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Home My Public Portal AboutAug Sept 2011 Inside this issue: Ordinance Amended Regarding Dog Ownership Limits ............................................ Pg. 1 City Council Hires New City Administrator Pg. 1 Cable Service Contract Renewal .................... Pg. 1 Projects Under Review .................................... Pg. 2 Crime Opportunity Alert Program ................ Pg. 2 New Hunting Ordinance Regulations ........... Pg. 2 Business Profile: Fusion Fitness ................... Pg. 3 Medicine Collection Events ........................... Pg. 3 Medina Celebration Day ................................. Insert City Calendar August 2nd Tues—Night to Unite (various neighborhoods) 3rd Wed—City Council 7:00 pm 9th Tues—Planning Commission 7:00 pm 16th Tues—City Council Work Session 6:00 pm 16th Tues—City Council 7:00 pm 17th Wed—Park Commission 7:00 pm September 5th Mon—City Offices Closed (Holiday) 6th Tues—Budget Open House 6:00 pm 6th Tues—City Council 7:00 pm 13th Tues—Planning Commission 7:00 pm 17th Sat—City Council Office Hours 9:00 am 20th Tues—City Council Work Session 6:00 pm 20th Tues—City Council 7:00 pm 21st Wed—Park Commission 7:00 pm All meetings at City Hall unless otherwise noted. Meeting agendas on web site when available. City Council Office Hours City Council Saturday Office Hours will reconvene in September and continue on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at City Hall. The office hours are an informal setting and serve as an opportunity for residents to bring your thoughts to elected officials for a better Medina. 2012 Budget Open House September 6th at 6:00 p.m. The City of Medina will be hosting a budget open house on Tues- day, September 6th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Medina City Hall. A brief presentation on the proposed 2012 budget and tax levy will be provided at 6:00 p.m., followed by a question and answer session be- tween Medina residents and City officials. Display boards will also be available for resident review and posted in the Council Chambers for public review following the meeting. The City Council will also be considering a resolution to approve the preliminary tax levy during the regular Council meeting that begins at 7:00 p.m. The City is required to certify the preliminary tax levy to Hennepin County by September 15th. DON’T MISS THE MEDINA CELEBRATION DAY FLIER INSIDE THIS ISSUE CITY OFFICE INFO 2052 County Road 24 Medina, MN 55340-9790 p: 763-473-4643 f: 763-473-9359 e: city@ci.medina.mn.us PUBLIC SAFETY p: 763-473-9209 f: 763-473-8858 City Hall Office Hours Mon-Fri 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Mayor Tom Crosby 612-332-9111 City Council Elizabeth Weir 763-473-3226 Jeff Pederson 612-916-6448 Melissa Martinson 763-473-8082 Mike Siitari 763-473-2563 City Council Meetings First & third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Planning Commission Meetings Second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Park Commission Meetings Third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Newsletter Editor Interim City Administrator Doug Reeder Other Contributors Jodi Gallup Aug / Sept 2011 Cable Service Contract Renewal The Lake Minnetonka Communication Commission (LMCC) is starting negotia- tions with our cable television service pro- vider Mediacom, regarding franchise re- newal terms for our area. They would like to hear from area residents regarding Me- diacom's current service and possible fu- ture service suggestions. Comments are being accepted by phone, email and/or mail. Phone: 952-279-2404 Email: franchise@lmcc_tv.org Mail: Franchise Renewal LMCC P.O. Box 385 Spring Park, MN 55384-0385 Ordinance Amended Regarding Dog Ownership Limits The Medina City Council recently amended the city ordinance regulating the num- ber of dogs residents are entitled to own. Prior to the amendment, residents were lim- ited to having two dogs per household without obtaining a Private Kennel License. The new regulations entitle owners on smaller properties (eight acres or less) to have as many as three dogs. Owners of properties larger than eight acres are entitled to as many as four dogs. Residents may still apply for a Private Kennel License if they wish to own more than the maximum number of dogs. However, residents on smaller properties would be limited to no more than four dogs per household. Residents on larger properties who wish to acquire a Private Kennel License may apply for up to five dogs, and could apply for more subject to review by the City Council. The council will evaluate requests to own more than five dogs on larger properties based on a number of factors including the number of dogs, the size of the parcel, and potential negative impacts on neighbors. These amended dog ownership limits are less restrictive than the neighboring com- munities of Orono, Plymouth, Delano, Maple Plain, Rockford and Wayzata, all of which limit residents to two dogs before requiring a Private Kennel License. The cities of Corcoran and Independence allow as many as three dogs before requiring a Private Kennel License. City Council Hires New City Administrator On July 21st, the City Council signed an employment agreement with Scott T. Johnson to serve as the new City Administrator for the City of Medi- na. Mr. Johnson has served as the City Administrator for the City of Big Lake, MN for the past five years. Mr. Johnson will begin his employ- ment with Medina on Monday, August 29th. The City received 75 applications for the position. Fourteen candidates were presented by the executive search firm and five finalist were invited to interview with the City Council before making their final decision. Planning & Police Page 2 Aug / Sept 2011 New Hunting Ordinance Regulations The City of Medina is looking at amending Chapter 320 of the Medi- na City Code in reference to firearms, deadly weapons and fireworks. This ordinance covers the discharge of firearms during the hunting season and regulates hunting in Medina. The City Council’s objective is to main- tain hunting as part of the City’s rural character, while balancing the rights of the citizens in reference to the disturbances caused by hunting. Earlier this year, the Medina City Council put a hunting task force together to look at our current ordinance and come back with recommendations of ways to improve the controls in the ordinance now and into the future. In June of this year, the task force came back with recommendations suggesting that the ordinance be amended giving the City Council the au- thority to designate “Sensitive Hunting Areas” (SHAs) in the City. These SHAs would have special administrative rules that the hunters would need to follow or they would lose their privilege to hunt in those areas. The administrative rules that are being proposed are related to tres- passing, pellets falling on other’s properties, number of hunters that can be on a parcel and placing limits on times firearms can be discharged. Other language was clarified in the ordinance along with updating the def- initions. This ordinance is scheduled for review at the Wednesday, August 3rd council meeting. The City of Medina follows all state and local hunting regulations. If you have any questions in reference to hunting or discharging of firearms within the City of Medina, please contact the Medina Police Department at 763-473-9209. For information regarding hunting season dates, please refer to the DNR’s website at www.dnr.state.mn.us. Medina Police Crime Opportunity Alert Program Soon you may see a yellow card on your front door describing a condition that the po- lice have found while on patrol. The officers are continuously looking for situations where a crime would be easily committed. When they locate situations that invite criminal activity like an open garage door, or an unlocked home, business or vehicle, they will place a door hang- er notice alerting the owner of the specific situ- ation. The Police Department wants to remind everyone that they should be locking their doors and keeping valuables out of sight in their homes and vehicles. The police frequent- ly respond to theft calls where items were left in plain sight in unlocked vehicles or buildings. The door hangers are just a reminder to be careful, secure your property and don’t give the thieves the opportunity to make you a crime victim. If you have any questions, please call the Medina Police Depart- ment at 763-473-9209. Projects Under Review The following land use and development pro- jects, and the following updates to the zoning regulations, are currently under review by the City. For more information, or for an update on the review schedule, please contact the Planning Department at (763) 473-4643. 65-Lot Single-Family Subdivision – North of Highway 55; west of County Road 116 Pemtom Land Company has requested approval of a subdivision of the northern 32 acres of prop- erty at 1182 Highway 55 and to the east. The Planning Commission held a Public Hearing and recommended approval. The City Council is scheduled to review the request in August. Conservation Design Subdivision – 2700 and 2900 Parkview Drive The property owner has requested a PUD Con- cept Plan Review for a Conservation Design sub- division proposing 10 lots on 110-acres. The proposal includes permanent conservation ease- ments over a portion of the property and is re- questing a density bonus to allow for additional lots. The Planning Commission held a Public Hearing and did not recommend approval of the concept plan as proposed. The City Council may review the request in September. Stormwater Management Regulations The City will review regulations to protect and improve water quality. The ordinance will in- clude triggers for projects which will require stormwater improvements to be constructed. The Planning Commission held a Public Hearing and recommended approval and the City Council is scheduled to review the ordinance in Septem- ber. Off-Street Parking Regulations The City will review off-street parking standards, including required number of spaces and design specifications. The Planning Commission will review these regulations at an upcoming Public Hearing. Accessory Dwelling Unit (“In-law” apartments) Under current regulations, most zoning districts do not permit accessory dwelling units (which include cooking facilities and can be a separate living unit from the principal home on the prop- erty). The Planning Commission will review the- se regulations at an upcoming Public Hearing. Aug / Sept 2011 Page 3 Community and Environment City Business Profile: Fusion Fitness Fusion Fitness started in Medina in 2010. It's founder and owner is Linda Mertens. Linda has been involved in fitness training for over 20 years. She has multiple training certifications and degrees. Linda believes that knowledge is power and she wants to educate clients so that they can live a long and healthy life. Fusion Fitness offers a variety of classes such as kettlebells, cardio fusion, yoga and Zumba ® Fitness. Kettlebells are tra- ditional cast iron weights shaped like a kettle with a handle. Kettlebell training is a highly effective fat loss workout! Workouts develop strength and power quickly. They provide excellent cross training for runners, triathletes, bikers, and any other sport. Cardio fusion is a calorie-burning boot camp style class that utilizes ropes, dumbbells, kettlebells, medicine balls, bands, body- weight exercises, kickboxing moves, partner exercises...you name it, anything goes. Yoga stretches and strengthens all major muscle groups including the legs, back, shoulders and abdominals with emphasis given to basic alignment of the poses. Final- ly, Zumba ® Fitness class combines easy Latin dance steps with international rhythms and safe fitness principles. Zumba ® is a fun, feel-good workout which burns lots of calories while working the whole body. It is adaptable and appropriate for people of all fitness levels and abilities; no dance experience required. Fusion Fitness helps its clients perform hundreds of exercises that build power, strength, flexibility, balance, and mobility, all at the intensity the person chooses. Individual training is also available. By offering highly experienced trainers, passion, personal service and the convenience of a studio environment, Fusion Fitness helps people achieve their fitness goals. For more information, visit their website at www.fusionfitnessmn.com or call Linda Mertens at 763-228-5786. Fusion Fitness is located at 830 Tower Drive, Suite 150, in Medina. Hennepin County to Host Medicine Collection Events Hennepin County is providing residents the opportunity to properly and safely dispose of their unwanted, unused and expired medicines at upcoming medicine collection events. Medicine from households that will be accepted include prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements, and pet medications. All forms of medicine will be ac- cepted, including ampoules, blister packs, capsules, creams, cylinders, gels, inhalers, IV bags, liquids, patches, pills, powders, sprays, vials, etc. Medicines are accepted free of charge. Leftover medicines pose serious safety and health threats and also raise environmental concerns. Prescription drug abuse is the fastest-growing drug problem in the U.S., and among kids, 7 of the top 10 abused substances are pharmaceuticals. Medicines flushed down the drain can contaminate bodies of water, harm wildlife and end up in drinking water sup- plies. The events will be held: Saturday, September 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in St. Louis Park Parking lot in S.W. quadrant of Hwy. 7 and Louisiana Ave. (7250 MN State Highway 7, St. Louis Park) Saturday, October 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Orono Hennepin County Public Works – Orono Facility 3880 Shoreline Drive, Orono Event guidelines Keep medications in the original packaging so they can be identified. If the medicine has been removed from the original container, put it in a clear plastic bag and write the name and dosage of the medicine on the bag if you know it. Medications from businesses, including health care facilities, long-term care facilities, pharmacies, pharmaceutical representatives, doctors’ offices and veterinary clinics will not be accepted. For more information, including event guidelines, details about materials accepted and frequently asked questions, visit www.hennepin.us/medicine or call Hennepin County Environ- mental Services at 612-348-3777. Heavy Rains Stress Stormwater Infrastructure Recently the heavy rains have stressed our stormwater infrastructure to its limit. Your immediate area may be experi- encing some failures due to the excessive rain. Please feel free to contact Public Works Superintendent Steve Scherer at 763-473-4643 if you are aware of any con- cerns in your neighborhood. Environmental Fact Sheets on Website The Medina Park Commis- sion recently started writing environmental fact sheets that are now available to residents via the City’s website at http:// www.ci.medina.mn.us/parks-n- trails/parks.htm. Articles on dead trees and wetland buffers can be found on the right col- umn of the parks’ page. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: 4:00‐7:30 p.m. – business expo, farmers market, food vendors, and bingo. 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. – family fun activities to include face painting, hair braiding, rides on the antique fire truck, “Smokey” the bear, K‐9 demonstration, inflatable bounce toy, petting zoo, pumpkin painting, games, bonfire and s’mores, etc. 7:30 p.m. – prize drawings for adults and kids. 8:00 p.m. – the GRAND FINALE of the evening will be a FIREWORKS display, thanks to fund‐raising efforts and a large donation from the Hamel Lions. Business Opportunities at Medina Celebration Day Medina businesses and local farmers are encouraged to participate in the Business Expo/Farmer’s Market at this years’ Medina Celebration Day on Saturday, September 24th from 4-7:30 p.m. Businesses may want to highlight their business and what it offers to the community; as well as offer games for the kids, coupons, drawings, or other give-a-ways. Participating Medina businesses will be asked to set up their own booth. Businesses that would like to set up a booth need to preregister by September 16th. A registration form can be found on the City of Medina’s website at www.ci.medina.mn.us or contact Linda Lane at 763-473-4643 or email Linda.lane@ci.medina.mn.us. A Message from the Celebration Day Committee The committee is once again looking to businesses, as well as residents, for donations towards the celebration in order to make it a memorable event for all. Your potential tax deductible donation can be directed towards the fireworks display, a specific event, or prizes for games and/or drawings. Each donating business will be recognized at the event, as well as after the event. Donations can be made out to City of Medina and mailed to 2052 County Road 24, Medina, MN 55340; or if you prefer, one of the committee members can stop by to pick up your donation; call Linda at 763-473-4643 to schedule a donation to be picked up. Thank you in advance for any help you can give. Sincerely, Medina Celebration Day Committee