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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996 Stillwater City Newsletter0 1 t 1 lttsa 1 ti*11water Scene CAR•RT SORT BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID Stillwater, MN 55082 Permit No. 206 Postal Patron Vol. 8; Issue 3 Stillwater, Minnesota 55082 September 1996 Highway 36 City will 10 grow in stages The city and township of Stillwater have reached an agreement that will provide for the orderly annexation of areas to the west of the present city boundaries. The Orderly Annexation Agreement provides for phased annexation and devel- opment which will allow growth to be more manageable and will, as a recent analysis indicates, lessen the fiscal impact associated with constructing core facilities (sanitary sewer, water and storm sewer improve- ments, etc.). The analysis which was con- ducted by Tautges and Redpath Co. indi- cates that the planned development, when completed, will have a favorable impact on the city's tax base and revenues. The agreement also provides for the es- tablishment of official controls (primarily zoning ordinances and park dedication and open space policies) that are designed to provide quality development while protect- ing the environment and creating parks, trails and open space areas. The phase 1 annexation area request is currently being reviewed for approval by the Minnesota Municipal Board (MMB). The phase l area is bounded by the High - way 12 (Myrtle Street) to the north, High- way 15 (Manning Avenue) to the west, Highway 36 to the south and County Road 5 /Croixwood to the east. Because the city and township have signed an annexation agreement, the MMB is expected to ap- prove the phase 1 annexation sometime this month. According to a timetable in the Orderly Annexation Agreement, the phase 2 area could be annexed after Jan. 1, 1999, phase 3 area after Jan. 1, 2002, and the remaining area any time after Jan. 1, 2015. City Briefs Human Rights Commission 1996 holiday seeks award nominations schedul e The Stillwater Human Rights Commission will present its first annual award to pickup the individual and/or organization that has done the most in the past year to advance The city's waste hauler is now United the Human Rights Commission's mission which is: to promote a community of har- Waste. The company's phone number is mony and respect for the rights and dignity of all. The award will be presented at the 429 -6766. City of Stillwater Chamber of Commerce annual meeting scheduled for early 1997. The following is the holiday trash Send nominations for the award to the Stillwater Human Rights Commission, collection schedule. During an observed Stillwater City Hall, 216 N. Fourth St., Stillwater, 55082. Nominations must be holiday week, collection will occur one submitted by Dec. 31, 1996. day later if the holiday falls on or before Include the following information: name and phone number of nominee; nomi- the normal collection day. The regular nee's current and past affiliations (business, service organization, advocacy groups); schedule will resume the following week. ways in which the nominee has contributed to the advancement of the Human Rights Thanksgiving -- Monday, no change; Commission's mission; and your name, phone number and affiliations. Tuesday, no change; Wednesday, no change; Thursday, pi collection. Th a day's route will be picked up on Friday; y; Avoid parking tickets Friday's route will be picked up on Satur- day Residents are reminded of parking regulations that apply in the city: Christmas -- Monday, no change; Tues- - 24 -hour parking restriction. Cars cannot be parked on -street for more than 24 consecutive hours day, no change; Wednesday, no collec- tion. Wednesday's route will be picked up • Vehicles for sale. It is unlawful to park any vehicle on any street for the pur- on Thursday, Thursday's route on Friday and Friday's route on Saturday pose of displaying it for sale. - Commercial vehicles. No motor vehicle over one ton capacity and bearing a New Year -- Same as Christmas week commercial license and no commercially licensed trailer is allowed to park on any street or roadway in a residentially zoned area in the city except when loading and Residents are reminded that the city provides for garbage collection services. unloading or rendering a service in the area. • Winter parking. The city has an odd -even parking regulation in effect from This is a mandatory service; charges are based on the size of container you use. November 1 to April l each year. Parking is allowed on the odd - numbered (street New residents who have not yet received a address) side of the street on odd - numbered calendar days and on the even- numbered side of the street on even - numbered calendar days. container should call United Waste, 429- 6766 to order one. Residents are urged to comply with parking regulations and avoid a ticket. Ch Change made in ange And don't create a nuisance It's against the law to have a messy yard, and the city enforces its Nuisance Or- appliance pickup dinance. In addition to messy yards and high, un -cut grass, nuisances covered by the Effective Oct. 1, 1996, pickup of ap- ordinance includes bushes or shrubs which create blind traffic corners, trees which pliances (stoves, refrigerators, freezers, overhang into the street, firewood which is not stacked properly (firewood can't be washer /dryers, etc.) will take place on stacked bordering streets or sidewalks), and debris, such as scrap lumber or wood, lit - Thursdays only. Residents must call tering the yard. United Waste, 429 -6766, by 4 p.m. The city also has an Abandoned Motor Vehicle Ordinance. According to state Wednesday (preferably sooner) to sched- statute and the city's ordinance, an abandoned vehicle is one that is no longer opera - ule pickup of such items. ble or one with license tabs which have been expired for over 90 days. Owners of such vehicles must either dispose of the vehicle or store the car inside a garage. Residents found to be in violation of the ordinances receive a "courtesy letter" Plastics can advising them they have 10 days in which to correct the problem. If the problem has not been corrected after 10 days, the property owner or vehicle owner receives a be recycled recycled warning letter and another five days to take care of the problem. If the problem is not corrected after that time, a citation is issued. Violations of the ordinances are Residents in Stillwater can now recy- misdemeanors with a penalty of a $700 fine and/or 90 days in jail; citations require a cle plastic -- #1 and #2 narrow neck bot- court appearance. tles only. As with most other recyclables, Residents who wish to report a violation of the ordinances can call Code En- the plastic items should be put in a sepa- forcement Officer Leo Miller, 439 -1314. rate paper bag and placed at curbside on the regular collection day. Although recycling is not mandatory Remember to Tote, at this time, residents are encouraged to participate in the program -- recycling helps hold down the cost of the regular collection service. It Does Nfie a Differeace (Continued on page 4) The public is encouraged to get involved. The Human Rights Commission meets at 7:00 PM on the last Wednesday of the month at Stillwater City Hall. Call 439 -6121 if you would like to receive a meeting agenda. For more information, contact: Stillwater City Hall (612) 439 -6121 Minnesota Department of Human Rights (612) 296 -5663 (St. Paul office) (612) 296 -1283 (TDD) 1 (800) 657 -3704 League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions (612) 535 -1051 HU MpN RICgT Stillwater Human Rights Commission Stillwater City Hall 216 North Fourth Street Stillwater, MN 55082 , RIG q_p C 1 11010 1 2441M �1'1'67 14 OWN ON -MP- ME HARMONY RESPECT DIGNITY The City of Stillwater established a Human Rights Commission in 1995 to aid and advise the City Council in ensuring for all citizens equal opportunity in those areas protected by law. The purpose of the commission is to: • Work to recognize and prevent discrimination and inequities of the daily life of the community; • Develop programs of formal and informal education to assist in the implementation of the ordinance; • Provide leadership and act cooperatively with other agencies, organizations, and other human rights commissions, including the League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions; • Serve as an advisory body to the city regarding the Minnesota Human Rights Act. "... Each time a person stands up for an ideal or acts to improve the lot of others or strikes out against injustice, s /he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance." Robert F. Kennedy, South Africa, 1966 Local Human Rights Commissions, in communities throughout the state, work with business, labor, education, civic, religious, social, and community groups in order to foster intergroup understanding and to eliminate preju- dice and discrimination. Education and prevention are impor- tant functions of these local commis- sions, which also work to prevent and respond to acts of bias and prejudice. The St. Croix Area United Way Agen- cies Council worked with the League of Women Voters, the Stillwater Area Schools, church groups, concerned citizens, and the League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions to bring about a Human Rights Commission in Stillwater. The Minnesota Human Rights Act ( #363) prohibits discrimination in: Education, employment, housing, public accommodations, public services, and credit services. It is illegal to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, or status with regard to public assistance, disability, or age. VOLUME I NUMBER 3 FREE 1 1996 STILLWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY * 223 NORTH FOURTH STREET * STILLWATER, MN 55082 * 612.439.1675 CHILD SAFETY PRIVACY & THE LIBRARY` There has been a lot of discussion — - - - = — Under Minnesota law, information recently about child safety on the other than your name which you Internet. Parents are concerned HOURS provide to the library in applying for a about protecting their children from library card, as well as information strangers while using this world -wide Monday 1 . 9 P.M. which links your name with library tool. We need to have the same Tuesday 10 A.M. - 9 P.M. materials, is private and available only vigilance about our own community. Wednesday 10 A.M. - 9 P.M. to authorized personnel. That is why The library is and wants to be a Thursday 1 9 P.M. our computerized notification system child - friendly place. We encourage Friday 10 A.M. - 5 P.M. for reserves and overdues does not all children to use the library and its Saturday 10 A.M. - 5 P.M. give the titles of materials held or services, but we would like to suggest Sunday* 1 - 5 P.M. overdue when .it calls your home. that parents not leave young Recent changes in Minnesota statute children unattended at the library. I * Closed Sundays, Memorial Day allow the library to release materials hasten to assure you that we have Weekend through Labor Day. being held for you -to a family member had no incident where a child's or other person who resides with you safety has been compromised, but we and is picking up items on your are most anxious that such an STORYTIME behalf. If you would prefer that no incident never occur. The library is a one be allowed to pick up your busy place and children merit Preschool Storytimes materials but you, you may notify the personal supervision. An introduction to books and Circulation Desk in person. It is also Lynne Bertalmio, Director storytelling for ages 3 to 5 possible for you to complete a form at Wednesdays the Circulation Desk that would allow UNDER CONSTRUCTION at 10:15 & 11:15 A.M. another who does not live with you to pick up your materials for you - a The library's Internet access Bedtime Storytimes: convenience for the homebound. terminals have been both well A monthly "pajama party" received and well used. In addition, storytime for children 3 and older WHAT STILLWATER 'S S the library has its own page on the and their parents. READING? AT City of Stillwater's Web site. Cosponsored by ECFE. Although the page is still under At 7 P.M.. on Thursdays: City Coordinator ' -Nile Kriesel development, it already contains September 19 recommends American Caesar, Douglas important information about library October 17 MacArtbur,1880 -1964 by William programs, policies, collections, and November 21 Manchester, the Civil War novel, The services. Our address is: December 12 Killer Angels by Michael Shaara; and www.stillwater.mn.us/library/ Stuffed animals and blankets are The Long Cdray Imo, the story of the We'd appreciate your suggestions for welcome! West Point Class of 1966, by Rick the expansion of our Web page. Atkinson. L E T Y O U R Al 1 N D U N 'D E E P I PERIODICAL NEWS Periodicals are a rich and varied resource for people searching for both information and fun. Our periodical collection consists of 265 subscriptions to current magazines, backfiles of 11 magazines on mircofiche, 18 subscriptions to current newspapers, the StarTribune on CD ROM, and historic Stillwater area newspapers on microfilm. Periodicals are important because they offer the reader current information from a variety of viewpoints, on surprisingly specific subjects. Newspapers _don't circulate, but you may check out all but the current issue of most magazines. The library subscribes to general bbetf ''It"f available, too. If we don't receive the magazine that you are looking for in hardcopy or full text, it may be possible for us to borrow the article for you from another library. PIANO & THE SONG Due to the popularity of Listening Live last fall, the library will again be providing music education for independent learners in a program funded by the Minnesota Humanities Commission and provided by the Abondia Center of Minneapolis. The library will be sponsoring The Piano and the Song with Abondia's Brooke Portmann as discussion leader, pianist Thomas Linker of Zeitgeist, and some of the Twin Cities leading vocalists. CHILDREN'S SERVICES RECEIVES ART GRANTI The River Valley Arts Council, as agent for the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, has announced that the library's Children's Department has been awarded a grant in MRAC's Small Grant program to support a workshop in which families will explore the role of the story in their lives. Over the course of four weekend afternoons, ten families (parents and their school -aged children) will work with a storyteller /writer, illustrator, and bookbinder to create a book from a family story. The only fee for participation will be for supplies. We are now negotiating with the interest magazines like Time, Newsweek, and Better Homes and Art songs, Broadway musicals, Gardens, but the strength of our popular songs, and the blues will be collection is in some of our more used to illustrate how vocalists and specialized and unusual titles. We instrumentalists collaborate, how have important medical titles such as they select their music, and how as the Mayo Clinic Health Letter, and they develop the presentation of a JAMA; fine craft publications like song. Threads and Fine Homebuilding; political comment and opinion such The series will meet at 'the as The Responsive Community, The Stillwater Area High School on five Progressive,' and Nation; and business consecutive Thursdays from and finance titles such as the Survey September 26 through October 24 of Current Business and Money. New from 7:00 P.M. to 9:30 P.M. The titles this year are Civilization, program is free, but enrollment is Family PC, GQ, Might, and New limited. To register, call Ann Scientist. In addition to local Hansen at 439 - 1675 ext. 17. newspapers, the library receives the Sunday Chicago Tribune, the New 101 REASONS TO USE York Times, and the international YOUR PUBLIC LIBRARY! Manchester Guardian Weekly. Reason # 9 Articles can be found on the public Looking for an animal that doesn't access terminals through general and chew, shed, or scratch? Before you business magazine indexes where a purchase that piranha, check our number of articles are available full resources for its care and feeding! text. The Readers' Guide is still participating artists for program dates in November and early December. Please look for further information about this program at the library or in the local newspapers. Many thanks to the River Valley Arts Council, the Metropolitan Regional Arts' Council, and the Minnesota State Legislature (who appropriated the funds) for this program that encourages families to make meaningful connections in a framework that nurtures creative expression. HALLOWEEN PROGRAM Children aged three and older are invited to a Halloween Storytime on Sunday, October 27, at 2 P.M. Come in costume to enjoy stories, songs, and crafts to celebrate the holiday. Teen and adult volunteers are needed to help with this program. Call the Children Librarian at 439 -1675 ext. 14 if you can help. City's Internet site is on -line The city of Stillwater's World Wide Web (Internet) site is now on -line and available to the public. The site address is: hap: / /www.stillwater.mn.us The web site features information on various city services and departments. Some helpful information that can be found at the site includes: a directory and information about city parks; the city's charter, zoning ordinance, building inspec- tion information, codes, and maps; City Council agendas and minutes; and solid waste and recycling information. Yet to be added are answers to commonly asked questions, historical information, and in- formation about police and fire services. The site has been added to web search services such as Webcrawler, Lycos, Ya- hoo and Alta Vista. This means Stillwa- ter's "home" on the Internet is just a few keystrokes away from people all over the world. Creation of the site was overseen by the Internet Task Force which was ap- pointed by the City Council last year to investigate ways the city could provide services to citizens through this rapidly growing medium. Administrative Assis- tant Marcy Cordes will be in charge of maintaining the website once it is com- pleted. Members of the Stillwater Area High School Physics Club created a demonstra- tion website for the city which they pre- sented to the task force and City Council last year. The pages currently are being housed at Galileo, the Physics Club's web server computer, while the city investi- gates options for housing the pages. High school students played a major role in the creation of the site. Dennis Symalla, high school physics teacher and Physics Club advisor, is acting as a liaison between the city and high school students who were paid to work on the website this summer. Richard McClain, a commercial website designer, created the initial design of the site and has served as a consultant to the students. Other Stillwater websites include the City of Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, the Community Education and Recreation Department of School District 834, Still- water Area High School, Lakeview Hospital and a number of businesses. A listing of local internet sites can be found in the "Community Links" section of the city's website. More content will continue to be added to the site. All city residents on the "net" are welcome to visit the site and make comments to the designers at an e- mail address available on -line. City institutes late payment penalties In March of this year, the city estab- lished a $10 penalty for late payment of utility bills (sewer, garbage /recycling, storm sewer). The penalty was added to many of the third quarter (July) utility bills. However, the city was flooded with calls from residents who complained there was not adequate notice of the penalty. The City Council has since decided to waive the third quarter penalties. Any resident who may have paid the penalty will receive a credit for the payment. Residents should be aware that the city intends to reinstate the penalty for the fourth quarter (October 1996) billing. The Pioneer Park plan is approved, X150,000 matching grant offered <=7 The City Council approved the master plan for Pioneer Park in July. Construction of phase 1 of the plan may begin in spring 1997. Preparation of a master plan for the park was prompted by an anonymous do- nation of $100,000 to improve the play area of the park. The donor is now proposing an additional $150,000 match- penalty will apply to any utility bill that is in arrears for over 70 days. In addition to the new penalty for late payment, the City Code also provides for certification of delinquent utility bills to the county for collection with the property taxes. Delinquent bills are defined as any balance that is past due for over 90 days on Sept. 30 of each year. A 10 percent penalty is added to the utility bill balance with the certification to the county. Residents are encouraged to pay their utility bill in a timely manner to avoid any of the penalties associated with late_pay- ment. ing fund donation which will raise the amount needed to cover the estimated $450,000 to complete phase 1 construc- tion. A community -wide effort to raise the $150,000 in matching funds will begin immediately. A committee is being formed to organize and direct the effort to raise funds and acquire grant money. Anyone interested in working on the committee should contact Sue Fitzgerald, Stillwater Planning Department, 439 -6121, or Amy Stefan, Stefan/Larson Associates, 430- 0056. Also anyone interested in giving a gift toward the project in general or a specified gift, such as for purchase of a bench, tree, piece of play equipment, etc. should contact Fitzgerald or Stefan. Briefs Continued from page 2. Materials accepted at curbside in- clude: paper (newsprint, mixed, glossy, junk mail, paperboard, books and high grade paper); corrugated cardboard (please flatten); glass (clear, brown and green, no mirror or window glass); metal and aluminum cans. Please remove labels from bottles or cans and remove metal caps, if any, from plastic bottles. Place the material at curbside on the regular collec- tion day. Territorial Prison to be restored The reuse of the former Territorial Prison site on North Main Street has been studied for many years. On Aug. 15 of this year, the city purchased the site for resale to Territorial Coalition Inc. (TCI), a de- velopment group that plans to convert the former prison into a 117 -room hotel, along with a restaurant and conference center. Total cost of the project is estimated at $11 million. In addition to creating about 150 full - time jobs and other economic benefits to the community, the project will result in the saving and restoration of the old prison. Construction is planned to begin in early 1997 with an anticipated completion date of February 1998. Fire Department issues reminders The Stillwater Fire Department has a few reminders regarding recreational fires. Recreational fire sites must be no more than three feet in diameter, measured from inside the fire ring, and three feet or less in height. The site must be completely surrounded by non - combustible materials such as rocks, bricks, blocks or metal rings, and must be at least 25 feet away from structures or combustible materials. Burning materials must be clean fuel -- twigs, branches, limbs, presto logs, charcoal, cordwood or untreated dimen- sional lumber. Permits are not required for recre- ational fires and the fire department d= have to be notified. The fire must be completely extin- guished before leaving the site. Residents planning recreational fires are reminded to respect neighboring property owners and to be aware of weather conditions, air quality and burning bans. Much of the work on the levee wall will be done from barges, a floating plant, in the St. Croix River. Levee pro* b ject Restoration /renovation of Stillwater s levee wall is under way. While much of the work will be done from barges, the project will have some im- pact on the downtown area. Portions of the city's riverfront parking lot south of Chestnut Street will be used for construction equipment. The levee road will be closed, and much of Lowell Park will be closed to the public for safety reasons. The Corps of Engineers and the project contractor, Lametti and Sons Inc. of Hugo, are taking measures to minimize the incon- venience to the public. Among other measures, the contractor will have restricted hours of operation in or- der to minimize the potential traffic and noise problems. Plans have been modified to provide for continued access to the maxi- mum amount of public parking in the river lots. Also, the contractor agreed to fence in the construction area allowing some park ar- eas to remain open. Signing and barricades have been placed to define where restrictions exist, and the public is asked to comply with the restrictions. Initially, the repair of the levee was to be done in two phases, with the work on the wall south of the bridge completed first and the area north of the bridge next year. Due to the availability of additional federal funding, the entire existing levee will be redone this year. Construction is expected to be com- pleted by mid -April 1997, with post -con- struction work (resoding, repaving of the parking lots, etc.) expected to be completed by mid - June. ti*11water Scene CAR -RT SORT BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID Stillwater, MN 55082 Permit No. 206 Postal Patron Vol. 8; Issue 2 Stillwater, Minnesota 55082 May 1996 Levee project slated for July start Stillwater's riverfront will be getting an updated look as the reconstruc- tion/repair of the levee wall is scheduled to get under way in July. The Corps of Engineers, which is undertaking the pro- ject on behalf of the city, expects to awards bids for the project in mid -June, with construction to begin in early July -- probably after the July 4 holiday. While much of the work will be done from a floating plant (barges), the city's riverfront parking lot south of Chestnut Street will be used for construction equipment and closed to the public. City Engineer Klayton Eckles said the contrac- tor will have restricted hours of operation in order to minimize the potential traffic and noise problems. Lowell Park will re- main open, but access south of the lift bridge will be limited. The project will be completed in phases, Eckles said. The first phase will be reconstruction/repair of the levee south of the lift bridge. Depending on how bids come in and the availability of funds, the work will continue north of the bridge about up to the gazebo. Depending on the weather, Eckles said it is hoped that most of the work will be completed this sum- mer and fall. The first phase also includes some additional flood control measures such as storm water piping and improve- ments to the gate structures that prevent water from backing up into the city storm water /sewer system. The second phase of the project would be the extension of the levee around Mulberry Point; that phase would take another construction season to com- plete. The third, and most costly, phase of the project is construction of a flood wall. The wall, which would extend about 10 feet below ground and about two and one- half feet above ground, would be placed near the river parking lots and would re- quire portions of the parking lot surface be removed and replaced. Timing of phases two and three is de- pendent on the availability of funding. The pre- construction costs -- environmental and engineering studies, etc. -- totaled about $1.4 million. Cost of phase 1 is es- timated at $2+ million, as is the cost of the second phase. Phase 3 will cost an esti- mated $5 million. To date the city has re- ceived $2.4 million in federal funds and $400,000 in state funds for phase 1 and an additional $400,000 for phase 2. A request for additional federal funds is pending in Congress. The levee wall was constructed in 1930 as a WPA project, and no significant repairs have been made to the levee since that time. The wall is deteriorating be- cause it was initially built on a base of . rubble," Eckles said. The reconstruction of the levee will basically involve con- struction of a new outer wall with footings (See Love*, Pate 2) New fire 'insurance' The Stillwater Fire Department has a new pumper /rescue track. The vehicle can carry a crew of six and has a 17,050 gallon -per- minute pumping capacity. It also features an electric "jaws of life" tool and generator. Purchase of the $319,000 piece of equipment was approved in the city's '95 budget. The new truck, expected to be operational for 25-30 years, replaces an older, outdated vehicle and will help the city maintain its ISO rating of 3. City Briefs 1996 holiday pickup schedule The following is the holiday trash collection schedule. During an observed holiday week, collection will occur one day later if the holiday falls on or before the normal collection day. The regular schedule will resume the following week. 4th of July -- Monday, no change; Tues- day, no change; Wednesday, no change; Thursday no collection. Thursday's route will be picked up on Friday, and Friday's route will be picked up on Saturday Labor Day -- Monday, no collection. Monday's route will be picked up on Tuesday, Tuesday's route on Wednesday, Wednesday's route on Thursday, Thurs- day's on Friday, Friday's on Saturday Thanksgiving -- Monday, no change; Tuesday, no change; Wednesday, no change; Thursday, no collection. Thurs- day's route will be picked up on Friday; Friday's route will be picked up on Satur- day Christmas -- Monday, no change; Tues- day, no change; Wednesday, no collec- tion. Wednesday's route will be picked up on Thursday, Thursday's route on Friday and Friday's route on Saturday New Year -- Same as Christmas week Committee has vacancies The city of Stillwater is seeking resi- dents interested in serving on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee for a two -year term expiring Dec. 31, 1997. The Solid Waste Advisory Committee studies all areas associated with the collec- tion and disposal of solid waste and de- velops a plan of action to achieve the goals established by the City Council. The committee includes six citizens, one member of the City Council, one representative from the Washington County public health department, and one representative of the city's solid waste contractor. Letters of interest should be submitted to the City Clerk, 216 N. Fourth St. Public Works has 'orange light' special The city's Public Works Department offers a couple of "orange light" specials City headed for Internet In July 1995, the City Council established a Stillwater Internet task force to in- vestigate how the city of Stillwater might establish a presence on the Internet. The Inwrnet, a connection of thousands of computer networks accessed by use of a tele- phone modem, is becoming a highly popular way (over 10 million users) of shar- irAg/exchanging data. Many cities, including Winona, St. Paul, Duluth, Roseville and others, have al- ready established "home pages" that provide a wide variety of information to the In- ternet users. Some organizations within the Stillwater area, including the Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce, Independent School District 834, and the Washington County Extension Service, have already developed a web site or home page, and many other organizations are in the process of developing an Internet site/page. The task force recently presented its report and recommendations to the City Council. The task force surveyed individuals, organizations and agencies with an in- terest in the Internet and researched what other communities are doing. The task force recommended the following. - The city of Stillwater design, build and commit to sustaining a city web site which will provide a universal email address for direct communication with the city and access to information regarding the work of the City Council, the city advisory boards and commissions, and all city departments; solid waste pick -up schedules; development proposals; contracts and agreements; minutes of all meetings; city ordi- nances; and any other information/data that is useful to the public. - The city cooperate with all other area organizations/entities to build a broader "community" information system that would basically include organizations and agencies within School District 834. The City Council accepted the report of the task force and requested that the group prepare a proposed budget for implementation of its recommendations. It is anticipated the city will be "on -line" in early summer. An update of the progress will appear in the next city newsletter and the local newspapers. Mark the calendar for LJD Lumberjank Days '96 is scheduled for July 17 -28 The event begins with the UD kickoff and cruise aboard the Grand Duchess. The treasure hunt begins on Tuesday, July 23. That evening the Blue Devils of Concord, Calif., seven -time Drum Corps International world champions, will present a Drum Beauty '96 preview. Drum Beauty will be held at Robert L. Miller Stadium, Stillwater Junior High School, on Wednesday and Thursday, July 24 and July 25. The carnival begins on Thursday, July 25, and continues through Sunday, July 28. The evening music spectacular on Thursday will feature the music of Johnny Clueless. Sidewalk sales begin on Friday as does the "Iron Jack" lumberjack competition in Lowell Park. Friday's concert headliners are the Smothers Brothers. Saturday's events include a 10 mile run, 5K walk or run, and kids mile run. The popular dragon boat races are scheduled for Saturday, along with two water ski exhi- bitions and the "Iron Jack" competition. Saturday evening's concert features Kid Johnny Lang. The finals of the dragon boat races and the lumberjack competition will take place on Sunday. Sunday's Grande Parade promises to be grand with a high school band competition -- six bands in Division AA and six in Division A. Mark your calendars! Levee wall (Continued kom page 1) that are driven into the river bed. Con- struction of the new outer wall will add about seven inches to the width of the levee. Because the levee is part of the city's historic district, the new portions of the wall will be constructed of a style similar to the existing structure. One new feature of the levee will be the placement of con- crete bollards (2 -3 feet high columns) along the outer wall, with mariners chain hung between the bollards to provide a safety feature and more clearly define the edge of the water. VOLUME I �k NUMBER 2 FREE! 1996 belf 3Lift STILLWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY * 223 NORTH FOURTH STREET * STILLWATER, MN 55082 * 611439.1675 100 CANDLES ' BOARD OF TRUSTEES: How time flies when you're serving - -- - - THE COMMUNITY'S the public's information needs! In VOICE 1997, the Stillwater Public Library HOURS will be celebrating its centennial, We The Stillwater Public Library is are now planning for our 100th Monday 1 - 9 P.M. governed by a Board of Trustees birthday party. Mary Ann Sandeen Tuesday 10 A.M. - 9 P.M. consisting of nine members of the from the Board of Trustees is chairing the planning committee. If Wednesday 10 A.M. - 9 P.M. Thursday 1 - 9 P.M. community, appointed by the Mayor. you have an idea for the celebration, Friday 10 A.M. - 5 P.M. and approved by the City Council.. would like to participate in the Saturday 10 A.M. - 5 P.M. Trustees are appointed for three year terms and may serve for no more than festivities as a volunteer, or choose a Sunday* 1 - 5 P.M. three consecutive terms. suitable birthday present for the library, please call me at 439- 1675. * Closed Sundays, Memorial Day The Board of Trustees adopts policies Lynne Bertalmio Weekend through Labor Day. for the library's governance, plans LOG ON R THE LIBRARY SPL and the Washington County Library joined thousands of public libraries across the country in the American Library Association's Log - On America Day, April 16, by extending access to the World Wide Web, Telnet, and Gopher through its dial -in access and selected terminals in the library. Internet access will allow you to extend your search for information beyond the walls of the library. The new service does not include e- mail, file transfer, or access to news groups. At present, the library's online information is only available in text format. Look for the terminals with the bright green signs in the Reference Room. A user's guide is provided at each Internet terminal to help you in your search. library I services, develops and controls the annual budget, appoints the STOR)MME Director, and employs the library staff. Preschool Storytimes: At its April meeting,_ the Board An introduction to books and approved a new long -range plan for storytelling for ages 3 to 5 the library to cover the period 1996 - Wednesdays 2000 (see page 2), reviewed the at 10.15 & 11.15 A.M. library's participation in MELSA, our regional public library system, and ECFE Storytirne & adopted the union contract for 1996 - Crafts: Library Storytimes with ECFE crafts and activities for ages 3 - - at 10:15 and 11415 A.M. Wednesday, June 26 Barnyard Banter Wednesday, July 24 Splish, Splash! 97. The Board meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 7 P.M. Meetings are open and the public is encouraged to attend. Current Board members are: Dave Ruch, President; Pat Lockyear, Vice - President; Sue Nelson, Secretary; Peggy Doeksen; Nick Gorski; Fred Kalinoff; Sheila Maybanks; Victor Myers; and Mary A nn Sandeen. L ET Y O U R Al I N D R U N 1) E E P 1 LONG RANGE PLAN PARKING WOES SUMMER READING: THE How do libraries platy for their future in the fast- changing Information Age? A committee consisting of three Board members, two staff members, and a member of the public met for nearly a year to develop a blueprint for the library for the next five years. The Planning Team used a process developed by the Public Library Association. Basing their decisions on an analysis of information about the library. and the community, the results of focus groups, and a survey of all of the informational and recreational resources available in the Stillwater area, the Planning Team recommended to the Board of Trustees that the library should focus its efforts on fulfilling the following roles: 0 Primary Role: SPL will further develop and improve its services as an independent learning center providing resources to people of all ages who are pursuing life -long, informal learning activities. C) Secondary Role 1: SPL will continue to provide a wide range of high demand, recreational materials for users of all ages for enjoyment, relaxation, or inspiration. o Secondary Role 2: SPL will develop and maintain quality collections and programming which will encourage young children to develop an interest in reading and learning. During 1996, the library staff and Board will be engaged in defining the measurable, outcomes to be achieved by 2000. Copies of the plan are available for the public at the Information Desk. Finding a parking spot is a common Stillwater problem. The government "campus" on North Fourth Street is not immune. There is pressure on our parking facilities as the community grows, library use increases, and citizens take an active part in meetings at City Hall. With construction underway on City Hall, parking is at a premium. We are studying ways to improve the situation, but ask that you take special care when parking at the library. Please observe the no parking zones; exit and enter the parking lot carefully; and drive slowly on North Fourth Street where many people, including children, are crossing. For those of you who prefer to bike to the library, the library does have a bike rack on the strip of lawn north of the upper parking lot. PIANO & THE SONG Due to the popularity of Listening Live last fall, the Library will again be providing music programming with the Abondia Center. We have just received word from the Minnesota Humanities Commission that funding will be available to bring The Piano and the Song to Stillwater this fall. Call for details. 101 REASONS TO USE YOUR PUBLIC LIBRARY! Reason # 29 We have the plans so you can build an Adirondack chair, sit down, and watch the flowers bloom. After this winter, you've earned it! COLORFUL WORLD OF LIBRARY KIDSI The library offers a summer filled with activities for children and families. The summer reading program kicks off on June 10 with reading records, bookmarks, and buttons by renown children's author/ illustrator Patricia Polacco with the theme "The Colorful World of Library Kids." Her stories and fanciful art are often drawn from childhood memories and reflect her Eastern European heritage. Stop by the library for more details on how children can participate. Free entertainment for families will be featured on Thursday evenings. Co- sponsored by the Stillwater area ECFE, these programs begin at 7:00 RX and take place on the library's lawn except where noted. Feel free to bring blankets or lawnchairs. June 20 Banjo Dancers June 27 Magic of Suzanne July 11 Nomalanga July 18 Kit and Kaboodle July 25 Freshwater Pearls Puppetry (indoors) August I The Zuchinis Library Lunch Bunch, for ages 6 -12, offers an hour of stories beginning at 12:00 Noon on Tuesdays, June 25, July 9, July 23, and August 13. Bring a lunch and enjoy the fun! As with all programs, if you or your child have a disability and need special assistance, please call the library 10 days before the program to request assistance. Pioneer Park slated for improvements The master plan for Pioneer Park is nearing completion. The plan will be presented at a public meeting at 7 p.m. May 29. The meeting will be held in the Margaret Rivers Room of the Stillwater Public Library, 233 N. Fourth St. The plan, prepared by Ste - fan/L.arson Associates, architects and landscape architects, and Robert Williams, landscape architect, has been developed over the past six months under the direction of the Pio- neer Park Committee, the city's Plan- ning Department and Parks and Recre- ation Department. Two community meetings have been held to hear resi- dents' ideas and concerns. The plan has been reviewed by city staff, the com- mittee, Minnesota State Historical So- ciety, Parks and Recreation Depart- ment and Heritage Preservation Com- mission. The master plan includes: a play area, with equipment specific to younger and older children; a trellised roof structure over the play area, which will be surrounded by benches; a pic- nic shelter; gazebo; rest rooms; and parking area and turnaround. Development of a master plan was initiated by a donor's desire to create a play area at Pioneer Park. Phase one of implementation of the plan will focus (Sae Park, Page 4) WALL � m r1, I � Projects would add jobs, tax base A number of major development pro- jects are under consideration by the City Council. Already approved by the Council is the development of a 65,000- square -foot manufacturing facility in the West Busi- ness Park. The facility will house Colonial Craft, a manufacturer of wood products used by Andersen Corp. The facility will be located on eight acres of land between Curve Crest Boulevard and West Orleans. The city is assisting the developer with the purchase of the site. The project is sched- uled for completion in 1998. The Council is considering three pro- jects in the downtown area. One proposal involves the reuse of the old territorial prison site and buildings located on North Main Street. The buildings would be con- verted to a 117 -unit hotel, conference fa- cility for 300 and restaurant with seating for 150. The wall at the rear of the site would be rehabilitated and a trail con- structed around the perimeter of the site. The significance of the site as the first territorial prison would be preserved and interpreted in the hotel reception area and throughout the building. The hotel site contains over 10 acres, five of the 10 acres would be available for park and open space use; hotel parking would provide parking for downtown visitors, as well as hotel guests. Also under consideration is the reuse of the old Maple Island plant at 219 N. Main St. As proposed, the developers would convert the manufacturing/office building into a grocer, hardware store and other retail shops and offices. The City is applying for Livable Communities tax base revitalization money from the Metropolitan council to remove asbestos from the building; cost of the asbestos re- moval is estimated at $200,000. Shared parking for the commercial use would be provided along Water Street. If approved, it is estimated the project would provide 75 to 100 jobs and add $2 million to the city's tax base. A third proposal before the City Council involves two projects -- construc- tion of a 65 -unit housing development on the former UBC storage site and a 150 -car (See Projeatk page 4) Briefs TIF helps finance cit Continued from page 2 y during the summer months. The first is the blacktopping of city streets. The second "special" is the three - step preparation of streets for seal coating -- cleaning the streets, blowing out and filling the cracks. Please be aware the orange light indicates personnel are work; please use caution and patience when driving in a work area. City regulates peddlers, solicitors The city has an ordinance which regulates peddlers and solicitors. Any resident who wishes to exclude peddlers or solicitors from his or her premises should place a printed sign "Peddlers and Solicitors Prohibited" near the regular entrance to the residence. The sign must be at least 3 -3/4 inches long and 3 -3/4 inches wide. Any peddler /solicitor who ignores the sign is guilty of a misde- meanor. Solicitors /peddlers are required to obtain a permit and be licensed by the city and are required to exhibit the license at the request of any citizen. Put signs on private property The city of Stillwater has an ordi- nance that prohibits placement of signs on public property, such as utility poles, traffic signs, boulevard areas and other public areas. Some residents have been placing signs in areas that block views or create a distraction for drivers. If you are advertising an event such as a garage sale or vehicle sale, please place the signs on private property and in a location that will not create problems for drivers. Park (Continued from page 3)' on the play area and related improve- ments. Following the May 29 meeting, the plan will go before the Planning Commission and City Council for their approvals. A scope of work for phase one will then be determined and final drawings prepared during June and July. Construction could begin this fall. improvement projects In 1985, the city established its first tax increment financing (TIF) district. Known as the "scattered site district," it included the downtown central business district and some parcels of land in the In- dustrial Park. Although TIF involves a complex set of rules and regulations re- lated to its use, the concept of TIF is very simple -- it is nothing more than the in- cremental tax that is generated from im- provements made to property. For exam- ple, if a vacant lot is producing $1,000 in tax revenues and the propety is improved creating a tax of $10,000, the increment would be $9,000. The $9,000 (with some adjustments for the school portion of the tax and for "fiscal disparities contributions for commercial properties) is what would be available to help finance a TIF project or related use. The original $1,000 of property tax would remain available for the regular tax levies. The primary purpose of establishing TIF was to encourage development of va- cant and blighted areas within the city in order to create jobs, increase the city's tax base and further develop vacant parcels. One of the most significant uses of TIF to date has been the almost total re- construction of streets and utilities in the downtown central business district. The cost of the project was nearly $7 million of which about $4 million was paid from the tax increment that was generated by development projects in the city. Also, the downtown project was completed over a two-year time period, rather than over a series of construction phases. This would not have been possible without the use of TIF. Also, financing the project without TIF would have required a direct tax levy against all city property. Projects (Continued from page 3) public parking structure. The housing project has received approval from the Heritage Preservation Commission and the Planning Commission and is currently under consideration by the City Council. The housing development consists of 65 units in a condominium structure of varying height -- from four stories to seven stories. Parking for the residential use would be provided in a below grade two-level parking structure. The p parking ramp over the Other uses of TIF have been the as- sisted financing of the expansion of INC- STAR in the Industrial Park, the Cottages of Stillwater housing development, the Desch office building downtown, the Cub corporate office parking lot on South Third Street, the Lumber Baron's ho- tel/restaurant, the Cub/Target develop- ment, and Colonial Craft, a wood products manufacturing firm that will employ about 150 people. In all of these TIF development pro- jects, the city determined that "but for" the use of TIF assistance, the developments would not take place, and, more impor- tantly, if the developments did take place, there will ultimately be an increase in the city's tax base, as well as increased em- ployment opportunities for residents. In addition, any excess TIF could be used to help finance other projects within the district (such as a parking ramp in the downtown area that is currently under consideration). Although it is true that the tax incre- ment generated from the developments will be "captured" for a period of time (in some cases until 2012) and will not be available for general property taxes, the city is building for the future and trying to ensure that: the land in the Industrial Park is fully developed, with good business and employment opportunities; that the down- town area remains a viable economic en- tity; and that there is a source of financing, other than assessments or tax levies, that can be used to help finance future public improvement projects, such as a down- town parking ramp, the levee wall and Lowell Park reconstruction, the redevel- opment of the Aiple property and other desirable projects. city's existing Olive and Second Street lot also in being considered in conjunction with the housing development. As pro- posed, funding for the parking ramp would come from the sale of the city - owned UBC site, along with parking per- mit fees, funds from a downtown parking district or tax increment funds generated by a new redevelopment district. If approved, it is estimated the four projects would add in excess of $25 mil- lion to the city's tax base and provide 400 jobs. add t1 * 11water Scene CAR -RT SORT BULK RATE S1 U.S. POSTAGE PAID Official City Newsletter i Stillwater, MN 55082 I Permit No. 206 Postal Patron Vol. 8; Issue 1 Stillwater, MN. 55082 FEBRUARY 1996 Join in Pioneer Park planning The city of Stillwater is de- veloping a master plan for Pio- neer Park. Stefan/Larson Associ- ates, architects and landscape ar- chitects, with Robert Williams, landscape architect, have been se- lected to provide design services. The following issues have been identified as needing to be addressed in the planning pro- cess: park design, historical con- text, archaeological investigation, landscaping, park activities, lower park use, trail system and maintenance. The first step in developing the master plan was to gather in- formation from the community. A public meeting was held Oct. 17, 1995, and questionnaires were distributed to determine user demographics, preferred park activities and features, sug- gested new activities and fea- tures, and suggestions about ac- tivities or features that could be eliminated. The consultants have been working with the Institute for Minnesota Archaeology to con- duct remote sensing and archaeo- logical field work at Pioneer Park. The preliminary results in- dicate that intact archaeological remains (structural features and artifacts) survive in the project area. These appear to be associ- ated with the Isaac Staples' house. The report currently is be- ing reviewed by the Minnesota State Historical Society. Histori- cal research also has been com- pleted by Brent Peterson of Stillwater who conducted re- search on the Staples residence and the history of the park. (See Park, page 4) Efforts target sports complex The Sports Facilities Commission continues to work toward the building of a sports facility complex in the Stillwater area. The complex would include an ice arena and field house. Commission mem- bers have been meeting with officials from area communities, School District 834, and Washington County to explain the concept and obtain financial support. The facility is estimated to cost about $4.1 million. Although the commission was unsuccessful in obtaining a "Mighty Ducks" state grant to help finance the complex in the first round of grant awards, the commission will be submitting an ap- plication when additional grant funds be- come available this year. The commission has been successful in obtaining financial commitments from some communities and local foundations. Many individuals also have given money or have pledged money to help finance the complex. However, additional funds will be required. Anyone who is interested in con- tributing to the project can send contribu- tions to: St. Croix Valley Sports Facility Commission, P.O. Box 903, Stillwater, MN, 55082. Any funds received will be held in trust by the city of Stillwater. For more information, call any of the following commission members: Mike Polehna, 731 -3851; Rich Cummings, 439- 6539; Otto Bonestroo, 636 -4600; or Dick Olsen, 439 -5410. Interested residents are urged to attend the Feb. 22 meeting to gather input for Pioneer Park. Page 2 February 1996 Newsletter City Briefs 1996 holiday pickup schedule The following is the holiday trash collection schedule. During an observed holiday week, collection will occur one day later if the holiday falls on or before the normal collection day. The regular schedule will resume the following week. Memorial Day -- Monday, no collection. Monday's route will be picked up on Tuesday, Tuesday's route on Wednesday, Wednesday's route on Thursday, Thurs- day's route on Friday, and Friday's route on Saturday 4th of July -- Monday, no change; Tues- day, no change; Wednesday, no change; Thursday no collection. Thursday's route will be picked up on Friday, and Friday's route will be picked up on Saturday Labor Day -- Monday, no collection. Monday's route will be picked up on Tuesday, Tuesday's route on Wednesday, Wednesday's route on Thursday, Thurs- day's on Friday, Friday's on Saturday Thanksgiving -- Monday, no change; Tuesday, no change; Wednesday, no change; Thursday, no collection. Thurs- day's route will be picked up on Friday; Friday's route will be picked up on Satur- day Christmas -- Monday, no change; Tues- day, no change; Wednesday, no collec- tion. Wednesday's route will be picked up on Thursday, Thursday's route on Friday and Friday's route on Saturday New Year -- Same as Christmas week Skating rinks are open Recreational ice skating rinks are available at the following city parks: Schulenberg, Triangle, Ramsey Grove, Meadowlark and Staples Field. There is also a rink that has been flooded on Lily Lake and by the gazebo in Lowell Park. There are both hockey and recreational skating rinks at Northland Park; the warming house is open until 9 p.m. Keep walks clean Residents are reminded that it is the responsibility of property owners to keep sidewalks adjacent to their property clear of ice and snow. In many cases, impass- Se e Briefs, page 4 Storm water utility fee under consideration The Stillwater City Council is considering the adoption of a storm water utility policy. If the policy is adopted, a quarterly users fee will be established. The user fee would be included in the quarterly utility bill -- sewer and water. The purpose of the storm water utility fee would be to provide a constant rev- enue source for the ongoing management and improvements to the city's storm water system. The revenues also would be used to help finance local improvements, such as a street reconstruction project that includes repair and/or upgrading of the storm water systems. Although a policy implementation date has not been established, it is possible the user fee could be in place by as early as April 1996. The City Council is considering the following range of Quarterly user fees: Land Use Single and 2- family Multi- family Active open space Institutional Commercial/industrial Central Business District Proposed Fee $4.50 per dwelling $4.50 per unit $4.50 per acre $27 per acre $54 per acre $72 per acre City report gets high marks For the 6th consecutive year, the city of Stillwater has received a certificate of achievement for excellence in financial reporting from the Government Finance Of- ficers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada for its comprehensive annual financial reports. The certificate of achievement is the highest form of recog- nition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. Finance Director Diane Deblon has been presented with the GFOA's award as the individual primarily responsible for preparing the award- winning comprehensive annual financial report. The report was judged by an impartial panel and was found to meet the high standards of the program, including demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full dis- closure" to clearly communicate its financial story and to motivate potential users and user groups to read the report. Copies of the city's year -end annual reports are available at City Hall and the Stillwater Public Library. Any residents who are interested in learning more about the city's financial health are encouraged to stop by and review the reports. Free tax help is available Free tax assistance for senior citizens and for families with incomes of $23,500 or less is available at the Stillwater Senior Community Center. Volunteers who have been trained by the IRS and the Minnesota Department of Revenue will be at the Center on Tuesday afternoons and Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Taxpayers should bring the following information with them: • State and federal tax forms. • Records showing 1995 income from interest, dividends, wages and other sources. • Copies of 1994 state and federal and property tax returns. • Certificate of rent paid in 1995 or property tax statement payable if applying for Minnesota renters credit or property tax refund. Retired people should bring forms showing pension income, Social Security benefits or Railroad Retirement benefits. To make an appointment, call 439 -9159. Walk -ins are welcome, but on a first - come, first -serve basis. Tax assistance also is available for homebound people; for information, call the number listed above. Prepared and Distributed by the Courier News WHAT YOU SEE IS NOT by the participating libraries - and CHILDREN'S SERVICES: ALL YOU CAN GETS your tax dollars. You may also wish REACHING OUT TO THE to travel to the owning library for INTERLIBRARY LOAN ` COMMUNITY on -site borrowing, using our The library has more than meets the computer catalog access to Agencies serving children have been eye. Through the Stillwater Public determine where the item is held.. looking beyond their doors to work Library's participation in the This option is faster and less costly with other community organizations cooperative service commonly than Interlibrary Loan. in an effort to better reach youth. known as "Interlibrary Loan," your - SPL has actively responded to this access to materials extends beyond UPCOMING trend toward collaboration. One of its the shelves of the Stillwater Public PROGRAMS: most rewarding cooperative endeavors Library and Washington County SCHOOL'S OUTI involves the children and teachers of Library to other resources of the Stillwater Head Start. Twin Cities metropolitan area and During Spring Break, the library Since Head Start's arrival in the upper Midwest. If you don't will offer the following programs: Stillwater in 1991, the library has have a pressing deadline, this service Library Lunch Bunch welcomed the students for their own may be for you. Bring a bag lunch for an hour of monthly story time. The program Here are a few details: stories (ages 6 & up) introduces children to the wonder of Requests must be for a specific Tuesday, April 2 at Noon stories and reading. Fortunately, Head item (known author and title), not a Fun in the Sun Storytime Start is located at Ascension general subject request, i.e. for Wear your sunglasses for some Episcopal Church, allowing the group "something on chaos theory." Caribbean tales (ages 3 & up) to walk a mere block to the library. Your wait for materials may be 2 to Wednesday, April 3 at 10:15 & During the course of the year, the 4 weeks or more. 11 :15 A.M. children become comfortable in the Animals, Animals! library and get to know the Most loans are for a 3 -week, one- Children's Librarian personally. time loan (no renewals). Call for details on this live animal Increasing numbers of the children presentation (ages 4 & up) Periodical articles will be sent as Thursday, April 4, time to be return with their families, filled with photocopies. announced a sense of pride in their library. Some videos, books on tape, musical As with all library programs, if you To strengthen this rewarding recordings, computer software, or your child have a disability and partnership, the library sponsored a bestsellers, and rare or bulky items need special assistance, please call children's book drive in December to may be restricted from Interlibrary the library 10 days before the collect community donations of new Loan. books for the holiday _season. One program to request assistance. hundred books were received and Reference materials are not available distributed to the Holiday Bureau, through Interlibrary Loan. 101 REASONS _ TO USE Toys for Tots, and Head Start. There is always a possibility that YOUR PUBLIC LIBRARY! Children's Librarian Gail Nordstrom your request may not be filled. had the pleasure of personally To initiate a request, check with the Reason # 43 handing out over 50 books to Head . Information Desk in person or by We subscribe to both Value Line Start students at their holiday party. phone. Please request only items Survey and Morningstar Mutual The library will continue to that you need and will use. Funds to help you make a mint and strengthen collaboration with Head Although the service is "free" to you, retire to that tropical island. Start and other community services the costs of this program are paid for for children. VOLUME I NUMBER 1 1996 fe FREE! * * * STILLWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY * 223 NORTH FOURTH STREET * STILLWATER, MN 55082 * 612.439.1675 LIFE AT THE LIBRARY! This is the first issue of the Stillwater Public Library's newsletter Shelf Life. We welcome this new ability to address you directly. 1996 promises to be an exciting year at the library. We have plans for great programs, new data bases on CD ROM, and expanded public access to the Internet. Shelf Life will be published quarterly and will be distributed with the City of Stillwater's newsletter and in the library. We hope that you will find the newsletter full of useful information that will help you use library resources to the fullest. If there is a service that you would like to see featured or an issue you would like addressed, please contact me with your suggestions. Lynne Bertalmio, Director CONSULT THE CATALOG The library's public access catalog (PAC) is a powerful tool in your search for information. One of the advantages of our computer catalog is that you can consult it from your home or office if you have a computer and modem. Dial 739 - 9647 or Telnet to our Internet address: washington.lib.mn.us and type Library in lower case at the login prompt. f HOURS Monday 1 - 9 P.M. Tuesday 10 A.M. - 9 P.M. Wednesday 10 A.M. - 9 P.M. Thursday 1 - 9 P.M. Friday 10 A.M. - 9 P.M. Saturday 10 A.M. - 5 P.M. Sunday* 1 = 5 P.M. * Closed Sundays, June through August. STORYTIME Preschool Storytimes: An introduction to books and storytelling for ages 3 to 5 Wednesdays at 10:15 & 11:15 A.M. Bedtime Storytimes: A "pajama party" storytime for children 3 and older and their parents. Cosponsored by ECFE. The third Thursday of each month through May at 7 P.M. Stuffed animals and blankets are welcome! CARRY YOUR CARD? HERE'S WHY Your SPL borrower's card is a valuable asset, giving you access to a wealth of materials and information. With a valid I.D., registration is quick and easy. You may register for your card at the SPL circulation desk or at any of the branches of the Washington County Library. Here are three good reasons to carry your card with you when you are looking for information: •s To be certain that our borrowing records are correct, we will ask you to present your library card when you check out materials. No matter how much we would like to be able to do so, we cannot personally recognize all of our patrons. •o In order to give you easy access to more resources, we are adding data bases to the public access catalog (PAC). In some cases, the PAC terminal will ask you to supply your library card barcode before you can proceed with your search, due to a contractual agreement with the vendor of the data base. •o The Stillwater Public Library is a member of MELSA, the regional public library system for the metro area. You can borrow most items at any public library in the seven county metro area - if you carry your card from SPL. L E T 1 0 U R Al I N D g U N D E E P Newsletter February 1996 Page 3 Clogged chimney Gas or wood - burning fireplace Blocked chimney opening Auto exhaust fumes from attached garage O Carbon monoxide detector locations (For maximum protection, two carbon monoxide detectors are recommended per household; one located near the sleeping area, the other outside the furnace room.) CO detectors can save lives There has been a lot of attention given recently to carbon monoxide (CO) detectors and how having a detector in the home has saved families from possible death due to the colorless, odorless, deadly gas. The Stillwater Fire Depart- ment supports the use of CO detectors in a home, but reminds homeowners that hav- ing a detector in place does not relieve them of the responsibility to clean and maintain their furnaces and other fuel - burning appliances. Here are some tips for people who have decided to purchase a CO detector: • Buy a detector approved by Under- writers Laboratories. • If you buy just one detector, place it outside the sleeping area close enough to be heard behind a closed door. • Place CO detectors at least 15 feet away from fuel- burning appliances. • Don't put an AC powered detector on a switched outlet. • Keep and read owner's manuals for proper operation and problem solving. Smoke detectors and CO detectors have similar alarm sounds; don't be con- fused between the two. Smoke detectors are required in all homes, and when they sound, there is a definite emergency. When a CO detector sounds, it is an early warning the CO is present and immediate action should be taken according to the manufacturer's recommendations. People should be aware that small children, preg- nant woman and people with cardiac and other medical problems may be more sus- ceptible to the effects of carbon monoxide. Residents who have any questions should call the Stillwater Fire Department, 439- 6120. If the detector sounds an alarm, call 9 -1 -1 and the fire department will respond to check for the presence of carbon monoxide with a detector that is sensitive to any amounts of concentration. Potential Carbon Mor Sources in the Home Page 4 February 1996 Newsletter Briefs Continued from page 2 able sidewalks can lead to a safety prob- lem for residents -- especially school age children. Be nice and remove the snow and ice! Committee has vacancies The city of Stillwater is seeking resi- dents interested in serving on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee for a two -year term expiring Dec. 31, 1997. The Solid Waste Advisory Committee studies all areas associated with the collec- tion and disposal of solid waste and de- velops a plan of action to achieve the goals established by the City Council. The committee includes six citizens, one member of the City Council, one representative from the Washington County public health department, and one representative of the city's solid waste contractor. Letters of interest should be submitted to the City Clerk, 216 N. Fourth St., no later than 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 13. Collection rules Residents are reminded of the follow- ing rules and regulations pertaining to the city's solid waste collection system: • Place containers at curbside by 6 a.m. the morning or scheduled pickup; handles should be facing the house. • Do not overstuff containers; lids must be completely closed. Excess waste that does not fit into the container can be placed in special bags that are available for purchase at City Hall, 216 N. Fourth St., from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Bags are $2 each and are sold in minimum lots of five. Comp plan adopted The City Council adopted an updated Comprehensive Plan for the city of Still- water on Dec. 12, 1995. The previous plan was adopted in 1980. Since 1980, the city's population has increased from 12,300 to over 15,000. The updated plan took over two years of work to complete and represents the ef- forts of the Planning Commission, with input from many individuals and groups, including the ward network, joint City/Township task force, open space committee and comments received at over 50 public meetings. The 300 -plus page document includes 13 sections. • The section on Community Charac- ter talks about small town character and the need to protect the historical character of the city. It outlines policies on open space, streetscapes and the need of main- tain the architectural qualities of the city. • The Land Use section documents past growth trends in the city and the per- centage of existing land uses within the city -- parks, non - taxable land, residential, commercial, vacant and buildable. The section also includes Metropolitan Council's population growth forecast for the city and outlines the city's goals to provide more open space and preserve existing public lands. This section recog- nizes the future growth of the city to be Highway 36, Highway 96 and County Road 15. • The city's goals regarding trans- portation, housing and the local economy are outlined. • Natural resources and open space, parks, riverfront properties and trails are addressed in the plan. Recommendations regarding preservation of historic re- sources are outlined. • Public facilities and services are dis- cussed, along with the fiscal impact of possible growth the future boundaries. • The final section in the plan ad- dresses specific planning areas in the city -- the downtown district, the Brick Pond area, the West Stillwater Business Park, and the planning area west of the existing city limits. Annexation of any land west of the city is a separate issue and a timetable for potential future annexation is not included in the plan. It is the goal of the City Council to establish an agreement with Stillwater Township before annexation of any land takes place. Remember winter rules The October 1995 newsletter re- minded Stillwater residents about the win- ter parking regulations that are in effect from Nov. 1 -April 1. Unfortunately, many residents did not comply with the regula- tions, and the police department issued a high number of parking violation tickets. The city's odd -even calendar parking regulation means that residents must park on the side of the street with odd -num- bered street addresses on odd- numbered calendar days. Parking is allowed on the side of the street with even - numbered street addresses on even - numbered calen- dar days. Parking is allowed on either side . of the street between 7 p.m. and midnight. However, residents are asked to be mind- ful of the need to plow both sides of the street after a snowfall. Here are a couple of other winter re- minders. • Residents are asked to keep snow cleared from around fire hydrants. The fire departments appreciates your cooperation -- and it may prove to be a property - saver, or even a life - saver, in case of a fire in the neighborhood. • According to the city's ordinance, it is unlawful to operate a snowmobile within the city limits, on private or public property, between 11 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and between midnight and 7 a.m. on Fridays and Satur- days. It is against the ordinance to operate a snowmobile on park property, play- grounds, school grounds, skating rinks or golf courses, unless authorized by the property authorities. Snowmobiles cannot be operated on public sidewalks or walkways. The ma- chines can be operated in public streets only in the right hand lane of the portion of the road ordinarily used for vehicular traffic. The ordinance prohibits youths under the age of 14 to operate a snowmobile on any public street or highway in the city limits. Youths between 14 and 17 can op -. erate a snowmobile on city . streets/highways only if he or she has a valid snowmobile safety certificate issued by the Department of Natural Resources. Park (Continued from Pagel) The next community meeting is sched- uled for 7 p.m. Feb. 22 at Stillwater City Hall. The focus of the meeting will be to gather information, review design concepts and define a direction for the master plan. Another community meeting is scheduled for April 17 to review the design develop- ment phase of the master plan. All interested people are encouraged to attend the meetings and provide their input for the development' of the park.