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Home My Public Portal About6 - Medina Message Oct-Nov 2022Inside this issue: 2022 Election Information Pg. 1 2023 Proposed Budget Pg. 1 Hunting Season Pg. 2 Stop for School Buses Pg. 2 Fire Departments Open House Pg. 2 Celebration Day Recap Pg. 3 Public Works Summer Projects Recap Pg. 4 Canada Thistle Pg. 4 Reminders for Winter Pg. 4 Land Use Applications Pg. 5 Uptown Hamel Survey Pg. 5 Planning Commission Vacancy Pg. 5 Rake to Save a Lake Pg. 5 Hydrant Flushing Back City Meeting & Event Calendar October 4th Tues—City Council 7 pm llth Tues—Planning Commission 7 pm 18th Tues—City Council Work Session 6 pm 18th Tues—City Council 7 pm 19th Wed —Park Commission 7pm November 1st Tues—City Council 7 pm 8th Tues—General Election Day 7am-8pm 9th Wed —Planning Commission 7 pm llth Fri —City Offices Closed (Holiday) 15th Tues—City Council Work Session 6 pm 15th Tues City Council 7 pm 16th Wed —Park Commission 7pm 24th Thurs—City Offices Closed (Holiday) 25th Fri —City Offices Closed (Holiday) All meetings at City Hall unless otherwise noted —see city website for current info: www.medinamn.us Meeting agendas & packets on website when available. PRESORTED FIRST-CLASS MAIL U.S. POSTAGE PAID HAMEL, MN PERMIT NO. 75 MEDINA 2052 County Road 24 Medina, MN 55340.9790 October Hydrant Maintenance and Flushing Notice Annual hydrant maintenance and flushing will begin in October for account numbers beginning with 01 & 03. Flushing the entire City typically takes 4-6 weeks. Weather or other high -priority maintenance needs may result in changes to this schedule. Hydrant flushing is regular maintenance of the water distribution system. While flushing hydrants, associated valves are also exercised and lubricated to ensure proper function. The annual hydrant flushing program ensures: • High -quality drinking water that meets or exceeds standards • Lower treatment costs by reducing disinfection demands • Decreased water age in low flow areas • Sediment and air removed • System hydraulics are improved During hydrant flushing, residents may experience short periods of cloudy, discolored water and low water pressure. Discolored water usually contains some rust that has accumulated on the interior of watermains. There are no health threats associated with using the water. The City recommends running an outside faucet until the water runs clear. Discolored cloudy water usually clears up within one or two hours. More detailed information will be posted on the City website as it becomes available at www.medinamn.us /hydrant/. Independence Beach, accounts beginning with 02, will follow their regular monthly flushing schedule which is the second Thursday of each month from 9 am - 2 pm. GI; Y Ocr MEDINA CITY HALL 2052 County Road 24 Medina, MN 55340 p: 763-473-4643 f: 763-473-9359 e: city@medinamn.gov City Hall Office Hours Mon -Fri 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. PUBLIC SAFETY 600 Clydesdale Trail Medina, MN 55340 p: 763-473-9209 f: 763-473-8858 e: police@medinamn.gov Police Department Office Hours Mon -Fri 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Mayor Kathleen Martin 612-344-1111 City Council Dino DesLauriers 612-812-3290 Todd Albers 763-360-5532 Joseph Cavanaugh 763-473-5123 Robin Reid 763-670-7614 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 Caitlyn Walker City Clerk www.medinamn.us Message A hi -monthly publication from the City of Medina 2022 General Election is on November 8th The 2022 General Election is on November 8th. The polls will be open from 7 AM to 8 PM. Find your precinct at https://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/ Voters can request an absentee mail ballot for the General Election by visiting https://mnvotes.org and selecting "other ways to vote" to request an absentee ballot. The ballot will come with instructions for how to vote and how to return the ballot. Voters may also vote absentee in -person at City Hall, Monday through Friday from September 23rd to November 7th. 2023 Preliminary Budget Summary At its meeting on September 6th, 2022, the City Council approved a preliminary budget for 2023. The Council's action was preceded by an Open House on the budget. Further, the Council reviewed and refined the budget at several meetings prior to approval on September 6th. The proposed 2023 tax levy is $6,022,146. The preliminary estimates show the City's 2023 property tax rate would not increase from the 2022 rate of 22.596%. The City's proposed general fund budget is $6,590,246, which is an increase of $991,362 from the 2022 budget of $5,598,884. Of the increase, $536,362 is attributed to operations and $455,000 for a future fire facility. A portion of the overall increase of the property tax levy is due to tax base expansion from development growth in 2021. Operational increases are comprised of insurance costs, contractual services, and a 5.0% cost of living increase for staff. The general fund budget provides for all basic City services, which the Council and staff strive to provide to residents in a cost-effective way while maintaining a high standard of quality and investing in essential infrastructure. The 2023 final budget will be determined at the December 6th, 2022 Council meeting; while the Council can decrease the levy, it cannot increase the levy at that meeting. What Your City Tax Dollar Buys Facilities Planning & Zoning 4% General Administration 7% Police & Emergency Management 36% Park and Capital J Recreation Equipment & 5% Streets Levy 16% Fire 16% Building Inspection o% Public Works 13% Oct / Nov 2022 Public Safety Planning Hunting Season is Coming Soon The city's objective is to maintain hunting as part of the City's rural character, while balancing the rights of the citizens in reference to the disturbances caused by hunting. Every year we receive complaints in reference to our hunting. As the City of Medina continues to grow, our population becomes more and more dense, and less land is being used for hunting. The City believes that hunting is a valued privilege and wants to ensure hunting continues into the future. Hunters need to follow city regulations to ensure we can continue to enjoy this privilege. One of the main complaints is bird shots crossing property lines and hitting roads, houses, and other structures on adjacent property. We want to remind all hunters to be vigilant and exercise safe hunting practices. Know where your shots are going and where they are landing; you need to ensure the safety of the surrounding residents. If you are planning on hunting in Medina, please review the regulations and make sure that you are in compliance with the City ordinance found here: https://medinamn.us/regulations-fees/licenses-permits/hunting-permits/ Stop for School Buses & Watch for Children School is back in session and we all need to work together to ensure everyone makes it home safely. Remember to watch for buses, as well as children walking and biking to and from school. State law requires vehicles to stop for school buses when the flashing lights are activated and crossing arm is extended. Drivers who violate the law face a minimum fine of $500. Drivers can face criminal charges for passing a school bus on the right, passing when a child is outside the bus, or injuring or killing a child. Motorists: • Always be prepared to stop for school buses, especially during pickup and drop off hours. • Motorists must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus displaying red flashing lights or a stop arm when approaching from the rear and from the opposite direction on undivided roads. • In neighborhoods and school zones, motorists should slow down, pay attention, not block crosswalks, and watch for buses and children making their way to and from school. Students: • When getting off a bus, look to be sure no cars are passing on the shoulder. • Wait for the bus driver to signal that it is safe to cross. • When crossing the street to get on the bus or to go home, make eye contact with motorists before proceeding. Our kids are our greatest assets. Let's keep them safe. If you see someone violating a school bus law, call 911, get the license plate number and a description of the driver. Our department takes these violations serious. Let us all have a safe school year. Fire Department Open Houses Three of the four fire departments that serve Medina residents will be hosting open houses in October. Residents are invited to come meet firefighters, participate in family fun activities, enjoy some food, and learn about fire prevention tips. Long Lake Fire Department — Monday, October 3rd from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Station #1, 340 North Willow Drive, Long Lake, MN Maple Plain Fire Department — Saturday, October 8th from 11 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 1645 Pioneer Ave, Maple Plain, MN Loretto Fire Department — Saturday, October 15th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 259 Medina Street, Loretto, MN Find out which fire department serves your house on the City of Medina's website at: https:// medinamn.us/citygov/ departments/volunteer-fire/ Land Use Applications Under Review The following land projects are currently under review by the City. For more information on one of the projects, or for an update on the review schedule, please visit: https://medinamn.us/citygov/departments/planning-zoning/ or contact the Planning Department at: (763) 473-4643, ext. 1. Meander Park and Boardwalk — Meander Rd, east of Arrowhead Dr — Medina Ventures has requested Planned Unit Development (PUD) General Plan and Preliminary Plat approval for a commercial development. The applicant proposes to construct an event center and spaces for a restaurant, daycare center, and other retail uses. The project also includes two twin -home units north of Meander Rd, west of Fields of Medina. Preliminary review is underway, and a hearing will then be scheduled when complete, potentially at the October 11 or November 9 Planning Commission meeting. WEST Loram/Scannelllndustrial— East of Arrowhead Drive, south of Highway 55 — Loram and Scannell Properties have requested approval of a preliminary plat and site plan review for development of three buildings with approximately 396,000 s.f. of warehouse/industrial uses. The applicant has indicated they are updating their plans and a hearing will then be scheduled, potentially at the October 11 or November 9 Planning Commission meeting. Planning Commission Vacancy The City is seeking a resident to fill a vacancy on the Medina Planning Commission. The term expires December 31, 2023. City commissions are volunteer recommending bodies to the City Council. The Planning Commission meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7 PM at Medina City Hall. Deadline for applications is Monday, October 17th. Interested applicants can download an application on the City's website at: https://medinamn.us/ commission -vacancies/ The City will seek additional residents to serve on the Park Commission and Planning Commission later this year. Rake to Save a Lake Tree leaves contain phosphorus, the nutrient that turn lakes and rivers green with algae. This fall, protect our water by following these simple tips: 1) Rake or sweep leaves from your street and storm drains 2) Compost leaves and grass clippings 3) Never dispose of leaves in wetlands or water Keep the street clean of materials that contain phosphorus, such as grass clippings and eroded soil. Visit www.cleanwatermn.org for more in- formation and tips. Every effort helps — THANK YOU for doing your part! Share Your Thoughts! Uptown Hamel Market and Development Analysis The City, with funding support from Hennepin County, hired WSB, an engineering firm, to study and advise on activities which will support improvements in the Uptown Hamel area. The goal of the study is to create an actionable plan to encourage new business and economic development opportunities within Uptown Hamel. UPTOWN HAMEL Please consider taking a few minutes to support the process and enhancement of Uptown Hamel by taking part in a brief survey by scanning the QR code below, or visiting: surveymonkey.com/r/Z39J535 For more information, visit https: / /medinamn.us /community/ uptown-hamel/ or contact Planning Director Dusty Finke at dusty.finke@medinamn.gov or 763-473-8846. Page 2 Oct / Nov 2022 Page 5 Oct / Nov 2022 Celebration Day Recap We had a wonderful day celebrating the community that we work and live in, at our annual Medina Celebration Day, which was held on Saturday, September 17th. The event this year showcased 24 businesses, organizations, and clubs that took part in our Business Expo. This is always a great opportunity to learn more about what services our local businesses offer to the community. It is also an opportunity to learn more about how local groups, dubs, and organizations are investing their time in preserving the natural beauty of the City of Medina. Their efforts include the water quality of the lakes, fish & wildlife habitat, land conservation, and outdoor amenities for our residents while encouraging use by all. We extend a thank you to our local fire departments who provided the antique fire truck and barrel train — the delighted attendees enjoyed rides around the ballfield! Attendees also enjoyed a round of bingo, bean bag toss, inflatables, glitter tattoos, pumpkin decorating, carnival games, and many fun interactive activities from our Business Expo including s'mores provided by the Boy and Girl Scouts! The dinner and drinks that were served from our local food vendors is what really provides an opportunity for guests to come and enjoy a relaxing, yet fun -filled evening for our residents! We enjoyed a warm sunny day and ended the evening with Grand Finale fireworks sponsored by our local businesses and organizations! There were 35 Wayzata High School Volunteer Club students that supported this event with their involvement of setting up the event, managing the youth activities, and assisting with cleaning up. Their support is greatly appreciated. Several of the students expressed their appreciation of the event, having attended it in the past, and wanted to be a part of this well -loved community event! KD&Company Recycling, Inc. Gravel • Topsoil • Landscaping Supply root s LET'S TALK. C, StateFarm Marianne Houlihan 763-478-5111 MARIANNE@MARIANNEHOULIHAN.can COFFEE. ENTERTAINMENT CENTER I4O�1CfOWMC � Pizza Adn9W Of SSRENGt6 WI RC LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1979 MEDINA• HAMEL School of Music geg s,Go un rsic4 ajc Dojo Karate 1 Gregor Farm & Greenhouse 1 Maple Crest Landscape Hamel Fire Dept. I Loretto Fire Dept. 1 Scherer Pumpkin Patch Troops 3570 & 5570 1 Wayzata Youth Hockey Association Art 2 Heart I Fortin Chiropractic Clinic I Garrett Larson - State Farm 1 Hamel American Legion John Day Company 1 Just for Kix - Medina 1 Medina Golf & Country Club 1 PupTown 1 Rockier Companies School of Rock 1 Sota Chiropractic 1 UNITS Moving Et Storage I Vinayak Sales I Vitality Homeopathic Care Page 3 Oct / Nov 2022 Public Works Public Works Summer Project Completion Recap Meander Road — Brush was cleared and the trail was extended to County Road 116 in July. Mohawk Drive — Repaired two culvert crossings, two sewer crossings, and one water crossing in July. Catch Basins — Deteriorated catch basins and numerous soft spots were repaired on Prairie Drive, Bobolink Road, and Deer Hill Road in July and August. Arrowhead Drive/Hwy 55 Intersection — Added a second turn lane from Arrowhead Drive to Hwy 55. The road was expanded and repaved and the trail and sidewalk ac- cess was improved. Drainage and stormwater improvements were completed in Au- gust. The entrance for OSI was also relocated to line up with Meander Road. Chippewa Road Extension — Construction from Mohawk Drive to Arrowhead Drive and the realignment of the Hackamore Road into Arrowhead Drive was completed in August. Foxberry Farms — A deteriorated catch basin was repaired prior to pavement. Iroquois Street, Oakview Road, and Tower Drive West — Reconstruction included a leveling course and overlay. Construction was completed in August and September. Hunter Lions Park — Phase II renovations are well underway and include asphalt installation on the new court, surface coating, fencing, and ballfield preparation and seeding. Dugout preparation is complete. Visit our website at www.medinamn.us/ hunter -lions -park/ for the full plan. Canada Thistle Canada thistle is an invasive perennial weed that typically grows in patches. This thorny troublemaker can grow up to five feet tall and once firmly anchored in the ground, can spread quickly via a robust root system. When conditions are right, seeds can stay viable in the soil for up to 20 years before germinating! Canada thistle is considered a noxious weed, meaning its control is required by law. The City's weed inspection program is complaint driven and the City is obligated to follow through and enforce, when necessary, as complaints are received. Each Canada thistle plant you see connects to a network of underground rhizomes, creating an elaborate web of what appears to be individual plants. It takes long-term commitment to completely remove them from your property. It has once again become a problem — ranking as the #1 complaint received by Medina's Weed Inspector. Left uncontrolled for a while, the patch of thistle can become thick enough to suck the life out of the vegetation it is invading. The good news is that Canada thistle can be controlled! Visit https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ invasives for information and options for the required management of this tenacious weed. Reminders as Winter Approaches Fall Cleanup - Complete your fall projects before winter so spring rains do not cause erosion. The City's compost/brush site is located behind City Hall and free for Medina residents. Leaves, grass clippings, and brush are accepted. The site is open daily from 7 AM to 4:30 PM. Mailboxes - Please check your mailbox for sturdiness and repair them as needed. The City is not responsible for damage to mailboxes or support posts caused by snow or ice coming into contact with the mailbox. Parking - City ordinance prohibits parking on public streets from November 1st - March 31st, 1:00 — 6:00 AM. Public Works would appreciate having no vehicles parked on City streets when snowfall occurs during the daytime to assist in plowing. Snow Removal - The snow plowing priority route schedule is as follows: 1) Main collector roads 2) Residential streets 3) Cul-de-sacs and dead-end streets 4) Trails To limit damage to sod, it is advised to place a marker along curb lines. However, metal poles are strictly prohibited within the City right-of- way. The City is not responsible for any damage to obstacles that are located in the right-of-way, such as sprinkler heads, fences, garden areas, etc. The City is also not responsible for repairing grass or sod that has been damaged in the right-of-way. It is the responsibility of property owners to remove snow and ice on their sidewalks. However, please use ice control sparingly for sidewalks and other areas. After it enters the storm drain, it eventually ends up in local lakes and rivers. Page 4 Oct / Nov 2022