Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021 February newsletter.pdf�ulroe Resvur[es Community Developme r � ■ fl Poll T] .. .. cit Stillwater Continues to Move Forward... The City of Stillwater continues to move into the fu- ture, even as the COVID-19 epidemic has impacted almost every aspect of society. The City Council and staff have been very active partnering with commu- nity members, businesses and organizations to im- prove the City. In support of the community Winter- time in Stillwater activities, the City Council allocat- ed funding for the Main Street building lights and the Lift Bridge lights, along with support for other downtown holiday lighting and decorations. The City Council has approved three projects that will commence along the St. Croix River area of Stillwater over the next few years. Based on com- munity input during 2020, the concept plan for the Chestnut Street pedestrian plaza project (Main Street east to the Lift Bridge) has been approved by the City Council. State agencies are presently re- viewing the pedestrian plaza design concepts and once approved, the City (continued on page eight) 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 February 2o2i Welcome Larry Odebrecht (Ward 3 Councilmember) to City Council One of the things that excites me the most about joining Council is how well this city is run. I've been observing from the outside, and I'm excited to be on the inside on such a well- oiled team. Those of you who I have already met have made me feel very welcome and com- fortable. By way of background, the short story is that I grew up in Ohio, moved to Flor- ida with the intention of living in the south for the rest of my life and then I met a girl from Stillwater. We did our wedding at Bethlehem Lutheran in Bay- port and I immediately fell in love with Stillwater. Our kids were fourth generation at Anderson Ele- mentary in Bayport. We have three children (2 in High School and 1 in Stillwater Middle) and live in the Millbrook neighborhood. In my day job, I am on the leadership team of a company called Surescripts (we do ePrescribing) and I occasionally teach Operations Management part-time in the Minnesota State system. I'm very excited to meet everyone, and start to develop relationships. Introducing Stillwater's new Police Chief Chief Brian Mueller started as the Stillwater Police Chief on January 11th. Brian has spent the last 20 years living and working in the Stillwater Area. His wife Lori works in Stillwater at DiaSorin and is involved in Rutherford PTA as well as the Greater Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce. Together they have 5 children, all of whom have or are currently in the Stillwater Area School system. Brian and Lori spend their time living, working, playing and volunteering in the Stillwater Area. Brian is currently enjoying the hockey season as he has been coaching youth hockey for close to 25 years. Professionally, Brian has spent the last 23 years with the Washington County Sheriff's Office holding the rank of Chief Deputy when he left to be the Stillwater Chief. During his time at the Sheriff's Office, Brian served in many capacities including patrol, narcotics and investigations. Brian also spent nearly 17 years on the Washington County SWAT Team ending that assignment as the SWAT Commander. Brian is honored to serve the citizens of Stillwater and the many visitors as Police Chief and is looking to continue to make the Birthplace of Minnesota, a safe and welcoming place for all. Washington County COVID-19 Information G: Washington County COVIt7.19 Statistics Cases(CumulativO Total cases hospitalized (cumulative Total cases in ICU (cumulative) Yj 19,631 on U dated 111112021. 1 :00:00 PM 880 1 87 Washington County COVED-19 5tatistics Cases (Cumulative) [] V 20,220 Updated 112012021, 1:00:00 PM Total cases hospitalized (cumulative) Tatar ICU (cumulative) "910 194 V. Washington County COMD-19 Statistics January 11, 2021 Total deaths A 2'13 January 20, 2021 Total deaths A230 January 25, 2021 ca:a9lcUm�ba�l Total cases hospitalized (cumulative) Total cases in ICU (cumulative) Total death; w20,579 ;� A 237 930 w 194 Te:e: dea:R. F.'•eo•an age: 7eceaseo J COVID-19 Vaccine Information (this information was current at the time of publishing) The State of Minnesota has launched a vaccine pilot program at nine community clinics across Minnesota. The clinics will initially serve adults age 65 and older, as well as prekindergarten through grade 12 educa- tors, staff, and child care workers. Because this is a limited pilot program, vaccine demand is certain to out- pace available doses at this time, and there will be a limited number of appointments available. To learn more and to schedule an appointment, visit the MN COVID-19 Vaccinations website at: htt s: www.co.washington.mn.us/3307/Vaccine-Information While Minnesota is expanding those eligible for a vaccine, the federal vaccine allocation to the state has not increased. At this time, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has encouraged local public health agencies to continue to focus on those identified in Phase 1a. • Health care personnel. • Long-term care residents. ■ Minnesotans aged 65 and over ■ Pre•k through grade 12 educators. I IF • Child care workers. I • Adults aged 75+. ■ Adults aged 65-74. • Frontline essential People aged 16.64 wnrkerc with high -risk medical Who is Washington County Vaccinating? conditions. • Other essential worker;. Washington County is vaccinating Phase 1a, priority groups 1, 2, and 3. The goal for the first doses of vac- cine is to protect those who are exposed to COVID-19 every day because of what they do, who they care for, or where they live. There are more people in the Phase 1a priority groups than the amount of vaccine that has been delivered to date. How long will it take to vaccinate everyone in Washington County who is eligible? The vaccine distribution speed is based on the amount of vaccine received from the state and the federal government. No vaccine is left unused or wasted. When the federal vaccine supply to Minnesota increases, Washington County is ready for it. CITY Or STILLWATER WASHINGTON COUNTY. a Highway 36 and Manning Avenue The primary purpose of this project is to improve traffic safety and mobility at Hwy 36 and Manning Avenue. Other main goals and objectives of this project include maintaining access to neighborhoods and future de- velopment as well as accommodating local road connectivity while providing a safe, non -motorized access to trails, walks, etc. Statistically, this intersection has reported 56 crashes in a four-year span. The intersection ranked 75th out of 8,000 intersections statewide in crash cost comparisons. With the increase of 20 percent since the opening of the St Croix Crossing Bridge, another 20 to 30 percent is expected by 2040. North Aiple PropertX In 2017, the City acquired the property located at 1513 Main Street North for parkland purposes. The property was purchased with funding from the City of Stillwater, Washington County, and the State of Minnesota's Legislative -Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources. It is a 15-acre property with 3/4 mile of St Croix River shoreline. It is the intent of the City to restore much of the property to natural conditions and provide passive recreational uses. The City has completed the planning pro- cess for future use of the property and the City Council adopted the Master Plan for North Aiple Property on January 191 2021. The adopted plan can be viewed at this link: showpublisheddocument?id=982 https:/lwww.ci.stillwater.mn.us/home/ Maintain safe and accessible sidewalks The City of Stillwater requires that every resident clear snow and ice from any sidewalks abutting their property. This is particularly important in order to up- hold equitable and safe access to the sidewalks, for people with disabilities and people pushing child strollers. To be in compliance with City Code, please make sure your sidewalks are clear within 24 hours of the snow/ice depositing. Winter Sowing: A Spring Garden Head Start There are two groups of gardeners. Group 1, a committed few, sets up their dedicated seed starting area come February in a corner of their basement. They have grow lights and monitors and are spritzing water morning and night. Group 2 is the rest of us —due to time, space, or fi- nancial constraints, we just dream. Instead, we scramble to get our gar- den together come the first sign of spring, bumping into the rest of the Group 2's at local garden centers and muttering under our breath, "Next year will be different." Well, instead of making another promise to yourself you know you can't keep, consider a third option, which allows one gardener's winter sowing set - you to get a head start while using Mother Nature to your advantage: winter sowing. Winter sowing is pretty simple: Cut a plastic container in half (except for a small 1-inch "hinge" section), plant seeds into 3-4 inches of potting soil, water, tape the top of the jug to the bottom, add drainage and venting holes, and place outside. The seeds are watered from the snow melt, and what you are left with are hardy plants that do not require an acclimation period to the outdoors, unlike many plants started indoors. This is ideal for starting annual and perennial flowering plants, but vegetables work as well. There are some details involved, such as planting timing and additional ventilation in spring to prevent overheating, but there are tons of how-to's that can be found with a Google search. At least one Minnesota gardener has writ- ten a detailed guide at www.ginghamgardens.com. Happy planting! Prevent Water Service from Freezing Extreme cold temperatures can lead to frozen water service lines. The City wants to make sure you are aware of the possibility of frozen service and offer some prevention tips. Please periodically check the tem- perature of your water coming from a faucet in the lowest level of your home. Thermometers can be found in hardware or variety stores. If the temperature is below 40 degrees, it is recommended that you let a fau- cet run continuously until April 1 or whenever your water temperature is above 40 degrees. The stream of water does not need to be extreme, perhaps the thickness of a pencil lead. The small incremental cost of ad- ditional water might be $4-$5 per month. However, this is small compared to the cost of thawing out a fro- zen water service. If you have any questions, please contact the water department at 651-439-6231. New Utilities Commission On January 1, 2021 the Board of Water Commissioners officially became WOOF _ the Utilities Commission with the City of Stillwater. The transition was approved via unanimous 5-0 vote on September 29, 2020. The Board of Water Commissioners has existed as a separate entity and overseen the Mr city water supply system operations for over 100 years. The integration - - - of the Water Board operations with the Public Works utility operations will not affect water services to city residences and businesses. Water Board staff will transition to City staff, Water Board funds will transfer to a segregated water supply enterprise fund in the City financial accounts and the Board of Water Commissioners will become a Utilities Commis- sion with five members. In July of 2020, the City Council prepared ordi- nances that would integrate the Water Board into the Public Works De- partment under a separate Utility Division. The Commission will contin- ue to provide policy recommendations to City Council on how to best manage the city water supply system. Lake McKusick Sediment Removal Proiect 2021 Street Improvement Proiect The City is planning to remove the sediment that is accumulated over the years at the north end of Lake McKusick, the project is proposed for the winter of 2021. Access to the project will be through the trail connection at McKusick Road. This will be a cost sharing project with the Brown's Creek Watershed District. r •s T' c T - k �a Goats in Stillwater! In mid -December, a "trip" (a group of goats) concluded The City is preparing a feasibility report for the 2021 street improvement project, since 1994 the City has moved to improve some City streets an- nually with a goal in mind to bring all city streets to a standers of 4" pavement, 6" gravel base, con- crete curb and gutter, update and/or replace un- derground utilities as needed which includes (Water main, Sanitary Sewer and Storm Sewer systems). 2021 STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT PROPOSED RECONSTRUCTION AREA LEGFND PROPOSED X01- AND .. ...0 l... a ..... OVEMAY _ PROPOSED RECONSTRUCT CREIXSiF]E GR ' CREIXSiDE CRSHG .e]. CREIXR C! 'V EAGLE RI C EAGLE RIX CRSIR EAGLE RD C FACILE RIDGE W EAd.E Ri06E R I EAGLE RE TRL IWi E CT IECUYER M A_.L,_.'T-_srJN .'. IEewER rue Lr;c�m Cr - - � THORE/E RL CC WALMJT CRM DR Ap WMD*OWCT. h VMDWODD it.S.i-7 V V r i1 Ii UAN . QUA Si- A.fftN1N'AT a °HE .T. - �] w.nrr - EAYMWIOOO if+a WC{�1' YqO LT �l ITT I M Cr WWO DC FACNRCLHR ST /RBroaC.EMCT •lTC+4ACIEx DR . f� VAR"EROILiYOOR WO OAKS 109ntA.0 OR cr H L i- wAD Rnp[ Ci a five -week-long stay along Long Lake here in Stillwa- ter. In coordination with Faribault-based Goat Dispatch, they were here as part of the City of Stillwater's ef- forts to combat invasive buckthorn, a destructive woody plant that has taken over woodlands and forests across the country. Due to its fast-growing and spreading nature, lengthy growing season, and lack of natu- ral enemies, buckthorn pushes out native plants and threatens our forest ecosystems. This is where the goats come in! Not only do goats eat buckthorn, they actually enjoy it! The goats did a fantastic job in the area, but there is still much work to be done. Controlling buckthorn is a lengthy process that re- g Yp :,.,.• �. quires patience and per- severance. We are com- mitted to clearing buck- thorn, and using buck- thorn -grazing goats is shaping up to be a big part of those efforts in the future! _ :y` Public Works/Utilities Commission REVISED NOTICE The Water Department is solely funded by the sale of water to residents. The work of the Water Depart- ment is critical to providing safe drinking water and to support the industries and business of the City of Stillwater. In 2020, the Stillwater Board of Commissioners approved changing the rate structure and rates related to providing water to the residential and commercial customers of the City of Stillwater. These changes are being made to provide additional operating and capital reserves to help with maintaining the City's water system as well as other capital needs on an annual basis. See the table below for sample water bills for various consumption on a quarterly basis. The City of Stillwater will continue to monitor rates charged for water sales. Effective starting on January 1, 2021 and be used on the April 2021 billing. The following structure and rates will be applicable: Residential Customers Current Rates (Billed quarterly): 0-10,000 Gal10% $20.00 Winter Quarters $2.20 per 1,000 gallons 5u m me C.uarters $2.40 per 1,0130 gallons MN Department of Health Fee $2.43 per quarter (subject to change) NEW RATES (billed Quarterty): Flat Fee $10.00 per Quarter Tier 1: 0 - 8,000 gallons $1.60 per 1,ODO gallons Tier 2: 8,001-18,000 gallons 52.10 per 1,0D0 gallons Tier 3: 18,D01- 28,000 gallons $2.60 per 1,000 gallons Tier 4: 29,001 gallons and over $4.10 per 1,000 gallons MN Department of Health Fee 52.43 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 gal Ions used duri ng t he months of May, June, July, August, September, and October ■ MN Department of Health Fee - $2.43 per quarter (subject to changel 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,DD0 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) Sample Residential Water 8111 on a Quarterly Basis Minimum Fee Water usage Charge state Teat fee Total Bill Change % 4.000 Gallons Sample Water BIM Current Rate Structure $ 20.00 $ �'; $ 2.43 $ 22.43 New Rate Structure (1/1121) $ 10,0u $ 6.40 $ 2.43 S 18-83 •16,05% 7 WO GHona 5amole Water Bil Current Rate Structure $ 70.00 $ $ 2.43 $ 22-43 New Rate Structure (1/11211 $ 10.00 $ 11,20 $ 2.43 $ 23.63 15,000 Gallons Sample Water 0 Current Rate Structure $ 20.00 5 12.OD $ 2.43 $ 34.43 New Rate Structure (1/2121) $ 10.00 S 27.50 S 2.43 $ 39.93 15.97% Sample Water Current Rate Structure $ 20.00 S 21,60 $ 2.43 $ 44.03 New Rate Structure (1/1/21) $ 10,00 5 36.40 5 2.43 $ 48-93 10.90% 25,000 Gallons sample Water Bid Current Rate Structure $ 20,00 S 36.00 5 2.43 $ %43 New Rate Structure (1/1/21) $ 10.00 S 52.00 5 2.43 $ 64.43 10.27% 35,001) QkM SamQk Water SU Current Rate Structure $ 20.GD $ 60.00 $ 2-43 $ 82.43 New Rate Structure (111121) $ 10.013 $ 88.50 $ 2.43 $ 100.93 22.44% 100.000 Gallons 5amole tillayLr eir Current Rate Stnxture $ 20.00 5 216.00 $ 2.43 $ 238.43 New Rate Structure (1/1121) $ 10.00 5 355.00 $ 2.43 $ 367.43 54.10% * under the current rate structure the minimum fee of 520.00 per quarter Included 10,000 gallons of water. W F C7 2 M J m Tier #4 (28,001 + Gallons) Tier #3 (18,001 - 28,000 Gallons) `.er #2 (8,001 - 18.000 Gallons) Tier 01 (0 - 8.000 Gallons) Number of Residential Bills Per Tier Soo 1,000 1,SW 2,000 2.5M 31000 # OF RESIDENTS NOTE: 66% use 18,000 gallons of water or less Sarnole Commerdal Water Bill on a Month1v Bans Water Usage Charge State Test Fee Total Bill Change % 20,000 Gallons Sample Water Bill Current Rate Structure S 48.00 $ 2.43 $ SCIA3 New Rate Structure (1/1/21) S 57.00 $ 2.43 $ 59.43 17.85g� 30,000 Gallons Sample Water Bill Current Rate Structure S 72.00 $ 2.43 $ 74.43 New Rate Structure (1/1/21) S 85.50 $ 2.43 $ 87.93 18.14% 50.000 Gallons Sample Water Bill Current Rate Structure S 120.00 $ 2.43 $122.43 New Rate Structure (1/1/21) S 142.50 $ 2.43 $144.93 18.38% 75,000 Gallons Sample Water Bill Current Rate Structure S 180.00 $ 2.43 $182.43 New Rate Structure (1/1/21) S 213.75 $ 2.43 $ 215.18 18.50% 100,000 Gallons 5ample Water Bill Current Rate Structure 5 240.00 $ 2.43 $ 242.43 New Rate Structure (111/21) S 285.00 5 2.43 $ 287.43 18.56% New Sanitary Sewer Rates beginning_ January 1. 2021 How are rates calculated? Sewer rates are based on two rates, the base rate, and the overage rate. The base rate for 2020 was $54.00 for the first 10,000 gallons used. The overage rate for 2020 was $7.00 per 1,000 gallons over the base. The new adopted rates will increase the base rate to $64.00 and the overage rate to $10.00. Sanitary Sewer Rates are based on water consumption. For residential properties, the water consumption for the first quarter of each year is used to calculate the sewer rate. For commercial properties, it's the ac- tual consumption for each quarter that is used to calculate sewer rates. Why are the rates changing? The main funding source for the sanitary sewer system is user fees. Those fees are placed in a separate fund and are used to cover opera- tional and capital infrastructure costs. For the past 10 years, operating costs have exceeded monies coming in even with rate increases in 2014, 2019 and 2020. In addition to operating expenses, over $1,900,000 in major capital sanitary sewer system expenses are ex- pected over the next five years. The biggest operating expense for the sanitary sewer system is for wastewater treatment. This service is provided by Met Council and they have continually raised rates every year. In 2020, the City was charged $1,999,684 by Met Council and those rates are increasing by 2.0% in 2021. The City will continue to review the user fee structure annually to ensure that operating and maintenance costs are covered adequately. St. Croix Riverbank Stabilization and Riverwalk Project This project is scheduled to begin spring of 2021. The project con- sists of stabilizing the river banks south of Nelson Street to the southerly city limits, installing a ten foot wide walkway from Nelson Street to Shoddy Mill and Bergstein Buildings and constructing three overlooks along the river. The City and its consultant, AMI Consult- ing Inc, are finalizing the plans and working through the permitting process for spring construction. Construction would be completed by the end of 2022. The project is being funded in part by a DNR grant the city received in 2018 in the amount of $1.65 million. Stillwater Continues to Move Forward... (continued from page one) the City will begin final design and bid processes, with construction likely in 2022. Construction on the St. Croix Riverbank Stabilization project from downtown Stillwater south to the city limits will likely begin in 2021. Federal and state agency review and approval of the project is nearly complete, allowing the bid and construction process to occur. And the City Council recently approved the Master Plan for the North Aiple park property improvements. Community input helped to shape this plan that proposes more opportuni- ties for passive recreational activities in the city, including the addition of an ADA accessible, non -motorized watercraft launch facility on the St. Croix River. The City Council also partnered with Washington County in support of the Hwy 36/Manning interchange project. Final funding has been approved and Washington County will commence the multi -year construc- tion project in 2021. More in-depth information on most of these projects can be found elsewhere in this edition of the newslet- ter or on the City of Stillwater website at www.ci.stillwater.mn.us Stillwater s Waste Reduction News Stillwater 1-Day Collection —Saturday, May 15 - Sam to Zpm (Questions about what's being accepted call: 651-275-7475) All items listed will be accepted from residents of Washington, Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, and Ramsey counties only. Proof of residency, such as a driver's Hazardous Materials Accepted Home Improvement: • Latex/oil paint & stain • Paint remover/thinner • Wood preservatives Yard & Garden: • Insect/roach/ant killer • Fertilizers/herbicides • Weed killer Household Items: • Mercury thermometers and ther- mostats • Fluorescent bulbs (bundled togeth- er with rubber bans, no tape) • Household cleaners • Sharps, syringes, needles and used epi pens in sealed, sturdy container Electronics Accepted • Computers & monitors • Peripherals (keyboards, mice, speakers, etc.) • Printers • TVs • DVD & VCR players • Fax Machines • Cell Phones Automotive & Recreation: • Antifreeze • Used motor oil and filters • Propane tanks • Rechargeable batteries Tips and Reminders During and After COVID-19 Document shredding Document shredding will also be offered. In order to serve as many people as possible, no more than four boxes per customer will be accepted. Please note that shred- ding capacity may be reached be- fore end of the event. Lily Lake Ice Arena w. MyrtleSt. 1208 S. Greeley St. Stillwater, MN w. CMurchirrSt. 55082 N v C{eO GUNe [� • Keep plastic bags, masks, wipes, and latex gloves out of the recycling bin. • If someone in your home has COVID-19, treat your recyclables as trash. • Don't put your recyclables in plastic bags. • Clean and shake dry recyclables to ensure products get recycled. • Break down cardboard boxes and put them in the recycling bin whenever possible. Wishcycling is when you put something into the recycling bin with- Ar out checking whether it's actually recyclable. We get it! You don't want to add more waste to the planet, so you toss your item in the WHAT Is recycling bin, hoping it'll get recycled. Worst -case scenario: If you WI H CYCLI NG? made a mistake, the recycling facility will be able to fix it. Right? The answer is no. Although people have the best of intentions, Wishcy- cling is one of the biggest issues waste collection companies are fac- ing today. When you throw something in the recycling bin without checking whether it is recyclable, it could actually contaminate items that can be recycled. When a batch of recyclables is contaminated, there is a good chance that the whole lot will be rejected and end up in the landfill. We must reduce the amount of contamination in the recycling stream, and this can only happen if the materials we recycle are the right materials. It's the quality of the material we recycle that directly im- pacts what can be sold and recycled. Take time to learn what can and can't be recycled A PUBLICATION OF THE STILLWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY VOLUME25S E F IF WINTER 2021 224 N. THIRD ST. * STILLWATER, MN 55082 * 651.275-4338 * STILLWATERLIBRARY.ORG WHER I a H N:: - T14 MUCH S Hou'c"p BLOODY 010A o-[�, Zvi hik.. Orr SANDFOR ­­-.2 . I L MASKED r - - � . i G u A 7f,]ANN SERVICES ADDED IN RESPONSE TO COVID • Express Hours * Curbside Pick -Up * Virtual Programming * Take & Make Kits * Book Bundles * WiFi Hotspots & Laptops AV 763 New go Cardholders * 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Iiovlle FROW41 9,208 Curbside Pick-up Appointments 1?847P614 >> Estimated Steps Walked by Staff to Provide Curbside in 2020 More than 78,467 0,000 Visits to our Items Website Checked Out What a vear in:)n ha-. hpipr' Throughout the pandernic, we have been working to keep you connected to the comfort of books, the power of knowledge, and the possibility of new ideas. We hope that you were able to access one of our reimagined services. Perhaps you picked up books or movies through curbside. Maybe you attended a free online program or used a resource from our digital collection. You may have even visited us in -person during Express Services. We are so grateful for our community's strong support. Your kind words, notes of gratitude, and love for the library lifted our spirits. Thank you! LIBRARY HOURS Express Services: Wednesdays, 1 PM - 7 PM Saturdays, lo AM - 2 PM Curbside Services (Appointment Required): Tuesdays, lo AM - 4 PM Thursdays, 1 PM - 7 PM Thank you for your patience and understanding as the library navi- gates 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 organiza- tions. For the most current hours and services ' please call 651-275- 4338 or visit stillwaterlibrary.org. HISTORIC PHOTO WALK Walk through history with us! Visit our outdoor historic photo walk in Lowell Park. Thirty-one historic Stillwater photos from the library's St. Croix Collection have been enlarged and mounted in frames for easy viewing along the path in downtown's Lowell Park as part of Wintertime in Stillwater activities and attractions. Many photos are the work of the well-known local photographer, John Runk. Others feature images taken by John Holcombe and Chester Wilson. It is worth a stop to view this special collection. 4 Liz Learn, Connect & Discover with the Library's Virtual Programs and Take -Home Kits! Warm up with a good book this winter! Participate in our winter reading pro- gram for adults, kids, tweens, and teens through February. Learn more at stillwaterlibrary.org/winter-reads. Virtual Adult Programs: Women in Policing Monday, February 8 17:00 PM Learn from women in law enforcement about the work of police officers, chal- lenges and opportunities in policing, and being a woman in police work. Program presented in partnership with AAUW. Bird Feeding Fun -v»I6:3oPM Connect to your neighborhood wildlife as you care for your winged community! Learn the tricks to attract more wild energy and beauty to your home. Tapestry Weaving Wednesday, February 171 6:oo PM Design and weave a tapestry to hang in your room or favorite space. Whole Grains and Legumes by Sprouting Connect to the high nutritional value of sprouting seeds! A simple process. Become an expert and share with all! Register rlibral Pop -Up Winter Reads Book Club We are inviting all readers to a book discussion around the theme of Our Cities and Towns. We have chosen ten titles focused on places around the country. Connect Through Books Monday, March t 1 6:30 PM A loose but lively conversation - a place to share good company and books. Folkart & Traditions of India Take a whirlwind tour of India and explore the customs and traditions of Indian culture. Then create a drawing and painting using traditional Indian designs. NEA Big Read in the St. Croix Valley .ighout r Mark your calendar's for April's Big Read, a one book, one community pro- gram that brings together residents from throughout the St. Croix Valley around a common book. This year's selection is ne Latehomecome, by Kao Kalia Yang. Virtual Youth Programs: Story Kitchen with Baby Bear Wednesdays 110:15 AM Chef Baby Bear will be cooking up a story this winter during Story Kitchen. He invites you to join him (and Miss Kim) online for stories, songs and po- ems! Story Kitchen will feature an ac- companying recipe for kitchen fun at home. Storytimes are posted weekly on Facebook page and YouTube. -Z75-4338• COMMUNITY SURVEY: LIBRARY EVENT WING USE We invite your feedback on the use of the library's event wing. Your input will help us better under- stand our community's interests and preferences regarding the use of the event wing, which in- cludes the Margaret Riv- ers meeting rooms, a con- ference room, a gallery, and the Johnson Terrace. The survey is 8 questions and should take only 3 minutes of your time. Go to surVE;p i iui,, SPLEventWing to share your thoughts! How to Make a Snow Globe Artists will use several different types of clay along with glitter and beads as they learn how to make their very own snow globes. Register to pick up an art kit and receive a link to an instructional video. Clay Fairy House Saturday, March zo If you believe in fairies, clap your hands, and get creative with this whimsical, colorful art kit! The kids will construct a magical place for their fairy friends to live out of Model Magic® clay. Register to pick up an at-home art kit and receive a link to an instructional video. Take -Home Kits: Adult Take & Make Kits Stop in for take and make craft kits just for adults. We'll provide instructions and supplies. You provide the creativity! Different kits offered throughout the winter, while supplies last. Youth STEAM Explorer Kits Pick up a take-home activity designed to promote science, technology, engineer- ing, arts, and math. Each kit includes in- structions, supplies, info bits, and recom- mended reading suggestions. Kits are typically available beginning the first Sat- urday of the month, while supplies last. February's kits are Dino Graphing (preschool), Dig & Discover Dino Eggs (grades K-5), and Animal Crossing Charms (tween & teen). BORROW A TELESCOPE KIT Explore the universe with a library telescope kit! Beginning in mid - February, borrow an Orion Star Blast telescope, complete with accessories. Experience detailed views of the moon or search for celestial objects like nebulas and star clusters. This is a great compact scope for beginners. The telescope kits are made possible by gifts from Stillwater Rotary Club, Stillwater Sunrise Rotary Club, Stillwater Public Library Foundation, and the MN Astronomical Society. To place a hold, go to stillwaterlibrary.org and search for "Stillwater Telescope" in the catalog or call 651-275-4338• - - ZDZ Stillwater City Council Ryan Collins ❑aye Dunker Ted Kozlowski LarryOdebrecht Mike Polehna Ward 1 Ward Z Mayor Ward 3 Ward 4 l City Meetings Visit the city's website to find how to participate in the city meetings online during Covid-19. FEBRUARY S h� T F 5 1 2 5 6 7 8 9 1 ;-2 12 13 14 1S lb 19 20 21 23 24 26 27 28 APRIL 5 r� T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6' 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 20 22 23 24 25 27 2g 29 30 l a ter NEW HIRES: Brian Mueller - Police 5 Years Donna Robole - Human Resources 10 Years Brad Junker - Police Daniel Young - Police 15 Years William Turnblad - Community Development Steven Zoller - Fire 20 Years Stuart Glaser - Fire . ©®0©00© m®� 17 18 mm ® 22 =�� 31 City Council 17 pm: 'a:30 & 7 pm: "3:30 & 7 pm) - Charter Commission (7 pm) - Downtown Parking Commission (8:30 am) - Heritage Preservation Commission ;7 pm) Holiday Office Closed l• 112 day closed at noon) - Human Rights Commission (7 pm) A Cable Comm 16 pm. 1 a92 Frontage Rd w) Library Board of Trustees (7 pm. sea 3rd St N) Night to Unite 15 pm - 8 pml - Parks & Recreation Commission (7 pm) Planning Commission (7 pm) _ Traffic Safety Review Commission lasso pm) Utilities Commission (5 am) Minnesota Statute 471.701 requires "A city or county with a population of more than 15,000 must annually notify its residents of the positions and base salaries of its three high- est -paid employees." For the City of Stillwater, title and sala- ries are: City Administrator: $158,339, Public Works Direc- tor: $137,054, Fire Chief: $133,269. 01/04/2021 STILLWATER CITY HALL 651-430-8800 www d.stillwater.mn.us City Hall staff are available 8 am to 4:30 pm via email and phone, Monday thru Friday, except Holidays. City Hall remains closed to the public due to the pandemic and will be closed on these upcoming holidays: Febru- ary 15, May 31, and July S.