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Home My WebLink AboutSpring 2001 City of Hastings 101 Fourth Street East, Hastings, MN 55033-1955 (651) 437-4127 www.ci.hastinas.mn.us IN THIS ISSUE: Ea''^t; 4&8 2 1 2 1 5 City Unveils New Website tlil1 Now you can catch up // ~ \!!I with City information ~ on the City's recently updated website. Lo- cated at www.ci.hastinas.mn.us.this official City site has information about various City operations. The site in- cludes Council information ranging from a list of Council members to the most recent Council agendas and approved minutes as well as informa- tion on other City operations includ- ing police, fire, code enforcement and licensing information. It.em Aquatic Center City Council City Goals City Hall City Website Code Enforcement 2001 Construction Projects Fire Department Meter Repiacement Plan Poiice Department Sprinkling Ban 3 7 Two-Year City Goals Set On April 6th & 7th, the City Coun- cil and City Staff conducted a strategic planning workshop to establish goals for the upcoming two years. Listed below are the top ten items that were ad- dressed by the City Council and Staff: 1. Develop a five-year Capital Improvement, Financial, and Personnel Plan; 2. Improve communica- tions with the public, as well as within City departments; Establish a redevelopment program for the City of Hastings; Implement the City's Comprehensive Plan; Discuss various options and recommend the best options for a YMCA and the City's day- time recreation opportunities; Address water-related issues such as water supply, water quality and conservation, water billing, and wellhead safety & protection; Implementation of the City's Park & Recre- ation Comprehensive Plan; Adopt a new Special Assessment Policy; Continue to explore & make recommenda- tions for the best economic development op- tions for the City; Determine the City's role in improvement projects to be made on Highway 61, Highway 61 bridge, and Highway 316. 3 6 1 Do you need to report a pothole? Want to take a look at current development projects or the City's Comprehen- 3. sive Plan? Wondering about current police stats? The website will be a useful resource for that information 4. and much more! Check us out! 5. ................................. o ~ 0 o 0 o 0 6. o 0 : Looking to sign up for outdoor swimming lessons? Look at Page 8 . . for more information about the outdoor swimming lessons of- : . fered this summer! . 7. ................................. ? ::::::::- 8. 9. Permanent Odd/Even Sprinkling Ban To Start Again By City Ordinance, a permanent odd/even sprinkling ban is automatically in effect from May 15 to September 1 of each year. The purpose of the ban is to even out water demands and reduce the peak pumping demand from the City weils caused during the summer months by lawn sprinkling. 10. Volume VI Issue 2 Sprinking Ban, continued on Page 2 For more information on these goals, please call City Hall at 437-4127. Page 1 Spring 2001 '-' c :::::) o ~ >-- -+- ~ The City of Hastings Council meets on the first & third Monday of each month at 7 :00 p.m. Agendas are available at City Hall, and residents are encour- aged to attend. MAYOR Mike Werner 437-4143 COUNCILMEMBERS Ward I Janette Yandrasits Ward 2 Tumey Hazlet Ward 3 Ed Riveness Ward 4 Danna Elling Schultz At-Large LynnMoratzka Paul Hicks 438-3194 437-5298 437-4416 438-3878 437-7869 437-8866 c =-= >-- -+- ~ Page 2 Spring 2001 City Hall Office Hours 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday 437-4127 City Hall Phone Inspections & Code Enforcement: City Website: CITY IlALL STAFF City Administrator Public Works Director Finance Director City Planner Code Enforce.Supervisor Admin.Asst./City Clerk 438-3888 www.ci.hastings.mn.us Dave Osberg Tom Montgomery Lori Webster Matt Weiland Bill Mesaros Melanie Mesko OrnER CITY F ACIUTIES Police Department 437-4126 Emergency 911 Mike McMenomy, Chief Fire Department 437-5610 Emergency 911 Mark Holmes, Chief Streets Department 437-4415 Cal Ruedy, Superintendent UtilitiesDepartroent 437-3922 Jim Heusser, Superintendent Parks Department 437-5858 Lee Erickson, Superintendent Civic Arena 437-4940 Jim McGree, Manager Aquatic Center 480-2392 Darbie Johnson, Manager ..... c: o ..... ..... Historical Preservation Commission Meets 3" Tuesday of each month 7:00 p.m. E E o t-J Natural Resources & Recreation Commission Meets 3" Tuesday of each month 7:00 p.m. ~ Charter Commission Meets at least quarterly, on 3" Thursday of month 7:00 p.m. ..... ~ ~ -to- -to- Housing & Redevelopment Authority Meets 20' Thursday of each month 7:00 p.m. E E o t-J Hastings Planning Commission 7:00 p.m. Meets 20' & 4th Monday of each month ~ Industrial Park Advisory Board c: Meets 3"' Thursday of each month 7:00 p.m. -to- ..... C :+: Police Civil Service Commission Meets as needed 7:00 p.m. For more information on any of the commissions, please call City Hall at 437-4127 Sprinking Ban, continued from Page 1 The permanent odd/even sprinkling ban ordinance reads as follows; "From May 15 to September 1 of each year, an odd! even lawn sprinkling ban shall be in ef- fect for all lawn sprinkling systems supplied by water from the City of Hastings water utility. Properties with even numbered addresses may sprinkle lawns only on days with even num- bered dates. Properties with odd numbered ad- dresses may sprinkle lawns only on days with odd numbered dates. A one (1) week exemp- tion from the odd/even sprinkling ban may be granted for newly planted sod, grass, or land- scaping upon registering for the exemption with the Hastings Utility Department. Other exemp- tions may be granted upon evaluation and rec- ommendation of the Hastings Utility Superin- tendent. " Public Works Garage 1221 Progress Drive 437-4415 Public Works. "',. Streets Utilities Engineering The Utility Department has approximately 1 00 water meters left to convert to radio reads to complete the transition to radio meter reading for the City's 5,900 meters. This new technology has cut meter reading time down from five days per month to four hours per month. Water Meter Conversion Almost Complete .. , When completed, all water meters will be able to be read remotely from a Utility De- partment vehicle driving through neighbor- hoods. If you receive a notice from the Utility Depart- ment requesting access to your water meter, please contact the Utility Department to sched- ule an appointment. The conversion to a radio read meter takes about 15 to 20 minutes. ..................................................................... Proposed 2001 Street & Utility Construction Projects The City Engineering Department is preparing studies and plans for several street and utility projects pro- posed for construction this summer. The Hastings City Council held hearings on May 7 on these projects. The proposed projects are: I 4th Street and General Sieben Drive - This work will consist of rebuilding the pavement and base on 4th Street between Pleasant Drive and General Sieben Drive, and on General Sieben Drive between 4th Street and High- way 55. Bituminous trails are also proposed for the north side of 4th Street and the east side of General Sieben Drive. I 2nd Street - Street reconstruction, including concrete curb and gutter and storm sewer, is proposed for 2n' Street between County Road #42 and Farm Street. This work will also include replacement of the sanitary sewer main with a much deeper sewer main to redirect sewer flows north of 2" Street away from the Prairie Street lift station. The new sewer will allow this wastewater to drain by gravity to the treatment plant instead of being pumped to the treatment plant. The proposed curb and gutter and storm sewer will solve existing drainage prob- lems on 2" Street. 14th, 5'h, and Sibley Streets - As part of the Guardian Angels housing development, sanitary sewer and watermains on 4th and 5th Streets will be replaced and a looping watermain will be installed on Sibley Street be- tween 4th and 5th Streets. Area residents will be given the opportunity to request street reconstruction at the time the utilities are being installed. I Forest and 9'h Street - Street reconstruction, includ- ing concrete curb and gutter and storm sewer, is pro- posed for Forest Street between 8th and 9th Streets and 9th Street between Forest and Walnut Streets. The curb and gutter and storm sewer improvements will elimi- nate existing drainage problems in the area. This project was requested by Our Savior's Lutheran Church. I Alley Improvements - The City received requests to pave two alleys; the alley connecting Spring and Ashland Streets between 5th and 6th Streets and the alley connecting Eddy and Spring Streets between 2" and 3'" Streets. This work will include the installation of surmountable curb and gut- ter. I Bohlken's 6'h Addition - Bohlken Drive is proposed to be extended to the west to serve an additional 8 lots as part ofthe Bohlken's 6th Addition street and utility improvements. I Sanitary Sewer Extension - A large diameter trunk sewer main is proposed to be extended approximately one half mile south from County Road #47 to serve future develop- ment. The new trunk sanitary sewer main will cross under the Vermillion River and the adjacent flood bypass channel west of the south end of Pine Street. I Lock and Dam Road Improvements - On March 5th, the Hastings City Council approved reconstruction of the Lock and Dam Access Road which included trail and land- scaping improvements. The Lock and Dam Access Road will be constructed along a new alignment through Lake Rebecca Park and the Koch Tank Farm property. A new bituminous trail will be extended adjacent to the new road- way from 2" Street down to the existing riverfront trail. The riverfront trail will be extended to connect to the exist- ing trail through the Lock and Dam #2 site, to be con- structed on the existing Lock and Dam Access Road bed. Landscaping and street and trail lighting improvements are also planned. As part of this project, the Lake Rebecca bathhouse and the restroom will be demolished. Page 3 Spring 2001 Parks & Recreation Spring/Summer 2001 Information ,,\ l; HAS TIN G S :::::0" Spring is here--have you started your summer 2001 planning? Don't .,..~~~ / \ forget to visit the Hastings Family Aquatic Center! Season passes ~~~.N are now on sale at Hastings City Hall Monday through Friday from Family Aquatic Center 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM or call the Hastings Family Aquatic Center 901 Maple Street hotline at 651-480-2392 for more information! 651-480-2392 2001 Dates Opening Day Saturday, May 26, 2001 Closing Day Monday, September 3, 2001 Open Swim Hours ~ Saturday, May 26--Sunday, June 10, 2001 Saturday & Sunday: 12 noon to 6:00 p.m. Monday, June 11-Monday, September 3, 2001 Monday-Tuesday: 12 noon to 8 :30 p.m. Wednesday: 12 noon to 5:30 p.m. Thursday-Sunday: 12 noon to 8 :30 p.m. (The Drop Slide will close at 7:00 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays) Family Swim Families have exclusive use! Floatation devices and toys allowed! Every Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. June 13 to August 29, 2001 Adult Lap Swim Tuesday, June 12-Saturday, September 1 Tuesdays & Thursdays Saturdays Mondays & Fridays 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Page 4 Spring 2001 Season Pass Rates Please remember that 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. Resident: Ages 1-5: Ages 6 and up: Ages 55 and over: $36.00 $40.00 $36.00 Non-Resident: Ages 1-5: Ages 6 and up: Ages 55 and over: $46.00 $50.00 $46.00 Daily Admission Rates Daily Children under 42" tall Under 12 months After 5 p.m., all patrons $5.00/person $3.50/person Free $3.50/person Teen Night ~f~}}J.J1j)i~~0.~ Teens13-17, come ~. join us for a night of games, water volleyball, and basketbal/! A OJ will be there spinning the tunes! Cost: with season pass: $3.00 without season pass: $5.00 Time: 9 p.m.-11 p.m. When: Friday, June 22 Friday, July 13 Thursday, July 19 Friday, August 3 Friday, August 10 Friday, August 31 O Looking For A Summer Job? It's so hot, it's coo/! Become an American Red CI"OSS life- guard! When: May 7-17 (Monday-Thursday) Where: Hastings High School Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Cost: $170.00 Questions? Coil 480-2360 To Register Coil 438-0880 ,,;, . ......*r~ "'~~." ~"~ ~~"'~, t,..,., ........, ""'>.I{",~~ ,>>.. ,..,.,~ ~<..., ~..._~_" ,,~ ........ ',,"~' '"'''"-',":''' Enterprise Funds 2001 Adopted Budget 2001 Sales and costs of sales Water Sewer Transit Hydro Adopted 2000 Budget Budget Operating Revenues Charges for services $1,128,000 $1,125,000 $55,000 $1,137,000 $3,445,000 $3,691,770 Total Gross Prott & Operating Revenues $1,128,000 $1,125,000$55,000 $1,137,000 $3,445,000 $3,691,770 Operating Expenses Personal Services $304,124 $177,782 $156,483 $113,557 $751,946 $702,005 Other Services and Charges $576,315 $913,490 $37,835 $201,765 $1,729,405 $1,603,704 Supplies $89,930 $6,800 $11,735 $3,000 $111,465 $111,475 Total Operating Expenses $970,369 $1,098,072 $206,053 $318,322 $2,592,816$2,417,184 Operating Income(Loss) $157,631 $26,928 ($151,053) $818,678 $852,184 $1,274,586 Nonoperating Revenues(Expenses) Interest Earnings $50,000 $75,000 $10,000 $0 $135,000 $130,000 Interst and Fiscal Charges ($210,668) $0 $0 ($851,743) ($1,062,411) ($272,991) Miscellaneous $35,000 $0 $175,180 $0 $210,180 $198,862 Total Nonoperating Revenues (Expenses) ($125,668) $75,000 $185,180 ($851,743) ($717,231) ($55,871) Income (Loss) before Operating Transfers $31,963 $101,928 $34,127 ($33,065) $134,953 $1,330,457 Operating Transfers In (Out) ($22,500) ($22,500) $0 $0 ($45,000) ($45,000) Net Income (Loss) $9,463 $79,428 $34,127 ($33,065) $89,953 $1,285,457 For more information, call Hastings City Hall at 437-4127 during regular business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.rn. ft.t~~" qt.. 00 'Wi. 'd u fi" Hey, kids & parents! Looking for a fun sport? Well, you have lots of options! From baseball to gymnastics to skiing to wrestling, there are lots of opportu- ~Iit. nities to participate. Programs are offered through Hastings School District, '-..;~ Hastings Youth Athletic Association, YMCA, Community Ed., private busi- nesses, and various other youth athletic organizations. Whether you are 4 or 44, there's something out there for you. Here are some contact resources: ~ Hastings Youth Athletic Association (HYAA) Hastings Basketbali Boosters (Pete McGinnis) Hastings Little Raiders Footbali (Bob Majeski) Hastings Hockey Boosters (Mark Gelhar) Hastings Area Swim Team (HAST-Kim Olson) HHS & HMS Coaches (Sherri Matson) Hastings County Club (Brad Schmierer) Arctic Blades Skating School 437-8838 480-8370 437-8554 437-5821 437-4311 437-0767 437-6483 453-1241 YMCA Community Education Academy of Dance Jan's School of Dance Riverbend Dance Arts National Karate Hastings Gymnastics Center 480-8887 438-0880 437-7722 438-3690 438-3278 437-6440 437-8883 SUPPLEMENT Spring 2001 ~"'r' 2001 Minnesota City Summary Budget Statement for Publication The purpose of this report is to provide summary 2001 budget information concerning the City of Hastings to interested citizens. The budget is published in accordance with Minn. Stat. Sec. 471.6965. This summary is not complete; the complete budget is available for examination at Hastings City Hall, 101 4th Street East, Hastings. The City Council approved this budget on December 18, 2000. 2001 Budget Budget Governmental Funds 1999 2000 2001 Actual Budaet Adoated Revenues: Property Taxes $5.094,477 $4,681,247 $5,041,362 Special Assessments $1,281,127 $270,767 $1,000,000 Licenses and Permits $549,602 $414,850 $425,850 Intergovernmental Revenues Federal $133,919 $100,000 $0 State $4,023,561 $2,778,458 $3,210,329 County and Other Local Units $31,831 $42,600 $57,000 Charges for Services $1,847,663 $1,801,895 $3,774,255 Fines and Forfeits $91,798 $66,500 $71,000 Interest on Investments $432,354 $289,850 $355,400 Miscellaneous Revenues <203415 ~32 000 $10000 Total Revenues $13,689,747 $10,478,167 $13,945,196 Expenditures: Current: General Government $1,071,744 $1,337,217 $1,455,755 Public Safety $3,528,414 $3,699,752 $3,840,662 Streets and Highways $1,158,997 $1,258,840 $1,352,467 Sanitation $29,793 $22,823 $53,401 Culture and Recreation $1,314,394 $1,432,282 $1,439,590 Urban and Econ.Dev.and Housing $0 $0 $39,352 Miscellaneous $181,007 $381,640 $371,489 Debt Service Principal $1,904,560 $2,055,000 $2,005,000 Interest and Fiscal charges $751,472 $1,065,863 $961,383 CaDital Outlav $4313621 $1 353955 $1 956 447 Total Expendifures $14,254,002 $12,607,372 $13,475,546 Excess (deficiency) of Revenues over (under) Expenditures ($564,255) ($2,129,205) $469,650 Other Financing Sources (Uses) Bond Proceeds $900,900 $0 $0 Operating Transfers In $1,427,711 $220,000 $555,000 Operating Transfers Out ($1,131,834) ($175,000) ($1,369,000) Total Other Financing Sources (Uses) $1,196,777 $45,000 ($814,000) Excess of Revenues & Other Financing Sources over Expenditures & Other Uses $632,522 ($2,084,205) ($344,350) Property Tax Levy Requirement to Fund Budget $4,400,168 $4,672,747 $4,762,362 SUPPLEMENT Spring 2001 This information prepared by the Finance Department of the City of Hastings. Lori Webster, Finance Director Charlene Stark, Assistant Finance Director Lynne Benson, Accountant Kim Niederkorn, Accountant Becky Kline, Account Technician ~, ~ New Construction. . Aft....J · II. D Detached U\ Th, City of H"'"g"~ < - , _ .c." continuing growth in 2000. A total of 97 single family homes with a valua- tion of$14,438,185.00, along with 15 townhome units with a valuation of $3,569,964, were constructed in the City in 2000. So who inspected all those struc- tures for compliance with building codes? The Inspections & Code Enforcement Department, made up of five staff members. The ICE de- partment is responsible for the ad- ministration of the Minnesota State Building Code. There are several documents that comprise the Code, but the main document is the Unifonn Building Code with State amend- ments. Each municipality in the State of Min- nesota is mandated to adopt and enforce a building code. Cities have building inspection personnel that issue permits and perform inspec- tions of construction to check for code compliance. Although many people think that inspection by the city guarantees 100% code compli- ance, that is not the case. A building inspection is an attempt to verify that the work complies with the code. As soon as the inspector leaves the jobsite, anything can be changed. Building inspections are intended as spot checks of construction to verify substantial code compliance. Al- though city inspections identify vis- ible code violations, they cannot, and are not intended to, guarantee every aspect of the work. Inspection by the city also does not guarantee work- manship or that the work is free of construction defects. Contractors and material suppliers are respon- sible for problems associated with construction defects and workman- ship. ",. 7.Jf , 'l<L 7!1.' 1.' Inspections &. Code cnforcement '138-3888 "'... ,,, 7.. ".. Permits Building permits are required for all new construction and most home improvements. The purpose of the permit is to ensure that the building project meets minimum planning, building, and zoning requirements enforced by the City of Hastings. The fees charged for building and zon- ing permits are used to defray the cost of inspection and code enforce- ment. If you are planning to do a project that includes any of the following, you must receive approval from the City and obtain an approved build- ing or zoning permit prior to begin- ning work. ~ ~ Building Permit ~ .. Construct a new Commercial, In- ~ dustrial, residential or accessory building; Add an addition to a Commercial, In- dustrial, residential or accessory building; Build an attached or detached garage greater than 120 sq. ft.; Add a porch, sunroom or deck' Finish a room in a basement,' attic, or lower level; Add a bedroom or habitable room; Reroof or reside your home; Install a gas or wood fireplace, or stove; Install or replace an egress window or door or a new or replacement win- dow other than the sashes' Perform electrical wiring; , Install or replace plumbing, water heaters, water service, lawn irriga- tion; Install water softener; Change or install heating, ventilating or air conditioning; All pools 5000 gallons or greater; Build a retaining wall higher than 4 feet high; Drill a well or install or repair an on- site sewage septic system. 'H =~ The process for obtaining a building or zoning permit is to complete a City application and submit the proper documentation as stated on the ap- plication. The type of work you are do- ing will determine the required submit- tal documents. Once your applica- tion has been received, it will be re- viewed by City staff. The review pro- cess usually takes a few days, but dur- ing heavy construction periods it could take up to ten working days. Also, if your submittal documents require cor- rections, or the application is incom- plete, the approval process may take longer. When the review is complete, a City employee will contact you so you can pay for the permit and pick it up. J. Zoning Permit ... " Sheds, gazebos, spa houses 120 sq. ft. of floor area or less; All residential and commercial fences; Above ground swimming pools less then 5,000 gallons. You do not need a permit to: Replace cabinets in your kitchen or else- where; Install carpet or other fioor coverings; install wallpaper or paneling on finished sur- faces; Perform normal maintenance or repair without structural change; or Build a doghouse, playhouse for children, swingsets This list is not intended to be all inclusive, but to identify the most commonly re- quested information. If you have any ques- tions, please contact the Inspections & Code Enforcement Department for further information. Page 5 Spring 2001 Police Det)artment 150 East Third Street Hastings, MN 55033 Police Chief: Mike McMenamy Non-Emergency: 437-4126 Emergency: 911 New OfficerS-Hastings resi- dents may have noticed two new officers on their police department. Officer Michael Schmitz began employment January 2, 2001 as a police patrol officer. Officer Schmitz is a City Council approved budgeted officerfor2001, increas- ing the police department manpower to 25 full-time officers. This is Mike's first law enforcement position and he comes to us having grown up in Roseville. Spring Safety Reminders Now that spring is approaching, we would like to remind citizens and vehicie driv- ers that there will be an increase in people out walking, biking, skateboarding and rollerblading, all using the streets and paths in our City. Here are some safety tips to help everyone safely enjoy the weather: Officer Nathan Wood also began employment with the Hastings Police Department on February 26, 2001 as a police patrol officer. Officer Wood replaces a position made available with the retire- ment of Sgt. Jerry Wuollet in January. Nathan has been em- ployed by the City of Eagan for the last two years as a Community Service Officer. Nathan is a 1997 graduate of Hastings High School and grew up in the City of Vermillion. Retirement - Sgt. Jerry Wuollet retired from his police officer position with the City of Hastings on January 12, 2001 after 23 years of loyal and dedicated service. Promotions - As a result of Sgt. Wuollet's retirement, Officer Michael Munson was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and as- signed to the Patrol Sergeants' position. On April 9, 2001 Officer Wayne Hicks was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in charge of the Community Policing Division for the department. The community policing coordinates the School liai- son, Crime Prevention, and Grant programs as well as the many aspects of community policing. ~ Always try to have a walking partner with you on your walk. If you can't have a walking part- ner, always try to walk in a residential area where you can easily get help if needed. ~ When walking, always try to stay on the side- ,,~ walk, if available, and off the roadway. If no side- walks are available, stay as close to the curb as pos- sible and walk facing traffic. ~ Always wear light colored clothing, which can ,,~ be more easily seen than dark clothing. When walking in the evening hours or dusk, try to wear some type of refiective clothing. Many walkers are now wearing bright colored orange slip-on vests with reflec- tive stripes or tape on the vest. " " If walking after dark, carry a flashlight and walk in well-lit neighborhoods. When crossing a street, always cross at the corner intersection of the street and in desig- nated crosswalks if possible. Never cross in the middle of the street. WANTED: Police Reservists You may have seen us, but didn't know who we were. Or you may have noticed that the police personnel in Hastings have two different uniforms. That's because Hastings has two police organizations; the sworn officers hired by the City and the Police Reserve/Auxiliary. The Police Reserve/Auxiliary is a volunteer organization that is comprised of residents of Hastings and surrounding area. Each reserve officer has his or her own reasons of volunteering: some serve with community service in mind while others are pursuing careers in law enforcement. This program reports to Police Chief Mike McMenomy, and duties range from assisting officers with normal duties, providing traffic control at various City functions, working security at some school sporting events, and staffing City Hall during after-hours use. Each officer is required to volunteer a minimum of ten hours a month, however, most officers put in many more hours than required. In 2000, the unit volunteered a total of 3,000 hours to the City of Hastings. The unit currently has a capacity of 20 personnel, and are looking to add from two to three people to the organization. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED equivalent, a valid drivers license, and successfully pass a background check. If you are interested in applying for a position on the Police Reserve/Auxiliary, please contact the Hastings Police Department. Page 6 Spring 2001 ~ Severe Weather Information It's that time of the year when the weather is unpredictable and it's not uncommon for it to drastically change within a few minutes. Fire Department 115 Fifth Street West Hastings, MN 55033 Fire Chief: Mark Holmes Non-Emergency: 437-5610 Emergency: 911 The National Weather Service TM (NWS) provides weather forecasts and warnings for the United States and other areas for the protection of life and property. The NWS provides warnings and forecasts of hazardous weather, including thunderstorms, flooding, hurricanes, torna- does, winter weather, and other events. The NWS is the sole United States official voice for issuing wamings during life-threat- ening weather situations and is used to warn residents of haz- ardous weather conditions. Severe Weather Notifications A thunderstorm is considered severe if it produces hail 'y." or larger, wind 58 mph or stronger, or tornadoes. Watches are issued when conditions are favorable for torna- does, severe thunderstorms or flash floods. If you are in a watch area, make plans to seek shelter if necessary. Warnings are issued when severe weather has been reported or is imminent. Seek shelter immediately if you are in or near the path of the storm. Warnings are issued by county names. Hastings is mostly in Dakota County, although a small portion is in Washington County. Sirens are meant to warn those who are outdoors. If you hear a siren, turn on a radio or TV for information and seek shelter immediately. Lightning Lightning kills around 100 Americans annually with about 300 others injured. tit Myth: If it is not raining there is no danger from y, lightning. Fact: Lightning may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall. Myth: Rubber tires on a vehicle will protect you from being injured by lightning. Fact: Rubber provides no protection from lightning. How- ever, the steel frame of a vehicie acts as a cage and routes the lightning strike to the ground. Thunderstorms,~)).~ Winds and Hail ~[\ 1\. The typical thunderstorm r is 15 miles in diameter and lasts an average of 30 minutes. Thunderstorms can produce a strong outrush of wind known as a downburst or straight-line winds which may exceed 120 mph. They can overturn mobile homes, tear roofs off houses, and topple trees. Hail annually causes nearly one billion dollars ($1 ,OOO,OOO,OOO!) in damage nationally. Large hailstones may fall at speeds faster than 100 mph and have been known to kill people. Tornado Safety Information When a tornado Warning is issued for your county, if you are: In a House: Go to the basement. Get under a table, workbench or other sturdy furniture. If there is no basement, go into a small interior room on the lowest floor (spaces with interior halls afford the best protection) away from windows. In an Apartment, Schoof. or Office Building: Move to the innermost room on the lowest level or to a pre- designated shelter area. Crouch down and protect your head from flying debris. Avoid areas with glass and large roof spans. In a Mobile Home: Abandon it immediately. Seek shelter in a pennanent struc- ture. If there is no time, get out and lie flat in the nearest ditch or depression with your hands shielding your head. In a Vehicle: Get out of the vehicle and lie flat in a ditch or ravine. Never try to out-drive a tornado. Flash Floods Nationally, floods claim nearly 200 lives annually, force 300,000 persons from their homes, and cause property damage in ex- cess of 2 billion dollars $2,000,OOO,000!). When you are driving, do not cross through high water. Two feet of running water is enough to carry away most vehicles. 50% of flash flood deaths occur in vehicles. Civil Defense Sirens -Civil defense sirens are activated to alert citizens that a tornado or severe thunderstorm is approaching our area. Residents should find a safe place for shelter from the imminent threat of any severe weather. For more information, you may turn to 1460 KDWA AM, for updates on severe weather in our area. Sirens are tested on the first Wednesday of each month at 1 :00 p.m. If you do not hear your siren going off during these times, please contact the Police Department to have it checked. Page 7 Spring 2001 Outdoor Swimming Lessons The Hastings Family Aquatic Center will ofter swim- ming lessons this summer! There are five sessions offered, with a variety of times for each session. To register, please complete the registration form and re- turn with full payment to: Hastings Family Aquatic Center Hastings City Hall Alln: Darbie Johnson 101 Fourth Street East Hastings, MN 55033 Ple8se make checks payable to Hastings Family Aquatic Center. Please nota: you cannot registerforoutdoorswimming lessons through Hastings community Education. In Person: By Mail: Session Dates Session A: Saturday, June 23-August 11 Session 8: Monday-Thursday, June 18-28 Session C: Monday-Thursday, July 9-19 Session D : Monday-Thursday, July 23-August 2 Session E: Monday-Thursday, August 6-16 Session Times & Session Level Names 9:00-9:40 a.m. $30.00 Pike, Eel, Guppy, Starfish, Flying Fish 9:45-10:25 a.m. $30.00 Polliwog, Ray, Minnow, Fish 10:30-11:10 a.m. $30.00 Pike, Polliwog, Starfish 10:30-11:00 a.m. $24.50 Skips Questions? From May 1 to August 6, call 437-6999 No News is Good Newsl After registering, the only time you will hear from us is when class is cancelled, there is a schedule change, or class is full. So, if it is almost time for your class and you haven't heard from us, that's good news.. .It means you are in! ~---------------------~ CITY OF HASTINGS OUTDOOR SWIMMING LESSONS REGISTRATION FORM 1. Student Name: Address: City, State, Zip: Phone #: Session A 8 C D E (please circle one) Session Level Nome: Session Time: (please circle one) 9:00-9:40 9:45-10:25 10:30-11:10 10:30-11:00 I 2. Student Nome: Address: City, State, Zip: Phone #: Fee: $30.00 $24.50 I Session A 8 C D E (please circle one) Session Level Nome: Session Time: (please circle) 9:00-9:40 9:45-10:25 10:30-11:10 10:30-11:00 3. Student Name: Address: City, State, Zip: Phone #: Fee: $30.00 $24.50 Session A 8 C D E (please circle one) Session Level Name: Session Time: (please circle) 9:00-9:40 9:45-10:25 10:30-11:10 10:30-11:00 Fee: $30.00 $24.50 L_____________________~ City of Hastings 101 Fourth Street East Hastings,MN 55033-1955 POSTAL CUSTOMER Carrier Route Sort PRST STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Hastings, MN Pennit No. t 66 .... PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER CONTAINING NO LESS TIIAN 10% POST CONSUMER WASTE Volume VI Issue 2 Page 8 Spring 2001