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Home My WebLink AboutWinter 2001 Hastings Rivertown News City of Hastings 101 East Fourth Street, Hastings, MN 55033.1955 (651) 437-4127 SNOW REMOVAL REMINDER We're getting our share of . snow & ice this season, and ~"~ the City of Hastings would , like to remind business . . ~ .: owners and citizens of the .. .0 need to remove ice and snow from the public side- walks abutting their properties. Accumulated ice and snow is considered a public nuisance, and it could make travel very difficult for the elderly, small children, or handicapped persons trying to get around in a wheel chair or walker. Please be aware that continued violations of this ordi- nance could result in a summons' to court if warnings are ignored. * When removing snow from a private property or busi- ness, it is unlawful to move snow into the street or public way. It is equally unlawful to push or move snow onto other properties. If there is a significant snowfall, it * may be necessary to arrange to have the snow re- moved from your properties. A snow emergency automatically goes into effect when 2 inches or more of snow (as measured at the Minne- apolis/5t. Paul Airport) has fallen. Under a snow emer- gency, no parking on any City street is allowed until that . street has been cleared from curb to curb. Please ~ remember: violators will be ticketed and towed. Check cable channel 12 or KDWA 1460 AM if you are not sure if a snow emergency is in effect. If you have any questions regarding these ordinances, please contact City Hall 651-437-4127. For more information on snow-related items, check out Page 3. Let's keep our streets & sidewalks safe for everyone! Volume VI Issue 1 * Update on City Goals... lkm IN THIS ISSUE: ~ 4&8 2 1&6 2 4 1 7 2&5 2 4 6 2 1&3 3 Aquatic Center City Council City Goals City Hail Civic Arena Code Enforcement Fire Department HRA Meter Replacement Pian Parks & Recreation Police Department Power Outage Info. Snow Emergency Info. Snowmobile Info. With another year behind us, it is time to reflect on some of the activities of the last year. Every two years, the City Council and City Staff take time away from the daily activities to estab- lish goals and ob- jectives for the up- coming two years. These sessions are generally set aside in the spring of each year, following an election; We are planning another to be conducted in early 2001. At our last session, in September 1999, the City Council and City Staff created the following priori- ties for the two year period of 1999 and 2000: 1. Improve overall communications, both with the public and internally. Complete the City's comprehensive Plan Determine the City's role with the Highway #61 Bridge and Highway #316 Continue to Work With the Red Rock Corri- dor Commuter Rail and other Light Rail Planning Select a Site for Senior Housing Continue to Work with Riverfront Develop- ment and Lake Rebecca 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Goals 7-12 as well as a progress update continued on Page 61 Page 1 Winter 2001 - '-' C :J o t.-) >- -+- .- t.-) - o ~ >- -+- .- t.-) MAYOR Mike Werner 437-4143 COUNCILMEMBERS Ward 1 Janette Yandrasits Ward 2 Tumey Haz1et Ward 3 Ed Riveness Ward 4 DannaEllingSchu11z At-Large LynnMoratzka Paul Hicks 438-3194 437-5298 437-4416 438-3878 437-7869 437-8866 ;Ii Water Meter Changes Almost Complete City Hall Office Hours 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday City Hall Phone 437-4127 CITY HALL STAFF City Administrator Public Works Director Finance Director City Planner Code Enforce.Supervisor Adrnin.Asst.lCity Clerk Dave Osberg Tom Montgomery Lori Webster Matt Weiland Bill Mesaros Melanie Mesko The Utility Department is finishing the conversion of the City's 5,500 water meters to "radio-read" units. These new meters can be read electronically from a distance, eliminating the need for a meter reader to come directly to your home to read the meter. The Utility Department has about 800 meters left to convert. If you have not been contacted about con- verting your water meter to a radio read meter, please contact the Utility Department at 437-3922 to schedule an appointment to have your water meter converted. POWER OUT? If your power goes out, you will need to call either Xcel (formerly NSP) or Dakota Electric Association, depending on who services your house or business. Xcel Energy "Lights Out" number: 800-895-1999 Dakota Electric "Lights Out" number: Generallnfo/Customer Service: Tree TrimminglStreet Light Repair: 651-463-6201 651-463-6212 651-463-6287 HASTINGS HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY GENERAL INFORMATION AND OFFICE HOURS The Hastinas Housina & Redevelooment Authority is a City agency providing redevelopment and rehabilita- tion assistance for commercial and residential prop- erty--the HRA does not provide housing (see below). Offices are at Hastings City Hall, 101 4th Street East. For more information, call 651-437 -4127 during office hours, 8:00 to 4:30 Monday through Friday. Dakota County Community Develooment Aaencv owns and manages rental housing throughout the county and offers other housing programs including Section 8. Visit www.dakotacda.ora or call 651-423-4800 during office hours, 8:00 to 4:30, Monday through Friday, or call the 24-hour information line, 651-423-8181. Of- fices are at 2496 145'h Street West in Rosemount. Page 2 Winter 2001 More HRA Information on Page 5... HOUSING ASSISTANCE CONTACTS.- IN HASTINGS Affordable Family Rental Housing Pleasant Ridge townhomes, apartments and individual houses 651-423-8144 or423-8140 Affordable Senior Aparlments - Independent Living Oak Ridge Manor: 651-437-1367 Mississippi Terrace: 651-423-8141 Transitional (temporary) Housing: Hastings Housing Coalition: 651-437-9596 or 651-438-3835 Hastings Family Service: 651-437-7134 Home Buyer Assistance: 651-423-8165 Rental Assistance: 651-423-8125 or 651-423-8129. Public Works Garage 1221 Progress Drive 437-4415 Public Works Streets Utilities Ready to Snowmobile This Winter? Proposed 2001 Street & Utility Construction The Hastings Engineering Department is working on preliminary plans and cost estimates for street and utility construction pro- posed for this year. The projects include: General Sieben Drive from 4th Street to Highway 55, including trail and sidewalk construction; 4th Street from Pleasant Drive to General Sieben Drive, including trail construction; = >...> Water and Sanitary Sewer replacement on 4th and 5th Streets between Sibley and Tyler Streets; Watermain construction on Sibley Street between 4th and 5th Streets; 2"d Street from CR #42 to Farm Street; Forest Street from 8th Street to 9th Street, and 9th Street from Forest to Y, block west; oK Alley connecting Eddy and Spring Streets between 2"d and 3"' Streets; and Alley connecting Spring and Ashland Streets between 5th and 6th Streets. Neighborhood meetings to provide information and to receive comments about the proposed construction will be held in late February and early March. Page 3 Winter 2001 MORE INFO ON SNOW PLOWING... *Anormal sno~all takes eight to ten hours to clear, with City crews typically starting snow removal operations at 5:00 a.m. Snow windrowed in the downtown area is generally removed the following day. . City ordinances require property owners to clear snow ~ and ice off of sidewalks abutting their property within 48 hours after each storm. In addition, ordinances also pro- hibit blowing or shoveling snow back out into the street. . :Iease remember that snow plow drivers' visibility is lim- ~ Ited, as there is a large blind spot directly behind the trucks. When following a snow plow, please stay well back. The plows occasionally have to stop and back up and the drivers cannot see vehicles directly behind the trucks. * Snow .plow opera~ions occ~sionally damage mailboxes. The City has a policy to repair or replace mailboxes struck by snow plows. However, mailboxes damaged by snow thrown by the plow are the homeowner's responsibility to repair. Mailboxes are supposed to be installed flush with the back of the curb, 8 inches behind the edge of the street. The Postal Service requests that homeowners keep the area in front of their mailboxes clear so that postal vehicles are able to get close to the mailbox. Engineering Well, there is plenty of snow for those of you that are fans of snow. As you get ready to hit the trails, here are a few reminders about the snowmobile restrictions within the City: * Snowmobiles are permitted to operate within the City limits only to travel from the operator's residence to outside of the City or from outside of the City to the operator's residence. Stopping is only permitted within the service district. In traveling to and from the City limits, snowmobiles must follow the permitted snowmobile corridors. For a copy of the map, call City Hall. Please note: no recreational snowmobilina is al- lowed within the City limits. * Snowmobi!es must use th~ oaved streets. Snowmobiles are prohibited from using boulevards, sidewalks, bike paths, alleys, City parks or ponding basins, and School or City property. (Continual snowmobile use of the Pleasant Drive boulevard and walks resulted in Pleasant Drive being re- moved from the snowmobile corridor map.) * Snowmobile use within the City is permit- ted only between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. After 10:00 p.m., snow- mobiles in use within the City must be re- turning to home. o "@'~;~- - ;Qj - 6- ~..... ~'" . * Parks & Recreation Winter 2001 Information o "*'~;~- -;Qj- 6.,... ~.... . . HASTINGS ~ - --- FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER :"- - - - ~ ,,- --": 901 MAPLE STREET - - - -- - - - 651-480-2392 GETREADY TO DIVE IN! Even with a couple of inches of snow on the ground, it's not too early to start planning for summer 2001. One can't-miss item on that summer agenda should be the Hastings Family Aquatic Cen- ter. Season Pass Rates It's easy to get in early on the planning, as season passes are now on sale at Hastings City Hall, Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 3:30 PM. Resident: Ages 1-5 Ages 6-54 Ages 55+ Non-Resident: Ages 1-5 Ages 6-54 Ages 55+ $36.00 $40.00 $36.00 $46.00 $50.00 $46.00 Hurry in for your season pass, as rates are based on ages before May 26, 2001. For example, if you turn 6 years old on June 1,2001 and you purchase your pass before your birthday, you pay $36.00 for a resident season pass. If you purchase your pass after your birthday on June 1, 2001, you will pay $40.00 for a resident pass. Reminder. you must live within the City limits to be considered a resident. Townships are considered non-residents. If you have questions about your status, call City Hall at 437-4127. Daily Admission Daily $5.00/person Children under 42" tall $3.50/person Under 12 months Free After 5 p.m. (all patrons) $3.50/person Get your suit ready, because the Hastings Family Aquatic Center will open Memorial Day Weekend 2001! Brochures will be available March 1, 2001 with all program dates and information. Look on PAGE 8 for answers to some common questions about the Aquatic Center.... Page 4 Winter 2001 HASTINGS CIVIC ARENA Highway 316 651-437-8279 Winter Schedule 2000/2001 PUBLIC SKATING SESSIONS $2.75 per person Saturday, Feb. 03 Sunday, Feb. 04 Saturday, Feb. 10 Sunday, Feb. 11 Saturday, Feb. 17 Sunday, Feb. 18 Monday, Feb. 19 Saturday, Feb. 24 Sunday, Feb. 25 Sunday, March 04 Sunday, March 11 Saturday, March 17 Sunday, March 18 Tuesday, March 20 Thursday, March 22 Saturday, March 24 Sunday, March 25 1:00pm-3:00pm 5:30pm-7:30pm 1:00pm-3:00pm 5:30pm-7:30pm 1:00pm-3:00pm 5:30pm-7:30pm 12:30pm-2:30pm 12:30pm-2:30pm 5:30pm-7:30pm 5:30pm-7:30pm 6:00pm-8:00pm 12:30pm-2:30pm 5:30pm-7:30pm 7:30pm-9:30pm 7:30pm-9:30pm 12:30pm-2:30pm 5:30pm-7:30pm A.M. PUBLIC SKATE January 03 - March 30, 2001 Fridays Wednesdays 9:30am-11:30am 12:30pm-2:30pm o ~ HOUSING REHABILITATION 1:I;ffPROGRAMS Owner-Occupied Loans (income qualifications)- for information and applications, call: Dakota County CDA 651-423-8175 HastingsHRA 651-437-4127 Call the Hastings HRA for information and applications on other residential rehabilitation assistance programs: Gr Rental housing rehabilitation loans (units with affordable rents) Gr Emergency replacement & repair assistance 8' Historic housing restoration & preservation This Old House Program. Deferment of real estate tax increases for rehabilitation of houses more than 45 years old. For information & applications, call: Dakota County Assessors Office at 651-438-4200 orwww.co.dakota.mn.us (Property Information). COMMERCIAL REHABILITATION PROGRAMS These programs may be used for commercial buildings located within the Downtown Redevelopment Area, 4th Street to the Mississippi river between Spring Street and the railroad tracks. For more information, call the Hastings HRA. Gr Interest reduction program. Reduces the interest rate on rehabilitation loans made by another lender. Gr Rehabilitation loan program. ('Y Partial financing of substantial rehabilitations. ~ Exterior improvements program. Small grants to assist permanent repairs or his- toric restoration improving exterior appearances. Historic Tax Credit for Certified Rehabilitation This is available for substantial re- habilitation of income properties listed on the National Register. This could be used for many downtown commer- cial buildings. Twenty percent of the investment in a rehabilitation meeting historic standards can be certified as a credit against federal income taxes. For information on on the program, call: State Historic Preservation Office at 651-296-5475 For a list of properties listed on the Na- tional Register, call the City of Hastings. REDEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE The HRA has the power to assist private developers with commer- cial, residential or mixed use re- development projects throughout the City. Activities such as acqui- sition, clearance, infrastructure, re- habilitation, and historic preserva- tion require establishing a redevel- opment area and financing plan, such as tax increment, with City Council approval. The HRA can also issue tax-exempt revenue bond financing for non-profit health care and multi-unit housing projects. For more information call: John Grossman, City HRA Director at 651-437-4127 Page 5 Winter 2001 ,{~~" /S)!\ ,~~~ ~-cr~.,", MORE PERSONNEL CHANGES AT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT Police Department 150 East Third Street Hastings, MN 55033 Police Chief: Mike McMenomy Non-Emergency: 437-4126 Emergency: 911 Retirement Announced Sgt. Jerry Wuollet, who had been with the Hastings Police Depart- ment for the last 23 years, left employment with the City of Hastings Police Department on January 12th. Many thanks to Jerry for his loyal service & dedication to the City of Hastings. DAR.E. PROGRAM DARE., a student educational program that teaches children Drug Abuse, Resistance, & Education, is currently being lead on the Hastings Police front by Officers Wayne Hicks and Craig Puch. Our two offic- ers are currently active in edu- cating the fifth grade classes on the DARE. program. The DARE. program is a 17-week long program that reaches out to over 500 students in all Hastings Public and Parochial schools. Replacing the sergeant position left vacant by Sgt. Wuollet is Mike Munson. Munson has been an officer with the City since June, 1995, was promoted to Sergeant on January 1, 2001 to provide for a transition before Wuollet's retirement. Police Officer Hired Officer Timothy Connell joined the Hastings Police Department in October of 2000. Prior to that Officer Connell had been employed by the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office. The department also welcomed Michael Schmitz to the ranks in January, 2001. This brings a total of ten new police department personnel that have joined the department in the last year: seven full-time officers, two part-time clerical employees, and a Victim Service Specialist. City Goals & Progress, continued from Page 1 7. Provide a Human Asset Plan to Address Fu- ture Staffing Needs, Promotions, and Retire- ments. 8. Implement the Recommendations of the Space Needs Study 9. Develop a Five-Ten Year Road and Infrastruc- ture Plan 10. Consider Economic Development Options for The City of Hastings 11. Create a Redevelopment Program for the City 12. Search for Property for a Second Fire Station and Other City Uses In the last 16 months, we have had an opportunity to work on each of these projects to some extent or other, and we've also been able to complete some of them. Fo/ example, l1/ . The City has been successful in completing the Com- ./ prehensive Plan, ~ As well as locating a site for additional senior housing in / the community. ~ Efforts continue to improve communications with the public, as a web page will be opened soon, and more frequent distribution of the City Newsletter is proposed. Page 6 Winter 2001 I Staff and the City Council remain active with the Red Rock Commuter Rail project that will have a significant impact on the community. / The City Council will continue to monitor the efforts under- ~ way to improve Highway #316, and future planning for the Highway#61 Bridge. / A great deal of coordination with various agencies is under- ~ way that will lead to improvements aiong the Mississippi River, and the area near the former Koch tank farm, will be en- hanced to provide additional recreational opportunities. / Long-term planning continues, as the City determines the ~ future public improvements that will be needed, and identifies those in a long-range plan, that should prove to be extremely beneficial to the community. /In addition, the City Council and City Staff will be attempting ~ to establish possible sites for a future Fire Station, and other space needs for various City Departments. / An emphasis on economic development and community re- ~ development opportunities also will remain high priorities for the City. Should any member of the community have comments or suggestions on the any of these activities the City has been addressing in the last two years, please do not hesitate to contact the Mayor, City Council members or City Adminis- trator. If you have ideas regarding future projects or is- sues you feel the City should address in the upcoming years, please also give us a call. THIS IS FIRE Every day Americans experience the horror of fire: each year more than 5,000 Americans die and more than 25,000 are injured in fires, many of which could be prevented. However, most people do not under- stand fire. Only when we know the true nature of fire can we pre- pare our families and ourselves. The United States Fire Administration (US FA), a division of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), believes that fire deaths can be reduced by teaching people the basic facts about fire. Below are some simple facts that explain the particular characteristics of fire. FIRE IS FASTI ~ In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black ....; smoke to fill a house and a house can be engulfed in flames. Most fires occur in the home when people are asleep. If you wake up to a fire, you will not have time to grab valuables because fire spreads quickly and often the smoke is too thick. Your number one concern Is to get yourself & your family members out of the house. FIRE IS HOT! A fire's heat alone can kill-room temperatures in a fire can be 100 de- grees at floor level and rise up to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this extremely hot air will scorch your lungs, and this heat can melt clothes to your skin. In only five minutes, a room can get so hot that everything in it ignites at once; this is called flashover. FIRE IS DARK! A fire itself starts bright, but it quickly produces black smoke and complete dark- ness. If you wake up to a fire, you may be blinded, disoriented, and unable to find your way around the home you have lived in for years. FIRE IS DEADL VI Fire uses up the oxygen you need to breathe and produces smoke and poisonous gases that kill. Breathing even small amounts of this smoke and toxic gases can make you drowsy, disoriented, and short of breath. The odorless, colorless fumes can lull you into a deep sleep before the flames even reach your door, and you may not wake up in time to escape. FIRE SAFETY TIPS ./":Escape first, then call for help. ~DeveloP a home fire escape plan and designate a meeting place outside. "". Make sure everyone in the family knows two ways to escape from every room. Practice feeling your way out with your eyes closed. And practice your home escape plan frequently with your family. .,/' Never stand up in a fire, aiways crawl low under the smoke and try to keep /your mouth covered. ",,/Never return to a burning building for any reason; it may cost you your life. -.t' Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically Increases your changes of surviving a fire. Fire Department 115 Fifth Street West Hastings, MN 55033 Fire Chief: Mark Holmes Non-Emergency: 437-5610 Emergency: 911 The fifty-two firefighters and staff at the Fire Department hope your holiday sea- son was as joyous as ours was. HFD News & Info... Shortly before Christmas, Santa delivered a 2000 Emergency One Class A Fire Pumper to the HFD. The new truck will provide City resi- dents with a 1500 gallon-a-minute pumper with chemical enhanced firefighting capabilities. The new truck will replace a 1965 Ford Pumper, which has served the community well for 35 years. We are also pleased to announce the recent promotions of James Huberty, Alan Storlie, and Daniel Reuter to the positions of Lieuten- ant. Recently hired to fill existing part- time Firefighter/Emergency Medi- cal Technician positions are John Townsend, Melanie Rossing, Frank Gentilini, and Reid Troxel. Welcome & Congratulations! Page 7 Winter 2001 - - - - - - Common Questions ABOUT THE HASTINGS FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER - - - - - Have questions about the Hastings Family Aquatic Center? Here are some of the most common questions about the facility and it's options & amenities. Q: Does the pool sell family season passes? A: The pool sells individual season passes priced according to your age. Q: How do I buy a pass? A: You can purchase season passes at City Hall between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday - Friday, or call the hotline to have an application mailed to you. Q: Is there an age requirement to attend the pool with- out a parent? A: It is required that all children under 42" tall be within arms reach of a parent or guardian at all times. However, for your own safety, we strongly encourage parents or guardian to supervise all children regardless of age or height. Please remember, patrons will be restricted from the pool area if they cannot abide by all pool rules. Q: I am interested in working at the pool, how do I apply and/or become certified to lifeguard? A: You can pick up an application at Hastings City Hall, 1 01 4~ Street East. To become certified in Lifeguard Train- ing, you must successfully complete the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training program. Hastings Community Educa- tion is offering a course in March 2001. For more informa- tion call Darbie Johnson at 651-480-2360. Q: Can we bring in coolers or lawn chairs? A: Due to space restrictions, lawn & beach chairs & coolers are not allowed into the facility. For your convenience, we have a full concession area within the facility as well as deck furniture for your use. For those patrons who want to leave the facility and return the same day without paying admission again, the aquatic facility requires a hand stamp for readmission. City of Hastings 101 Fourth Street East Hastings, MN 55033-1955 Q: When does the pool close because of inclement weather? A: For the safety of the patrons and staff, the pool will close due to inciement weather. It is the policy of the facility to close the pooi area when lightning is sighted. The pool will remain closed for 20 minutes after the last lightning is sighted. The pool will also close if and when the temperature falls below 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The Aquatic Center uses the KARE 11 weather line to help determine when to close the facility. Q: What happens if there is an "accident" in the pool? Is it safe to swim in afterwards? A: For the safety of the patrons of the facility, the pooi will tempo- rarily close for the clean-up of accidents. This time allows for staff to remove and treat the contaminated area. The Hastings Family Aquatic Center maintains a chemical level above the mini- mum standards required by the state health department; this chemical level kills harmful bacteria associated with solid fecal matter and is still safe for swimmers. However, liquid fecal matter will require the facility to close for the remainder of the day, as the facility's pool water will be mechanically filtered and super chlori- nated before allowing patrons to swim, which is the recommended procedure in these incidents. Please help keep the aquatic center open, have aU children wear swim diapers, rubber pants, and use the restroom frequently. Thank you!! Q: Do I have to pay daily admission even if I am not going to swim? A: Because we don't know if you are going to want to swim or not once you enter the facility, it is our policy to require all pa- trons entering the facility pay daily admission. We must count all patrons as part of our total attendance and our capacity limits. If you have more questions about the Hastings Family Aquatic Center please call the Hotline at 651-480-2392 or Darbie Johnson at 651-480-2360. We look forward to seeing you at the pool! Carrier Route Sort BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID Hastings, MN Penni! No. 166 POSTAL CUSTOMER PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER CONTAINING NO LESS THAN 10% POST CONSUMER WASTE Volume VI Issue 1 Page B Winter 2001