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
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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.