The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2024 City Newsletter - SpringStillwater City News Spring 2024 216 Fourth Street North Stillwater MN 55082 www.stillwatermn.gov 651-430-8800 The City of Stillwater recently learned that some of its drinking water wells produce water that exceeds the Minnesota Department of Health’s (MDH) Health Based Guidance Values for PFAS. Preliminary testing had indicated higher levels of PFAS, and this was confirmed by follow-up testing. There is no immediate health risk posed by Stillwater’s drinking water at this time as the city is not using the affected wells. PFAS are emerging contaminants – meaning that there is a new awareness or understanding about how they affect public health. PFAS, like other emerging contaminants, are the focus of active research and study, which means that new information is released frequently. While there are currently no enforceable federal or state standards for the acceptable amount of PFAS in drinking water, MDH provides testing and monitoring and advises cities when levels of PFAS in drinking water are above MDH’s Health Based Guidance Values. When preliminary testing indicated higher levels of PFAS, the City proactively stopped using Well #6 in April 2023, approximately six months prior to receiving an advisory letter from MDH in October 2023. The City also proactively stopped using a second well (Well #10) in April 2023 in anticipation of the proposed EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) that is not yet in effect. In January 2024, MDH released updated, more stringent Health Based Guidance Values on PFAS, which resulted in a third well (Well #9) exceeding the Heath Based Guidance Values. Once again, the City has not used this well since December 2023. The City is working to evaluate short- and long-term solutions to meet these updated guidance values. The City is working with an engineering firm to evaluate options for PFAS mitigation that the City can consider as shutting down wells is not a long-term, viable solution. The City will also be hiring an independent laboratory to take additional samples of water from the City’s water system. The data from this testing, along with the engineering evaluation, will help the City determine the appropriate path forward. To pay for the cost of the engineering evaluation and testing, the City just received notification that it was successful in securing a $102,000 grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s (MPCA) Drinking Water Planning and Design Funds for PFAS Treatment. The City of Stillwater is committed to providing safe, high quality drinking water to its customers. To learn more or to stay informed, please visit our website at www.stillwatermn.gov/waterupdates. You are also welcome to contact the city at waterupdates@stillwatermn.gov or (651)430-8830. Please also sign up on the city’s website to receive “Drinking Water Updates.” What level of PFAS in drinking water is safe? The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) uses health-based values to evaluate health risks from individual PFAS. Health guidance values are designed to protect the most vulnerable populations for up to a lifetime of exposure. If more than one type of PFAS is found in drinking water, MDH evaluates their additive health risk using the Health Risk Index. There is little to no health risk from drinking water with PFAS levels at or below guidance values. Drinking water with PFAS levels above guidance values or the Health Risk Index poses a potential health concern. It does not represent an immediate health risk. The guidance values are based on multiple safety factors and are overprotective for most people. Community water systems with elevated PFAS can take actions to reduce PFAS levels through treatment or reduced pumping from contaminated wells. To see PFAS testing results in community water systems, visit Interactive Dashboard for PFAS Testing in Drinking Water https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/ environment/water/pfasmap.html To learn more about testing private wells for PFAS, safe levels in drinking water, health effects, and ongoing activities, visit Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/ environment/hazardous/topics/pfcs.html Drinking Water Quality Update for Stillwater What is PFAS? Per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) are a family of manmade chemicals that have been widely used in consumer products since the 1940’s. PFAS can be found in household items including •Water-repellent clothing, non-stick cookware, paints, sealants, wood stain, and some personal care products. •Food packaging, including grease resistant paper, microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes and candy wrappers. •Food, including fish caught from water contaminated by PFAS and dairy products from livestock exposed to PFAS. Taken from the Environmental Protection Agency: PFAS Ex- plained | US EPA HĔĜ ęĔ PĆėęĎĈĎĕĆęĊ Ďē NĔ MĔĜ MĆĞ The City of Stillwater is proud to participate in No Mow May. The City supports increasing crucial, pollinator- friendly habitat by encouraging pollinator-friendly lawn-care practices. In May, as daylight hours increase and the days get warmer, bees and other pollinators emerge from dormancy to feed on Spring blooming native plants. Thicker ground cover slows evaporation and aids in conserving moisture, which helps protect early season habitat for threatened bee populations and other pollinators. To participate, residents simply refrain from mowing their lawns during the month of May, or limit mowing to once or twice during the month. Signs in your yard are not required to participate. The City will refrain from enforcing turf height for the month of May. Simply let us know if you will be participating. Heading into June, residents will need to return to more conventional mowing practice to come back into compliance with City code. Also by keeping the grass clippings on the lawn for a year is about the equivalent to one application of synthetic fertilizer. Let’s all water less, save money, help pollinators and reduce emissions this May! This summer, oak trees will be at risk! Oaks have been showing increasing signs of stress and decline following three consecutive drought summers. Now is the time of year to be on the lookout for signs of pests and diseases. Oak Wilt can kill red and pin oaks in just a few weeks. White and bur oaks have moderate resistance to the disease. It can spread un- derground between tree’s root systems to neighbor- ing oaks. It is also spread above ground by sap bee- tles, making it difϐicult to detect new infection zones. Look for leaves at the top of the tree that suddenly wilt, turn bronze, and then drop to the ground. Infected trees will often drop their entire canopy within weeks. Oaks should never be pruned or removed between the months of April and October. If cutting oaks is unavoidable during these months, cover all fresh wounds with a wound sealer or latex based paint. PėĔęĊĈę YĔĚė OĆĐ TėĊĊĘ TčĎĘ SĚĒĒĊė Two‐Lined Chestnut Borer (TLCB) Native cousin of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), this insect has seen a drastic increase in infestation rates over the last three years. Capable of kill- ing a mature tree in just two years, damage from two-lined chestnut borer can often be confused for Oak Wilt. Trees infested with TLCB often show this pattern in the canopy: Dead (upper), Red (middle), Green (lower). In 2024, the City expanded its discounted EAB Treatment program with Rainbow Treecare to provide residents with discounted treat- ment rates for Two-Lined Chestnut Borer, Oak Wilt and Dutch Elm Disease. If you spot either of these, contact Andrew Coyne, Natural Resources Technician at 651- 430-8836 or acoyne@stillwatermn.gov or visit treesaregood.org to ϐind a local arborist. DĎĒ ęčĊ LĎČčęĘ ċĔė BĎėĉĘ Ćę NĎČčę Over 250 species of birds migrate through Stillwater, up the St. Croix River Valley through Minnesota, each spring and fall. Birds migrate at night and can be drawn off their ϐlight path by lit structures. Many birds collide or drop from exhaustion after circling brightly lit buildings, reluctant to ϐly out of the light. Join the effort by turning off exterior lighting (except security lights for safety), dim atrium lighting and turn off interior lighting especially upper ϐloors from midnight until dawn during March 15 to May 31 for spring migration and August 15 to October 31 for fall migration. Visit audubon.org/our-work/cities-and-towns/ lights-out for more information. NĊĜ DĎČĎęĆđ BĎėĉ GĚĎĉĊ Embark on an unforgettable birding journey through the stunning St. Croix River Valley with a new bird guide! Explore 268 species across nine loops and tours, from the serene North Stillwater short loop to the captivating Central Stillwater walking tours. Visit sustainablestillwatermn.org/birdcity to download the digital guide and discover the avian wonders of this remarkable region. RĚē FĔė LĔĈĆđ OċċĎĈĊ Candidate ϐiling will open in the City of Stillwater for two seats: Councilmember Ward 2 and Coun- cilmember Ward 4. The ϐiling period opens Tuesday, May 21, and closes Tuesday, June 4th, 2024. A candidate must reside in the Ward in which they seek election and be 21 years of age. Council members serve 4-year terms and start January 7, 2025. Interested residents submit an afϐidavit of candidacy to the City Clerk during the ϐiling period and pay the $5 ϐiling fee. A ϐiling packet is available at City Hall or online on the City’s website. 2024 Election Dates: Primary Election is August 13th General Election is November 5th UęĎđĎęĞ BĎđđ PĆĞĒĊēę OĕęĎĔēĘ Take advantage of these different payment options when paying your utility bill: No Service Fee Options: ACH (Automated Clearing House) - funds are transferred electronically from your bank account. Complete the form on the back of your utility bill and submit a voided check. The form is also available online at: Stillwatermn.gov/ubpayments Mail your payment to the City of Stillwater, 216 4th Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082 Drop off your payment at City Hall in the drop box outside front door #1, which is checked every business day. Service Fee Options: Credit/Debit Card - a service fee of 2.9% of the total bill, plus $0.30 is charged when paying with card. EFT (Electronic Fund Transfer) uses your bank routing and account number - a ϐlat service fee of $1 is applied. Manage Your Account Online Visit stillwatermn.ourcommunityconnect.com to pay your utility bill online, schedule a payment, setup auto-pay, view balance due, opt out of paper bills, or print receipts and bills. WĆęĊė EċċĎĈĎĊēĈĞ RĊćĆęĊ SęĎđđ AěĆĎđĆćđĊ The City is offering rebates to Stillwater properties that are connected to the City Water Supply systems who replace their washing machines, toilets or their irrigation controller with a smart irrigation controller. Rebate categories and amounts are as follows: Clothes Washers - Rebate $200 or 80% the cost of a new US DOE Energy Star labeled clothes washer, whichever is less, (excluding sales tax and labor/installation costs). Toilets - Rebate up to $100 or 80% of the cost of a new EPA WaterSense labeled toilet, which ever is less, (excluding sales tax and labor/installation costs). Smart Irrigation Controllers - Rebate up to $150 or 80% of the cost of a new US EPA Water- Sense labeled smart controller, whichever is less, (excluding tax and labor/installation costs). Rebates are for replacement of existing devices only. New construction and new developments are not eligible. Rebates are for the cost of the device only and excludes sales tax and any installation/ labor costs. Rebates will show as a credit of your utility bill. Submit a copy of the receipt with the rebate application to the City of Stillwater by mail or online. The rebate application can be found on the City’s website at stillwatermn.gov/waterrebate. Any questions, contact the Public Works Utility Department at 651-275-4100. SĆđĆėĞ DĆęĆ A city with a population of more than 15,000 must annually notify its resi- dents of the positions and base salaries of its three highest paid employees. Below are the top salaries for the City of Stillwater. City Administrator $172,496 Fire Chief $167,370 Police Chief $167,370 Public Works Director $167,370 SęĎđđĜĆęĊė HĚĒĆē RĎČčęĘ CĔĒĒĎĘĘĎĔē AēēĔĚēĈĊĒĊēęĘ Martin Luther King, Jr., Breakfast - The Stillwater Human Rights Commission (SHRC) wish- es to thank everyone who was part of the annual Martin Luther King, Jr., breakfast on January 15, 2024, held at Trinity Lutheran Church. The event was attended by 87 people, including 22 students from the Stillwater Area High School. The event featured comments by Dr. Will Antell, 2023 Stillwater Human Rights Awardee, and (via livestream) an interview with Marley Dias, keynote speaker at the Minneapolis MLK, Jr. Breakfast. Since age 11, Dias has collected and donated over 15,000 books that featured Black girls as the main protagonists for schools and libraries across the country. Named to Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list in 2018, she is an inspiration to people of all ages that a single person truly can make a difference. Pay Equity - Did you know that a new Minnesota law took effect on January 1, 2024, that prohibits all public, private, and nonproϐit employers from asking about or considering an applicant’s past or current pay during the hiring pro- cess? This promises to be an important step in achieving pay equity. A 2022 study, cited on the state's Department of Human Rights (DHR) website, found that women and people of color earn between $0.55 and $0.81 for every dollar a white man earns. If employers cannot ask about your past pay, you are more likely to be paid based on market condi- tions and your skills, education, and other qualiϐications. According to DHR Commissioner Rebecca Lucero, “[t]hese pay history laws work. Pay is up for women, people of color, and Indigenous community members in states that have implemented similar laws across the country.” Discrimination Hotline - The SHRC reminds Stillwater residents that all Minnesotans (including undocumented workers) are protected by the Minnesota Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination. The DHR works to break down policies and practices that perpetuate structural barriers, such as racism, ableism, homophobia, and ageism to build strong communities. If you believe you have experienced or witnessed an incident of discrimination, contact the helpline or visit mn.gov/mdhr/intake/consultationinquiryform/ SęĎđđĜĆęĊė HĚĒĆē RĎČčęĘ AĜĆėĉ Do you know someone striving for an environment that pro- motes fair and equal treatment for everyone? The City of Stillwater Human Rights Com- mission has an award to recog- nize such a person. The SHRC is accepting nomina- tions for the Stillwater Human Rights Award. The nominees can be individuals, businesses or or- ganizations that reside, work or volunteer in the City of Stillwa- ter, and whose actions promote respect for all people Nomina- tions are due by May 31st. Visit the City’s website to obtain a nomination form. DĔ YĔĚ SęėĚČČđĊ ęĔ AċċĔėĉ CčĎđĉĈĆėĊ? ¿TĎĊēĊ ĉĎċĎĈĚđęĆĉĊĘ ĕĆėĆ ĕĆČĆė Ċđ ĈĚĎĉĆĉĔ ĉĊ đĔĘ ēĎŕĔĘ? The Stillwater Human Rights Commission wants to hear from you! ¡A la Comisión de Derechos Humanos de SƟllwater le gustaría oír de usted Residentes de Stillwater: Queremos comprender mejor la necesidad de cuidado infantil accesible y razonable, y las barreras que enfrentan las personas para obtenerlo. Esta información nos ayu- dará a explorar soluciones que beneϐicien a todos nuestros residentes. Nos encantarı́a escuchar su historia: tóme- se un minuto para completar nuestra en- cuesta. Sus comentarios se mantendrán anónimos a menos que elija compartir su información de contacto. Stillwater Residents: We want to better understand the need for affordable childcare and the barriers people face obtaining childcare. This information will help us explore solutions that would beneϐit all of our residents. We’d love to hear your story. Please ϐill out our 1-minute sur- vey. Your feedback will be kept anonymous unless you want to share your contact information. UĕĈĔĒĎēČ CĎęĞ CĔēĘęėĚĈęĎĔē PėĔďĊĈęĘ Downtown Street Lighting Project This summer all the street lights in the downtown area will be replaced with historic style poles and ϐixtures. In all, over 180 lights will be removed and 240 new lights installed. The project area includes Water Street up to Third Street, and Elm Street to the south end of Main Street. Water Tower Painting Project Stillwater’s water tower is in the process of getting a major refurbishing that will leave it with a fresh new look. The .5 million gallon tower in the Industrial Park will be sandblasted and painted. Work on the tower is scheduled to begin this summer and last 12 weeks. It should be ϐinished by September. 2024 City Street Project In 1994, the City of Stillwater started an annual street improvement project. Every year since then, the City prepares plans for about 1½ miles of streets to be reconstructed and about 2½ miles of streets to be milled and overlay. These projects include installing and creating 4 inches of pavement, concrete curbs, gutters and storm sewer systems. The work is anticipated to begin in May and go through the end of October. It is expected that Greeley Street will be closed and detours will guide trafϐic around the construction zone. Below is a map for the 2024 street improvement projects. If you have questions on any of these project, please call the Engineering Department at 651-430-8830. Before After WĆĘęĊ RĊĉĚĈęĎĔē NĊĜĘ SĚĒĒĊė EēęĊėęĆĎēĒĊēę Ćę TĊĉĉĞ BĊĆė PĆėĐ Join in some fun this summer learning about the environment, recycling and how you can make a difference. This is a free family show. Tricia & the Toonies shows are a unique blend of high-energy music, comedy, colorful puppet characters and lots of audience participation. Visit Teddy Bear Park, 207 Nelson St E at 10 am on Tuesday: June 4 July 2 August 6 June 18 July 16 August 20 AĚęĔĒĆęĊĉ YĆėĉ WĆĘęĊ CĔđđĊĈęĎĔē Waste Management has implemented an automated yard waste collection using standardized carts in the City of Stillwater. Every household should have received a 96-gallon green cart with a black lid labeled Yard Waste. Residents place their yard waste into the new cart and place curbside by 6:30 am on your regular collection day, keeping them 3 feet away from obstacles for the automated collection. Additional yard waste bags can be placed next to the cart for pickup. Yard waste carts must be used before bags will be collected. Residents with the former Waste Management yard waste cart will need to contact Waste Management directly to arrange pickup of the old cart. There will be no additional cost for the new yard waste cart and customers paying the rental fee for a yard waste cart will no longer pay that fee. Refunds will not occur for customers that purchased/owned a yard waste cart previously. Customers can opt out of this new collection service and not have their yard waste picked up, however it does not eliminate the yard waste collection fee. Residents should carefully consider their decision before contacting Waste Management to opt out. Yard waste collection occurs April 15 through November 15 (weather permitting). This automated collection will be more efϐicient and cleaner for our community. DĎĘĕĔĘĆđ Ĕċ Ođĉ Ĕė UēĚĘĊĉ MĊĉĎĈĆęĎĔēĘ Old and unused medications can pose a risk for accidental poisoning, theft and drug abuse. Medications disposed of in the trash or ϐlushed can pollute water and harm ϐish and wildlife. The Washington County Sheriff’s Ofϐice offers free and safe disposal of unwanted medications. The Sheriff’s Ofϐice will secure medications and take them to a waste-to-energy facility to burn. Preparing for drop‐off Drop-off is anonymous (no ID required) No need to cross off your name Keep medications in original container If you don’t have the original container place in small bag Drop Box Location Stillwater Law Enforcement Center 15015 62nd St N Sheriff’s Ofϐice Main Lobby OēĊ‐DĆĞ HĔĚĘĊčĔđĉ HĆğĆėĉĔĚĘ CĔĒĕĔĘę BĆėėĊđ SĆđĊĘ By composting, you can convert organic wastes into a dark, crumbly mix- ture that can be used to improve the soil and re- duce your use of fertilizer and water. Compost barrels are available from Washing- ton County for $56. Call 651-275-7475 to place your order. Pickup will be at the Environmental Center in Woodbury. Visit WashCoRecy- cles.com/Barrels website for more information. SĊĆėĈč ęčĊ DĎĘĕĔĘĆđ DĎėĊĈęĔėĞ Search the Washington Coun- ty disposal directory to ϐind out how to recycle or dispose of almost anything! From easy-to-recycle items like cans and bottles, to mattress- es, furniture, and holiday trees — ϐind local reuse, recy- cling, and disposal options for things you no longer want or need. Visit WashCoRecycles.com/ Disposal or scan the QR code for more information. SčėĊĉĉĎēČ EěĊēęĘ Washington County offers additional paper shredding events at the Environmental Center. It’s free and open to residents and businesses. Limit is 6 boxes per person (max weight of 30 lbs. each) Wednesdays 8 am - 4:30 pm April 17, May 22, June 26, August 14, September 25 and November 13 PđĆĘęĎĈ BĆČ RĊĈĞĈđĎēČ Plastic bags are the most common non-acceptable item found in the recy- cling bin! Do not place any plastic bags in your curbside recycling bin. Instead, drop off plastic bags at participating retailers. Small items like straws, plastic utensils or loose caps should not be placed in recycling bins either. Small items like these fall through the facility equipment and end up in trash. Keep cap on the bottle. LIBRARY HOURS Monday ‐ Thursday 10 AM to 8 PM Friday & Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM Sunday (during school year) 1 PM to 5 PM ShelfLife April 2024 SPRING BOOK SALE Book lovers and bargain hunters — you are in for a treat! Friends of the Stillwater Public Library are hosting their annual spring used book sale on April 24‐27. Proceeds beneﬁt the library and will enhance materials and programs. Cash or check only. Most items priced at $1‐$2. Members Only Preview Sale*: Wed., April 24 5‐7 PM *Not a member of Friends of the Stillwater Public Library? Join at the door. Open to the Public: Thu., April 25 10:15 AM‐7 PM Fri., April 26 10:15 AM‐4:30 PM Sat., April 27 10:15 AM‐4:30 PM Bag sale all day on Saturday! Donate Your Books! Saturday, April 20 10:30 AM‐3 PM Donate gently used books. Just pull into the library’s parking ramp on Third Street. None of the following items will be accepted: encyclopedias, magazines, Reader’s Digest Condensed Books, textbooks, religious materials, National Geographic, videos, cassettes, partially used puzzle books. Help raise money for the library one book at a time! SPRING SAMPLER: CHECK OUT THESE EVENTS AND MORE AT THE LIBRARY Programs are free. Classes with an * require registration. Register to attend and ﬁnd more events at library.stillwatermn.gov/calendar. FOR ADULTS Meditation Mondays Mondays in April at 1 PM Each Monday in April, join us for 10 minutes of secular meditation instruction followed by 30 minutes of sitting meditation using a tech‐ nique of bringing attention to the breath. Everyone is welcome and no registration is required. Grow Your Own Vegetables* Friday, April 5, 10:30 AM Learn the basics of vegetable gardening to successfully grow fresh produce. Get practical advice and research‐based information on location, garden bed size, soil preparation, seeding, planting, harvesting, and much more. Container Gardening* Monday, April 29, 10:30 AM Professional photographer and garden‐ er, Michelle Mero Riedel, will help you discov‐ er fast growing, nursery‐quality plants with season long color. She’ll share images of beautiful combinations that are easily created. Invite your favorite garden buddy to register with you for this class. Japanese Zen Garden* Thursday, May 2, 6:30 PM Learn about the art of Zen gardening and build your own with a variety of miniature objects, including stones, sand, and small model greenery. All skill levels are welcome. Registration is required and space is limited. Stillwater Public Library  224 3rd ST N Stillwater, MN 55082  651‐275‐4338  library.stillwatermn.gov Special thanks to donors of Stillwater Public Library Foundation for funding ShelfLife. ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS Creating Magical Worlds (ages 8‐12)* Saturday, April 6, 10:30 AM Create magical, ﬁctional worlds that capture the imagination of your readers and keep them glued your stories with The Loft. Petite Concert (ages birth‐5)* Monday, April 8, 10:30 AM An interactive classical music concert for 0‐5. Maker Monday (ages 6‐12) Monday, April 8, 4 PM This month we will be crafting with color! Drop in and create at each craft station. Lego Club (ages 6‐12) Thursday, April 16 & May 18, 4 PM Come create with the library's LEGO collec‐ tion! Participate in challenges or free build. Teen Drop‐in DIY Tuesday, April 30, 4 PM Make colorful button ﬂower bouquets. Optical Illusions (ages 6‐12)* Thursday, May 2, 4 PM Explore the world of optical illusions! Spot the illusion and create a few of your own! May the 4th Be With You (ages 6‐12) Saturday, May 4, 10:30 AM Honor the Jedi and the Force with activities that celebrate the Star Wars universe. Pajama Night ‐ Mysteries Tuesday, May 7, 6 PM (ages 5+) Listen to a mystery story and try to solve it before the detective does. Then create a de‐ tective outﬁt and solve a library mystery. Make & Take Craft: Mother’s Day Cards* Saturday, May 4, 3 PM Celebrate the mothers in your life by making your own greeting cards at the library. You’ll receive supplies to make one card during this self‐directed activity. Bizarre History of Minnesota* Monday, May 6, 6:30 PM This presentation by Chad Lewis showcases over 100 bizarre newspaper stories from Min‐ nesota that have not been seen in over 100 years. Travel into a time portal to the early days of the state when it was ﬁlled with strange deaths, ghosts, sea serpents, medical anomalies, psychic phenomena, and UFOs. Introduction to Norwegian Genealogy* Tuesday, May 7, 1 PM Are you pining for the fjords? Do you want to know what a patronymic is? Are you puzzled by gards and bruks? Learn about the challeng‐ es in researching Scandinavian family history and the available resources. We’ll mainly focus on online resources with a few print tools. Exploring the Arts: Screwball Comedy* Thursday, May 9, 6:30 PM In the 1930s, Hollywood gave birth to a new type of romantic comedy. Screwball was a “battle of the sexes” and sometimes called the most feminist ﬁlm genre because of its strong‐willed female leads. It gave Depression‐ era audiences a way to think about social class. We’ll deﬁne screwball comedy, situate it in American history, and consider the ﬁlms’ aims. Join your neighbors in April as we read The House of Broken Angels by Luis Alberto Urrea. Valley Reads in the St. Croix Valley is a one book, one community program that brings together residents around a common book. Explore the book with library staff on Friday, April 12 at 3 PM. A special event with author Luis Urrea is also planned for April. Learn more at artreachstcroix.org/bigread. Stillwater Public Library Chess Club 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 4 PM Have fun with chess! Learn the basics or improve your game in our new chess club. Master strategies and connect with other chess fans. Each meeting will begin with education followed by an opportunity to play opponents of comparable skill. All ages and skill levels are welcome. AċċĔėĉĆćđĊ HĔĚĘĎēČ IēĎęĎĆęĎěĊ UĕĉĆęĊ In the face of current market challenges, the City of Stillwater is taking a pragmatic approach to address the housing needs of our community members. Our community members include veterans, educators, and ϐirst responders. Recognizing the limited tools at our disposal– state funding, zoning options, and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - our strategy will be grounded in realism and aimed at making tangible improvements within our existing constraints. The state has allocated an estimated $145,000 to Stillwater, a sum we acknowledge is modest but nonetheless a starting point for our initiatives. Our team is exploring a strategy that will involve partners such as the Washington County CDA. These collaborations are in the works as we seek to enhance the living conditions of our residents with the resources available to us. Partnerships provide us the opportunity to leverage existing resources to maximize investments in housing. This year's zoning review is approached with the understanding that our city is largely developed, limiting the scope for drastic changes. However, we are committed to exploring every potential adjustment to our zoning laws to facilitate housing solutions. A focused effort will be on making nuanced changes that, while perhaps subtle, are aimed at improving housing accessibility and affordability within the bounds of our urban landscape. The recent policy enhancements regarding Accessory Dwelling Units stand out as a signiϐicant achievement. By facili- tating the creation of ADUs, we've provided homeowners with an opportunity for additional income, offered tenants more housing options, and begun to address the rising costs of living in Stillwater without heavy-handed government intervention. This initiative represents our most effective tool in driving positive change in our housing market. It is crucial to underscore that our efforts are focused on speciϐic, achievable objectives within the realm of housing, distinct from emergency housing support (a county-led issue), rent control, or broader national debates. Nor can we address the panacea of housing issues that all cities face. Our actions are not driven by partisan motives but by a com- mitment to practical solutions that address our community's needs. Lest there be any confusion, we're speaking to only the city's efforts and not the aforementioned 'county-led' efforts for emergency housing, nor are we speaking to the proposed 'Middle Housing Bill' that the state legislature has proposed. As we move forward, we recognize that the large team originally envisioned may not align with our streamlined, practical approach. Instead, we encourage community members to join the Planning Commission's discussions on zoning matters. Your diverse perspectives are invaluable as we reϐine our strategies and explore every avenue for making a positive impact. In choosing not to form a specialized team at this moment, we are not signaling a reduction in our commitment but rather a strategic focus on areas where we can be most effective, given our current resources and the speciϐic challenges we face. Together, with a pragmatic, thoughtful approach, we can navigate these complex- ities and contribute to the well-being of those who serve and live in our city. TčĊ SęĎđđĜĆęĊė CĎęĞ CĔĉĊ ĎĘ NĔĜ EĆĘĎĊė ęĔ RĊĆĉ The City recently updated the Stillwater City Code. While the rewrite was comprehensive in nature, much of the work revolved around reorganization of the ordinances to make it easier to read and search for topics. Some of the notable revisions include: Dog licenses will no longer be required, except for potentially dangerous and dangerous dogs. A permit is now required for Buskers and Street Performers (acting, singing, performing, playing musical instruments, pantomime, juggling, magic, etc). Interim Use Permits are required for any food vending operation (food trucks). If they are in the downtown dis- trict, they are only allowed on private property of a restaurant or a brewery, not a street. If they are not in the downtown, they are allowed on private property and allowed in the street if adjacent to a consenting property owner as part of an event. The City now requires hotels to be licensed by the City. Currently, they are licensed through the State. Beekeeping is allowed in the city without a permit, but certain requirements must be met. Other farm and do- mestic animals such as goats and fowl are also now allowed in the City - see city code for all requirements. A new site plan review process is required for certain planning applications that involve major reconstruction of existing buildings or construction of new buildings. Further updates will be available in future newsletters. The improved city code is available on the City’s website. TčĊċę PėĔęĊĈęĎĔē TĎĕ As spring rolls along and we become more active, so do ‘would be thieves’. Do your part to keep yourself pro- tected from crimes of opportunity. Keep vehicle doors locked and always remove or keep valua- bles hidden from plain sight. At home, trim tree branches and shrubs, change out any burnt out exterior lightbulbs and don’t forget to keep the service door to the garage locked when not in use. As always, if you hear or see something suspicious, call 911. FĎėĊ SĆċĊęĞ TĎĕĘ Fire is getting faster. Because of synthetic materials, furniture, and construction, ϐire spreads faster than ever before. Due to this critical change, we have to take steps to slow the spread of ϐire. A closed door can isolate the ϐire’s ϐlow, reduce room temperatures and keep carbon monoxide levels down. Close Before You Doze aims to make closing doors at night part of peo- ple’s bedtime routine. Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing ϐire deaths and injuries. Fire alarms gives you an early warning so you can get outside quickly. Safety tips include: Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home and in the basement. Test all smoke alarms at least once a month by pressing the test button to be sure the alarm is working. Working smoke alarms are an important part of a home escape plan. A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and ϐire. WčĆę’Ę YĔĚė EĘĈĆĕĊ PđĆē? Here are some great tips to help you and your family get to safety in case a ϐire breaks out in your home: Draw a ϐloor plan of your home Visit each room and ϐind two ways out including windows and doors All windows and doors should open easily Make sure your home has smoke alarms Pick a meeting place outside in front of your home where everyone can meet House and/or building number should be visible from street Review your escape plan with every- one in your home Dial 911 Practice ϐire drill at least twice a year SĊěĊėĊ WĊĆęčĊė AĜĆėĊēĊĘĘ WĊĊĐ AĕėĎđ 8ęč TčėĚ AĕėĎđ 12ęč Thursday, April 11th is statewide Tornado Drill Day. Outdoor warning sirens will sound in a simulated tornado warning. The ϐirst drill at 1:45 pm is intended for institu- tions. The evening drill at 6:45 pm is intended for second shift workers and families. This annual public education event is designed to remind individuals, fami- lies, businesses, schools, and institu- tions that it’s essential to plan ahead of Minnesota’s severe spring and summer weather. An informed, involved com- munity is more resilient to disaster. April 27 Valley Eco Fair 11 am - 3 pm Pioneer Park Celebrate Earth month with 40 interactive booths, music and food trucks! sustainablestillwater mn.org/event-details/ valley-eco-fair-2024 May 11 Youth Safety Bike Rodeo 10 am - 1 pm St. Croix Valley Rec Center Register online Signup.com/go/qthYfFt or contact Brad Junker 651-351-4930 bjunker@stillwatermn.gov May 18 Dine Here Dance Here Noon - 11 pm Chestnut Street Plaza Downtown Stillwater Watch the City website and Facebook page for upcoming details Stillwatermn.gov May 25 Stillwater ½ Marathon Starts at 7 am 3 courses (5K, 10K and ½ marathon) follows along the Gateway Trail and ends at Pioneer Park Register online: runstillwater.com/ stillwater-half-marathon/ May 27 Stillwater Veteran’s Memorial Day Ceremony 11:30 am - 12:45 pm Vets Memorial Parking Lot 138 Pine St W stillwaterveteran memorial.org/ June 8 ‐ October 26 Stillwater Farmers Market Every Saturday from 7:30 am - 12 pm Vets Memorial Parking Lot 138 Pine St W facebook.com/ StillwaterMNFarmer Market/ June 12 ‐ September 18 Cruisin’ on the Croix Car Show Select Wednesdays 4 pm – 10 pm Lowell Park facebook.com/CruisinOn TheCroix.StillwatersHotRod VintageShow/ June 29 Lift Bridge Road Race Starts at 7 am 3 courses (10-mile, 10K and 5K) ϐinishing at Lift Bridge Brewing Company Register online: runstillwater.com/lift bridge-road-race/ 4th of July Fireworks in Lowell Park Mark you calendar! Details available in the next newsletter! Lumberjack Days July 18 –21 Mark you calendar! Details available in the next newsletter! April is National Donate Life Month Organ donation is a generous, selϐless gift. More than 17 people pass away each day waiting for an organ trans- plant. 1 donor can heal more than 75 lives through eye and tissue donation and up to 8 lives through organ dona- tion. April is a time to appreciate the generous gifts of organ, eye and tissue donation and to encourage family, friends and coworkers to register as a donor. Visit life-source.org website for more information. U PCOMING EVENTS