Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 SpringCity Clerk ........Caron Stransky ....458 2814 Community Dev...Kim Lindquist.... 458 -2824 Finance .........Ron Hedberg -... 458 -2832 Fire Chief ........Dave Daily. ........458 -2860 Golf Pro /Mgr.... Bruce Anderson ..438 - 21.21 Public Safety ..James Kinsey ......458 -6001' Public Works ..Les Burshten. 458 -2810 Editor .........Margo Doten , KIP 0 1 9 F 777 of Cottage Grove- j Clean -Up collection Hazardous May 5 and 6 will be the dates for Cottage Grove Public Works Department's annual "Spring Clean -Up Days" - a chance for City residents to dispose of unwanted items at the CG Public Works Garage, 8635 W. Pt. Douglas Rd. At the same time and place, Washington County will offer a Household Hazardous Waste Collection for residents. Times for both collections will be: Saturday, May 5, S a.m. Sunday, may S, 10 a.m. SPRING CLEAN -UP DAYS Residents may bring appliances, tires, batteries, mattress es, old furniture, and other throw -away items to the Public Works Garage for disposal. There is a fee of $9 -$15 each for most furniture and appliance items, plus a fee for additional material by the load: car trunk $7; station wagon /SUV $15; pickup truck, level load $30. Proportional rates may be applied to partial loads and overloaded trucks. The collection will also accept tires from cars ($1.50), trucks ($5), and trac- tors ($10). Disposal of car batteries is free. Computers will cost $10 each for disposal, and TVs $15 each. HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION Items that may be brought to the Household Hazardous Waste collection include pesticides, insecticides, paint & var- nish, full or partially full aerosol containers, driveway sealers roofing products, acids, bases, fluorescent lamps, recharge- able batteries, pool chemicals, used oil, oil filters, auto fluids, drain cleaners. Proof of Washington County residency will be required. Business waste will not be accepted. With more questions on the Hazardous Waste collection, call Washington County at 430 -6770. Contains a minimum of 10% postconsumer waste 4 Mayors - 29 years of City history March 12 public meeting to discuss installing lights at skate board area in Hamlet Park A public meeting on whether to add lighting in the Skate Board Park area of Hamlet Park has been scheduled for Monday. March 12, at 7 p.m. in City Hall during the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission meeting. Skate boarders approached the City last fall to ask about the possibility of installing lights to allow increased use of the Skate Board Park. The lighting would be similar to the lighted tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts at Hamlet Park. The proposed lighting would have timers and its operation would most likely coincide with established park hours. The City Council reviewed the issue in the fall and directed the Commission to hold a public meeting to gain input from the immediate neigh- borhood and the greater community. -= Anyone with an interest in this issue is invited to the March 12 meeting. March is MN FoodShare Month Please be generous to the local "Friends in Need" food shelf. Director Michelle Rageth says use of the food shelf has nearly dou- bled compared to last year, due to high winter heating costs and increased layoffs. Food and funds are needed. Send checks to Friends in Need, P.O. Box 6, Cottage Grove, MN 55016. Checks or food items received in March will qualify for proportional donations from MN FoodShare and the Feinstein Foundation. CITY EVENTS Mtg /Skatebd Pk Lights - .3/12' Spring Cleanup ......May 5 -6 Hazardous Wastes.. ,May 5 -6 Gr, Grove Get -Tog 6/9 -10 Water, sewer rates increase A rate increase went into effect Jan. 1, 2001, for the water and sanitary sewer por- tions of Cottage Grove resi- dents' utility bills. The City Council adopted the rate increases in an effort to encourage conservation as well as cover additional costs. The City operates the water, sanitary sewer, and street light utilities. The water and sanitary sewer rates increased this year for the first time since 1998. The street light utility rates will remain stable in 2001. A summary of water, sewer, and street tight rates is included on Page 2. Home Improvement. ............. 7 Spring Clean Up Days ...... __8 Hsehold Hazardous Waste .... 8 COTTAGE GROVE'S MAYORS from the past 29 years gathered with many others to honor Jack Denzer, left, at his retirement party Feb. 17 at the River Oaks Golf Course Clubhouse. Above, from left, are Denzer (Mayor from 1992- 2000); Roger Peterson (Mayor from 1972 -87), new Mayor Sandy Shiely (sworn in Jan. 1, 2001); and Dick Pederson (Mayor from 1988 -92). See also photo on Page 4. City names new Finance Director Ron Hedberg Welcome to Ron Hedberg, Cottage Grove's new Finance Director, who started with the City in mid - December. Hedberg worked at a CPA firm in St. Paul for the past two and a half years, and was Finance Director for the City of Savage for five years. He is a graduate of St. Thomas University. "It's been a busy time as we prepare for the annual audit," Hedberg said. "I've been very happy with the staff here." Great Grove Get - Together coming June 9, 10; it's a 'great' chance to raise money for your group! Mark your calendars and join us for the annual City festival, The Great Grove Get - Together, on the weekend of June 9 -10. The Great Grove planning committee believes this could be the best opportunity to generate community awareness for your organiza- tion or business. By joining the parade, running a children's game, or setting up a concession stand, you can advertise or raise money for your group. If you would like a packet mailed to you, please call 458- 6057 option 8, and leave your name, address, and phone number. Most events will be held Saturday, June 9, at Kingston Park, including children's games, food vendors, live entertainment, and the Top 20 Car Show. Other "Great" events will include DeMori's Golf Tournament, the button raffle, parade, Edina Realty Medallion Hunt, and DeMorfs Street. Dance. For more information about events, volunteering, fundraising, or how your business can get involved, please visit our web site at www.cottage- grove.org or call 651- 458 -6057, Option 8. BUTTON RAFFLE Want to earn some money for your organization, and get involved with your City festival? The Great Grove Get - Together would like your help in selling the $2 festival buttons. Your organization receives $1 for every button sold. The purchase of a button enters your name in a raffle for cash and prizes. Many local businesses get involved by offer- ing specials or discounts to button wearers. Keep checking our web site at www.cottage- grove.org for updates on prizes and button promo- tions. If your business would like to donate a prize or service or run a button special offer, please contact Julie Tuthill at 458 -2857. Summary of new 2001 Residential Water, Sewer, Street Light Rates (Also see article on Page 1.) Water Rates per Quarter As of 1/1/2000 1 98 - Usage up to 10,000 gallons /quarter $15.50 $15.00 Usage from: 10 ,001 to 45,000 gallons /qtr 81.10 /1,000 gallons $1.00/ 45,001 to 100,000 gallons /qtr $1.45/1,000 gallons $1.35/ More than 100,000 gallons /qtr $1..65/1,000 gallons N/A Sanitary Sewer Rates per Quarter Usage up to 10,000 gallons per quarter $21.50 $21.00 Usage from: 10,001 to 1.00,000 gallons $2.20/1,000 gallons $2.10/ More than 100,000 gallons $2.40 /1,000 gallons N/A Sanitary Sewer Usage Residential sewer customer usage is billed based upon the water consumption for the previous winter quarter. Street Light Charges per Quarter City-owned Lights $12.50 /quarter Same Xcel Energy -owned Lights $18.00 /quarter Same 'Council Update' Check out the 2001 Council Update show, which airs on cable TV Government Channel 16 at the following times: 10 p.m. Sun -M -W -F 6 p.m. T -Th -Sat During the show, Council members review current issues ranging from the Jamaica Avenue street improvement project to community events like the Great Grove Get - Together. Watch the 2001 Council Update Show for insightful information on current Cottage Grove events and issues from the Council - members' perspective. 7 City offers free garden plots City residents may apply for free 30'x60' garden plots provided by the City near the Ashland Oil tank farm at 85th St. and Granada. If you j - had a garden plot last year, you may reserve the same space by calling Public Works before April 1. After April 1, all plots will be assigned on a first come - first served basis. Gardens are plowed by the City at the beginning and end of the season. Certain restrictions apply. Please check with Public Works at 458 -2808 for more informa- tion. Park plantings prohibited Reminder to homeowners living next to parks and open spaces: there is a City ordi- nance against encroaching on City land. Common violations have included private fences, play- ground equipment, landscap- ing materials, gardens, fire- wood storage, and sheds. Violators are subject to a fine. Garden Tour seeks artists Organizers of the South Washington County Garden 'Four, scheduled for Sunday, July 15, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., are looking for artists or musi- cians who would like to vol- unteer their time at gardens on the tour. Call 459 -5607 if you would like to help. All set for do- it- yourself projects? Check your City ordinances BUILDING PERMITS: Property owners and contractors planning any of a wide vari- ety of construction or remodeling projects 7� must obtain building permits prior to the project's start. Permits are needed for projects including, but not limited to: decks, additions, porches, gazebos, utility sheds, garages, driveways, hot tubs, swimming pools, sid- ing, roofing, windows, basement finishing, and installation of furnaces, central air conditioning, water heaters, or lawn sprinkler systems. A brief review of your plans by the Building and Planning staff will assure that City zoning and building code requirements have been met. EXTERIOR STORAGE: Unlicensed and inoperable vehi- cles, equipment, machinery, unused household goods and mate- rials must be stored out of public view from neighboring proper- ties and roadways, or removed from the property. RUBBISH AND RECYCLING CONTAINERS: Containers must be placed for collection no earlier than 6 p.m. the evening before collection, and must be put away no later than 6 p.m. the day of collection. At all other times, the containers shall be locat- ed out of public view from neighboring properties and roadways. EXTERIOR MAINTENANCE: All structures must be main- tained so they do not become unsightly or unsafe. This includes windows, doors, soffits, fascia, shingles, and exterior finishes. GRASS, WEEDS, AND YARD WASTE DISPOSAL: Grass and weeds must not exceed eight inches high. Yard waste must be disposed of properly and in a timely fashion. All composting must meet City Code requirements. For information about com- posting, contact the Washington County Health Dept. at 651- 430 -6655. If you have questions or concerns about property mainte- nance or construction issues, please contact the Building Division at 458 -2877 or email to building @cottage- grove.org A Cottage Grove farm at sunset 1 111111 1 111 1111p111111111 Boulevard Repairs The Public Works Department will once again be performing boulevard repairs on damage that resulted from winter snow- plowing. Repairs are tenta- tively scheduled for the third week of May, depending on the availability of sod. Residents who feel their boulevard has sustained plow damage should contact Public Works at 458 -2808 to be placed on the schedule. Parking Ban Don't forget: The On- Street Parking Ordinance is in effect until April 30, 2001. Parking is banned on all City streets between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. Parking is permitted at other times as long as the removal of snow or ice by City plows is not obstructed. Garage Sale Signs The Public Works Department wants to remind residents that it is unlawful to attach any type of sign to a regulatory sign or post, or to a street light pole. Garage Sale and similar signs should be placed on wooden stakes or an °A" frame type of placard. Residents should use caution not to block drivers' vision in the placement of [it—in their signs. After the sale is over, it would be appreciated if residents would remove their signs as soon as possible. Thank you! Street Sweeping Generally speaking, street sweeping requires above - freezing temperatures. We hope to begin on or around April 1. The first streets to be swept will be 80th, Jamaica, Hinton, Hadley, East & West Point Douglas, and Grange. Residents are encouraged to sweep sand off their boule- vards before crews pass through their neighborhood. Again this year, a sweep- ing contractor will be working with City crews for this major spring project. For more information, please call Public Works at 458 -2808. Compost site opens April I 95th & Glendenning Open 11 -7 Monday - Friday 9 -5 weekends Cont. from Page 4 who was sent to Minneapolis in November, 1942, to begin his three months of primary flight training. Forty -six years later, Bush became the 41st President of the United States, On Dec. 20, 1943, the Naval Air Training Command was established at NAS Pensacola and was given responsibility for coordinat- ing all naval aviation train- ing. Even as the tempo of the carrier war increased in the Pacific, the Navy began tak- ing steps to reduce flight training output. The primary flight -train- ing center at NAS Minnea- polis was deactivated in October, 1944, and the prop- erty was transferred back to civilian ownership. After the war, private pilots, including Frank Belden (a captain for Northwest Airlines) used the abandoned Navy airfield as a general aviation field, and until 1958 it was the home base for the St. Paul Park Pilots' Club. Almost half a century later, the airfield was nearly forgotten, but in 1999 the City received a grant from the National Park Sei vice to investigate historic sites dat- ing from 1941 to 1973. One of the project's goals was to document the history of U.S. Navy Airfield B -1. After extensive research in naval records and inter- views with retired aviators, there can be no doubt that the airfield was located in the general vicinity of what is now the Thompson Grove neighborhood, along Geneva Avenue near the border with St. Paul Park. The sandy open space owned by Ashland Oil, now used for community garden plots, is believed to encom- pass part of the historic site. No obvious traces of the airfield exist today, and a substantial part of the origi- nal flying field appears to have been covered over by residential development after 1958. Additional research is currently underway, in coop- eration with the George Bush Presidential Library and the U.S. Naval History Center, to locate the airstrip precisely and assemble pho- tographs and other docu- ments to aid in interpreta- tion of the historic site. 3 City 'nuisance' group reviews vehicle rules Since August, 2000, the Nuisance Ordinance Work Group has looked at a variety of issues presented by citi- zens and City staff. The top- ics reviewed to date include Recreational Fires and Open Burning, Exterior Lighting, Noise Control, and Animal Control and Licensing. In February, the group started discussing nuisance issues relating to vehicles. It will also be tackling other exterior storage issues. The Work Group is using surveys from other communi- ties, select metro -area ordi- nances, and technical data to aid in discussions about pro- posed ordinance revisions and possible changes in pro- cedures. All recommenda- tions will be forwarded to the City Council. The Work Group expects to meet throughout 2001. Interested citizens are urged to provide input at the meet- ings, held on the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. More information is available from Martha McBride in the Cottage Grove Community Development Dept., 458 -2877. Water Main flushing to begin week of April 2 To protect the City's water supply, all Cottage Grove water mains will be flushed this spring, beginning the week of April 2 and continuing through the week of April 23. Dates for each area of the City will be: Zone 1 week of April 2; Zone 2 week of April J; Zone 3 week of April 16; Zone 4 week of April 23. Public Works Dept. employ- ees flush the water mains twice a year by opening each of the approximately 1,000 fire hydrants in Cottage Grove. The sudden rush of water loosens and removes accumulated mineral deposits from the lines. This process often causes discoloration of your water. The water is safe to drink, but it could stain fabrics if you are wash- ing clothes at the time the water mains are being flushed. Be sure to check for signs of discoloration in the water before using it to wash clothes. The Public Works Dept. also suggests you flush out the taps in your home, as iron deposits tends to build up in residential lines. When weather permits and all the hydrants have been flushed in your neighborhood, open the outside faucets and run all the cold water taps in your home at full force. The water will start out clear, then become discolored. Leave the taps open until the water becomes clear again, usually in 10 to 30 minutes. If you have any questions, call Public Works at 458 -2808. • 0 •;�• i •" Later this spring, 6th graders from three Cottage Grove elementary schools will graduate from the 17 -week D.A.R.E. pro- gram. All three graduations will be held in the respective elementary school gymnasi- ums: Armstrong ....Toes, May 29 ......1 p.m. Grey Cloud ....Tries, April 24 ...... 1 p.m. Pine Hill ........ Thurs, May 3 ......1 p.m. The Cottage Grove Police Dept. is looking for resi- dents who'd like to help keep the City safe: POLICE RESERVISTS: you must be 18 or older and a U.S. citizen with a valid driver's license, h.s. diploma or G.E.D., high standards, and strong moral character. You would help out with City -wide events and many police activities. NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH BLOCK CAPTAINS: you would organize 10 -18 homes in your block in an effort to reduce crime. Members learn how to recog- nize and report suspicious activity. MCGRUFF HOUSES: you would provide a tem- porary safe haven for children in danger. COTTAGE GROVE CRIME PREVENTION ADVISORY BOARD: you would work toward the reduction of crime and promotion of crime prevention in Cottage Grove. Meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at Fire Station #2. For more information on any of these valuable programs, call Officer Greg Reibel at 458 -6025. City officials congratulate, thank Jack Denzer COTTAGE GROVE Recreation Dept. City Hall, 7516 80th St. S., Cottage Grove, MN 55016 e asy wa to R -24 Hour Phone- In Registration Call 458 -2898 any time with a touch tone phone. Have your VISA or MasterCard number and course information ready. -By Mail Fill out the form at right & mail it to City Hall with a check or charge card #. -In Person Visit our office located at City Hall. We are open: Mon -Fri, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 0 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- PARKS /REC CLASS REGISTRATION FORM , (See Parks Section for Info on Programs) I I Minnesota Data Practices Act: The information requested on this form will be used I to verify eligibility and determine staff, facility and equipment needs. You /Your child's ; name, age, grade level, address, telephone number and health information will be pro- I I vided to City staff, volunteers, the City attorney, insurer and auditor. Although you are I not legally required to disclose this information, failure to do so will prevent you /your ; child from participating in this /these programs. I ❑ Return Customer ❑ New Customer /Address Change ' I NAME: ADDRESS: CITY: ZIP: HOME PHONE: WORK PHONE: ( } I DATE OF BIRTH: / / SEX: ❑M ❑F I Class Code Class Title Sess. Time Fee e � , I I Biplanes in a Cow Pasture: The U.S. Navy in Cottage Grove during World War II by Robert C. Vogel City Historic Preserv. Officer Though it is more than 1,200 miles from the nearest salt water, during World War II Cottage Grove was selected by the U.S. Navy as the home of one of its wartime flight training facilities. Three months after the attack on Pearl Harbor in December of 1941, the Navy Bureau of Aeronautics approved a comprehensive pilot training program. A primary flight - training center was established at Wold Chamberlain Field (forerunner of the present - day MSP Int'1 Airport), and in July, 1942, Naval Air Station Minneapolis received its first class of aviation cadets. Several auxiliary landing strips were also built to pro- vide access to airspace where the inexperienced pilots could practice basic maneu- vers without, having to fly over densely populated areas. Early in 1942, the Navy Dept. purchased a 160 -acre tract on the Belden farm in Cottage Grove Township for use as an auxiliary airstrip. Designated Airstrip B -1, it was essentially an open grass field about a half -mile long and a quarter -mile wide. There was a windsock and small utility shed, but no other structures. Taking off from Wold Chamberlain or Fleming Field in their orange - yellow and gray N2S -2 Stearman and NP -1 Spartan "Yellow Peril" biplanes (top speed about 100 mph), pilots sor- tied in circuits that took them into designated practice airspace over Dakota and Washington Counties. One of these practice areas was located over Newport, St. Paul Park, and Denmark, and included the B1 field in Cottage Grove, which was used primarily for practicing take -offs and landings. Several hundred naval aviation cadets passed through the NAS Minnea- polis between July, 1942, and October, 1944. Training was intensive and inherently dangerous. There were numerous accidents (includ- ing one fatal crash in the Cottage Grove area), but most student pilots success- fully completed the course. One of these was 18- year -old George Herbert Walker Bush of Connecticut, Cont. on Page 6 Questions? Is the Class Available? Call our INFO -Line for up -to- date program information: 458 -6060. Am I In the Class? Please assume the course will be held at the time and place indicated and that you are enrolled, unless you hear dif- ferently from us. Refunds? Cancellations prior to the program will be refunded. Customer # TOTAL: I I I PAYMENT METHOD: ❑ Cash ❑ Check # , ❑ VISA ❑ MC # Exp. bate: Signature: , RELEASE OF LIABILITY In consideration of the City of Cottage Grove allowing me (or my child) to voluntarily participate in the Parks and Recreation Program: 1. 1 agree ; to assume all risk of accidents or damage in connection with my Voluntary participa- tion. 2. 1 acknowledge that certain activities of the program are inherently dangerous sports and /or subject me to personal injury with other participants and /or equipment used in this activity. 3. 1 release and discharge the City of Cottage Grove, its agents, officers, employees, and insurers from any claim for negligent acts or omissions occur- I ring or arising out of my participation in this program. 4. 1 agree to abide by all rules I and regulations of the program. I further agree to wear protective clothing and equip- ; ment at all times, which clothing and equipment shall be furnished at my own expense. ; 5. 1 acknowledge that my juvenile son /daughter may be videotaped during this activity and hereby grant permission for same. 6. 1 agree that this release is binding upon my spouse, parents, children, and heirs and assigns. This release does not extend to or apply to any damage caused by willful, wanton, or intentional misconduct. 7. 1 have read this release, and understand its contents I , Signature of Participant /Parent /Guardian Date PRESENT AND FORMER MAYORS AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS were on hand to congratulate Jack Denzer, Cottage Grove Mayor from1992 to 2000, at his retirement party Feb. 17. Shown here, from left, are former Council Members Joe Fogerty, Ralph McHattie, Richard Hammero, and Bill Buth; former Mayors Jack Denzer and Roger Peterson, Mayor Sandy Shiely, former Mayor Dick Pederson; former City Administrator Kevin Frazell; former City Council Member Kevin Raun; City Administrator Ryan Schroeder; and Council Members Jim Wolcott and Pat Rice.