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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSummer 2010 Hastings Rivertown NewsIn This Issue: Emerald Ash Borer . _ ........ .2 City Issued New Bond Rating. .. 3 Red Rock Corridor Updates...... 4 Avoid Being Scammed ........ 6 FD Promotes New Lieutenants . 9 Construction Season Is Here .... 8 Property Maintenance Reminders.. '12 Where to Drop Off CFL's ...... '13 HFAC Summer Details ........ '15 Mayor: Paul Hicks 437 -8866 mayorhicksgci.hastings.mn.us Ward Council Members Ward 1 Anthony Alongi 319 -0066 aalongi9d.hastings.mn.us Ward 2 Joe Balsanek 438 -5998 jbalsanek@ci.hastings.mn.us Ward 3 Tony Nelson 437 -4194 tnelsongd.hastings.mn.us Ward 4 Danna Elling Schultz 438 -3878 dellingschultzgci .hastings.mn.us At -Large Council Members: Barb Hollenbeck 480 -0268 bhollenbeck@ci.hastings.mn.us Mike Slavik 437 -4637 mslavik9d.hastings.mmus General City Council E -mail citycouncilCcDci.ha stings. mn.us On Monday June 7, 2010 the Hastings City Council unanimously approved the appointment of Paul Schnell as the Police Chief for the City of Hastings. Paul Schnell will begin his employment as the Police Chief effective June 28, 2010. Previously, Paul Schnell was a Sergeant Inspector - Public Information Officer for the St. Paul Police Department. The process that lead to the appointment of Paul Schnell included interviews by three different panels, with various members of the community of Hastings, City employees, a City Councilmember and Police Civil Service Commission member, a metro area Police Chief and a student from the Hastings High School. On behalf of the City of Hastings, want to personally thank all who participated as panel members on May 11, 2010 as well as the candidates for their time and interest in this position. From that process three finalists were named and moved on to the finalist process, which included a public meet and greet. These few steps in the process of hiring the Police Chief illustrate the City's commitment to better engage the public in areas that otherwise might have exclusively involved City officials only. That commitment will continue, and it is our belief that such civic engagement results in better government and more pride in the City of Hastings. Thank you to everyone who participated in the numerous steps in this process. P" 44d' OS6'ewg City Administrator 2'010 LOCAT RACES W"N'THE BAT T Hastings voters will have an opportunity to elect their two at -large councilmembers and mayor this fall. Each office is a four -year term. Each of the current incumbents, Councilmembers Mike Slavik and Barb Hollenbeck and Mayor Paul Hicks have all filled for reelection. No other fillings were received, so there will not be any City of Hastings Offices on the August 10` primary ballot. Important Election Dues Recent legislative changes moved the primary to August 10, 2010. That is about four weeks earlier than in other years. The Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, August 10, 2010. The General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 2, 2010. Where to dote? Residents may vote at one location for a school election, and a different place for a City elec- tion. There are some changes to your 2010 polling places. Should you have any questions about where you vote, please contact City Hall for assistance. You can also use the Secretary of State's precinct finder (htt . / /pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/ ) to determine which ward you live in and where you vote. More election information is inside on page 3 Rivertmvn News (jilly - October 2010) 1 City of Hastings MN/DOT 101 Fourth Street East MN /DOT is one major step closer to building the new Highway 61 Hastings Bridge. In May, Mn /DOT Hastings, MN 55033 reviewed technical proposals submitted by the three pre - qualified Design -Build firms. On June 4th, they opened the price proposals and considered both the technical score and price to determine the best City Administrator: value. Lunda /Ames is the apparent best value Design -Build proposer. The Lunda /Ames team scored Dave Osberg 480 -2383 93.22 out of a possible 100 points on its technical proposal, with a construction contract cost of dosberg@ci.hastings.mn.us $119,830,890 (compared to the estimate $220,000,000 that had been projected for the project.) Now that we have an apparent best value bidder, we anticipate a final contract by early July. Asst City Administrator Melanie Mesko Lee 480 -2326 mmesko_leegd hastings.mn.us Finance Director Char Stark 480 -2354 cstark0ci.hastings.mn.us Pioneer Room Curator Cindy Thury Smith 480 -2350 csmithgci.hastings.mn.us Community Relations Shannon Rausch 480 -2344 srausch9d.hastings.mmus Please visit the website at htt.p: / /www.dot.state.mn.us/ metro /projects /hastin sbridge /index.htmI after contract award for more information about upcoming public involvement opportunities that will give more details about the new bridge design, construction operations, minimizing construction impacts to businesses, etc. As a reminder, please spread the word that THE EXISTING BRIDGE WILL BE OPEN DURING CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW BRIDGE. We appreciate your involvement in this exciting project and look forward to beginning preliminary construction later this fall. EMERALD ASH BORER Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an exotic beetle that was discovered in southeastern Michigan near Detroit in the summer of 2002. The adult beetles nibble on ash foliage but cause little damage. The larvae, however, feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients. It is assumed that the EAB arrived in the United States on solid wood packing material carried in cargo ships originating in its native Asia. EAB has been spreading throughout the country and into Canada ever since. In the spring of 2009, EAB reached Minnesota, New York, and Kentucky. At this time, EAB has been found in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and in Houston County, Minnesota. The Department of Agriculture has not been able to contain EAB and believe it is not a matter of "if" we will be infested but rather "when" it will arrive in Hastings. You can help by doing your part in slowing the spread of this destructive bug. Please do not buy or move firewood if you do not know its identity or source. Movement of infested wood has been the most prevalent way of transporting these pests from infested to uninfested areas. Avoid pruning Ash trees until late fall or winter when trees are dormant. If you have questions or concerns, contact the City Forester, Paul Mahoney, at 651- 480 -6177 or pmahoneyPci.hastings.mn.us or call a tree care professional. You can find more detailed information about the symptoms of EAB and what you can do by visiting the Parks & Recreation - Forestry page on the City's website Civil War Veterans-, Hastings, MN A Documented List Including Selected Biographies The Hastings Pioneer Room will be publishing a booklet on Hastings men who fought in the Civil War. It will be printed and available for purchase early in 2011, 150 years after the outbreak of the Civil War. If you would like to contribute some information for this booklet or would like to reserve a first printing copy, please call the Pioneer Room at 480 -2367. 2 Rivertown News (duly - october 2010) a� This year's season began May 29 and will wrap up October 2. As in years past, Shows are held every other Saturday �w night from 5 - 9pm. Cars 1976 and older are welcome. Special events this season include: • June 26: Public Service Night a .a- • July 10: State Patrol Night • August 21: America's First 50= r • September 4: Military Night a M • October 2: Food Drive for the Hastings Family Services & United V1Lay �4 Questions? Contact the Hastings Downtown Business Association A, e `J President Kevin Hoeschen 437 -4400 or , visit their website at www.hastingsdown town- MN.com /cruise -in Voting by Absentee Ballot You may vote by Absentee Ballot (AB) if you are unable to get to your polling site on Election Day for the following reasons: • Away from home; • III or disabled; • An election judge serving in another precinct; or • Unable to go to the polling place due to a religious holiday or beliefs. To have an absentee ballot (AB) application mailed to you, contact the City of Hastings Once the completed application has been received, an AB will be sent to you. Please allow plenty of time to complete the absentee balloting process; all AB's must be received by Election Day. AB's received after Election Day, even if postmarked by Election Day, will not be counted. Absentee Ballots are available 30 days before Election Day. To vote by AB, you must first complete an absentee ballot application. Then, you will receive a blank ballot to vote and return to the City of Hastings. If you are eligible to vote by Absentee Ballot, you may return the ballot by either mail or in person. Absentee Ballots in Person Up until the day before Election Day, you may complete an AB application, receive your ballots, and vote in person at the Hastings City Hall or at Dakota County ( http: / /www.co.dakota.mn.us locations in Hastings or Apple Valley. Last fall, the City of Hastings received an upgrade to the City's bond rating. Bonds issued by the City are now rated as an AA rather then the former rating of Al . This is a two step increase. This means the interest rate the City pays on debt will be lowered as a result of the increase to the bond rating. This is good news for the citizens of the City. The bottom line is that any debt the city issues for road construction projects or any other future project will cost less. AAA is the highest rating that can be achieved by the City. The City is two steps below with the new rating of AA. To achieve this rate, the City goes through a rating call where a bond analyst questions the City on all aspects of the city operations. The analyst asks questions on the budget, the financial outcomes, the City programs, the community in general, the development of the community, the tax rate, and finally the future financial health of the City. The bond analyst also goes through the City's comprehensive financial report and analyses the city's financial health based on criteria such as debt ratios, asset to liability rations. The achievement of an increase to a bond rating doesn't happen overnight. The hard work of the current City Council and city staff through the years has paid off. The benefit of our strong financial position will be a great savings to everyone. Rivertown News (duly - Wober 2010) 3 I Oth Annual Historic Preservation Awards Reward Homeowners for Hard Work This past May, the Heritage Preservation Commission with the City Council held the 10` annual presen- tation of awards to citizens for their contributions to Heritage Preservation in Hastings. Community Development Director John Hinzman 480 -2378 jhinzman@ci.hastings.mn.us Planning Associate Kari Barker 480 -2377 kbarker9ci.hastings.mn.us HPC Staff & Planning Associate Justin Fortney 480 -2381 jfortney0ci.hastings.mmus Each year, the HPC looks throughout the city, nominates, and votes for a number of good examples of careful maintenance, compatible remodeling, restoration, and replacement of original design elements. The following homeowners were recognized for making the decisions they did - to maintain an attractive property, to preserve a good building rather than replace it, to respect the building's design, and to enhance their neighborhoods. The five properties were built between 1873 and 1916. Carrol & Shirley Tammen 725 West 61h ca.1916 Robert & Jeanine Cody 315 West 71h ca. 1885 Michel & Sheryl St John 308 West 91h ca.1873 Heidi & Colin Mccarty 121 East 51h ca.1912 Maureen O'Boyle 925 Tyler ca. 1914 725 west v CONINI S ON THE MONTE! �S .z After several studies, state and regional policymakers have concluded that com- muter rail service will be the best long -term transit investment for the Red Rock Corridor. Before commuter rail service can be constructed, the corridor needs to show greater transit ridership. To help generate this ridership, the Red Rock Corridor Commission wants to expand and enhance the existing express bus service with coach style buses. This approach is similar to the efforts taken by the Northstar Commuter Rail corridor. Starting this year, the Red Rock Corridor Commission which is comprised of local elected officials from communities throughout the corridor including, Hasting, will be conducting a study to finalize locations and designs for the four proposed transit stations along the southeast portion of the corridor. To assist the Commission in developing its plans for transit stations, it is hosting numerous focus groups both within and outside the corridor. In May, the Commission held one of its first focus groups with the Hastings Downtown Business Association. Local business leaders provided their first impressions of the project and stated their transit station location preferences. The current plan for the Hastings transit station is to use the existing historic train depot. While it hasn't served passengers in decades, the On The Move, Continues page 5 4 Rivertown News (duly - October 2010) T T THE T Continued from page 4 Hastings depot is an important piece of history and recognizable image of downtown. Comments obtained in the focus group were largely agreeable with this concept. It is important to make the renovated station an extension of downtown Hastings, using similar architecture and aesthetic. To continue gathering public feedback, the Commission recently created a Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC). The CAC will serve as a vital link between the Commission and the public. This group also will provide early feedback on transit station planning and development to the Commission. Several residents of Hastings serve on the CAC, bringing the views and opinions of the city and residents to these important meetings. The Red Rock Corridor will be the Twin Cities' second commuter rail line and is vitally important for Hastings and surrounding communities. To make this a reality, it is essential that this project has broad community support and residents send their local elected officials a strong message on its development. Please visit the Red Rock Corridor website, www.redrockrai!.org to sign -up for updates and learn about upcoming events. 2010 Summer & Early Fall at LeDuc Historic 1629 Vermillion Street, Hastings The season at the LeDuc Historic Estate opens on May 26 and runs through October 31. Tours are available every 90 minutes starting at 10 a.m. (10 & 11:30 a.m. & 1, 2:30 & 4 p.m.) Wednesdays through Saturdays; and 1, 2:30 & 4 p.m. on Sundays. Rates remain the same as in past years: $6, Adults; $5, Seniors; $3, Students up to age 18; FREE for members of Dakota County Historical Society, Military personnel and their families, and children ages 5 years and younger. Signature Events National Needlevvorking Competition - Opens mid- June. Instructions & patterns are found on Dakota County Historical Society website: http://www.dakotahisto- ry.org. Entries due end of March, 2011. Farm, Food & Fun Fair: August 21 - 10 a.m. -5 p.m. Admission to grounds FREE, but house tours at regular rates. Prelude to War: Civil War Weekend September 11 -12 - 10 a.m. -5 p.m. Regular rates apply. Outdoor Community Summer Concert Series - August 1, 8,15 & 22 - 6:30 p.m. FREE. Bring chairs and /or blankets. Sponsored by Hastings Concert Association and the Dakota County Historical Society. Youth Camps Life with the LeDucs, Youth Camp - June 21 -25 - 8 a.m. to noon each day. Children ages 10 -14. Register at http://www.hast- ingscommunityed.com. Dig LeDuc (Archaeology), Youth Camp - July 8 -9 - 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Register at http://www.hastingscommunityed.com. r DOG LICENSES In 2009, the City Council changed the dog license to a two -year license. Current licenses expire July 31 in odd numbered years. If you renewed "Fido's" license last summer, you're good! If you are new to the community or recently added a four - legged friend to your family, then you will need to purchase a license at City Hall that will then be effective for through July 31, 2011. Just a reminder to please forward your dog's rabies vaccination record to us if that expires during the term of the license. Recurring Event & Programs Vermillion Falls Walking Tour - first Saturday of each month through October - 10 a.m. Reservations required - Call 651- 437 -7055 - Rates of $3 -$6. Friends of LeDuc of Historic Hastings - Second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Estate. Free & open to members & guests. Interesting programs each month on history & the arts. LeDuc Book Club - First Thursday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the Estate. Lively book discussions on historical books led by Allan Cotter, Head Librarian of Pleasant Hill Library. Please call 651- 437 -7055 or see the web- site: http: / /www.dakotahistory.org for more detailed information. Rivertown News (duly - October 2010) 5 IF IT S TOO GOOD TO r ngs, Non - Emergency: 480 -2300 Emergency: 911 www.ci.hastings.mn.us Police Chief: Paul Schnell 480 -2300 pschnell9ci.hastings.mn.us Lieutenant: Joe Kegley 480 -2300 jkegleyOci.hastings.mn.us Every day, American consumers receive offers that just sound too good to be true. In the past, these offers came through the mail or by telephone. Now con artists and swindlers have found a new avenue to pitch their frauds: the Internet. The online scams know no national boundaries; they respect no investigative jurisdictions. But, as with all scammers, they have one objective: to separate you from your money! An interesting point about fraud is that it is a crime in which you decide whether or not to participate. Hanging up the phone or not responding to shady mailings or emails makes it difficult for the scam - mer to commit fraud. But con artists are very per- suasive, using all types of excuses, explanations, and offers to lead you — and your money — away from common sense. a victim. Remember, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is! Most Common Scares: Overpayment Scam: Scammer pays for services or item with a check for more than the agreed upon amount then requests a refund, "Please send extra money back by money order or cashiers check to..." Advanced Fee Schemes: Sweepstakes, secret shopper, etc.: "You won! to collect your winnings you must first send us tax liability money and then you need to pay fees...." "Phishing ": Trying to get personal information that will help with identity theft and other fraudulent schemes. Lieutenant: Jim Rgnonti 480 -2300 jrgnonti9ci.hastings.mn.us q P These tips are meant to arm you with information so you don't fall victim to these scam artists. Education, good judgment, and a healthy dose of skepticism are the best defenses against becoming Jamaican Based Scams: Are typicallylottery / sweepstakes scams and are some of the more verbally abusive calls. These scamers may make threats against individual or loved ones. Internet Fraud, Continues page 7 NeWS kily - October Curfew Reminder Play it safe this summer by keeping track of where your underaged children are and help enforce the curfew guidelines in Hastings and throughout Dakota County.not sure what the curfew hours are? cut these out and post them someplace in your home where everyone will see them. Under age 12 Ages 15 - 17 Sunday - Thursday 9pm - 5am Sunday - Thursday 1 1 pm - 5am Friday & Saturday 10pm - 5am Friday & Saturday 12:01 am - 5am Ages 12 - 14 Sunday - Thursday 1 Opm - 5am Friday & Saturday 11 pm - 5am It is unlawful for any juvenile 17 and under to be present in any public place in Hastings or Dakota County between the hours listed above. To make the curfew hours more effective, we need everyone to report any curfew violations. Please help us by contacting the Hastings Police Department at 480 -2300. NeWS kily - October 00\13V A Summer Safety Tips Now that spring is approaching, everyone is reminded there will be an increase in the number of people out walking, biking, skate- boarding and rollerblading, using the streets and sidewalks of our City. Some safety tips for people out enjoying the weather: Walkers • Always try to have a walking partner with you on your walks and try to walk in a residential area where you can easily get help if needed. • When walking, stay on the sidewalks and off the roadway. If no sidewalks are available, stay close to the curb and walk facing traffic. • Always wear light colored clothing. When walking at dusk, try to wear reflective clothing. Internet continued from page 7 Specific Scams & Schemes: Prize Letter /Lottery: "You won, now send money or contact us at . . ." Sometimes a check is sent with a letter which directs you to take fees out of what is really a bad check. Secret Shopper /Work at Home: Popular because of the economy. A check is usually sent with a letter describing what your job is supposed to be. The end result is to wire the scammer the money back or assist them so they keep their hands out of criminal activity. This moves the scammer away from the fraud, also helps to launder moneys Interest Rate Reduction or Consolidation Scam: Very popular with people looking to save money. Most of the time the scammer is promising better rates /lower payments, but when it comes to the end result, you pay for a longer time period or wire money with no assistance at all. Online Auction /Classified Ad /Rent Scams These typically ask for money up front, with Bikers: Bikers are reminded that traffic laws are the same for them as they are for vehicles. • Bikes must stop at all stop signs. • Ride on the right side of the road (going with the flow of traffic.) • Groups of bikers should be ridden single file. • Do not ride on the sidewalk. • Bikes should be equipped with reflectors • In the evening riders should wear light colored clothing or reflective clothing when possible. • Helmets are strongly encouraged, especially by younger and inexperienced riders. the scammer not intending to give you anything; often time they don't actually own the merchandise that is promised. Cash Grant Scams: Common with people looking for college money or any free money, this scam says you can get grants for a small fees. However, there is no grant and the fees you paid are gone. Hit Man Scam: Usually by email, you are told there is hit out for your life. The scammer asks for money in exchange for not murdering you and offers to tell you who hired him. Inheritance Scam: You are contacted and told that someone related to you left you a lot of money - sometimes checks are even sent - you are supposed to send back fees /taxes/ lawyer costs. If you have questions regarding internet fraud or feel you have been a victim of this type of crime, don't be ashamed, or embarrassed, you're not alone. Contact the Hastings Police Department at 480 -2300 and report it today. Build How to Community-, Turn off your TV Leave your house Know your neighbors, greet people Look up when you're walking Sit on your stoop Plant flowers Use your library Play together Buy from local merchants Share what you have Help a lost dog Take children to the park Honor elders Support neighborhood schools Fix it even if you didn't break it Have potlucks Garden together Pick up litter Read stories aloud Talk to the mail carrier Listen to the birds Put up a swing Help carry something heavy Have a backyard BBQ Start a tradition Ask a question Hire young people for odd jobs Ask for help when you need it Organize a block party Bake extra and share Open your shades Sing together Share your skills Take back the night Shovel your neighbors side walk Turn up the music Turn down the music Listen before you react to anger Mediate a conflict Know that no one is silent though many are not heard, work to change this Author Unkonwn Rivertown News kilt' - october 2010) 7 , e Mark Your Calendars Now for the Annual Open House 115 Fifth Street West Hastings, MN 55033 Non -E mergency:4 80 -6150 Emergency: 911 www.ci.hastings.mn.us Fire & EMS Director : Mike Schutt 480 -6150 mschutt0ci.hastings.mn.us The Hastings Fire Department invites you and your family to our annual open house held during Fire Prevention Week October 3 r through the 9 This year's theme is "Smoke Alarms: A Sound You Can Live With" This years theme is an opportunity to learn more about the importance of working, maintained smoke alarms, as well as many other family fire safety activities. Dote: Tuesday, October 5, 2010 Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Some of the events vvill include: * Automobile extrication demonstration * Fire extinguisher demonstrations * Ambulance tours * Fire truck tours * Safety /smoke house demonstrations * Refreshments Bring your family and friends, this is a great oppor- tunity to practice and learn about fire and home safety. Hope to see you all on Tuesday, October 5, 2010! This year, the events will include demonstrations Assistant Fire &EMS and displays from the Hastings Fire Department, Director Marshal: Hastings Police Department, Dakota County John Towns Fire send 480 6150 Special Operations Team, and many other public jtownsend9ci.hastings.mn.us safety agencies. Fire Inspector: Al Storlie 480 -6155 astorlie@ci.hastings.mn.us Protect yourself and your family with working Smoke alarms In the event of a fire in your home, a working smoke detector can save your life and your loved ones. Smoke alarms are an important means to preventing home fire deaths by providing an early means of detection and notification. This early detection and notification can provide you and your family the opportunity to escape. There are two types of smoke detectors: photoelectric alarms, and ionization alarms. There is also a combination duel sensor alarm which has both sensors. The United States Fire Administration recommends the use of both or a combination duel sensor alarm. In addition to these alarms, there are alarms available to meet the needs of people with hearing disabilities; these may include strobe lights and /or vibrations to assist in alerting those who are unable to hear standard smoke alarms. Here are some tips for your smoke alarms. * Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement; * Install smoke alarms both inside and outside each sleeping room; * Follow manufacturers installation instructions to ensure proper function; * If your smoke alarm starts to "chirp," replace the batteries and reset it; * Test each of your smoke detectors monthly, and replace batteries twice per year (Change your clocks, Change your Batteries) Most smoke alarms have a life span of about 8 -10 years. After this time the unit should be replaced. Some newer smoke alarms have the date printed on the label, otherwise it is a good idea to write the date of purchase on the inside label so you know when to replace it. As always, follow the manufacturer's instructions for replacement. NeWS (lulu - October HASTINGS FIREFIGHTERS PROMO UT N1 , NT The Hastings Fire Department promoted three new lieutenants, Steve Crisp, Josh Johnson, and Andy Knoll. They have begun officer training, which includes fire and rescue scene management, scene safety officer, and National Incident Management training. This training will prepare them to assume roles of incident commander, scene safety officer, as well as many other emergency response roles. We congratulate them and are very proud to have these individuals in their new role as fire officers. As warmer weather arrives, it is sometimes nice to have a campfire in your backyard. Just remember a few simple rules: • The fire can be no larger than 3 feet in diameter or 3 feet high; • Use only clean firewood; • No treated wood, garbage or leaves; • Locate the fire no closer than 25 Feet from a building; • Have a method to extinguish the fire handy. Most importantly, have respect for your neighbors. If the smoke is blowing towards your neighbors, you may want to have a campfire on another night. ll ti What vvill be served? Booya, Hot Dogs, Brats, Baked Goods. Entertainment? Of course! There will be a raffle, with lots of prizes and games for the kids. It's great fun for the entire family! The firefighters will be making over 1,100 gallons of Booya, so there will be plenty! Proceeds from this event help fund: Star • Scholarships • MDA Raf fle • Local Chapter • Multiple r T ickets Sep Any Hastings Firefighter or call 651 Knights of Columbus Hall of the Salvation Army Sclerosis • The Courage Highway 61 Saudi • ibstings, k1N • The Hastings Center Door P rizes Throughout The Day � � Lions Club Toy • The Special Project Olympics • The Hastings • and many THERE HOPE TO SEE You High School other local All-Night charities Grad Party BE PREPARED FOR SUMMER WEATHER Summer has arrived, and with sum- mer comes summertime weather, and sometimes that weather can become severe! It is important to plan with your family where you should go for shelter in the event of severe weather. It is also important to prepare emergency supplies that you may need. It is recommended that you have a 3 day supply of food, water, and other emergency items. For more information, visit the Hastings Fire Department website, vwww.ci.hastings.mn.us and click on Emergency Preparedness. Information can also be found on the web at www.ready.gov. Rivertown News kilt' - oetober 2010) 9 Hastings, MN 55033 480 -6185 www.ci.hastings.mn.us Public Works Director: Tom Montgomery 480 -6185 tmontgomery9ci.hastings.mn.us City Engineer: Nick Egger 480 -2334 engineeringdeptOci .hastings.mn.us Public Works Superintendent: John Zgoda 480 -6185 publicworksdeptgci .ha stings. mn.us 1906 Original Municipal Well Sealed The City has partnered with Dakota County and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency on a grant program to seal private wells in the City. As part of the grant program, and under the directive of the Minnesota Department of Health, the City and Dakota County agreed to identify, locate, and seal wells located on City property. The City's first sewer and water mains were installed in 1906, with the origina constructed in Levee Park somew old Spiral Bridge ramp. The well �n sometime in the late 1930s. Dakot historical records, old aerial photo and old Sanborn fire insurance liability maps to locate the well by the old retaining wall in Levee Park, west of the foot of the stairs leading down from the end of Sibley Street. A Dakota County records search indicated the original well was located in an 18 feet deep pit. A contractor was hired to excavate the original well site, which was discovered to be in a 12 ft. x 15 ft. concrete vault, filled with dirt and rubble. We found the original well, and were surprised to see that the pump, valves and piping were also intact. The pump, valves and piping were salvaged and will eventually be cleaned and painted and exhibited outside of the Cal Ruedy Public Works Facility. The well was sealed in accordance with MN DRIVEAVANT S EAT . Homeowners are asked not to use Coal Tar based sealants when sealing their asphalt driveways. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has prepared an informational brochure on Coal Tar based sealants noting the environmental hazards that Coal Tar based sealants may cause. The brochure may be found on the MPCA web site at: http: / /www.pca.state.mn.us /publications . Coal Tar based sealants contain a high level of a class of chemicals called PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) that harm fish, and with prolonged exposure, pose a risk of cancer in humans. As driveway sealants, wear, tiny flakes of the sealants wash into the storm sewer and eventually into storm water ponds. In a number of cities, testing of storm water pond sediment has revealed high levels of PAH in the sediment, resulting in exorbitant costs to dispose of this sediment. Recently, two national home - improvement retailers, Lowe's and Home Depot, took coal tar -based sealcoat off their shelves. When shopping for a driveway sealant, please study labels carefully to be sure to find an asphalt -based product rather than a Coal Tar based product. Lower concentrations of PAHs in waterways will help prevent costly pond maintenance and keep waterways safe for fish and other aquatic organisms. Health Department rules, the vault has been filled in, and the disturbed areas of Levee Park Construction Season's Upon Us Parts of Pleasant Drive, Westview Drive, Lyn Way, 15th Street and North Frontage Road will be reconstructed this year. The Pleasant Drive and South Frontage Road intersection will also be reconfigured. A traffic study recommended installing a 4 -Way STOP at this intersection to reduce traffic accidents. Traffic modeling revealed the need to lengthen turn lanes to add more vehicle storage area to prevent vehicle queues from overflowing into either the Highway 55 or South Frontage Road intersections. Look for updates on the road construction and pavement maintenance projects on the City's website at: htt.p:// www. ci. hastings. mn.us /CityServices /PublicWorks/ PWEn ineerino /PWENGCurrentProjects.html VERMILLION RIVER LEVEE WORK This spring, Public Works operators completed work on the Vermillion River flood control levee located just upstream of the CR 47 bridge. Parts of the levee needed to be raised 2.5 feet to meet new FEMA levee certification requirements to provide 4 foot of freeboard above the 100 year flood level within 150 feet upstream of bridges. In addition, riprap was required to be added in this area to protect the levee from high river flows and scour during flood events. By raising and riprapping the levee, the City will be able to certify that the levee meets FEMA standards and keep the 200 -300 Westwood Area homes that are protected by the levee from being classified as within a flood zone. The $20,000 cost for materials and equipment rental for the levee repair work was funded through the use of Storm Water Utility fees. POTHOLE r _N As you probably have noticed, last winter was very hard on the City streets, which seem to have sprouted a bumper crop of potholes this spring. Since mid - April, the Public Works patch crew has been out patching potholes on the 103 miles of local streets. Early in the season, priority is given to patching large potholes on the busiest streets. Crews will then concentrate on streets scheduled to be sealcoated and move on to patch the remaining streets, working through one neighborhood at a time. The patch crew typically completes patching operations by the end of September. Last year, the patch crew shoveled over 650 tons of asphalt used for patching streets. If you have a large pothole to report, or if it looks like potholes on your street were missed, please contact the Public Works Department at 651- 480 -6185. WATER RESTRICTION REMINDER! Reminder - a $0.40 per 1,000 gallon water use surcharge is in effect for all water use above your winter quarter's usage. A typical household may use 18,000 gallons of water during their winter quarter. During the summer months, the same house's water use may rise to 60,000 gallons, generally due primarily to lawn sprinkling. With the adopted $0.40 surcharge, this typical homeowner would be charged $1.65 per 1,000 gallons for their first 18,000 gallons of water usage, and $2.05 per 1,000 gallons for all water used above 18,000 gallons. The $0.40 surcharge for water usage above the winter quarter use is used to fund operations of the water treatment plant. During the winter, the City's water needs can be met by 2 to 3 of the City's six wells. Summer water demands can require all of the City wells to be in operation for excess of 20 hours per day. The water treatment plant lowers nitrate levels in two of the City's six wells, and is utilized primarily to meet the increased summer water demand. Reminder to all residents the City's permanent even /odd sprinkling ban automatically went into effect May 15 and will be in effect through September 1. Homeowners associations are expected to check with their irrigation system mainte- nance provider to ensure that the sprinkler system is programmed correctly and only sprinkling every other day. 480 -2342 www.ci.hastings.mn.us Building Official Tom Bakken 480 -2342 tbakken@ci.hastings.mn.us Code Enforcement: Dawn West 480 -2342 PROPERTY MAINTENANCE FOR A CLEAN AND VIBRANT CITY Summer time is a great time to look around at your yard, home, or business to see what needs fixing and what can be cleaned up. Each home and business owner is responsible for maintaining their properties to minimum standards of city codes to continue the high quality of life that we have come to expect living and working in Hastings. dwest9ci.hastings.mn.us Summer is also the time that the Code City Recycling Kristin Behrens 480 -6175 kbehrensOci.hastings.mn.us Enforcement Staff is more proactive in identifying properties in violation of Property Maintenance Codes and notifying the prospective owners. Our goal is to have voluntary property owner compli- ance with ordinance requirements. City staff responds to concerns raised by property owners and residents concerning neighboring prop- erties as well as their own property questions. Typical property maintenance issues are junk vehicles, garbage & refuse, parking, recreational vehicle parking & storage, noxious weeds, and fences. Failing structure maintenance such as paint, roof- ing, windows, siding, and other protection from the elements issues are maintenance violations that need to be repaired. If you are contacted by the Code Enforcement Staff with a notice of possible violation of city code, con- tact us at 480 -2376 as soon as possible so we can work with you on a plan to remedy the viola- tion. Many times the notice will be a red 6 "x9" card posted on the property with the violation(s) checked or a letter sent by mail. Follow the instruc- tions on the notice to call the staff with a plan of action to remedy a violation of city code. We will provide you with a reasonable amount of time to correct the issues. If you feel the notice of viola- tion is unsubstantiated, you have the right to appeal to the City Council. Each property owner has a responsibility and a role to play in the success of our city now and in the future. Help keep your neighborhood and Hastings a beautiful, safe, and desirable community to live in for all its citizens and visitors. Free Electronics Recycling at The Recycling Zone Dakota County residents are able to drop off their electronics including televisions, mp3 players, video game systems, computers and more at The Recycling Zone - for free. This makes it easier and cheaper for residents to comply with Minnesota State law requiring that old electronics be recycled at a certified recycling facility. Recycling electronics is important because they contain components that are harmful to the environment and our health. Materials such as lead, mercury, cadmium and brominated flame retardants can enter our soil and ground water if not disposed of properly. Exposure to these materials can cause a variety of health issues in humans. -- - - - - -- The Recycling Zone is locat- ed at 3365 Dodd Road in Eagan. For more information visit www.dakotacounty.us and search Recycling Zone or call 952 - 891 -7557. It oc% _ng Rel q; 'P n' ' "" I ylmm C 12 Rivertown News (duly - October 2010) '� F •-fir " Enforcement Staff is more proactive in identifying properties in violation of Property Maintenance Codes and notifying the prospective owners. Our goal is to have voluntary property owner compli- ance with ordinance requirements. City staff responds to concerns raised by property owners and residents concerning neighboring prop- erties as well as their own property questions. Typical property maintenance issues are junk vehicles, garbage & refuse, parking, recreational vehicle parking & storage, noxious weeds, and fences. Failing structure maintenance such as paint, roof- ing, windows, siding, and other protection from the elements issues are maintenance violations that need to be repaired. If you are contacted by the Code Enforcement Staff with a notice of possible violation of city code, con- tact us at 480 -2376 as soon as possible so we can work with you on a plan to remedy the viola- tion. Many times the notice will be a red 6 "x9" card posted on the property with the violation(s) checked or a letter sent by mail. Follow the instruc- tions on the notice to call the staff with a plan of action to remedy a violation of city code. We will provide you with a reasonable amount of time to correct the issues. If you feel the notice of viola- tion is unsubstantiated, you have the right to appeal to the City Council. Each property owner has a responsibility and a role to play in the success of our city now and in the future. Help keep your neighborhood and Hastings a beautiful, safe, and desirable community to live in for all its citizens and visitors. Free Electronics Recycling at The Recycling Zone Dakota County residents are able to drop off their electronics including televisions, mp3 players, video game systems, computers and more at The Recycling Zone - for free. This makes it easier and cheaper for residents to comply with Minnesota State law requiring that old electronics be recycled at a certified recycling facility. Recycling electronics is important because they contain components that are harmful to the environment and our health. Materials such as lead, mercury, cadmium and brominated flame retardants can enter our soil and ground water if not disposed of properly. Exposure to these materials can cause a variety of health issues in humans. -- - - - - -- The Recycling Zone is locat- ed at 3365 Dodd Road in Eagan. For more information visit www.dakotacounty.us and search Recycling Zone or call 952 - 891 -7557. It oc% _ng Rel q; 'P n' ' "" I ylmm C 12 Rivertown News (duly - October 2010) umrn�r WAYS TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT Compost Compost yard trimmings, leaves, and grass clippings. Composted material can be used as a nutrient rich mixture to improve your soil and reduce your use of fertilizer and water. Mulch Mulching your grass reduces the need for fertilizer because the nutrients are released back into your lawn as the grass clippings break down. Leaving the grass clippings on your lawn all summer is equal to one application of fertilizer per year. And the less fertilizer applied to your lawn translates into a reduction of fertilizer runoff reaching nearby wetlands. Use Zero Phosphorus Fertilizer If you do chose to fertilize your lawn, make sure you use phosphorus free fertilizer. Phosphorus is the agent that accelerates algae growth in our ponds, lakes, and wet- lands. Look for the "zero" in the middle of the formula printed on the fertilizer bag (ie. 18- 0 -12). Reduce Weed Killers If you are battling weeds try not to use toxic pesticides on your lawn. Remove weeds by hand or use a handheld tool to assist you. Increase your lavvn movver height Don't mow your lawn too short. Instead, mow your grass to a minimum height of 2.5 -3 inches. This allows the roots to grow deeper and make your grass more tolerant during dry periods. Ra ingardens Installed Publi On Monday, May 24th, two raingardens (4,000sf) were installed at the Hastings Cal Ruedy Public Works facility. The City worked with Friends of the Mississippi (FMR) to secure a grant funded by a number of organizations, including the Hastings Public Schools Foundation, Minnesota Waters Lakes and Streams Conservation Partnership Grant Program, Michelob Golden Draft Light, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Association. Dozens of volunteers, including from Joe Beattie's Hastings High School biology class and St Paul's Home Energy Squad, graciously donated their time to help plant the raingardens, improve the water quality, and make this proj- ect a success! On behalf of the City of Hastings, thank you! Free CFL Recycling Drop Off at City Hall Residents who use compact fluorescent bulbs can recycle these bulbs locally. The City has established a collection point at Hastings City Hall, (101 4th St East.) Users can bring CFLs to the lobby of City Hall during normal business hours, Sam - 4:30pm weekdays and staff will recycle them with Dakota County Environmental Management. The City can only accept CFL bulbs that fit in the screw -in sockets used by traditional incandescent bulbs. Broken bulbs must be in a sealed plastic bag. Sorry, the City cannot accept larger fluorescent bulbs. Those bulbs should be taken to the The Recycling Zone in Eagan (formerly known as the Dakota County Eco -Site) for recycling. Contact the facility at 651- 905 -4520 for details. s, . i How emour group Groups selected to participate will be notified well in advance of their three month term. Rivertown News (duly - October 2010) 13 Hastings Parks and PARICS - RECREATION COMMISSION Recreation The Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) is a volunteer seven member advisory commission that is 920 10th Street West Hastings, MN 55033 responsible for assisting staff and the City Council with giving direction in areas of development and management of our citywide parks and recreation system. Phone: 480 -6175 Fax: 437 -5396 The PRC conducts monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of each month. The meetings are held at www.ci.hastings.mn.us City Hall starting at 6:00 PM and are open to the public. Agendas can be found on the City's website the Friday before the scheduled meeting. Parks & Recreation Hotline 480 -2392 Parks & Recreation Director: Barry Bernstein 480 -6176 bbernsteingd.hastings.mn.us Operations & Maintenance Supervisor: Cory Likes 480 -6178 clikes0ci.hastings.mmus City Forester: Paul Mahoney 480 -6177 pmahoney9ci.hastings.mn.us Aquatic Center: 480 -2385 Darbie Johnson 480 -6179 djohnson@ci.hastings.mn.us Civic Arena Manager: Sliv McGree 480 -6195 jmcgree9ci.hastings.mmus Youth First Coordinator: Ann Grotjohn 480 -6182 agrotjohn9ci.hastings.mmus Recreation Coordinator: Jared Flewellen 480 -6181 jflewellen@ci.hastings.mmus If you have any issues regarding the Hastings Parks and Recreation system, you are encouraged to contact Barry Bernstein, Director of Parks and Recreation, at 480 -6176 or bbernsteiriPci.hastings.mn.us to have your issue placed on an upcoming meeting agenda. RESERVE THE PARTY WAGON TODAY! The Party Wagon is a 16 -foot covered trailer which includes all the equipment needed for backyard gatherings. The Party Wagon is available to Hastings residents who live within the city limits. Daily rental prices are $30 for a block party, $36 for a personal gathering on weekdays, and $50 for personal gatherings on the weekends. Park, Picnic, Balffield Reservations Picnic and Ballfield reservation permits are available to anyone wishing to use a picnic shelter at Roadside, Vermillion Falls, Wallin and Lions Park or any ballfield within Hastings. To reserve a shelter and /or ballfield, you must complete and return a reservation form to the Parks & Recreation Department.* Reservation Forms are available on the City's website, by stopping by the Parks & Recreation Office or by calling 480 -6175 to have one mailed to you. Fees apply for both ballfield and park shelter reservations at resident and non - resident rates, and vary from location to location, so please call for details! Reservations are taken on a first -come first - served basis. Call to reserve It today! * These reservations do not provide you with exclusive rights to the park, just the ballfield or shelter. Other residents are still welcome to 480-6175 enjoy the park's other amenities. Parks & Recreation Information Financial Assistance Available: Financial assistance is available for most programs. For assistance, or additional information, please call 480 -6175. Photo /Video Policy: Periodically the City of Hastings takes pictures or video of participants during programs, special events or people enjoying the parks. These photos may appear in local newspapers, Department and /or the City's website /publication. Lost and Found: We retrieve many personal belongings each year that are left behind at parks, programs or special events. Ifyou have lost something at any of our locations, contact us at 480 -6175 to see if it was recovered. We hold items for six months before being disposed of Removal of Dog Waste: Citizens are reminded that it is their responsibility to clean up after their pets! Data Privacy Advisory: In accordance with MN Govn't Data Practices Act, the Parks & Recreation staff of Hastings hereby informs you that the personal information we are requesting of you and /or your child on our registration form is considered private. Private data is available to staff to perform their duties. While you may choose to withhold this data, the result could be that staff may not be able to complete your registration and /or you may not receive updated program information such as schedule changes, etc. 4 R1VertOW11 News buly - october HASTI N 2010 SE Open Svvirrl' Monday Tuesday (swim, Wednesday (swimn Thursday 9:50 -1 10:40 F,9 Recreational Opportunities Safety Camp This one day camp teaches kids entering 3rd - 5th grade a range of safety tips regarding Water Safety, Fire Safety, Personal Safety, Environ- mental Safety, and many others. Participants get the opportunity to be teamed with many local leaders while they go through a day of games, activities, and learning sessions. Registration: 4/5 - 7/9 Camp Date: 7/27 Location: Hastings Middle School Drop Off: 7:30 - 8:00 am Pick Up: 4:30 pm Cost: $15 - Includes a t- shirt, goodie bag, & certificate. W2 QB -RB -WR Football Camp Hastings Parks and Recreation will be offering a four -day QB -RB -WR Football Camp for ages 8 -15. Register: 4/5 - 7/9 Camp Date: 7/19 - 7/22 Times: 9:00 am - Noon Cost: $115 - Includes a t -shirt & water bottle. Se _passes and pun's�cnk� iti �� '' h U�ased at the Haste ; Farr�il ;�, ` p ts���.; , , ,,,, y�0 10 m �vels 1, 2, 4, 6 *aba enter or at the Hastings Parks .00 pm Levels 1, 2,,3, 5 and Recreation Department facility 6 :15'6:45 pm'��P, arent, /Child Class located at 920 West 10th Street, 480 -6175. Vi »� #� More details on swim lesson level 01�� ; d E session times can be found on 6site , ' "' X, �,u4) at www.ci.has6ngs.mn.us M14 E s c FOR INFORMATION ON OTHER HFAC PROGRAMS FOR 2009 GHEVK OUT OUR WEBSITE WWW.Q.HA5T1N65.MN. * Tons of Tots * Birthday party packages * Teen Night * Reduced daily admission on * Water Aerobics /Water Walking evening swim lessons dates * Lap swim * Group Reservations _NEAV ONLINE REGISTRATION SYSTEA1 The Parks and Recreation Department recently acquired a new computer system for online registrations. You can still get to the site by visiting www.ci.hastings.mn.us and clicking on Parks and Recreation - Online Registration. However, once you get there, you will need to create a new account for your family with new login information. You can set up yourself as the primary holder of the account and then add all of your family members to your profile. Once you have set up your new account, you can register for any of our classes, camps, or activities. We believe this new website will be easier to navigate and more user - friendly than our old one. If you have any questions or difficulties, please call us at 480 -6175 or email kbehrensPci.hastings.mn.us. Lacrosse Camps Hastings Parks & Recreation will be offering a four -day Lacrosse Camp for ages 5 -12. Register: 4/5 - 6/11 Camp Date: 6/21 - 6/24 Times: Ages 5 -8: 9am -Noon Ages 9 -12: 1 -4pm Cost: $80 - Includes a water bottle & certificate. Rivertown Days Kittenball Tournament Registration: 5/17 - 7/9 Tournament Date: 7/17 Cost: $140 /team Hovv to Register for Activities • Online at www.ci.hastings.mn.us - Click on "Online Registration" under Parks & Recreation • Stop by the Parks & Recreation office at 920 W 10th St to register in person • Call Jared for a registration packet or more information at 480 -6181 R1VertOW11 News (lidY - October 2010) 15 Svvim Lessons � Morning Sessions pm � � Session A: June 21 - July 1 7b) Session B: July 12 - 22 Session C: July 26 - August 5 00 ) Session D: Auaust 9 - 19 9:50 -1 10:40 F,9 Recreational Opportunities Safety Camp This one day camp teaches kids entering 3rd - 5th grade a range of safety tips regarding Water Safety, Fire Safety, Personal Safety, Environ- mental Safety, and many others. Participants get the opportunity to be teamed with many local leaders while they go through a day of games, activities, and learning sessions. Registration: 4/5 - 7/9 Camp Date: 7/27 Location: Hastings Middle School Drop Off: 7:30 - 8:00 am Pick Up: 4:30 pm Cost: $15 - Includes a t- shirt, goodie bag, & certificate. W2 QB -RB -WR Football Camp Hastings Parks and Recreation will be offering a four -day QB -RB -WR Football Camp for ages 8 -15. Register: 4/5 - 7/9 Camp Date: 7/19 - 7/22 Times: 9:00 am - Noon Cost: $115 - Includes a t -shirt & water bottle. Se _passes and pun's�cnk� iti �� '' h U�ased at the Haste ; Farr�il ;�, ` p ts���.; , , ,,,, y�0 10 m �vels 1, 2, 4, 6 *aba enter or at the Hastings Parks .00 pm Levels 1, 2,,3, 5 and Recreation Department facility 6 :15'6:45 pm'��P, arent, /Child Class located at 920 West 10th Street, 480 -6175. Vi »� #� More details on swim lesson level 01�� ; d E session times can be found on 6site , ' "' X, �,u4) at www.ci.has6ngs.mn.us M14 E s c FOR INFORMATION ON OTHER HFAC PROGRAMS FOR 2009 GHEVK OUT OUR WEBSITE WWW.Q.HA5T1N65.MN. * Tons of Tots * Birthday party packages * Teen Night * Reduced daily admission on * Water Aerobics /Water Walking evening swim lessons dates * Lap swim * Group Reservations _NEAV ONLINE REGISTRATION SYSTEA1 The Parks and Recreation Department recently acquired a new computer system for online registrations. You can still get to the site by visiting www.ci.hastings.mn.us and clicking on Parks and Recreation - Online Registration. However, once you get there, you will need to create a new account for your family with new login information. You can set up yourself as the primary holder of the account and then add all of your family members to your profile. Once you have set up your new account, you can register for any of our classes, camps, or activities. We believe this new website will be easier to navigate and more user - friendly than our old one. If you have any questions or difficulties, please call us at 480 -6175 or email kbehrensPci.hastings.mn.us. Lacrosse Camps Hastings Parks & Recreation will be offering a four -day Lacrosse Camp for ages 5 -12. Register: 4/5 - 6/11 Camp Date: 6/21 - 6/24 Times: Ages 5 -8: 9am -Noon Ages 9 -12: 1 -4pm Cost: $80 - Includes a water bottle & certificate. Rivertown Days Kittenball Tournament Registration: 5/17 - 7/9 Tournament Date: 7/17 Cost: $140 /team Hovv to Register for Activities • Online at www.ci.hastings.mn.us - Click on "Online Registration" under Parks & Recreation • Stop by the Parks & Recreation office at 920 W 10th St to register in person • Call Jared for a registration packet or more information at 480 -6181 R1VertOW11 News (lidY - October 2010) 15 t� City Hall: Hours: 8am - 4:30pm Phone: 480 -2350 Fax: 437 -7082 www.ci.hastings.mn.us cityhallOci.hastings.mn.us PRSRT -STD ECR U.S. POSTAGE PAID Hastings MN Permit No. 166 P o s t a l Customer Printed on recycled paper containing no less than 10% post- consumer waste. M essage W ard d I Coun cil Member The year 2010 is a landmark year for Hastings. We could choose to remember this as the year of the "three B's ": the lanes, back up traffic, and make some mess and noise. While we don't control all of those decisions, your city government can be a resource to you. Contact city council or staff, if you have a question or concern. We'll look into the issue and get back to you right away. BUDGET. The coming budget is the toughest discussions, by contacting city council or staff. Of course, you can also offer your own specific ideas. BLUE. Our brave Hastings officers in blue have a new leader as of June 28 - Police Chief Paul Schnell. Paul's career at (and prior to) the Saint Paul Police Department is an impressive progression of honorable niihlir cantirp (nnnrntidntinnc to him. am