Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 2016The Official City Newsletter for Arden Hills Residents April 2016 Our drinking water: how safe is it? Here in Minnesota, Land of 10,000 Lakes, there has been a lot of discussion recently about water quality. Flint, Michigan’s toxic water sup- ply has been in the national news. On Feb- ruary 27, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency held a Governor’s Water Summit to focus attention on the challenges facing Minnesota’s water supply for the future. And the question has arisen, what about our drinking water here in Arden Hills? First, where does our water come from? Arden Hills purchases treated water from the St. Paul Regional Water Services via the city of Roseville. This is water pumped from the Mississippi River into a chain of lakes north of the Twin Cities and from wells in the Prairie du Chien-Jordan aqui- fer. It goes to the Regional Water Services treatment plant by underground pipe, where it is filtered and disinfected. The City provides an average of 4.8 mil- lion gallons per day to residences and busi- nesses, increasing to 7.1 million gallons during the summer months. The EPA’s role The Environmental Protection Agency sets regulations determining water safety standards. Because the system is supplied by surface water, the main risk is biological contaminants found in rivers and lakes or picked up by the water traveling over and through the land. These may be microbial, such as viruses and bacteria; inorganic, such as salts and metals from urban storm water runoff, industry, mining and farming; and pesticides and herbicides. The testing systems The good news is that by the time wa- ter comes out of your faucet, it has been checked in St. Paul, Roseville, and Arden Hills. St. Paul is vigilant in monitoring its treatment and distribution processes. This includes hourly bacteriological checks on water leaving the plant. Arden Hills issues an annual report on the results of testing for the previous year. In 2014, the last year for which results are available so far, no contaminants were found in City water at levels that violated federal drinking water standards. Trace amounts of some contami- nants were detected. These include: • fluoride, which the state of Minnesota re- quires municipalities to add to their water systems • haloacetic acid, a by-product of drinking water disinfection • nitrates, due to run-off from fertilizer, leaching from septic tanks, natural erosion (This was an important topic of discussion at the Governor’s Water summit.) • coliform bacteria, although follow-up sampling showed none. The entire report may be viewed online at www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/water/swp/ swa. Arden Hills tests monthly for the presence of coliform bacteria at ten sites. Every three months, the City tests for Trihalomethanes (THMs), which are environmental pollut- ants, at two sites at the far reaches of the supply system. An important precaution is testing for lead in our drinking water. Levels are checked in St. Paul monthly or every two months and double checked by Arden Hills every three years. If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primar- ily from materials and components associ- ated with service lines and home plumb- ing. Factors that contribute to erosion of lead pipes, such as acidity, are tested by machines at the Water Services plant 24 hours a day. What you can do The City of Arden Hills is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, by Susan Cathey If you’d like updates about construction as these projects progress, check these resources: • www.cityofardenhills.org • www.dot.state.mn.us It’s coming: Road construction season is upon us! It’s starting soon, and again this year there are a number of road and bridge construction projects in our area. continued on page 5 Arden Hills Service Directory 1245 West Highway 96 Arden Hills, MN 55112-5734 Office Hours Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m.—4:30 p.m. 651-792-7800 www.cityofardenhills.org Sheriff and Fire 911 Water and Sewer Problems (During non-business hours) 651-767-0640 Mayor: David Grant 651-538-0747 dgrant@cityofardenhills.org Councilmembers: Brenda Holden 651-636-2987 bholden@cityofardenhills.org Fran Holmes 651-631-1866 fholmes@cityofardenhills.org Dave McClung 651-332-0352 davemcclung@comcast.net Jonathan Wicklund 651-278-8077 jwicklund@cityofardenhills.org Acting City Administrator: Sue Iverson 651-792-7816 siverson@cityofardenhills.org Communications Committee Editors/writers: Susan Cathey, Tina Kulzer Writer: Emma Theis Council Liaison: Jonathan Wicklund Staff Liaison: Amy Dietl Desktop Publisher: Mary Nosek Council meetings are held at City Hall on the second and last Monday of the month at 7 p.m. Meetings are televised live on Cable Channel 16. Meetings of the Planning Commission are televised as well. Visit www.cityofardenhills.org for information about taped meeting playbacks. Arden Hills Notes is the official news- letter of the City of Arden Hills, an equal-opportunity employer. 2 Dave Winkel retires after 37 years of service by Tina KulzerFebruary 29, 2016 was a big day for Dave Winkel. After 37 years of service in public works for the City of Arden Hills, he clocked in for the last time. The workload was easier on this day than most: laughs, well-wishes, and reminiscing with co-workers past and present in the City public works “shop;” a recognition luncheon; and a service award presentation later in the evening at a City Council meeting. It was a well-deserved light last day for one of the City’s most loyal and dedicated employees. Dave’s retirement marks the end of a 41-year career in public service. A would-be police officer, Dave put his law enforcement schooling on hold to take a job in the Parks Depart- ment in Shoreview, and he never turned back. A few years later, he came to the Parks Department in Arden Hills, where he spent the rest of his career. “A parks person at heart” In his early years as a parks foreman, Dave performed tree planting, tree and weed inspec- tions, and park development and maintenance duties such as installing park equipment and maintaining the ice rinks. “Dave is a parks person at heart,” said Superintendent of Public Works, Joe Mooney. Dave approximated that half of the City parks were developed during his tenure. It was important to him to plant trees near the play structures to keep the metal equipment shaded from the hot sun and to give parents and kids a cool spot to rest. “It’s funny,” he said. “We recently had to take down a few trees that I had planted decades ago.” Frequently dealing directly with City residents in regard to forestry issues, Dave remarked that his lasting impression of Arden Hills residents is that they are concerned residents. “They are really involved in what is going on in the City,” Dave said. “They care.” In 2001, the Parks and Public Works departments merged. Dave’s duties expanded to include street, sewer, equipment, water, and lift station maintenance. He said that the most difficult part of his job was working to repair water main breaks, as those are emergency situations that involve careful work around underground utilities. Well-wishes and tributes Reflecting on the departure of his longtime co-worker, Mooney said, “Dave and I worked together for 29 years. He is one of the most caring, helping, and genuine people you could ever meet.” City Clerk Amy Dietl, who was in attendance at the February 29 meeting explained, “The coolest part about the whole thing was the ‘fan base’ that showed up in support of Dave. Spouse, kids, grandkids, friends, co-workers and their spouses filled the seats in the audi- ence. It’s a good testament to what a nice person Dave is.” Retirement plans “Retirement will be good. Busy.” Dave said. An avid hunter and fisherman, he plans to spend time outdoors and with his children and grandchildren, all of whom live in the area. However, he plans to kick things off with a vacation on a cruise ship with his wife, fol- lowed by an extensive spring remodeling project at his home in Shoreview, which is not far from the Rice Creek Commons development site. And after that? “I might just sit and watch them develop the arsenal,” he joked. Dave Winkel 3 February 29, 2016 • Approved Boston Scientific Site Plan and Deadline Extension Request (5-0) • Approved Resolution Regarding the Support of a Job Creation Fund Applica- tion in Connection with Land O’ Lakes, Inc. (5-0) • Accepted Resignation of Public Works Maintenance Worker and Authorized Advertisement of position. • Approved Personnel Policy Manual (5-0) • Approved Development Agreement Determination Letter for 3177 Shoreline Lane (5-0) • Approved Zoning Code Amendment for Thrift Business in the B-4 and I-FLEX Districts (5-0) March 14, 2016 • Approved Steven and Eileen Scott to represent Arden Hills in the program Beyond The Yellow Ribbon (4-0) • Approved Resolution certifying a list of delinquent utility accounts to Ramsey County. Delinquent accounts will be added to property taxes payable in 2017 with an 8% penalty (4-0) Note: other minor Council actions were approved and may be viewed at www.cityofardenhills.org in the meeting minutes. Benchmarks: a review of recent City Council action This past year, Preferred Insurance Services relocated its corporate offices from Maple- wood to Arden Hills. The office building previously known as the Bethel Office Center at 1306 Coun- ty Road F is now owned by Preferred Insurance Services. The agency currently occupies about half of the first floor with plans to expand its offices into the remaining real-estate on the first floor in the future. The company is looking to lease the remaining sections of the build- ing to other professional office users. Since 1993, Preferred Insurance Services has been a local independent agency offer- ing a wide variety of insurance products that reach more than 100 insurance companies. It is able to assist with insurance needs for auto, home, business, health and life. Preferred Insurance Services is planning to enhance the curb appeal of its building in the future by improving the landscaping, updating the signage on the building, and reorganizing the parking lot to better fit its needs. www.preferredmn.com Arden Hills welcomes Preferred Insurance Services Three City Council seats will be up for election this fall. Councilmembers Brenda Holden’s and Dave McClung’s four-year terms are expiring. Councilmem- ber Jonathan Wicklund’s seat is also expir- ing. However, since he was appointed to fill the unexpired seat of the late Council- member Bob Woodburn, that election will be for a two-year special Councilmember term. Anyone interested in filing an Affidavit of Candidacy may do so beginning August 2, 2016. Candidate filing packets will be available at City Hall or at the Ramsey County Elections Office (90 West Plato Boulevard, Suite 160, St. Paul) during the filing period. The last day to file is August 16, 2016, at 5 p.m. The cost to file is $2 and must be paid with cash or check. Three City Council members to be elected this fall Recycling at places of business---it’s now the state law Starting on January 1, 2016, most Min- nesota businesses were required to recycle at least three types of materials. Depending on the business, they include glass, plastic, metal or organics. Businesses should contact their trash haul- ers for more information about recycling collection services. There is help for businesses including grants up to $10,000, la- bels for recycling, organ- ics, and trash containers; and free advice on waste and recycling systems for business at www. LessTrash.com. Businesses also can contact GetStarted@LessTrash.com or 651-266-1199 for details. The Parks & Recreation Guide for Spring/Sum- mer 2016 is now available for online viewing and event/class registration! Check out www.cityofardenhills.org for information on sum- mer playground programming, youth sports, active adult activities, and special events – including the new “Family Fun Day” on June 11! Check out the opportunities outlined in the summer Parks and Recreation Guide Corrections: The Mayor’s letter in the March Arden Hills Notes stated that a new bridge had opened on Country Road H. The new bridge that opened is on County Road F. In the same newsletter, an article was provided on energy-efficient lighting that re- sulted in a question from a resident. The article that was referenced in the newsletter can be found at www.rethinkrecycling.com/blog/bright-ideas-dark-days-cfls-and-leds. Please read the article in full if you have questions. Land O’Lakes, Inc. is considering a significant expansion of its corpo- rate headquarters in Arden Hills. The Fortune 200 company has doubled its earnings in the past seven years, and its existing facilities cannot accommodate Land O’Lakes’ planned future growth. The company has contemplated relocat- ing its headquarters, but would prefer to remain in Arden Hills if public financial assistance can be secured for its expan- sion. Land O’Lakes plans to invest approxi- mately $80 million into their Arden Hills headquarters, expand their facilities by up to 145,000 square feet, add 200 new employees, and move employees currently working in the former Shoreview Deluxe Check buildings to the Arden Hills cam- pus. The company has requested City tax abatement assistance in which the City’s portion of the property tax attributed to the building expansion will be refunded to the Company over a period of not more than 15 years. The total amount of City abate- ment assistance would be approximately $650,000. Land O’Lakes has also request- ed that the City support the company’s application for up to $2 million of State assistance through the Job Creation Fund and a $1 million loan through the Minne- sota Investment Fund. Chris Policinski, president and CEO of Land O’Lakes, Inc. has remarked, “We have enjoyed a strong partnership with the City of Arden Hills. Our 1,800 headquar- ters employees who call the City home during the workday actively engage in the local community through volunteering in the schools and other local organizations. It’s our goal and our desire to build on this partnership with the City of Arden Hills and create a workplace that continues to attract and retain top talent in a growth industry.” The City Council will hold a public hear- ing and consider the abatement agree- ment on April 11. If public assistance is approved, Land O’Lakes intends to begin construction by the end of 2016 and be completed by December 31, 2018. Land O’ Lakes considering expansion plans Find out what you can recycle by con- tacting your hauler and know how to throw out items. There are many items like plastic bags, Sharps and other products that can’t be placed in your curbside cart. Help the recycling process by making sure recyclables are ready for the materials recovery facility (MRF): • Rinse out containers. • Crushing cans and containers actually makes them harder for machines to sort. • Break down cardboard boxes. • Keep unusual items that can’t be re- cycled at home (like batteries and plastic shopping bags) separate to be brought to facilities or drop-off locations. Remember to look for recyclables in your bathroom, kitchen, laundry, garage, and storage area. Many items, such as sham- poo, soap, lotion, dishwashing liquid and detergent bottles can be recycled. So can boxes from toothpaste, medications, phone books, and junk mail. Also remember to buy products with re- cycled content as it com- pletes the recycling loop. Encourage recycling at parties or events by set- ting out labeled containers for your guests to use. Recycle when you shop. Did you know that many retail stores accept items for recycling, such as cell phones, plastic bags, and ink cartridges? Consider bringing items that can be recycled at retail locations the next time you are running errands. What happens next? Check out www.iwanttoberecycled.org to see the life cycle of various recyclables. There are a wide variety of recycled-con- tent products made in Minnesota—these recycled materials save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Looking for ways to step up your recycling efforts? Citizen volunteers are sought to serve on the Planning Commission; Commu- nications Committee; Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee; and the Economic Development Commission. More information about the commissions and the committees, as well as an applica- tion form can be found on the City website (click on “Committees & Commissions” under the “Government” tab). Interested residents also can call or stop by City Hall. Here’s your chance to make a difference in Arden Hills! from Land O’ Lakes Want to learn more? Check out RamseyRecycles.com or call 651-633-EASY (3279) answered 24/7. 4 but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead ex- posure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drink- ing or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is avail- able from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791 or online at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead. If you have questions about Arden Hills’ drinking water or if you would like in- formation about opportunities for public participation in decisions that may affect water quality, call the Arden Hills Public Works Department at 651-792-7800. How about the water at the former Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP) site? Two groundwater plumes at the site were caused as a result of the manu- facturing operations at the plant. A groundwater plume is a volume of contaminated groundwater that extends downward and outward from a specific source. The plumes at TCAAP originated from the disposal of chlorinated solvents into sandy areas on the site. The solvents were used as degreasers during the manufacturing processes. Water for use at the Rice Creek Commons site will be purchased from St. Paul, like all Arden Hills water. Although the soil remediation on the former Superfund site has been completed to residential standards, treatment of contaminated deep groundwater will continue for decades. The pump houses and lines for the filtration and treatment of the water will remain in Rice Creek Commons for the foreseeable future. But, what about the water from the former TCAAP site? Ramsey County is sponsoring a series of free Fix-it Clinics where you can get household items fixed for less and learn valuable repair skills at the same time. Residents can bring broken household goods and clothing in need of repair to a Fix-it Clinic. It’s a good idea to also bring along supplies you think might help with the job. Upcoming Fix-it Clinics Saturday, April 23 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Maplewood Library 3025 Southlawn Drive, Maplewood Saturday, May 21 — noon to 3 p.m. Highland Park Library 1974 Ford Parkway, St. Paul Saturday, June 25—10 am. to 1 p.m. Ramsey County Public Works Facility 1424 Paul Kirkwood Drive, Arden Hills Get it fixed at a Fix-it Clinic! Spring Clean-Up Day Saturday, May 21, 7 a.m. to noon Ramsey County Public Works Facility 1425 Kirkwold Drive (Highway 96 and Hamline Avenue) Some things you should know: • There are charges based on vehicle type and load: cars--$10, trail- ers--$35, others--$25. Loads larger than 8’x10’ will be subject to extra charges. • Yard waste, donations, and oversize items will not be accepted. • The gate will close at noon. Drinking water continued from page 1 5 Postal Customer ECR-WSS PRST STD U.S. Postage Paid Twin Cities, MN Permit #1962 I n s i d e Arden Hills, MN . 55112-5734 About our drinking water Dave Winkel retires Councilmembers to be elected Land O’ Lakes expansion outlined News from the City CouncilOf every dollar you pay in taxes to the City, 42.5 cents is for pub- lic safety (fire and police). The Ramsey County Sheriff handles all of Arden Hills’ law enforcement issues; promotes public safety through awareness, enforcement, and education; responds to medical calls; and does community out- reach. The City Council has been working with the County Sheriff’s Office to enhance resident contact and communications. The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, in its efforts to bring the “police to you,” has started several new programs. Coffee with a Cop started last year. Residents are invited for coffee at different locations for relaxed interactions with Sheriff Officers. During the summer months, they plan to add Picnic with Police events. While serv- ing up hot dogs, the Sheriff Officers will answer questions, hear about concerns, clarify issues, and address topics that are important to you. No dates have been set yet; however residents are invited to attend any and all events at any location. The Neighborhood Watch program is ramping up. The Sheriff’s Volunteer Com- munity Affairs Office surveyed block cap- tains and checked to see if neighborhood watch signs are still in place. You may call 651-266-7315 to find out who your block captain is if you don’t know. A new program called RAIDS Online (Regional Analysis and Information Data Sharing) makes Arden Hills crime data available online. Residents are able to see crime data through an easy to use online crime map and analytics dashboard. The product, RAIDS Online, is free for the public to use. Access the tool at: www.raidsonline.com. You will be able to see all medical and crime calls or fields as small as car thefts on your street. The Sheriff’s Office announced a new program for identity theft victims. For the first time, victims can go online and get a free, personalized identity theft recovery plan as a result of significant enhancements to the Federal Trade Commission’s Identity Theft website.(www.identitytheft.gov). The new one-stop website is integrated with the FTC’s consumer complaint system, allowing victims of identity theft to rapidly file a complaint with the FTC and then get a personalized guide to recovery that helps streamline many of the steps involved. The Sheriff’s Office is raising awareness about scams so that people do not become victims. Never give out personal informa- tion over the phone or to people you do not know. Crooks use clever schemes to defraud millions of dollars from people ev- ery year. Thieves often combine sophisti- cated technology with age-old tricks to get people to send money or give out personal information. They add new twists to old schemes and pressure people to make deci- sions on the spot. Several current scams include: people identifying themselves as representatives of the Publisher’s Clearing- house, IRS personnel, and, of course, my favorite, “You have won!” The Sheriff’s Office advises residents who encounter scams, to help stop the thieves: • If you receive a scam call, don’t become a victim – simply hang up the phone. Report the number shown on caller id to the Federal Trade Commis- sion at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov. • If you have been a victim of a scam and lost money, call 911 or 651-767-0640 to report the crime. Residents can learn more about the Sher- iff’s Office by participating in its annual Citizen Academy. This program, held two nights a week for three weeks, allows people to visit and learn about the Ramsey County Sheriff’s detention center, SWAT patrol unit, water patrol unit, property room, crime scene investigations, nar- cotic units, fire arms room and simulator, arraignment court, canine unit, traffic en- forcement and the 911 call center. The next academy will start in January of 2017. Have a great spring. Brenda Holden Learn about City events, recreation opportunities, and more: