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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2002 Spring NewsletterPage 1 Upcoming Events and Activities Ap r i l 2 0 0 2 Ma y 2 0 0 2 4 2nd Tue - City Council Meeting 7:30 pm 4 4th Thurs - Recycling Day 4 8th Mon - Ag Task Force Mtg with Council and Planning Commission 6:30 pm 4 9th Tue - Planning Commission 7:00 pm 4 10th Wed - Board of Review Meeting 7:00 pm 4 11th Open House for former Mayor John Ferris 4 16th Tue - City Council Meeting 7:30 pm 4 17th Wed - Park Commission Meeting 7:00 pm 4 18th Thurs - Recycling Day 4 27th Sat - Clean-Up Day 8:00 am - 2:00 pm 4 2nd Thurs - Recycling Day 4 7th Tue - City Council Meeting 7:30 pm 4 14th Tue - Planning Commission 7:00 pm 4 15th Wed - Park Commission Meeting 7:00 pm 4 16th Thurs - Recycling Day 4 21th Tue - City Council Meeting 7:30 pm 4 27th Mon - Memorial Day - City Offices Closed 4 31st Fri - Recycling Day 4 4th Tue - City Council Meeting 7:30 pm 4 11th Tue - Planning Commission 7:00 pm 4 13th Thurs - Cabin Social - 6:30 pm - Dusk 4 13th Thurs - Recycling Day 4 18th Tue - City Council Meeting 7:30 pm 4 19th Wed - Park Commission Meeting 7:00 pm 4 27th Thur - Recycling Day Ju n e 2 0 0 2 Mayor John Ferris Resigns Phil Zietlow Appointed Mayor At the February 5th City Council meeting, John Ferris resigned as Mayor of Medina. John had been on a leave of absence for medical reasons since November and felt that he would not be able to devote the time required to fulfill his position as mayor and that he would like to spend more time with his family. There will be an open house for John on April 11th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at City Hall. At 6:00 p.m. during the open house, there will be a short program thanking John for the 12 years he dedicated to the City as Mayor, Council Member, and Planning Commissioner. At the same meeting, Phil Zietlow was appointed Mayor and will serve through the end of 2002. A special election will be held in November for the remaining two years of the Mayor’s term. Phil Zietlow’s appointment as Mayor left his Counc il seat open. Tom Supel was appointed, by the Council, to fill the remaining portion of Phil’s Zietlow’s term. Tom is a Planning Commissioner and a 25 year resident of the City of Medina. He will remain on the Planning Commission until April. This vacancy will be filled by the Council at their second meeting in April. Persons interested in being appointed to the Planning Comm ission, are invited to send a letter of interest to the Council by April 11th. To qualify, you must have been a resident since April 1999. For more information on upcoming City elections please see the election article on page # 5 A Publication of the City of Medina Spring 2002 Clean-Up Day Saturday, April 27 The City is planning its annual City-Wide Clean-Up Day for Saturday, April 27. This event will begin at 8:00 am and last until 2:00 pm Residents will soon be receiving more detailed information in the mail. If you would like to help, please call Sandie Larson at 763-473-4643. Cabin Social Set For June 13, 2002 Come out and spend a fun evening with your Medina neighbors at the 2002 Cabin Social. The Cabin Social will be on Thursday, June 13th at City Hall from 6:30 p.m. to dusk. This event will feature a return performance by the Brooklyn Community Band. The evening will conclude with fireworks. Ice cream, popcorn, and bottled water will be provided, but feel free to bring a picnic basket for you and your family. There will be picnic tables and space on the lawn for a picnic. The West Hennepin Pioneers Museum will feature displays about the history of Medina. The name “Cabin Social” honors the Wolsfeld cabin located at City Hall. In case of rain, the Cabin Social will be held in the Public Works building. For more inf ormation, call Jim Dillman, Public Works Director, at 763-473-4643. b All meetings at City Hall unless otherwise noted b Meeting agendas on web site when available Page 2 Hey Kids, Bike Season Is Coming! Believe it or not, this crazy winter will eventually give way to spring, and that means bicycle season. Unfortunately, it also means bike accident season. This time of year is notorious for children getting injured, or worse, as a result of these accidents. According to the National Safety Council, each year 350,000 children in this country are injured in bike -related accidents seriously enough to require a hospital visit, and 250 are fatal. Many factors contribute to bicycle mishaps, but two of the most common are bicycles that are in an unsafe condition and a failure of the riders to observe common safety rules. These following tips from the National SAFE KIDS Campaign can help: c Always wear a properly fitted helme t. A helmet can reduce your risk of head and brain injury in an accident by over 85%. c Bicycles are vehicles. Learn and obey the rules of the road. c Don’t assume motorists can see you, especially at night. c Avoid wearing headphones while riding your bike; they can impair your ability to hear traffic. c Keep your bike properly maintained. Have it checked by a competent mechanic at least once a year. This year, let’s band together to keep bike accidents to a minimum by attending the annual Medin a Bike Rodeo. This fun-filled event will be held April 20, 2002, in the parking lot of Holy Name School, 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Check-in no later than noon. We will have bike inspection areas, safety demonstrations, and a number of bike safety related activities to participate in. In addition, we will have food and drinks available, as well as prize giveaways. So what do ya say? Dust off those bikes, grab those helmets, and let’s plan on a fun day of biking. Please fill out the attached registration slip, and return it to the Medina Police Department by April 5 so we can get an approximate count of attendees. See you the re! Child’s Name: _______________________________________ Age: __________ Phone #: ___________________________ Name of School: ____________________________________ Mail to: Medina Police Department Attn: Kevin Randolph 2052 County Rd. 24 Medina, MN 553 40 Or Fax to: 763-473-6939 Burning Permits Many have asked if burning is permitted in the City of Medina. Burning is allowed. However, according to City Code, property owners must first obtain a burning permit. Although this will not protect you from responsibility if the fir e gets out of control, it will help you follow the City’s burning regulations and give you guidance in conducting a safe burn. One very important thing to remember is a burning site cannot be located within 600’ of an occupied building, not including the property owner’s. Recreational fires are also permitted. However, a permit is still required. A recreational burn permit is issued for a fire that is no larger than 3’ x 3’ x 3’ and is issued for the entire calendar year. Applications for burning permits can be obtained at the police department or on the City’s Web site. If you have any questions, please contact the police department or visit the City Web site at www.ci.medina.mn.us . Dogs at Large The City of Medina has an ordinance governing dogs. Dogs are not allowed to run at large and are considered “at large” when off the property of the owner and not under restraint. Dogs must be on a leash or under the immediate voice control of the person they are with. With spring almost here, dogs naturally want to be out. Please respect your neighbor’s property by being a responsible pet owner. This will not only set a good example for others in your neighborhood, but for young people , as well. For further information, or if you have any questions, please refer to City Code Sec. 345 on the City’s web site, or contact the police department at 763-473-9209. Page 3 Page 3 2002 ROAD PROJECT UPDATES Below is a summary of road projects planned in Medina in 2002. City Projects P Chippewa Road - The City plans to complete the base work and pave Chippewa Road from Willow Dive to Mohawk Drive. P Brockton Lane - The City plans to add a second lift of asphalt to Brockton Lane from Hamel Road to Medina Road. P TH 55 & Willow Drive Intersectio n Improvements - see update at right County Projects P Prairie Drive - This project involves constructing the remainder of Prairie Drive through the Hennepin County Public Works facility property. This road will eventually become part of a southern backage road for businesses along TH 55. P CR 101 - CR 101 from TH 55 to Hackamore Road/CR 47 will be realigned and reconstructed. This project is scheduled to start this summer/fall and completed in 2003. P Pinto Drive - A small segment of Pinto will be overlaid from TH 55 to CR 115. P CR 29 - A small segment of CR 29 north of State Highway 12 will also receive an overlay this summer. County/State Projects P TH 55 - MnDOT and the County will be reconstructing a section of TH 55 from CR 116 to Arrowhead Drive. This project will consist four lanes and a backage road from Arrowhead east north of TH 55. For many years, the City has had a drop-off site for brush and tree waste. This site has been open at all hours for Medina residents only but was not formally monitored. During the past year, there was an increase in use of the brush pile by non- residents. The City had difficulty disposing of this additional material. Therefore, the City Council considered two options: 1) closing the site permanently or 2) having the site open for limited amounts of time while monitoring it. The Council decided that the disposal site is a benefit to Medina residents and did not want to shut it down. Therefore, the Council established some new rules and guidelines which are outlined below: 1.If you have brush to dispose of and have a location to burn it, contact the Medina Police Department for a burn permit. If you are not eligible for a burn permit and have no other way to dispose of your brush, you can bring it to the City site, located next to the Medina Public Works garage at City Hall. 2.Site Hours - the brush pile will be open on Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. The compost pile will be open during the same hours. 3.Any tree waste from maples, ash, or oak that may be suitable for firewood will be separated into a separate pile. This firewood will be available to residents. 4.Absolutely no hay, straw, or any grass or vine waste is to be put in the brush pile. 5.Residents who use contractors for tree removal, may bring tree waste to the site during the regular scheduled hours, but only if the City is notified by the resident in advance. 6.Annually, the pile will be chipped and wood chips will be available. 7.When open the site will be monitored and identification w ill be required. 8.And most importantly, the Council would like residents who use this service to consider volunteering their time monitoring the site. If you can volunteer, please call Sandie at the City office: 763-473 -4643 Brush Pile Reopens on a Limited Basis TH 55 & Willow Drive Intersection Improvements The TH 55 and Willow Intersection Improvement is moving along. There have been some delays, but the project is on schedule. The City is currently in the process of collecting necessary access closures along TH 55 to qualify for $500,000 grant from MnDOT. The remainder of this $1,500,000 project is coming from special assessments levied on properties around the signal and from Tax Increment Financing Dollars from districts that existed in this area. Construction is projected to begin in June or July. Page 4 Page 4 PERMIT ACTIVITY Permit Update: 2001: In 2001, 133 building permits were issued with a total value of $17,591.500. 21 were for new residential dwellings and 1 was for a new commercial building. 2002: This year has started with the issuance of 27 permits in January and February with a value of $5,955,300. Nine of these permits were for new residential dwellings. PLANNING ACTIVITY Web Site - www.ci.medina.mn.us More and more planning information is available on the City’s Web Site, including the City’s ordinances, City Council and Planning Commission minutes and agendas, and the City’s Comprehensive Plan. If there is additional information that you would like to see on the City’s web site, please let us know, and we will try to accommodate you. Planning Items in Progress The City currently has several land use applications under review. One of the more significant items is a senior cooperative project at the NE corner of the intersection of Highway 55 and County Road 101 North. This project includes 107 units and is being proposed by the Gramercy Corporation. Their application will be discussed at the April 9, 2002 Planning Commission meeting. Building Inspections Update on construction activity: Wild Meadows: This project is off to a big start with LeGran Homes star ting 6 homes and Lundgren Brothers 2 homes. Medina Highlands: This townhome development by Charles Cudd has started with 6 homes so far this year. Both areas have model homes and participated in the Parade of Homes Spring Preview. Permit Reminder If you are planning any building projects, permits are required for, but not limited to: all basement and/or room finishes; firepla ces; furnace and/or air conditioners, new and replacements; decks that are over 30” above the ground and/or decks that are attac hed to a building structure; building additions and/or alterations; residing; re-roofing; lawn irrigation systems; and storage sheds that are over 120 square feet. Storage sheds not on a permanent foundation and under 120 square feet are exempt from building permits and may be as close as 5’ from the property line. Building contractors and roofing contractors are required to be licensed by the Department of Commerce. If you have any questions regarding the state building code or have questions concerning a permit for a project, please call Metro West Inspection Services at 763-479-1720. Agriculture Task Force An 8-member Agricultural Task Force has met twice monthly since early Janu- ary to review current agricultural land uses (structures and practices) in Me- dina, project future trends, and recommend possible ordinance changes. Me m- bers include two City Council members, two Planning Commissioners, and four at large members. The task force has received valua ble input from several public agency resources, including USDA Soil Conservation Service/Natural Resources Conservation Service, University of Minnesota Extension Service, Hennepin County Conservation District, Three Rivers Parks (formerly Henne- pin Parks), and representatives of the City of Independence. The task force began its work by surveying current agricultural us es in Medina, finding several interesting things. First, like nationwide and statewide situa- tions, there are fewer and fewer working or family farms in Medina. With some exceptions, most cropland in Medina is farmed by contract farmers under lease with land owners. Only a few still farm their own land. Secondly, there are only about ten dairy or small beef feedlots remaining in Medina. Staff esti- mates that there are fewer than 200 head of cattle, sheep, and hogs on farms in the City. There are many more horses in 5-6 commercial boarding and riding stables and on private horse farms - perhaps 450-500 head, based upon "windshield" surveys by City staff and the Hennepin Conservation District. There also is one small buffalo herd. No poultry farms were identified in Me- dina. Issues that the task force has considered include compatibility of residential and agricultural land uses; preservation of agricultural and other open land; water quality and protection of significant natural features, including the City's abun- dant wetlands; buildings and other structures; manure management of livestock operations, including horse farms; possible livestock density standards; and re- striction of phosphorous sources, including fertilizer, animal waste, and runoff from feedlots and pastures. The task force plans to report its findings, conclusions, and recommenda- tions to a joint meeting of the City Council and Planning Commission at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 8, at City Hall. Interested members of the public are welcome to attend. Page 5 Page 5 Election Judges Medina will soon be conducting state and local elections and will be looking for residents to serve as electio n judges. If you are interested, please read on... What does it take to be an election judge? Well you must: ·Be eligible to vote ·Be able to read, write, and speak English ·Not be the spouse, parent, child or sibling of another election judge (at the same polling place) ·Not be a candidate in the election ·Attend required training ·Declare your party affiliation (state law requires this to ensure that no more than half of the election judges at a polling place are from any one party) State law allows election judges time off from work without lost wages (i.e., regular workday pay!) if you give 20 days prior notice to your employer. You also receive full pay for time off to take training classes. If you are not employed, the City will pay you $7.00 an hour for both training and service. What does an election judge do? ·Open and close the polls. ·Set up voting equipment. ·Register and sign in voters. ·Distribute and collect ballots. ·Record and certify vote tota ls. Being an election judge is an excellent opportunity to serve your community; it’s fun; and it’s a great way to meet your neighbors and be part of the election process. If you are interested, please call Sandie Larson at the Medina City Hall at 763-473-4643. SMOKE & CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS Remember...Don’t Be Home Without One!! Check your batteries ! A good time to replace your batteries is when daylight savings time begins and ends Recycling Bin 2002 Election Update This year there will be a primary election on September 10, 2002 and general election on November 5, 2002. Medina residents vote at the Medina City Hall at 2052 CR 24 for both primary and general elections. Primary Election The primary election provides each party with an opportunity to select candidates to run in the general election. Therefore, tho se voting can only vote for members of one party and are not allowed to cross over to another party on the same ballot. In the primary election the following offices could be on the ballot: b U.S. Senator and U.S. Representative b Governor and Lieutenant Governor b Secretary of State, State Auditor, and Attorney General b State Senator and State Representative b State Judicial Officers Ge neral Election The general election includes the offices listed above, as well as offices for the City, schools, and any schoo l board referendums (at this time we are not aware of any school districts that have voted to include a referendum). Medina City Elections This year the City of Medina will hold elections for two City Council seats, each with a four year term, and a special election to fill the remaining two years of the Mayors’ term. Residents interested in running for a City office can file, starting on August 27, 2002 at City Hall. Affidavits of candidacy must be filed by 5:00 p.m. on September 10, 2002 in order to be included on the general election ballot. School Board Elections This year Medina residents living in the Delano School D istrict also will vote for school board members. For both the primary and general elections the polling place will open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m. Page 6 Board Of Review Meeting April 10, 2002 at 6:30 p.m. City Hall The Medina City Council will address objections to the property class and/or the market value as of January 2, 2001. The Board does not determine taxes and may not entertain such objections. By State law, the Board’s powers are limited to correcting the property class and/or the market value for this year only. The property owner is responsible for presenting evidence to the Board as to why the property class and/or the market value determine d by the assessor is not fair and equitable. The Board has the authority to decrease, sustain, or increase the market value of property. Subsequent appeal procedures include the County Board of Equalization and the Minnesota Tax Court. Refer to the reve rse side of your valuation notice for additional information regarding these appeal methods. If you have any questions regardin g the Board of Review process, please call Rolf Erickson, City Assessor, at 952-473-1844. RAILROAD CROSSING LIGHTS AND ARM TO BE INSTALLED This spring, railroad crossing warning lights and stop arms will be installed at the railroad crossing on Pioneer Trail. The warning lights and stop arms will stop road users when trains are approaching. Increased car and truck traffic warrant extra safety precautions. Medina’s Website www.ci.medina.mn.us Medina’s website is constantly being updated and modified. We recently added the City’s Comprehensive Plan and work to keep this site up to date on current events. If there are items or information you would like to see on the City’s web site, please contact City Hall. Medina City Council Minutes—e-mailed If you are interested in receiving Medina City Council minutes please e-mail paul@ci.medin a.mn.us and he will add you to an ever growing list of Council meeting minute recipients. In addition to the minutes from the prior meeting, an agenda for the upcoming Council meeting is e-mailed at the same time. City Council Designates South Crow River News as Legal Paper At the February 5, 2002 City Council Meeting the City Council designated the Crow River News as the City’s Legal paper. The Council felt they provided better coverage of City issues and would therefore be more likely to be read and more useful as the City’s legal paper. The Crow River is a weekly subscription paper that costs $24 annually. However, if you order by April 1, 2002 your can receive a two year subscription for $30. If you are interested, please call 763- 425-3323. Additionally, residents can visit the Crow River News web site for information on Medina at www. pressnews.com. Underpass at Baker Park This summer, Three Rivers Parks (formerly Hennepin Parks) plans to build an underpass under CR 19 south of CR 24, linking the west and east portions of Baker Park south of CR 24. Recreation Programs The City of Medina does not provide formal recreation programs. This is done by the Hamel Athletic Association and local School Districts. If you are interested in finding out what programs are provided by the Hamel Athletic Club please call Jim Johnson at 763-478-2744. For other programs, please contact your local school district. Medina Morningside Park to Receive New Equipment Volunteers Needed!! The Park Commission and the City Council have approved the purchase of new play equipment for Medina Morningside Park. Volunteers will be needed for help with installation of this equipment. Installation is scheduled for May 4, 2002. If you are willing to help Please call Jim Dillman at 763-473-4643 Page 7 Salvation Army Collection Saturday May 4 9 am - 1 pm only Orono Intermediate School parking lot Information: call 952-476-0012 2002 West Hennepin Cities Collection for Unwanted Garden & Household Hazardous Wastes May 2 - 4, 2002 9 am to 4 pm, Thursday through Saturday Independence City Hall parking lot, 1920 CR 90, Independence Information: 612-348-6509 or 612-348-6500 MATERIALS ACCEPTED FROM HOUSEHOLDS ONLY Items not Accepted b appliances (refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, washers, dryers, water heaters, water conditioner tanks, etc) b asbestos b compressed gas cylinders & tanks b explosives b medical or infectious wastes b motor oil & oil filters* b radioactive wastes (e.g. smoke detectors) Items Accepted b adhesives b aerosols (pressurized or containing product) b auto wastes (fuel additives, starter fluid, waxes, etc) b auto tires - small fee b household batteries (AA, C, D, rechargeable, etc.) b cleaning solvents b consumer electronics (Tvs, radios, VCRs, etc) b drain cleaners b fluorescent and HID lamps b rechargeable appliances b paints & lead-based paint chips b paint thinners & solvents b pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, etc.) b photographic & hobby chemicals b vehicle lead-acid batteries (cars, boats, etc.) b wood preservatives RECYCLING REMINDERS Medina recycling pick-up occurs every other Thursday. Please have your recyclables out by 7:00 am so that they can be collected. If you missed a pickup, call EZ Recycling at 651-644-6577 or Ameilia Kroger, our Recycling Coordinator, at 952-476-0012 to make alternate arrangements. 2002 Calendars were sent out in December 2001. If you did not receive one please call City Hall. Extra recycling bins and wheel kits are available at City Hall for purchase Recycling bins are $3.00 and wheel kits are $5.00. Remember that the City bills residents annually for recycling services. If you have questions regarding billing please direct them to the City and not EZ Recycling. You can call Laura Sulander, Deputy Clerk, with your questions at 763-473 -4643. Hennepin County Offers a Great Deal on Compost Bins Get your very own compost bin at a great price! The bin features include 13 cubic feet capacity, a sturdy, easy to open lid, harvesting door, and the bin is made from recycled plastic. The cost of the bin is only $20, with the retail price more than $70! Bins must be pre-ordered. Limit 1 bin per household. Backyard composting is an easy way to turn the waste from your yard and kitchen into a rich material that you can use to improve your soil. Using finished compost on your lawn and garden will provide an or- ganic fertilizer, suppress weeds, and hold moisture in the soil. To guarantee a bin today, pre-order online! We will reserve a bin for you and send you a confirmation card approximately 10 days prior to the event. Come to your chosen location, with cash or check for $20. Bins must be picked up the day of the event, sorry no exceptions. For more informa- tion and to register online, visit: www.co.hennepin.mn.us/environmental or call 612-348-9266. The two pick up location are lis ted below: or This program is sponsored by Hennepin County and the Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board. Height 29’ x Width 30’ Maple Grove Government Center 12800 Arbor Lakes Pkwy Sat. April 27 9 am - 2 pm Orders due by April 10 Eden Prairie Education Ctr. (enter on Tech Dr.) 8040 Mitchell Rd Sat. May 18 9 am - 2 pm Orders due by May 1 Page 8 c Printed on 50% recycled paper c Printed on 20% post-consumer recycled fiber content paper City Hall Office Hours Mon-Fri 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Telephone Numbers City Hall ..............763-473-4643 Fax ......................763-473-9359 Police e mergency .....................911 non-emergency .... 763-473-9209 Official Newspaper Crow River News 33 2nd Street NE , Box 280 Osseo, MN 55369 Telephone Number: 763 -425-3323 Mayor Phil Zietlow ...........763-473-5263 City Council Jim Lane ................763-473-3302 Carolyn Smith ........763-475-1003 Tom Supel .............763-475-3264 Bruce Workman ...763-478-8806 City Council Meetings First & t hird Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Planning Commission Elizabeth Weir, Chair Gerald Brost Randy Brinkman Ron Johnson Sharon Johnson Leonard Leuer Dick Picard Tom Supel Mary A. Verbick Planning Commission Meetings Second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Park Commission Galen Bruer, Chair Gerald Dykoff Ray Essendrup Tom Gregor Randy Hughes Brad Kvanbek Theresa Richey Park Commission Meetings Third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. 2052 County Road 24, Medina MN 55340 2052 County Road 24, Medina MN 55340 www.ci.medina.mn.us In this issue...… àMayor John Ferris Resigns àOpen House for John Ferris April 11 àCabin Social - June 13th àBrush Pile Reopens à2002 Road Project Update àClean Up Day - April 27 àCounty Compost Bins àAgriculture Task Force Update àBuilding Activity Update à2002 Election Update àElection Judges Needed àCouncil Minutes - E-Mailed àAnd more …….