HomeMy Public PortalAboutFall 2006c Printed on 50% recycled paper
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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
Bruce Workman....763-478-9435
City Council
Carolyn Smith.......763-475-1003
Randy Brinkman...763-478-3242
Elizabeth Weir .....763-473-3226
Joe Cavanaugh...…763-473-3828
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
Tom Crosby, Chair
Doug Dickerson
Marilyn Fortin
Robin Reid
Sharon Johnson
Jeff Pederson
Mary A. Verbick
Planning Commission Meetings
Second Tuesday of each
month at 7:00 p.m.
Park Commission
Randy Hughes, Chair
Galen Bruer
Gerald Dykoff
Tom Gregor
Madeleine Linck
Bob Pastor
Ann Thies
Park Commission Meetings
Third Wednesday of each
month at 7:00 p.m.
Newsletter Editor
City Administrator
Chad M. Adams
2052 County Road 24, Medina MN 55340
2052 County Road 24, Medina MN 55340
www.ci.medina.mn.us
Inside this issue:
2007 Proposed Budget & Tax Levy..........Pg. 1
2006 General Election Results..................Pg. 1
Community Survey Availability...............Pg. 1
Broadcast of City Council Meetings.........Pg. 1
Comprehensive Plan Timeline..................Pg. 2
Planning Commission Appointments........Pg. 2
Storm Water Construction Runoff............Pg. 2
Water Rate Increases ...............................Pg. 3
Park Commission Appointments...............Pg. 3
Snowplowing Information........................Pg. 3
Winter Weather Tips.................................Pg. 4
Facilities Master Planning.........................Pg. 4
County Road 19 Regional Trail ...............Pg. 4
Willow Drive Truck Traffic......................Pg. 4
Hunter Drive Trail....................................Pg. 4
Medina Celebration Day Recap................Pg. 5
Uptown Hamel Sign and Improvements...Pg. 5
5th Annual Uptown Hamel Winterfest......Pg. 5
City Calendar
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► 4th Mon—Truth In Taxation Hearing 6:30 pm
► 5th Tues—City Council 7:00 pm
► 6th Wed—Comprehensive Plan Neighborhood Meet-
ing for Businesses 7:00 pm @ Community Building
► 7th Thurs—Recycling Day
► 12th Tues—Planning Commission 7:00 pm
► 19th Tues—City Council 7:00 pm
► 20th Wed—Park Commission 7:00 pm
► 21st Thurs—Recycling Day
► 25th Mon—City Offices Closed (Holiday)
► 1st Mon—City Offices Closed (Holiday)
► 2nd Tues—City Council 7:00 pm
► 4th Thurs—Recycling Day
► 9th Tues—Planning Commission 7:00 pm
► 15th Mon—City Offices Closed (Holiday)
► 16th Tues—City Council 7:00 pm
► 17th Wed—Park Commission 7:00 pm
► 18th Thurs—Recycling Day
► 1st Thurs—Recycling Day
► 6th Tues—City Council 7:00 pm
► 13th Tues—Planning Commission 7:00 pm
► 15th Thurs—Recycling Day
► 19th Mon—City Offices Closed (Holiday)
► 20th Tues—City Council 7:00 pm
► 21st Wed—Park Commission 7:00 pm
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A Quarterly Newsletter of the City of Medina www.ci.medina.mn.us Fall 2006
► All meetings at City Hall unless otherwise noted.
► Meeting agendas on web site when available.
General Election Results
Official results of the 2006 General Election as canvassed by the City
of Medina City Council on Wednesday, November 8th:
Mayor of Medina (two-year term, one-seat) VOTES
Tom Crosby 1435
Bruce D. Workman 800
Write-Ins 9
Medina City Council (four-year term, two-seats) VOTES
Carolyn A. Smith 1334
Daniel T. Johnson 1066
Jeff Pederson 912
Frank Mignone 453
Doug Dickerson 314
Write-Ins 13
The newly elected officials will be sworn in at the January 2, 2007 City
Council meeting. Medina’s voter turnout for the 2006 General Election
which includes actual votes compared to registered voters was 76%.
2007 Proposed Budget & Preliminary Tax Levy
On September 5th, the City Council approved the 2007 preliminary
tax levy and budget. The proposed levy was set at $2,150,000, which is a
10.65% increase from the 2006 levy. The tax levy represents the amount
of dollars needed to fund general government operations for the City of
Medina (in addition to other fees and sources of revenue).
The proposed levy may be reduced by the Council during the Decem-
ber Truth-in-Taxation (TNT) hearings, or subsequent budget meetings in
December. The Council is prohibited by state law to increase the levy
above the amount set on September 5th. Medina’s TNT date is scheduled
for Monday, December 4th at 6:30 p.m. at the Medina City Hall.
The total proposed general government budget for 2007 was also set at
$3,750,595, which is an increase of 15.53% from 2006. The City’s tax
rate will decline from 16.03% to 15.36%. 2007 will mark the fifth straight
year that the tax rate will be decreasing. The City’s growth and increased
market values continue to be the key sources to the declining tax rates.
For a single-family residential home valued at $500,000 in 2006, the
City’s tax burden was $801.50. In 2007, the City’s tax burden will be
$838.62 for the same home, which includes an 8% market value increase
factored into this analysis. It is important to note that an individual home’s
market value increase will vary from home to home. More budget analy-
sis and charts may be found on the City’s website at www.ci.medina.mn.us
► 21st Tues—City Council 5:00 pm
► 23rd Thurs—City Offices Closed (Holiday)
► 24th Fri—City Offices Closed (Holiday)
► 24th Fri—Recycling Day (Note day change)
No
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Community Survey Results
Results of the 2006 citizen/business survey were presented publicly be-
fore the City Council on October 3rd. The entire survey is available on the
City’s website or may be viewed or purchased at City Hall. The survey was
conducted by National Research Center, Inc., based in Boulder, Colorado.
General survey topics included growth, rural character, taxes, city services
(existing and desired), and various other items relating to quality of life.
Broadcast of City Council Meetings
Effective January 2007, regular meetings of the City
Council will be broadcast on your local Mediacom local
government access channel. The meetings will be taped
and aired according to a set schedule, and will not be aired
via a live feed. The meetings will also be available to
web-stream at www.lmcc-tv.org
Planning and Environment
Construction Site Storm Water Runoff Control
It’s Important to Control Storm Water Runoff from Construction Sites
Sediment laden storm water runoff from construction sites is a leading cause of pollution for our surface waters. Research has shown that
a one acre construction site delivers the same amount of sediment as 75 acres of agricultural land! Sediment pollution prematurely ages
lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands resulting in physical and biological harm that is expensive and difficult to repair.
Permits are Required for Certain Grading Activities
In order to combat storm water runoff pollution from construction sites, the City of Medina requires individuals to obtain a grading permit
prior to commencing certain grading activities. A permit is required for all land disturbing activities resulting in the grading of 50 or more
cubic yards of soil (about three dump truck loads). Sites located in the Minnehaha Creek Watershed are required to obtain an additional
grading permit from the Watershed District. In addition, sites disturbing one or more acres are required to obtain a permit from the Min-
nesota Pollution Control Agency.
City of Medina Storm Water Runoff Inspections
It is the responsibility of the permit holder to employ Best Management Practices
(BMP’s) as required by the grading permit. Construction site BMP’s may include
but are not limited to perimeter control, temporary seeding, mulching, and tempo-
rary construction site entrances.
The City works cooperatively with erosion and sediment control specialists from
Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik and Associates to insure the construction site BMP’s
are properly installed and maintained. These specialists are currently inspecting 12
large construction sites which include subdivisions and commercial developments.
Approximately 516 inspections have taken place this year. Common problems on
these sites include the failure to maintain perimeter protection and temporary con-
struction entrances as well as the failure to establish temporary vegetative cover.
Protecting surface and ground water resources from construction site runoff is one
of the many ways to insure a healthy environment for future generations. For
more information on construction site storm water runoff control please contact :
City of Medina—www.ci.medina.mn.us Zoning Code Chapter 8, Section 828.28 Land Filling and Land Excavation/Grading Operations
or contact Planner Rose Lorsung at (763) 473-4643.
Minnehaha Creek Watershed—www.minnehahacreek.org or contact them directly at (952)-471-0590
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency—www.pca.state.mn.us/water/stormwater/stormwater-c.html#specialwaters
Planning Commission Appointments
The Planning Commission has three seats open for
appointment/re-appointment on January 1st. Two seats
will be for a three-year term, and the remaining seat
filling two-years of an existing term.
The seven-member Planning Commission is a rec-
ommending body to the City Council and will have the
following responsibilities in the next few years:
► Comprehensive Plan—is ongoing—will help shape
the City’s development, growth patterns, densities,
character, and infrastructure through 2030.
► Development project review—Includes subdivi-
sions, site plan reviews, planned unit develop-
ments, variances, conditional use permits, etc.
Interested applicants may pickup an application at City
Hall or via the City’s website. Deadline for applica-
tions is Friday, December 15.
Page 2
Wood-chip filled bags and sod are excellent perimeter control
protection BMP’s as seen here in the Lake Medina development.
Comprehensive Plan: General Info. & Timeline
The Open Houses and Neighborhood meetings that have been held over the
last several months are coming to a close. Twelve educational and community
feedback sessions (on six topics) were conducted from May through October.
Approximately 80 persons attended the last two Open House sessions per-
taining to Open Spaces and Rural Character.
Of the four Neighborhood meetings scheduled, one remains on the calendar
for Wednesday, December 6, 2006 at the Hamel Community Building. The
meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. and invites local businesses to attend and pro-
vide city leaders with comments on their desires for the Comprehensive Plan.
In January 2007, selected members of the City Council, Planning Commis-
sion and Park Commission will begin formal meetings to recommend updates to
the 2010-2030 Comprehensive Plan. The current timeline for the planning proc-
ess includes an end of summer 2007 submittal to the Metropolitan Council for
review. The City is required to complete the final plan by December 2008.
The City thanks everyone who provided great feedback and insight in the
open houses and neighborhood meetings this past summer and fall!
Page 5
Uptown Hamel and Civic Events
2006 Medina Celebration Day Committee
Highway 55 Rental
Farmers State Bank of Hamel
Fortin Hardware Co.
ChiroExpress
Howie’s Barber Shop
Walter G. Anderson, Inc.
Hamel Athletic Association
Hamel Lions
Medina Golf & Country Club
Adam’s Pest Control, Inc.
Gramercy Club
Hamel Electric, Inc.
Dean R. Johnson Construction, Inc.
Daily Bread Professional Chef Service
Country Side Café
Medina Entertainment Center
Uptown Hamel Redevelopment
Marketing Sign & Public Improvement Update
The City Council will be discussing options
to place a temporary “Redevelopment Area” sign
on or near Sioux Drive to market the redevelop-
ing Uptown Hamel area at their regular meeting
on Tuesday, November 21, 2006. In addition to
discussing the temporary sign, options will be
discussed for a future site and location of a more
permanent monument sign to promote the Up-
town Hamel area.
Interested community members and busi-
nesses are encouraged to attend the meeting to
comment on the options or to present ideas for the
signs.
Phase I of the public improvements involving
Sioux Drive, Mill Drive and the creation of storm
sewer infrastructure for the area is nearing final
completion. A few modifications are currently being made to the Sioux
Drive No-Whistle crossing to accommodate Federal Rail Administration
regulations.
Phase II of the public improvements that includes the rebuild of Hamel
Road and streetscape beautification is scheduled to begin in January 2007
through a Feasibility Report being initiated by the City Engineers. A public
improvement hearing is targeted for fall 2007. If authorized to proceed by
City Council, Construction of the Phase II public improvements could begin
in spring 2008.
Annual Uptown Hamel Winterfest
Saturday, February 3, 2006, Noon-5:00 pm
Community members are invited to at-
tend the 5th Annual Uptown Hamel Winter-
fest on Saturday, February 3rd in Hamel Le-
gion Park. The festivities and events will be
centralized around the
Hamel Community Build-
ing, ice skating rink, and
sledding hill.
Food, beverages, and restrooms and will be
available to the general public.
The City of Medina would like to thank all the contributors, exhibi-
tors, and volunteers who were involved in Medina Celebration Day.
This event could not have happened without their support.
Target
Inn Kahoots
Scherer’s Pumpkin Patch
Hamel Fire Department
Wright Hennepin Electric
McDonalds
MN Land Trust
Hennepin County Conservation District
West Hennepin Pioneers Association
Boy Scouts Troop 570
U of M Extension Service
Hamel Library
Northwest Suburban Chamber
Fantastic Sam’s
Culver’s
T Nails
Mobil Gas Station
Recap on Medina Celebration Day 2006
Medina Celebration Day was held on Saturday, September 23rd. Even with the rain, a large number of Medina residents and businesses
participated in the event. There were a lot of exciting activities for families and the community. Some of the activities that the children
participated in were face painting, a petting zoo, s’mores around the campfire, and a pumpkin painting contest. Adults enjoyed live mu-
sic, educational and historical displays, and local food and beverage vendors. The night ended with an impressive fireworks display.
One of the sign options
Page 4
Public Safety and General Info.
Winter Weather Preparedness and Tips
Winter Survival Kits
► Keep these items in your vehicle: Extra blankets; Spare coats, mittens, boots, hats; Medium-sized snow shovel; Jumper cables; Tow
chain; Toilet paper; Coffee can; Candle, and, Matches.
Ice Safety
► Wait to walk out on the ice until there is at least four (4) inches of clear, solid ice.
► Go out with a partner and keep a good distance apart as you walk on ice.
► Snowmobiles and ATV’s need at least five (5) inches, and cars and light trucks need
at least eight to twelve inches (8—12) of good clear ice.
► Wear a life jacket. Life vests or float coats provide excellent flotation and protection
from hypothermia.
► Carry a pair of homemade ice picks.
► Avoid driving on the ice whenever possible. Keep vehicle windows open and un-
buckle your seatbelt while traveling on the ice.
► Fact: 68% of all ice fatalities occurring in Minnesota since 1976 involved a vehicle.
Snowmobile Safety
► Always ride with a partner, ride responsible, no alcohol or drugs, stay on marked snowmobile trails, maintain space between snow-
mobiles to avoid collisions, know the trail or terrain and ride for the conditions.
Fish House Safety/Security
► Check with local bait shops for ice conditions before hauling your fish house out on to the ice, secure your ice house door with a pad-
lock, and remove fishing equipment from fish house to prevent thefts of equipment.
Facilities Master Planning Continues
Under the guidance of consultant Kodet Architectural Group, Ltd.
and a Citizen’s Advisory Committee, the City continues to move for-
ward with outlining the needs for short-term and long-term facilities as
the community grows.
The Advisory Committee meets the last Thursday of each month,
generally at 5:00 p.m. in City Hall to discuss alternatives for future site
locations and space needs for City Hall, Police Department and Public
Works. The public is welcome to attend and is advised to review
posted meeting notices at City Hall and on the City’s website prior to
attending to confirm date, time and location of meetings.
Meeting reports and other information relating to the Facilities
Master Planning process will also soon be available through a link on
the City’s website.
The consultant’s Facilities Master Plan report is expected to be
prepared and delivered to the City Council in spring 2007. The final
report will include costs to build any of the recommended and alterna-
tive options for future facilities.
County Road 19 Regional Trail
After receiving a presentation and reviewing recommenda-
tions from the Medina Park Commission, the City Council de-
cided on October 17th to locate the regional bike/pedestrian
trail on the east side of County Road 19, with much of the trail
located in Baker Park Reserve.
The Council conditionally approved the
location of the bituminous trail on the east side
with the requirement to Three Rivers Park Dis-
trict that a horse trail be maintained as part of
the bike/pedestrian trail construction.
The Council also asked Hennepin County to continue
working with City staff and neighborhood residents of the
Dockside area to consider a trail link from Baker Park to Ard-
more Avenue on the west side of County Road 19.
The regional trail is being funded by a federal grant and
Hennepin County funds. Hennepin County is the applicant for
the grant and will be preparing final plans for the trail. Trail
completion is not expected until 2008.
Hunter Drive Bike/Pedestrian Trail
Partial improvements to the Hunter Drive Trail from
Hamel Road to Medina Road are currently underway. The City
continues to work on final design and possible easement acqui-
sition to complete the trail.
The trail is desired to be completed in 2007. Most of the
trail is being located on the west side of the road (from Medina
Road to Elm Creek Drive). The trail will then move to the east
side of the road down to Hamel Road. The trail is being de-
signed to include a 10’ bituminous surface.
Willow Drive Truck Traffic
The City Council welcomed public comments during a November
8th hearing pertaining to resident concerns with the amount of truck
traffic present on Willow Drive. A Willow Drive Resident’s Group
submitted a petition and report to the Council to request prohibition of
truck traffic on Willow Drive (from Hamel Road to County Road 6).
Following public comments at the hearing, the Council directed
City Staff to prepare a list of solutions to reduce or prohibit truck traf-
fic on Willow Drive for an upcoming meeting. City Staff plans to
provide the information to Council at the December 5th meeting.
Page 3
Public Works and Parks
2007 Proposed Water User Rates
A Water Rate Analysis was presented to the Medina City
Council on Wednesday, November 8th that included a recom-
mendation to increase water user rates by 10% to all Hamel area
water users. Rates for the Medina Morningside and Independ-
ence Beach are proposed at a 5% increase.
The recommendation for the 10% increase to Hamel users
for 2007 remains unchanged from the analysis and recommen-
dations from a year ago for 2007. However, water connection
fees (the one-time fee for developers hooking up to the Hamel
Water System) will increase by 19%.
As past newsletter articles have indicated, the rate increases
to the Hamel Water System are needed to finance the recent
construction of the Water Treatment Plant, which is now in
operation. New wells and water lines have also been included
in the Hamel system’s Capital Improvement Plan for the last
few years, and a new water tower to support the system is
planned for 2008.
Final action on the proposed water rates and connection
fees will occur at the December 19th City Council meeting.
The new rates and connection fees would be effective January
1, 2007 if approved by City ordinance.
Snowplowing Tips for the Upcoming Winter Weather Season
► Starting of Snowplowing Season: As a general rule, snow removal operations may start as soon as two inches of snow has accu-
mulated. If a heavy snow fall is predicted, snow removal will be based on the existing conditions, snow forecast, wind conditions
and time of day. Ideally the crew works to keep the roads passable during the morning and evening hours. During a normal snow
fall all roads are plowed. During a snow storm, lesser traveled residential roads and cul-de-sacs may have the plowing delayed
while the crew concentrates on thru-roads.
► City Methods for Ice Control: The City uses a salt/sand mixture for ice removal. During extremely
cold conditions salt will not melt ice so the use of sand will be used for traction. The City is concerned
about the environmental impact of salt and sand as well as the fiscal impact of materials. Therefore, the
City does not have a bare pavement policy, this may mean that City roads may be slippery and drivers
should drive cautiously
► Damage to Property: During any plowing operation, there is always potential for damage to mail-
boxes, sod, or other structures that are on the public right-of-way. The City assumes no responsibility
for damage caused by snow plows, including mailboxes. If a mailbox is damaged the City may provide a temporary mail box. Be-
fore the snow season begins, mailboxes should be checked for sturdiness and repaired as needed. To limit sod damage, it is advised
to place a marker along curb lines. Wood and fiberglass markers are permitted. Metal poles are strictly prohibited within the City
right-of way.
► Location of Receptacles on Garbage/Recycling Days: On garbage and recycling days, please place garbage receptacles out of the
way where the plow drivers will drive. Plow drivers do not want to get out and move containers, but at the same time we do not
want to spread garbage or recyclables over your yard.
► Street Parking Details: The City has an ordinance that prohibits parking on any public street from November 1 through March 31
during the hours of 1:00AM – 6:00AM. This parking policy is enforced by the Medina Police Department. If at all possible, it
would be appreciated by the City crew if any time during the day it snows, that vehicles are not parked on City Streets. By doing so,
the snow plowing will be more efficient and will result in a quicker snow removal.
► Plowing of Sidewalks and Trails: It is the responsibility of property owners to remove snow on their sidewalks. The City will
begin plowing trails this winter season.
The Medina Public Works Department strives to maintain safe, clean and passable roads all winter long. Roads are maintained using
City equipment and personnel. In some areas, the City contracts out plowing services.
Park Commission Appointments
The City is seeking residents to serve on the Medina Park
Commission. Two seats on the seven member commission are
currently up for appointment/re-appointment effective January
1st. Both seats include a three-year term.
The Park Commission is a recommending body to the City
Council and will be involved with the following projects in the
next few years:
► Working with Open Space Task Force on Open Space
Preservation of Medina’s natural features & resources
► Long-term Capital Improvement Plan of trails, park equip-
ment, and acquiring new parks, trail easements and open
spaces.
► Development projects—Review of subdivisions to deter-
mine proper location of trails, dedication of parks, and
utilization of park dedication fees.
► Comprehensive Plan—review is underway and recommen-
dations are expected to be proposed to the City Council and
Metropolitan Council in 2007
Interested applicants may pickup an application at City Hall or
via City’s website. Deadline for applications is Friday, Decem-
ber 15.