Thomsen at 439-4561 or Nick Chaves at 430-8764. If you are a Stillwater resident and have a question about your trees, please call Kathy Widin, the Forestry Consultant at 430-8765. THE CITIES OF STILLWATER AND MAHTOMEDI CORDIALLY INVITE YOU TO THE GRAND OPENING OF THE NEW ICE ARENA ADDITION TO THE ST. CROIX VALLEY RECREATION CENTER DATE: SUN DAY, OCTOBER 22, 2000 TIME: 11:30 A.M. -2:00 P.M. (Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 12:00 noon) PLACE: ST. CROIX VALLEY RECREATION CENTER (1675 MARKET DRIVE STILLWATER, MN) PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE GRAND OPENING OF THE NEW ICE ARENA WHICH IS THE CULMINATION OF A COOPERATIVE EFFORT BETWEEN THE CITY OF STILLWATER AND THE CITY OF MAHTOMEDI FREE SKATING AND FREE FOOD AND REFRESHMENTS (WHILE THEY LAST!!) A PUBLICAT • OF THE STILLWATER P. IC LIBRARY VOLUME 5 NUMBER 4 AUTUMN 2000 etflLtfe * * * FREE! * * * STILLWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY * 223 NORTH FOURTH STREET * STILLWATER, MN 55082 * 651.439.1675 ADULT PROGRAMS FOR FALL We're delighted to bring you some fresh adult programs this autumn with the help of two great community partners. On Wednesday, November 8, the library and Friends@Stillwater Public Library are sponsoring a talk by architect Timothy Quigley on the Arts and Crafts movement. Quigley teaches a seminar on Frank Lloyd Wright and leads field trips of Wright sites. He'll talk about Arts and Crafts design as well as architecture. On Saturday, November 11, 1 P.M. to 3 P.M., Dean Thilgen of the Washington County Historical Society will present Electronic Ancestors, a guide to genealogy resources on the Internet. Space is very limited: call 439-1675 ext. 25 to register for Electronic Ancestors. Lynne Bertalmio, Director WHAT'S STILLWATER READING? It's back to school for Kathleen Macy, Superintendent, who recommends Welcome to My Planet...Where English Is Sometimes Spoken by Shannon Olson, Lani Guinier's Lift Every Voice: Turning a Civil Rights Setback into a Vision of Social Justice, and Leading with Soul: an Uncommon Journey of Spirit by Lee Bolman and Terrence Deal. L E T o u HOURS Monday 10 A.M. Tuesday 1 Wednesday 10 A.M. Thursday 1 Friday 10 A.M. Saturday 10 A.M. Sundays* 1 * Sundays, Sept. 10, '00 - May 20, '01 PROGRAMS Preschool Storytime for ages 3 - 5 Wed., 10:30 A.M. Bedtime Storytime for ages 3 - 8 Thurs., Oct. 5 - Nov. 16, 7 P.M. Toddler Storytime for ages 2 (Si. 3 Fri., Oct. 6 - Nov. 17, 10:30 A.M. The Arts & Crafts Movement Wed., Nov. 8, 7:30 P.M. Electronic Ancestors Internet Genealogy Resources Sat., Nov. 11, 1-3 P.M. If you have a disability and need assistance to participate in a program, please call to request assistance at east 10 days before the program. M I N D - 9P.M. - 9P.M. - 9P.M. - 9 P.M. - 5 P.M. - 5 P.M. 5 P.M. NEW COLLECTIONS Looking for our books on CD? In the last issue of'ljelflife, we announced this new collection, but you may have difficulty locating any of the CDs due to their immediate popularity. Thanks to generous contributions from the Stillwater Trolley Co. and an anonymous donor, we've quickly ordered more titles. We hope you'll see them on the shelves soon. Also new are our Baby Fun Kits. Taking advantage of new research on early brain development, ECFE created these kits for children 12 months and under. Lists of all new materials can now be found on our website. BEYOND E-MAIL: E-RESOURCES TOURS You've experienced the convenience of e-mail - now you can discover the the real heart of the Web with a tour of the library's e-resources! Drop in for a half-hour Beyond E-Mail mini -tour. Library staff will introduce you to our electronic resources and services. One tour is scheduled each week September 13 through December 13. To request a schedule, contact the Information Desk at 439-1675 ext. 11. No reservations are necessary for individuals. Due to limited space, groups must arrange for their own tour by calling the Information Desk. U N * * * bberf * * * BACK -TO -SCHOOL RESEARCH HELP Research goes faster - and nets more information - when you begin your search with help from our Information Desk. Our staff can help you plan your search strategy and identify appropriate resource tools. We've added some new electronic databases that will help with school assignments. FACTS.com answers questions about events, issues, and statistics. It also features in-depth articles on historic events. Other new databases are the Junior Edition, Kid's Edition, and Student Edition of InfoTrac. They provide single -search access to magazines, newspapers, and reference books. DISCovering Most - Studied Authors is another helpful electronic research tool. Electronic databases are changing research in many ways. Some things about research remain the same, however. Be certain that you understand the assignment before you leave the classroom; bring your library card, note -taking supplies, and money for copies; and always allow as much time as possible for your research! MORE DATABASES! New electronic databases are available on our search stations. Computer Database will help you find information on new computer - related products, news, and reviews in such areas as hardware, software, electronics, and the application of technology. Also new is full -text access to the Wall Street Journal, LA Times, Washington Post, and Minneapolis StarTribune. Ask at the Information Desk for help. ST. CROIX COLLECTION REFRESHER What is the St. Croix Collection? It's the library's local history resource collection. The collection features the history of Stillwater, the St. Croix Valley, and Washington County. Materials include books, maps, newspapers, and photographs. The St. Croix Collection is general in nature and does not focus on any particular aspect of local history. Library staff will help you plan your search strategy, locate and use research tools, and determine the availability of materials. Allow plenty of time to explore the collection and resources. The St. Croix Collection is open a limited number of hours per week. Due to the size of the room and the fragility of some materials, the library may limit the number of patrons who may enter the collection at a time. Call ahead for the schedule or leave a voice mail message at 439-1675 ext. 16. You may also e-mail questions to stcroixcollection@yahoo.com. The St. Croix Collection staff and volunteers will return your call or e- mail as soon as possible. FOR TEEN SCl/FI AND FANTASY READERS Stand up and be counted! We're looking for charter members to establish a Sci/Fi and Fantasy book discussion group for grades 7 to 10. The group will probably meet once each month on a weekday afternoon or evening. If you are interested, call Gail, Youth Services Librarian, at 439-1675 ext. 14. STORYTIME: A TRADITION 90 YEARS YOUNG Looking for a way to interest your young child in great books and stories? Trying to feed a preschooler's insatiable appetite for reading? Try one - or more - of our storytime programs at SPL. Storytimes include age -appropriate books, stories, songs, action rhymes, poetry, and puppets in a lively setting, all presented by our staff. In addition to introducing new children's books and sharing old favorites, storytimes help children develop vocabulary and listening skills. They're a good starting point for parents and caregivers to talk to their children about what they heard in the presentation. It's also a• great opportunity to explore the library. This fall, SPL offers three different storytime series for children: • Preschool Storytime is held throughout the year on Wednesdays at 10:30 A.M. Geared to ages 3 to 5, the program lasts 35-40 minutes. • Bedtime Storytime is Thursday evenings at 7 P.M. from Oct. 5 to Nov. 16. Designed for children ages 3 to 8, we welcome children in pajamas, toting stuffed animals. • Toddler Storytime returns on Friday mornings at 10:30 A.M., from Oct. 6 to Nov. 17. This shorter program of 20-30 minutes is designed for ages 2-3. All programs are free. Children may attend any or all sessions. For safety, parents and caregivers are asked to remain with the child. Registration is not required, but groups of 6 or more are asked to call 439-1675 ext. 14 to inquire about available space. http://ci.stillwater.mn.us/library Decomposition Hap: n by Joanna Eckles, Naturalist When I was a kid we spent a lot of time in The Woods. The 20-acre park at the end of our street has an official name but we always called it The Woods. We knew every trail. We created obstacle courses with big logs to climb over and monster trees to cruise around, feel and rest under. Now The Woods look different. Some of the big trees have fallen and re-routed the trails we knew. The huge logs we struggled to scale are covered with moss or have been completely reclaimed by the soil. Given time, you can count on nature to turn what was once dirt into dirt once more. On a smaller scale we can easily mimic natures efficacy for decomposing at home. Composting puts organic "waste" back where it rightly belongs, saves money and landfill space and provides an excellent product for our existing plants and soil. Best of all, composting takes very little time and it's easy. It is a natural process. After a bit of work up front, and a little along the way, all you have to do is let it happen. What is composting? Simply, composting is the process by which organic materials such as grass, leaves and kitchen scraps are naturally converted through decomposition into a valuable soil additive called compost. Why compost? • It is estimated that 25-30% of the household waste that gets bagged up for the landfill every week could be composted. Reducing household waste saves valuable landfill space. • Compost adds valuable nutrients to the soil, increases water retention and improves the quality of poor soils. • Reusing your homemade compost on your lawn and garden plants can eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers. • Composting saves you money by reducing your waste disposal bill and reducing or eliminating your need for fertilizers, potting soil and other soil additives. • Composting returns organic materials directly to the soil where they belong. Composting is easy. You can take it to whatever level is right for you. At its most basic, composting can be done in open piles with no maintenance. But while it is easy, it is not simple. The actual process, if you care to delve into it, is quite complex. Digging a little deeper, so to speak, can allow you to take composting to the next Ievel.You can build elaborate and beautiful structures for your compost and provide routine maintenance along with lots of incentives to maximize the decomposition process. Incentives might include regular watering, mixing and layering of compost materials or the addition of starters, redworms or accelerators. At our house we have always been on the casual end. We have a simple box that receives all of our food and yard waste and which gives us compost in return without much fuss or effort. Getting Started Find a spot for your compost. Locate your box or pile where you have good access year-round (food waste can be added throughout the winter as well), and where there is good drainage and perhaps a bit of shade. Build a box. Be courteous of your neighbors. Most of us can't subscribe to the open pile method of composting. Build a box that is attractive and secure if you live near others or if scavengers like raccoons or dogs could be a problem. There are countless box styles recommended in the composting resources listed below. Add your stuff. Layer "greens" and "browns" as you produce them. Greens include fresh yard trimmings and food waste. Browns are dead leaves, straw, and wood shavings. Remember that in most cases, grass clippings (greens) are best left on your lawn to compost where they drop. If you have excess, add them to your bin. Meat scraps, fat or bones and domestic animal droppings are generally not recommended additions to your compost pile. Let it happen. At this point you can choose your route. Depending on your input of both raw materials and effort you can look for usable compost within a couple months or a couple years. It will happen. The rate will vary. Help it along. Part of the fun of composting for you and your family can be experimenting. Find your own best results by mixing your pile on a regular basis, adding water periodically, covering or uncovering, adding a bit of fresh manure or trying different bin structures. Just for fun, we're going to add some redworms to our bin next year. Intrigued? Read Worms Eat My Garbage by Mary Appelhof. Lastly, learn more. The Stillwater Library has a number of great resources on composting. If you are just starting out try Backyard Composting: Your Complete Guide to Recycling Yard Clippings from Harmonious Technologies, or Let it Rot! The Gardener's Guide to Composting by Stu Campbell. If you want a bit more detail check out The Rodale Guide to Composting by Jerry Minnich and Marjorie Hunt. Within its 400+ pages is an absolute wealth of information about composting. Downtown Parking Program The pay parking program is free from November 1, 2000 through April 30, 2001. Pay parking lots include the South Main St. Lot (south of Brick Alley), River Lot (east of the Freighthouse) and the Maple Island Lot (north of the Amoco Gas Station). Please don't get this confused with the permit parking program. The permit parking program is year round and is for employees who need to park all day. There is free parking with a 4 hour limit at five lots, 2 hour parking at one lot and unlimited parking at the north end of town and at the Mulberry and Second St. lot. There is unlimited parking after 6 p.m. and all day Sat. and Sun. at three Iots.You may stop in at City Hall and get a brochure showing where the free parking is available. Board of Water Comi.)issioners Raise Watei Zates Effective January 1, 2001 water bills will have an increase in water rates. This increase will be for water used after the readings taken for the January 1, 2001 water bill. The minimum quarterly bill increases from $12.50 to $13.50 per quarter for up to 10,000 gallons. The increase for monthly customers and anyone using over the minimum will go from $1.25 per thousand to $1.40 per thousand. The following is the new water rate: Minimum rate $13.50 per quarter inside city and $18.50 outside city for up to 10,000 gallons payable in advance from the first day of January, April, July and October each year (except bills rendered monthly). Balance at $1.40 per thousand inside city ($1.90 outside city). The last water increase occurred on April 1, 1982. If you have any questions, please contact the Water Board at 651-439-6231. Stillwater Police Explorer Post The Stillwater Explorer Post #521 is a work -site based program for young men and women who have completed the eighth grade and are 14 years of age and have not yet reached their 21 s' birthday. Exploring Posts are sponsored by Learning for Life and Boy Scouts of America. Throughout the school year, students are given career surveys asking the student to check off areas of interest. Students who are interested in Law Enforcement as either a career or hobby are mailed information about the Stillwater Exploring Post and invited to an open house or"1st Nighter". The Stillwater Explorer Post makes an effort to contact any student who is interested in joining our Post by sending information and announcements to other middle and senior high schools (public and private) in the Stillwater, Oakdale, and White Bear Lake area. The Stillwater Police Department Exploring Law Enforcement Post helps youth who have an interest in law enforcement gain insight into the activities and job requirements of a police officer. Stillwater Explorers work closely with full-time officers and assist the police department with community events and inter- department activities. Explorers must complete hands-on training in several areas such as; traffic direction, first aid, and report writing. Explorers who pass a six month probationary period are allowed to observe as a "ride -along" with full-time officers. You may have seen the Stillwater Explorers in action over the summer months. Our members have provided an invaluable service to our department by assisting with the Stillwater Police Department Information Booth during Lumberjack Days. The Stillwater Explorers assisted with the organization, set-up and take -down of the booth, and running of the booth. Stillwater Explorers have also volunteered their time and talents at the Spring Art Fair, the Taste of Stillwater, the Drum Beauty Competition, and Music in the Park. During the school year, members meet bi-monthly for training in specific law enforcement areas. Examples of training include: traffic laws and traffic stops, defensive tactics and officer safety issues, white-collar crime, hostage negotiations and supervised firearm training. Each meeting is presided over by a full-time Stillwater Police Officer who has training in the topic area and/or by an Explorer Post Advisor (also full-time officers). If you have any questions, or would like additional information about the Stillwater Explorer Post, please contact Officer Cincotta, Officer Meredith, or Officer Hansen at 651-351-4900, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am- 4:30 pm. Stillwater Fire Department Annual Fall Fish Fry The Stillwater Fire Department Relief Association will hold its Annual Fall Fish Fry on Friday, October 20, 2000 from 5:00 — 7:00 p.m. at the Stillwater VFW Post 323, located at 5880 Omaha Avenue North. Orders will be available for take out. See you there! Handheld Radar Available to Residents The Stillwater Police Department recently acquired a new tool to aid in speed and traffic enforcement. To address growing complaints of speeders in the city, the department purchased a new Kustom Signals Inc., "Falcon" handheld radar unit. The radar unit will be loaned out to neighborhood residents to use during the day to monitor traffic on the road(s) in front of their residences. The user(s) of the handheld radar will have to keep a log of all traffic that passes before them, keeping track of vehicle descriptions, driver descriptions, license plate numbers (and state), date/time, and vehicle speeds. Along with signing a release form, operation of the handheld radar, and proper completion of the log sheet(s) will be reviewed with the user. At the end of the loan out period, the log and radar unit will then be returned to the Stillwater Police Department, at which time, officers will review the log, and letters will be sent to the registered owners of the vehicles found to be in violation. To sign up for the use of the handheld radar, notify the Police Department (351-4900) during business hours (8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. M- F), leaving your name and phone number. An officer will then be in contact to arrange dates and times of use. Our United Way for Rake a Difference on CITY BRIEFS Local Needs Make a Difference Day Boards and Sat., October 28 Commissions Many residents are not aware that we have our very own St. Croix Area United Way, serving people who live in the Stillwater Area School District. For over 50 years, St. Croix Area United Way has been managed by local volunteers who serve on its board, solicit for contributions every fall, and then meet in the spring to distribute the funds. Money raised here stays here, with 85 cents of every dollar donated going to programs that directly serve our residents...programs offered to those in need by Courage St. Croix, FamilyMeans, Family Violence Network, Human Services, Stillwater Senior Center, Youth Service Bureau, American Red Cross, American Heart Association, Community Volunteer Service, Lakeview Hospice, and Legal Assistance...just to name a few. Campaign 2000 Chair Michael Holsten urges you to Give Where You Live, and reminds residents who work out-of-town to write in ST. CROIX AREA UNITED WAY on your company pledge card. Please contribute generously, the person you're helping may someday be you. Lin!bed Wag The Cultural Scene The Autumn Leaves, drift by my window....For some people in our community, autumn leaves are not always a welcome sight. Age, physical disabilities, or a recent illness can make leaf raking an impossible chore for some. Do you need help raking yours? Would you like to make a difference in someone's life and help them rake theirs? Rake a Difference on Make a Difference Day, Saturday, October 28, is a yard raking project coordinated by Community Volunteer Service and St. Croix Area United Way. The project serves senior citizens and adults with disabilities by offering volunteer teams to rake and bag leaves for those who need help in the Stillwater, Bayport, and Lake Elmo areas. Area restaurants and businesses generously contribute food for the volunteers and other supplies. Last year 249 people donated more than 630 hours of their time to rake the leaves of 51 elderly or disabled homeowners. This year's goal is 400 volunteers. Individuals, families, church groups, service clubs, youth groups and local businesses who would like to volunteer, or people who need help with raking their leaves can call Community Volunteer Service, 439- 7434. Please call by Oct. 13. Stillwater, in addition to being a mecca for seekers of fine arts and rare books among other delights, may now also claim to be a venue for world -class music. Through the recently formed St. Croix Concert Series, Valley residents and visitors may enjoy classical music performed by world-renowned groups. Two highly acclaimed performance groups will be visiting Stillwater in the coming months to present concerts at Trinity Lutheran Church and Stillwater Area High School. Thursday, Oct. 19, 7:30 p.m. -The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra Trinity Lutheran Church -adults $18, students $12 - complimentary reception after the concert for ticket holders Friday, Feb. 9, 8:00 p.m. -The Juilliard String Quartet Trinity Lutheran Church -adults $22, students $16 - 7:00 p.m. pre -concert lecture for ticket holders Saturday, Apr. 21, 10:00 and 11:30 a.m. -The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra Stillwater Area High School - Family Concert - adults $12, students $8 Soloist: Anne Knoche, soprano, SAHS class of 1986 Free community workshop/lectures will precede each SPCO concert (no preregistration necessary). The first will be on Tuesday, October 17, 2000, 7:30 p.m. in the Stillwater High School Orchestra Room. Join Concertmaster Steven Copes and Principal Violist Sabina Thatcher for a lively discussion of Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante and live musical examples from the soloists themselves! Steve and Sabina will give tips on what to listen for, play some excerpts, and answer your questions. To order tickets send your check, made payable to St. Croix Concert Series, and order information to: St. Croix Concert Series, P.O. Box 2202, Stillwater, MN. Concert Series phone number: 651-430-3528. Openings The following boards and commission openings are coming up: Downtown Parking Commission - established to oversee the development and imple- mentation of the Downtown Parking Plan, this includes planning for long- range parking lot improvements and day-to-day regulation of public parking spaces (4 - openings); Heritage Preservation Commission - its purpose is to safeguard the heritage of the City by working toward the preser- vation of historical sites and structures (2 - openings); Human Rights Com- mission — is to aid and advise the City Council in ensuring for all citizens of the City equal opportunity in those areas protected by law and in other related concerns (4 — openings); Library Board — is seeking concerned citizens with library interest. The Library Boards purpose is to operate and maintain the Stillwater Public Library (3 — openings); Park and Recreation Board — is to operate a program of recreation and to manage City parks and playgrounds (4 — openings); Planning Commission — is to act as the City's planning agency (2 — openings). Applicants must be resi- dents of Stillwater. The deadline to apply is November 22, 2000 at 4:30 p.m. If you have questions about any of the commissions please call 430-8800. Stillwater City Council Regular Replays Friday at 7:00 Saturday at 1:00 p.m. Sunday at 10:00 p.m. Channel 16 Stillwater City Scene Every Wednesday at 9:00 p.m. The full weeks schedule is printed in the Friday Stillwater Gazette Winter Remindprc 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. Public Works personnel begin plowing, after snow stops, with a forecast of 2-5 inches. 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 parking stalls of off-street parking in the downtown area. Public Works plow 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. Four routes begin on snow emergency streets. 2. One route begins in the downtown parking lots. 3. One route begins on the downtown streets. 4. Commercial district streets are plowed. 5. Local steep grade streets are plowed. 6. Remaining local streets are plowed. 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. WINTER PARKING Beginning 12:01 am., November 1, through midnight April 1, all vehicles parked on City streets must be parked on the side of the street that bears addresses that are odd and/or even according to the day. On the odd numbered days, vehicles must be parked on the odd addressed side of the street and on even numbered days, vehicles must be parked on the even addressed side of the street. Between the hours of 7:00 P.M. to midnight you must move your vehicle to the side of the street where parking is allowed for the next day. 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. This ordinance is necessary to allow proper snow plowing. If your car is not moved to the correct side of the street on the appropriate day, you are in violation of this parking ordinance. 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) SNOWMOBILE OPERATION Snowmobiles may not be operated in the city between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, or between midnight and 7 a.m. Friday and Saturday. 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. CITY DATA City Hall 216 N Fourth Street City Numbers Admin-430-8800 Building-430-8825 Engineering/Public Works-430-8830 Fire-351-4950 Garage-439-5933 Library-439-1675 Parks-439-4561 Police-351-4900 Planning-430-8820 Sewer Billing 430-8815 Water Billing 439-6231 • Waste Management Questions on Service and Billing 952-890-1100 ■ St. Croix Recreation Center 430-2601 ■ City Web Site www.ci.stillwater.mn.us ■ Editors: Sue Moore Diane Ward Stillwater Scene VOL. 12 • No. 3 Official City Newsletter July, 2000 216 N Fourth St., Stillwater, Minnesota 55082 CART -SORT BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID Stillwater, MN 55082 Permit No. 206 Postal Patron IN THIS ISSUE Where to Vote Register to Vote Who's Who in City Hall Filing Opened July 4 Election Judges Needed Ritzer Retires Zepper Retires Care of Your Lawn Summer Tree Problems Lumberjack Days Crosswalks & Pedestrians Electronics Recycling Yard Waste Reminder Stillwater City Scene FamilyMeans Neighbors Friendly/Pets Safe Police Ask for Your Help City Briefs: Board/Commission Openings Charter 3rd Monday City Council 1st & 3rd Tuesday Heritage Preservation 1st Monday Human Rights Last Wednesday Library 2nd Tuesday Parks Board 4th Monday Planning 2nd Monday Mayor Jay Kimble 430-8746 Council Ward 1 Terry Zoller 439-5286 Ward 2 Eric Thole 430-3722 Ward 3 Rich Cummings 439-6539 Ward 4 Gene Bealka 439-4387 -FP anrcporiuparP. - Soon Tt.*i Lnku ----� STATE HWY 36 The above map depicts the four wards within Stillwater. If you are unsure of where you vote for the upcoming elections, contact City Hall at 430-8800 or check out the State of Minnesota, Secretary of State, Precinct Finder on the web (http://northstarl.state.mn.us/sos/search.cfm). Stars represent polling place: Ward 1-Oak Park Elementary; Ward 2-First Methodist Church; Ward 3-Stonebridge Elementary; Ward 4-Lily Lake Elementary. Register to .... bte Voters must register if they have moved or changed their name since they last voted, have never voted, or have not voted in the last four years. The deadlines for preregistration for the September primary is August 22. You may register on election day, but must provide one of the following forms of proof of residence: MN driver's license or receipt with your current address in the precinct; MN ID card or receipt with your current address; student ID with current address in the precinct; student ID with a certified housing list from the college showing your current address in the precinct; utility bill that has your name and current address in the precinct with your MN driver's license, MN ID card, military ID card, student ID, or passport; current student fee statement that shows your name and current address in the precinct. You may pick up a voter registration form at City Hall, 216 North Fourth Street during regular office hours, 8:00 AM. - 4:30 PM, or register in person at the Washington County Courthouse to make the process as smooth as possible when you arrive at the polling place on election day. Brian Bruchu Brian Bruchu joined the Stillwater Police ipDepartment on May 17, 2000. He's from the Stillwater area, went to the Stillwater �" �� , 'Senior High School and then on to ») Alexandria for a 2- year AAS degree in law enforcement. For the last year he has worked as a correctional officer for the Washington County Government Center. Brian has wanted to work for the Stillwater Police Department since he was 12 years old. He enjoys hunting, fishing and hockey. Brian loves the Stillwater area and is happy to be able to serve the City of Stillwater. Sandra Siebenaler Sandra Siebenaler started her job as a police officer May 16, 2000. She was born and raised in St. Charles, MN, near Rochester. She received her degree in Criminal Justice from St. Mary's University in Winona in 1992. Sandra was a police officer with the Caledonia Police Department for 5 1/2 years. She wanted to advance her law enforcement career, have more variety and to work for a larger city. She also has family members that live in the metro area. Sandra likes to travel, read and just be outside. Diane Ward Diane Ward became the new City Clerk on June 5. She began employment in 1996 in Administration and transferred to the Engineering/Public Works Department in 1997. Prior to coming to Stillwater she worked for the City of Mendota Heights for over 14 years and became a Certified Municipal Clerk in 1995. She has redesigned and maintains the City's web site, and also prepares the quarterly City newsletter. She says the best part of her job is meeting the residents and working with the great people at City Hall. When she's not working for the City, she maintains 13 web sites for the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, travels and golfs. WHO'S WHO IN Filing Opened July 4 CITY HALL r J � Filing for City Council opened July 4 and continues through Tuesday, July 18. Voters will elect two City Council members this fall. Those elected will serve four-year terms. The two Council positions to be on the ballot are currently held by Rich Cummings (Ward 3) and Eric Thole (Ward 2). Candidates may file for office at City Hall during regular business hours from 8 AM. to 4:30 PM. On July 18, affidavits will be accepted until 5 PM. 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 12. 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 7. Those elected will take office at the first Council meeting in January 2001. 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. Two council positions are on the ballot this fall; the Mayor and remaining two seats will be on the ballot in 2002. For additional information, contact Diane Ward, City Clerk, at 430-8802. Election Judges Needed Serving as an election judge is an opportunity to serve your community. Election judges are responsible for the administra- tion of the election procedures in each voting place on election day. Training is provided. Judges are vital to efficient and honest elections. State law allows time off from work without loss of wages to serve as an election judge with 20 days prior notice to the em- ployer. Students 16 and over may serve as trainee election judges. Judges work at either or both the Primary Election and General Election. Judges can choose to be paid an hourly wage or volunteer their services. Initial selection of judges will begin in June. For additional information see the enclosed brochure or contact Diane Ward, City Clerk, at 430-8802. Ritzer Retires After 15 years of employment with the City of Stillwater, Joe Ritzer retired as of June 16, 2000. Joe started with the City as a custodian for City Hall on June 16, 1985. After about a year as a custodian, he transferred to the Public Works Department where he has spent the remainder of his career in the Streets Department. The City would like to extend its appreciation to Joe and commend him for 15 years of service. Thank you and good luck, Joe! Zepper Retires After over 20 years of employment with the City of Stillwater, Allen Zepper retired on June 30, 2000. Allen was employed with the City since February 1980 as the Building Official. The City would like to extend its appreciation to Allen and commend him for over 20 years of service. Thank you and good luck, Al! Care of Your Lawn? Summer ire:e Problems by Joanna Eckles, Naturalist The frogs have been singing since the middle of May. Bluebirds are sitting on eggs. Snapping Turtles are making their daily treks to dry sandy slopes to dig their burrows and lay eggs. For many Minnesotans, spring and summer are long-awaited and quickly filled with projects and activities as seasonal as the wildlife. As predictable as the return of the egrets is the roar of lawn mowers, weed -whackers, and lawn -service trucks. If you want to spend less time tending your lawn and garden and more time enjoying it there are a few simple principles to get you started. Know How to Mow. In general, set your mower high, keep the blade sharp, and leave the clippings on the lawn. You can appreciate what a closely cropped lawn contends with if you are thinning on top yourself. Just like a bare scalp feels the effects of sun and elements, so does your lawn. Weed seeds, the drying effects of sun and certain so-called "pests" see those bare spots as a WELCOME sign. Generally mow your lawn to a height of 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches and don't waste your time and energy bagging clippings. They provide excellent nutrients for your lawn. Just Say No! Home use (not farm use) of chemical pesticides and herbicides accounts for most of the wildlife poisonings reported to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Remember, just because they sell it doesn't mean its safe. According to the EPA, "most pesticides- despite having EPA registration - have not been adequately tested to determine their effects on people or the environment. If you have to put a sign up that says it isn't safe for kids or pets, maybe you should consider your alternatives. Increasingly there are organic alternatives to standard lawn chemicals achieving great results. Check into it, for everyone's health. Use it or lose it. Look at how much of your lawn you and your family actively use. Eliminate the rest by converting it to native trees, shrubs and plantings. You'll quickly reap the benefits as you spend your time watching butterflies, birds and other creatures use your newly created habitat instead of logging hours behind the mower. Native Pride. As you add plants to your yard or garden consider planting those that may have lived here before you did. Native plants are generally better adapted to the soil and climate conditions than introduced or exotic species and require less maintenance overall. Once established they usually need less water, are more resistant to pests and disease and provide food and cover for other native species. Do your homework. Some careful observation and targeted research will help you identify the very few weed and pest species you really have to worry about and non -toxic ways to discourage them. by Kathy Widin, Forestry Consultant When you're out in your yard this summer, take a look at your trees for any health problems. Spring and summer bring warmer temperatures and are also a time when insect and disease problems are seen. A few of the most common tree problems are described below: Anthracnose Many trees suffer from anthracnose, a leaf spot and blight caused by several types of fungi. Most often attacked are: bur and white oaks, green ash and maples. The symptoms include brown areas on leaf edges and between veins, curling of leaves, and, in some cases, leaf fall. Symptoms are often worse on the lower branches. Though anthracnose often looks terrible, it should not have a serious impact on trees which are otherwise healthy. Apple Scab Another leafspot disease is apple scab, which attacks flowering crabapples and edible apples. Older crabapple cultivars may be particularly susceptible to this disease, losing leaves every season by the first part of August. The symptoms include olive-green to black, velvety blotches on leaves and fruit, yellow leaves and premature leaf drop. Susceptible trees will need to be sprayed, with a fungicide registered for apple scab control, from petal fall through the middle of August. If you are planting new crabapple trees in your yard, be sure to pick a variety that is resistant to apple scab. Oak Wilt Oak wilt is a vascular wilt disease similar to Dutch elm disease and 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. 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. To control insect transmission of the fungus, do not prune or wound oaks between April 1st — July lst. In areas where there are healthy oaks near diseased ones, root graft disruption with a vibratory plow may be necessary to prevent transmission of the disease through common root systems. A fungicide, Alamo, is registered for injection of oaks and is suitable for use in some situations. Call the Forestry Consultant at 430-8765 if you suspect oak wilt. Birch Leafminer A common insect pest seen in early summer is the birch leaf miner. This sawfly causes birch leaves to become papery and brown. Leafminers are unsightly but do not harm healthy trees. If control is desired, a registered insecticide such as Orthene, would need to be sprayed on trees in early spring when leaf mines are the size of a dime and light -green in color. If you are a Stillwater resident and have a question about your trees, please call Kathy Widin, the Forestry Consultant at 430-8765. ■•••••■■•■••••••••••■■•••••••■••••• No Mow. Some people like to mow. It soothes them. It gives them a sense of accomplishment and pride. For those who don't there is "no mow." A number of seed companies are developing lawn seed mixes made up of slow growing grasses or species that naturally (or are engineered to) stay short. Some of these mixes need mowing only once or twice a year. Over -feeders Anonymous. A well -maintained lawn needs only one application of fertilizer per year in the fall. Fertilizers easily leach off lawns into wetlands where they cause excessive growth of aquatic vegetation. Go organic and phosphate -free. Buffer Zones. The best practice for ensuring the health of wetlands of any kind (lakes, streams, marshes, etc.) is to maintain a buffer strip of native vegetation at least 15-20 feet wide. This buffer will help filter undesirable chemicals from entering the water while reducing erosion and providing a habitat corridor for wildlife. If you live on a wetland area in Stillwater, your minimum required buffer zone is 50 feet. Lastly, Redefine Beauty. The key to a healthy ecosystem of any kind is diversity. By introducing more variety into our lawns and gardens we can provide valuable cover and food for wildlife of all kinds. Creating an inviting habitat for birds and predaceous insects such as ladybugs and dragonflies will add interest and beauty to your landscape and provide natural and safe insect control. A few resources on natural gardening are as follows. Each lists additional resources that might be available to you. Boring, J.K., Glasener, E., Keator, G., Knopf, J., Scott, J., and S. Wasowski. 1995. The Nature Company Guide to Natural Gardening. The Nature Company, CA.; Bourne, Joel. 2000. "The Killer in your Yard." Audubon: May -June, p 108; Henderson, Carrol. 19??. Lakescaping for Wildlife and Water Quality. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, St. Paul; Henderson, Carrol. 1987. Landscaping for Wildlife. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, St. Paul. A few of the many native seed suppliers in this area include: Prairie Moon Nursery (MN) 507-452- 1362 and Prairie Nursery (WI) 800-476-9453. Their staff and catalogs are excellent resources. The DNR website lists additional suppliers of native seeds and plants. Countless internet sites provide information on natural landscaping including: www.dnrstate.mn.us and www. ya rd sforki d s. core Lumberjack Days Friends o) Stillwater Parks - July 27-30 Lumberjack Days activities will begin Thursday, July 27 and continue through Sunday, July 30. This community celebration dates back to 1934 when it was called Stillwater's Pioneer Celebration. It soon became known as Lumberjack Days to remember the contribution of the "fast vanishing lumberjack" to the history of Stillwater. The many activities of Lumberjack Days have ranged from best lumberjack costume, log rolling, fiddling, greased pole climb, soap box derby, water-ski shows, train excursions, vaudeville show, and even a thrilling human torch dive from the interstate bridge. The celebration grew over the years and attracted crowds up to 45,000. The annual event continued for many years until the celebration outgrew its locale and the outbreak of World War II took many of the volunteers overseas. Lumberjack Days was reborn in 1968 by a small group of Stillwater business people to promote civic pride and community spirit. Since 1994, Lumberjack Days has been under the leadership of the Lumberjack Days Festival Association, Inc. This year's activities include concerts by Martin Zeller (Friday, 7 PM.), The Dweebs (Saturday, 1:30 PM.), Boogie Wonderland (Saturday, 7:00), America (Saturday, 9:00 PM.), and Herman's Hermits (Sunday, 8 PM.); Ride-N-Grind Bike Stunt Show, Minnesota's fastest 10 mile run, Kids Fest & Teddy Bear Band and a spectacular fireworks finale Sunday evening. Also featured are some old favorites such as drum corps competition, polka in the park, treasure hunt, pancake breakfast and lumberjack shows. For more information, call the event hotline, 651-430-2306 or visit the website, www.lumberjackdays.com. Motorists! Watch Those Crosswalks & Pedestrians Just a reminder that motorists are required by State Law to yield to pedestrians at marked crosswalks. State law states the following: "Where traffic -control signals are not in place or in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall stop to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within 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. A person who violates this subdivision is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than 90 days or to payment of a fine of not more than $700, or both. A person who violates this subdivision a second or subsequent time within one year of a previous conviction under this subdivision is guilty of a gross misdemeanor and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than one year or to payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both." The mission of Friends of Stillwater Parks is to assist the community in improving Stillwater's parks and trails; increase park use by residents; and promote stewardship and enjoyment of Stillwater's natural setting. The organization is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit community organization founded in 1995. The public is invited to support Friends of Stillwater Parks with a financial donation and by volunteering. Opportunities include serving on the Board of Directors and committees and assisting with fund- raising, memorial giving programs, public relations, park gardens, volunteer recruitment, web page design and management, graphic design projects, environmental education and coordinating special events, such as the FSP Park Art Exhibit forYoung Artists and activities for children and families in city parks. To contact FSP write P.O. Box 822, Stillwater or call Judy Gulden at 439-8368. The next FSP sponsored event is the FSP Children's Lumberjack Days Relay Races scheduled for Saturday, July 29, 1:00 PM. in Benson Park. Bring friends and family. Benson Park is located on Orleans Avenue behind Courage Center. A friendship walk made of decorative pavers is being installed in Pioneer Park. The walkway area will include flower beds, large planters, flower beds, large planters, flowering trees and climbing vines. Each donation of $50 will purchase an 8x3 inch brick paver that can be engraved with up to three lines of type. A maximum of 16 characters are available per line, including spaces and punctuation. Engraved letters will be filled with a black epoxy to protect the paver from the elements. Submitted artwork is subject to approval. Modifications may be required to fit on the paver. Order blanks are available at Stillwater City Hall. Commemorative pavers are a gratifying way for individuals, families, organizations, businesses and groups to give recognition to an individual or special occasion, or to respectfully honor someone's memory while helping to ensure the enjoyment of park resources in our community. .11 IN 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Checks Payable/Mail To: 1 Address Home Telephone Work Telephone Each Paver = $50.00 Maximum of three lines and 16 characters per line, including spaces and punctuation. Include Artwork in Mailing Modifications may be required to fit on the paver. Friends of Stillwater Parks P.O. Box 822, Stillwater, MN 55082 VOLUME 5 NUMBER 2 SPRING 2000 A PUBLICATION OF THE STILLWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY ctfJLttc * * * FREE! * * * STILLWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY * 223 NORTH FOURTH STREET * STILLWATER, MN 55082 * 651.439.1675 BUILDING NEEDS STUDY COMPLETED David Smith, library building consultant, and his associates have completed a study to determine the library's facility needs. Based on standards and experience with current library construction, they have found that the library is presently undersized at 13,200 sq. ft. An additional 10,000 sq. ft. is needed just to accommodate current operations. To handle future population growth, we need a library of 32,280 sq. ft. Using block diagrams, the consultants determined that it is feasible to add 19,000 sq. ft. while preserving the historic nature of the building. Providing adequate parking is more difficult. Although the study identifies ways to create more off-street parking, it suggests that we first look for a shared, neighborhood -wide solution. We are now assessing the study's recommendations. Lynne Bertalmio, Director WHAT'S STILLWATER READING? For summer reading, Debra Dziuk, Friends©Stillwater Public Library President, recommends The Saving Graces by Patricia Gaffney, Catherine Hyde's Pay It Forward, and A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Egger. Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday HOURS 10 A.M. 1 10 A.M. 1 10 A.M. 10 A.M. - 9P.M. - 9P.M. - 9P.M. - 9P.M. - 5P.M. - 5 P.M. Sundays* 1 5 P.M. *starting Sunday, September 10, 2000 PROGRAMS Preschool Storytime for Ages 3-5 Wed., 10:30 A.M. Family Summer Programs Thursdays at 6:30 P.M. on the library lawn Bill the Juggler July 6 Banjo Dancers July 13 Schiffelly Puppets July 27 Feast-i-val Performance Aug. 10 Next Step: Kindergarten Storytime Tues. August 22& Mon. August 28 7 P.M. Check our web site for programming details! http://ci.stillwater.mn.us/library/ If you have a disability and need assistance to participate in a program, please call to request assistance at least 10 days before the program. LUMBERJACK DAYS AT THE LIBRARY Watch for our Library Kids contingent in the Lumberjack Days Parade on Sunday, July 30. (Parade help is needed. If you would like to volunteer to create costumes, decorate a float, or be a Library Kid in the parade, call Gail Nordstrom at 439-1675 ext. 14.) At 4 P.M., after the parade, cool off with a bowl of ice cream at the library's LJD Ice Cream Social, sponsored by Friends@Stillwater Public Library. Ice cream will be served on the library lawn. We will be open from 2-5 P.M., for this one Sunday in the summer so that you may tour the library and meet Board, staff, and Friends. VAC PACKS ARE BACK! Summer's the time for beach, river, or cabin. Wherever you go, take some good paperbacks with you. We've made choosing and transporting summertime reading easy with Vacation Packs. We've put paperbacks in plastic bags for you to toss in your suitcase or beachbag. There are packs for both adults and children. You'll find them in the wading pool in the library's rotunda. Thanks to all the paperback donors who make Vacation Packs possible and to the volunteers who assembled the packets. L E T Y p U R M 1 N D tkU N * * * bbeif * * * NEW ELECTRONIC DATABASE: WORLD BOOK ONLINE Your report on Sweden is due tomorrow, and - horrors - someone has the S volume of the encyclopedia. Relax, we now subscribe to World Book Online! World Book Online contains all of the articles from the print version plus additional articles. Content is updated monthly. Links connect users from encyclopedia articles to full -text articles in other sources, including magazines, newspapers, and web sites authenticated by the encyclopedia editors. Other features include Today in History, Feature of the Month, and Behind the Headlines. To improve access to World Book Online and other databases, we've recently added two more PCs - one in the Children's Room and another in the Reference Room. BOOKS ON CD With a generous grant from the Stillwater Rotary Club Foundation, the library has purchased its first books on CD for all ages. They're shelved near other audio formats and are listed in the catalog. READY FOR KINDERGARTEN? Next Step: Kindergarten storytimes will be presented Tuesday, August 22, and Monday, August 28, at 7 P.M. Planned in conjunction with the School Readiness Program of ECFE, the hour-long program explores the joys and fears of starting kindergarten. LIBRARY KIDS LEAD THE WAY It's not too late to join the children's Summer Reading Program. Children simply need to pick up a reading log, set a reading goal, and start reading! It's a sure- fire way to help kids keep up their reading skills during the summer school break. After reading 5 books, children get a button; upon completing their goal, they receive a Certificate of Achievement, a place on the library's Wall of Fame, and a chance to win a Library Kids Lead the Way T-shirt. (The schedule of free family programs is on the first page of 'l)elf/de.) Children of any age (including preschoolers) may participate. Kids may count books and magazines that they read on their own, that others read to them, or that they read to younger kids. Even books on tape may be included to reach a reading goal. The program continues through the month of August. Lead the Way and take part in great summer reading! CHILDREN'S SUMMER BOOK DISCUSSIONS Designed for children in grades 4-6, our summer book discussion series is under way, led by Lindy Howe and Gail Nordstrom. The reading list is available at the Children's Desk and on our web site. Discussions will run from 1:30 - 3 P.M., on Tuesdays, July 11, 18, and 25, and August 15, 22, and 29. Children may attend any or all sessions, but pre- registration is required. Call 439- 1675 ext. 14 to pre -register. FOOTLIGHT FEAST-I-VAL RETURNS Puppeteer and artist -in -residence Dhann Polnau returns to the library to lead a two -week hands-on workshop to create puppets and masks as participants explore the ecology of the St. Croix River Valley. A grand public performance on the library lawn will show off the children's artistic efforts on Thursday, August 10. Staff from the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway will work with Dhann and the children as they develop the spectacle. Children ages 7 and older may take part in the workshop from July 31 to August 9. Younger children may participate on the night of the performance in special roles created for them. Registration for this popular workshop is required, and forms will be available in the library in early July. Other community partners for this program include District 834 Community Education and Early Childhood Family Education, the Alternative Learning Program, Head Start, and Washington County Social Services, with supplies donated by local businesses. For more information on the workshop or the final performance, call Gail Nordstrom at 439-1675 ext. 14. This activity is made possible, in part, by funds provided by the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council and the River Valley Arts Council through a grant from the McKnight Foundation and an appropriation from the Minnesota Legislature. ST.CROIX VALLEY RECREATION CENTER SUMMER SCHEDULE ICE ARENA ACTIVITIES 430-2601 Open Skating: Please pick up a schedule at the Rec Center office or visit our City of Stillwater WEB SITE at: www.ci.stillwater.mn.us Pass/Punch Cards are available. Cost: $2.00/youth & senior, $3.00/adult $5.00/family 10 punch card for $15.00 10 punch card for $25.00 10 punch card for $40.00 Adult Hockey League: Sunday nights 5:15-10:15 games,8-10 games with playoffs. Cost: $800/team- includes jerseys and referees ($100 deposit required) League begins: Oct. 15`" and ends Dec. 17th Registration Due: Oct. 2" d Forms available at Rec Center office. Pro Ice Time: Please pick-up schedule at the Rec. Center office or visit our City of Stillwater WEB SITE at: www.ci.stillwater.mn.us Pass/Punch cards are available: Cost: $6.50/hour 11 punch card for $65.00 Hockey Camps: Turcotte Stick Handling: July 17 to 21. Mite / Squirt Session and Peewee / Bantam Session Brad Buetow School: Aug. 6 to 11. 6,7,8 & 9 year old session and a 9,10,11 &12 year old session. Bjugstad's Shooting: Aug. 14 & 16. Registration forms for all camps are available at the Rec Center front desk. Youth Fall Hockey Leagues (4 on 4): Mites, Squirts, and Pee Wees register now for a 1 practice and 11 game league. Cost: $100 League begins: Aug. 201h and ends Sept. 24t Registration Due: July l5'". Forms available at Rec Center Marketing Opportunities Contact Doug Brady for information on how you can help the youth of our community through Field House and Arena Advertising. Phone 430-2601 or stop in! Special Events Plans? The Recreation Center is available for birthday parties, corporate functions or any other special event. Please contact our office for help in planning and arranging your party. 430-2601 ST.CROIX VALLEY RECREATION CENTER SUMMER SCHEDULE FIELD HOUSE ACTIVITIES 430-2601 Field House Walking: The field house is available for walking Monday — Friday beginning at 7:OOAM. Pass/Punch Cards are available. Cost: $.50/youth & senior, 20 punch card for $5.00 $2.00/adult 20 punch card for $20.00 $3.00/family 20 punch card for $30.00 Open Field Time: Chance to get out of the wind and rain! Dome is available for family or individual recreation. Adult times: Tuesdays and Fridays 11:30 AM — 1:30 PM Family/Youth times: Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:00 PM — 4:30 PM and Saturday 2:00 PM — 3:00 PM Cost: $2.00/youth & seniors 10 punch card for $15.00 $3.00/adult 10 punch card for $25.00 $5.00/family 10 punch card for $40.00 Adult Touch Football League: Tues. and Thurs. Nights 9:00 and 10:00 games, 8-10 games with playoffs. Cost: $350/team includes - referees, 6 0n 6 League begins: Oct. 31s1 and ends Jan. 4th Registration Due: Oct. 2"' Forms available at Rec. Center Fall/Winter Indoor Softball Leagues: Wed. nights 9:00-11:00 games, 8- 10 games with playoffs. Cost: $500/team includes- certified umpires League begins: Nov. 1st and ends Jan. 3"s Registration Due: Oct. 2nd Forms available at Rec. Center 4th Annual Bicycle Classic Sunday, Sept. 17, 2000. Benefits Gateway Trail Association. 20-35-60 mile scenic routes. Registration deadline is Aug. 28th. Routes start and finish at Rec. Center Questions call 612-378-5714. Skyhawks Summer SOCCER Camp: Date: July 31-Aug 4, 9am-3pm For registration call Skyhawks at 1-800-804-3509 Electronics Recyclin;, Residents of the City of Stillwater may have noticed some positive changes in their garbage service at the beginning of this year. Some of those changes were: direct billing from Waste Management, no longer the need to use special "City" bags for excess garbage and a decrease in volume -based rates. Another positive change was made in the area of curbside recycling. Waste Management will continue to pick up all recyclable items curbside, with the exception of certain consumer electronics, specifically televisions and computer monitors. These electronic items contain a cathode ray tube (CRT) that has approximately 5 pounds of lead in them. Lead is a material that should be recovered and recycled, not landfilled. When lead is placed in a landfill, it can contaminate the ground water (our drinking water.) Waste Management recently opened a processing facility for electronics in Inver Grove Heights. At this facility, electronics units are disassembled and the lead is recovered and recycled. Electronics containing lead —televisions and computer monitors- can now be dropped off at Waste Management's Bellair Transfer Station Location: 8678 N 75'h St. — Mahtomedi, MN (west on County Rd. 12, east of the Mahtomedi High School.) If you have any questions, please call Waste Management at (763) 890-1100 or the City of Stillwater at (651) 430-8800. Yard Waste Reminder 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: 1. 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). 2. Mulch leaves and grass and leave them on your lawn. 3. Backyard composting yields a rich humus which 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. 4. Bag leaves or grass clippings in plastic or paper bags for pickup at curbside. 5. Tree branches and brush must be bundled and not exceed 4 feet in length or 35 pounds per bundle. 6. Yard waste picked up by Waste Management is composted. The compost pile is in use from approximately April 1 through November 1. Yard waste will not be picked before April or after October 31. Stillwater City Scene The Stillwater City Scene is a new local cable program that will keep you updated on what's going on in the City of Stillwater. The show is hosted by Mayor Jay Kimble and is shown on Channel 16 at 9:00 PM. every Wednesday. The show is played at other times also, if you would like to know when they might be showing the program again or if you have news for the show, you can call the Cable Access Center at 430-2921. FamilyMeans FamilyMeans, a local nonprofit organization, formerly known as Family Service St. Croix, provides services for families, including family counseling, services for seniors, support for caregivers, youth and family development programs and a consumer credit counseling service. We believe FamilyMeans sounds like a beginning and the services we offer provide the ending... FamilyMeans better communication. FamilyMeans smoother transitions. FamilyMeans financial stability. FamilyMeans support for families. We provide the kind of support that families need so they can thrive during each stage of life. The agency receives support from individuals and grants from foundations and the United Way. The 8th Annual St. Croix Garden Tour, a benefit for FamilyMeans, helps provide the essential programs and services necessary to strengthen individuals and families in the community. This year's Garden Tour will be held on July 15 and 16 from 10:00 AM. — 4:00 PM.. As always, University of Minnesota Extension Service Master Gardeners will be available to answer any questions. Tax-deductible tickets for the self -guided tour are $10/adult and $25/family. For more information about FamilyMeans or the St. Croix Garden Tour, please call 651-439-4840. CITY BRIEFS Commission & Board Openings Human Rights Commission Applications are now being accepted for at least four upcoming vacancies on the Human Rights Commission. The purpose of the Commission is to aid and advise the Stillwater City Council in ensuring for all citizens of the City equal opportunity in those areas protected by law and in other related concerns. Members serve a two-year term and must be residents of the City of Stillwater. These are volunteer positions and are appointed by Council. Applications are available at City Hall or by calling 430-8800. Criteria for evaluation includes, but is not limited to: personal and professional experience relating to the subject area of the commission, knowledge of the community; knowledge of city government, and experience from similar appointments. The Human Rights Commission meets the last Wednesday of the month. If questions, please call Peggy Perry, Chairperson at 430- 9423. Library Board Opening Applications are being accepted for an opening on the Library Board. The Stillwater Public Library is seeking concerned citizens with library interest to fill a vacancy on the Library Board. The Board of Trustees is the policy making body for the library. According to city ordinance, Trustees must be residents of the City of Stillwater. The Library Board meets the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM. Application forms are available at City Hall, 216 N. 4'h St., 430-8800 or at the Library, 223 N. 4th St., at 439-1675. Applications must be returned to either the library or City Hall by 4:30 PM. July 14, 2000. If questions, please call Lynn Bertalmio, Library Director at 439-1675, ext. 18. Charter Commission Applications are being accepted for openings on the Charter Commission. The purpose of the commission is to make changes to the city's charter, a document similar to a hometown constitution, which the City first adopted in 1913. Members are appointed by the Chief Judge of the 10th District Court. To apply, please drop off or send a letter of interest and resume as soon as possible to the City Charter Commission, Stillwater City Hall, 216 N. 4th Street, Stillwater, MN 55082. The deadline to apply is noon, July 14, 2000. Keep Your Neighbo. _} Friendly and Your Pea Safe As summer approaches, the number of animal complaints increases. Here is a summary of the animal Ordinances and Statutes that are important for you to remember: • All dogs over 6 months of age are required to have an annual City license. The cost is $10.00 and are valid from May 1s' until the following April 30th. This insures that your dog will be returned quickly if lost. Proof of valid rabies vaccination is required. • No animal shall be allowed to run at large. The City ordinances defines animals as any nonhuman living being, domestic or wild. (This means dogs and cats.) At large is defined as off the owner's premises and not under the control of the owner or a member of his immediate family either by leash, cord or chain, or similar physical restraint. • be considered a nuisance for any animal to habitually or frequently bark or cry; to frequent It shall school grounds, parks or public beaches; to chase vehicles; to molest or disturb any person if such person is not on the property of the owner or custodian of such animal; or to molest, defile or destroy any property, public or private. • All animals shall be provided shade from the direct rays of the sun, during the months of June to September. Fresh water must be provided. • It is unlawful to permit an animal to defecate on public property or the private property of another, without immediately removing the excrement and disposing of it in a sanitary manner. If you are having a problem, call the Police Department immediately. Police Department Asks for Your Help!! On Monday, May 18, 2000 between 4:00 PM. and 7:00 PM. the Stillwater Explorer Post #521 hand delivered approximately 315 letters to City residents whose property is near or abuts City parks. The purpose of the letter is to alert residents to the recent increase in vandalism and damage to property. The Stillwater Police Department is asking all city residents for assistance in reporting vandalism, damage to property, and suspicious or unusual activity. This includes all areas of the city, with emphasis on City parks where reported vandalism and damage to property has increased. The Police Department is asking residents to report anything that seems suspicious or out of place. This could include a group of people in the park after hours, a vehicle (occupied or unoccupied) which has been in the same location for an extended period of time, or maybe just a strange noise that is not normally heard. Most parks within the City close at 10:00 PM., unless a special permit has been applied for. When you call, remember you can not give too much information. You can also remain anonymous. Examples of the type of information that would be helpful to the police are: How many people; what they are wearing — jeans, shorts, long sleeve or short sleeve hat and color of clothing; what do they look like — male, female, juvenile, adult, height, weight, race; last direction of travel — if they are leaving the area, which way are they heading, are they leaving on foot, bicycle or in a vehicle. If you are calling about a vehicle: What type of vehicle is it — passenger car, pickup truck, convertible, etc. The make (Ford) and Model (Mustang) is very helpful. What color is it — even "light" or "dark" color is better than no color description at all. What is the license plate number — try to get as much information as possible. What does the driver look like — male, female, juvenile, adult, race? How many occupants in the car. Last direction of travel — if they are leaving the area, which way are they heading. The Police Department needs the "eyes and ears" of the community to help keep our parks fun and safe. It is the goal of the police department that this combined effort between the police, residents and parks employees to keep our parks a place for all to enjoy. ■ ■■■.■■■ STILLWATER CITY COUNCIL WILL MEET ONCE IN JULY (JULY 18, 2000) CITY DATA City Hall 216 N Fourth Street City Numbers Admin-430-8800 Building-430-8825 Engineering/Public Works-430-8830 Fire-351-4950 Garage-439-5933 Library-439-1675 Parks-439-4561 Police-351-4900 Planning-430-8820 Sewer Billing 430-8814 Water Billing 439-6231 ■ Waste Management Questions on Service and Billing 763-890-1100 ■ St. Croix Recreation Center 430-2601 ■ City Web Site www.ci.stillwater.mn.uE ■ Stillwater Scene Official City Newsletter April, 2000 VOL.12 - No.2 216 N Fourth St., Stillwater, Minnesota 55082 CART -SORT BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID Stillwater, MN 55082 Permit No. 206 Postal Patron IN THIS ISSUE KEEP THIS... DOWNTOWN PARKING WHO'S WHO IN CITY HALL STILLWATER D.A.R.E. ANNUAL PARK ART EXHIBIT DOG LICENSES DUE PIONEER PARK WALK FILING OPENS JULY 4 ELECTION JUDGES NEEDED FREE SOIL TESTS! FERTILIZER ORDINANCE PRUNING TREES & SHRUBS LEARN TO READ - YOUR FERTILIZER ROSES NEED TLC PLANTING TREES GETTING READY TO RAKE CHARTER COMMISSION IS YOUR CONTRACTOR LICENSED? DO YOU NEED A PERMIT? Charter 3rd Monday City Council 1st & 3rd Tuesday Heritage Preservation 1st Monday Human Rights Last Wednesday Library 2nd Tuesday Parks Board 4th Monday Planning 2nd Monday Mayor Jay Kimble 430-8746 Council Ward 1 Terry Zoller 439-5286 Ward 2 Eric Thole 430-3722 Ward 3 Rich Cummings 439-6539 Ward 4 Gene Bealka 439-4387 Keep This... You w!illay oe Missing Something!!! Over the last 12 years the City has distributed this newsletter as a way to keep residents informed of various aspects of City policies and operations. Inside this newsletter you will find information on current events, ordinances, policies, programs, services, staff and other information. 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 hearings or ordinances. The City publishes required legal publications in the Stillwater Gazette. The City provides the Gazette and Courier with press 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. Downtown Parking Program Revised "Make it simple, inexpensive and convenient."This is the message heard by the Downtown Parking Commission in reviewing the Downtown Parking Program. The Downtown Parking Commission, comprised of City of Stillwater residents and business owners, has been meeting over the past several months to review downtown parking conditions and modify the downtown parking program for Summer 2000. A review of parking conditions revealed there are 2,800 parking spaces downtown. Of that number, 1,150 are in private parking lots, 1,150 in public parking lots and 500 spaces are on -street. For Summer 2000, three lots containing 300 parking spaces will be pay Tots. The three lots are the South Main Lot (south of Brick Alley), the River Lot (east of the Freighthouse) and the Maple Island Lot (north of the Amoco Gas Station). Last year, six lots containing 550 spaces were pay lots. On -street parking and the other 11 public parking lots containing 1,350 spaces will all be free. The pay -parking program begins May I and runs through October 31. All pay lots shall be free November I through April 30. The rates will remain the same as 1999: $5 - S. Main lot and $3 - _Maple Island lot, all day. Since its inception three years ago, summer pay parking program revenues have funded 250 new parking spaces in two new parking lots and improved the South Main and River Lots. The downtown employee parking program has also been reviewed and changed by extending the program from five (5) to seven (7) days a week. The number of spaces for permit parking has also been increased. See the enclosed Downtown Parking Map for details. If you have questions regarding the parking program, please call 351-4900 or 430-8800. Members of the Downtown Parking Commission are: Kevin LaCasse, Chair, Cindy Gellerman, Bob Lillyblad, Dave Swanson, Richard Chilson, Kara Johnson, Mike Schumann. Downtown Parking at a Glance Number of Businesses: 270 Number of Private Parking Spaces 1,150 Number of Public Parking Spaces 1,650 (a) 14 Lots 1,150 (b) On Street 500 Total Parking Spaces Pay Parking Spaces Free Parking Spaces 2,800 300 (11 %) 2,500 (89%) WHO'S WHO IN CITY HALL Steve Hansen Steve Hansen started his job as a police officer for Stillwater July 1, 1999. He attended Park High School in Cottage Grove and then on to Inver Hills Community College. Prior to coming to Stillwater he was a police officer for Bayport for 3 1/2 years and was also a volunteer firefighter for Woodbury. He was a Community Service Officer in Hastings before he started working for Bayport. He enjoys working for Stillwater because it is a larger community. Hansen has wanted to be a police officer since he was in the sixth grade and hopes to put in 30 years as a police officer in Stillwater. He teaches gun safety classes for the DNR, collects police patches from all over the world and likes to hunt and play softball. Hansen enjoys working with everyone at the police department and likes the historic downtown area. Dave Koehnen Dave Koehnen is the newest Stillwater Police Officer. His first day out patrolling was the 191h of February. He's anxious to get out and meet the citizens of Stillwater — the good, the bad and the ugly. Koehnen was born in Dallas, Texas. He moved to Woodbury with his family in 1989. Koehnen graduated from Woodbury High School in 1994. He graduated from the University of MN Duluth in 1998 and received a degree in criminology and sociology. Koehnen is the first police officer in his family. Prior to coming to Stillwater, he worked for the Washington County Water Patrol. He likes to attend college hockey games, golf, ski and ride his bike. Questions and Answers Have questions? We'll have the an- swers. You can e-mail Diane Ward at: dward@ci.stillwater.mn.us or Sue Moore at: smoore@ci.stillwater.mn.us or mail your questions to City of Stillwater, 216 N. 4th Street. We'll have the answers for you in the next newsletter. Stillwater D.A.R.E. Program The prevention of substance abuse and violence among school age children is a major concern in our community, as it is elsewhere in our nation. Because illegal drug use and violence is beginning at an earlier age, our elementary school children need to be effectively educated in resisting negative peer pressure. To address this problem the Stillwater Police Department is working with the Stillwater School District in presenting the D.A.R.E. program (Drug Abuse Resistance Education). The Stillwater Police Department currently has three DARE instructors who are specially trained to teach the DARE program to fifth graders. The three officers are Officer Wardell, Officer Cincotta and Sergeant Magler. Each officer spends one hour a week in the classroom for seventeen weeks. Officers also spend time outside the classroom with students during lunch and recess periods. During this time the DARE students get to know their DARE officer as a role model and friend. Our program has been very effective and has strong support from the Stillwater community. The classes teach such topics as consequences, ways to deal with peer pressure, harmful effects of drugs, building self esteem, positive alternatives to drugs and violence, and the eight ways to say no to drug use and violence. Students also work in their DARE workbooks, work in small groups on problem solving, and role-play situations with partners. The students also have take home projects to work on with their parents. The effectiveness of the DARE program depends on the support the DARE student receives from their DARE officer, working with the schools and parents together. During the course of the DARE program the parents are invited to a DARE parent night. The parents get an opportunity to meet the DARE officers and learn more about the DARE program. They also meet with our narcotics officer who shares information on what is happening in and around our community. The program culminates with a DARE graduation. Students receive their graduation certificates and their DARE shirts. Selected students participate in skits and essay readings. While the kids are being educated on avoiding drug use and violence, one of the greatest benefits of the DARE program is the relationships that are being built between the Police Department, the schools and our community. Annual Park Art Exhibit Friends of Stillwater Parks is coordinating the Annual Park Art Exhibit for Young Artists. The goal of the exhibit is to showcase children's creativity and talent, promote outdoor play and recreation, and increase interest in Stillwater's park lands. Entries Accepted: April 10-24 Theme: "Fun, Beauty, Enjoyment of Stillwater Parks and Natural Areas Types ofWorks: Works submitted may be in any media including drawings, paintings, three dimensional art, poetry, written stories, etc. Label Each Entry: Attach a 3"x4" white paper label to the right front of each art work. Include the following information: Title of entry Location being depicted Name of artist School and grade Drop off at the Community Education Office, 1875 S. Greeley St. For more information contact Judy at 439-8368. A reception for all participants will be held at Lakeview Hospital in May. Note: Entries will be returned to the school listed on the information label. Filing Opens July 4 Filing for City Council opens July 4 and continues through Tuesday, July 18. Voters will elect two City Council members this fall. Those elected will serve four-year terms. The two Council positions to be on the ballot are currently held by Rich Cummings (Ward 3) and Eric Thole (Ward 2). Candidates may file for office at City Hall during regular business hours from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Note: City Hall will be closed on July 4.) On July 18, 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 12. 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 7. Those elected will take office at the first Council meeting in January 2001. 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. Two council positions are on the ballot this fall; the Mayor and remaining two seats will be on the ballot in 2002. For additional information, contact the City Clerk, at 430-8802. Election Judges Needed Serving as an election judge is an opportunity to serve your community. Election judges are responsible for the administration of the election procedures in each voting place on election day. Training is provided. Judges are vital to efficient and honest elections. State law allows time off from work without loss of wages to serve as an election judge with 20 days prior notice to the employer. Students 16 and over may serve as trainee election judges. Judges work at either or both the Primary Election and General Election. Judges can choose to be paid an hourly wage or volunteer their services. Initial selection of judges will begin in June. For additional information see the enclosed brochure or contact Morli Weldon, City Clerk, at 430-8802. Free Soils Tests Available!! The City is offering up to 100 soils tests free of charge, first come, first serve, to help residents and businesses determine the correct type and amount of lawn fertilizer to apply this year. The City will arrange to take the sample from your yard, deliver the sample to the University of Minnesota soils testing lab, and pay the $7 fee for analysis. Participants will be sent an easy -to -understand sheet that tells them whether their lawn has an adequate supply of the major nutrients necessary for healthy turf growth. Fertilizing recommendations based on the specific test results for that lawn will also be provided. If you're interested in getting your lawn tested, just call the City at 430-8800 with your name, address, and phone number. We'll do the rest! New Fertilizer Ordinance In Effect On January 1, 2000, the City's new ordinance regulating the use of lawn chemicals that can degrade water quality goes into effect. The Ordinance was adopted to minimize the amount of lawn chemicals carried in water runoff to Lily Lake, McKusick Lake, Long Lake, and the St. Croix River. The new Ordinance states: All fertilizers and lawn chemicals must be kept off paved surfaces like streets and driveways. Once on a paved surface, the slightest rainfall will wash the chemicals into the storm drainage system and the lake or pond to which it discharges. Fertilizers containing more than 3% phosphorous are prohibited unless a reliable soil test shows that the soil is deficient in phosphorous. The use of fertilizers containing phosphorous is prohibited in the buffer zone (i.e. 50 feet from lakes, ponds, wetlands creeks or standing surface water). Fertilizing is prohibited when the ground is frozen and between November 15 and April 1. The MN Extension Service (651) 430-6800 or the Washington County Soil and Water Conservation District (651) 439-6361 must be consulted before using pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and other chemicals. Ai Commercial lawn companies must be licensed. The license fee is $250 and payable at City Hall. Fertilizers and other lawn chemicals are often necessary to establish and maintain healthy lawns. In turn, healthy lawns can help protect water quality by promoting infiltration of precipitation and thereby reducing runoff that picks up pollutants as it travels across the urban landscape. However, adding chemicals to lawns when they aren't needed or applying chemicals in the wrong way increases the likelihood that they will leave the lawns for which they were intended and find their way to our lakes and rivers. Lawn fertilizers can be a source of phosphorous pollution to lakes and rivers. Too much phosphorous in the runoff entering a lake results in excessive algae growth, which decreases water clarity, causes surface scums which can foul shorelines, and depletes oxygen needed by game fish to survive. Careful attention to the type of fertilizers and the way they are applied can help protect the quality of these important public resources (see related article on next page). If you have any questions or concerns about the requirements of the City's Fertilizer Ordinance, please contact the Administration Department at (651) 430-8800. iuMMM■r=Em.+■IMIlr■MMIIt■M■rlNl■II/* 2000 DOG LICENSE APPLICATION 1II Dog licenses are due by May 1 for all dogs over six months CHECK ONE: RABIES INOCULATION: ; of age. The fee for each male or female dog is $10 (fee is 1 Male Dale- , the same whether spayed or neutered). Owners must have ' a current rabies certificate when applying for a license. The 1 — Female Expiration date license is valid for one year and expires April 30 of the , Dog'sName,. Breed ; following year. For your convenience you can cut/fill out the application form, mail the $10.00 payment, current rabies ' Color Age 111 certificate and form to City Hall and in return we will mail 1 owners Name 1 the certificate back to you, along with a 2000 license tag. 1 1 A kennel license is required where four or more dogs over 1 Address 1 four months of age are kept. The $50 fee covers all dogs 1 1 kept during the year. A special use permit is also required. , Home Telephone (required) 1 When off the owner's premises, dogs and cats must be 1 WorkTelephone 1999 City Tag No. , leashed at all times. Dogs and cats running loose will be picked up. The charge is $50, plus boarding fees if the ; Checks Payable/Mail To: City of Stillwater (Attention: Receptionist) animal is taken to a shelter. A ticket may be issued for 216 N. Fourth Street, Stillwater, MN 55082 repeat offenses. ,w_--------•11111•1l-ll-•■I-M-- The Stillwater Police Department will be enforcing Ordinance 858 which states "It is unlawful for any Owner to suffer or permit an animal to defecate on public or private property, without immediately removing the excrement and disposing of it in a sanitary manner." Violation of this Ordinance is a misdemeanor. Don't forget that "baggie" when walking your dog. A friendship walk made of personalized pavers is to be installed in Pioneer Park. The walkway area will include flower beds, large planters, flowering trees, and climbing vines. A donation of $50.00 to the walk will be commemorated with an 8" x 3" brick paver engraved with up to three lines of type. A maximum of 16 characters is available per line, including spaces and punctuation. Engraved letters will be filled with epoxy to protect the paver from the elements. A variety of artwork is also available to enhance your paver. A selection of artwork is illustrated on the order form, or you may submit your own. Submitted artwork or symbols are subject to approval. Modifications may be required to fit on the paver. Pioneer Park Friendship Walk is a program of Friends of Stillwater Parks and the City of Stillwater Parks Department. All proceeds will support programs of Friends of Stillwater Parks. 401M1 MI MM MIMI= MI IN MINIMUM MOM MI 1 1 'Name :Address PIONEER PARK FRIENDSHIP WALK 1 1 1 1 1 1 Home Telephone , 1 Work Telephone Each Paver = $50.00 1 1 1 lIl IlIIIfIIIIIII I 111i1IIIII1IIIIIJ 1 IIIIill IiIIII11II 1 ; Circle Artwork Desired or Include Artwork in Mailing 1 I 1 1 1 {� 1 l f 1 L,_ ) t • 1 11 1 I Modifications may be required to fit on the paver. 1 1 1 1 Checks Payable/Mail To: Friends of Stillwater Parks 1 1 P.O. Box 822, Stillwater, MN 55082 1 AIM-------------------------- A PUBLICATION OF THE STILLWATER PU : IC LIBRARY VOLUME 5 NUMBER 2 SPRING 2000 rtfJLtfe * * * FREE! * * * STILLWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY * 223 NORTH FOURTH STREET * STILLWATER, MN 55082 * 651.439.1675 LIBRARY WELCOMES FRIENDS The library's new group of organized supporters, Friends@Stillwater Public Library, has been active in the past few months. They are co-sponsors of our Winter Reading Program and American Music: Roots and Wings; they've sold copies of authors' books at author talks; and, in March, they took over book sales for the library. They are now planning to revive the library's Lumberjack Days Ice Cream Social. F@SPL is a great help to us, extending the range of activities that the library can provide. Your F@SPL membership dollars can help create a strong organization. If you have time to spare, all of the Friends' work requires the help of active volunteers. I urge you to join F@SPL and support library development. Membership forms are available at the Circulation Desk. Lynne Bertalmio, Director NEW WEB SITE FEATURES We've completely redesigned our web site. Please visit us at http://ci.stillwater.mn.us/library/ to see the changes. We are always interested to hear what you would like to see on the site. Please call us or e-mail the webmaster from the website with your views. Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday* HOURS 10 A.M. - 9 P.M. 1 - 9P.M. 10 A.M. - 9 P.M. 1 - 9P.M. 10 A.M. - 5 P.M. 10 A.M. - 5 P.M. 1 - 5P.M. * September - May PROGRAMS Preschool Storytime for Ages 3-5 Wed., 10:30 A.M. Toddler Storytime for Ages 2&3 Fri., Mar. 10-Apr. 28, 10:30 A.M. Reading Ranger Day for Ages 8-12 Sat., April 29, 11 A.M.-2 P.M. Start Smart! Read to Your Child for Adults Thurs. April 13, 7-8:30 P.M. American Music: Roots and Wings for Adults Wed., April 26, May 3 & 10 7-9:30 P.M. Write Here, Write Now Sun., 3-5 P.M. If you have a.disability and need assistance to participate in a program, please call to request assistance at least 10 days before the program. SELFCHECK INSTALLED In March, we installed a SelfCheck station on the west side of the Circulation Desk. This means that you can bypass lines and check out your own materials. SelfCheck will record your selections and provide you with a date due slip automatically. In some few cases, SelfCheck may ask you to present your materials at the Circulation Desk for check out. Be sure to bring your library card and ask for a demonstration. IT'S TAX TIME AGAIN! On our lower level, the library has numerous federal and Minnesota and some Wisconsin tax forms. Some are available for free distribution whereas others must be copied from master forms. We're happy to help you find forms, but please remember that staff can't give tax advice! NEW BOARD MEMBERS In January, the Mayor and City Council appointed new members Rick Hodsdon and Mary Lou Rice to the Board of Trustees for 3 year terms. WHAT'S STILLWATER READING? Ruth Ranum. F@SPL Secretary, recommends A Recipe for Bees by Gail Anderson-Dargatz, Fugitive Pieces by Anne Michaels, and After Hannibal by Barry Unsworth. L E T p u R M N D U N ****beif *** MUSIC DISCUSSION PROGRAM RETURNS If grant funding is received, the library will host the fifth in its series of music education/discussion programs this spring. The idea for the 2000 program American Music: Roots and Wings came from participants in last year's program Bring on the Blues! They wanted to know more about the history of music in America. Roots and Wings was designed to follow the development of folk music in America. It will look at such indigenous forms as shape note singing which began in colonial times and is still practiced today. It will also consider English, Irish, Scottish, and Nordic folk traditions, brought to the U.S. by immigrants, and how the music changed to reflect the American landscape. Lastly, it will look at how traditional folk music informs and inspires the performance and composition of some contemporary musicians. Participants will receive a bibliography and discography to facilitate further study. Roots and Wings has been developed by the Abondia Center' of Minneapolis, noted for its programs that bring together performers and audiences as equal partners in discussion. The program is tentatively scheduled for Wednesdays, April 26, May 3, and May 10, from 7 to 9:30 P.M. Roots and Wings will be held in the Margaret Rivers Room at the library. The program is free and open to the public, but space is limited. For more information or to register, call (651) 439-1675 ext. 18. NEW ELECTRONIC DATABASE: NOVELIST Once you've finished all the books by your favorite author, do you have difficulty finding something else to read? We now subscribe to NoveList, an electronic reader's advisory resource that helps fiction readers find new authors and titles of interest. Enter a favorite title and ask NoveList to provide a list of similar titles. NoveList makes suggestions on reading for all ages: you may specify children's books, young adult novels, or adult reading. This is one of twelve electronic databases offered by the library. Ask a staff member for a demonstration the next time you visit the library. Library staff are also conspiring to help you find reading, viewing, and listening of interest. Each month, the library will issue a new Staff Suggests list on a variety of topics. START SMART! READ TO YOUR CHILD Start Smart! Read to Your Child, a workshop for parents and adults who work with children, has been rescheduled for Thursday, April 13, from 7:00-8:30 P.M., in the Margaret Rivers Room. It will include information on the value of reading aloud, provide tips for making your shared reading time fun for both reader and listener, and give book ideas for both pre-school and school -aged children. The program is co -sponsored' by Born to Read. The workshop is free, but space is limited. To register, please call 439-1675 ext. 14. READING RANGER DAY Young nature lovers aged 8 to 12 are invited to meet Park Ranger Erin Sutter to learn more about the library's Reading Ranger program on Saturday, April 29, 11 A.M. to 2 P.M., in the Children's Room. Reading Ranger books will be available to read on -site or check out. Participants receive a sticker for reading five books and earn a certificate for ten books. This year- round reading program is co- sponsored by the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Reading lists may be found in the library's Children's Room or at the National Park Service Visitor Center on Main Street. SUMMER READING: LIBRARY KIDS LEAD THE WAY Beginning Monday, June 5, the library's summer reading program will be full of fun for children and their families, featuring reading journals, bookmarks, stickers, and buttons by children's author and illustrator Keiko Kasza with the theme Library Kids Lead the Way. Stop by the library for more details on how to participate. Free entertainment for families, co- sponsored by ECFE, will be featured on Thursday evenings at 6:30 P.M. The programs take place on the library lawn (alternative "rain locations" will be announced) so bring a blanket or lawn chair. June 29 Storyteller Danielle Daniel July 6 Bill the Juggler July 13 Banjo Dancers July 27 Schiffelly Puppets Aug. 10 Summer Extravaganza ST.CROIX VALLEY RECREATION CENTER ICE ARENA ACTIVITIES Open Skating: Please pick up a schedule at the Rec Center office or visit our City of Stillwater WEB SITE at: www.ci.stillwater.mn.us Pass/Punch Cards are available. Cost: $2.00/youth & senior, $3.00/adult $5.00/family 10 punch card for $15.00 10 punch card for $25.00 10 punch card for $40.00 Adult Hockey League; Register now for 8 — 10 game Sunday evening schedule starting, April 9th. Forms available at Rec Center office. $100 deposit required. Pro Ice Time: Open at 6:00am Monday — Friday, Tuesday and Thursday 3:00-4:45 . Cost is $6.50 per hour times subject to change pick-up schedule at the Rec. Center. Hockey Camps: Turcotte Stick Handling: July 17 to 21. Mite / Squirt Session and Peewee / Bantam Session Doug Long Program: June 19 to july 28. High School / Bantam / Pee Wee Levels Brad Buetow School: Aug. 6 to 11. 6,7,8 & 9 year old session and a 9,10,11 &12 year old session. Bjugstad's Shooting: March 14 & 15 and Aug. 14 & 16. Power, Power, Power: Registration in May ages 4-11 Registration forms for all camps are available at the Rec Center front desk. ISI Skating Program/Startup Hockey Program: Summer program to be held on Wednesday evenings, beginning June 14 th and run through August 16`h. Program includes 8 thirty -minute lessons and a pass for 10 open skating sessions. Fee is $55.00. Registration Tuesday and Wednesday, May 30th and 31st, 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Fa it Hockey Leagues: Register now for 10-game. Starts mid August 20th and runs through September 24th. Teams at all levels. Forms available at Rec Center Marketing Opportunities Contact Doug Brady for information on how you can help the youth of our community through Field House and Arena Advertising. Phone 430-2601 or stop in! Special Events Pla s? The Recreation Center is available for birthday parties, corporate functions or any other special event. Please contact our office for help in planning and arranging your party. 430-2601 ST.CROIX VALLE RECREATION CENTER SPRING SCHEDULE FIELD HOUSE ACTIVITIES Field Mouse Walking: The field house is available for walking Monday — Friday beginning at 6:OOAM. Pass/Punch Cards are available. Cost: $.50/youth & senior, 20 punch card for $5.00 $2.00/adult 20 punch card for $20.00 $3.00/family 20 punch card for $30.00 Open Field Time: Chance to get out of the cold and wind! Dome is available for family or individual recreation. Adult times: Tuesdays and Fridays 11:30 AM — 1:30 PM Family/Youth times: Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:00 PM — 4:30 PM and Saturday 2:00 PM — 3:00 PM Cost: $2.00/youth & seniors 10 punch card for $15.00 $3.00/adult 10 punch card for $25.00 $5.00/family 10 punch card for $40.00 Spring Youth Soccer Leagues Forming: Session III: Mar. 3 - Apr. 3 additional information call: Alan Merrick's Soccer Academy (651)-483-500 I3asehall/Softball Conditioning: Get your arm in shape for the upcoming season. M-W-F 3:00pm — 4:00pm time subject to change Battings Cages: Wednesday night, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. $3.00 for 50 pitches Call the recreation center for additional information regarding your baseball or softball needs. Bocce Ball League Registration: Seniors interested in 2 man teams for weekday morning league should contact Douglas Brady for additional information. Plans are to run league on Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00 am — 11:00 am. Entry fee TBD Golf Driving Range: Monday -Wednesday -Friday 10:00 AM — 2:00 PM beginning January 10`h — April 28111 Wednesday Evenings 6:00 PM — 8:30 PM COST: $7.50 per half-hour. 15 Stations Skyhawks Summer SOCCER Camp: Date: July 31-Aug 4, 9am-3pm For registration call Skyhawks at 1-800-804-3509 DECEMBER NOVEMBER OCTOBER SEPTEMB' AUGUST JULY JUNE MAY APRIL Maythru May1 All Year IQ -, V N Co N (n .A N N N -‘ b .N CO O, October thnl Long rn oNw to oo •V Ado wcn o,rn o ',l OON oo�C O owN N Aug.31 a rn to O, V V Wp CO V ? o rA-IP,v-Irt Annn Ow n37 Vn, rrt KKSI K3-170 2v wAvrZm<� (D W c co w o = CO a S? 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Q N •= C N 0 m — 3 =o ta3 e" = acr o a J J J O M M Will I be paid? 0 U 0 0 U a) a) • a, a) a) U Can I take time off from work? 0 U a) a) a) • -0 a) z E cA O a).5 a) '^ bA 8 .2 czt 0 O bA Ca11 651-430-8800 to have an ,0 a) ct N a) a) O • •0• al to bn U ti U a) o a N � O 0 o oo What is the time commitment? U 0 o • .0 ct U a) CN O czt N 00 a JD • • Who is eligible? CC CC: ald too To be an Election Judge, you must: . • • Yes! I want to serve my community. Send me information on how to be an Election Judge. Name: Address: Home Phone: Work Phone: Best time to call: E-mail Address: water �.r City of Stillwater 216 North 4th Street Stillwater, MN 55082 Mail to: City of Stillwater, Office of the City Clerk 216 N. 4th St., Stillwater, MN 55082 Fax to: 651-430-8809 �- 0 0 Pruning Trees & Shrub Pruning has often been called an art and a science based on reason. Proper pruning is essential for the long term well being of most woody plants, especially long-lived trees. Basically, pruning is preventative maintenance. Making the proper cuts at the right time will help ensure healthy plants for years to come. Most shade trees are pruned to encourage a strong central leader with lower lateral branches coming out at wide angles to the main stem. As the tree grows, lower branches may be removed over a period of years to raise the crown above head height or higher Figure 1 shows which branches should be pruned to avoid future problems. The principal of pruning illustrated here should apply to all trees, weather they are single or multiple stemmed. Other general principles of pruning also apply. Branches should be pruned back to a lateral or vertical branch, not leaving a branch stub. By making the cut just outside the branch collar (Figure 2) and not too close (Flush Cut) to the remaining branch, pruning wounds will naturally close over.You should avoid topping trees and removing large branches leaving stubs that can cause several health problems. It also destroys the plant's natural shape and promotes suckering and development of weak branch structure. Proper pruning cuts will insure that the natural barrier zone will remain intact and woody decay organisms will not enter the tree. Research has shown wound dressing is not normally needed on pruning cuts. However, if wounds need to be covered to prevent insect transmission of certain diseases such as oak wilt, use latex rather than oil -based paint. As illustrated in Figure 2, a three cut method should be applied to any pruning of branches larger then 3 inches. A good rule of thumb is to use the three cut method any time the branch can not be supported by one hand to avoid bark tears. Also, remember to leave the pruning of large trees to qualified tree care professionals who have the proper equipment. The best time to prune trees and shrubs for health of the plant is in the late dormant season before growth starts in spring. However, in most cases timing is not critical and pruning can be safely done whenever time permits. Because of Oak Wilt disease, Oaks should not be pruned between March and July. If flowering is a concern on early blooming shrubs, prune after the plant has finished blooming. Commercial arborists prune year around and try to minimize plant problems whenever possible. Further Resources: Minnesota Extension Services University of Minnesota 240 Coffey Hall 1420 Eckles Avenue St. Paul, MN 55108-6070 Phone: (612) 625-1915 Fax: (612) 625-6227 email: infoftextension.umn.edu Division of Forestry - Minnesota DNR 1200 Warner Road, St. Paul, MN 55106 Phone: (651) 296-6157 Fax: (651) 296-5484 email: info@dnr.state.mn.us Learn to Read - Your Fertilizer The grade or analysis of a fertilizer represents the three primary plant nutrients in its composition. By convention, nitrogen is expressed on an elemental basis as percent N, whereas phosphorus and potassium are expressed on an oxide basis as percent P2O5 (phosphate) and percent K2O (potash), respectively. Minnesota State law requires that any material sold as fertilizer is clearly labeled with its fertilizer grade (e.g., 10-3-10) and the manufacturer guarantees this analysis. The first number in the series is the percent of nitrogen, the second number is the percent of phosphate and the third number is the percent of potash. It should be noted that nitrogen, phosphate and potash do not exist in fertilizer in these forms. Rather, these forms are calculated based on the elemental analysis to provide a convenient way of comparing the nutrient value of one fertilizer with another. For example a 10-20-10 fertilizer has the same amount of nitrogen and potash, but over six times as much phosphate as a 10-3-10 fertilizer. Also note that the percentages do not add up to 100. This is because the fertilizer is made up of other elements not included in the analysis and in some cases may also contain a filler or carrier. 7 I. swam3. boo;brolch shah 3.. aqua hnunshos 4. •ubbiny btm Sea 3. water spout 6. cur ow, weds crotch 7. double loader Figure 1 cut® �Cut Branch Dollar swelling Figure 2 Minnesota Extension Services Washington County Suite 202,1825 Curve Crest Blvd. Stillwater, MN 55082-6054 Phone: (651) 430-6800 Fax: (651) 430-6801 email: washington@extension.umn.edu Roses Are In Need ofT! The City of Stillwater is seeking some assistance from individuals in maintaining the rose beds on County Road 5 between Cub/Target and the Oasis Market at Croixwood Boulevard. There are 15 rose beds that require weeding and some general TLC. Volunteers could "adopt" one or more beds. To volunteer call Sue Fitzgerald at 430-8822. punting Trees on Boulevards Each year the City receives inquiries from residents about whether or not they can plant trees along the streets in the boulevard right-of-way. The city -owned right-of-way usually extends approximately 14 feet beyond the curb and gutter; therefore, residents desiring to plant in this area need to get City approval (residents without curb and gutter should contact the Engineering Department (430-8830), for specific information). There are many things to consider when planting trees near the street: width of the boulevard strip between the curb and the sidewalk, underground and overhead utilities, snow removal, sand and de- icing salts, vehicle clearance and characteristics of the tree species. The following are some guidelines for planting trees in the boulevard right-of-way. Situation Suggested Tree Species boulevard width under 4 feet no trees no treesboulevard width 4 feet to 6 feet only ornamental trees such as: flowering crabapple Japanese tree lilac thornless Cockspur hawthorn mountain ash boulevard width 6 feet to 8 feet ornamental trees or shade trees such as: ash hackberry thornless honeylocust ginkgo (male, no fruit) buckeye boulevard width over 8 feet ornamental trees or shade trees such as: basswood (linden) oak red maple boulevard with no sidewalk ornamental or shade trees planted at least 5 feet in from the curb or edge of street under overhead power lines normally not recommended (possible exception: ornamental trees with a mature height of Tess than 20 feet) within 30 feet of stop signs no trees Obviously the wider the boulevard area, the better a tree will grow and the less it will interfere with sidewalks, curbing and vehicle traffic. Poor choices on planting locations can result in tree damage or substandard growth. Trees planted too close to sidewalks can cause damage that could result in repair costs to the resident. Trees growing in the boulevard right-of-way should not block the view of intersections or stop signs or interfere with power lines. When such situations occur, they could result in tree trimming or removal. Before digging, have the location of underground utilities checked by calling Gopher State One Call, (651) 454-0002. Trees which do not make good boulevard trees are those with smelly or messy fruits, fast-growing, deciduous trees such as silver maple, cottonwood, and evergreens. If you are interested in putting a boulevard tree in the right-of-way along your street, be sure to get City approval before planting. Call the Engineering Dept. at 430-8830 before you plant. If you are a Stillwater resident and have a question about your trees, please call Kathy Widin, Forestry Consultant at 430-8765. Getting Ready to Rake That Lawn? The State of Minnesota banned leaves, grass clippings and brush from going to landfills and processing facilities in - 1990. Yard waste must not be mixed with regular garbage and needs to be collected separately. Here are some options for disposing of your yard waste: • Do not catch grass clippings while mowing. Leave the short clippings on the lawn to conserve soil moisture and return nutrients to the soil. This requires Tess 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. What Is a Home Rule Charter, Its History, and Charter Commission? The United States Constitution provided that states would be left with the responsibility of regulating local government. When the Minnesota Constitution was adopted, it provided that the legislature had the power to create local governments such as counties and cities. However, a provision of the Constitution provided that the cities retain the powers to adopt home rule charters, and the City of Stillwater adopted its first City Charter in 1913. City charters are similar to a constitution for the city since in the city charter itself, the citizens can provide for a range of local powers and functions that are desired by the people of the city. Residents of the city who are members of the charter commission draw up the charter locally, and the electors of the city can adopt it. Changes that are needed in local government can occur locally instead of waiting for the State of Minnesota to propose a new law. Members of the Charter Commission are appointed by the district court acting through its chief judge. Anyone can serve on a Charter Commission if they are qualified voters of the city. However, judges cannot serve on charter commissions, and no person may serve more than two successive terms. Since the Charter Commission is like a standing constitutional convention, it has the power to propose charter changes at any time. If the city's charter does not work or proves to be faulty, it is the commission's duty to propose improvements. Amendments to the charter can be made in a number of ways. A petition of registered voters may propose an amendment. The City Council may ask for an amendment subject to the charter commission's review, or the Charter Commission itself may recommend to the City Council amendment to charter by ordinance. Finally, the Charter Commission itself has the authority to place charter changes on a referendum ballot either at a special or statewide election. In general, a charter may provide any municipal powers that the legislature could have delegated to the city as long as the powers are consistent with state law. Some city charters authorize cities to provide for medical clinics, public transit, and industrial parks. The charter may authorize a wide range of public enterprises as long as they do not involve the use of public funds for an unconstitutionally private purpose. The terms of some members will be expiring May 1, 2000, although several members are eligible for reappointment. Persons interested in serving on the City Charter Commission are entitled to make a request directly to the Chief District Judge of the Tenth Judicial District, The Honorable Gary J. Meyer, Wright County Government Center, 10 Second Street NW, #201, Buffalo, Minnesota 55313-1192. However, it is recommended that citizens make their requests to the City Charter Commission, Stillwater City Hall, 216 North 4th Street, Stillwater, MN 55082, since Charter Commission members are equipped to explain the functions of the charter commission and historically have made their recommendations to the chief district judge. The deadline for your letter of interest and resume is April 24, 2000. LEVEE WALL PROJECT Park Construction and the Corps of Engineers resumed construction on the Levee Wall Project this spring, the week of March 13. General clean up and preparation will continue until about April 3. Then crews will be moved in to begin restoration and paving of the parking and roadway area directly east of the tracks. If the river level continues to drop another 6", the contractor will begin constructing the concrete walk way along the river wall. With good weather and no unforeseen scheduling problems, we could see a mid to late summer completion. CITY BRIEFS DNR Gun Safety Course DNR Gun Safety course to be offered this Spring by the Stillwater Police Dept. Preregistration is now being accepted at the Police Dept. by calling 351-4900 during business hours. Participants must be at least 12 years of age and not older than 21 years old. All participants must be preregistered and classroom size limited to 30 persons. Course is scheduled for late April and will consist of 5 mandatory classroom sessions. For registration please contact the Stillwater Police Dept. or Officer Steve Hansen for any questions. Hazardous Waste Collection Facility Washington County Public Health and Environment will have a Temporary Collection Site on Saturday, May 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Lily Lake Park. A permanent collection facility is located at 1900 Hadley Avenue N. in Oakdale. You must live in Washington, Ramsey, Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, or Hennepin County to use this facility. Bring driver's license for proof of residency. Items accepted at the facility are: Automotive/Petroleum Products gasoline transmission oil brake fluid used oil / oil filters kerosene charcoal lighter fluid power steering fluid antifreeze Building Products rust remover paint stripper driveway sealer solvents paint/varnish/stain roofing tar paint thinner wood preservatives Household Cleaners spot remover rug cleaner metal cleaner oven cleaner Pesticides insect killers weed killers flea products rat or mouse poison Other Chemicals/ photographic chemicals acid and corrosive chemicals lithium batteries mercury containing products drain cleaner bathroom cleaners containing petroleum distillates/solvents moth crystals fertilizers with weed killer other garden chemicals Miscellaneous propane cylinders pool chemicals fluorescent lamps Ni-Cad batteries spray (aerosol) cans - but not if empty Is our Contractor Licensed? The Builders Association of Minnesota (BAM) announced in May 1999 that the Department of Commerce enforcement bill that passed during the 1999 legislative session strengthens the building contractor licensing law. The new law increases the penalty for contractor license violations from $2,000 to $10,000 per occurrence. It also increases the criminal penalty for unlicensed activity from a misdemeanor to a gross misdemeanor. The BAM is a statewide business association representing more than 3,000 building industry professionals. Members include builders, remodelers, developers, lumberyards, window manufacturers, building material retailers and lenders as well as many other building associates. Members join one of 171 local affiliated associations and automatically become a member of BAM and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB.) The statewide licensing law has been in effect since 1992 and there are currently over 7,000 builders and remodelers licensed by the MN Department of Commerce. In 1993, the MN Legislature passed a law requiring residential roofers to also be licensed. Roofers are required to be licensed as specialty contractors. BAM is dedicated to offering consumer awareness information regarding the importance of hiring a licensed builder, remodeler, or roofer. Licensed contractors must pass a written exam, provide proof of property damage and liability insurance, provide proof or workers' compensation and unemployment insurance, and disclose the organizational structure of their business. Most importantly, licensed contractors pay into a Contractors Recovery Fund that provides up to $50,000 in protection if the consumer has a problem. Licensed roofers are required to have a $50,000 bond, and therefore do not participate in the Contractors Recovery Fund. If a consumer hires an unlicensed contractor, they have no access to the Contractors Recovery Fund. Also, the law requires that the contract between the consumer and the contractor be in writing. Consumers should be aware that unlicensed contractors may ask the homeowner to take out building permits as a way for the contractor to avoid licensure. If the consumer pulls the permit, they are personally responsible to comply with the state building code. Also, if the unlicensed contractor gets hurt, they can file a claim against the homeowner's insurance. Consumers should avoid contractors who engage in high pressure sales tactics, refuse to give written estimates or contracts, fail to obtain proper permits or request that the homeowner get them, refuse to provide their license number, or require full or substantial payment before work begins. Many times, the unlicensed contractor comes in with the low bid and then as the job progresses, requires more money than the original bid. If a contractor says that they are exempt from licensure, consumers should request a certificate of exemption. However, if a contractor is in the building, remodeling or roofing business, they should be licensed. The exemption applies only to contractors who earn less than $15,000 per year (including materials.) Consumers should contact the MN Department of Commerce at (800) 657-3978 or (651) 296-6319 to check if their contractor is licensed. To file a formal complaint against a contractor, consumers should call the MN Department of Commerce at (800) 657-3602 or (651) 296-2488. More information on specific contractors may also be available through local units of government. In Stillwater, any contractor working within the City is required to be licensed by the State or obtain a license through the City. Any questions, contact the Building Inspection Department at 430-8825. Do You Need A Permit? Building permits are required for any work being done on a residence (i.e., siding, reroof, window replacement, etc.) that is $500 or more, including labor and materials. Building permits and rel- evant information can be obtained at City Hall or the City's website (www.ci.stillwater.mn.us). Build- ing Inspectors are in the office from 8:00 — 9:00 AM and 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM. If you have any questions, feel free to contact them at 430-8825 and they will return your call as soon as possible. Effective April 1, 2000, the building inspection's 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. CITY DATA City Hall 216 N Fourth Street City Numbers Admin-430-8800 Building-430-8825 Engineering/Public Works-430-8830 Fire-351-4950 Garage-439-5933 Library-439-1675 Parks-439-4561 Police-351-4900 Planning-430-8820 Sewer Billing 430-8814 Water Billing 439-6231 s Waste Management Questions on Service and Billing 612-890-1100 ■ St. Croix Recreation Center 430-2601 m City Web Site www.ci.stillwater.mn.us Stillwater Scene VOL. 12 d No. 1 Official City Newsletter 216 N Fourth St., Stillwater, Minnesota 55082 CART -SORT BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID Stillwater, MN 55082 Permit No. 206 Postal Patron IN THIS ISSUE Firearm Safety Course City Begins Lake Protection Projects Who's Who in City Hall Lift Station Improvements New Fertilizer Ordinance History of Holcombe Residential Area Changes in Your Garbage Bill Winter Reminders (Again) CITY BRIEFS Free Volunteer Barter Program Friends of Stillwater Parks City Needs Applicants Monthly Meetings Charter 3rd Monday City Council 1st & 3rd Tuesday Heritage Preservation 1st Monday Human Rights Last Wednesday Library 1st Tuesday Parks Board 4th Monday Planning 2nd Monday Mayor Jay Kimble 430-8746 Council Ward 1 Terry Zoller 439-5286 Ward 2 Eric Thole 430-3722 Ward 3 Rich Cummings 439-6539 Ward 4 Gene Bealka 4394387 Firearm Safety Course The firearms safety course, designed by the Minnesota DNR enforcement division and taught by Steve Hansen, DNR Instructor, and volunteer instructors, was recently conducted the early part of November. Several hundred people attempted to enroll in the gun safety courses, but class size was limited to 29 students this fall. Most of the participants were from the St. Croix Valley area, but a few traveled from as far away as Duluth and New Prague to attend. Ages of the participants were 11 years to 36 years of age. Volunteer instructors and assistants providing the course were Stillwater Police personnel, along with guest speakers Keith Hulbert, a Lakeview Hospital paramedic, and Mayor Allen Schultz of Bayport. The firearm safety course is a comprehensive look at hunter safety. The course involves four classroom sessions and a field trip to an outdoor shooting range. Topics of training included: knowledge of and safe handling of various types of common firearms, hunter responsibility and ethics, wildlife identification, survival and first aid, and Minnesota State Laws and City Ordinances related to hunting. Participants must pass the MN-DNR written exam and field practical test to receive a firearms safety permit. All participants in the most recent fall class proudly passed and received their permits. Upcoming firearms safety courses are to be held in the spring and fall of 2000. City Begins Lake Protection Projects In the Fall of 1999 the City began construction on two major projects to protect and improve the water quality of Long Lake and Lily Lake. In recent years both these lakes have shown signs of degrading water quality caused by increasing urbanization in the watershed. Both projects include various strategies and improvements for treating storm water runoff from developed areas prior to its entering these lakes. One of the strategies used to clean up storm water runoff is to add water quality ponds to temporarily detain storm water and allow nutrients to settle out. One such ponding system was constructed just west of the Market Place area along County Road 5 (see picture above). Additional ponds are slated for the Curve Crest commercial area and the Highlands neighborhood to help protect Long Lake. Lily Lake will be protected by construction of two diversion systems which will take nutrient laden water away from the lake. Additional ponding will also be constructed in the Lily Lake area. The cost of these lake protection strategies could exceed $2 million. These costs are being paid for through assessments, cost sharing with other government agencies and the City's storm water utility fund. As these improvements are completed over the next few years, we should see water quality levels in these lakes stabilize and eventually begin to improve. The City's recently adopted fertilizer ordinance (see next page) will also help protect our natural resources. You can do your part by using low or no phosphorous fertilizer and preventing your leaves and yard refuse from ending up in City streets or storm sewers, which all eventually drain into our lakes. WHO'S WHO IN CITY HALL RON ERICKSON Ron Erickson is the new Building Maintenance Worker for the City of Stillwater and has been in this position since August 1999. Prior to coming to the City, Ron worked at the Stillwater Sr. High School. Ron has a wife, Karen and two children, Sarah and Steven. He is an avid outdoors person who enjoys fishing and hunting. LAURA PHAN Laura Phan is a new Sr. Account Clerk with the City and has been in this position since October 1999. Prior to coming to the City, Laura was with U.S. Bancorp in downtown St. Paul. She enjoys not having to fight the traffic every day. She processes the payroll for the City employees and does various other duties for the finance department. Laura has three sons ages 7, 9 and 11 years old. They are very active with karate and are now practicing for the black belt. When she has some free time she enjoys knitting, crochet and trying new recipes. Laura is thankful for the opportunity to work for the City and would like to wish everyone a Happy NewYear. Questions and Answers Have questions? We'll have the answers. You can e-mail Diane Ward at: dward@ci.stillwater.mn.us or Sue Moore at: smoore@ci. stillwater.mn.us or mail your questions to City of Stillwater, 216 N. 4th St., Stillwater, MN 55082 in care of Sue or Diane. We'll have the answers for you in the next newsletter. Watch for your next newsletter the beginning of April, 2000 City in the Process of Major Lift Station Improvements In December the City expanded wet well capacities at two lift stations. The lift stations are located on Myrtle Street near the ball fields and on Greeley Street near Lily Lake Ice Arena. The expansion of the wet wells will give crews more response time during power outages when the pumps go down. Think Spring - New Fertilizer Ordinance In Effect On January 1, 2000, the City's new ordinance regulating the use of lawn chemicals that can degrade water quality goes into effect. The Ordinance was adopted to minimize the amount of lawn chemicals carried in water runoff to Lily Lake, McKusick Lake, Long Lake, and the St. Croix River. Fertilizers and other lawn chemicals are often necessary to establish and maintain healthy lawns. In turn, healthy lawns can help protect water quality by promoting infiltration of precipitation and thereby reducing runoff that picks up pollutants as it travels across the urban landscape. However, adding chemicals to lawns when they aren't needed or applying chemicals in the wrong way increases the likelihood that they will leave the lawns for which they were intended and find their way to our lakes and rivers. Lawn fertilizers can be a source of phosphorous pollution to lakes and rivers. Too much phosphorous in the runoff entering a lake results in excessive algae growth, which decreases water clarity, causes surface scums which can foul shorelines, and depletes oxygen needed by game fish to survive. Careful attention to the type of fertilizers and the way they are applied can help protect the quality of these important public resources. The new Ordinance states: All fertilizers and lawn chemicals must be kept off paved surfaces like streets and driveways. Once on a paved surface, the slightest rainfall will wash the chemicals into the storm drainage system and the lake or pond to which it discharges. Fertilizers containing phosphorous are prohibited unless a reliable soil test shows that the soil is deficient in phosphorous. The MN Extension Service or the Washington County Soil and Water Conservation District must be consulted before using pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and other chemicals. Commercial lawn fertilizers must be licensed. If you have any questions or concerns about the requirements of the City's Fertilizer Ordinance, please contact the Community Development Department. A PUBLICATI N OF THE STILLWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY VOLUME 5 NUMBER 1 FREE WINTERbelittle 2000 16170 STILLWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY * 223 NORTH FOURTH STREET * STILLWATER, MN 55082 * 651.439.1675 SPACE NEEDS STUDY The library has engaged David R. Smith, library building consultant, to conduct a space needs study for the library. If all goes according to plan, by March we will have answers to these questions: How much library space will our growing community need? Is there enough space for additional library services and parking at our present location? What is the estimated per square foot cost of additional library space? The study will not result in a design for new library space. That's further down the road. The study will provide the basic information for the community's consideration of the library it wants for the future. Lynne Bertalmio, Director FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY Friends ® Stillwater Public Library will begin their membership drive in January. Membership rates are: Youth $2 Individuals $15 Patron $50 Sponsor $100 or more Membership forms will be available at the library. NEW WEB SITE FEATURES Our web site has an expanded list of valuable community links. Take a look at: www.ci.stillwater.mn.us/library/ Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday* HOURS 1 - 9P.M. 10 A.M. - 9 P.M. 10 A.M. - 9 P.M. 1 - 9P.M. 10 A.M. - 5 P.M. 10 A.M. - 5 P.M. 1 - 5P.M. * September - May PROGRAMS Preschool Storytime for Ages 3-5 Wed., 10:30 A.M. "I Love to Read" Storytime Stories and fun for children 3+ Sunday, February 13, 2 P.M. Toddler Storytime for Ages 2&3 Fri., Mar. 10-Apr. 28, 10:30 A.M. Bedtime Storytime for Ages 3+ Thurs., Jan. 27 - Mar. 16, 7 P.M. The James Gang & the Ninth Man Tues., Feb. 22, 7:30 P.M. WINTER READING Booktalkers, Thurs., Jan. 20, 7 P.M. Start Smart! Read to Your Child Tues., Jan. 25, 7-8:30 P.M. Author Chuck Logan Tues., Mar. 28, 7 P.M. WINTER READING PROGRAM Our second annual winter reading program It's Warm Between the Covers will begin January 20, 2000, at 7 P.M. with a presentation by the Booktalkers, four library staff members with suggestions on great winter reading. Other booklists will be available at that time as will reading diaries for recording your winter selections. At that time, we'll also tell you about some new advisory tools for readers that will be available at the library. Throughout January, February, and March, there will be a display in the library's rotunda where you can share reading suggestions with others. Everyone who provides a suggestion will be eligible for edible prizes provided by the Friends. The winter reading program will conclude on Tuesday, March 28, at 7:00 P.M. when bestselling author and Stillwater resident Chuck Logan will read from and sign his books which will be available for sale. Last year our winter reading program focused on adults only. This year, we're adding a component for children ages 3-7 including information on the importance of adults reading to children. See page 2 for program details. It's Warm Between the Covers is co- sponsored by Friends © Stillwater Public Library. L E T u N * * * Obelf * * NEW MAGAZINE TITLES Over the next few months, look for these new magazine subscriptions arriving at the library. For the sports -minded, there will be Cross Country Skier, Dirt Bike, ESPN, Quns and Ammo, In Line, Muscle 6° Fitness, Trailer Boats, and Transworld Snowboarding. Hobbyists will find Flying, Qarden Design, RC Modeler, and Rebecca's Qarden. We've added American Artist, Poetry, and Sheet Music to our holding for arts aficionados. We'll all eat better with Cooking Light and Food and Wine. New magazines of general interest are Consumer Digest and Vanity Fair. Due to their suspension or rising costs, we've also had to cancel some subscriptions. We'll post a list of those titles in the Periodicals Reading Room. Fortunately, some of them are available full -text at our electronic search stations. WRITE HERE, WRITE NOW For some writers, the hardest thing is finding a quiet place to write. It's too easy to be distracted at home. Coffee houses expect you to buy so many cups of coffee that your writing reads like the product of a caffeine jag. With Write Here, Write Now, the library is offering writers a quiet place to write once a week. On Sundays, January 9 through May 21 (with the exception of April 23), from 3 to 5 P.M., the Margaret Rivers Room will be available for writers. You may arrange tables and chairs for your comfort. We ask that you check in at the Information Desk before you begin and that you remain silent in the room in respect for others who may be writing. THE JAMES GANG RIDES AGAIN! Does history account for all members of the James/Younger Gang or did one escape notice? Author and joumalist John Koblas will present a slide -lecture program based on his book The Jesse James Northfield Raid: Confessions of the Ninth Man on Tuesday, February 22, at 7:30 P.M., in the Margaret Rivers Room. The program's co-sponsor, the Washington County Historical Society, will provide a display of interesting artifacts from the time of gang member Cole Younger's incarceration in the Stillwater Prison. LOAN PERIOD CHANGES Beginning early in 2000, the loan period for high demand items will change to ten days. The level of demand will be calculated by the ratio of requests to copies. This means that all in -demand titles will be affected, not just bestsellers. The result? You should get the items that you have requested faster. At check out, be sure to look at your receipt for the dates your items are due. WHAT'S STILLWATER READING? 24-year veteran staff member Elsa Hagen will retire early this year. Come to a reception in her honor on Thursday, January 13, at 7:00 P.M., to hear the full list of what she'll read in retirement, but here's a sample: Ahab's Wife by Sena Jeter Naslund, Beach Music by Pat Conroy, and Lindbergh by A. Scott Berg. START SMART! READ TO YOUR CHILD The impact of reading aloud to young children is amazingly powerful. Recent research in the fields of medicine and education concludes that reading aloud to children puts them on the right track to becoming successful learners. Youth Services Librarian Gail Nordstrom teams up with School Librarian Nancy Prince in Start Smart! Read to Your Child, a workshop for parents and adults who work with children to be held on Tuesday, January 25, from 7:00-8:30 P.M., in the Margaret Rivers Room. They will discuss the value of reading aloud and provide tips for making your shared reading time fun for both reader and listener. Participants will also receive book ideas for both pre-school and school -aged children. The workshop is free, but space is limited. To register, please call 439-1675 ext. 14. JUNIOR HIGH OUTREACH Traditionally, junior high is an age when some young people's enthusiasm for reading wanes. The library is looking at ways to reach out to junior high youth and the organizations that work with this age group. To that end, the library is surveying both junior high youth and the community groups that serve them. The youth are being asked about their likes and preferences so that the library may serve them better. Organizations have been asked about their programs and services. If your organization works with junior high kids and you have not received a survey, please call Lindy Howe at 439-1675 ext. 19. ST. CROIX VALLEY RECREATION CENTER WINTER/SPRING SCHEDULE ICE ARENA ACTIVITIES Open Skating: Please pick up a schedule at the Rec Center office or visit our City of Stillwater WEB SITE at: www.ci.stillwater.mn.us Punch Cards are available. Cost: $2.00/youth & senior, 10 punch card for $15.00 $3.00/adult 10 punch card for $25.00 $5.00/family 10 punch card for $40.00 Pro Ice Time: Open at 6:00am Monday — Friday most weeks for those who need time before school or work. Cost is $6.50 per hour with NO coaches' fee. For additional day and evening times, pick up a schedule at the Rec Center office or call and we will gladly fax one to you. Hockey Camps: We are pleased to announce that in addition to our current local stand out camps offered by Doug Long, Andre' Beaulieu, Scott Bjugstad, et. al., we have added Brad Buetow's Hockey School August 8`h — 11 `h, and the Turcotte Hockey Camp July 7`h — 21st More information when it becomes available. ISI Skating Program/$tartop Jlockey Program: Next program will begin February 7`h. Sessions are available on Mondays or Saturdays. Program includes 8 thirty -minute lessons and a pass for 10 open skating sessions. Fee is $55.00. Registration Jan. 24`h & 25`h from 5:30 to 8:00 at the Rec Center. Marketing Opportunities Contact Doug or Dana for information on how you can help the youth of our community through Field House and Arena Advertising. Phone 430-2601 or stop in! Special Events Plans? The Recreation Center is available for birthday parties, corporate functions or any other special event. Please contact our office for help in planning and arranging your party. 430-2601 ST. CROIX VALLEY RECREATION CENTER WINTER/SPRING SCHEDULE FIELD HOUSE ACTIVITIES Field House Walking: The field house is available for walking Monday — Friday beginning at 6:OOAM. Pass/Punch Cards are available. Cost: $.50/youth & senior, 20 punch card for $5.00 $2.00/adult 20 punch card for $20.00 $3.00/family 20 punch card for $30.00 Open Field Time: Chance to get out of the cold and wind! Dome is available for family or individual recreation. Adult times: Tuesdays and Fridays 11:30 AM — 1:30 PM Family/Youth times: Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:00 PM — 4:30 PM Cost: $2.00/youth & seniors 10 punch card for $15.00 $3.00/adult 10 punch card for $25.00 $5.00/family 10 punch card for $40.00 Spring 'Touch Football Registrations: We are currently registering teams for a second session of Wednesday Night Touch Football. Games will begin at 9:00 PM.Last game of the evening will be at 10:00 PM. Team registration fee is $500. Registration forms are available at the Rec Center. Men's Softball: Register now for a Tues./Thurs. Night softball league. Play begins Feb. 15`h. Minimum of 8 games. Team fee is $500 and a $100 deposit is required. Stop in and fill out registration. Spring Youth Soccer Leagues Forming: Session III: Mar. 3 - Apr. 30 *On going tryouts For additional information call: Alan Merrick's Soccer Academy (651)-483-5000 REGISTRATION FORMS AVAILABLE AT REC CENTER OFFICE Baseball/Softball Conditioning: Get your arm in shape for the upcoming season. M-W-F starting Feb.2 thru Mar. 17. 3:00pm — 4:00pm Battings Cages: Available only by appointment until February 1, 2000, at which time a regular schedule will be available. Individual hitting and baseball pitching instruction is available by appointment with Dana Johnson. Call the recreation center for additional information regarding your baseball or softball needs. Bocce Ball League Registration: Seniors interested in 2 man teams for weekday morning league should contact Dana Johnson for additional information. Plans are to run league on Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00 am — 11:00 am. Entry fee TBD Golf Driving Range: Tuesday -Thursday 10:00 AM — 2:00 PM beginning January 10`11— April 28th Wednesday Evenings 6:00 PM — 8:30 PM COST: $7.50 per half-hour. 15 Stations History of Holcombe Residential Area As part of the continuing survey of Stillwater's historic buildings and neighborhoods, Don Empson,underthe direction of the Heritage Preservation Commission, recently published his History of the Holcombe's Additions Residential Area. This area of the City, between S. Holcombe Street and Lily Lake, between W. Willard Street and W. Hancock Street is one of the oldest neighborhoods of the City, dating back to 1854 when William Holcombe purchased two 40-acre parcels of land. Despite the influx of more recent housing, there remains in many parts of the neighborhood a semblance of the earliest history, a glimpse of the past and a sense of how the original area might have appeared. This 180-page book is a history of every block of Holcombe's Additions, beginning with the first owners before the Civil War. It includes a complete index of names and footnotes documenting the information. Research sources included old tax records, building permits, old newspapers, and land records. Further research for the book included interviews with past and current residents. City Directories for 1894, 1930, and 1954 were used to index the earlier homeowners. A History of Holcombe's Additions Residential Area can be purchased only at Len's Family Foods at Myrtle and Owens Streets in Stillwater. A limited number of books have been printed. Empson's first two books: A History of the Dutchtown Residential Area (1998) and A History or the Greeley Residential Area (1997) can be obtained by calling (651) 351-0172. Changes Regarding Your Garbage Bill And Extra Garbage Effective January 1, 2000 residents of the City of Stillwater will see improvements to their garbage and recycling bill along with a reduced rate. Waste Management will begin billing City residents directly for trash and recycling service. You will no longer be billed for this service on your City Utility Bill. Waste Management will continue to be your full service garbage and recycling provider. Bulk items, appliances, and yard waste will still be picked up for residents at no additional charge. Now, instead of buying "City" bags for extra trash, Waste Management will automatically pick up extra bagged material and bill you directly on your quarterly statement at the rate of $1.50 per bag. If you've already purchased "City" bags, you may continue to use these bags until you run out. Waste Management will not bill you if your extra trash is in a "City" bag since you have already paid for the disposal as part of the purchase price of the "City" bag. As part of the improvements, Waste Management will also be providing City of Stillwater residents with a drop-off site for consumer electronics such as TV's and computer monitors. This drop off site will be located near their Bellaire Transfer Station at 8678 75th Street North, Stillwater. Your first bill from Waste Management will arrive the 2nd week of January 2000. The bill will be for January, February, and March 2000 service. As with any change please be sure to review your first invoice carefully. Please contact Waste Management at (612) 890-1100 if you have any changes in your name, address, or service level. Waste Management appreciates the opportunity to be Stillwater's Garbage and Recycling provider. Please contact Waste Management at (612) 890-1100 if you have any questions. CITY BRIEFS Free Volunteer Barter Program The Neighborhood Service Exchange, a free volunteer barter program of Community Volunteer Service, is recruiting new members. Information sessions are held monthly and also by appointment. There are over 200 services offered including computer assistance, friendly visiting, minor home repairs and tutoring. Members can both give and receive assistance. Visit the NSE website at www.oreeeenter.com/ —exchange/. For more information, call Cathy Dyball at 651-439-7434. Have fun and meet new people in the community! Friends of Stillwater Parks Friends of Stillwater Parks is coordinating the Annual Park Art Exhibit for Young Artists. The goal of the exhibit is to showcase children's creativity and talent, promote outdoor play and recreation, and increase interest in Stillwater's park lands. More information regarding the Annual Youth Park Art Exhibit will be in the Spring Newsletter. City Needs Applicants The City of Stillwater is looking for applicants to serve on the Board of the Middle St. Croix Watershed Management Organization(MSCWMO).The MSCWMO is made up of one representative from the communities along the St. Croix River from Stillwater to Afton. The purpose of MSCWMO is to discuss and administer local water management planning including water quality and quantity, erosion control and ground water. Meetings are held in the evening every other month on the second Thursday at the City of Bayport. Interested persons should send a letter of interest and background information to the City of Stillwater, Engineering Department, 216 N. 4th St., Stillwater, MN 55082. r Winter reminders (Aaain) With winter already here, we remind people to SLOW DOWN and practice "defensive driving". When snow arrives and you are driving, please remember your vehicle handles differently than it does during the summer. If you are heading ` - out, give yourself more time to get to where you are going. After all, no one likes to be in an accident. 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. Public Works personnel begin plowing, after snow stops, with a forecast of 2-5 inches. For a forecast of 6-10" they begin after approximately two inches has 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 parking stalls of off-street parking in the downtown area. Public Works plow 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. Four routes begin on snow emergency streets 2. One route begins in the downtown parking lots. 3. One route begins on the downtown streets. 4. Commercial district streets are plowed. 5. Local steep grade streets are plowed. 6. Remaining local streets are plowed. Downtown parking areas receive 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. We would also like to remind people that both snow emergency routes and 24 hour parking ordinances are enforced. Vehicles which are parked on snow emergency routes must not be parked on those designated streets until after they have been plowed curb to curb. Vehicles that are parked for more than 24 hours or plowed in may also be issued a citation and towed. By following guidelines and ordinances, winter storm inconveniences and traffic hazards will be minimized. WINTER PARKING Beginning 12:01 a.m., November 1, through midnight April 1, all vehicles parked on City streets must be parked on the side of the street that bears addresses that are odd and/or even according to the day. On the odd numbered days, vehicles must be parked on the odd addressed side of the street and on even numbered days, vehicles must be parked on the even addressed side of the street. Between the hours of 7:00 p.m. to midnight you must move your vehicle to the side of the street where parking is allowed for the next day. 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 and/or 90 days in jail, plus vehicle impoundment and towing charges. The primary reason this ordinance is in place and enforced is because during the winter season, emergency vehicles such as squad cars, fire and ambulance vehicles have a difficult time getting around in the snow. With build up of plowed snow and parked vehicles, the personnel driving these emergency vehicles may have an even harder time getting to that emergency call, which might be life threatening. 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) SNOWMOBILE OPERATION Snowmobiles may not be operated in the city between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, or between midnight and 7 a.m. Friday and Saturday. 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 an 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. Resi- dents can stop at the police department and fill out a vacation check card; police will check the exterior of the home as time allows. CITY DATA City Hall 216 N Fourth Street City Numbers Admin-430-8800 Building-430-8825 Engineering/Public Works-430-8830 Fire-351-4950 Garage-439-5933 Library-439-1675 Parks-439-4561 Police-351-4900 Planning-430-8820 Sewer Billing 430-8814 Water Billing 439-6231 ■ Waste Management Questions on Service and Billing 612-890-1100 St. Croix Recreation Center 430-2601 • City Web Site www.ci.stillwater.mn.us ■