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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990 Stillwater City NewsletterQt1*11water Scene 1.7 Official City Newsletter Vol. 2; No. 4 &Mwater, MN. 600 October, 1990 Plan britnmv% downtown refurbishing Things are starting to happen in the downtown area as the city begins to implement Phase 1 of its downtown plan. The plan was approved by the council in August after a petition was submitted that was signed by over 35 percent of the affected downtown property owners. If all goes according to the implementation schedule, the city will advertise for bids in February of next year, with construction scheduled to begin the first part of May. Phase 1 includes infrastructure improvements (utilities, sanitary and storm sewer repair /replacement) as well as some image enhancement such as lighting, signage, landscaping, sidewalk treatment and railroad treatment. The common theme of the image improvements, as suggested in the plan, is that of a "turn-of- the - century rivertown." Community Development Director Steve Russell said "the scope of the project has been determined." Yet to be determined are some matters of detail such as spacing between the lighting and color of the pavers (hexagonal concrete sidewalk tiles). Sample pavers have been installed in front of Mulberry Antiques on North Main Street and the River Exchange Building on South Main to determine how the tiles hold up to the elements and to determine a Recycling changes coming Rate Increase Doesn't Effect Homeowner The City Council recently approved a rate increase for the recycling services provided by Junker Recycling, Inc. How- ever, the cost of the city's recycling pro- gram is currently being funded with state grant monies the city receives through Washington County. Therefore, home- owners are not being charged for recycling. In other words the bill you receive from the city is for regular waste collection and not for recycling services. Weekly Pickup Effective October 1, 1990 the City will begin a weekly pick -up program. This means that residents can place their recyclable material (i.e. metal cans, news- paper, and glass) at the curb every week on the same day of the regular pick -up. Now all you have to remember is: 1. Place recyclables at curbside on pickup days. 2. Material to be recycled: a. Paper Newspaper and corrugated (cardboard) paper only will be accepted. Magazines, glossy paper, Sample sidewalk pavers have been installed in front of Mulberry Point Antiques on North Main Street and the River Exchange Building on South Main. Sample lights will also be installed in Lowell Park. Page 2 Newsletter October, 1940 City Briefs Polling places The following are the city's polling places for the Nov. 6 general election: Precinct 1 - Oak Park Elementary School, 6355 Osman Ave. N.; Precinct 2 - First United Methodist Church, Myrtle and Greeley Streets; Precinct 3 - Washington School, Mulberry and Everett Streets; Precinct 4 - Lily Lake Elementary School, 2002 W. Willard St. Precinct 5 - Stonebridge Elementary School, westerly extension of Elm Street. City voters will be electing the mayor and two city council members in the general election. Mayoral candidates are incumbent, Wally Abrahamson, and challenger, Harry Peterson. Council candidates include incumbents, Ann Bodlovick and Jay Kimble, and challengers, Gary Funke and Don Valsvik. Oct. 16 is the last day to preregister for the general election. Voters may register at the polls on election day. However, voters are encouraged to preregister in order to speed up the election process. Penalty fees As of September, city residents will be charged a $5 penalty fee on any unpaid balance on their water bill. A $5 penalty will be imposed every 60 days on the unpaid balance due. Residents who receive meter cards are asked to read their meters and return the cards promptly. Parking permits The opening of school each year brings with it complaints from residents living near Stillwater High School that they can't find a place to park in front of their own homes. In order to preserve on -street parking for residents, the city has developed a residential parking permit system. Streets in about a four -block area around the high school have been posted "Permit Parking Only." Residents in the area are issued permits for their personal vehicles or Downtown Plan preference for color. Sample street lights with acorn style globes have also been installed in Lowell Park. Some concern was raised during the public hearing process over a proposal to place accent lighting along the bluffs at the south and north entrances to the downtown area. The Heritage Preservation Commission has been asked to serve as an advisory group and make recommendations regarding the treatment of the entry corridors; the Preservations Commission will be addressing the issue of bluff lighting during its study. The group is scheduled to present its recommendations to the Downtown Plan Action Committee on Nov. 8. During December, "block parties" will be held to discuss the proposed improvements with the affected property owners. The final plans are expected to be submitted to the city council in mid - January. Cost of the Phase 1 improvements is estimated at $5.1 million. Of that amount, almost $2.8 million is assessable against benefiting downtown property owners, according to the city's normal assessment policy. The $2.3 million in non - assessable costs are proposed to be paid for through revenues generated by a downtown parking district ($264,580); from the state's portion of the street construction costs ($534,120); and use of the city's infrastructure reserve fund ($123,000). The remainder of the funding would come from tax increment revenues generated by the downtown tax increment financing districts. It's fall cleanup time The city's fall cleanup days are Oct. 13, 14, 20 and 21. The former city dump on West Myrtle Street (Washington County Highway 12) will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; drop boxes will be available. The service is included in the quarterly utility charge and fees will not be collected. The service was established to provide city residents with an opportunity to dispose of household waste such as brush, appliances, small quantities of construction materials from minor remodeling jobs, batteries, tires and other items that always seem to accumulate. The service is not intended for disposal of large amounts of rubbish or material from maior remodeling or rehabilitation projects. A fee may be charged based on the volume of rubbish /material that is not of "ordinary" household variety or quantity. Yard waste must be bagged. Those using the drop box service should be prepared to show identification showing that they are currently a resident of Stillwater. Ward proposal on ballot City voters will be asked a significant question on the Nov. 6 ballot - whether the city should adopt a ward system of council representation. Currently, the mayor and all four council positions are elected at -large (by all voters in the city). In a ward system, the mayor would continue to be elected at- large, while the council members would represent, and be elected by, one of four wards in the city. The proposal to adopt a ward system of representation is the recommendation of the city's.Charter Commission. An informational meeting to discuss the proposal was held Aug. 14 and a public hearing held Aug. 28. The city council voted at the public hearing to put the issue to the voters in the form of a referendum on the November ballot. The referendum must be approved by 51 percent of those who vote on the issue Nov. 6. Should the ward system pass, it would be implemented beginning with the 1992 election. Results of the 1990 census would be incorporated in setting appropriate ward boundaries and a transition plan developed to accommodate incumbent council members. Prepared & distributed by The Courier October, 1990 Newsletter Page 3 Meet your city staff Diane Deblon Mary Lou Johnson Jim Stevensen She particularly enjoys the variety her job entails as well as the people she works with. "The people here are wonderful to work with; they're extremely nice. It's a nice atmosphere to work in." Deblon has been with the city since December of 1988. Prior to coming here, she worked for the cities of Wayzata and Robbinsdale. She is married and has one son, Christopher, age 9. Her husband, Bill, is the community development director for the city of Robbinsdale. Christopher attends St. Croix Catholic School in Stillwater. Her hobbies include downhill skiing and other outdoor activities. NU Z770 F 10 to Johnson says she enjoys the variety of her job and having a close up look at what's going on in the city. What she doesn't like about the job are the deadlines, "There's a lot of scurrying around at the last minute." She graduated from St. Paul's Johnson High School, attended Lakewood Community College and has attended training seminars through the Institute of Municipal Clerks. Johnson has been employed with the city for six years, and previously served as deputy clerk for the city of Shoreview. Johnson and her husband, George, reside in North St. Paul. They have four children, two grandchildren and one cat. Her hobbies include sewing, being with her grandchildren, painting (watercolors) and following her husband around at his barbershop singing conventions. Jim Stevensen, assistant fire chief, may. has been with the Stillwater Fire Department for 17 and a half years, starting as a fire . fighter engineer and advancing to "computer operator." Stevensen is responsible for all the department's administrative duties - state reports, budget, payroll - and serves as treasurer of the Relief Association. Stevensen still reports to fires. What he enjoys most about his job is the good feeling that comes with helping people in need. "You feel good when people need you and you can be there to help." He also enjoys the "camaraderie" that exists in the fire department, a closeness that "you don't find in other types of jobs." He says, "Firemen depend on each other, and they're not afraid to do things for people." Stevensen has lived in Stillwater since 1945 and is a graduate of Stillwater High School - "the old one on Pine Street." He is a past member (35 years) of the National Guard. He is married and has six children. He is involved in community services such the home - delivered meals program and a special blood donor program. He and his wife, Mary Jo, enjoy camping and motorcycle trips; he also likes to fish, "which he never seems to find time to do." Winter parking rules Do you feel a chill in the air? Could it be that winter is just around the corner and that lovely white stuff called snow will soon be clogging our friendly city streets? Of course it does and we love it too, (don't we ?). However, what we do not love are the problems associated with vehicles parked on the streets during snow removal time. That is why the city adopted a WINTER parking ordinance (many years ago!). Compliance with the ordinance will help the city's snow removal crews get the job done quicker. It could also save someone some money by avoiding a "tag and tow" situation. Please READ and HEED the following summary explanation of our winter parking regulation: Beginning at 12:01 December 1 until midnight April 1, the City's odd -even parking regulation is in force - at all times The odd -even parking regulations simply means that on odd num- bered calendar days of the month, cars should be parked on the side of the street (improved or unimproved) with odd numbered street addresses. On even numbered days of the month, cars should be parked on the side of the street with even numbered street addresses. Each day between 7 p.m. and midnight is a change -over pe- riod when the regulations are not in force in order to allow resi- dents to move their cars to the side of the street where parking is permitted the following day. Page 4 Newsletter October. 1990 Briefs their visitors' cars. Any vehicles that do not have a residential permit displayed are tagged. The permit parking is in force Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Residents in the affected area who need permits or need additional permits for guests should call the Police Department, 439 -1314; permits are issued free of charge. CPR offered The Stillwater Fire Department offers cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) classes to public or private groups and interested individuals. Classes are taught in accordance with the standards of the American Heart Association and certify participants in basic CPR procedures. The Fire Department also offers free blood pressure checks at the fire station and keeps a record of the readings. Recycling changes catalogs, phone books or other paper will not be accepted. Newspaper must be tied in bundles, boxed or placed in paper bags. Corrugated paper should be flattened and tied in bundles. Newspaper and corrugated paper should be bundled separately and not mixed with other recyclable materials. b. Glass - Only glass contain - ers/bottles will be accepted. Mirrors, window glass, plate glass, ceramic, light bulbs or other glass will not be accepted. Paper labels can be left on; metal rings, caps or lids must be removed; glass cannot be broken. Glass should be rinsed and not mixed with other recyclable materials. c. Metal cans - Food and beverage cans may be mixed together. Paper labels must be removed and cans should be rinsed. d. No aerosol cans of any kind will be accepted. Appliances and scrap iron are not part of the recycling program but will contin- ued to be picked up as part of the regular garbage collection or accepted on cleanup days. Anyone with questions should call Junker Sanitation, Inc., 439 -7135, or City Hall, 439 -6121. Note: Except on days scheduled for collection, garbage and rubbish containers (including recyclable material) must be stored out of the view of the public street. It's A Crime The city has received reports that re- cyclable material is being taken from the curb by someone other than the recycling contractor. Once a homeowner places recyclable material at the curb, the mate- rial becomes the property of the recycling contractor and it is illegal for anyone to remove the material or convert the mate- rial to his/her own use without proper permission. Residents are encouraged to notify the Police Department. (439 -1314) if they witness or know of this kind of activity. Recycling Containers The Solid Waste Advisory Committee has obtained about 50 recycling containers of various sizes and shapes. The Commit- tee will be conducting a pilot program to determine which type of container is the most favorable. The City (with the aid of State recycling grant funds coming avail- able after Jan. 1, 199 1) anticipates provid- ing residents with recycling containers at no or low cost to the residents in 1991 (about March). In the meantime residents are encouraged to continue to recycle. Recycling does have its benefits! Volume Based Fees The City's Solid Waste Advisory Committee is studying the feasibility of establishing a volume base fee system for solid waste collection. Volume base fee system's are being used in many communities in an attempt to reduce the volume of waste that winds up in land- fills and/or other waste disposal facilities. It is a simple system - it charges the most to the resident that produces the most waste. It is anticipated that the Solid Waste Advisory Committee will have a report and recommendation to the City Council for possible implementa- tion of a volume base fee system by Jan- uary 1, 1991. 0 1.1,x.. 1 it 0 k k • 121 There continues to be a problem with sanitary sewer line blockages due to certain types of material being disposed of in the sewer system. Materials that cause blockages include disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, rags, cooking grease as well as oil or oil -based materials and chemicals. Ninety-five percent of the blockages occur between the home and the main sewer line, and the cost of removing the blockage is the responsibility of the homeowner. The cost of removing blockages in the main sewer line is the responsibility of the city. However, the cost is eventually passed on to homeowners through the sanitary sewer service charge. The Public Works Department recommends that any type of article that could potentially block a sewer line not be disposed of in the sanitary sewer system. It would be to all residents' benefit if the recommendation is followed. S tillwater Scene Official City Newsletter l 1854 1 Vo. 2; No. S StMwater, MN. 55082 August, 1990 Bridge called 'critical' to city The city of Stillwater believes that it is critical a new Stillwater/Houlton bridge be constructed. The city also believes that the location of a new bridge is critical and has commented that "depending on location, the bridge could solve many of the downtown traffic problems or cause irreparable damage to an endangered cultural and historic resource - downtown Stillwater." The draft environmental impact statement (EIS) completed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) identifies three possible bridge corridors - north, central and south. The draft document also includes a "no- build option." A major concern of the city is the downtown's future in the "no- build" option. If a new bridge is not constructed, MnDOT estimates that in less than 15 years traffic volumes will reach 28,200 vehicles per day on the existing lift bridge, double the current volume. Traffic volumes on Highway 36 south of the downtown area would reach 33,700 vehicles per day, again almost double the existing volume. The city has stated, "It would be physically impossible to carry these volumes of traffic with any semblance of order." The bottom line is that "no action or no -build is clearly an unacceptable alternative to the citizens of Stillwater..." The city believes a new bridge must be constructed and that is should be constructed in the southern corridor. It has made that position known in the form of a resolution and comments submitted to MnDOT and state Commissioner of Transportation Leonard Levine. The city comments note that the north and central bridge corridor locations are inconsistent with its Comprehensive Plan which call for a new St. Croix river crossing outside of the downtown area. A bridge built in the north corridor would not relieve traffic in the downtown area and would create "numerous (See Bridge position p. 3) City sets hazardous waste cleanup The city of Stillwater, under the direction and control of Washington County Public Health Department, will be - sponsoring a household hazardous waste collection program on Saturday, Sept. 8. Residents will be able to dispose of many types of household products that are considered hazardous to the environment if not disposed of properly. The most common household products considered hazardous, and which will be collected Sept. 8, are paints (a biggie!), pesticides, aerosols, used oil, automotive batteries and tires. An informational flyer will be sent to city households within the next two or three weeks explaining where the (See Hazardous waste p. 3) Traffic congestion created by the Stillwater/Houlton lift bridge is one of many reason why the city of Stillwater believes construction of a new river crossing is critical. Paget Newsletter August, 1990 Recycling calendar City residents are urged to do their part in conserving our natural resources and protecting the environment by recycling. Recycling is easy. All you need to do is place recyclables at curbside on pickup days. Materials accepted for recycling include paper (non glossy), corrugated cardboard, glass containers and bottles, and metal cans. Grass clippings and leaves will continue to be picked up on every regular garbage collection day. The yard waste must be bagged separately and placed at curbside. Junker Sanitation will also collect and dispose of drain oil. The oil must be put in sealed or capped plastic jugs and placed at curbside. NOTE: Recycling pickup is during the shaded weeks. SUN MON TUE 'WED THU FRI SAT 1 2 3 4 5 6 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 2829 30 31 C ity not buying Oak Glen The Stillwater City Council recently decided against pursuing the possible purchase of the Oak Glen Golf Course. That was the recommendation of the negotiating team the council appointed to undertake talks with Oak Glen owners regarding the possible purchase. The negotiating team included council members Tom Farrell and Ann Bodlovick, City Attorney David Magnuson, City Administrator Nile Kriesel, Tom Hay, the city's bond consultant, and Ron Langness, the city's financial consultant. During the talks it became apparent that refinancing of the golf course and a wholesaling of a majority of the building lots was the most feasible plan. Oak Glen Development Co. has reached an agreement with U.S. Homes (Orrin Thompson) for the purchase of 119 lots and with the Bruggeman Corp. of White Bear Lake for the purchase of 62 townhome lots. The City Council approved the planned unit development for the 14 -unit first addition for the Bruggeman project at its June 18 meeting and granted building permits for construction of the first two units. It is anticipated that the U.S. Homes development will begin in early 1991. Garbage fee increased The monthly fee for garbage pickup service in the city of Stillwater is $17 per month, per dwelling unit, as of July 1. The increase from $14.65 per month was needed to offset the increase in the tipping fee haulers pay at the resource recovery plant in Newport and to meet cost of living increases. The tipping fee will go up from $49.93 per ton to $66.79 a ton as of Aug. 1. If the male head of a household is over age 65, the female head of a household is over 62, or either is retired due to permanent disability, regardless of age, the pickup fee is now $13.60 a month. The city council may waive senior citizen charges for garbage collection if it determines the fee would cause a hardship. Seniors seeking a waiver of the fees must fill out an application listing income and assets. Applications are available from the city clerk's office. At its July 17 meeting, the city council directed the Solid Waste Advisory Committee to research the feasibility of establishing fees based on the amount of waste generated by the household (volume -based fees). The committee was asked to report back to the council by Oct. 1 with a recommendation. Don't be overloaded During hot summer weather, air conditioners and fans add an extra draw on electrical services in homes and businesses. This could result in problems if people don't follow some simple rules concerning the use of electrical appliances and equipment used in conjunction with the appliances. 1) If you are using a seasonal appliance (air conditioner) and start blowing fuses or circuit breakers, you are overloading the electrical service. Do not place larger capacity fuses or breakers in the system. The system is functioning property and is telling you the system is being overloaded. Larger capacity fuses or breakers could cause a short circuit resulting in a fire. Unplugging one of the other appliances on the circuit should resolve the problem. This applies at any time of the year. 2) Avoid the use of extension cords on the appliances. Extension cords that are too small for the appliance will heat or fail, again, causing a short circuit. If you must use an extension cord, try and find one of a gauge that is equal to what is on the appliance. When in use, never coil an extension cord or place it under rugs or carpeting which will cause the cords to heat. One plug per outlet opening; no octopus situations. 3) On installations of any type of electrical equipment, pay attention to the manufacturer's recommendations. This is especially important where heating equipment is involved and clearance requirements must be followed. August,1990 Newsletter Page 3 City b riefs Primary is not needed Filings for city elections closed July 17. There are four candidates for the two council positions: incumbents Ann Bodlovick and Jay Kimble and challengers Gary Funke and Don Valsvik. Mayor Wally Abrahamson will be opposed by former mayor Harry Peterson on the November ballot. Due to the number of candidates, there is no need to hold a city primary election. The city is in need of residents to serve as election judges. Interested residents should call City Clerk Mary Lou Johnson, 439 -6121. People who served as judges in the last election don't need to call; she'll call you. CPR offered The Stillwater Fire Department offers free CPR classes to anyone who would like to learn the valuable life- saving course. The fire department also offers free blood pressure checks and will keep a record of the readings. For information, call 439 -6120. Holiday garbage pickup schedule LABOR DAY Monday, Sept. 3 - NO PICKUP SERVICE Tuesday, Sept. 4 - All of Monday's route and Tuesday's route east of Greeley Street Wednesday, Sept. 5 - Tuesday's route west of Greeley Street and all of Wednesday's route Thursday, Sept. 6 - Regular route Friday, Sept. 7 - Regular route THANKSGIVING Monday, Nov. 19 - Regular route Tuesday, Nov. 20 - Regular route Wednesday, Nov. 21 - Regular route Thursday, Nov. 22 - NO PICKUP SERVICE Friday, Nov. 23 - All of Thursday and all of Friday's routes Prepared & distributed by The Courier Bridge position (Continued from p. 1) impact that would result from increased traffic and congestion and the negative impact on the downtown area's historical and architectural significance. The existing lift bridge and several buildings are already on the National Register, and Downtown Stillwater has been nominated as a National Register Historic District. "The city, after careful review of the many documents and reflection upon 30 years of transportation studies and more than 100 years of riverfront existence, has unanimously supported the south corridor." It is the city's position that: the southern corridor is most closely aligned with the existing Highway 36; is consistent with the existing uses on the Minnesota side of the river; would have less visual impact that some of the other industrial uses made of the river in the southern corridor; and would result in noise levels less than the industrial noise or from "the overpowered boats currently using this portion of the river." The city's statement concludes: "It is clearly evident to the city that a 'no- build' or central corridor location are unacceptable and unmanageable. It is also clear that the south corridor has a significant number of advantages for the traveling public, the river user and the adjacent communities. The city urges the Minnesota and Wisconsin Departments of Transportation to support the south corridor and to continue to maintain a schedule for construction and opening of the new bridge to alleviate the unacceptable transportation and safety problems in the Downtown area and other areas of Stillwater." A letter to Commissioner Levine, signed by Mayor Wally Abrahamson on behalf of the City Council, closes, "Commissioner, the ball is in your court to approve the project and find the necessary funding." Hazardous waste (Continued from p. 1) collection site will be and exactly what products will be accepted. The city anticipates that many residents will want to participate in the program, and in order to process the hazardous waste, the city will need to recruit about 60 to 70 volunteers. The volunteers will work at the collection site and help process the waste. The work is not considered dangerous; volunteers will be asked to work about four or five hours. If you would like to volunteer, please call City Hall, 439 -6121. You are needed and your help will be appreciated. City will fix sidewalks The Public Works Department recently inspected sidewalks within the city to determine which of the walks are in need of repair or replacement. A number of sidewalks were determined to be in need of repair /replacement, and the city will be contacting the property owners to have the work done. The city intends to contract for the works and would assess the cost of the work over a five year period. Property owners can elect to have the work done by the city contractor or do the work themselves as long as the sidewalk is repaired according to city standards. Any property owner who is not contacted by the city and who would like to have their sidewalk fixed should call the Public Works Department, 439 -6121, for more information. Library offerings listed In addition to its collection of feature length entertainment videos, the Stillwater Library, in association with Washington County Library, is building an informational video collection. Videos in the collection are typically not stocked to any extent by commercial video outlets. The collection includes "how -to's" (how to dance, build a deck, grow roses), historical reviews, cultural /social titles, biographical works, safety, sports, drama, travel and parenting. Contact the library for specific titles, topics and for borrowing regulations. Pegs 4 Newsletter August, 1890 City to consider ward system The city's nine - member Charter Commission has recommended that the city consider adopting a ward system of council representation. Currently, the mayor and all four council positions are elected at -large (by all voters in the city). In a ward system, as recommended by the Commission, the mayor would continue to be elected at- large, while the council members would represent, and be elected by, one of four wards in the city. An informational meeting regarding the proposal will be held at 7 p.m. Aug. 14 at City Hall. A public hearing has also been scheduled for 7 p.m. Aug. 28. In a memorandum to the city council, the Charter Commission noted the proposal is not intended to "correct some evil in the present system." Rather, the proposal is recommended as "a way of bringing city government closer to its citizens. All of the specific advantages of the ward system relate in some way to increasing the involvement of the Stillwater citizens in electing and communicating with the City Council." A unanimous vote of the council would be required to adopt an ordinance changing the method of elections. If there is one or more dissenting votes by the council, the Charter Commission would then decide whether to put the issue before the voters in a referendum election. Advantages cited by the Commission include: lower campaign costs, smaller areas to campaign in, and the probability of more candidates running for city office. Advantages in city operations, the Commission believes, comes in more equal geographic representation; closer constituent /official contact; and insulation from narrow interest groups. The Commission conducted a survey of 20 other cities with populations comparable to Stillwater (class 3 cities) and found that only five other municipalities do not have some type of ward system of election. The Commission also noted that this would be an appropriate time to consider the change because there would be ample time before the 1992 election to incorporate results of the 1990 census in setting appropriate ward boundaries. The Commission is also confident that a workable transition plan can be developed to accommodate incumbents. The Commission and city council welcome citizen input at the information meeting Aug. 14 as well as the public hearing Aug. 28. The city's Charter Commission is recommending a ward electoral system. Possible ward boundaries are indicated on the map by the dotted lines. If the recommendation is adopted, ward boundaries would be based on 1990 census information. t1*11water Scene Official City Newsletter Ll Vol. 2; No. 2 Stillwater, MN. 55082 April, 1990 No -meter plan aimed at access Stillwater's downtown parking program is up and running. The primary goal of the program is to ensure access to free parking for downtown business customers as well as the consistent turnover of prime on -street parking spaces The general on- street parking limit is two hours, with a few short -term 30 minute spaces near downtown businesses. Parking lots in the downtown area, with the exception of the former Reed's lot, are designated for employee parking and longer term four -hour parking; the Reed's lot (north of the Freight House) is for two -hour parking only. All of the river lot (adjacent to Lowell Park) and the former auditorium lot (across from Firstar Bank) are designated employee parking areas; a portion of the Brick Alley (south Main Street) and Maple Island lots will also be set aside, and posted, for employee parking. The employee parking permits are available at City Hall; cost is $5 per month. Public Safety Director David Mawhorter said the police department is "committed to making the parking plan a successful plan." The police department has hired a full -time person for enforcement of the new parking regulations. Enforcement will include chalking vehicle tires and monitoring parking times. The officer will also enforce all other general parking violations in the downtown area. The fine structure, Mawhorter, said is designed to discourage repeat parking violations. The fine is $5 for the first violation; $10 for the second violation within 90 days and $30 for the third and subsequent violations within 90 days. An additional $25 will be assessed for any parking violation fine not paid within five working days. People who do not pay parking summons will be formally charged with a misdemeanor in court and may be subjected to arrest via arrest warrant. Global concern needs local action April 22, 1990 was Earth Day 1990. The goal of Earth Day is to raise the level of public awareness about our environment and to educate people about actions they can take on behalf of the environment. the following items and the simple advice that is given: Item: If only 100,000 people stopped their junk mail, we could save about 150,000 trees every year. The threat of our environment is a "global" concern. However, if we all act on a "local" level, the threat can be mitigated. How can we act or what can we do to lessen the threat? It may not be as difficult as you would imagine. Consider Cara Capuzzi is Stillwater's parking enforcement officer. Junk Mail - Item: Americans receive almost 2 million tons of junk mail every year. Item: The junk mail Americans receive in one day could produce enough energy to heat 250,000 homes. Simple Advice: Write to: Mail Preference Service Direct Marketing Association 11 West 42nd Street P.O. Box 3861 New York, NY 10163 -3861 (Continued on page 4) Page 2 Newsletter April. 1990 Recycling calendar Participation in the city's recycling program continues to increase. If you are one of the residents who has been participating, give yourself a pat on the back. If not, think about it. Recycling is painless and will help conserve our natural resources and protect the environment. Grass clippings and leaves will continue to be picked up on every regular garbage collection day. However, the yard waste must be bagged separately and placed at curbside. Junker Sanitation will also collect and dispose of drain oil. The oil must be put in sealed or capped plastic jugs and placed at curbside. NOTE: Recycling pickup is during the shaded weeks. SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 2 3 4 5 14 15 16 17 29 30 31 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 25 26 27 28 29 30 City has Cleanup Days Spring cleanup days will be held April 28 -29 and May 5 -6. The former city dump on Myrtle Street (Washington County Highway 12) will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on cleanup days; drop boxes will be available. The drop box service is included in the quarterly utility charge and fees will not be collected. However, the service was established to provide city residents with an opportunity to dispose of household waste such as brush, appliances, small quantities of construction materials from minor remodeling jobs, batteries, tires and other items that seem to accumulate in every increasing quantities. The service is not intended for disposal of large amounts of rubbish or material from major remod eling or rehabilitation projects on a house, shed, garage or other accessory building. A fee may be charged based on the volume of rubbish /material that is not of "ordinary" household variety or quantity. Those using the drop box service should be prepared to show identification proving that they are currently a resident of Stillwater. Residents are reminded that Junker Sanitation will collect and dispose of drain oil if it is placed in proper containers. The drain oil should be put in sealed or capped plastic jugs. Junker collects drain oil, in proper containers, on normal residential garbage pickup days and at the former dump on specified days. The dump will be open every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to noon for the disposal of brush. The service is for Stillwater residents only, and identification will be required. Users must place the brush in a designated area. It's the law year round Spring, summer, winter or fall, the following regulations apply to all: It's unlawful in the City of Stillwater to operate a recreational motor vehicle on another person's property without the written or oral permission of the owner, occupant or lessee of the property. Written permission may be given by posted notice of any kind or description so long as it specifies the kinds - snowmobiles, trail bikes, recreational vehicles, etc. - of vehicles permitted to use the property. (A recreational motor vehicle is defined in the city's ordinance as any self - propelled vehicle and any vehicle propelled or drawn by a self - propelled vehicle used for recreational purposes, including, but not limited to, trail bike or other all- terrain vehicle, hovercraft, or a motor vehicle licensed for highway operation which is being used for off -road recreational purposes.) It is unlawful to post, mutilate or remove any notice or sign relating to recreational motor vehicle use on property or water over which a person has no right, title, interest or license. It is unlawful for a person other than the City of Stillwater to post such notices on any public lands, including, but not limited to, tax- forfeited lands. If a property owner allows the use of his/her land by recreational vehicles, the user must return all gates on the property to their original position - in other words, shut the gates when you leave. All recreational vehicles must be equipped with mufflers that are in good working order and in continual operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise. The city ordinance incorporates the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency motor vehicle noise limits; a violation or those limits are a violation of the ordinance. It is unlawful for the owner of a recreational vehicle or the parent or guardian of a juvenile operator of a recreational vehicle to knowingly or negligently permit the operation of the vehicle in violation of the ordinance. A person found guilty of violating the provisions of the ordinance is guilty of a misdemeanor. It's the law - spring, summer, winter or fall. Prepared and distributed by The Courier April, 1990 Newsletter Page 3 C ity briefs Check zoning beforehand All areas of the City are zoned for specific uses and regulated by the Stillwater Zoning Ordinance. Local, state and federal regulations apply to all land alteration, construction and/or structure located within the Bluffland /Shoreland area (generally along the St. Croix River). If a variance, zoning change, special use permit or conditional use permit is required, an application can be made with the City. Applications are reviewed by the Planning Commission and are recommended for approval or denial to the City Council. The City Council then holds a public hearing on the application for final consideration and action. Before planning a building, business (home occupation or otherwise), land alteration, signage or other activity, contact the Community Development Director at 439 -6121 to ensure that all requirements and regulations are met. Control weeds Each property owner has the responsibility of destroying noxious weeds on their land. If weeds are not destroyed by the property owner within a specific time limit, they will be destroyed by the City and the costs will be charged to the property owner. Noxious weeds include field bindweed (creeping jenny), hemp, leafy spurge, bull thistle, Canada thistle, sow thistle, plumeless thistle and poison ivy. If you have any questions regarding weeds, contact the Weed Inspector, David C. Junker, 439 -6121. Licenses due Dog licenses are due by May 1 for all dogs over six -monts of age. Fee is $5. Owners must have a current rabies certificate when applying for a license. The license is valid for one year and expires April 30th of the following year. Dogs must be leashed or under control of a responsible person at all times. Dogs running loose will be picked up. The charge is $25, plus boarding fees if the animal is taken to a shelter. Sewer billing policy has been changed NEW SEWER SERVICE CHARGE Effective April 1, 1990 the quarterly sewer service charge will be based on the following charges: _Type of Dwelling Minimum Charge Per Dwelling Unit Overage Charge Single Family $39.00 $2.10 per 1,000 gal. Duplex (2 units) over 10,000 gallons Duplex $37.05 (95% of single family) $2.10 per 1,000 gal. 75,000 gallons over 9,500 gallons. Apartments $29.25 (75% of single family) $2.10 per 1,000 gal. 50,000 gallons over 7,500 gallons Condo $27.30 (70% of single family) $2.10 per 1,000 gal. over 7,000 gallons Federally Certified $2.10 per 1,000 gal. Senior Housing $21.84 (56% of single family) over 5,600 gallons Past billing policy was to bill only one minimum charge per building. However, the Council has determined that a minimum charger per dwelling unit rather than per building is a more equitable way of distributing the cost of collecting and treating sewerage. Therefore, the new policy establishes a minimum charge for every dwellin unit. The sewer service charge for multiple dwellings (i.e., two or more units) will show an increase as a result of the new policy. The following is an example of the chage in sewer service charges for each type of dwelling unit based on the new rates: Example assumes quarterly water usage as follows: If you have any questions regarding your sewer service charge, you may call the Utility Billing Clerk at 439 -6121. City needs election judges The city of Stillwater is looking for people interested in serving as election judges. Interested residents should call City Clerk Mary Lou Johnson, 439 -6121. People who served as judges in the last election don't need to call; she'll call you. People can serve as an election judge if they are an eligible voter; are affiliated with a major political party; are able to read, write and speak English; and are appointed by the city council. Single Family (1 unit) 15,000 gallons Duplex (2 units) 25,000 gallons Six -plex (6 units) 75,000 gallons Condo (4 units) 50,000 gallons Federal Sr. Housing (90 units) 450,000 gallons New Billing_ Minimum Overage Total Previous Type of Dwelling nit Charge Charge Billing Billing Single Family 39.00 10.50 49.50 49.50 Duplex 74.10 12.60 86.70 70.50 Six -plex 175.50 63.00 238.50 175.50 Condo 109.20 46.20 155.40 123.00 Federal Sr. Housing 1,965.60 - -- 1,965.60 963.00 If you have any questions regarding your sewer service charge, you may call the Utility Billing Clerk at 439 -6121. City needs election judges The city of Stillwater is looking for people interested in serving as election judges. Interested residents should call City Clerk Mary Lou Johnson, 439 -6121. People who served as judges in the last election don't need to call; she'll call you. People can serve as an election judge if they are an eligible voter; are affiliated with a major political party; are able to read, write and speak English; and are appointed by the city council. Page 4 Newsletter April, 1990 Holiday garbage pickup schedule MEMORIAL DAY Monday, May 28 NO PICKUP SERVICE Tuesday, May 29 - All of Monday's route and Tuesday's route east of Greeley Street. Wednesday, May 30 - Tuesday's route west of Greeley Street and all of Wednesday's route. Thursday, May 31 - Regular route. Friday, June 1 - Regular route. FOURTH OF JULY Monday, July 2 - All of Monday's route and Tuesday's route east of Greeley S treet. Tuesday, July 3 - Tuesday's route west of Greeley Street and all of Wednesday's route. Wednesday, July 4 - NO PICKUP SERVICE Thursday, July 5 - Regular route. Friday, July 6 - Regular route. Welcome to Stillwater The following are some important phone numbers that people who are new to town might want to save. Welcome, and if you have any questions, whether it be about utility billing or garbage pickup days, give us a call. IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS Mayors office 439 -6121 City Clerk's office 439 -6121 Sewer & refuse billing 439 -6121 Planning/Zoning 439 -6121 Building Official 439 -6121 Public Works 439 -6121 Parks Department 439 -6121 Ice Arena 439 -1337 City Garage 439 -5933 Stillwater Library 439 -1675 Stillwater Police 439 -1314 Stillwater Fire Dept. emergency number 439 -1313 non - emergency 439 -6120 Water Department 439 -6231 Washington County 439 -3220 Lakeview Hospital 439 -5330 Junker Sanitation 439 -7135 ALL EMERGENCIES 911 Local action (Continued from page 1) They should stop your name from being sold to most large mailing list companies. Your junk mail should decrease by 75 percent. Water Usaee - Item: A running faucet uses a lot more water than you think: 1. While brushing your teeth - 5 gallons. 2. While washing dishes - 30 gallons. 3. While shaving - 10 to 20 gallons. Item: Normal faucet flow is 3 to 5 gallons of water per minute. Item: A toilet uses 5 to 7 gallons of water each time it is flushed. Recyclables - Item: It takes an entire forest (over 500,000 trees) to supply Americans with their Sunday newspapers every week. Item: Making new paper from old paper uses anywhere from 30 percent to 55 percent less energy. Related air pollution would also be reduced by 95 percent. Item: The energy saved by recycling one aluminum can will operate a TV for 3 hours. Item: Aluminum recycling in American in 1988 saved enough electrical power to supply the residential electric needs for a city the size of New York City for six months. Item: Taking a shower accounts for over 30 percent of home water use - a 5 minute shower can consume 35 gallons of water. Simple Advice: 1. Do not leave faucets run while brushing teeth, washing dishes or shaving. 2. Install a "displacement" device in toilet tank to reduce the amount of water in tank. 3. Install low flow aerator on your faucets and install a low flow head on your shower. Item: It can take up to 3,000 years for glass to decompose. Item: Glass produced from recycled glass reduced realated air pollution by 20 percent and water pollution by 50 percent. Simple Advice: RECYCLE The information listed above was taken from a book titled 50 Simple Things You Can do to Save the Earth written by the Earthworks Group. Cit y has Port Authority In addition to several other standing de committees or commissions, the City of Stillwater has a Port Authority. The Port Authority is composed of six members and the Mayor, who is an ex- officio member of the Commission. The Port Authority has the duty, power and authority to: 1. Supervise and control the landing, docing and mooring of boats and watercraft along the St. Croix River adjacent to the City's municipal boundaries; and regulations to prove for the safety and comfort of persons using the waterfront. The commission meets about three to four times per year and has been directly involved in issues pertaining to the dock facilities that are currently being used by the Andiamo Showboat and other watercraft. Future activity will involve review of plans to replace the levee adjacent to Lowell Park as well as to investigate the possible future use of the city owned property that is located south of Brick Alley and is leased by Aiple Barge and Towing Company (until 1998). 2. Have charge, control and management of all City owned property located along the St. Croix River, and 3. To promulgate and enforce rules Present commission members are Barrett Colombo, Dean Funke, Jim O'Brien (President), Babe Orff, Harry Peterson and Jim Schultz. t1*11water Scene Official City Newsletter Vol. 2; No. i Stillwater. MN. 55082 February, 1990 Caucuses kick off election year The 1990 election year gets underway February 27 when precinct caucuses will be held throughout the state. State law requires each of the major parties to hold a caucus for every election precinct to elect delegates, party officers and conduct party business. All caucuses will be convened at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27. (No public meetings or school events can be held after 6 p.m.) Notices concerning the location of the precinct caucuses will be available at the county auditor's office and will be published the week before caucuses are to be held. Anyone who is an eligible voter or will be eligible to vote in the Nov. 6 general election and who is a resident of the precinct may participate. No previous party affiliation is required; however, you should be prepared to state that you intend to support that party in the next general election or have supported that party in the last general election. Anyone, including people who will not be eligible to vote, Election dates to remember Feb. 27 - Precinct caucuses at 7:30 p.m. July 3 - First day to file for city primary election July 17 - Last day to file for city primary election Aug. 21 - Last day to preregister to vote in the primary election Sept. 11 - Primary election day Oct. 16 - Last day to preregister to vote in the general election Nov. 6 - General election day may attend a caucus as an observer. Precinct caucuses offer voters their first opportunity to express a preference concerning candidates who will be elected in November. In 1990, state and federal offices, including the governor and entire legislature, one U.S. senator and all eight U.S. representatives will be up for election. By participating in caucuses, voters may influence the issues of campaigns and party platforms. Anyone participating in a caucus may offer a resolution for consideration. Resolutions need not be written in formal language. Resolutions which are approved will be presented to the county/legislative district convention for discussion and possible approval. Resolutions approved at the district convention are sent on to the state convention where the party platform is developed. Each precinct is allotted delegates according to the number of votes cast in that precinct for the party's candidates in the last general election. Each precinct nominates and elects delegates to the next level convention. Delegates from precinct caucuses will compete in county /district conventions for congressional district and (Continued on p. 4) Where do your tax dollars go? Last year, $111,970 went to purchase this new rescue truck for the Fire Department. The truck, outfitted in part through donations from local service organizations, is equipped to respond to all kinds of emergencies. Equipment ranges from a hurst tool to smoke extractors, body harnesses to a small boat (for ice resuces). The truck also responds to fires and can serve as a command post in the event of a major fire. Your tax dollars also purchased a new five -yard dump truck ($44,000) and loader ($72,000) for the public works department. The purchases were part of the city's regular equipment replacement schedule to keep maintenance costs in check. Page 2 Newsletter February, lggp Homeowners should know ... (Reprinted from the League of Minnesota Cities insurance newsletter) Sewer back -ups are a problem facing every city's residents. Claims for damages to people's homes caused by sewer back- ups probably lead to more misunderstanding and hard feelings than any other single kind of claim. It might be possible to avoid some of these problems if homeowners are made aware of three basic points regarding sewer back -ups and the resulting damage: 1. The city is not automatically liable for resulting damages whenever a sewer backs up. The city is only liable for those damages if the back -up was caused by the city's negligence. 2. Many homeowners insurance policies exclude damage resulting from sewer back -ups. Thus, homeowners often end up looking to the city to pay their damages when their own homeowner's insurer denies their claim. 3. Some homeowners insurance companies do provide sewer back -up coverage. Therefore, it is possible for homeowners to protect themselves against this risk. Minnesota courts have made it clear that the city doesn't and can't guarantee that its sewers will never back up. A sewer system is not a closed system. Any resident or business that is hooked up to it dumps waste in it. Some of the things dumped into the sewer system can clog the system. Large amounts of grease from restaurants and disposable diapers are two common items that cause problems. While cities can adopt rules prohibiting dumping these items into the sewer and can try to educate the public about the problems they cause, there's really no way the city can absolutely prevent this from happening. Other factors can cause back -ups as well. Tree roots can grow into and obstruct the lines; or extraordinary amounts of rainfall can infiltrate the system and overload it. The courts have made it clear that the city is liable for sewer back -up damages if, and only if, the city's negligence caused the damages. There are four basic questions the courts look at in deciding this issue. The city is liable if the answer to all four is yes. 1. Was there a defect in the city's sewer line? This might be a tree root, a foreign substance such as grease or a diaper that has found its way into the line, a sag or break in the line, or bad design of the line. Recycling calendar NOTE: Recycling pickup is during the shaded weeks. SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 18 19 20 21.22 23 24 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 29 30 (Continued on p. 4) Recycling is painless Participation in the city's recycling program continues to increase. If you are one of the residents who has been participating, pat yourself on the back. If not, think about it. Actually, recycling is rather painless and will help conserve our natural resources and protect our environment. All you have to remember is: 1. Place recyclables at curbside on pickup days (see recycling calendar in this newsletter). 2. Material to be recycled: a. Paper - Newspaper and corrugated (cardboard) paper only will be accepted. Magazines, glossy paper, catalogs, phone books or other paper will not be accepted. Newspapers must be tied in bundles, boxed or placed in paper bags. Corrugated paper should be flattened and tied in bundles. Newspaper and corrugated paper should be bundled separately and not mixed with other recyclable materials. b. Glass - Only glass containers/bottles will be accepted. Mirrors, window glass, plate glass, ceramic, light bulbs or other glass will not be accepted. Paper labels can be left on; metal rings, caps or lids must be removed; glass cannot be broken. Glass should be rinsed and not mixed with other recyclable materials. c. Metal cans - Food and beverage cans may be mixed together. Paper labels must be removed and cans should be rinsed. d. No aerosol cans of any kind will be accepted. Appliances and scrap iron are not part of the recycling program but will continue to be picked up as part of the regular garbage collection or accepted on cleanup days. Anyone with questions should call Junker Sanitation, Inc., 439 -7135, or City Hall, 439 -6121. Garbage tax is in effect Effective Jan. 1, 1990, a 6 percent sales tax has been added to solid waste charges. First quarter (January) sewer and garbage bills include an increase for the sales tax. The taxable portion of quarterly solid waste charges is $31.95 ($21.75 for qualified seniors), so the sales tax amounts to $1.92 ($1.31 for seniors). Charges for yard waste, recyclables and certain types of waste (such as batteries and appliances) amounting to $4 per month ($12 per quarter) are exempt from the sales tax. The sales tax was established by the Legislature during 1989 to help fund recycling and other solid waste reduction programs in the state of Minnesota. February, 1990 Newsletter p 3 Citybriefs Cleanup days set Grant received Stillwater was recently notified it has received two state grants to improve city recreation facilities. One grant is for improvements to the access and boat launch ramp at Lily Lake. The project includes an asphalt surface parking area and adding concrete planks to the boat launch. The second is a 50 -50 matching grant to enable the city to purchase Mulberry Point as an extension to Lowell Park. The grant amounts to $200,000 and will be used to purchase the land, construct a pedestrian path, stabilize the shoreline and eventually convert the area to park use. New parking plan underway On Dec. 5, 1989, the City Council voted to eliminate parking meters in the downtown area and to replace meters with two -hour parking limits for on- street parking and four -hour limits in the four public parking lots. Tire will be chalked to enforce the time limits. Program implementation is underway and should be completed by March 1990. The new parking program will be evaluated after one year. Spring, summer and fall cleanup days will be held on the following dates: SPRING - April 28 -29 and May 5 -6 SUMMER - July 14 -15 FALL - Oct. 13 -14 and 20 -21 The former city landfill on West Myrtle Street (Washington County Highway 12) will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on cleanup days and drop boxes will be available. The drop box service is included in the quarterly utility charge and fees will not be collected. However, the service was established to provide city residents with an opportunity to dispose of household waste such as brush, appliances, small quantities of construction materials from minor remodeling jobs, batteries, tires and other items that all of us seem to accumulate in every increasing quantities. The service is not intended for disposal of large amounts of rubbish or material from m a j o r remodeling or rehab projects on a house, shed, garage or other accessory building. A fee may be charged based on the volume of rubbish /material that is not of "ordinary" household variety or quantity. Those using the drop box service should be prepared to show identification proving that they are currently a resident of Stillwater. Residents are reminded that Junker Sanitation will collect and dispose of drain oil if placed in proper containers. The drain oil should be put in sealed or capped plastic jugs. Junker Sanitation collects drain oil on normal residential pickup days and at the former city landfill site on specified days. Licenses due The 1990 dog licenses are due by May 1. Owners who did not submit a proof of rabies certificate last year, must have a current rabies certificate when applying for a new license this year. The license fee for both male and female dogs is $5. Petowners are reminded: NO ANIMAL SHALL BE ALLOWED TO RUN AT LARGE IN THE CITY, licensed or unlicensed. Read meters Residents are reminded to send in their water meter cards every quarter. The sewer bill is based on water usage. So, it is important to send in the water meter card for an accurate sewer bill. I.P. plan developed A new land use plan has been prepared for the West Stillwater Business Park area between Greeley Street and Washington County Road 5. Basically, the plan designates commercial land use along Minnesota Highway 36 to County Road 5 and south to Orleans, including the former Woodland Lakes site. Fifty -five acres for manufacturing use is designated for the area north of Curve Crest Boulevard. New land use requirements including setbacks, lot coverage and buidling height are proposed, along with design guidelines. The design guidelines would not allow metal or plain concrete buildings. A road system is also proposed extending Curve Crest Boulevard to County Road 5. The plan was developed by a commitee composed of Gunnar Balstad, Stillwater Inn; Jack Lux, realtor and SAEDC member; Neal Skinner, business park property owner; Craig Wallin, "Benson Farm;" and Betsy Larey, River Valley Athletic Club; along with five Planning Commission members - Jerry Fontaine, Glenna Bealka, Mark Elenz, Rob Hamlin and Jean Jacobson. A public hearing on the plan was held Jan. 8 during the regular Stillwater Planning Commission meeting. The Stillwater City Council will consider the plan as a component of the city's comprehensive plan at a February meeting. The West Stillwater Business Park plan is available for review at the Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce office, Stillwater City Hall or the Stillwater Public Library. Library changes p olicy The Stillwater Public Library has announced an "historic" policy change. The two -week book loan limit, which has been in effect for nearly 100 years, has been extended to three weeks. The new policy is in effect for all loaned materials with the exception of "recreational" videos and browsing materials. In addition, there is no longer an age restriction for checking out computer software or informational video tapes. Librarian Lynne Bertalmio said the new policy is intended to better serve users, and is a recognition that as busy as people are it is often difficult to finish a book in two weeks. However, she said the time extension is not intended to send the message that borrowers can keep a book for as long as they want. "We still want the books back on time," she said. People in need of tax forms shouldn't forget the library. The library does have copiable state and federal tax forms available. page 4 Newsletter - February, 1890 Homeowners should know (Continued from p. 2) 2. Did the city know, or should the city have known, about the defect? For example, were there previous complaints or reports of problems, should the problem have been discovered during routine inspection or maintenance of the lines? 3. Did the city fail to correct the defect within a reasonable time after learning of it? 4. Did that failure by the city cause damages? Thus, if the city exercises reasonable care in inspecting and maintaining its sewer lines, and if the city responds to problems in a reasonable manner and time, the city is not liable when sewer back -ups occur. Of course, if the city is not liable, that may mean that the homeowner may have to bear the loss if their own insurance company won't cover it. It's a good idea for homeowners to check their policies or ask their agents about this coverage. (The Stillwater Public Works Department would like homeowners who are having their sewer line cleaned to notify them. Sometimes cleaning the line from the house to the street can dislodge materials that later clog the main sewer line.) Election year and willing to serve as election judges to council or town board. (Continued from p.1) the county auditor. The county auditor No more than half the judges in each then supplies the names to each city precinct may belong to the same major state delegate seats. In addition to allowing participants an opportunity to express their preference concerning candidates and an input into campaign issues and party platforms, caucuses are usually the time when parties recruit eligible people to recommend for appointment as election judges. The major parties submit the names of people in each precinct who are eligible Did you know? * The City of Stillwater's population is 13,256 and consists of 4,000 single - family homes and 700 multiple - dwelling units. The City has approximately 70 miles of streets to maintain, plow and police. The City employes 64 full -time and 75 part- time and seasonal workers. * Stillwater has been a municipal corporation with a mayor - council form of government since 1854, and is organized and governed pursuant to a Home Rule Charter adopted in 1926. * The 10 largest employers in the Stillwater area are: Andersen Corp. with 4,405 employees; Minnesota State Prison, 830; Washington County, 790; School District 834 with 780 employees; UFE, Inc. , 650; Cub Foods and Hooley Supermarket, 400; Press -On, Inc., 370; INCSTAR, 170; Northern States Power, 110; and Hansman Industries, Inc. 85. * City Council meetings are cablecast live on Government Access Channel 12. The meetings are re- broadcast the following Thursday at 6 p.m., Friday at 4 p.m. and Saturday at 10 a.m. council and town board in the county. The city councils and town boards appoint election judges from the lists. (Cities and towns may also recruit eligible people to serve as election judges.) People can serve as an election judge if they are an eligible voter in the city or town; are affiliated with a major political party; are able to read, write and speak English; and are appointed by the city political party. Judges may be assigned to precincts other than their own (within the city or county in which they live) to achieve party balance in precincts. For more information about the election process, call or write the Secretary of State's office, 180 State Office Building, 100 Constitution Ave., St. Paul, Minn. 55155 -1299; phone, 296- 2805. Sorry, wrong number Many calls are received at City Hall from people who actually need to conduct business with or need information from the Washington County Government Center. The county provides many services; some commonly called phone numbers are: General information 439 -3220 Administration 779 -5401 Assessor 779 -5403 Auditor - Treasurer 779 -5408 County Attorney 779 -5405 Court Services 779 -5434 Human Resources (employment) 779 -5436 Planning/inspection 779 -5443 Public Health 779 -5445 Public Works 439 -6058 Recorder - registrar 779 -5448 Sheriff emergency calls 911 non - emergency calls 439 -9381 Social Services general information 439 -6901 welfare 779 -5419 Surveyor 779 -5450 Veterans' Service Officer 779 -5451 Most of the calls City Hall receives are for drivers' licenses, marriage licenses, vehicle licenses, court services, social services and public health related matters which are the responsibility /function of the county. Please call the county at the numbers listed above if your business appears to be with the county. 4 DAVID MXNHORTER PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR POLICE CHIEF THE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY DIVISION OF POLICE Dear Do wntown S t i l l w a t e r Bus iness Person, GORDON SEIM FIRE CHIEF 1 am addr essin g thi letter to you in an a ttempt to axplain th new park ing 'r'equiation system the City is ab=ut to implement. The (slain goal of the parking 6ontrol p rogram is to ensure access to free park for the customers of Downtown Stillwater and to provide special permit parking areas for th ose who work in Downtown Stillwater it is also the goal of the parking control program to ensure consistent turnover of prime parking spaces within the Downtown on street parking. To implement the program, a system of parking time limits has Seen established. On Street Parkins The on street general parking limit is S hours. There are, however, several short term 30 minute parking spaces placed in areas where short terms parking is beneficial to area businesses. F`ar`I{ l Ytf3_L -� :t S Parking lots throughout the downtown are designated for Employee Parking and longer term, 4 hour parking. Ertfwcemertt The Stillwater Polite Department is committed to making this parking plan a successful plan. To this end, we have mired a. person who is dedicated full time to the enforcement of parking regulations in the downtown area. Enforcement of time zone parking will be accomplished by marking vehicle tires and monitoring their parking times. The parking enforcement person will also enforce all other general parking violations in the downtown area. Fines The fine structure is designed to discourage repeat parking violators and minimizing the fine for shoppers who may stay too long while shopping. '212 North Fourth Street, Stillwater, Minnesota 55082 Police Phone: 612 -439 -1314 or 612- 439 -1336 Form 2091 o;Sw STw., Fire Phone: 612- 439 -6120 The fine schedule will be as follows; $ 5.00 for the first violation ion in the previous 90 days. $10.00 for the second violation in the previous 90 days. $30.00 for the third and subsequent violation(s) within the previous 90 days. There will also be a $25. additional fine assessed for ter^ any parking violation not paid within five business days after the date the violation ion occurred. Persons who do not pay parking summons w i l l be formally ly charged with a misdemeanor in court and may be subjected to arrest via arrest warrant. E121ovee P2rkin Rerrnits As of this writing, city staff is still developing just where the employee permit parking will be located. There will be a portion of all parking lots, except f or the lot l ocated to the North of the Freight House (Reed's Lot) , dedicated for employee parking. When this issue is settled, all lets will be appropriately posted and downtown business persons w i l l be notified in writing. Until the lets are posted, if you have an employee permit displayed in your vehicle and you are parked in one of the City parking lot, you will not be ticketed. Permits can be obtained from the City at a fee- The current .fee is $5. a month. This may change with the implementation of the program. If it does, it should not be substantial. Imolewntat i� n Date ------------- - - - - -- We are planning to implement the program during the first two weeks of April. All violators w i l l be given warning summons for a period of time so there will be no surprises when we begin actual enforcement. It is hoped that everyone will voluntarily comply with the regulations and no summons will be necessary. I hope that this letter has cleared up any misinformation that you have received and any questions you may have about the program. If, however, you do have any questions, please feel free to call me personally. My number is 439 - 1314. If I am not in when you call, leave your name and number and I will call you back. Sincerely, i David Mawhorter Public Safety Director 990 -1.3 m 8AM- PM K)N-3AT 1 A�� J b.1 s"' q 6 _06 AAllf r PARKING SAM- MON-SAT Al Si R -7- IOS _ 12" X 1 g - &re on vvhite, 115