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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020 Fall newsletter.pdf� Urng Resources Community Developme r � ■ ■ ■ ■ NONE fl � ' m c� PO11111 ■ ■ ■ ■ r1-� .. No l l l l l l l l l k : Firr Ckief . IIIIIII � � � Ca CITY COUNCIL APPROVES CITY CHARTER AMENDMENT BRINGING THE WATER DEPARTMENT OPERATIONS INTO THE PUBLIC WORKS UTILITY DIVISION On September 29, 2020, the Stillwater City Council ap- proved via unanimous 5-0 votes, a Charter Ordinance Amendment and other City Code Amendments that will integrate the City Water Department function into the Public Works Department under a separate Utility Divi- sion. The current three member Board of Water Com- missions will become a Utility Commission consisting of five members. All Ordinances are effective on January 1, 2021. Based upon the Strategic Plan goal of Developing Or- ganizational Excellence, the City hired a consultant in July of 2019 to complete an operational review of the Public Works Department, including the Board of Water Commissioners operations and the St. Croix Valley Rec- reation Center operations. The focus of the review was how the City departments could develop better efficien- cies in the delivery of public works services to the com- munity. The Public Works Assessment Report and Rec- ommendations was issued by the consultant in Decem- ber 2019 and presented to the City Council and Board of Water Commissioners at a joint work session in Janu- ary 2020. The Council directed City staff to work inter- nally with the water department to investigate a poten- tial transitional plan and process that would facilitate an updated organizational structure for the City Public Works Department including integration of the Water Department operations into a Utility Division. In July 2020, the City Council considered the draft ordinances prepared by City Attorney that would integrate the City Water Department function into the Public Works De- partment under a separate Utility Division and change the Board of Water Commissioners to a Utility Commis- sion. In August 2020 the City Charter Commission adopted the Charter Ordinance Amendment, followed PRSTD 216 Fourth Street North U.S. POSTAGE PAID Stillwater MN 55082 Stillwater, MN 55082 www.ci.stillwater.mn.us Permit No. 206 Postal Patron Fall 2o2o by the actions of the City Council to adopt the Charter Amendment and other City Code Amendments in Sep- tember 2020. The Board of Water Commissioners has existed as a separate entity and overseen the city water supply sys- tem operations for over 100 years. The integration of the water department operations with the public works utility operations will not affect water services to city residences and businesses. Water Department staff will transition to City staff, Water Department funds will transfer to a segregated water supply enterprise fund in the City financial accounts and the Board of Wa- ter Commissioners will become a Utility Commission with 5 members. The Utility Commission will continue to provide policy recommendations to the City Council on how to best to manage the city water supply system. CITY COUNCIL APPROVES PRELIMINARY 2021 CITY BUDGET The Stillwater City Council conducted its third budget workshop on September 15, 2020 and following the workshop, approved the preliminary 2021 City budget and preliminary proposed property tax levy payable 2021. The proposed 2021 net levy is $14,998,189, an increase of 2.659% over the adopted 2020 levy. The proposed budget levy increase, when combined with the growth in the county's tax base, would result in a decrease in the city's tax rate to the lowest level since 2011. City staff and the City Council have been working on preparation of the 2021 budget in a period of risk, un- certainties, and economic volatility caused by the COVID -19 pandemic. The proposed 2021 budget includes con- tinuation of city programs and services and capital out- lay appropriations for preservation of current assets and new projects to align with the themes and initia- tives included in the revised Stillwater Strategic Plan. As the City sees continued growth in households and population, the demand for city services increases. City staff and the City Council will continue to review the budget through the fall, and the Truth in Taxation public meeting on the city budget will be conducted on December 1, 2020, followed by adoption of the final (continued on page 6) NOVEMBER 312020 ABSENTEE BALLOTS & EARLY VOTING POLLING SITES FOR CITY OF STILLWATER RESIDENTS Find where to vote online at the Secretary of State website www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting or contact City Hall at 651-430-8800. (W=Ward, P=Precinct) W1 P1 - First United Methodist Church 813 Myrtle St W W1 P2 - St. Paul Lutheran Church 605 5th St S W2 P3 - Ascension Church 214 3rd St W2 P4 - Trinity Lutheran Church 115 4th St N W3 P5 - Stillwater Armory 350 Maryknoll Dr W4 P7 - Our Saviors Lutheran Church 1616 Olive St W W4 P8 - Rutherford Elementary School 100 School House Cir When voting in person on election day, will the process be different because of the Coronavirus? The most visible differences will be precautions to reduce the risk of exposure. All poll workers will wear masks. Extra masks for vot- ers and ample sanitizer will be available on site. Social distanc- ing guidelines could make lines appear longer than usual. MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS The City of Stillwater has two seats for City Council on the election ballot for 2020: Councilmember for Ward 2 and Councilmember for Ward 3. To vote early, visit the Secretary of State website at www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting to re- quest an Absentee Ballot, or to register to vote, or to check your voter registration status. Allow enough time to complete the absentee bal- lot process. Here is what happens: 1. You can complete an absentee ballot applica- tion online at the Secretary of State website or mail in a paper absentee ballot application. 2. A ballot packet with a unique barcode linked to your voter information is mailed to you. Inside the packet is the ballot, signature enve- lope, ballot envelope, mailing envelope and instructions. 3. Verify all your information is correct on the signature envelope and vote your ballot. 4. Return it via mail before November 3rd or drop it off at Washington County Government Center. You cannot drop off it off at your pre- cinct on Election Day. S. Your ballot will be processed by an election board. That's it, you voted. You can visit the Secretary of State website to check on the sta- tus of your ballot. You can vote in person by absentee ballot at the Washington County Government Center. Stillwa- ter City Hall does not administer Absentee Ballots. LHer! MMhGdiV ®` s Ulm HELP IDENTIFY TRANSIT IMPROVEMENTS ALONG HIGHWAY 36 Washington County Public Works, in part- nership with Ramsey County, Hennepin County, MnDOT and Metropolitan Council, is leading a study to explore the potential for transit improvements in the Highway 36 corridor, which extends about 27 miles be- tween Stillwater/Oak Park Heights/Bayport and downtown Minneapolis. You can share your feedback on the study at: www.surveymonkey.com/r/XIP7R2 j The goals of the study are to analyze existing and emerging needs for east -west transit service between Stillwater and downtown Minneapolis, identify opportunities to develop or enhance transit service, and im- prove connections to the regional transit system. To receive more information about the study and to pro- vide feedback, visit www.highway36transit.com. THE CITY OF STILLWATER HAS GROWN! On August 28th a 35-acre annexation was approved by the State of Minnesota's Office of Administrative Hearings. The property is located at the southeast quadrant of the intersection of State Highway 36 and Manning Avenue (County Rd 15). r This intersection is scheduled to be reconstructed by Washington County and MnDOT in 2021/22. The new grade separated interchange will not only make this intersection safer, but will also make commer- cial development of the 35-acre annexation property possible. Summit Management of Stillwater owns the proper- ty and is planning a mixed use development. Cur- rently the proposed (but still tentative) uses include a 95,000 square foot Hy-Vee Grocery, a Hy-Vee Con- venience Store and a 200-unit apartment complex. Mark Lambert, President of Summit Management, stated at the public hearing before the City Council on August 4th that securing Hy-Vee is key to the site development and that in turn will create the opportunity to construct the apartments. The apartment, to be known as The Flats at Central Commons, will be unique to Stillwater and rich with recreational op- portunities. This is a multi -year project likely to get underway once the new interchange and adjacent frontage road is completed sometime in 2022 or 2023. SAC: AN EASIER WAY TO SAY, SEWER AVAILABILITY CHARGE The Metropolitan Council imposes this fee directly to local governments. • SAC fees are charged when a residential, commercial, industrial or institutional property first connects to the regional wastewater (sewer) system. SAC is also charged when a business grows or changes and creates more potential demand on the sewer system. Depending on your business you could pay more than one SAC unit. Local governments passes this charge on to business or property owners. Wastewater systems must be built big enough to service both current and future customers. The space required for future customers is called reserve capacity. SAC pays the debt for that extra capacity. Con- tact MCES SAC Program for more information by visiting www.metcouncil.org or email SACprogram@metc.state.mn.us ccm The Green Scene 7 Stillwater's Waste Reduction News BIZRECYCLING RELIEF GRANTS Help your business bounce back with a grant of up to 10k! If your business BIZRICYCLING has been negatively impacted by COVID-19 or recent civil unrest, you may be eligible for a BizRecycling Relief Grant. Get up to $10,000 to support a operational expenses related to managing waste and recycling: Reimbursement for recycling and organics hauling costs • Staff wages for operational costs related to recycling, organics, food recovery and waste reduction efforts • Purchase of recyclable or compostable to -go packaging • Infrastructure and equipment for use in food recovery and donation efforts • Other costs related to waste reduction and recycling activities The relief grants include more eligible expenses than regular BizRecycling grants and are available to businesses new to BizRecycling as well as those that have previously participated in the program. BizRe- cycling helps businesses reduce waste and improve recycling and organics collection. REDUCE FOOD WASTE Did you know that almost 40% of food is wasted from farm to fork, according to the National Resources Defense Council. Much of that food is wasted at the consumer level. More than half of restaurant lefto- vers end up in the trash and more than 40% of our groceries will never be eaten. Food waste costs the average family more than $1,500 a year. If you can't make the food last, freeze it or consume it, try participating - 4- in the food scraps drop-off program. Organic material makes up 25% - 35% of what we throw away. Washington County has an Environmen- tal Center where you can drop off food scraps that can be recycled into compost. Compost is a valuable resource that improves soil, reduces erosion, and decreases the need for fertilizers. Visit www.co.washington.mn.us/2969/Food-Scraps-Organics-Drop-off for more information. WAYS TO RECYCLE MORE Quickly find local disposal and recycling options for items you no longer want or need by searching the Washington County Disposal Directory at www.recyclesearch.com/wcdd. A'vm RecycleSearch Its easy to use and mobile -friendly. You can also visit the Washington County Environmental Center year-round to drop-off household hazard- ous waste, electronics, and recyclables. In addition to they accepts items for recycling such as, plastic bags and wrap (must be clean and dry), plastic campaign or real estate lawn signs, holiday lights, extension cords and scrap metal. As part of your Garbage and Recycling bill you can have the following items picked up curbside each year at no extra cost: 3 appliances, 4 electronics and 2 bulk items. If you go beyond these, it's $15/item. Call Waste Management at 952-890-1100 to arrange pickup. CREATE LESS HOLIDAY TRASH Americans throw away about 2 5 % more trash between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Traditional gift wrap and bags are trash and cannot be recycled because the paper is blended or coated with materials like clay, wax, or non -paper additives, such as glitter. Instead wrap your gifts using repurpose newspapers, magazines or maps. Tuck gifts in pillowcases, cloth napkins, or scarves. Place gifts in a reusable shopping bag, box or tin. Make your own paper using hand -decorated craft paper or paper grocery bags. Wrap, tear open, then recycle the paper. Christmas trees can be placed curbside after the new year for pickup. Waste Management will col- lect Christmas trees the first two full weeks of January. If your tree is over 7ft, please cut in half. Recycle any holiday lights that are any unusable holiday lights. Shop the after Christmas sales for LED holiday lights. They can use up to 90% less energy than traditional lights and last up to ten times longer. Year-round holiday light recycling is available at the Washington County Environmental Center at 4039 Cottage Grove Drive, Woodbury MN. Phone 651-430-6655 for more information. GARBAGE COLLECTION DAY Please place garbage container's 2 feet behind the curb line so crews can plow curb to curb. This should be done all year around to help with street maintenance, such as plowing, patching and street sweeping. STREET SWEEPING Public Works will be beginning the big task of curb -to -curb street sweeping and leaf collection on streets throughout the city. During the comprehensive fall street sweep, crews will clean up about 100 miles of city streets. Residents should not push leaves, grass clippings, or other debris into City streets - it's bad for our lakes and waterways, can cause safety hazards, and is against the law. Anything that goes down a storm drain flows directly into our lakes and riv- er, and decomposing plant material in the water encourages the growth of harmful aquatic plants and algae. BUCKTHORN DISPOSAL The City of Stillwater no longer picks up buckthorn brush from residents. If you are interested in removing buckthorn from your property, there are several disposal options available: Curbside brush pickup is included as a part of resident Waste Management fees. It must be bundled into four -foot lengths with a two -foot diameter. Contact Waste Management at 952-890-1100 for details. Brush may also be dropped off at designated collection sites. These options are free and open to all Stillwater residents. Washington County Northern Yard Waste Site 5527 170th St N, Hugo, MN 55038. Washington County also has a reciprocal agreement with Ramsey County. Residents may use the Arden Hills, Battle Creek, Frank & Sims, and White Bear Township collection sites. For more details, visit the Yard Waste page on the Washington County website, or call 651-430-6655. STILLWATER TRAIL USE AND ETIQUETTE Trails are added continually in order to expand the availability and connectivity for walking, bicycling, and other ac- tivities. The trails are classified as "multi -use" and designed for both pedestrians and bicycles. Besides pedestrians, the DNR has clear guidelines for what vehicles can, or can not be used on multi -use trails. CAN BE USED ON A TRAIL: All forms of bicycles that are completely human -powered, electric -assist pedal bicycles -2 or 3 wheels (not to exceed 20 mph), segways (not to exceed 15 mph), or single -user electric devices (such as electric wheelchairs). CAN NOT BE USED ON A TRAIL: Golf carts, motorized (not pedal operated) bicycles (or motorcycles), motorized foot scooters, any off -road motorized vehicle or Fat -tire biking in the winter (on groomed trails for other uses) Because there can be a variety of different users on the trails, it is everyone's responsibility to know the rules of the trails and respect the rights and safety of the other trail users. Here are some guidelines to follow so all users are be able to enjoy using the trails and remain safe: PEDESTRIANS SHOULD: Stay to the right of the trail and yield to oncoming traffic, keep your dog leashed and on the right side of trail, and keep volume down when using earbuds or headsets, so you can hear your surroundings. BICYCLISTS SHOULD: Ride single -file, always yield to slower path users, when not bicycling move completely off the trail, avoid wearing or using listening devices while riding, control your speed, slow down (generally less than 15 mph), use caution when approaching or overtaking other users and before pass- ing, announce your intentions by saying "on your left" or ringing a bike bell. obey all traffic signs and signals at road crossings, and use proper lights if riding before daylight or after dusk. POLICE CHIEF JOHN GANNAWAY RETIRES; CHIEF OF POLICE RECRUITMENT UNDERWAY Stillwater Chief of Police John Gannaway announced his retirement effective September 30, 2020. Gannaway has served as the Stillwater Chief of Police for 131/z years and his law enforcement career has extended over 30 years. The Stillwater City Council adopted a Certificate of Appreciation for Chief Gannaway on September 29, 2020, in recognition of his dedicated service to the community. The recruitment and selection process for a new Chief of Police is underway; applications for the position were due September 25, 2020, interview rounds with top candidates are being scheduled, with the anticipation that a new Chief of Police will be selected and in the position by early 2021. Robert Jacobson, retired New Brighton Public Safety Director, has been appointed as the interim Chief of Police until a new Chief is appointed. (continued from page 1) CITY COUNCIL APPROVES PRELIMINARY 2021 CITY BUDGET 2021 City Budget. Though the City Council has set the proposed property tax levy payable in 2021, it may still lower the levy in December, but cannot raise it. If the proposed levy is approved in December, based on current estimates the impact on the owner of the median valued home in the city, which is $299,200, would be a decrease of $21 a year in city taxes. HELP NAME THE PARK Suggestions on park names are still needed for two new parks in the City of Stillwater. The first property is at 1513 Main Street North and the second property is at Highway 96 and Country Road 15 in the Northwest corner of Stillwater. Email your suggestion to stillwaterPci.stillwater.mn.us for one or both parks. Naming a city park should reflect: • A unique or indigenous aspect of the City or the St. Croix Valley, either past or present. • A neighborhood or geographical identification such as streets, buildings, neighbor- hoods, or natural features such as bodies of water, flora, fauna, geography. • Historical or cultural significance (past or present) such as events, places, businesses. Names should not offend a person or group of persons, nor potentially cause community con- flict. They may only be named after a deceased person to commemorate a person who contrib- uted significantly to the park or locality, such as an explorer, scientist or conservationist, or an Aboriginal person known from the park's locali- ty. Prior ownership of the land is not in itself grounds for the owner's name to a park. COVID-19 TIPS Even as more businesses, organizations, and recreational areas open up, it is still very im- portant for all Minnesotans to continue taking steps to slow the spread of COVID-19. This includes staying home when you are sick, washing your hands often, keeping at least 6 feet of space between people, and wearing a mask or cloth face covering when you are not able to keep at least 6 feet of space between people. People who are age 65 years and older and people with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID- 19. It is best for these individuals to avoid gatherings as much as possible. TIPS FOR WEARING MASKS OR FACE COVERINGS Wearing a mask or face covering helps protect others in case you're infected but don't' have any symptoms. It is still important to keep six feet between people when you are out and to stay home when you are sick. • Wash your hands before putting on your mask and after taking it off. • Cover your nose and mouth and try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face. • Keep the mask on your face the whole time you are out. Don't put the mask around your neck or on your forehead. • Children younger than 2 years or anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unable to remove the mask without assistance should not wear a mask. • Wash your mask atter each time you wear it. • Don't buy or wear surgical or N95 masks. Health care workers need to use these types of masks. A BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS NEW WATER RATES The Stillwater Board of Water Commissioners will be changing the rate structure and rates related to providing water to the residents and commercial customers of the City of Stillwater. These changes are being made to help emphasize the need of all customers to work towards the conservation goals estab- lished by the Water Commission, at the requirement of Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The goal we are working towards is a 10% reduction in usage over the next 10 years. The change in the water rate structure for residents will bring the rates we are charging in line and similar to surrounding communities. The changes in the rate structure for residential customers and the rates for commercial customers will re- sult in an increase of approximately 5% for the average customer. Effective starting after 1anua1y 1, 2021 billing the following rates will be applicable: RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS Current Rates (Billed Quarterly: 0 - 10,000 Gallons $20.00 Winter Quarters $2.20 per 1,000 gallons Summer Quarters $2.40 per 1,000 gallons MN Department of Health Fee $2.43 per quarter (subject to change) NEW RATES (Billed Quarterly): Flat Fee $10.00 per Quarter 0 - 8,000 $1.60 per 1,000 gallons 8,001 - 18,000 $2.10 per 1,000 gallons 18,001 - 28,000 $2.60 per 1,000 gallons 28,001 and over $4.10 per 1,000 gallons MN Department of Health Fee $2.43 per quarter (subject to change) COMMERCIAL CUSTOMERS Current Rates (Billed Monthly $2.20 per 1,000 gallons used during the months of January, February, March, April, November, and December $2.40 per 1,000 gallons used during the months of May, June, July, August, September, and October MN Department of Health Fee - $2.43 per quarter (subject to change) NEW RATES (Billed Monthly) $2.61 per 1,000 gallons used during the months of January, February, March, April, November, and December $2.85 per 1,000 gallons used during the months of May, June, July, August, September, and October MN Department of Health Fee - $2.43 per quarter (subject to change) These rate increases are designed to help foster the Board's goal of conserving water, as well as providing resources to continue to function and provide high quality services to the residents of Stillwater. WAYS TO CONSERVE WATER IN FALL Now that planting season is over, it is time to shut it off! Check all of your outdoor plumbing before it gets too cold outside to do so. Look for broken and leaking hose bibs/fixtures. If left unrepaired, not only will it cost you a couple dollars on your water bill, but it will also cause serious damage to your piping system; which could lead to hundreds and thousands of dollars to fix. Another quick and simple way to conserve water and save money is to dis- connect your irrigation system. Don't forget to flush your irrigation system. Using a water efficient faucet can limit the output water to approximately 1.5 gallons/minute. With Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner, installing a low flow faucet could save you water and money when it comes to cooking or washing dishes. WINTERIZING YOUR TREES There is nothing more disappointing than coming to the end of a long winter only to realize your trees and shrubs took a beating. Whether it's a tree or shrub planted earlier this year, or the mature tree that shades your whole house in the summer, there's quite a bit you can do to help them get through the tough winter conditions! Water up until the first freeze - When tree cells are hy- drated, they can endure winter conditions much more easily, especially young trees. A handful of deep water- ing's between late September and early November is usually enough to hydrate the tree while keeping the soil from becoming soggy. Wrap evergreens, if possible - If you have arborvitae or juniper plants, wrapping them in burlap can do wonders! Winter winds dry out and kill these tender needles. Protect thin -barked tree stems - Wrap trunk in a white tree wrap to reflect sunlight, which helps manage the temperature fluctuations that cause sunscald and frost crack. Maples and lindens are especially vulnerable. Be sure to remove it once temperatures warm up! The bottom of this juniper bush at the Stillwater Veter- ans Memorial was insulated by snow while the top was Provide animal protection and insulation - If young trees exposed to drying winter winds. are especially small and tender, put up a chicken wire fence. This will not only help keep away hungry deer and rabbits, but you can also load it up with leaves for insulation. Adequate mulch can help regulate soil temperatures and protect roots. Schedule tree pruning - Winter is almost always the best time to prune trees. Whether it's pruning for im- proved structure on young trees or removing any dead or diseased wood on old trees, an experienced ar- borist can help rejuvenate your tree. A PUBLICATION OF THE STILLWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY VOLUME 25 H E L F IF E FALL 2020 224 N. THIRD ST. * STILLWATER, MN 55o82 * 651.275.4338 * STILLWATERLIBRARY.ORG Welcome back to the libr "in far ftpeess "Mines Drop by for a brief visit (60 minutes L or less) to the library during Express Hours! Browse the shelves �Lr Pick up holds or check out items Use o computer for up to 50 minutes Copy, print or scan Stop in for Express Services Remember to follow We" guidelines: 40 Face masks req Lired for Stay 6 Feet those over tf,e aqe of S. apart. S.n tae hard. whew 56 Yew entering 7i6rary. are #Wd69 aid. Pr@fW cmume plde-opT p We are continuing to offer contactless ;NI curbside pick-up. Reserve your materials a online and pick them up in the library parking ramp. Appointment required. Express Services: Wednesdays, 1 PM-7 PM Saturdays,lo AM-2 PM Curbside services (Appointment Required): Tuesdays,lo AM-2 PM Thursdays, 1 PM-7 PM Thank you for your patience and understanding as the library navigates the pandemic. Our hours are subject to change as we work to provide services within the guidelines issued by the CDC, the state, and other health organizations. For the most current hours and services, please visit stillwaterlibrary.org. Are you hoping to make a quick visit to the library? We welcome you into the building for visits of 6o-minutes or less on Wednesdays from 1 PM - 7 PM and Saturdays from 10 AM - 2 PM. During Express Hours, you can browse the shelves, pick up holds, check out items, use the public computers for up to 50 minutes, and print, copy or scan. Face masks and social distancing are required of all staff and patrons. If you prefer contactless service, you can use the library's curbside pick-up option for books and other materials. Simply place holds on specific titles, or have staff select materials for you based on genres by submitting a Book Bundle request. Once your items are ready to check out, you may schedule a curbside pick-up appointment or stop into the library during Express Hours. Learn more about Express Services and what to expect at the library at stillwaterlibrary.org. Staff are also happy to assist you over the phone (651-275-4338) or by email (splinfo@ci.stillwater.mn.us) on Mondays through Saturdays from 10 AM-2 PM. -104" Borrow a laptop or hotspot! Laptops are now available for check out. Borrow a laptop for up to 48 hours with your library card. Submit job appli- cations, fine-tune a resume, catch up on social media, stream videos, or explore the library's digital resources from the comfort of your home. Laptops come loaded with Windows 1o, Microsoft Office, internet browsers, Zoom, and VLC media player. Do you need a wireless internet connection? Check out a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 7 days. Hotspots provide 4G internet service within the Sprint network and can connect up to 10 devices at the same time. A hotspot may also be requested in conjunction with a laptop. Visit stiI]water]ibrary.org/technology or call 651-275-4338 to place a hold or to learn more. ADULT PROGRAMS Connect Through Books, A Virtual Book Club Monday, Oct. 12 & Nov. g 1 6:30 PM We invite you to join us on the second Monday of each month to connect online and share what you're reading. Program is via Zoom, and registration is required. How to Raise a Shade Tree Thursday, Oct. 8 1 6:00 PM Shade trees are not only beautiful, they can enhance our property, cool our homes, shelter wildlife, and clean our environment. Join Taylor Stockert, Natural Resources Technician for the City of Stillwater, for an online presentation discussing how to raise a shade tree from the nursery through maturity. He will provide tips on tree selection and maintenance and cur- rent information on pest and disease man- agement. Program is via Zoom, and regis- tration is required. Wet Felted Coasters Thursday, Oct. zz 1 6:oo PM Using vibrant colors of loose wool, learn how - - •-, to wet felt by using soapy water to compress the fibers into fabric. Create a mesmerizing design that will capture all the water droplets. Pro- gram is via Zoom. Registration is required. An email will be sent when materials are available for pick-up at the library. Anishinaabe Bead Arts Thursday, Oct. zg 1 6:oo PM Julie Kastigar Boada of the Fond du Lac people introduces the art of beading. Learn how patterns and colors can reflect tribal and family affiliations, as you create your own beaded work of art. Program is via Zoom, and registration is required. Materials kit will be provided. Fused Glass Sun Catcher Tuesday, Nov. 17 1 6:30 PM Let's learn the science of glass and glass fusing as an artist leads us through the fun, colorful task of assem- L bling a flat composition for ourselves using bits and pieces of glass included in the class kit. Program is via Webex, and registration is required. Register for a program through the events calendar at stillwaterlibrary.org/library-events or call 651-275-4338• YOUTH PROGRAMS Baby & Toddler Rhyme Time Tuesdays in Oct. 10: 15 AM A Join Miss Alisa for r an audio "Rhyme ✓ ` Time" for our youngest learn- ers. We'll introduce songs and rhymes to support your child's early literacy growth. Program posted on Facebook. Baby Bear's Story Shorts Wednesdays in Oct. and Nov. 1 10:15 AM Check in on Baby Bear to see his virtual "Story Short" for the week! Each 20- minute program will include an appear- ance by Baby Bear with one additional Storytime element. Program posted on Facebook and YouTube. Bears in Fall Leaves: Art for Kids Saturday, Oct.10 1 z:00 PM Get creative with a fall art class for kids! Students will draw a bear portrait with sim le lines and shapes and create a leafy background using sponges dipped in paint. Registration is required. Supply kits will be availa- 6,T M- ble for pick-up in- side of the library. Forages K-5. Pro gram is funded with money from Minnesota s Arts and Cultural Herit- age Fund. Clay Hedgehog: Art for Kids Saturday, Oct. 24 Create an adorable clay hedgehog. Stu- dents will learn simple clay techniques as they sculpt their happy hedgehog. Re istration is required for vi eo linkk an supply kit. For grades K-5. Preschool: STEM @a Home Wednesday, Oct. 28 & Nov. 251 10:35 AM A Extend your "Story W� Short" learning with a follow-up STEM ■ hands-on activity!■ ■ Use materials from around home, or stop by the library for apre-packed kit for the activity. Kits available, while sup- plies last, beginning on the Saturday before STEM @a Home. Program posted on Facebook and YouTube. Foxes in the Snow: Art for Kids Saturday, Nov.14 1 z:00 PM Foxes are a favorite animal for many. Maybe it's their color pattern or that bi�, bushy tail, but learning to draw one is ots of fun. In this video lesson, we will learn to draw simple, stylized foxes. Registration is required. Forages 6-12. Program is funded by Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. STEAM Explorer Kits znd and 4th Saturdays in October and November STEAM Explorer Kits are at the library! Stop in to pick up a take-home activity designed to promote science, tech- nology, engineering, arts and math. There is a new kit each month that includes instructions, supplies, info bits, and recommended reading sug- gestions. The October kits are Bats for grades K-3 and Tree Rings for grades 4-7. This free take and make kit is available beginning October 3rd in the teen l r area, while supplies last. Join us online for Family Virtual Trivia Night! We will gather on Zoom and play using Kahoot! Players will answer questions on their own devices. Reg- istration is required to receive the link to Zoom and attend the program. MR,=, - -6. =- y Create your own custom leather bracelet! An introduction to leather - work in jewelry making will be provid- ed by Minnesota artist Jeri Anfinson. Sign up for a kit and link to a video. For ages 13 and up. 1 i\ IN AN EMERGENCY, EVERY SECOND COUNTS. If there's a fire hydrant near your house, please clear a 3- foot space around the hydrant to the street so in the event of a fire the hydrant is readily available. WINTER PARKING IS IN EFFECT FROM NOVEMBER 1 TO MARCH 31 On the odd numbered days cars parked in the street must be on the side of the street with odd numbered addresses, the even numbered days on the side of the street with even numbered addresses. Vehi- cles may park on both sides of the street between 7 pm and mid- night each day. Additionally, downtown there is no parking on city streets from 2 am to 6 am during those same months. Greeley Street is enforced for odd/even parking as well as Myrtle Street. Between Owens Street and Greeley Street odd/even parking is allowed on Myrtle once the snow has been cleared. However, parking at signs is still observe throughout the year (i.e. 4 hr. lots; 3 hr. parking zones). Please observe signs. NEW HIRES: Ashley Borchardt/Human Resources Cindy Selnes/Library Daniel Radke/Public Works Brandon Gunderson/Police Jeffrey Zerwas/Police FIVE YEARS: Mike Satter FIFTEEN YEARS: David Wulfing/Police (correction, sorry Dave!) Austin Peterson/Police Matthew Babcock/Public Works TWENTY YEARS: Jeff Melstrom/Public Works Beth Wolf/Administration STILLWATER MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL (Pictured left to right:) Tom Weidner/Ward 4/ TWeidner@ci.stillwater.mn.us Ryan Collins/Ward 3/RCollins@ci.stillwater.mn.us Ted Kozlowski/Mayor/TKozlowski@ci.stillwater.mn.us David Dunker/Ward 2/DJunker@ci.stillwater.mn.us Mike Polehna/Ward 1/MPolehna@ci.stillwater.mn.us STILLWATER CITY HALL 651-430-8800 www d.stillwater.mmus City Hall staff are available 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday thru Friday, except Holidays. City Hall will be closed: Veterans Day, November 1lth, and Thanksgiving, November 26th j and 27th, Christmas Day and New Years Day J