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Home My WebLink AboutJanuary 2000 Hastings Rivertown News City of Hastings ~ ~~ (651) 437-4127 101 East Fourth Street, Hastings, MN 55033-1955 City Outlines Goals for 2000-2001 @) In September, 1999, the Hastings City Council and City Staff conducted a goal setting session to establish priori- ties and goals for 2000-2001. The session was moder- ated by Don Salverda, a consultant whom the City has previously used. After significant discussion and review by the City Council and City Staff, the following items were identified as the top priorities for the City of Hastings: I. To improve overall communication with the public, and internally between the City Council and City Staff; 2. To complete the City's Comprehensive Plan; 3. To determine the City's role with the Highway 61 Bridge, Highway 316, and Highway 61 redevelopment; 4. To continue to work with the Red Rock Corridor Com- mission on commuter rail options; 5. Select a site for a senior housing facility, in conjunc- tion with the Dakota County HRA; 6. Continue to work with riverfront development and Lake Rebecca; 7. Develop a human asset plan for the City; 8. Implement the recommendations ofthe space needs study regarding future Parks, Public Works, and other City storage and building needs; 9. Develop a five-year road and infrastructure plan; 10. Consider and review the economic development op- tions for the City; II. Establish a "redevelopment" program for the City that includes the possible relocation of some existing busi- nesses; 12. Search for property for a possible second fire station and other City uses. Residents interested in learning more about the City's priorities or offering comments or suggestions are en- couraged to contact the Mayor, City Councilmembers, or City Administrator Dave Osberg at City Hall. Volume V Issue 1 McMenomy Appointed As Police Chief The City Council approved the hiring of a new Police Chief at its January 3, 2000 Council meeting. Hastings Police Captain Mike McMenomy was appointed as Police Chief after an extensive search and recruitment process. Mike has been with the City of Hastings Police Department for over 19 years; the past two as Police Captain. Mike was one of three finalists that went through a process that included rigorous assessment testing, several interviews and a thorough background check process. While ChiefWasylik does not retire as Chiefuntil Janu- ary 28, the City Council and the Police Civil Service Commission wanted an "overlap" between the outgo- ing chief and the new chief. Because of Mike 's tenure with the City, the transition should go smoothly. Con- gratulations, Mike! ai: W ATERMETER CHANGES . The Utility Department has begun a three year projectto convert the City's 5,500 water meters to "radio-read" units. These new meters can be read electronically rrom a distance, eliminating the need for a meter reader to come directly to the home to read the meter. If the Utility Depart- ment leaves a notice on your door, please con- tact them to schedule an appointment to have your water meter converted. Page 1 January 2000 THE CODE ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENT Cr In 1995, the Hastings City Council adopted a property maintenance ordinance. This ordinance provides a practi- cal method to regulate the maintenance and use of exist- ing properties and buildings within the City of Hastings for the purpose of protecting the public's health, safety, and welfare. Minimum standards have been established for maintenance of property and buildings; and the ordi- nance also provides for administration and enforcement. A Code Enforcement Inspector was added to the City staff in July, 1999. The Code Enforcement Inspector is responsible for the inspection of all rental properties within the City of Hastings. Upon successfully making all re- pairs or upgrades to the rental property, the property owner is issued a license indicating that they are meeting at least the minimum guidelines of the maintenance ordinance. The goal of this program is to establish minimum stan- dards for the protection of the safety and welfare of the general public, owners and occupants of residential rental properties. The Code Enforcement Inspector is also responsible for handling complaints and/or finding problems concerning residential and commercial property. ~ HASTINGS TRAC Are you interested in a part-time job to help keep you busy? Hastings TRAC may be just for you! Hastings TRAC (TRansportation Around the City) is a dial-a-ride/subscription transportation system that operates within the Hastings City limits. TRAC is available Mon- day - Friday ftorn 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and riders can either schedule Subscription Service, where the bus will stop by your doorstep everyday automatically, or Dial-A- Ride, where you can schedule when you need to ride TRAC on a case-by-case basis. A one-way ride costs $1.55 or one token. Tokens can be purchased in groups often for a price of$15.00. Tokens are sold at Hastings City Hall, Norwest Bank, County Mar- ket, and Thrifty White Drug. For information about TRAC, please call 437-TRAC (8722) between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Volume V Issue 1 Some examples of common violations include: · Oversized recreational vehicles or trailers parked in driveways; Non-registered/non-running vehicles being stored on properties; Failure to keep weeds and grass cut within the city code requirements; Miscellaneous materials and debris throughout the property limits; Failed paint on homes, businesses, and garages. . . . . It is the intent of the City to first educate a violator and provide information to assist in correcting the issue. Gener- ally, a letter will be sent to suspected violators which in- cludes a description of the violation. The letter encourages the recipient to call with any questions in regards to the is- sue. The allotted time to make repairs will depend on the amount of work involved to accomplish the task. If attempts to correct the issue go unanswered, the situation will then be taken to the next level of enforcement, which could include a summons to court. If anyone has concerns or questions about this ordinance or a property or business which may have violations, please feel ftee to contact Rolf Peterson at City Hall (437-4127) Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. e e e TRAC is currently looking for part- time and on-call drivers to provide ser- vice during afternoons and to cover shifts during vacations/absences. Ap- plicants must possess a valid Minne- sota Class B Commercial Drivers Li- cense (CDL) with bus endorsements, a high school diploma or equivalent, a good driving record, and a stable and consistent work record. For more information or to request a job description and application form, please contact Hastings City Hall at 437- 4127 or stop by City Hall, located at 101 Fourth Street East. Page 2 ..- HASTINGS CIVIC ARENA Winter 2000 Schedule Public Skate Cost per person: $2.50 Wed. Jan. 26.............12:30 pm-2:30 pm Thu. Jan. 27................7:15 pm-8:45 pm Sat. Jan. 29.................4:45 pm-6:45 pm Sun. Jan. 30................1:45 pm-3:45 pm Wed. Feb. 2 ..............12:30 pm-2:30 pm Wed. Feb. 9 ..............12:30 pm-2:30 pm Sat. Feb. 12.................4:45 pm-6:45 pm Sun. Feb. 13................1:45 pm-3:45 pm 6:30 pm-8:00 pm Wed. Feb. 16............12:30 pm-2:30 pm Thu. Feb. 17................7:15 pm-8:45 pm Mon. Feb. 21.............12:30 pm-2:30 pm Wed. Feb. 23 ............12:30 pm-2:30 pm Sat. Feb. 26.................1 :45 pm-3:45 pm Sun. Feb. 27................1:45 pm-3:45 pm Wed. March 1............12:30 pm-2:30 pm Sun. March 5.................7:00 pm-8:30 pm Wed. March 8.............12:30 pm-2:30 pm Sat. March 11...............1:15 pm-3:15 pm Sun. March 12..............7:00 pm-8:30 pm Wed. March 15...........12:30 pm-2:30 pm Free Style Patch Skate Cost per person: $7.50 Skate sharpening: $2.75 Skate rental: $1.75 Sun. Jan 30.....................4:00 pm-4:45 pm Sun. Feb 6......................9:00 pm-9:45 pm Sun. Feb 13....................8:15 pm-9:00 pm Sun. Feb 27....................9:00 pm-9:45 pm Sun. March 5.................8:45 pm-9:15 pm ') '? . High School Girls Home games Date Tue. Jan. 25 Tue. Feb. 1 Time 7:15p.m. 5:30 p.m. (J.Y.) 7:15 p.m. (V) Onponent North St. Paul South St Paul High school Boys Home games Date Time OnPonent Sat. Jan. 29 12:00 p.m. (N) 2:00 p.m. (V) North StPau1 Thu. Feb. 3 5:50 p.m. (N) 7:30 p.m. (V) Woodbury Thu. Feb. 10 5:30 p.m. (N) 7:30 p.m. (V) Inver Grove Sat. Feb. 12 12:00 p.m. (N) 2:00 p.m. (V) West St Paul Tue. Feb. 15 5:30 p.m. (N) 7:30 p.m. (V) South St Paul Date Teams Feb. 4-6.............................A&B PeeWees Feb. 18-20...............C-Leve1 BantamslPeewees Feb. 22-27...............District 8 A Peewee Play-Offs March 3-5.....................In House Squirts/Mites DRY FLOOR EVENTS TO START MARCH 21, 2000 . For Civic Arena Information Ca11437-8279 ? . Volume V Issue 1 Page 3 Parks & Recreation Hastings Family Aquatic Center SEASON PASSES Even though there's snow on the ground, it's time to starttlrinking about next summer! The Hastings Fam- ily Aquatic Center has started selling season passes for the 2000 season. You can purchase passes at Hastings City Hall, 101 East 4th Street: Monday -- Friday 9amt03:30pm Special sale dates: Saturday, January 22, 2000 Monday, January 24, 2000 Tuesday, February 15,2000 Thursday, March 9,2000 9am-llam 5pm-7pm 5pm-7pm 5pm-7pm SEASON PASS RATES Resident - $32.00/person Non-Resident - $45.00/person *rates include sales tax. For more information, call the Hastings Family Aquatic Center Hotline at 651-437-2392. Additions for the 2000 season include: Family Swim Teen Night Extended season Birthday Party Packages Look for the Hastings Family Aquatic Center to Open Memorial Day Weekend 2000! Don't forget---Gift certificates are also available for season passes and are a great gift idea!! Volume V Issue 1 ~rdd(J.fJ.It S~tiH9 Rid4 J4u ~fUltl Get your skates on, because the outdoor skating rinks opened for the 1999-2000 season on Mon- day, December 27, 1999. OUTDOOR RINKS WITH STAFFED WARMING HOUSES: Pioneer Park - 15th Street & Pine Street Wilson Park - 5th Street & Eddy Street Lake Isabelle Park - East 2nd Street & Franklin Street Lions Park - 5th Street & State Street Kennedy School- II th Street & Bailey Street WARMING HOUSE HOURS: Monday through Friday: 4:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Sundays: 12:00 noon - 8:30 p.m. Outdoor skating rinks are expected to be open until February 15,2000, weather permitting. ~ WANTED: ~ WATER SAFETY INSTRUCTORS Would you like to teach swimming lessons? The winter swimming lesson program at the Hastings High School is looking for swimming lesson instructors. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Darbie Johnson at 480-2360. Page 4 Public Works SNOWMOBILING IN HASTINGS PROPOSED 2000 STREET & UTILITY CONSTRUCTION The Hastings Engineering Department is work- ing on preliminary plans and cost estimates for street and utility construction proposed for this year. The projects include: *General Sieben Dr. from 4th Street to Featherstone Road; *Featherstone Road from the top of the hill to the west City limits; *4th Street from General Sieben Drive to the west City limits; * 11 th St. from Ashland Street to Pine Street; *10th Street from Hwy 61 to Ashland Street; *10th St. from Maple Street to Pine Street; *9th Street from Maple Street to Pine Street; *7th Street rrom Bailey Street to Lea Street. *6th Street from Bailey Street to Lea Street. Neighborhood meetings to provide information and to receive comments about the proposed construction will be held in late January and early February. w-+-. , ..It . ..a ..4 ..,-., Volume V Issue 1 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 snowmobile cor- ridors outlined on the adjacent City map. No recre- ational snowmobiIinl!: is allowed within tbe City lim- iD. Snowmobiles must use tbe Raved streets. Snowmo- biles are prohibited from using boulevards, sidewalks, bike paths, alleys, City parks or ponding basins, and School or City property. (Continual snowmobile use ofthe Pleasant Drive boulevard and walks resulted in Pleasant Drive being removed from the snowmobile corridor map.) Snowmobile use within the City is permitted only be- tween the hours of8:00 am and 10:00pm. After 10:00 pm, snowmobiles in use within the City must be re- turning to home. ing. 8n_anobile Corridor Map ,.~..,......J'.'~ Snowmobile Corridors ............. ... Service District Page 5 ~ NEW OFFICERS HIRING PROCESS Police Department During the month ofJanuary, the City of Hastings and Hastings Police Civil Service Conunission will be conducting testing to establish an eligibility list fornewpolice officers to be hired. The City plans to have new officers hired as soon as possible in February to fill the current manpower shortage. With the upcoming retirements of Police Chief Nick Wasylik on January 28th and Lt. Sam Sorenson on February 13th. the Police Depart- ment needs to replace these two vacant positions, as well as an officer spot, vacated this past Sep- tember. Don't Forget Your Dog Licenses! Top Dog Animal Control Services will continue to be the City of Hastings animal control provider for the year 2000. All residents of Hastings who have a dog need to have the animal licensed. Dog licenses are is- sued at City Hall between the hours of8:00 a.m and 4:30 p.m. The cost of a yearly license is $6.00 for a spayed orneutered dog, and $8.00 if the animal is not spayed or neutered. Licenses run from July I to June 30 each year. A license on your dog will assist in the safe return ofthe animal if they do happen to get loose and be picked up by the animal control officer. When a dog is picked up by the City's animal control provider, please remember that the dog owneris responsible for the pick up, storage and boarding costs of the dog. Volume V Issue 1 It's that time of year again! Snow, snow, and more snow! Here's a quick reminder to all citizens of the snow emergency rules and regulations concerning fresh snow fall in the City of Hastings. A snow emergency automatically goes into effect when 2 inches or more of snow (as measured at the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport) has fallen. Under a snow emergency, no parking on any City street is allowed until that street has been cleared to its full width. Vio- lators will be ticketed and towed. Check cable chan- nel14 or KDWA 1460 AM if you are not sure if a snow emergency is in effect. A normal snowfall takes eight to ten hours to clear, with City crews typically starting snow removal op- erations at 5:00 AM. Snow windrowed in the down- town 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 prohibit blowing or shoveling snow back out into the street. Please remember that snow plow drivers' visibility is limited. 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 operations occasionally damage mailboxes. The City has a policy to repair or replace mailboxes struck by snow plows. However, mailboxes dam- aged 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. Page 6 <$" ~~:.' 'i:,'--S~\1(' 'c_,'.. Fire Department CARBON MONOXIDE - IS THERE A KILLER IN YOUR HOME? Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, highly toxic gas that is undetectable to the human senses. It is a by-product of combustion, present whenever fuel is burned ftom: kerosene, wood, coal, oil, charcoal, gasoline, propane, methane, diesel fuel, natural gas, or tobacco smoke. Here are some household guidelines to help keep you and your family safe: Installation, maintenance, and operation ofhousehold devices to prevent formation of dangerous CO levels should include: .........::.\. .... Installation by a professional according to manufacturer's instructions and local building codes; Using proper fuel, operate according to manufacturer's directions; Avoid extensive use of kerosene heaters; always vent to outside; Inspect and service heating and cooling system be- fore each season; Check water heater for improper burner adjustment and low supply of hot water; Keep fireplace flue open for adequate ventilation and until embers are completely burned out; If you see a mostly yellow pilot light not positioned upright, call for service - never adjust it yourself; Never install or operate gas-burning appliances, fur- naces or water heaters in unvented enclosures; Examine chimney and vents for blockages, cracks, leaks; improper connections, rust water streaking, stains; debris and soot; loose, damaged, discolored bricks or masonry; hot draft or none at all. Things to watch for: '. ..........::";.. ...........:. .,' " ........:::j. ." ........:::'1:. .' " " ..........::.. ..' " ........:::":. " .,' n.......). " .u.uu..). StuffY, stale, smelly air, exhaust fume smell, unfamil- iar or burning odor. Moisture on walls and windows; lint by dryer's exte- rior vent; soot on appliances. ........). A furnace that runs constantly but heats inad- equately; loose or missing furnace panels. Appliances that shut off, activating safety devices. Volume V Issue 1 =-=- ~ WOOD BURNING SAFETY TIPS r'> .....J Purchase your wood burning stove from an experi- enced, reliable dealer; Check stove for sources of certification or listings such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL) - it's an in- dication of successful testing of the stove; Check local fire and building codes. If you're not sure of installation procedures, get a qualified heat- ing contractor experienced with wood burning stoves to do the installation; Stove connector pipes and chimney should be inspected by a professional annually for possible defects; Use short, hot fires rather than long smoldering ones; Do not store dry wood near or under stove; Never use gasoline, kerosene, charcoal starter or other flammable liquids to start a fire; Equip your home with adequate fire extinguishers and smoke detectors; Don't burn trash in stove; Empty ashes into a metal container with a tight fit- ting lid. Keep container off combustible floors. T''' ,,,;; /' ~;J f"', ~...... o 1"', .,''''...... 1'" ',,;J ,T', '\,/ /'''". ',) o PLEASE NOTE: VA HosDital Ambulance TransDort Reauests The Veterans Administration (VA) Hospital will not ad- mit or accept a patient without prior approval being obtained. The City of Hastings Ambulance Service can not honor a request for transport to the VA Hospital by anyone other than a VA representative. Patients wishing trans- port by the City of Hastings Ambulance Service to the VA Hospital need to contact the VA and obtain prior permission to be admitted and have the VA representa- tive granting this request arrange the transport with the Ambulance Service. If the patient is in an emergency situation, transport will be to Regina Medical Center in Hastings. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the City Ambulance Clerk at 437-5610. Page 7 r--------------------------------------, HASTINGS CITY COUNCIL CITY HALL INFORMATION MAYOR CITY HALL I Mike Werner 2025 Highland Drive 437-4143 Regular Hours: Monday - Friday ntJ 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. .j ~~::~~;::rasits 323 Ramsey Street 438-3194 ~::TAFF ~;:::~~:~~~~. City Administrator -------------David Osberg Administrative Assistant! City Clerk --------------m-----Melanie Mesko Finance Director---------------Lori Webster Public Works Directorm-----Tom Montgomery City Planner---------------m--Matt Weiland Inspections & Code Enforcement Supervisor------Bill Mesaros HRA Director--------------mJohn Grossman Parks & Recreation Director ___________m__________ Marty McNamara City Engineer------------------Dave Gurney SECOND WARD Mike Simacek 1041 4'h Street West 437-3387 THIRD WARD Ed Riveness 1140 14'h Street West 437-4416 FOURTH WARD Janice Johnson 1323 18" Street West 437-2831 AT-LARGE Lynn Moratzka 1161 Southview Drive 437-7869 Paul Hicks 1194 Villa Court 437-8866 POLICE DEPARTMENT Phone: Non Emergency 651-437-4126 Emergency 911 Police Chief--------------------Mike McMenomy ~~~---~~~--~~~---~~--~~~---~~~--~~~---~ FIRE DEPARTMENT Phone: 651-437-5610 Fire Chief--------------m-----Don Latch Y2k Recap January I, 2000 came to Hastings without a hitch, at least as far as City services are concerned. After a year of con- tingency planning, the City was more than ready to see if all the preparation had paid off. Several employees were on-duty that night, "on call" to assist should any of the City's systems fail to operate once the clock changed from I 1:59p.m., December31, 199910 12:00 a.m., January 1,2000. After so much planning and system checking, the City was confident that no Hastings resident would be negatively impacted by any such change, and that was the case. All vital City operations continued to operate on January I as they had on December 31. Internal City systems, including personal computers and the City's financial soft and hard- ware, were up and operational when employees returned to work on Monday, January 3, 2000. City ofHastings 101 Fourth Street East Hastings, MN 55033-1955 Carrier Route Sort BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID Hastings, MN Permit No. 166 ... POSTAL CUSTOMER PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER CONTAINING NO LESS THAN 10% POST CONSUMER WASTE Volume V Issue 1 Page 8 January 2000 - -~---=----