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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024 City Newsletter - Summer216 Fourth Street North Stillwater MN 55082 www.stillwatermn.gov 651‐430‐8800 SęĎđđĜĆęĊė CĎęĞ NĊĜĘ Summer 2024 NĎČčę ęĔ UēĎęĊ AĚČĚĘę 6 Mark your calendars for the annual Stillwater Police Department Night to Unite event at Washington Square Park! There will be safety demonstrations, rafϐle prizes, fun giveaways, games, and a scavenger hunt. Come and meet members from local organizations who will be on hand with booths to offer in- formation on services and programs available. Volunteers are needed to help set up, manage activi- ties, and clean up afterward. Volunteering is a wonder- ful way to give back and get to know more people in your neighborhood. Host or attend a Block Party: Many neighborhoods will host their own block parties with games, food, and music. This is a great way to meet new neighbors and reconnect with familiar faces. To become involved or to register your block party, contact CRO Junker at 651-351-4930 or via email bjunker@stillwatermn.gov LĚĒćĊėďĆĈĐ DĆĞĘ JĚđĞ 19 ‐ 21 Join us for the exciting return of Lumberjack Days in downtown Stillwater. Some free activities include: Live music featuring Chase & Ovation, a premier Prince tribute show. Ice Cream Social at the Historic Courthouse. Bring a blanket and listen to live music on the lawn. Hang out with Paul Bunyan in Lowell Park and see if you can handle his mighty axe or enjoy an outdoor Yoga class. Participate in or watch the Lumber- jack Pickleball tournament held at Northland Park. Enjoy watching marching bands, ϐire trucks, ϐloats, and more during the Lumberjack Days Parade. Returning to Lumberjack Days is the Mega Jump Stunt Show. These BMX athletes will execute daring tricks on one of the largest portable jumps in the industry. Visit lumberjackdays.com for a full listing of activities and further details on the event. 4ęč Ĕċ JĚđĞ CĊđĊćėĆęĎĔē EěĊēę LĎēĊ Uĕ Civil War Cannons: Battery I, 1st US Artillery will have cannon ϐiring demonstrations at 3 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm and 7 pm on Mulberry Point in Lowell Park located at 201 Water Street. Live Music Shows: Enjoy a free concert from Capital Sons at 5:30 pm followed by Audio Circus at 8 pm at the Amphitheater Stage in Lowell Park. The St. Croix Jazz Orchestra will be at the Pioneer Park Bandshell located at 515 N. 2rd Street from 7 pm – 9 pm. Fireworks: A spectacular ϐireworks show by RES Specialty Pyrotechnics will begin at dusk (approximately 10 pm) over the St. Croix River and Historic Lift Bridge. Fireworks are supported by generous donations from: Margaret Rivers Foundation, Water Street Inn, and River Siren Brewing Company. Visit the City’s website for a printable city parking map. A designated ϐireworks viewing area is available for Veterans at the Pedestrian Plaza in Lowell Park. PO S T P O N E D EĒĊėĆđĉ AĘč BĔėĊė UĕĉĆęĊ Last year, the City of Stillwater received a grant from the Minnesota DNR for the removal and replacement of ash trees infested with emerald ash borer. This deadly invasive species is responsible for killing millions of ash trees since 2002. The grant allowed the city to remove and replace 52 infested ash trees in boulevards and right-of-ways. In 2024, the City received funds from the Shade Tree Bonding Grant Program. This grant will allow the city to remove and replace an additional 291 infested ash trees in parks, boulevards and right-of ways. These efforts have helped to signiϐicantly reduce the number of infested ash trees. The city will continue to seek funding to manage the remaining public ash trees. Replacement tree species that are disease resistant are American Elm, honeylocust, hackberry, Kentucky coffeetree, ginkgo, yellowwood, alder, serviceberry, basswood, bur oak, swamp white oak, pin ok, and London planetree. Tips for ash tree removal: As ash trees begin to die, it is best to have them removed sooner rather than later They can become brittle and start to lose larger limbs creating hazardous conditions Seek out at least three quotes for tree removal services Be sure to look for companies with ISA Certiϐied Arborists on staff Conϐirm the tree contractor is insured and registered with MN Dept of Agriculture’s Tree Care Registry If you have an ash tree in a boulevard or right-of-way and think it may be infested, please contact Andrew Coyne via email at acoyne@stillwatermn.gov or call 651-430-8836. Have healthy ash trees on your property? Contact Rainbow Treecare for a preventative treatment consultation. Be sure to mention Stillwater’s citywide bulk discount for injection services. Visit https:// www.rainbowtreecare.com/cities/stillwater/ to schedule a visit. Due to the peak water use because of warm tempera- tures, little rainfall, and water restrictions during the month of July, it is important for the public to be aware of the value of water-use efϐiciency. Tips for Residents Install a smart sprinkler system. Lawns only need 1 inch of water per week including rain. Collect and save rainwater for smaller gardens. Water at the right time according to your location. Replace turf with native plants. Adhere to city’s watering restrictions. Lawn water- ing is allowed only before 10 am or after 5 pm and on an odd-even water schedule to ensure ade- quate water supply and promote conservation. For more details visit Stillwatermn.gov/waterrestrict It is important to schedule your lawn care maintenance during times that match the life cycle of the turfgrass. Do not add fertilizer too early in the spring. This may encourage the grass to grow during a time when it should be slow or dormant. Do not spray weeds when temperatures are warm as it can increase the likelihood of damage to your lawn. Do not fertilize in hot mid-summer months as this can cause irreversible damage to your lawn. Crabgrass doesn’t develop until late spring or early summer, so don’t apply herbicide used to prevent pre-emerging crabgrass in the fall. For additional information, visit extension.umn.edu/ planting-and-growing-guides/lawn-care-calendar PFAS UĕĉĆęĊ The City of Stillwater has taken multiple steps forward to address PFAS contamination in our groundwater supply. On April 10, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the ϐirst-ever national, legally enforceable drinking water standard to protect communities from exposure to harmful PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals”. This action follows steps the City had taken to proactively and aggressively respond to new awareness and understanding about how this emerging contaminant affects public health. Presently, no City well over the EPA’s drinking water standard is in operation. However, trace amounts of PFAS below the EPA’s drinking water standard have been detected in nearly all of our wells. While the new EPA standards take effect in 2029, the City is advancing plans to provide water treatment by 2027, or sooner. A robust alternatives analysis was completed in May, and constructing water treatment facilities using granular activated carbon (GAC) technology was determined to be the most effective option for PFAS mitigation. Early estimates suggest a cost of nearly $30 million, with signiϐicant ongoing operating and staff costs. The City is seeking funding at the state and federal levels to help cover these expenses. PFAS are prevalent in the environment, and detection and measurement techniques remain a work in progress. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has advanced the science of PFAS through active research and study, making them exceptionally strong partners in helping the City navigate these new challenges. MDH is a valuable resource for more information about PFAS. Guidance on how people are exposed and how to reduce such exposures is available at their website: health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/hazardous/topics/pfashealth.html The City is committed to providing safe, high quality drinking water to its customers. To learn more, visit the City’s website at stillwatermn.gov/waterupdates or email waterupdates@stillwatermn.gov or call 651-430-8830. SęĎđđĜĆęĊė 2023 DėĎēĐĎēČ WĆęĊė RĊĕĔėę Your drinking water comes from a groundwater source: eight wells ranging from 83 to 305 feet deep, that draw water from the Prairie Du Chien-Jordan and Jordan aquifers. Stillwater works hard to provide you with safe and reliable drinking water that meets federal and state water quality requirements. The purpose of this report is to provide you with information on your drinking water and how to protect our precious water resources. Contact Robert Benson, Utilities Superintendent, at 651-430-8740 or via email at rbenson@stillwatermn.gov if you have questions about Stillwater’s drinking water. You can also ask for information about how you can take part in decisions that may affect water quality. The full drinking water report can be found on the City’s website at: stillwatermn.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/2320/ SęĎđđĜĆęĊė WĊđĈĔĒĊĘ NĊĜ UęĎđĎęĞ BĔĝ MĚėĆđĘ Three artists have been selected to paint Xcel Energy utility boxes in downtown Stillwater with original artwork. Stillwater was one of only two communities in the State of Minnesota invited to participate in this pilot project utilizing Xcel Energy power boxes. The idea to transform something that is unattractive – the common, bland green or grey utility boxes – into something beautiful is not new. Cities across the country, from Minneapolis to Fort Collins, have completed similar projects to beautify and enliven their downtowns, as well as to prevent nuisance grafϐiti. Artists selected are: Jane Dierberger (pictured), Karlyn Eckman, and Audrey Martin. This artwork will add to the increasingly vibrant public art scene in downtown Stillwater. LIBRARY HOURS Monday - Thursday 10 AM to 8 PM Friday & Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM Sunday Closed Sundays in summer. Sunday hours resume on September 8 from 1 to 5 PM. ShelfLife July/August 2024 CELEBRATE JULY 4TH AT THE LIBRARY! Stillwater Public Library Foundation’s annual Light a Spark event fuels funding for materials, programs, services, and historic preservation of the library. Held on the library’s terrace, Light a Spark is a perfect spot to enjoy the City of Stillwater’s 4th of July fireworks display. In addition to the best view in town, enjoy appetizers catered by The Grand, a cash bar, activities for kids, and seating so you can relax and mingle as you wait for the fireworks to begin. Ticket prices are $25 per person, $40 per couple, or $90 for a family of four, and children under three are free. Sponsorships are available and include tickets to the event and promotion of your logo or name. Get your tickets soon before Light a Spark sells out! Visit stillwaterlibraryfoundation.org for more details. Summer reading isn't just for kids in Stillwater – adults can join in on the fun too. The ever- popular Read & Win returns with the chance to win a gift card to a local business for each book review logged. Every week winners are drawn from submitted entries, and you could win a gift card for dining out, shopping, or an adventure experience. Participating is easy. Submit entries at the library or online at stillwaterbayportlibrary.beanstack.com. Adults can also enjoy a wide range of free programs. Explore the work of musician Leonard Bernstein, discover the value of your antiques, or unleash your creativity with painting classes. Art & Music Painting with Karen Chan* Thursday, July 18 & August 15, 5:30 PM Unwrapping Music: Leonard Bernstein* Tuesday, July 16, 6:30 PM Meet the Artists: Spike Carlsen & Lena Wolf Rothman Thursday, July 18, 6:30 PM Introduction to Bargello Embroidery* Friday, July 19, 3 PM Spanish Nights Flamenco Concert with Gabriel Hilmar* Thursday, July 25, 6:30 PM Folk Singer/Songwriter Charlie Maguire* Wednesday, August 14, 6 PM Pet Portraits: Pencil & Pastel Animal Drawings* Thursday, August 22, 5:30 PM Book Clubs Romance Book Club (online)* Tuesday, July 9, August 13 at 6:30 PM Mystery Book Club Wednesday, July 17 & August 21 at 6:30 PM Health & Wellness Monday Meditation Monday, July 1, 22 & 29 and August 5, 12, 19 & 26 at 1 PM Tai Chi: Introduction & Practice* Thursday, July 18 & August 15, 10:15 AM Other Fun Chess Club (Ages 8 - Adult)* 1st & 3rd Tuesdays each month, 4 PM What’s it Worth? Antique Appraisals with Mark Moran Saturday, August 3, 10:30 AM Library programs are always FREE! Classes with the * require registration. Click, call, or come in to register. For more details and the most up-to-date event calendar, visit library.stillwatermn.gov. 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. Get ready for an oceanic adventure in the Discovery Room. Dive into the depths aboard the "Poseidon" submarine and explore the underwater world. Equipped with an ocean bucket and magnifying glass, young explorers will map the ocean floor, discover marine life, and even catch and identify play sea creatures. Plus, don't forget to share your findings by dropping a pretend postcard into the underwater mailbox. Open during library hours, the Discovery Room offers a space for kids and caregivers to play, imagine, and learn together. Explore the oceans with us this summer! Read, write, and discover with Captain Owliver and his owlie divers during our summer reading program for kids. Summer Ocean Explorers is a collaboration between Stillwater and Bay- port public libraries and is made possible thanks to the generous donors of the Stillwater Public Library Foundation, the Foundation for Bayport Public Library, and the Friends of the Stillwater Public Library. Visit the library to sign up for Summer Explorers and choose a free book to keep and a Voyage Guide (with a reading and activity tracker inside) to get you started on your summer reading adventure. Prefer an online option? Participate on stillwaterbayportlibrary.beanstack.com. DIVE INTO SUMMER READING! Special Events Summer Wednesdays, 10:30 AM July 3: Hunter Marionettes July 10: Dazzling Dave Yo-Yo Master July 17: Will Sings Songs! July 24: Wendy's Wiggle, Jiggle & Jam July 31: Rap, Rock & Read with Miss Nina Aug 7: Puppet Show - The Three Little Pigs Summer Second Saturdays, 10:30 AM July 13: Hunter Marionettes Aug 10: Puppet Show - The Three Little Pigs Programs (* requires registration) Art Exploration, 10:30 AM unless specified Tuesday, July 23, 1 PM: Clay Octopus*, ages 6-12 Thursday, August 1: Ocean Diorama*, ages 8-12 Tuesday, August 13, 10:30-12:30: Process Art, ages 3-7 Wednesday, August 14: Eric Carle Art*, ages 3-5 Chess Club*, ages 8-Adult 1st & 3rd Tuesdays each month, 4 PM Dive into STEM, 2 PM Thursday, July 11: Shipwrecked*, ages 6-12 Saturday, July 20: Make a Splash, ages 4-10 For Tweens/Teens, ages 10+ Crochet Club*: Tuesday, July 9 & 23, 4 PM Craft Camp*: Wednesday, July 10 & 24, 4 PM MN DNR Natural Wonders, 10:30 AM Thursday, July 11: Rare, Common, or Invasive?*, ages 6-12 Thursday, August 8: Pollinators*, ages 6-12 Summer Lego Club, 4 PM, ages 6-12 Thursday, July 25: Shark Week Summer Readers Book Club*, ages 8-12 Thursday, August 8, 2 PM Under the Sea Science* Monday, July 15, 1 PM, ages 3-5 Monday, July 15, 2:30 PM, ages 6-12 For more details and the most up-to-date event calendar, visit library.stillwatermn.gov. OCEAN DISCOVERY ROOM EXPLORE THE WONDERS OF NATURE WITH MR. WEAVER Journey into the natural world with Andy Weaver, former Stillwater Area High School biology and environmental science teacher. As the Naturalist-in-Residence at Stillwater and Bayport public libraries, Andy invites children (ages 8+) and their families to delve into the rich ecosystem of the St. Croix River Valley. From mid - August to early October, explore the wonders of stream biology, prairie ecology, Minnesota birds, beekeeping, and the captivating tale of Minnesota raptors and the peregrine falcon. Weather permitting, programs may be conducted outdoors, fostering a deeper connection with nature. For more information and to register to attend, visit library.stillwatermn.gov/naturalist. Thanks to Stillwater Public Library Foundation for funding this programming! WASTE REDUCTION NEWS HĔĚĘĊčĔđĉ HĆğĆėĉĔĚĘ WĆĘęĊ If you missed the Household Hazardous One-Day Collection Event at Lily Lake Park in May don’t fret, another collection event will occur on: September 21, 2024 from 8 am to 2 pm Also, for free and convenient disposal of hazardous waste, electronics, and recyclables all year round, bring your items to the Washington County Environmental Center located at 4039 Cottage Grove Drive in Woodbury. GĆėćĆČĊ RĆęĊĘ IēĈėĊĆĘĊ JĚđĞ 1, 2024 Residents will see a 2.5% rate increase on July 1 for garbage collection services. This increase will not affect the rates for recycling, yard waste, bulk pickup or the environmen- tal fee, which increases each January. DėĔĕ‐Ĕċċ BĚđĐĞ IęĊĒĘ Ćę ęčĊ EēěĎėĔēĒĊēęĆđ CĊēęĊė Many household items can be picked up curbside after arranging pickup with Waste Management. Each household is allowed two bulk items, four consumer electronics and three appliances. However some bulks items may need to be taken to the Washington County Environmental Center yourself so, here are some tips on how to prepare your larger items for drop-off at the Environmental Center. Some items require a little extra work before drop-off. Magnets are available in the self-serve area to help determine if your metal is aluminum (not magnetic) or steel (magnetic). Efϐicient scrap metal collection minimizes transportation costs by maximizing the amount of metal in each dumpster. When items are broken down as much as possible, more weight can ϐit in the containers, which lowers transportation costs per pound and allows the service to be more sustainable. Lawn Mower - Drain oil and gasoline. These ϐluids can be brought in separate containers and dropped off in the drive-thru lane. Remove the bagger and place in trash, or remove wire from fabric and place fabric in the trash. Break down push bar. Remove any other non-metal parts, if possible (deϐlector chutes, wheels, etc.). Patio Furniture - Cut off any vinyl strapping or cloth webbing and remove any glass, plastic, or other non-metal materials and place those items in the trash. Disassemble remaining parts where possible. This helps ϐit more items in the recycling dumpsters. Vacuum - Remove and place in the trash any bag or canister, plastic hose and/or extensions and any excess plastic. The remaining can be recycled. Outdoor Grills - Remove propane tank. Tanks can be dropped off in the drive- thru lane. Remove coals, ash, and/or lava rocks but ensure they are completely cooled before placing them in the trash. Remove non-metal wheels, knobs, and handles and place them in the trash too. Disassemble as much as possible. Stack legs and grates inside grill cavity when possible. DĎĘĕĔĘĎēČ Ĕċ LĊċęĔěĊė FĎėĊĜĔėĐĘ Unused or leftover ϐireworks are accepted at the Environ- mental Center (EC) for proper disposal. Placing these items in the regular trash can cause problems for garbage trucks, transfer stations, and waste processing facilities. The Environmental Center accepts aerial ϐireworks, smoke bombs, sparklers, and all other household ϐireworks. The largest consumer ϐirework shell is no larger than 1¾ inches; anything larger is a professional ϐirework. If you have professional ϐireworks, call EC for disposal options. Not all consumer grade ϐireworks are legal in MN. If you bought it in MN, it’s likely legal here. If it was purchased elsewhere, it can still be accepted, but transportation is at your own risk. Safety tips for using Fireworks: Point ϐireworks away from people and animals. Use ϐireworks in an open area away from trees and houses. Extinguish and dispose of spent ϐireworks in a bucket of water. Do not try to relight a dud. Always use caution around ϐireworks and make sure children are supervised. SĚĒĒĊė EēęĊėęĆĎēĒĊēę Join in some fun this summer learn- ing about the environment, recycling and how you can make a difference. This is a free family show! Tricia & The Toonies Teddy Bear Park Amphitheater 207 East Nelson Street Show starts at 10 am on Tuesday: June 18, July 2 & 16 August 6 & 20 Ię’Ę ēĔ MĞęč, RĊĈĞĈđĎēČ EĝĎĘęĘ Many everyday items can be recycled. Paper and cardboard, cartons, metal cans, glass bottles and jars, plastic bottles, containers and jugs and more can all be recycled in your home recycling. These recyclables are wanted by many companies in our state and across the country to make new products. Make sure you are recycling things in the right way. Put items loose into your recycling cart, do not use plastic bags. Rinse all containers, it’s ok to keep caps on. Empty and ϐlatten cardboard boxes. Where does recycling go? Recycled cans, bottles and paper are taken to a local facility where people and machines sort the recycling into material types, which are sent to many different companies to be made into new products. Beyond saving energy and protecting natural resources, recycling supports vital industries in Minnesota and across the country. Explore what happens to your recycling: Paper and cardboard: Paper mills like West Rock in Saint Paul mix paper and water together to make a pulp, which is then ϐlattened, dried and rolled into new boxboard. They are used to make cereal and cracker boxes. Milk and juice cartons are sent to Sustana Fiber in Wisconsin to make material for new paper products. Recycled metal food cans are transported by Minnesota companies like Miller Scrap and Disposal in Winona to foundries and steel mills throughout the Midwest. These cans are made into new products like wire, beams and parts for cars and appliances. Glass bottles and jars are sorted by color at Strategic Materials in Saint Paul. Clear glass is sent to Anchor Glass in Shakopee to make new food and beverage bottles. Plastics are sorted, shredded, melted into pellets and then sold to companies to make a variety of products. Avon Plastics in Paynesville turns milk jugs and detergent bottles into durable decking, fencing and landscaping products. Plastics like drink bottles and produce contain- ers get made into new bottles in Wisconsin and Ohio. Visit recyclingexists.com/resources for more information. RĔĆĉ CĔēĘęėĚĈęĎĔē PėĔďĊĈęĘ Summer construction season is upon us! There are a few projects in the works this summer including the annual street project that has already begun. To stay up-to-date on City projects, you’re encourage to periodically visit the ‘Construction Projects’ page on the City’s website at stillwa- termn.gov/construction. Also, you can sign up to receive email updates on City projects. When on the webpage, click the link in the ϐirst paragraph to register your email. Construction highlights: Greeley Street from Curve Crest Blvd to Churchill Street closed to southbound trafϐic on June 3 and anticipated to be closed for 6-8 weeks. After Lumberjack Days (July 21), work will begin on Greeley Street north of Churchill St. Washington County Project: Highway 5 (Stillwater Blvd) resurfacing project consists of repaving the road and trail between Highway 36 and Autumn Way. For more details, visit co.washington.mn.us/StillwaterBlvd The Stillwater Police Department is now accepting applications for Reserve Police Ofϐicers. This is an excellent opportunity to serve the community, gain valuable law enforcement experience, and support our full-time ofϐicers. We offer comprehensive training, ϐlexible scheduling and community involvement. To apply, applicant must be: 18 years old or older High School Diploma (or equivalent) Valid Driver’s License No Felony Convictions Ability to pass a background check, physical ϐitness test and drug screening To learn more or ϐind out about the application process contact: Ofϐicer Johnson at 651-351-4905 or Ofϐicer Comiskey at 651-351-4913. Serve with Pride. Serve with Honor. Be part of something great. Join today. June 8 - October 26 Each Saturday at Veterans Memorial Parking Lot June 12 - September 18 Every Other Wednesday in Downtown Stillwater June 29 runstillwater.com/lift- bridge-road-race/ July 9 - August 13 summertuesdays.com/ July 27 scvopera.org/ootr July 27 runstillwater.com/st-croix- crossing/ August 3 relayforlife.org/ stillwatermn August 11 bridgethevalley.org/ August 16-18 Broadway on the St. Croix frostedglasscreative.com September 21 runstillwater.com/stillwater -log-run/ Valley Concert Winds Free Outdoor Concerts July 11 at 6:30 pm at Washington Square Park August 15 at 6:30 pm at Heritage Square Park Watch the City’s website event calendar for future events