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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989 FallOne of the most sought -after law enforcement schools in the country had a Cottage Grove police captain as one of its students this year. And Captain Michael Zurbey says it was a "really unique Zurbey attended the FBI National Academy, located on the U.S. Marine Corps base in Quantico, Virginia, from January through March, 1989. He completed six major courses and two special instructional programs, includ- ing: • Management of Forensic and Technical Services; • Contemporary Problems in Law Enforcement Instruction and Program Administration; • Police Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining; • Stress Management and Law Enforcement; • Legal Problems of Police Ad- ministration; • Crisis Management; • Introduction to Micro Computers. In addition, Zurbey took a required physical training unit which was a combination of physical conditioning and classroom work. "This is looked upon as one of the most sought -after schools in law enforce- ment in the country," Zurbey said. "It's highly regarded nationwide." Cottage Grove Police Chief Dennis Cusick, who attended the FBI National Academy in an earlier class, said the experience was "the chance of a life- time." Zurbey said students at the FBI Academy work in middle or upper man- agement in law enforcement, and must be recommended by their departments. Because the number of candidates far ex- ceeds the spaces available, successful applicants must work in a department that has not been selected recently. What the city gains from his experience at the FBI Academy, Zurbey said, is a better educated, more well - rounded captain — and one with skills and contacts he needs. A major benefit for Zurbey was contact with other students who offered a wide range of experiences. His 200- member class included students from Guam, Nigeria, England, West Germany, and Singapore, plus all regions of the country and all kinds of law enforcement programs. One fellow student was a member of the Secret Service detail at the White House, so Zurbey and a small group of classmates had a special tour of the White House. The whole class also met with William Sessions, FBI Director. Followup to Academy graduation will include yearly three -day retraining sessions and membership in the FBI Associates. Zurbey has been a Captain in the Cottage Grove police force since 1984. His responsibilities include patrol division, training, internal affairs, code enforcement, animal control, and the part -time reserve officers' program. He is also team leader of the five - city emergency response team, which includes officers from Newport, Oakdale, St. Paul Park, and Woodbury as well as Cottage Grove. I POSTAL PATRON Carrier Route Presort Bulk Rate U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 1 Cottage Grove, MN 55016 City of mss. City Hall: 8 - 4:30 M -F .. ... 458 -2800 Police Non - Emergency .....458 -2811 Police, Fire & Emergency ...........911 Police Administration ........458 -2850 Building Inspections, ........458 -2804 Parks, Public Works., _....458-2808 Mayor ..................Richard Pederson City Council ........ Jack Denzer, Lyle Puppe, Kevin Raun, Jill Seacrist Acting City Administrator -Dennis Cusick Arena Manager ...... ..... Tim Johnson Building Official.. Everett Anderson Community Development .... -Gary Berg Finance ..................... David DuBord Fire Chief ................. Denis Erickson Parks and Recreation .....John Fre- drickson Acting Police Chief.. James Kinsey Public Works ... Les Burshten Editor... ............... Delon Construction will begin this fall on a 101,000 square foot Target store, to be located near Jamaica Avenue and Highway 61 in Cottage Grove. The store will be part of a retail complex designed and built by the Ryan Construction Company of Minnesota. In addition to the Target store, the complex — to be called Cottage Grove Plaza — will have space for approxi- mately 10 retail stores. According to Mayor Richard Pederson, rental negotiations are now underway with a number of stores, banks, and other establishments. "The minute the Ryan Construction people started looking at the site, there was tremendous interest in retail development there," Pederson said. "Target is a real magnet for other retailers." A total of 26,560 feet of retail space will be available adjacent to the Target store, plus 4,800 square feet of possible expansion space for Target. More information will be available in the next issue of Cottage Grove Reports. ♦. - • • r I : ,, O The Atkinson Cemetery .............6 •• Cottage Grove residents pay among the lowest property taxes in the metropolitan area, according to a survey published recently in the St. Paul Pioneer Press Dispatch. The survey ranked 95 metro area communities according to the taxes due on an $80,000 home. Of those 95 communities (with #1 paying the highest taxes), Cottage Grove was ranked 64th, with a tax assessment of $737 on an $80,000 home. When ranked by taxes paid on an average size home for the community, Cottage Grove ranked 75th out of 95 communities (again with #1 being the highest taxed). According to the survey, the average price of a home in Cottage Grove is $88,287, and the tax paid on that home would be $774 annually. Mayor's Corner Welcome! We are all very pleased about the announcement of a new Target store to be located in Cottage Grove. For several months we have been talking with the people from the Dayton Hudson Corporation and from Ryan Construction Company, which will build the shopping center. They have been good people to work with, and we couldn't be happier about the results of these negotiations. The Target store and the other commercial' develop- ments that will come with it are something Cottage Grove people asked for in the city survey in the fall of 1987, and I'm sure they'll be a big boon to our city. We are growing, and this is just another example of that. New Staff I'm also delighted to welcome the new staff members we have in City Hall, especially Kevin Frazell, who has been confirmed by the City Council as the new City Administrator (and will start Sept. 11), and Gary Berg, who is already on board as Community Development Director. We're optimistic about the very excellent job we know these new staff people can do. Bond Issue I urge everyone to vote for the school bond issue, which will be on the ballot Sept. 26. Our schools are excel- lent, but they are getting so crowded that in some cases our children (or grandchildren) are forced to attend classes this year in cafeterias, store- Glendale Shopping Center to open near Cub M 5 I � i rrn c- �Ll��i �I � _It �� ! r� 1I 4- 7 it LLI I I I 1 - 1 . 111 111 H I I i Developer Roger Zahn has received plat approval for the Glendale Shopping Center, to be located next to Cub Foods on 90th Street South and Point Douglas Road. The 268x60 foot center has been designated for restaurant and retail use, but tenants have not yet been identified. rooms, and hallways. Next year they will be on split shifts if the bond issue doesn't pass. We simply have to provide a place for our kids to go to school. The additional taxes are really very small compared to the value we'll get. Please vote yes on the school bond issue! Taxes Speaking of taxes, we were very pleased about Cottage Grove's ranking compared to other metropolitan commu- nities. (See story on page 1.) It's great to have all we have in Cottage Grove, and low taxes too! Saturday, Oct. 7 ....10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8 ..................1 -5 p.m. Park Grove Branch Library 7900 Hemingway Ave. S. Cottage Grove, MN 459 -2040 8,000 books: 10 cents to $1.00 Book bargains by the sackful — and Raggedy Ann and Andy too! Sponsored by Washington County Friends of the Library Book donations accepted Oct. 7 and 8. Minnesota Festival of the Book Sept. 30 to Oct. 8, 1989 Master Valve Where's the master valve? Do you know where the master water supply valve is? Does everyone else in the family know where it is? If there's an emergency, you'll need to know in a hurry. You can't afford to flounder around searching while the basement floods or the carpets are drenched. You've got to act fast. These are the most likely locations: • where the water supply pipe enters your home; • near your clothes washer hook -up; • near your water heater. Every home, apartment, and business has a master water supply valve. But be sure you've found the right one. Don't make a mistake! Try turning it off and see if all the water faucets in the building are shut off. If they aren't, try again. Once you've found the right valve, mark it with a tag, a bright ribbon, or colorful paint. Make it easy to see. If the worst ever happens — and we hope it never does — you'll have to find it quickly. Do your part to use water wisely. See that it's never wasted. Copyright 1982 by Am. Water Works Assn. Check Mailboxes! To insure continued mail delivery during the snow season, the Public Works Department asks that you inspect your mailbox before winter sets in and make any necessary repairs. This will reduce the risk of damage during snow removal. Very few mailboxes are actually hit by snowplows. The majority are knocked over by the weight of snow hitting the mailbox post or the box itself. Many of these would survive the winter if residents would replace rotted wood posts, or brace their mailboxes more securely. Digging on Your Boulevard? Residents who have street lights located on their side of the street are asked to call the Public Works Depart- M ap !, . � :O meet to find out where the street light wiring is located before doing any digging in the area. Before placing a mailbox, sign, tree, or anything else in the ground that could sever or damage the wires, please call the Public Works Department at 458 -2808. Swimming Pools When draining your swimming pool, make sure that none of the water runoff drains onto your neighbor's property. The drainage water should be conducted out to an approved drainage way such as the city street. Water Trees! Young and newly planted trees need to be our watering priority. These trees are very susceptible to drought stress and related injuries. A tree under stress becomes vulnerable to insect and disease attack that could be the final blow. To avoid drought stress, trees should be given the equivalent of one inch of water per week. This should be given at one time so that the water soaks deep into the ground. Deep watering encourages the tree roots to grow deep which further protects the trees from short term drought. Laying the hose near the base of a small tree and allowing the water to run slowly for about one hour should be adequate. For larger trees, move the hose to another area every hour. Watering of trees until freeze -up, especially evergreen trees, will greatly increase their chance of winter survival. Water Mains To Be Flushed The City of Cottage Grove has announced the fall schedule for flushing water mains, hydrants, and sanitary sewer lines. Flushing will take place west of Highway 61 fron Sept. 11 to Sept. 29. East of Highway 61, flushing will occur Sept. 25 through Oct. 27. During the flushing period, water is safe to drink. However, check for signs of discoloration before using water for washing, particularly for white clothes. To speed the process of returning to clear water after flushing, we suggest you open all cold water taps in your home and let them run for 15 to 30 minutes. Also, flush your toilet several times. This process will also help flush your plumbing system. If emergency situations occur, such as loss of service, broken pipes, etc., please contact the Public Works Department at 458 -2808. f f Mayor Dick Pederson 3' ! ! a Back by Robert C. Vogel City Historic Preservation Officer On the far stretching beauteous landscape, the roads and lanes, the high piled farm wagons, and the fruits and barns. Should the dead intrude? Ah, the dead to me mar not, they fit well in Nature, They fit very well in the landscape under the trees and grass, And along the edge of the sky in the horizon's far margin. Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass It is difficult to imagine what Whitman would make of the historic Atkinson Cemetery, which lies sand- wiched between the McDonald's restaurant and the Tires Plus automotive service center on Pt. Douglas Drive; it does not appear to fit well in the modern suburban landscape dominated by a four -lane highway and shopping malls. It is nevertheless a unique piece of greenspace, and an acre rich in history. John Atkinson, who gave his name to the cemetery, was a native of Maine who acquired the tract of land at the foot of the Camel's Hump in 1846 and built a home there by the old Territorial Road. The cemetery started as a family graveyard and gradually became a neighborhood burial ground for the early families of the old Corners community: the Mungers, Baileys, Churchills, Welchs, and of course the Atkinsons. County records show that the Atkinson Cemetery Association was chartered in 1874. Ben Franklin once said that you could judge the level of civilization attained in a community by noting the condition of its cemetery. The founders of Cottage Grove certainly believed this to be true, and the Atkinson Cemetery reflected the shared values of a commu- nity that one early observer described as composed of "so many religious, moral, upright, intellectual, wide awake people." Cemeteries were important to the early settlers as sacred places required by custom and tradition, and because funerals were important community events. Wakes were a special social event, where relatives and friends found much to talk about besides the good qualities of the dearly de- parted. By most accounts, though, 19th century graveside ceremonies were pretty grim affairs: in traditional Yankee funerals, the wagon that delivered the body to the cemetery was draped in black (but if the deceased was a young person, white was used); and the final rites usually lacked the symbolic and flowery trappings of modern funerals. The old Atkinson Cemetery was a distinctive part of the cultural landscape. The trapezoidal- shaped parcel was platted into a gridiron of plots. A caretaker, drawing funds from the cemetery association treasury, kept the fences mended and the grounds tidy and also superintended the installation of the tombstones. Most of these were flat marble slabs, but there were also obelisks and even a pair of marble tree trunk facsimiles. The gravestone art intrigues us still, as do the sentimental inscriptions: "Thy grave must be thy cradle now, the wild flowers o'er thy breast shall bloom," reads the tombstone over little David Welch, who died on Aug. 31, 1857. Because old cemeteries are so interesting and their occupants are such good neighbors, it is hard to understand why the Atkinson Cemetery was allowed to fall into such a sorry state after the last interment in 1909. The cemetery association appears to have faded from existence and the property became tax delinquent and passed to the county. By the time Cottage Grove had made the transition from rural commu- nity to suburb, this indifference bor- dered on desecration, robbing the ancient burial place of much of its character. The McDonald's restaurant went in next to the cemetery in 1974. By 1979 the cemetery was such an eyesore, over- grown and pock- marked by gopher holes, with many of the tombstones broken by vandals, that the city and the local Lions Club were moved to undertake its rehabilitation. Restoration of the tombstones presented a problem, because over the years some had disappeared altogether, while others had been broken. City crews repaired the damage as best they could, setting the broken tombstones horizontally in concrete in the shade of the lone maple tree in the center of the cemetery. Documentation for burials in the cemetery was confused and sometimes contradictory: while just about everyone agrees that there are more burials than tombstones, no one knows how many, or, for that matter, precisely where folks are buried in the cemetery. This produced some nervous moments for city officials when utilities had to be relocated nearby during construction of the 80th Street overpass. In 1982, the Atkinson Cemetery was placed on the City Register of Historic Sites and Landmarks. The same year, the Washington County Historical Society erected a marker at the site. City sets compost hours Effective Sept. 17, fall compost hours for the City of Cottage Grove will be as follows: Monday and Wednesday 2:30 -7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday .....9 -4:30 p.m. Leaves, grass clippings and brush may be brought to the site, located at 95th and Jamaica. Absolutely no logs, stumps, or building materials will be accepted. Oakwood Park master plan approved _ The Cottage Grove City Council recently approved this plan for the redesign of Oakwood Park. "A lot of people think we're just another suburb," said Cottage Grove's new Director of Community Develop- ment, "but by Minnesota standards a community with 21,900 people is a big city. That's what we are. Growth by 200 homes a year would be a boon for most towns. Here it's normal:' Gary Berg, hired last month as the city's new Director of Community Development, comes to his post with experience in a variety of city planning positions. His most recent position was with the City of Brooklyn Park, where he had been Planning Director since 1976. His responsibilities there included oversee- ing a staff of five; administering a three - year Community Development Block Grant budget; and completing and updating the city's Comprehensive Plan and the Mississippi River Critical Areas Plan. Prior to that he worked in planning and community development depart- ments in Bloomington, MN, and Clayton, Missouri. Berg said there are "incredible comparisons" between Cottage Grove and Brooklyn Park, including housing stock that is comparable in age and style; land management issues 'involving the Mississippi River; growth manage- ment issues (which land will be devel- oped next); a high ratio of undeveloped land; and aggressive pursuit of eco- nomic development by city leaders. In addition, Berg said, "Brooklyn Park just finished building an 18 -hole golf course, and Cottage Grove is starting to talk about one." Agricultural issues facing Cottage Grove now, Berg said, include deciding where growth will go and the best timing for development. "In some cases older farmers want to sell their land, but the younger farmers want to continue farming," he said. Development of a number of hillside areas in recent years makes erosion control a specific issue that needs to be addressed. And Berg said the city may want to upgrade some of its neighborhood requirements involving garages, woodpiles, garbage, and maintenance of existing homes. Berg said the city has hired a consultant to study the expansion of the MUSA (Metropolitan Urban Services Area) line. This is a growth manage- ment line imposed by the Twin Cities Metropolitan Council. Cottage Grove will have to docu- ment its present and projected growth rate to the Metropolitan Council in order to get the MUSA line expanded, which would then allow the city to extend sewer and water lines. Another major task, Berg said, will be to respond to the Metropolitan Council's request to all local govern- ments to update their comprehensive plans, last done at the metropolitan level in 1976 -77. As staff liaison to the Cottage Grove Economic Development Author- ity and Economic Development Com- mission, Berg will be involved in promotion of the city as well as implem- entation of the city's comprehensive plan. He also plans to review zoning requirements to see if they should be adjusted to allow commercial develop- ment in industrial zones. Berg graduated from St. Cloud State University in 1972, and earned a Master of Science in Geography (urban emphasis) at Southern Illinois Univer- sity in 1975. He served in the Air Force from 1966 to 1970. I •.'I • ! • League of Women Voters The League of Women Voters (LW V) is a unique, multi- issue, activist network that draws its strength from the energy and commitment of several hundred thousand members and supporters nationwide. It is a nonparti- san, political organization that encour- ages the informed and active participa- tion of citizens in government and influences public policy because it is based on sound, informed work at the grass -roots level. This year's studies include the financing of education and gun control. Any citizen over 18, male or female, may become an LW V member. Our local League (Woodbury - Cottage Grove League of Women Voters) will hold its annual membership drive in September. Details about date and place will be announced later. Anyone interested in joining the League should call membership chair Marty Wells at 739 -6144. Welcome Wagon The Welcome Wagon Club of Cottage Grove, St. Paul Park, and Newport offers prospective members an immediate opportunity to become acquainted with others in the commu- nity and to participate in civic and charitable activites. Special interest groups include cards, tennis, refunding, arts and crafts, secret pals, and an excellent babysitting coop. If you have recently moved, become engaged, or added a child to the family, you are eligible to join. For more information, call Dorothy at 458- 0589. 0 With the coming of the hunting season, the Cottage Grove Department of Public Safety reminds residents of hunting laws: FIREARMS I. The owner or tenant of land zoned "Ag -I" or "Ag -2" consisting of 80 con- tiguous acres or more or persons in possession of a permit of the owner or tenant of land zoned "Ag -1" or "Ag -2" of 80 contiguous acres or more (if land is the residence of the owner or tenant) may upon the land of the owner or his tenant, discharge firearms in hunting wild game in accordice with Minne- sota Statutes, Chapter 100. 2. The owner or tenant of land zoned "Ag -1" or "Ag -2" consisting of 80 con- tiguous acres or more or persons while accompanied by the owner or tenant of land zoned "Ag -1" or "AG -2" of 80 contiguous acres or more (if the land is not the residence of the owner or tenant) may upon the land of the owner or his tenant, discharge firearms in hunting wild game in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 100. 3. The owner or tenant of any land zoned "Ag- l" or "Ag -2 "of 80 contiguous acres or more, in authorized zones, shall, prior to hunting wild game on his land, secure a permit for hunting from the Director of Public Safety or his designee. The permit issued by the Director of Public Safety shall be valid for a period of one year. The permit is subject to revocation by the Director of Public Safety if the owner or tenant knowingly violates any provision of this chapter. Said permit shall be carried at all times while hunting. 4. No person shall take any wild game with any firearms on any land zoned "Ag -1 "or "Ag -2" of 80 contiguous acres or more, or on any public right - of -way, under the following circum- stances: a) In drat portion of the city lying south and west of U.S. 61 and 10, hunting will be allowed in areas zoned "Ag -1" or "Ag -2" of 80 contiguous acres or more. However, in no case will hunting be allowed north of a line running east and west along 100th Street South.. In that portion of the city lying north and east of U.S. 61 and 10, hunting will be allowed in areas zoned "Ag -1" or "Ag- 2" of 80 contiguous acres or more. However, in no case will hunting be allowed between Hadley and Jamaica Avenue, or south of 80th Street between Jamaica and Kimbro Avenues. b) Within 500 feet of any building occupied by any human or livestock. c) Within 500 feet of any stockade or corral containing livestock. d) Within 500 feet of any building occupied by human beings on any land without the oral permission of the owner or occupant of said premises. e) Within 500 feet of any highway or roadway. 5. All firearms used for the taking of wild game shall be limited to shotgun, 22 caliber rifle, or long gun of less than 22 caliber. BOW /ARROW 1. The owner or tenant of land zoned "Ag- 1," .. Ag -2," or "R-1," or persons with written permission from the owner or tenant of land zoned "Ag -1," "Ag -2," or "R -l" may upon the land of the owner or his tenant, discharge a how and arrow in hunting wild game in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 100, and all subsequent amendments, and the ordinances of Cottage Grove. 2. A person taking wild game with the use of bow and arrow shall secure written permission from the owner or tenant of the land to be hunted upon and shall present the written permission to the Director of Public Safety or his designee for the purpose of obtaining a permit to take wild game prior to entry upon the land. Said permit shall be carried at all times while hunting. 3. No person shall take any wild game with any bow and arrow on any land zoned "Ag -1," .. Ag -2; ' or "R -1" or on any public right -of -way under the following circumstances: a) Within 500 feet of any building occupied by any human being or livestock. b) Within 500 feet of any stockade or corral containing livestock. c) Within 500 feet of any building occupied by any human being on any land without the oral permission of the owner or occupant of said premises. d) Within 500 feet of any highway or roadway. RODENT CONTROL 1. The Director of Public Safety or his designee upon the showing of a need, may grant exceptions through a pemdt to this ordinance for the purposes of rodent control on land zoned "Ag -1," "Ag-2,' "`R -1;" and "R-2." All weapons used in the control of rodents shall conform to regulations established in Section 2 (c) of this ordinance. Contact the Police Department (458 -2850) for maps and further information. make sure it is clean. Check the furnace room area and keep all flammable objects away from the combustion chambers. Wood - burning fireplaces and stoves should have the following items checked: • Check flues for creosote content and any fractures in the lining that could create a problem. • Check clearance to combustibles for the unit and the chimney. • Be sure that combustion air has been introduced into the area in the unit. • Verify that the unit is certified by a recognized testing agency. Before the cold weather sets in, check your heating system for possible problem areas, using the following list as a guide: In older furnaces (15 years and older), check the combustion chamber for cracks, since this could cause products of combustion (carbon monoxide) to enter the air distribution system. • The need for combustion air to the furnace area is important for proper combustion for all fossil burning equipment. Be sure that the "fresh air pipe" is open and unobstructed. Your furnace filter should be checked monthly during the heating season to