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Home My Public Portal About2017 Feb-Mar Newsletter Inside this issue: Board of Appeal and Equalization ................. Pg. 1 Recreation Programs in Medina ..................... Pg. 1 Medina Seeks Youth Members for Park Commission ...................................................... Pg. 1 Land Use Applications Under Review .......... Pg. 2 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update ................ Pg. 2 Safe Spots for Online Purchase Swaps .......... Pg. 3 2017 Budget Summary Data ........................... Pg. 4 Winter Parking Regulations ............................ Pg. 5 Mail Theft .......................................................... Pg. 5 House Checks ................................................... Pg. 5 Take Winter with a Grain of Salt ................... Pg. 5 Spring Road Weight Restrictions ................... Pg. 5 City Meeting Calendar ..................................... Back Uptown Hamel Skating/Sledding Social ....... Back City Council Email Notifications ................... Back City Meeting Calendar February 7th Tues—City Council Work Session 4 pm 7th Tues—City Council 7 pm 13th Mon—Planning Commission 7 pm 15th Wed—Park Commission 7 pm 20th Mon—City Offices Closed (Holiday) 21st Tues—City Council Work Session 6 pm 21st Tues—City Council 7 pm March 7th Tues—City Council 7 pm 14th Tues—Planning Commission 7 pm 15th Wed—Park Commission 7 pm 21st Tues—City Council Work Session 6 pm 21st Tues—City Council 7 pm All meetings at City Hall unless otherwise noted. Meeting agendas on website when available. City Council Agendas and Minutes Email Notifications Stay informed on what is happening at upcoming City Council meetings. The City emails copies of Council agendas and minutes at no cost to resi- dents. If you would like to be added to the regular email notification list, email jodi.gallup@ci.medina.mn.us to sign up. Uptown Hamel Skating/Sledding Social Saturday, February 11th, 1 - 4 p.m. Community members are invited to attend the Uptown Hamel Skat- ing/Sledding Social on Saturday, February 11th from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. at Hamel Legion Park. The festivities will be centralized around the Hamel Community Building, ice skating rink, sledding hill, and fire pit. The Uptown Hamel Business Group is sponsoring the event and will be serving hot apple cider and making s’mores. For more information visit the Uptown Hamel Business Group website at https://uptownhamel.com or call Fortin Health and Wellness Clinic at 763-478-3978. CITY HALL 2052 County Road 24 Medina, MN 55340 p: 763-473-4643 f: 763-473-9359 e: city@ci.medina.mn.us City Hall Office Hours Mon-Fri 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. PUBLIC SAFETY 600 Clydesdale Trail Medina, MN 55340 p: 763-473-9209 f: 763-473-8858 e: police@ci.medina.mn.us Police Department Office Hours Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mayor Bob Mitchell 763-473-1042 City Council Jeff Pederson 612-916-6448 John Anderson 612-618-5702 Kathleen Martin 612-344-1111 Lorie Cousineau 612-251-3244 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 Jodi Gallup Assistant City Administrator Feb / Mar 2017 Medina Seeks Youth Members for Park Commission The City of Medina has amended the Park Commission Ordinance to allow for up to two youth Park Commissioners. Youth members must be under the age of 18 and re- side in Medina for at least one year preceding appointment. Youth member terms will be for one year from the date of appointment, with the option to extend for one addi- tional year. The Park Commission is a volunteer recommending body to the City Council. Youth members will be non-voting members, but will still be able to provide valuable input on the city’s trail development, existing parks, recreational facilities, recreation pro- grams, natural resources, and environmental awareness. The Park Commission meets the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in Medina City Hall. Interested youth applicants may download an application via the City’s website at http://medinamn.us/commission-vacancies/. Questions can be directed to Jodi Gal- lup at jodi.gallup@ci.medina.mn.us or 763-473-8850. Board of Appeal and Equalization—April 5, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. This meeting is held annually for the purpose of reviewing and correcting the 2017 assessed property values or property classifications in the City of Medina. All persons considering themselves aggrieved by said assessment, or who wish to complain that the property of another is assessed too low, may appear at the meeting and show cause for having such assessment corrected. The burden of proof is on the resident to justify a decrease in property value. The City is requesting that residents complete a City application prior to attending the meeting. The application can be found on the City’s website at http://medinamn.us/boa/. Spring/Summer Recreation Programs in Medina Baseball—Registration is now open through mid-March (based on availability) for the 2017 Hamel Athletic Club Season at http:// www.hamelbaseball.org/. The Hamel Athletic Club offers youth baseball teams for Tee Ball, Coach Pitch, Rookie, Minors, Majors and Travel (13U-16U). Tennis—Agre Tennis offers tennis lessons and camps for kids and adults at Hamel Legion Park, 3200 Mill Drive. Visit their website at http:// www.agretennis.com/ to learn more. Registration will open soon. Planning Department Page 2 Feb / Mar 2017 Land Use Applications Under Review The following land projects are currently under review by the City. For more information or for an update on the review schedule, please visit http://medinamn.us/citygov/departments/planning-zoning/ or contact the Planning Department at (763) 473-4643, ext. 1. Marx Conservation Design Subdivision Concept Plan – 2700-2900 Parkview Drive – Wally and Bridget Marx have requested review of a concept plan for a proposed six-lot Conservation Design Planned Unit Development (CD-PUD) subdivision. The concept proposes to create six residential lots and to place approximately 70 acres (11.5 buildable acres) into a permanent conservation easement. The Planning Commission re- viewed at their January 10, 2017 meeting and provided comments. The City Council is scheduled to review at the Tuesday, February 7, 2017 meet- ing. Lunski Senior Community Concept Plan – North of Highway 55, East of Willow Drive (PID 03-118-23-32-0007) – Lunski, Inc. has re- quested review of a Concept Plan for development of an approximately 126 unit senior living community to include independent and assisted liv- ing units. The Planning Commission is tentatively scheduled to hold a public hearing on the request at their Monday, February 13, 2017 meeting. Three Rivers Park/We Can Ride CUP – 4301 County Road 24 – Three Rivers Park District and We Can Ride have requested a conditional use permit amendment to allow We Can Ride, a nonprofit that provides programming to individual with disabilities or special needs, to occupy the stable previously utilized by Three Rivers Park mounted patrol. The Plan- ning Commission is tentatively scheduled to hold a public hearing on the request at their Monday, February 13, 2017 meeting. 1432 County Road 29 Comp Plan Amendment and Rezoning – LJP De- velopment, LLC has request- ed a Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Rezoning for 2.12 acres of property at 1432 County Road 29. The request is in anticipation of the proposed development of a memory care facility upon the property. The City’s draft 2040 Compre- hensive Plan update includes similar changes, but is cur- rently under review. The Planning Commission is ten- tatively scheduled to hold a public hearing on the request at their Monday, February 13, 2017 meeting. City Council to Consider 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update The Medina City Council is scheduled to review the draft 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. A draft of the Plan is available for review at http://medinamn.us/2040compplan/. The Comprehensive Plan guides the future of the City, including the location and types of growth and development in the City. The Plan also advises future policy and investments in in- frastructure and services such as transportation, parks, trails, recreation and water resources. The Comprehensive Plan anticipates 950 addi- tional households over the next 20 years, 250 of which are required to be higher-density housing such as apartments and townhomes. This is a substantial reduction of approximately 40-50% from what the City has previously planned. After the City Council reviews the Plan, it is re- quired to be submitted to school districts, neigh- boring cities, watershed districts, and various state agencies for review and comment. This process will likely take the better part of a year. The City will consider these comments and an- ticipates the updated Comprehensive Plan to be in effect by the end of 2017. The above draft future land use map can be viewed at http://medinamn.us/2040compplan/. Public Safety & Public Works Feb / Mar 2017 Page 5 Winter Parking Regulations The City ordinance prohibits parking on any public street from November 1st through March 31st during the hours of 1:00 a.m. – 6:00 a.m. The police enforce this ordinance to keep the streets clear for snowplow- ing. If you have any questions in reference to the parking ordinance, please call the police department at 763-473-9209. If at all possible, the City plow crew would also ap- preciate having no vehicles parked on City streets when snowfall occurs during the daytime. Take Winter with a Grain of Salt Article courtesy of: US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) When big snow storms strike, how do you fight back? Methods like shoveling, snow plows, snow blowers, and applying sand and deicing salt keep roads clear and people safe. But did you ever think about the environmental impact of clearing snow and ice? Although rock salt is an effective way to clear roads and driveways, issues can arise when the snow is gone and the salt is left behind. As the snow melts in the spring, the salt dissolves and runs off the road into storm drains and nearby water bodies. This can harm aquatic life like fish and plants. Human health can be impacted as well if the salt reaches drinking water supplies. So when the next big winter storm strikes, strike back, but in an en- vironmentally friendly way. Here are some recommended actions to reduce salt application: 1. Use the Right Material: There are many options beyond salt and sand, like less toxic chemicals and even things like clean kitty litter. 2. Use the Right Amount: More isn’t necessarily better. Warmer roads and sidewalks need less salt, and when they are below 10º F there will not be a benefit from rock salt at all. Applying less salt is also a more economical choice. Snow clean-up costs are reduced, as are damages to cars, roads, and bridges. 3. Apply at the Right Place: Apply salt where it will do the most good, like hills, curves, shaded sections of roads and sidewalks. Use discretion when applying salt near sensitive streams or in drinking water source water protection areas. 4. Apply at the Right Time: Don’t wait until snow is falling to get started. It takes more salt to melt accumulated snow than it does to prevent accumulation. Spring Road Weight Restrictions The Medina Police want to remind everyone that spring weight restrictions on the roads will go into effect in early March. If you are planning a construction project, please ensure that you have your materials delivered prior to the weight restrictions. The reason for the restrictions is to protect our roads and keep the cost of road repair down for all taxpayers. We ask all of our resi- dents and business owners to keep an eye out for large trucks using the roads during the restriction period. If you see them using a restricted road, please call 9-1-1 and report it. Help protect your roads! For questions, you can call the Medina Police Department at 763-473-9209. Mail Theft Over the last few weeks, the Medina Police Depart- ment has responded to numerous reports of mail theft. This is a common way thieves steal people’s identi- ties. We want to remind every- one that if you are sending outgoing mail, bring it to a secure mailbox. It is very con- venient to put up the red flag on your mailbox for the out- going mail, but it is also giving a signal to the thieves that there is outgoing mail which makes it easy for the thieves to steal your mail. Keep your identity safe. Send your outgoing mail through a secure mail drop box. If you discover that you are a victim of mail theft, report it to the Medina Police Department at 763- 473-9209. For more information on identity theft go to http://www.hennepinattorney.org/ prevention/crime-prevention-tips/identity-theft- prevention. House Checks During the winter months, many of us will be trav- eling out of the area. If you are planning on being on a trip or being out of town, please call the police department and have your house added to the house check list, and we will check your house while you are out of town. If there are any problems, we will contact you. To sign up for a house check just call the Medina Po- lice Department at 763-473-9209. 2017 Budget Summary Data Page 4 Feb / Mar 2017 The purpose of this report is to provide a summary of 2017 budget information for the City of Medina residents and property owners. The complete budget may be examined at Medina City Hall, 2052 County Road 24 or on the City's website at http:// medinamn.us/regulations-fees/budget-fees/. The final General Fund Budget for 2017 was approved on December 6, 2016 in the amount of $4,309,741, an increase of $56,347 or 1.3% from the 2016 General Fund Budget. The General Fund total property tax levy for 2017 was authorized for $3,134,977, an increase of 3.0% or $91,310 from the 2016 General Fund levy. The overall 2017 property tax levy was approved for $3,808,978, an increase of 1.6% or $60,329 over the total 2016 levy. Governmental Funds 2016-2017 Adopted Budgets Enterprise Funds 2016-2017 Adopted Budgets Water Fund Sewer Fund Storm Water Fund 2016 Budget 2017 Budget 2016 Budget 2017 Budget 2016 Budget 2017 Budget 2016 Budget 2017 Budget Revenues Operating (OP) Revenues Property Tax Levy $ 3,748,649 $ 3,808,978 Charges for Services $ 838,106 $ 862,291 $ 569,831 $ 586,812 $ 200,283 $ 206,216 Other Taxes $ 80,000 $ 80,000 Total OP Revenues $ 838,106 $ 862,291 $ 569,831 $ 586,812 $ 200,283 $ 206,216 Tax Increments $ 395,877 $ 350,949 Special Assessments $ 169,333 $ 169,557 Operating Expenses Licenses & Permits $ 371,800 $ 372,800 Personnel Services $ 164,427 $ 170,654 $ 132,406 $ 140,598 $ 68,889 $ 70,821 Intergovernmental $ 220,618 $ 220,618 Supplies $ 83,863 $ 87,220 $ 6,695 $ 6,880 $ 5,150 $ 5,200 Charges for Services $ 808,750 $ 794,000 Other Services & Charges $ 169,617 $ 168,100 $ 331,948 $ 364,900 $ 57,704 $ 57,700 Fines and Forfeits $ 155,000 $ 145,000 Depreciation $ 334,750 $ 335,000 $ 100,786 $ 100,000 $ 6,180 $ 7,000 Miscellaneous $ 187,914 $ 207,658 Sale of Assets $ 300 $ 300 Total Operating Expenses $ 752,657 $ 760,974 $ 571,835 $ 612,378 $ 137,923 $ 140,721 Proceeds from Bond Sales $ - $ - Transfers from Other Funds $ 565,311 $ 571,127 Operating Income (Loss) $ 85,449 $ 101,317 $ (2,004) $ (25,566) $ 62,360 $ 65,495 Total Revenues $ 6,703,552 $ 6,720,987 Expenditures Non-Operating Revenues General Government $ 1,100,762 $ 1,111,230 Water Connection Fees $ 13,400 $ 17,000 $ - $ - $ - $ - Public Safety $ 2,278,931 $ 2,283,224 Interest Earnings $ 5,000 $ 5,000 $ 8,000 $ 5,000 $ 1,000 $ 1,000 Public Works $ 696,584 $ 723,325 Miscellaneous $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 3,000 $ 3,000 Parks & Recreation $ 224,867 $ 239,712 Non-Operating Expenses Debt Service $ 941,154 $ 941,154 Interest Expense $ (53,263) $ (700) $ - $ - $ - $ - Bond Refunding $ - $ - Transfers from Other Funds $ 361,578 $ 355,818 $ - $ - $ - $ - Capital Outlay $ 1,705,896 $ 1,750,969 Transfers to Other Funds $(116,222) $(118,401) $ (121,307) $ (123,347) $ (53,251) $ (54,849) Transfers to Other Funds $ 636,109 $ 628,662 Net Income (Loss) $ 295,942 $ 360,033 $ (115,310) $ (143,913) $ 13,109 $ 14,646 Total Expenditures $ 7,584,303 $ 7,678,276 Capital Outlay $ - $ - $ - $ 21,936 $ 58,375 $ - Increase (Decrease) in Governmental Fund Balance $ (880,751) $ (957,289) Debt Service Principal $ 540,000 $ 540,000 $ - $ - $ - $ - Police Department Feb / Mar 2017 Page 3 Medina Police Offer Safe Spots for Online Purchase Swaps The Medina Police Department has installed two parking spots in front of the main entrance at the Medina Police Depart- ment, 600 Clydesdale Trail, Medina, MN 55340, that are called Safe Spots. Safe Spots are designated public places where resi- dents may exchange items that they have purchased/sold online from websites like Craigslist, eBay, and/or local online gar- age sale/swap sites. This allows people to have a public location to make legal transactions under surveillance recordings. The Safe Spots are available 24 hours a day. Please keep in mind the following about Safe Spots: ► A police officer will not monitor each exchange and will not facilitate transactions, nor keep a log of transactions. ► If a member of the public requests that an officer be present during a Safe Spot swap exchange, the Medina Police Department will try and accommodate based on availability of personnel. ► There is no guarantee that a Safe Spot location will provide a greater level of safety compared to other public locations. Safe Spots are an additional option when people want to schedule a transaction in a pub- lic place. ► Safe Spots may be used for other legal exchanges such as exchanging property between individuals or for child visitation exchanges. While many people who conduct business online are honest and sincere in buying and selling their items, there are those who use it to facilitate their crimes. Buyers and sellers online are strangers and you need to take safety precaution, including: ► Tell a friend or family member where you are going and when you will return. ► If possible, have someone accompany you. ► Conduct exchanges during daylight hours, in a public place. ► Bring a cell phone and make sure it is turned on. ► Always trust your instincts and take additional safety precautions as necessary. Cancel plans for a transaction if you identify any red flags or have additional concerns for your safety. You should be vigilant about your personal and physical safety – and you should also take precautions to avoid financial crimes, such as theft or iden- tity theft. Craigslist is a popular website for online buying/selling. The safety information below is from their website at http://www.craigslist.org/ about/scams. Deal locally, face-to-face – follow this one rule and avoid 99% of scam at- tempts. ► Do not extend payment to anyone you have not met in person. ► Beware of offers involving shipping – deal with locals you can meet in person. ► Never wire funds (e.g. Western Union) – anyone who asks you to is a scammer. ► Don’t accept cashier/certified checks or money orders – banks cash fakes, then hold you responsible. ► Transactions are between users only; no third party provides a “guarantee”. ► Never give out financial information (bank account, social security, PayPal account, etc). ► Do not rent or purchase sight-unseen – that amazing “deal” may not exist. ► Refuse background/credit checks until you have met landlord/employer in person.