Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993 Stillwater City NewsletterST LLwATER AC�0" t 1 * 1 1wa ter CAR -RT SORT BULK M ki U.S. POSTAGE PAID Stillwater, MN 55082 Permit No. 206 Postal Patron VoL 5; No. 3 Stillwater, Minn. 55082 October 1993 Le fun& OK' The city of Stillwater will re- ceive $2.4 million in federal fund - ing for repair of the levee wall in IM �w. Lowell Park. The funding was in- eluded in the appropriations bill 77 7 which has passed both the full'���. House and the Senate and awaits the e- g ` President's signature. The city also has received state x� n Y funding of $200,000, with the Y u likelihood of an additional` $200,000 in 1994. The city's share , of the project is $400,000. The Army Corps of Engineers must review the project. However, it is anticipated that construe- tion /reconstruction of the levee ? could begin as early as next Octo- ber.zh The $3.2 million project in eludes repair /reconstruction of the existing wall as required; extension The plan for the renovation and beautification of Lowell Park calls for work to be done of the levee 1,000 feet to the north, on a funds- available basis. The first step in any project involving Lowell Park is the (see Levee, page 4) levee wall project~ i ' ta Clt t® 5t1�..d v s11��Y' The City Council has directed staff to would not be subject to the tax as currently parks clean up, maintenance of parking begin the necessary procedures to obtain proposed. lots, street sweeping, associated with the special legislation authorizing the City to The tax revenues would be used to help large number of visitors. The extra cost to impose a 3 percent visitors tax on busi - finance the promotion, beautification and provide these necessary services puts a nesses that generate revenues primarily protection of the City in order to maintain strain on an already limited budget, and the from sales to visitors. Businesses would the character, atmosphere and amenities that City Council believes the costs should be include: bars and restaurants, boutiques and attract large numbers of visitors to the shared by those who visit Stillwater, rather antique shops, excursion trains and boats, community. Visitors are a welcome contri- than be borne entirely by the local citizens. and hotels, motels and bed and breakfast bution to the local economy as they help inns. Food, clothing, furniture, golf sustain many local businesses and have It is anticipated that a bill requesting courses, off -sale liquor stores and other helped revitalize the downtown business the visitors tax will be presented to the stores or businesses that rely primarily on district. However, there are also extraordi - 1994 Legislature for approval for imple- local shoppers, rather than tourist trade, nary costs, such as extra police patrol, mentation in 1995. Page 2 October 1993 Newsletter City briefs Governors salute city A number of Minnesota governors will take part in the sesquicentennial clos- ing ceremonies to be held at the new Stillwater Area High School from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24. The closing celebration will include musical enter- tainment, a visual presentation and, of course, a birthday cake with 150 candles. On Tuesday, Oct. 26, the city's actual birthdate, residents will be serenaded by the bells and chimes of the city's churches. The chimes of St. Michael's Church will begin the serenade at 11:45 a.m. A mass ringing will take place at noon.' Fire Department sponsors dance The Stillwater Fire Department Relief Association's annual fundraising dance will be held in the Stillwater VFW begin- ning at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30. Dancing will be to the music of "Checkers." A prize will be awarded for the best Hal - loween costume. Admission is a $3 dona- tion at the door. Committee members sought The City is seeking residents inter- ested in serving on the Solid Waste Advi- sory Committee. Members are appointed by the City Council and serve two -year terms. Residents who would like to be con- sidered for possible appointment to the committee should send a letter of interest to City Clerk Mary Lou Johnson at City Hall, 216 N. Fourth St. Senior rates available The City provides "adjusted" garbage rates for citizens age 62 or older or who are retired by permanent disability, regard- less of age. The adjusted rate is $12 per month. However, the rate is available for one 30- gallon container only; the regular rate applies for larger containers. The City Council also may waive the payment for solid waste collection if the head of household is age 62 or older or is retired due to permanent disability, regard- less of age, if the payment would cause a hardship. (See Briefs, page 4)1 Prepared and Distributed by the Courier News Winter parking rules, i moved u p a month The Halloween blizzard of several years ago made it perfectly clear that it's never too early to start thinking about the first snowfall. With that in mind, the City Council has changed the date the city's winter parking regulations go into effect. Parking regulations will be effective Nov. 1, a month earlier than in the past. Beginning at 12:01 a.m. Nov. I through midnight April 1, the odd -even parking regulation is in force -- at all times. The odd -even regulation simply means that on odd - numbered calendar days, cars should be parked on the side of the street with odd- numbered street addresses. On even - numbered calendar days, cars should be parked on the side of the street with even - numbered addresses. Each day, between 7 p.m. and midnight, there is a change -over period when the regulations are not in force to allow residents to move their cars to the side of the street where parking is permitted the following day. Every winter, the city receives complaints from citizens who have had their ve- hicle tagged or towed because the vehicle was parked on the "wrong side of the street. In most instances, the residents thought the ordinance was enforced only when snow is falling. The city winter parking regulations are enforced at all times. Com- pliance with the ordinance helps city snow removal crews get the job done quicker, and it could save you some money by avoiding a tag- and -tow situation. Here are a few other reminders about the upcoming winter season: • All snow and ice is to be removed from public sidewalks within 12 hours of any snow or ice storm. The ordinance applies to both business and residential areas of the city. • 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. • Residents are asked to keep snow cleared from around fire hydrants. If there is a hydrant by your home or business, please keep it cleared. • Residents who leave on extended vacations are reminded to have timers on their lights so they turn on close to the family's normal schedule. Have a neighbor or relative check on the property occasionally. Have sidewalks and driveways cleared of snow, and have someone leave a vehicle parked in the driveway on occasion to give the impression that someone is home. Residents also can stop at the police depart- ment and fill out a vacation check card; police will check the exterior or the home as time permits. City adopts proposed '94 budget and levy The Stillwater City Council has adopted the propgsed 1994 budget and tax levy. The table below shows the estimated change in taxes on homesteaded properties of certain market values: Market value 568.000 $100.000 $150.000 S200,000 1993 Stillwater tax $194.83 $366.73 $653.24 5939.75 1994 Estimated tax $200.60 $377.60 $672.60 $967.60 Estimated increase $5.77 $10.87 $19.36 $27.85 The table indicates only the City's share of the property tax and does not include taxes levied by other taxing jurisdictions, such as Washington County or School District 834. The City tax is generally about 1/4 of the total property tax. The Stillwater City Council will hold its truth -in- taxation hearing on the pro- posed budget and tax levy at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 30, in the council chambers at City Hall, 216 N. Fourth St. Newsletter October 1993 Page 3 Meet y our city sta SCOTT PARKE job appeal to Parker. Although Stillwater foster care; her father, at age 69, is a is getting bigger, he says most of the peo- member of the Sun City, Ariz., Posse, a ple he has contact with are "decent people." group of volunteer police officers. And, as Stillwater Police "You meet some pretty nice people," a youngster her idol was a family friend Officer Scott Parker's he says. who was an officer with the North St. Paul interest in law en a ` His hobbies include photography and police force. So, after graduating from forcement began Y . > model railroading. Recently he's been North High, she attended Lakewood Com- with his experience working on his newly - purchased home munity College and obtained a degree in in the Minnesota 4 north of Stillwater, a project that has turned law enforcement Highway Patrol's Home Improvement Month into five or six As Community Service Officer, Explorer Scout pro gram while in high months. Jacobson is in charge of animal control, school and college. C JACOBSON C O B S O1 V es care of police property and evidence, and performs a variety of other duties, such A 1987 graduate of Stillwater High w as dispatching, as needed. She enjoy just about every aspect of her job -- working School, Parker was born and raised in Afton. After graduating from high school, � �` Cindy Jacobson with animals, being outdoors and variet g the he attended Mankato State University where is Stillwater's Com m i t Service Jacobson is mother of three teenagers, a 17 -year -old daughter and sons, he obtained a degree in law enforcement. He joined the Stillwater force in April u n y Officer, a position ages es 15 and 13. The kids think it's OK that 1992 with a background that includes: she's held for eight mom wears the officer's blue, but she "Mom, serving as an MP with the National Guard years. Jacobson grew t occasionally gets teased with the Dog Catcher." for six years; dispatching for the federal up in a family where police at Fort Snelling; and serving on the community service Bayport police force for one year before is a way of life. Although work and raising three teens moving over to Stillwater. '" do keep her pretty busy, she does find time The variety of the work and dealing Her father served on the North St. Paul for camping and some golfing, an activity with people -- good or bad -- is part of the City Council for 20 years; the family did she's recently taken up again. C ity Council ap ily roves L contract y Lily Lake Ice Arena will be operated ter several weeks of study and negotiation, Croix Catering will pay the City $11,000 by a private organization during the 1993- a lease was awarded to St. Croix Catering in rent, plus 4 1/2 percent of any increase 94 season. The arena has incurred a loss for Inc. for a one -year period. in gross revenues. The lease will eliminate most, if not all of its operating years, and The lease requires St. Croix Catering a $17,000 loss, and the overall net gain for the City decided to explore the possibility to provide ice time to all previous users of the City should be between $28,000 and of leasing; the arena to a private group. Af- the arena at a price set by the City. St. $30,000 for the year. Reminders o trash colle f o rules The special garbage bags that must be "excess" mixed with household waste. driveway is not cleared of snow. used for household waste are now Some other rules to observe are: • Do not place waste of any kind on available at the Stillwater Cub Foods store; • Place containers at curbside by 6 am. top of the container. the Fina stations on Greeley at Curve Crest on collection day. Make sure container lids . Put an identification sticker, with Boulevard and North Main Street; the are completely closed (and not over- stuffed). street address, on the container to avoid ac- Brooks store on Highway 5 at Croixwood Over- stuffed containers will not be picked cidental misplacement of the container and Boulevard; Tom Thumb on Highway 5 and up, and return trips will not be made to to help identify lost or stolen containers. West Orleans Street; Food and Fuel on pick up containers that are not at curbside • Residents can change their container Owens Street; and Ace Hardware in the St. on time. Containers must be stored out of size only once every two billing quarters Croix Mall, public view, except on collection days. and after 30 days notice to the City. New The bags are $2 plus tax each, and • Make sure that containers are placed residents may change their container size must be used for excess household waste at curbside with the container handles fac- within the first month of occupancy. If the that will not fit into the garbage container. ing away from the curb, with the wheels change is made during the first week of the The bags dQ = have to be used for yard toward the house. Make sure containers are month, the fee will be changed that month waste (grass and leaves); yard waste can be accessible when snow comes. Containers put into regular trash bags, but cannot be will not be wheeled back to the house if the (see Trash, page 4) Page 4 October 1993 New•slette:° Briefs (Continued from page 2) Applications for the adjusted rate or waiver of payment can be obtained at City Hall. Skating lessons offered at Lily Ice skating lessons will be offered at Lily Lake Ice Arena from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 23 through Nov. 27. The pro- gram includes one -half hour of small group lessons, with 3 and one -half hours of practice time available (1 and one -half hours of practice is recommended). The program follows the guidelines and levels of the Ice Skating In- stitute of America for recreational instruction and testing. All ages - - youth through adults -- are wel- come. The 30- minute lessons will be scheduled based on ability level and age. Cost is $35. Register through District 834 Community Education Department, 430 -8226. The winter session will be held Saturdays, Jan 29 -March 12. Holiday gift idea The Stillwater Fire Depart- ment reminds residents that al- though a smoke detector won't prevent a fire, a working smoke detector can double the chances of surviving a fire. Since many fires occur at night, a detector may be the only safety alert. Residents are urged to install a smoke detector on every level of the home, clean and inspect them every month. And remember to change batteries on a regular basis. Smoke detectors are inexpensive and can be purchased at any hardware, discount or de- partment store. They , make perfect Christmas gift for one's you love. Are you recycling? Please do! Plan update under way. The city of Stillwater is n the process of updating its :omprehensive Plan. The 979 plan needs to be up- Iated because of the changing and use conditions and :hanging needs of the city's )opulation. The Stillwater Tanning Commission will )e doing the update using the :xisting Comprehensive Ilan as a starting point. The Comprehensive Ilan is the official public Manning document adopted )y the City Council. Its :ontent guides and directs iecisions made by the City I ouncil. There plan covers nany elements of commu- nity life -- land use, housing, economic development, community facilities and services, parks and open space, historic preservation, and community expansion. During the next six months, the Planning Commission will be dealing with these elements and other aspects of the city's environment at public meet- ings. The meetings are de- signed to allow for public participation. Residents who would like to assist the Planning Commission in this effort are encouraged to provide their input. The city also will be sending out a survey to resi- dents to assist the Planning Commission and City Council in determining the current and future needs of the community. Residents are strongly encouraged to respond to the survey. The Comprehensive Plan is designed to respond to the needs of the residents and plan for a community which is livable, economi- cal, efficient and prosperous. The city encourages your re- sponse and participation in the Comprehensive Plan up- date process. Levee funds (Continued from page 1) around Mulberry Point, and 300 feet to the south; and construction of a second wall between Lowell Park and the parking lot. The second wall, to provide protection from seepage that occurs with floods of the 1965 and 1969 magnitude, would extend 15 feet below ground and two and one -half feet above ground. The entire project is intended to provide the city with a 50 -year flood protection program. The most recent inspec- tion of the levee, done in October 1991, found that the lower wall of the southern portion of the levee had col- lapsed, resulting in erosion of the foundation soils sup- porting the upper wall. The report stated that the upper wall shows initial signs of movement and will "fail be- yond use" if the lower wall and wharf are not repaired or replaced with another form of erosion protection. The re- port also warned that high river elevations occurring in the next few years will accelerate the failure of the upper wall. Just how much addi- tional damage was done to the wall by this year's flood- ing isn't known. Continued high water levels prevented a detailed examination of the wall. Engineer Dick Moore told the City Council in late September that the primary concern is the footings and base of the upper wall south of the lift bridge. It is hoped the footings have held up providing time to repair and extend the wall system be- fore high waters erode the structure further. This year's flooding did some damage to the flood gates on storm sewer outlets, three of which did not close completely during the flood. In addition, streets and curb- ing north of the levee were washed away, a situation which would have been pre- vented if the proposed sec- ondary wall had been in place. Trash rules (Continued from page 3) to reflect the new size; if the change is made after the first week, the fee will be changed the following month. small limbs) must be kept separate from household and yard waste. Wood waste must be bundled in 4 -foot lengths or less. can be placed at curbside for pickup at no additional charge. Motor oil will be picked up if placed in a scaled plastic container. • Extra waste, such as • Wood waste (brush and appliances, furniture, etc., • Don't forget to recycle glass, paper and cans. tillwater Scene Official City Newsletter CAR -RT SORT BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID Stillwater, MN 55082 Permit No. 206 Postal Patron Vol. 5; No. 2 Stillwater, Minn. 55082 August 1993 Birthday celebration in full swim Stillwater's 150th birthday party continues in full swing. In fact, the birthday celebration will be fea- tured on the front page of the fall edition of the Min- nesota Explorer published by the Minnesota Office of Tourism. Residents enjoyed the spectacular visual salute to Stillwater in the form of the fireworks display spon- sored by CUB Foods. Several upcoming events will provide a musical treat. On Sept. 18, the Croix Chordsmen and Vallee de Croix Chapter of Sweet Adelines will join forces in celebrating 15 decades of music. Emcee Janet Larson will provide the historical accounts accompanying the music. The concert is a benefit for cerebral palsy. On Oct. 2, from 7 to 10 p.m., Stillwater will receive a musical tribute in a concert in Pioneer Park. The concert featuring the music of Michael Westmoreland, Lori Magne and Elvis impersonator Chuck Hood will have a birthday party theme. Admission is free. (See Birthday, page 3) Revised hauler contract OK'd The City and Junker Sanitation Inc. recently signed a revised solid waste collec- tion agreement. The agreement contains several changes which better define the type of waste that will be picked up (at no charge, and for an extra charge) and the re- sponsibilities of the contractor. The revised agreement also establishes new provisions that it is hoped will lead to a more fair and equitable distribution of the cost associated with the collection system. Some of the changes are: • Requires the contractor to return con- tainers a minimum of 12 feet from the curb; • Requires the contractor to provide dumpsters in lieu of containers to multi- family units when requested; • Allows the City to bill all residential units, eliminating duplicate billing; - Eliminates cleanup days for extra waste/brush, but establishes a cleanup day for rocks, sod and dirt, which are the only materials not picked up at curbside; - Establishes a "snowbird" rate of $5 a month for residences that are unoccupied for 90 days or more. It is important to remember that nor- mal household waste -- food waste, paper, plastics, packaging material for household items, constriction debris and other mixed municipal waste typically generated by the normal household -- must be placed in the contractor- provided 30 -, 60- or 90- gallon containers or special city bags. "Extra household waste ", such as bagged yard waste, tree branches and bun- dled brush, not exceeding four feet in length or five inches in diameter, and other waste, such as appliances, furniture, doors or win- dows is not required to be placed in the special city bags. "Excess household waste" is that nor- mal household waste that exceeds the capacity of the contractor - provided contain- ers and must be put in the special bags. Bags can be purchased at CUB Foods, Ace Hardware in the St. Croix Mall, and City Hall. Containers, bags and other items to be (See Contract, page 3) The popular Music on the Waterfront concert series has had to move to higher ground. The Wednesday night concerts are being held in Pioneer Park this year, and the location has proved to be just as popular with concert - goers. There are two concerts remaining in the series sponsored by area foundations, businesses and individuals. Page 2 August 1993 Newsletter City briefs Holiday garbage pickup schedule LABOR DAY Monday, Sept. 6 -- NO PICKUP SER- VICE Tuesday, Sept_. �7��- �A of Monday's route and Tuesday's .t' ■9EeE6 Wednesday, Sept. 8 -- Tmes&p�e to all of Wednes- day's route Thursday, Sept. 9 -- Regular route Friday, Sept. 10 -- Regular route THANKSGIVING Monday, Nov. 23 -- Regular route Tuesday, Nov. 24 -- Regular route Wednesday, Nov. 24 -- Regular route Thursday, Nov. 26 -- NO PICKUP SER- VICE Friday, Nov. 27 -- All of Thursday's and all of Friday's routes CHRISTMAS and NEW YEAR'S No route change State surcharge on garbage The 1993 Legislature passed a new law requiring cities to pay a $2 surcharge, per year, for every residential unit billed for solid waste collection. The surcharge, which became effective on July 1, 1993, is to be paid to the state of Minnesota and is to be used to help fund landfill cleanup costs. The $2 surcharge was added to resi- dents' July utility bill. Give detectors a birthday gift The Stillwater Fire Department re- minds residents that although a smoke de- tector won't pre vent a fire, a working smoke detector can double the chances of surviving a fire. Since many fires occur at night, a detector may be the only safety alert. Smoke detectors are inexpensive and can be purchased at any hardware, discount or department store. Residents are urged to install a detector on every level of the home, and clean and inspect them every month. Also, give the smoke detectors a "birthday present" by changing batteries (See Briefs, page 4)1 Prepared and Distributed by the Courier News City population climbing According to the latest Metropolitan Council estimate the population of the city of Stillwater (as of April 1, 1992) is 14,598. This is an 18.8 percent increase since 1980 and a 5.2 percent increase since 1990. The City Council, as mentioned in previous newsletters, has directed the Planning Commission to update the City's Comprehensive Plan, which is the official planning document that guides and controls the City's growth. The update process, through a questionnaire, will provide an opportunity for Stillwater residents to express their opinions about what they would most like to retain, change or improve. City hires code officer The City has hired Leo Miller, former Stillwater Police Officer and Investigator (now retired), to serve as the City's code enforcement officer. As code enforcement officer, Miller will be inspecting properties within the City to ensure compliance with the City Code, primarily the Nuisance Ordinance and the Abandoned Vehicle Ordinance. Special attention will be paid to messy yards, high grass /weeds, dilapi- dated buildings and abandoned vehicles. A fair and consistent approach to code enforcement should help the City improve upon its fine reputation and image. All citizens and property owners are asked to co- operate in this effort. Assessment policy adopted After several months of study and consideration, the City Council recently adopted a formal special assessment policy. The new policy should lead to fair and consistent assessments for local improvements -- streets reconstruction or resurfac- ing, sidewalk replacement, etc. The new policy basically provides for a 50 -50 cost sharing relationship between the City and property owners. The City Council wasted no time in putting the new policy to use. The Council has conducted public hearings on a city -wide sidewalk removal/replacement program which includes the removal and replacement of over 12,000 lineal feet of sidewalk. The City also intends to reconstruct or overlay several city streets in 1994. Zoning regulates land use All areas of the City are designated for specific land uses and regulated by the Stillwater Subdivision and Zoning Ordinance. Local, state and federal regulations may apply to land alterations and some construction projects. The St. Croix River - way is regulated by the flood plain/flood fringe and bluffland/shoreland regulations in order to conserve and protect the natural scenic values, historical and cultural re- sources of the river valley and to maintain a high environmental quality. Before planning a land use project -- building construction, conducting a busi- ness (home occupation or otherwise), altering the land, placing a sign -- contact the Community Development Department, 439 -6121, to ensure that all requirements and regulations are met. If a variance, zoning amendment or conditional use permit is required, an application can be made with the Community Development Department for review and consideration by the Planning ' Commission and, in some cases, by the City Council. 1980 1990 Current Population 12,290 13,882 14,598 Housing Units Single family 3,245 3,627 3,801 Multi- family 1,034 1,478 1,458 Total housing units 4,279 5,105 5,259 The City Council, as mentioned in previous newsletters, has directed the Planning Commission to update the City's Comprehensive Plan, which is the official planning document that guides and controls the City's growth. The update process, through a questionnaire, will provide an opportunity for Stillwater residents to express their opinions about what they would most like to retain, change or improve. City hires code officer The City has hired Leo Miller, former Stillwater Police Officer and Investigator (now retired), to serve as the City's code enforcement officer. As code enforcement officer, Miller will be inspecting properties within the City to ensure compliance with the City Code, primarily the Nuisance Ordinance and the Abandoned Vehicle Ordinance. Special attention will be paid to messy yards, high grass /weeds, dilapi- dated buildings and abandoned vehicles. A fair and consistent approach to code enforcement should help the City improve upon its fine reputation and image. All citizens and property owners are asked to co- operate in this effort. Assessment policy adopted After several months of study and consideration, the City Council recently adopted a formal special assessment policy. The new policy should lead to fair and consistent assessments for local improvements -- streets reconstruction or resurfac- ing, sidewalk replacement, etc. The new policy basically provides for a 50 -50 cost sharing relationship between the City and property owners. The City Council wasted no time in putting the new policy to use. The Council has conducted public hearings on a city -wide sidewalk removal/replacement program which includes the removal and replacement of over 12,000 lineal feet of sidewalk. The City also intends to reconstruct or overlay several city streets in 1994. Zoning regulates land use All areas of the City are designated for specific land uses and regulated by the Stillwater Subdivision and Zoning Ordinance. Local, state and federal regulations may apply to land alterations and some construction projects. The St. Croix River - way is regulated by the flood plain/flood fringe and bluffland/shoreland regulations in order to conserve and protect the natural scenic values, historical and cultural re- sources of the river valley and to maintain a high environmental quality. Before planning a land use project -- building construction, conducting a busi- ness (home occupation or otherwise), altering the land, placing a sign -- contact the Community Development Department, 439 -6121, to ensure that all requirements and regulations are met. If a variance, zoning amendment or conditional use permit is required, an application can be made with the Community Development Department for review and consideration by the Planning ' Commission and, in some cases, by the City Council. Newsletter August 1993 Page 3 1Vleet your city staff JEFF STENDER Stillwater Police Officer Jeff Stender considers law en- forcement "a family business." One of his grandfathers was a district judge in Ramsey County. He has several' r: , as s", i uncles and cousins who are law enforce- ment officers. "I grew up in the courtroom and police cars," he says. "I always wanted to be a police officer." A native of White Bear Lake, Stender is a Lakewood Community College gradu- ate, with a two -year law enforcement de- gree. He worked for the city of Crystal for two years and the Hennepin County sher- iffs department for one year prior to join- ing Stillwater's force in May of 1992. He enjoys the variety of police work and the fact that it's a "people job." Cur- rently, Stender works Thursdays through Sundays, so the majority of his time is spent in the downtown area, and he enjoys that beat. "It's interesting in town. I've met peo- ple from all over the world, people who just come up to say this is a 'nice town.' It's a great department to work for," he sums up. He finds his job here a refreshing change from his work in Hennepin County where he say's he only dealt with one kind of person -- the bad guy, and one who dis- liked cops to boot. Stender's hobbies include skiing -- both water and snow. He's also finding out how much work owning a home is, having recently purchased his parents' home in White Bear Lake. GAIL NORDSTROM people to come to me." The importance of community in- volvement and outreach is part of the over- all library philosophy, she says. Another of Nordstrom's goals is to reach beyond the preschool and elementary school -aged children typically served by li- braries and do some quality programming for young adults -- " a hard group to reach." She has started a Young Adult Advisory Committee that meets every month or so to help plan and organize programs. The intent is to offer one special program for the junior /senior high schoolers during the fall, winter and spring of the coming school year. In addition to her work with young people at the Stillwater Library, Nordstrom continues to host a TV program, "The Wishing Well," at the Minneapolis Chil- dren's Medical Center. Nordstrom says she thoroughly enjoys her job and the "very devoted" people she works with. "Working with kids is a de- light," she adds. She and her husband reside in St. Paul. While working towards her master's degree is currently "all consuming," her hobbies include "putzing" in the garden and "playing" with plants. She works out regularly and walks four or five miles a day. She's also very interested in recycling. Her husband is a professional ventriloquist, known professionally as James Wedgwood, which also "keeps things lively." Birthday party (Continued from page 1) The sesquicentennial closing cere- monies will be held in the new Stillwater Area High School from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Oct. 24. TRe Valley Chamber Chorale will perform, as will Michael Westmoreland. Dick Huelsmann is assisting with the program arrangements. A slide presentation will emphasize Stillwater's ageless beauty. Prior to the closing ceremony, 150 registered voters, and one invited guest of their choosing, will be invited to a Gover- nor's Day brunch. Dignitaries include for- mer Minnesota governors C. Elmer Ander- sen, Wendall Anderson, Al Quie, Harold Stassen and Orville Freeman. Gov. Arne Carlson also is expected to attend. Finally, from 11 a.m. to noon on Oct. 26, the day the city of Stillwater was established in 1843, the City will be sere- naded with a mass ringing of church bells, led by the bells of St. Michael's Catholic Church playing "Happy Birthday." Although not of a musical note, upcoming events include the popular Wild West Days and Chili -Coot Cook - off set for Sept. 25 and 26. A new event is scheduled for Sept. 26 -- an Oktoberfest will be held in Pioneer Park. The Oktoberfest activities begin at 5 p.m.; in case of rain, the event will be held in the Historic Courthouse. Shuttle buses will be available from the downtown area to Pioneer Park. The Fall Art Festival is scheduled for Oct. 2,3 in Lowell Park, and the Civil War Muster, Market & Forum will take place the following weekend at the Historic Courthouse. For more information about sesquicentennial events, call the birthday "hotline," 439 -1993. Hauler contract (Continued from page 1) picked up must be placed at curbside. The container lid must be completely closed. Except for the new "snowbird" rate, the collection rates did not change. The revised contract can be reviewed at City Hall during regular office hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Page 4 August 1993 Newsletter Briefs (Continued from page 2) once a year to ensure many happy returns for the entire family. Trim trees City Code Chapter 38.01 requires all trees or bushes that are near public walkways or streets to be trimmed to a height no less than eight feet above the walk or nine feet above the street. Dump open Oct. 9 Dump boxes will be avail- able at the former city landfill on Myrtle Street from 8 a.m. to 1'' p.m. Oct. 9 for the disposal of rocks, bricks, blocks, cement, sod and dirt. Nothing else will be accepted Those using the service must show a driver's license to prove they are a resident of the city of Stillwater. City has new CHIPS program The Stillwater Parks De- partment has initiated a Citizens Helping In Park Sites (CHIPS) program to provide groups and individuals with an opportunity to become involved in the com- munity through a volunteer effort to help beautify area parks. Any group, organization or individual interested in planting and maintaining a flower bed in a park should contact Tim Thom- sen, Stillwater Parks Department, 439 -4561, between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., or Sheila McNamara at Stillwater City Hall, 439- 6121, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Become a CHIPS volunteer and put your green thumb to work! Are you recycling? Please do! V isitor tax proposed The City Council has di- rected staff to begin the neces- sary procedures to obtain spe- cial legislation that would en- able the City to impose a three percent visitors' tax on busi- nesses that generate revenues primarily from sales to visi- tors. This would include bars and restaurants, boutiques and antique shops, excursion trains and boats, and hotels, motels and bed - and - breakfast inns. Food, clothing, furniture, golf courses, off -sale liquor stores and other stores or businesses that rely primarily on local shoppers, and not on tourist trade, would not be subject to the tax as currently proposed. The tax revenues would be used to help finance the promotion, beautification and protection of the City, which will be necessary to maintain the character, atmosphere and amenities that attract large numbers of visitors to our community. The visitors are a welcome contribution to our local economy -- they help sustain many local businesses and have helped revitalize our downtown business district. However, there also are ex- traordinary costs associated with a large number of visi- tors, costs such as extra police patrol cars, parks clean up, maintenance of parking lots, street sweeping, etc. The extra cost to provide these necessary services puts a strain on an al- ready limited budget, and the City Council believes the costs should be shared by those who visit Stillwater and not borne entirely by the local citizens. It is anticipated that a bill requesting the tax will be pre- sented to the 1994 Legislature for approval and for implementation in 1995. K ids star at the library See the stars at the Still- water Public Library. The li- brary features free family pro- grams at 7 p.m. Thursdays during the summer. Marvel at the skill and dexterity of Jons the Juggler on Aug. 12. On Aug. 19, every- one can be a star at an end -of- the- summer party. Wear a cos- tume of your favorite book character. Programs are held on the library lawn, so bring blankets or lawn chairs. In case of rain, programs will move to City Hall. For more information, call the library, 439 -1675. Kids also can earn stars at the library. Start a reading record in the Children's Room. Each time you visit the library, write down the titles of the books you have read. Books read 1Q you count, too. Read five books, and the library staff will stamp your reading record and give you a "Starring Li- brary Kids" button. Every five books read means another stamp of approval for your reading record. If you read 40 books, you'll earn a certificate of achievement. Preschool storytimes con- tinue to be held every Wednes- day at 10:15 a.m. and again at 11:15 a.m. The library is closed on Sundays during the summer. Beginning in September, hours will be: Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.; Monday, 1 to 9 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday, 1 to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Stillwater Public Li- brary is a full service library. In addition to a large collection of books, periodicals and refer- ence materials, the library has video cassettes, CDs and records available for checkout. The library is a member of the Metropolitan Library Service Agency, which provides access to materials throughout the metropolitan area library sys- tem. Waste collections scheduled The Washington County Public Health Department is holding household hazardous waste collections at the following sites and on the fol- lowing dates: Forest Lake Township Hall, 21350 N. Forest Blvd., Forest Lake -- Friday, Sept. 10, 1 -7 p.m.,, and Saturday, Sept. 11, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Woodbury Public Works Garage, Tower Road, Wood- bury -- Friday, Oct. 15, 1 -7 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 16, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Items that will be accepted at the collections include: pes- ticides, insecticides and garden chemicals; paint thinner, sol- vents and gasoline; paints, stains and varnishes; aerosol containers (full or partially full); acids and bases; and fluo- rescent lights (household types only). Those using the service must be a resident of Washington County. Proof of residency (such as a driver's li- cense) will be required. 51 I ATE, CAR -RT SORT acR 111 t Ovate r S cene 4s Y T BULK RATE N SO S j 1854 U.S. POSTAGE PAID St Avater, MN 55082 Permit No. 206 Postal Patron Vol 5; No. 1 Stillwater, Minn. 55082 February 1993 • _ ..a��All tinmrun �t��Nhr. -_ Stutwater celebrates .birthda The city of Stillwater will celebrate its 150th birthday this year. It was in 1843 that Jacob Fisher, John McKusick, Elam Greeley, Elias McKean and Calvin Leach, all lumbermen, built the Stillwater Lumber Company, naming it after a town in McKusick's home state of Maine. On Oct. 26, 1843, the city of Stillwater was established. In recognition of Stillwater's sesquicentennial (150th anniversary), a steering committee of volun- teers has organized and developed a series of special events for the community. Most civic and non - profit organizations have planned events for the sesqui- centennial year. A calendar of events is available at local retail stores, Stillwater City Hall and the Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce. The calendar also features famous John Runk photographs and Stillwater scenes by local photographer Debra Chial. For more information about Stillwater history or upcoming events, call the sesquicentennial "hotline ", 439 -1993. .�Tr 9 1843 c X 1993 = 1 r i The design for Stillwater's sesquicentennial celebration was taken from the embossed seal which appears on city records dating back to 1854, the year Stillwater was incorporated. Ed Hawksford, Bayport resi- dent, recreated the logo. Buttons featuring the sesquicentennial logo will be sold all year long. Not only are the buttons souvenirs of the an- niversary, purchase of a button makes the buyer eligible for prize drawings which will be held monthly through October 1993. Understand the city charter Many people call the City Attorney's office with questions about the City Char ter. They are curious about the powers of the Charter Commission and how its members are selected. In general, state law requires that the District Court, acting through its chief judge, appoint members of the Charter Commission. The Charter Commission has the power to decide on the form of government and the range of powers the people of the city want it to have. The Stillwater City Charter has been changed over the years. The following summary shows how, at least in part, the Charter has been changed from an at -large system of election of council members to the ward system of election. 1838 -- Joseph R. Brown makes first claim. 1843 -- Stillwater is established. 1849 -- Becomes part of the Minnesota Territory. 1854 -- City granted first charter by the Minnesota Territorial Legislature. Elected officials included mayor, recorder, treasurer, marshal) and three council members elected at- large. 1873 -- The charter is amended with the city divided into wards. Elected officers include mayor, treasurer, and three council members for each of three wards. 1881 -- The charter is amended to re- duce the number of council members from each ward. Elected officers include mayor, treasurer and one council member from each of three wards. 1926 -- The charter is amended and the ward system abolished. The mayor and four council members are elected at - large. (See Charter, page 4) Page 2 February 1993 News,lfxtter City briefs New council sworn in New council members Jay Kimble, ward 2, and Rich Cummings, ward 3, took their oath of office Jan. 5. After the swearing in, the council appointed Charles Hooley to fill the unexpired two -years of the term of former mayor Wally Abrahamson. City receives financial award For the third year in a row, the city has received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association. The certificate is given to governmental units whose comprehensive annual financial reports achieve the high- est standards in government accounting and financial reporting. The city is proud of its achievement in this area and recently commended Finance Director Diane De- blon, whose excellent work made the award possible. Library hours are changed The Stillwater Public Library is now open on Sundays. Hours for the rest of the week have been changed as well. The library is closing two mornings a week -- Monday and Thursday -- so its 1993 budget will not show an increase to fund the new Sunday hours. The new schedule, which went into effect Feb. 1, is as follows: Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.; Monday, 1 to 9 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday, 1 to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (The library will be closed on Sundays during June, July and August.) Times of the two weekly storytimes also have been changed. Storytime is now held at 10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Wednesdays. The Wednesday afternoon session was getting "too much competition from naptime." (See Briefs, page 4) Prepared and Distributed by the Courier News Household hazardous waste collections are scheduled Washington County Public Health Department is sponsoring five household hazardous waste collections in 1993. The collection schedule is as follows: May 20- 21 at the Oakdale public works garage; June 18 -19, Cottage Grove public works garage; July 22 -24, Washington County Fairgrounds, Lake Elmo; Sept. 10 -11, For- est Lake Town Hall; Oct. 15 -16, Woodbury public works garage, Tower Road. Hours of the three -day collections are I to 7 p.m. Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; hours of the two -day collections are I to 6 p.m. Fridays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Items that will be accepted at the collections include: pesticides and garden chemicals; paint thinner, solvents and gasoline; paints, stains and varnishes; aerosol containers (full or partially full); acids and bases; insecticides; fluorescent lights (household only). Items that will not be accepted include: tires, car or household batteries, an- tifreeze and used motor oil; appliances; radioactive material or explosives; propane tanks or compressed gas cylinders; empty containers or non - hazardous waste; indus- trial /commercial waste. Reminders of winter Here are some reminders for the upcoming winter /snow season, and some of the problems that accompany the season. • Ordinance 38.01 -- All snow and ice is to be removed from public sidewalks within 12 hours of any snow or ice storm. The ordinance applies to both business and residential areas of the city. • Ordinance 51.02 -- The calendar parking ordinance is in effect from 12:01 a.m. Dec. 1 through midnight April 1. Vehicles are to be parked on the side of the street with odd - numbered addresses on odd - numbered calendar days and on the even -num- bered side of the street on even - numbered calendar days. The ordinance is in effect at all times. There is a change -over period between 7 p.m. and midnight when the regulations are not in force to allow residents to move their vehicles to the proper side of the street for the following day. The ordinance also prohibits parking on snow- emergency routes until the street has been plowed curb to curb. Compliance with the winter parking ordinance helps the city's snow removal crews get the job done quicker. And it could save you some money by avoiding a tag - and -tow situation. • Ordinance 51.10 -- Snowmobiles cannot 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. • The Stillwater Fire Department asks residents to keep the snow cleared from around fire hydrants. If there is a hydrant by your home or business, please keep it cleared. • Residents are asked not to shovel or blow snow from sidewalks and driveways on to city streets -- especially after the streets have been newly plowed. One of the problems that occurs is that the snow becomes packed by traffic, and slippery spots occur requiring additional sanding by the Public Works Department or even additional plowing. Please help the city by keeping snow on private property and not on city streets or public right -of -ways. • Residents who leave on extended vacations, especially during the winter months, are reminded to have timers on their lights so they turn on close to the fam- ily's normal schedule. Have a neighbor or relative check your property occasionally, and have them change the light timers a bit, too. Have sidewalks and driveways cleared of snow, and have someone drive in the driveway -- even leave a vehicle parked in the driveway on occasion. The intent is to give the impression that some- one is home. Residents also can stop at the police department and fill out a vacation check card; police will check the exterior of your home as time permits. Newsletter February 1993 Page 3 -� aff Meet your cat st y MONICA PRICE Monica Price calls herself "the person people love to hate" -- she's the city's assessment clerk in charge of making sure im- provement projects are assessed to the individual property owners for the proper amount and the proper number of years. She does assessment searches for prospec- tive buyers to make sure the property is clear of assessments, and assists them if there is a problem that needs to be resolved prior to purchase. She also keeps track of city -owned property, seeing to it that the properties are recorded with the proper par- cel identification numbers. Monica wears a second hat -- that of general ledger clerk, making sure the city's books balance at the end of every month. A resident of White Bear Lake, Monica has been employed by the city of Stillwater for about five years. She likes her job and particularly the people with whom she works. "The people are wonderful," she says. "It's a very nice place to work." Monica is the mother of two grown children, ages 21 and 23. She enjoys gar- dening and is an avid bicyclist. She bikes the state trails in Minnesota and Wisconsin and enjoys taking long (50 miles without blinking an eye) road trips on weekends. She just plain likes the outdoors. Snow? Well, that's another matter. STUART GLASER A 1984 graduate of Stillwater High School and a 1989 graduate of the Univer- sity of Wisconsin -River Falls with a degree in land management and recreation, Stuart has been employed in community service - related fields for the past seven years. He is a volunteer fire fighter with the Stillwater Fire Department and had part -time posi- tions with the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, prior to signing on with the city in July 1992. While there are "always some dissatis- fied people," Stuart said he's had no prob- lem enforcing the city's parking regula- tions, especially now that the downtown signing has been completed and people un- derstand the system. The reaction from the business community has been positive as well, he said. "Things seem to be going well," he said. "I like working for the city. Stuart married the former Jill Kaeder of Stillwater this past September. In addition to reading a lot, not surprisingly his hob- bies are outdoor activities -- hunting, fish- ing and archery. Planning document revised The Stillwater Planning Commission is preparing to revise the city's Compre- hensive Plan -- the official planning docu- ment that guides and the city's growth and change. The update will provide an opportunity for Stillwater residents to express their opinions about what they most like about Stillwater, what they would like to retain, and what they would like to change and improve. The Comprehensive Plan update will take place in four phases: research and analysis; issue identification and goal setting; alternative development and selection; and plan development, review and adoption. The update should take about one year to complete. All city residents will have an oppor- tunity to have input in the plan update. A questionnaire will be sent out with the city utility bill or city newsletter. The ques- tionnaire will ask for opinions about city growth, land use, parks and open space, and other public services and utilities. Also, a series of neighborhood meetings will be held to give neighborhood residents an op- portunity to indicate how they would like to see the city planned. For the neighborhood meetings and information on existing conditions and trends, goals and objectives will be devel- oped. The goals and objectives will be used as guides in developing a plan for the fu- ture. Once a plan is developed, another se- ries of public meetings will be held to re- ceive public comments. The Planning Commission will recommend the final plan to the City Council for its consideration. In preparation for the neighborhood meetings, residents are asked to think about what they most like about their neighbor- hood and community and what they would like changed. The upcoming newsletter will have information on the progress of the plan update. For more information, contact the city Planning Department, 439 -6121. Recycling reminders are given Residents are reminded that recycling pickup is every week on the regular garbage pickup day. Recyclables should placed at curbside in brown Qaper bags in the recycling containers. The following materials can be recy- cled: Metal cans (steel, tin and aluminum) • Remove labels, rinse clean and flatten if possible to save room. • Place in brown paper bag sepa- rate from other recycled materials. Glass (All colors can be recycled. Do not break glass, and do not recycle window glass, ceramics, china, light bulbs or mir- rors.) • Remove caps and metal rings and rinse clean. • Plastic rings and labels need not be removed. • Place in brown paper bag scpa- rate from other cycled material. Paper • Class I - white and pastel bonds, (See Recycling, page 4) Page 4 February 1993 Newsletter J +a.. Briefs _ (Continued from page 2) Read cards Residents are reminded to send in their water meter usage cards every quarter. The sewer bill for the four subsequent billing periods is based on water usage for the first three calendar months (April billing), so it is important to send in the water meter card for an accurate, and reasonable, sewer bill. Collection rules Residents are reminded of the following basic rules and regula- tions pertaining to the city's solid waste collection system: • Place containers at curbside by 6 a.m. the morning of sched- uled pickup; handles should be facing the house. • Do not overstuff contain- ers; 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., 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Bags are $2 each and are sold in minimum lots of five. • Call Junker Sanitation Inc., 439 -7135, if you have any ques- tions regarding solid waste collection. McKusick Road project OK'd The Stillwater City Council has approved a plan to improve McKusick Road (County Road 64) and construct an extension of Neal Avenue. The project will be conducted in cooperation with Washington County. McKissick Road, from Owens Street to Neal Avenue, will be widened and improved as a typical urban street with curb'. and gutter. In addition, a paved trail for pedestrians and bicyclists will be constructed along with the roadway. The project is scheduled to take place in the 1993 -94 con- struction season. New interstate bridge gets DOTs'gomahead On Dec. 29, the city received word from the Minnesota and Wisconsin departments of transportation that the DOTS have made the decision to proceed with the construction of a new interstate river crossing near Stillwater. The decision was announced in a joint press release by Minnesota Transportation Commis- sioner James N. Denn and Wisconsin Trans- portation Secretary Charles H. Thompson. As announced, the new four -lane bridge will be constructed in the "southern corridor" and will connect Minnesota Highway 36 with Wisconsin highways 35/64 just east of Houl- ton, Wis. The cost of the new bridge is estimated at S50 million to S60 million, depending on the final design type selected. Federal transporta- tion dollars will pay about 80 percent of the cost, with the remaining amount split between Minnesota and Wisconsin. The next steps in the process include completing the final Environmental Impact Statement, obtaining final permits and ap- provals from government agencies and local communities, preparing final designs for the bridge and approach highways, and beginning property acquisition. Construction of the bridge is expected to begin in 1995, with the roadway open to traffic sometime in 1998. According to the press release, no im- mediate changes are planned to the existing lift bridge in downtown Stillwater. The bridge will continue to carry traffic until local officials and residents, in cooperation with state and federal agencies determine its future. City charter, (Continued from page 1) 1991 -- The charter is amended and the ward system re- established. Elected officers in- clude mayor and four council members, one from each of four wards. In his book "Charter Making in Min- nesota," published in 1922, Professor William Anderson wrote: "The entire Home Rule pro- cess is distinctly educational to all voters of the City. Some are called to work on Charter Commissions; the others must learn at least a little about charters and amendments because they must vote upon proposed changes. Trained thus in local affairs, the people become better fitted to cope with State and National problems." What Anderson said nearly 75 years ago has a special meaning to those who feel sepa- rate and alienated from their forms of govern ment. The process of charter - making and char- ter- amending allows people relevant participa- tion in the making of law and bolsters the concept that only a government that is under- stood and respected by its people will ulti- mately survive. The process is there. Take ad- vantage of it and take the time to understand proposed charter amendments before casting a vote for a change. Recycling reminders (Continued from page 3) computer, copy machine, yellow legal pad and regular bond writing paper. Bundle or place in separate brown paper bag. • Class II - newspaper and dark colored paper. Bundle or place in separate paper bag. • Corrugated - cardboard boxes, not cereal boxes, pizza boxes, pop cases or beer cases. Flatten and bundle. • Magazines and catalogs - coated or shiny magazines and catalogs, such as Life, Time, Sears; do not recycle Readers' Digest or TV Times. Bundle or place in separate paper bag. Note: Do not mix Class I, Class. II, corrugated or magazines together. Do not recycle glossy paper, telephone books, file folders, blue print paper, food wrappers or containers, tissue paper, carbon paper, coated fax paper or envelopes with plastic windows. At this time Junker is not able to recycle plastics. However, it is anticipated that plastics will become part of the recycling program in the near future. When plastics are included, residents will receive proper notice and instructions. Make recycling fun for children. Reward and thank them for their help. Recycling will become part of their growing responsibilities and become second nature to them.