HomeMy Public PortalAboutAugust - Sept 2008 Newsletter
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 emergency ....................911
non-emergency.... 763-473-9209
Official Newspaper
South Crow River News
33 2nd Street NE , Box 280
Osseo, MN 55369
Telephone Number: 763-425-3323
Mayor
Tom Crosby 612-766-8605
City Council
Carolyn Smith 763-475-1003
Daniel Johnson 763-473-0744
Elizabeth Weir 763-473-3226
Joe Cavanaugh...…763-473-
5123
City Administrator
Chad M. Adams….763-473-
4643
e-mail:
chad.adams@ci.medina.mn.us
City Council Meetings
First & third Tuesday of each
month at 7:00 p.m.
Planning Commission
Jeff Pederson, Chair
Charles Nolan
Mary Verbick
Robin Reid
Michele Litts
Victoria Reid
Jim Simons
Planning Commission Meetings
Second Tuesday of each
month at 7:00 p.m.
Park Commission
Ann Thies, Chair
Madeleine Linck
Brian Kingsley
Galen Bruer
Ben Benson
Beth Nielsen
Peter Lecy
Park Commission Meetings
Third Wednesday of each
month at 7:00 p.m.
Newsletter Editor
City Administrator
Chad M. Adams
Other Contributors
Jodi Wunsch
2052 County Road 24, Medina MN 55340
2052 County Road 24, Medina MN 55340
www.ci.medina.mn.us
Inside this issue:
Medina Celebration Day...........................Pg. 1
Business Opportunity at Celebration Day.Pg. 1
Logo Design Contest.................................Pg. 1
New Laws for Teen Drivers......................Pg. 2
National Night Out....................................Pg. 2
Upcoming Street Projects..........................Pg. 2
Medina Fire Advisory Board ....................Pg. 2
2008 Election Information ........................Pg. 3
German Liberal Cemetery.........................Pg. 3
County Road Turn Back............................Pg. 3
Recreation Program Open House..............Pg. 3
New Special Events Ordinance ...................Pg. 4
Budget Open House..................................Pg. 4
Summary Budget Data..............................Pg. 4
2007 Financial Statements ........................Pg. 4
Lake Independence Grant Funds...............Pg. 5
Cool Summer Tips for Saving Energy......Pg. 5
Wind Turbine Proposal .................................Pg. 5
A Bi-Monthly Newsletter of the City of Medina www.ci.medina.mn.us August/September 2008
Medina Sesquicentennial Celebration Day
Saturday, September 27th
The Volunteer Committee and the City of Medina are once again sponsoring Medina Celebration Day, which will be bigger
and better than ever this year, as it is Medina’s Sesquicentennial Celebration (150 years since the Medina area was established).
This has been an annual community event to involve residents, businesses and civic groups of Medina and is dedicated to
coming together as a community to celebrate Medina’s past, present and future. The event will take place on Saturday, September
27, 2008 from 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Hamel Community Building and Hamel Legion Park, located at 3200 Mill Drive.
Celebration Day will kick off at 3:30 p.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Hamel Road
Construction Project, followed by a kiddie parade, featuring costumes from years gone by and free rides on the antique fire truck
(weather permitting). The rest of the evening holds the following
fun filled events:
► Historical Display Contest (call for details)
► Bingo, put on by the Hamel Lions
► Medina Food Vendors
► Medina Business Expo, including a Farmers Market
► Old Fashioned Lawn Games
► Pumpkin Painting, Games & Prizes
► Clown Creating Balloon Art
► Face Painting
► Hair Braiding
► Bonfire and S’mores
► Grand Finale of the evening will be a large fireworks display at 8:00 p.m. or dusk, provided by donations from the Me-
dina businesses and residents.
If you are interested in volunteering at the event or on the planning commit-
tee, donating, or have questions, contact Linda or Jodi at the City of Medina at
(763) 473-4643.
Logo Design Contest
The City of Medina is sponsoring a logo design contest to update the
logo of the City of Medina. The logo will be used for park signs, city signs,
city letterhead, police department vehicles and identification, public works
vehicles, website and more.
Logo designs must reflect the community’s character and include the
words “City of Medina”. Submittal deadline is Friday, August 29, 2008.
Additional contest rules and logo design specifications can be found on the
City’s website at www.ci.medina.mn.us or call City Hall for details.
Business Opportunities at Medina Celebration Day
Medina businesses and local farmers are encouraged to participate in the
Business Expo at this year’s Medina Celebration Day on Saturday, September
27th from 4-7 p.m. Participating Medina businesses will be asked to set up
their own booth. Businesses may want to provide promotional products, prize
drawings, children’s games, or historical pieces on their business.
Businesses that would like to set up a booth, need to preregister by Sep-
tember 15th with Linda Lane at 763-473-4643 or email
Linda.lane@ci.medina.mn.us.
City Calendar
Se
p
t
e
m
b
e
r
► 1st Mon—City Offices Closed (Holiday)
► 2nd Tues—City Council 7:00 pm
► 9th Tues—Primary Election 7am to 8 pm
► 10th Wed—Planning Commission 7:00 pm
► 16th Tues—City Council 7:00 pm
► 17th Wed—Park Commission 7:00 pm
► 20th Sat—Council Office Hours 9 am to 11 am
► 7th Tues—City Council 7:00 pm
► 13th Mon—City Offices Closed (Holiday)
► 14th Tues—Planning Commission 7:00 pm
► 18th Sat—Council Office Hours 9 am to 11 am
► 21st Tues—City Council 7:00 pm
► 22nd Wed—Park Commission 7:00 pm
► All meetings at City Hall unless otherwise noted.
► Meeting agendas on web site when available.
Oc
t
o
b
e
r
► 5th Tues—National Night Out
► 6th Wed—City Council 7:00 pm
► 12th Tues—Planning Commission 7:00 pm
► 14th Thu—Budget Open House 7 pm @ HCB
► 19th Tues—City Council 7:00 pm
► 20th Wed—Park Commission 7:00 pm
Au
g
u
s
t
Public Safety & Public Works
Page 2
Medina Fire Advisory Board
The City of Medina City Council recently appointed a Medina Fire Advisory Board to review options for long-term fire services in
the community. A recent Fire Services Report delivered to the City Council by Medina staff in June indicated the need for a fire services
plan to address the growth potential in the City’s defined urban service area. Medina’s population is currently 5,000 and is projected to
reach about 11,000 by 2030. In addition to the projected growth, the recruitment of future fire fighters has been identified as a challenge.
Medina presently contracts with four fire departments, Hamel Volunteer Fire Department (VFD), Loretto Volunteer Fire Department
(VFD), Long Lake Fire Department and Maple Plain Fire Department to provide fire services. The Hamel VFD and Loretto VFD provide
fire service coverage for nearly 80% of Medina’s land area, which also represents the projected population growth area in the community.
The Advisory Board is focusing primarily on the existing Hamel VFD and Loretto VFD services areas for long-term fire service coverage
options.
The Advisory Board is currently evaluating three options for long-term fire service coverage in the Hamel VFD and Loretto VFD
service areas: One, maintain an existing contractual relationship with the Hamel VFD and Loretto VFD to meet Medina’s growth needs;
Two, facilitate a merger between the Hamel VFD and Loretto VFD to maximize resources, equipment and services with later considera-
tion of the City of Medina assuming a facilitating or ownership role; and, three, construct a central fire facility within Medina’s urban
growth area and maintain contractual relationships with fire service providers to operate the facility and provide fire services.
Current members of the Medina Fire Advisory Board include City Council Members Dan Johnson and Joe Cavanaugh, Hamel VFD
Chief Brandon Guest, Loretto VFD Chief Herb Koch, Medina Police Chief Ed Belland and Medina City Administrator Chad Adams. A
report is scheduled to be delivered to the Medina City Council on October 7th.
National Night Out
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Neighborhoods throughout Medina are invited to join the
Medina Police Department, along with thousands of communi-
ties nationwide, on Tuesday, August 5th, 2008 to participate in
the 25th Annual National Night Out Celebration.
Medina Police Officers, Firefight-
ers and City Council members will
attend and participate in neighbor-
hood parties throughout the city.
If you have any questions,
please call Tom Gregory or Josh
McKinley at the Medina Police
Department at 763-473-9209.
Upcoming Street Projects: Seal Coating in
Foxberry Farms & Hunter Lions Park
Seal coating will be performed in Foxberry Farms and
Hunter Lions Park during the month of August. The roads will
be posted “no parking” the day before, as the streets need to be
clear to apply the seal coat. Once the seal coat is applied,
parking will be allowed on the street.
As part of the seal coating, loose rock will be on the
streets for up to 3 weeks before it is swept which ensures a
good bond and keeps the oil from being exposed. The Public
Works department appreciates your patience during the work.
If you have questions, please call Public Works Superintendent
Steve Scherer at 763-473-4643.
New Laws for Newly Licensed Teen Drivers
As of August 1, 2008 critical new laws will help teens hone their
driving skills during the first year of licensure by reducing exposure
to two high-risk situations: carrying teen passengers and driving at
night. Minnesota teen drivers are overrepresented in fatal traffic
crashes each year — due to driver inexperience, distractions, night-
time driving, speeding and seat belt non-use.
A nighttime driving limitation during the first six months of
licensure prohibits teens from driving from midnight to 5 a.m. —
unless the teen is driving when accompanied by a licensed driver age
25 or older. Other exceptions include driving between home and
place of employment; driving to/from home and a school event for
which the school has not provided transportation; or driving for em-
ployment purposes.
The nighttime limitation is lifted after the first six months of
licensure. There are also new teen passenger limitations. For the
first six months of licensure only one passenger under the age of 20
is permitted, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. During the
second six months of licensure, no more than three passengers under
the age of 20 are permitted, unless accompanied by a parent or
guardian. Passengers under age 20 who are members of the immedi-
ate family are permitted for both periods.
Another new law — impacting all drivers — is a ban on texting
or accessing the Web on a wireless device while driving.
The Medina Police Department encourages parents to supervise
their teen drivers. Set a good example with safe driving, using your
seatbelts and putting the electronic devices away. Have a safe sum-
mer!
Page 5
Environment & Planning
Wind Turbine Proposal - Planning Commission Public Hearing
Hennepin County is seeking approval to install a new wind turbine at their Public Works cam-
pus, located at 1600 Prairie Drive. This tower would play an integral part in Hennepin County’s con-
tinuing efforts in providing sustainable and “greener” energy systems and to help supplement or re-
duce the County’s overall energy needs for their own properties. The wind turbine will be of the
same design and style as shown in the photo to the right, which are two 1.65 MW turbines built by
Carlton College and St. Olaf College of Northfield, Minnesota, in 2004.
Hennepin County is requesting to build a single wind turbine on the west edge of their public
works facility site within two years of city approvals. The turbine would stand 262 feet from the
ground to the upper hub or generator and up to 370 feet in total height to the upper-most tip of the
blades. For reference, the existing radio tower located on the north edge of the same site is approxi-
mately 420 feet in overall height.
The turbine will be equipped with an electrical generator capable of producing up to a range of
1,500 to 2,100 kilo-Watt (also referred to 1.5 -2.1 mega-Watt) of power. The energy
produced from this turbine would generate electricity equivalent to power the annual
needs of approximately 450 single-family homes.
A public hearing will be held on this request before the Medina Planning Commis-
sion on Tuesday, August 12, 2008 at 7:00 PM, City Council Chambers, City Hall,
2052 County Road 24, Medina, Minnesota.
Those interested are welcome to attend and participate in the hearing process, and
voice your support or concerns related to this proposal. Residents and property owners
located within one-mile of the Hennepin County facility will receive an official notice
letter from the City as well.
If you have questions or concerns prior to this public hearing, please call the city’s
Planning Department at (763) 473-4643 or Hennepin County representative Mr. Tony
Hainault at (612) 348-3059.
Photo: 1.65 MW Wind Turbine
Carlton College, Northfield, MN
Cool Summer Tips for Saving Energy
1. If you are using air-conditioning, set your thermostat as
high as comfortably possible in the summer. The less
the difference is between the indoor and outdoor tem-
peratures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be.
2. Run your dishwasher, washing machine and dryer early
or late at night when it’s cooler to avoid adding un-
wanted heat into the home.
3. Shade your home. With awnings, window shades or
blinds and large shade trees, your home will be cooler.
4. Check to make sure the seals on your windows are tight
and the ducts are sealed properly.
5. Remember that proper levels of insulation are impor-
tant for maintaining consistent temperatures in both
summer and winter.
6. Use interior fans to spread the air more evenly in the
home.
7. Switch to compact fluorescent lights. They use up to
75 percent less energy than standard lights and give off
less heat; saving you money.
8. Don’t place lamps or TVs near the thermostat. The
thermostat senses heat and could cause your air condi-
tioner to run longer than necessary.
Source: Wright-Hennepin Cooperative Electric Association
Lake Independence Watershed
Grant Funds Available
Early in 2007 the State of Minnesota, granted $410,000 to the
Pioneer-Sarah Creek Watershed Management Commission
(PSCWMC) to fund water quality control work in the Lake Independ-
ence watershed.
This spring the Commission expanded the program to offer op-
portunities for funding a broader range of land uses and property own-
ers. The revised program now includes money available to landown-
ers for cropland, urban land and residential land water quality prac-
tices. The program is designed to help landowners with cost-sharing
assistance to install water quality practices on their property that will
reduce nutrients flowing into Lake Independence. The nutrient reduc-
tion will in turn help the lakes water quality by decreasing algal
blooms which will significantly increase the clarity of the lake over
time. The types of practices that can be funded include: rain gardens,
consultation service for nutrient management on cropland, buffers for
wetlands streams and lakes, wetland restoration, shoreline restoration
and stabilization and other infiltration/filtration types of practices.
Also included in the expanded docket are animal manure stockpile
removal, manure hauling services, manure storage facilities, exclusion
fencing and runoff management. Rates for cost sharing are 75% fund-
ing from the grant money and 25% funding by the landowner.
More information is available by contacting the Commission’s
Technical Advisor, James Kujawa, Hennepin County Environmental
services, 612.348.7338, or James.Kujawa@co.hennepin.mn.us.
Page 4
Administration & Finance
2007 Financial
Statements
The City’s 2007 Audited
Financial Statements can be
found on the City’s website at
www.ci.medina.mn.us.
Budget Open House
August 14, 2008
The City Council will be
hosting a budget open house at
the Hamel Community Building,
3200 Mill Drive, at 7pm to pro-
vide an overview and solicit pub-
lic input on the 2009 budget
planning process. The City must
approve and certify a prelimi-
nary tax levy to Hennepin
County by September 15th.
For the 2009—2011 budg-
ets, the City is subject to tax levy
caps that were signed into law
from the 2009 State Legislative
Session. An overview of the
levy caps will be provided at the
Open House.
The City will also update
the public on key budget issues
discussed during the December
2008 budget hearings. These
issues included road mainte-
nance needs, environmental
mandates as well as City equip-
ment and facility needs.
The required formal truth-
in-taxation hearings on the 2009
budget will be scheduled in De-
cember 2009.
Council Adopts New Special Events Ordinance
The Medina City Council recently adopted a new ordinance regulating special events. The ordinance establishes a
process to review applications for special events held within the City limits. A permit is needed for special events that are held
on public property or for events held on private property that require the use of City Special Services (i.e. street closures, traffic
rerouting, police protection, signage, street cleaning, garbage removal, etc.).
The ordinance provides exemptions from permits for certain activities, defines special events needing a permit, and
outlines requirements to be met for special events approved by the City. An updated Special Event Permit application can be
picked up at City Hall or found on the City’s website at www.ci.medina.mn.us. Contact Jodi Wunsch with any questions at
763-473-4643.
Page 3
General Information
2008 Primary and General Election Information
Election season is fast approaching! Please use the following information for your reference:
► Primary Election: Tuesday, September 9, 2008. Polls open 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
► General Election: Tuesday, November 4, 2008. Polls open 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
► Polling place for Precinct 1A: Medina City Hall, 2052 County Road 24, Medina, MN 55340
► Polling place for Precinct 1B: Hamel Community Building, 3200 Mill Drive, Medina, MN 55340
Municipal Elections
The City of Medina will have three positions on the ballot during the November General Election. The Mayor (2 year term) and two City
Council (4 year terms) positions are at-large positions, representing all Medina residents.
Persons interested in running for these offices may file at City Hall. The filing period opens at 8:00 a.m. on August 26, 2008 and closes at
5:00 p.m. on September 9, 2008.
Absentee Voting
Minnesota law allows for a person to apply to vote by absentee ballot if they are unable to vote in person on election day because they are:
1) absent from home precinct; 2) ill or disabled; 3) an election judge serving in a precinct other than their own; or 4) unable to go to polling
place due to a religious observance or belief.
Residents may contact City Hall to obtain an absentee application, and also may stop by City Hall during regular business hours to fill out
absentee materials. Additionally, City Hall will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 6th and Saturday November 1st for
absentee voting.
Please contact Election Coordinator Jodi Wunsch at (763) 473-4643 or jodi.wunsch@ci.medina.mn.us for further information.
County Road Turn Back
Sept. 16th Council Meeting
In October 2007 City Council re-
quested Hennepin County to review the
turn back of County State Aid Highway
115 (Hamel Road) and County Road 201
(Homestead Trail and Parkview Drive) to
the City of Medina. The Council will be
discussing the turn back request again on
September 16th.
Hennepin County has indicated to
the City that they were not interested in
turning back CSAH 115 to the City.
However, Hennepin County is amenable
to the turn back of CR 201 and is pre-
pared to begin formal discussions.
The City will send residents along
Homestead Tr. and Parkview Dr. a letter
in early September notifying them of the
meeting as well as possible future costs
of road maintenance if the City assumes
ownership.
Public input will be welcomed at the
September 16th Council meeting.
Recreation Program
Open House
August 20th - 6 p.m.
The City is in the process of evaluating
its Hamel Legion Park recreational facili-
ties, particularly the ball fields, for the pur-
pose of future management, programming,
and capital improvements. On August 20 at
6:00 p.m., the Parks Commission is hosting
an Open House at City Hall concerning this
evaluation and future planning.
Community participation is highly en-
couraged as the Parks Commission investi-
gates the scope of management, operations
and improvements to the ball field facilities.
During the Open House, possible future
improvements to the fields including a con-
cessions building, installation of game lights
and improvements to the current condition
of the fields will be discussed.
For questions concerning this Open
House please call Administration Intern
Kim Ann at (763) 473-4643.
German Liberal Cemetery
August 19th Council Meeting
The German Liberal Cemetery Association
(GLCA), a 501 (c)13 organization that cur-
rently maintains the German Liberal Cemetery
located at 2695 Hamel Road, has requested the
City of Medina to consider assuming ownership
and maintenance control of the cemetery.
The GLCA was incorporated in 1892 and
has acknowledged experiencing difficulties
with membership and their ability to maintain
the cemetery and record keeping.
At the August 19th City Council meeting,
the City will consider the request and solicit
public comment from neighboring properties
and the general public. Options may include
ownership with limited burials or a sunset pro-
vision, closing the cemetery under City owner-
ship, assisting the GLCA with maintenance, or
assuming no involvement with the cemetery.
Policy issues such as City budget impact
and public health and safety will also be dis-
cussed at the August 19th meeting.