HomeMy Public PortalAboutFall 2003Page 6
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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
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.......612-558-1556
Randy Brinkman...763-478-3242
Bruce Workman ...763-478-8806
City Administrator
Chad M. Adams….763-473-4643
City Council Meetings
First & third Tuesday of each
month at 7:30 p.m.
Planning Commission
Elizabeth Weir, Chair
Gerald Brost
Marilyn Fortin
Ron Johnson
Sharon Johnson
Leonard Leuer
William Loe
Dick Picard
Mary A. Verbick
Planning Commission Meetings
Second Tuesday of each
month at 7:00 p.m.
Park Commission
Galen Bruer, Chair
Gerald Dykoff
Tom Gregor
Randy Hughes
Brad Kvanbek
Robin Reid
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
Inside this issue:
Council sets 2004 preliminary levy……. Pg. 1
Upcoming Events & Activities…………. Pg. 1
Uptown Hamel revitalization………….. Pg. 1
Hamel Legion Park Community Building Pg. 2
2003 Building Permit activity………….. Pg. 2
CSAH 101 Trail completion……………. Pg. 2
Park Commission progress……………... Pg. 2
Hamel Water System Treatment……….. Pg. 3
Fall compost & brush pile information... Pg. 3
Winter parking and season preparations... Pg. 3
Public Works 2003 projects & new truck Pg. 3
Police Receives Safe & Sober grant……. Pg. 4
Holiday “House Checks” service………. Pg. 4
Volunteers needed for commissions……. Pg. 4
Hunting season & permit information….. Pg. 4
Horse Management Practices…………... Pg. 4
Council approves 2:00 a.m. bar closing... Pg. 4
Where do your curbside recyclables go?.. Pg. 5
Salvation Army Collection—Oct. 4th….. Pg. 5
New Lighting Ordinance provisions……. Pg. 5
Tips to limit storm water pollution……... Pg. 5
City contact information………………… Pg. 6
Page 1
Upcoming Events and Activities
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Q 2nd Thurs—Recycling Day
Q 7th Tue—City Council Meeting 7:30 pm
Q 13th Mon—Holiday, City Office Closed
Q 14th Tue—Planning Commission 7:00 pm
Q 15th Wed—Park Commission Meeting 7:00 pm
Q 16th Thurs—Recycling Day
Q 21st Tues—City Council Meeting 7:30 pm
Q 30th Thurs—Recycling Day
Q 4th Tues—City Council meeting 8:00 pm
(tentative)
Q 11th Tues—Holiday, City Office Closed
Q 12th Wed—Planning Commission 7:00 pm
Q 13th Thurs—Recycling Day
Q 18th Tues—City Council Meeting 7:30 pm
Q 19th Wed—Park Commission Meeting 7:00 pm
Q 27th Thurs—Holiday, City Office Closed
Q 28th Fri—Holiday, City Office Closed
Q 28th Fri—Recycling Day (note the change to Fri)
Q 1st Mon—Truth In Taxation Hearing 6:30 pm
Q 2nd Tue—City Council Meeting 7:30 pm
Q 9th Tue—Planning Commission 7:00 pm
Q 11th Thurs—Recycling Day
Q 16th Tue—City Council Meeting 7:30 pm
Q 17th Wed—Park Commission Meeting 7:00 pm
Q 25th Thurs—Holiday, City Office Closed
Q 26th Fri—Recycling Day (note the change to Fri)
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A Quarterly Newsletter of the City of Medina www.ci.medina.mn.us Fall 2003
Q All meetings at City Hall unless otherwise noted
Q Meeting agendas on web site when available
City Continues Process of Uptown Hamel Revitalization
The City Council is continuing a process to pursue revitalization of Uptown Hamel. For years, the City has been examining
the need to improve the vitality of Uptown Hamel and increase investment in the area. In late 2000 and early 2001, the City
Council updated its comprehensive plan and established a guide plan and planned unit development for mixed use development
in the area.
Currently, a developer has expressed interest in the area. The City is in the process of reviewing its goals for Uptown Hamel,
has created a master plan of infrastructure costs and is identifying and reviewing options to pay for infrastructure costs. The City
Council will have continued discussions this fall and additional information will be available soon on Medina’s Web site at
www.ci.medina.mn.us. If you have questions, you may also contact City Administrator Chad M. Adams at (763) 473-4643.
Council Sets 2004 Preliminary Levy
At their regular Council meeting on September 2nd, the City Council
set the preliminary general fund levy at $1,456,554 for the 2004 budget.
The 2004 proposed levy is 1.5% higher than the 2003 levy. Due to the
state imposed property tax freeze, the City could only increase the levy by
60% of the amount cut from Local Government Aid (LGA) and Market
Value Homestead Credit (MVHC).
Those cuts, which affect both the current 2003 and next year’s 2004
budget, amount to $35,679. With the increase in market value and tax
capacity for 2004 payable, the City’s tax rate will decline to 17.27%. The
chart below provides a better historical analysis of the City’s tax levy and
rates over the past 10 years.
$-
$200,000
$400,000
$600,000
$800,000
$1,000,000
$1,200,000
$1,400,000
$1,600,000Payable 1994Payable 1995Payable 1996Payable 1997Payable 1998Payable 1999Payable 2000Payable 2001Payable 2002Payable 2003Payable 2004L
e
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0.00%
5.00%
10.00%
15.00%
20.00%
25.00%
Ta
x
R
a
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e
Series2
Series1
Levy
Tax Rate
The Council also set the Truth In Taxation public hearing date for
Monday, December 1st at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the 2004 budget and 2004
preliminary levy.
Prior to the September 2nd meeting, the Council conducted a special
meeting work session to discuss in more detail the 2004 budget, including
department budgets, capital improvement plan, fund balances/reserves,
fees, and the water and sewer funds.
The Council and staff will continue to review wage and benefit in-
creases, fee comparisons, and a five to ten year capital improvement plan
this fall.
Page 2
Hamel Legion Park Community Building
Hamel Lions Club Continues to Raise Funds
The City Council will soon be receiving final design plans from the Hamel Lions Club for the Community Building project in
Hamel Legion Park. In addition to the plans, a final cost estimate of the project will be presented to the Council in conjunction with a
review of available funds. The Hamel Lions have led the planning and fundraising campaign for the project since 1994, and have envi-
sioned the project to serve as a gathering place in Hamel Legion Park.
The Lions association with the City on the project goes back a few years. The late Lion Tom Anderson, also a past Mayor of
Medina, was instrumental in proposing the project in the beginning. The Lions pictured a facility that would serve families, community
groups, sports teams and others in the park with exterior restrooms; a warming house for winter skating, sliding and other activities; and
a community meeting space, with a sink and counter service area. A sheltered picnic area for outdoor events, and a storage space for
equipment to maintain the city’s parks were also a part of the original vision, all of which are included in today’s design.
Through charitable gambling proceeds from pull-tab sales at Medina Entertainment Center, and many other fund-raising activi-
ties since 1994, the Lions have managed to raise nearly $550,000.00, which has been allocated for the Community Center. The Lions
continue to raise funds for the project that is estimated to be in the $750,000—$800,000 range, which includes site improvement costs,
once everything is completed.
The Council and Park Commission have
been working to assist with the site development costs
for the project, from funds allocated to the city’s
parks. As part of the ongoing fundraising campaign,
the Lions are seeking private contributions from the
community for the project. The Hamel Lions may be
contacted at P.O. Box 31, Hamel, MN 55340, atten-
tion to Eric Jungels. Phone number: (763)550-9303.
The Hamel Lions have been working closely
with members of the City Council, Park Commission,
Planning Commission and staff in planning and pre-
paring for this project. Thousands of hours have been
donated by the Lions in efforts to make the project a
reality. It is the intent of the Hamel Lions Club, to
provide the needed funds for the Community Center
to the City of Medina, in an effort to begin construc-
tion in the spring of 2004.
The City Council is targeted to discuss the
project plans, cost estimates, and available funding at
the October 7th Council meeting.
Park Commission Progress
Upon completing the Medina Trail Study, which is available
on the City’s web site for review, the Park Commission is now
focusing on a capital equipment inventory and improvement plan.
The Commission is also working to recognize Hamel Legion
Park donors through a kiosk and/or plaques. Later this fall, the
Commission intends to begin drafting a Park Use Policy for City
Council consideration.
Parks and Planning News
Trail Link to be Completed along CSAH 101
On Tuesday, September 2, the City Council approved the con-
struction of a pedestrian/bike trail link along County Road 101. As
part of the decision, the trail will be completed in 2003 and will
now extend the entire distance from State Highway 55 north to
Hackamore Road along County Road 101.
The trail is being funded through the City’s Park Fund, which
consists of park dedication fees paid from area development.
2003 Building Permit Activity
Below are 2003 year to date numbers (through 9/19/03) for
residential new home building permits, compared to 2001
and 2002.
2001 2002 2003 YTD
Permits 21 60 53
Units 21 60 53
Value $11,842,700 $37,251,540 $30,557,950
Below are other residential permits (remodels, additions,
accessory buildings, decks, etc.) for 2003 year to date,
compared to 2001 and 2002.
2001 2002 2003 YTD
Permits 101 154 92
Value $5,139,300 $6,684,050 $6,136,230
Architect’s Rendering of Building and Site in Hamel Legion Park
Page 5
Tips to Limit Storm Water Pollution
Are you watershed friendly? Do you know what a water-
shed is? What are you doing to limit storm water pollution?
Hopefully the information below will help answer these ques-
tions and encourage you to prevent storm water pollution.
A watershed is generally defined as an area of land that
catches rain and snow, which then drains or seeps into a wet-
land, stream, lake, or groundwater. All property in Medina is
in a watershed. Take note that even if your
property does not have a wetland or stream, that
it does not mean drainage from your property
will not drain into a wetland or stream.
Water that leaves your property can carry
pollutants, whether it is sediment from exposed earth, toxic
compounds from spilled paints or oil leaking from vehicles,
nutrients from septic systems, animal waste, as well as litter
from lawns that may include trash or grass clippings.
Pollutants that leave your property are considered “non-
point pollution.” Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
studies demonstrate that 70% of all water pollution is caused
by storm water run-off. Because everyone contributes, every-
one must work to prevent pollution.
Here are a few tips to limit storm water pollution:
1. Compost or mulch leaves. If your yard has a limited
amount of fall leaves, mulch with a lawn mower and
leave on the grass. Mulching helps enrich the soil
and provide limited nutrients for the
grass. If you have large amounts of
leaves, they can be composted and used
for winter mulch around trees or on
flower gardens.
2. Use ice and snow melting chemicals only when
needed. The chemicals can add to run-off pollution.
3. Plan ahead for spring. Melting snow and spring rains
can cause erosion of any exposed soils. Early fall
seeding can be done to cover any bare spots. Any
construction sites should be protected by silt fences.
4. Conduct periodic cleanup of property to eliminate
animal waste and trash.
5. Other information is available through a few good
web sites at www.epa.gov/nps or
www.dnr.state.mn.us/water
Where Do Your Curbside Recyclables Go?
Have you ever wondered what happens to the recyclables
picked up curbside in Medina? Here are the answers:
Q Paper: Is distributed to five different plants that make ceil-
ing tiles, recycled paper, cellulose insulation, roof shingles
and felt backing, and shoe boxes.
Q Cardboard: Is sent to four different plants that produce
craft paper, roof shingles and felt backing, cereal boxes,
and shoe boxes.
Q Glass: Is hauled to Anchor Glass in Shakopee, MN to pro-
duce glass containers.
Q Aluminum Cans: Are shipped to Anheuser Busch to pro-
duce aluminum cans.
Q Tin Cans: Are transported to a scrap
metal yard in St. Paul and are mar-
keted to numerous tin producers for a
wide variety of tin products.
Q Plastics: Are taken to a facility in
Iowa, where they are used to produce
tables, chairs and park benches.
Medina recycles curbside every other Thursday (see the calendar on
page 1). If you need additional information or have questions, call
(952) 476-0012 or e-mail ackroeger@aol.com
General Information
Salvation Army Collection
Saturday, October 4th
9.am.—1p.m. ONLY
Orono Intermediate School Parking Lot
Contact the new Salvation Army collection notice phone number
at (952) 476-0012 if you have any questions.
New Lighting Ordinance Provisions
Effective January 22, 2004
Medina’s Lighting Ordinance, which was published on Janu-
ary 22, 2002 included a two-year time of compliance that effects
non-residential properties. The Lighting Ordinance states that
“all land uses, developments, buildings and structures on non-
residential properties must be brought into compliance with the
ordinance within two years of its effective date if adjacent to resi-
dential property.”
The intent of the ordinance is to minimize
the careless light usage that affects the night-
time environment, while preserving safety,
security, and nighttime use and enjoyment of
property.
The full ordinance and details, under code
section 829, may be viewed on the City’s website at
www.ci.medina.mn.us
Horse Management Practices (Cont’d.)
As a preview to the Executive Summary and Resource
Guide, some of the basic manure handling principles include:
1) covering a manure pile to prevent rain from leaching out
nutrients; 2) keeping manure piles at least 100 ft. from wet-
lands; 3) spreading manure on land only from April to Sep-
tember; and, 4) completely removing storage piles at least
once per year.
More information pertaining to horse management prac-
tices or upcoming meetings will be posted on the City’s web-
site at www.ci.medina.mn.us
Page 4
Department Receives Safe and Sober Grant
The Medina Police Department, along with the Orono and
Corcoran Police Departments, have received a Safe and Sober
Grant for 2003. The grant funds will provide extra traffic patrols,
targeted at keeping local streets and highways safe.
An approximate 130 hours of extra traffic patrol in Medina
will occur as part of receiving the grant. Medina officers pres-
ently concentrate traffic enforcement in areas where accidents
occur and where complaints are received from citizens.
If you have traffic concerns in your area, please contact the
Medina Police Department. Drive safe and buckle up!
Holiday “House Checks” Service
With the holiday season just around the corner, Medina Po-
lice will once again be providing a “House Check” service. If you
are planning an extended vacation, or just a short trip for the
weekend, you may notify the Medina Police Department to let
them know of your time away from your home and to provide any
contact information, or other pertinent information.
During the vacation, the officers will do drive-by visual in-
spections; and, when time permits, pull doors to make sure your
homes are secure. If a problem is
found, the Department may then
contact you or a key holder.
Give the Department a call at
763-473-9209 and get your house
on the list. Have a great holiday
season!
Horse Management Practices
The City Council recently accepted an “Executive Summary
of Medina Horse Management Practices” on September 16th to be
used as one focal point of educating horse owners in Medina. The
summary was presented to the Council by a committee of Medina
Horse Association representatives as well as City representatives.
Two information meetings pertaining to the Executive Sum-
mary and a Medina Horse Association’s Resource Guide for Keep-
ing Horses in Medina are planned for Monday, October 20th
from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 26 from 4:00 p.m.
to 6:00 p.m., both at City Hall. Horse owners and interested per-
sons are invited to attend either one of the meetings.
The City Council also supported an education budget of
$10,000 to cover printing costs of the Resource Guide, meeting
expenses, and speaker/technical assistance expenses. The City
agreed to fund $3,000 of the budget and the additional $7,000 is
being applied for grant funding through the Minnehaha Watershed
District.
In addition to the two information meetings in October, a na-
tionally renown speaker is being invited to speak later this fall;
and, scheduling an open forum as well as hiring a technical con-
sultant are planned.
Continued on Page 5
Council Approves 2:00 a.m. Bar Closing
On August 19th, the City Council approved a 2:00 a.m.
closing time for on-sale license holders. State law recently
went into effect on July 1, which allowed municipalities to
extend the closing time.
Establishments interested in extending to the 2:00 a.m.
closing must file an application with the state.
The ordinance now states that “no sale of intoxicating liq-
uor or wine for consumption on the licensed premises may be
made between 2:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. on the days of Monday
through Saturday; and, after 2:00 a.m. on Sundays, except as
provided by Subd. 3; and, between 8:00 p.m. on December 24
and 8:00 a.m. on December 25, except as provided by Subd.3.”
Subd.3 refers to liquor being consumed in conjunction
with sale of food.
Also, “no sale of 3.2 percent malt liquor may be made
between 2:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. on the days of Monday
through Saturday, nor between 2:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon on
Sunday.”
Details of the ordinance can be viewed at City Hall. The
ordinance will also be posted soon on the City’s web site.
Public Safety/General Information
Volunteers Needed for 2004 Appointments
The City Council will again be seeking volunteers to be ap-
pointed or re-appointed to the following commissions, commit-
tees, etc. on January 1. Please contact a Councilor or the City
Office if you are interested with serving any of the following:
Q Lake Minnetonka Communication Commission
Q Elm Creek Watershed Commission
Q Pioneer-Sarah Creek Watershed Commission
Q Minnehaha Creek Watershed Commission
Q Communities in Collaboration Council
Q Healthy Communities Committee
Q Highway 55 Corridor Coalition Joint Powers
A special thanks to all 2003 volunteers!
Hunting Season Is Here
The City of Medina permits hunting on a limited basis. A
hunting permit is required for anyone who is hunting in Medina,
except for landowners and their relatives who are hunting on their
own property.
To receive a permit, you must have written permission from a
property owner. Medina’s hunting ordinance is
very comprehensive and can be viewed at the
police department or at the City web site at
www.ci.medina.mn.us.
Please take the time to review the ordi-
nance to understand restrictions Medina has in
effect. If you have any questions, call the Po-
lice Department at (763) 473-9209. Be careful
while hunting and respect the rules.
Page 3 Page 3
Hamel Water System Treatment
The City Council and staff have recently reviewed additional
design options and cost estimates for treating water in the Hamel
Water system. Council directed staff to schedule informational
meetings with Hamel water residents, to explain the options and to
receive feedback from the residents.
Although the meetings have not been set,
staff will be distributing a separate letter to
Hamel water residents to provide some infor-
mation on the options and the meeting dates,
times and places. The meetings are expected to
be held this fall. Meeting notices will also be
posted on the City’s web site at
www.ci.medina.mn.us
The Hamel Water system has two water quality issues of con-
cern. The first concern, which is health related, involves the failure
to meet radium and gross alpha standards. The City must become
in compliance by June of 2006.
The second concern, which is an aesthetic concern, involves a
failure to meet iron and manganese standards in some of the wells.
However, there is no federal or state requirement to meet the stan-
dards.
The treatment options currently involve a system to reduce the
radium and gross alpha system, which is the least expensive option.
Other options include systems to also reduce the iron and manga-
nese levels; or, for private homeowners to reduce the iron and man-
ganese levels.
Public Works Purchases
New Truck
The City recently took delivery of a
new single-axle truck that is equipped
with snow plow, wing, underbody
scraper, and V-box sander with ex-
changeable flat bed. The truck cost
$130,000 and will be used year around.
The new truck replaces a 1981 single axle
plow truck.
Public Works News
2003 Public Works Projects
Among the list of projects completed to date
in 2003 through the Public Works department:
Q Final lifts of pavement on Brockton Lane
and portion of Chippewa Road.
Q Ditch/erosion control measures on Deer
Hill Road west.
Q New culverts on Willow Drive at Crosby
Creek for safety improvement.
Q Installation of signal lights at Willow
Drive and Highway 55 intersection.
Compost and Brush Pile Open through Fall
Compost Pile: consists of leaves and grass trimmings.
Q Hours: Open daily through the fall
Brush Pile: consists of tree waste and garden material.
Q Hours: Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Fridays from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Any tree logs that can be used for fire
wood should be separated. (Wood is
available to be picked up by the public).
*Materials Not Accepted: Hay, tree
stumps, painted or treated lumber.
Preparations for Winter Snow Removal
A few extra things to remember about snow removal in Medina:
Q It is illegal to plow snow from your driveway onto any
public roadway. The property owner will be liable for any
violations, even if a private snow contractor is used.
Q Please remove or mark obstructions on City right-of
way, which includes low bushes, planters or rocks. The
City does not
assume re-
sponsibility
for damage
caused during
snow removal.
Q Secure your mailbox. Mailboxes are often knocked down
from flying snow, instead of being hit by the plow. The
City does not repair mailboxes.
Q Many City roads are slippery, and extra caution needs
to be taken. Medina does not have a dry pavement policy,
meaning heavy use of de-icing materials.
Q Some City roads may become temporarily impassable.
The City crew does not maintain 24-hour service during
snowstorms or high winds, which cause drifting.
Q Keep snow cleared around fire hydrants on or near your
property.
Q Prevent children from building snow forts next to roads.
Winter Parking Restriction
It won’t be long before the snow is flying and the plow
trucks are plowing. Therefore, street parking restrictions will
soon be in place. The City of Medina’s parking ordinance pro-
hibits parking on any City street from November 1 through
March 31, from 1:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. The purpose of the
ordinance restriction is to allow snowplows to effectively move
snow without having the con-
flict of plowing around cars.
It is also advisable to avoid
on-street parking anytime it
snows. Please help keep the
streets clear by pulling your
vehicles off the streets. Thank
You!