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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-01 -- Winter-SpringWinter/Spring 2020 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us CORCORAN NEWS Winter/Spring 2020 Elections & Voting Links mnvotes.org Register to Vote Register to vote online, check registration, etc. www.sos.state.mn.us/electfons-votfng/ register-to-vote/ Election Day Voting Find where to vote, voting hours, etc. www.sos.state.mn.us/electfons-votfng/ electfon-day-votfng/ Other Ways to Vote/Absentee Vote before election day by mail, in person, from military to overseas, track your absentee ballot or find your county election office. www.sos.state.mn.us/electfons-votfng/ other-ways-to-vote/ What’s On My Ballot? View sample ballot, search candidate filings, etc. www.sos.state.mn.us/electfons-votfng/ whats-on-my-ballot/ United States Census 2020 The decennial United States Census is coming in 2020, and your response matters. The United States records a census every 10 years. Results help make decisions that affect people everywhere, like the assignment of US Congressional Districts and the allocatfon of federal funding to local governments and school districts. Partfcipatfon in the census is required by federal law. By April 1, 2020 every home in the country will received instructfons to partfcipate in the 2020 Census. Responses can be given online, by phone or by mail. Election Information and Precinct and Polling Location Changes 2020 will be a big year for electfons, with three electfons held plus 135 days of absentee votfng. In just a few short weeks the 2020 electfon cycle will begin. This year will be the first year since 1992, that a Presidentfal Nominatfon Primary will be held. The Presidentfal Nominatfon Primary will be held on March 3, 2020. See page 15 for more informatfon on the Presidentfal Nominatfon Primary. A state primary electfon will be held on August 11 and will feature candidates for statewide offices. The general electfon will take place on November 3 and will feature municipal offices as well as state and federal offices. With a growing populatfon and a changing use of the space at City Hall, the City has added a third precinct. With the added precinct, precinct boundaries and polling locatfons have changed for the 2020 electfons. The new polling locatfons are: Precinct 1: St. Thomas the Apostle Church - 20000 County Road 10, Corcoran, MN 55340 Precinct 2: Hope Community Church - 19951 Oswald Farm Road, Corcoran, MN 55374 Precinct 3: Corcoran City Hall - 8200 County Road 116, Corcoran, MN 55340 To view the electfons precinct boundary map visit: http://gis- hennepin.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/ec9dc2a51cb5478c91a85b90128adcf5_10. To find your polling locatfon visit: https://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/. • Page 2 Winter/Spring 2020 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Page 6 Public Safety Environmental Page 13 Corcoran Happenings Page 15 Election Information City Updates Parks & Recreation Page 9 Public Works Page 4 Land Use Updates/Permits Page 11 City Updates The City Council meets on the second and fourth Thursday’s of the month at 7:00 pm at City Hall. The following is a recap of a selection of items discussed at meetings since the last newsletter. A full recap can be found by reviewing the approved City Council minutes on the City’s website. Eagle Scout Project Proposal • Approved a project to clean-up trash and remove buckthorn in the area of a future City open space park in Ravinia behind the Old Sturbridge neighborhood. City Park Master Plan • Reviewed the master planning work of the Parks and Trails Commission which outlines a multf-phase development of City Park and directed staff to develop a phase one concept. Corcoran Water Supply Planning • Authorized staff to obtain appraisal services to drill a test well. • Heard an update on the planning process for a future well and water treatment system. Liquor Ordinances • Reviewed a request to amend the liquor ordinance to allow for a wine license and directed staff to update the ordinance to include a wine license and to end out-of- date language. • Reviewed a liquor license violatfon and imposed a penalty. 2020 Budgets, Levies, Fees, and Finances • Held a public hearing for delinquent fees; certffied delinquent fees to Hennepin County • Approved the 2020 fee schedule; directed staff to review select fees and bring back recommendatfons for changes in the first quarter of 2020. • Scheduled a work session on February 13, 2020 to review the five year financial management plan. • Held a public hearing for the 2020 General Fund Budget and Property Tax Levy. • Approved the 2020 General Fund Budget and Final Levy that was $2,731 less than the Preliminary Budget and Levy. • Approved the 2020 Water and Sewer Fund Budgets; adopted sewer fees. Commission Updates • Accepted the resignatfon of Debbie Regan from the Parks and Trail Commission; approved a resolutfon honoring her service to the City. • Appointed Alicia Hoffmann to the Parks and Trails Commission for a term ending February 28, 2022. Public Works Facility Closeout • Authorized staff to allocate remaining funds towards a fire panel installatfon, increased landscaping, and cementfng in the lean-to area. Staff and Staff Related Updates • Received and discussed a draft staff plan for 2025 based upon certain assumptfons. • Approved the Recreatfon Coordinator Job Descriptfon and Hiring Process. • Approved the 2020 Benefits and Wage Schedules as presented. • Recognized Matt Gottschalk for his five years of service to Corcoran. • Approved a 2020-2022 Labor Agreement. City Hall Remodel Update • Heard remodeling optfons and directed staff to proceed towards an inexpensive update and begin planning for future investment in the mid-2020’s. Presentations • Osseo Area Schools Board Chair Mike Ostaffe provided an update to the City Council of happenings with District 279. Page 2 Page 8 • Page 3 Winter/Spring 2020 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us City Updates Continued... • Senator David Osmek updated the Council on his legislatfve initfatfves; Council requested support for street improvement district legislatfon. • Three Rivers Park District Commissioner Marge Beard and Three Rivers Park District staff presented a corridor planning project taking place in 2020 for the future Diamond Lake Regional Trail Corridor which will likely run through Corcoran. Code Enforcement • Directed staff to work with Westside Tire to resolve code compliance issues at the site. • Provided and update on code enforcement actfvitfes for 2019, received input on 2020 code enforcement prioritfes. Town Center Updates • Authorized the Mayor and City Administrator to obtain appraisal services as necessary for transportatfon updates for a potentfal Town Center project. • Approved a land sale agreement with St. Therese for approximately 13 acres of City owned property. 2040 Comprehensive Plan • Adopted the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Fire Subcommittee Recommendations • Received the report and adopted the mission, vision, and values. • Directed staff to bring a work plan back to Council at a future meetfng. • Scheduled a work session for February 13, 2020. Code Compliance This year, at the directfon of the Council, the City enacted a more proactfve approach to code enforcement. Staff completed a sweep of the entfre City by driving street by street, sectfon by sectfon and proactfvely searching for nuisance violatfons. During this sweep, the City sought out residentfal propertfes with obvious and multfple violatfons. Staff made multfple sign sweeps throughout the City removing right-of-way obstructfons and will contfnue to do so on a regular basis. Staff also conducted a sweep of commercial businesses. To date, the City has issued a total of 163 violatfons notfces (approximately 70 of these required more than one notfce). Of these 163 violatfons, 135 have been resolved and 28 remain open/ongoing; including four violatfons sent for abatement, 15 with the City Attorney, and nine in process. Staff also inspected commercial propertfes for compliance with the Code, as well as site plan and Conditfonal Use Permit (CUP) compliance. The City sent letters to seven propertfes, five of which have been addressed and one scheduled for this spring. The City contfnues to work with another property owner on their plan for compliance. City Council will discuss code enforcement prioritfes for 2020 at their goal setting session early in the year. For more informatfon, or to report a nuisance violatfon, please contact the City’s direct Code Enforcement phone line at: 763-400-7026 or by email at: codeenforcement@ci.corcoran.mn.us. Jan 6: Spring Baseball Priority Registration Opens (Corcoran residents only) Jan 9: City Council Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Jan 13: Spring Baseball Registration Opens Jan 16: Parks & Trails Meeting CANCELLED Jan 20: Holiday — City Hall Closed Jan 23: City Council Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Feb 3: Firearms Safety Registration Opens Feb 6: Planning Commission Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Feb 13: City Council Meeting 5:00 pm — Work Session 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Feb 17: Holiday — City Hall Closed Feb 20: Parks & Trails Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Feb 27: City Council Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Feb 28: Spring Baseball Registration Closes Mar 5: Planning Commission Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Mar 12: City Council Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Mar 15, 22 & 29: Firearms Safety Classes 6:00 pm — Locatfon TBD Mar 19: Parks & Trails Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Mar 26: City Council Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Apr 2: Planning Commission Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Apr 5 & 19: Firearms Safety Classes 6:00 pm — Locatfon TBD Apr 6: Summer Soccer Priority Registration Opens (Corcoran residents only) Apr 6: City Council Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Apr 9: Open Book Meeting 5:30 pm — Council Chambers Apr 13: Summer Soccer Registration Opens For the most up to date calendar informatfon, visit ci.corcoran.mn.us select Organizations/Events - Event Calendar. 2020 Corcoran Events Calendar • Page 4 Winter/Spring 2020 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us In planning your constructfon projects for next year, please remember that the City has a number of guidelines and checklist handouts available to help you with the permit process. For Building Permit Guidelines and Checklists, please visit ci.corcoran.mn.us and select Departments — Building and Inspections — Permit Forms and Checklists. If you have any questfons please contact Code Compliance Official Mike Pritchard at mpritchard@ci.corcoran.mn.us or 763-400-7033. For Building Code related questfons, please call our contracted Building Official, Metro West Inspectfons at 763-479-1720. Building Permits Land Use Applications and Final Plats The Corcoran Planning Commission is an advisory board and consists of five regular members, and a City Council liaison that is a non-voting member. The Planning Commission holds public hearings, reviews and then makes recommendations regarding land use and planning applications to the City Council. The following projects are currently underway or have been presented as new business to the city of Corcoran Planning Commission and City Council. Rolling Hills Acres Final Plat at 6730 Rolling Hills Road (city file 19-020) This four-lot subdivision was approved at the October 24 City Council meetfng. Savoie Minor Subdivision at 21801 Homestead Trail (city file 19-021) The Council had previously approved this two-lot subdivision, but the applicant let it expire and requested approval again under the current ordinance standards. This subdivision was approved by City Council at the October 24 meetfng. 2040 Corcoran Comprehensive Plan (city file 17-001) The Metropolitan Council reviewed and found the plan to be consistent with regional systems on November 13. The City Council approved a resolution adopting the City of Corcoran 2040 Comprehensive Plan at the November 25 meetfng. Ravinia 14th Final Plat and Final PUD (city file 19-022) Lennar submitted a request for approval of a final plat and final PUD development plan for ‘Ravinia 14th Additfon’ to allow 33 single-family detached home lots and four outlots. Council will review the project in January. Wessel Property Transportation Concept Plan for 22020 Hackamore Road (PID 35-119 -23-43-001, 35-119-23-44-0001, 35-119-23-11-0001 and 35-119-23-12-0002) (city file 19-018) The staff completed the EAW which was published in the December 2 EQB Monitor startfng the 30-day public comment period. Although not required by EQB environmental rules, the City hosted an EAW open house on December 5 from 5:30- 6:30 pm. The City Council is expected to take actfon on the EAW at the January 23 meetfng. Meyer Lot Line Adjustment and Wetland Delineation Waiver at 10740 Bechtold Road (city file 18-039) The applicatfon was approved by the City Council September 26. The applicant is working to address outstanding conditfons prior to release for recording at Hennepin County.  695 total permits issued  543 building permits, including: • 158 new construction • 52 deck/porches • 34 alteration/remodels • 14 accessory buildings • 169 re-roofs • 13 basement finishes • 3 commercial new construction • 4 commercial alteration/remodels  90 mechanical permits  62 plumbing permits Total building permits issued were up 273 from 2018 and includes 91 more new constructfon permits. 2019 Permit Totals • Page 5 Winter/Spring 2020 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Property Taxes Can Change Many factors contribute to your property tax changing from year to year. Property value, your neighbor’s property value, decisions by the City Council, the County Board, your local School Board, and the state legislature can all impact property taxes. The value of your property, the total value of all the property in your community, changes to state programs, and changes in state laws can also affect the tax system and play a role in increasing or decreasing property taxes each year. If you have any questfons or concerns regarding your property taxes call the City Assessor’s office at 763-476-3978. Understanding Your Property Tax Video: http://www.hennepin.us/residents/property/property-taxes Why is a property tax levy needed? Only a small portfon of the City budget is funded through fees or charges for services. For 2020, the portfon funded by fees or charges covers only 22% of the City’s expenditures. The remaining 78% is funded through the levy. 2020 City of Corcoran Tax Levy The City Council adopted its preliminary levy for 2020 at the September 12 meetfng. This levy amount was used to create the City tax amount you saw on your proposed 2020 levies and taxes notfce. The City Council adopted a final levy for 2020 at the December 12 meetfng which was a slightly lower amount than the preliminary levy. The adopted final levy of $4,660,559, is a $397,662 or 9.33% increase from the 2019 levy. Despite this increase, the tax rate is projected to decrease slightly from 45.160% to 44.922% due to new constructfon and increased valuatfons. Property Tax Info When Do I Pay My Property Taxes? Most property owners pay their taxes in two installments — the first half in May and the second half in October. The bi- annual payment occurs even if your property taxes are collected by your mortgage company with your monthly mortgage payment. What Do I Get For My Property Taxes? Local governments get the money they use to deliver services from a few different sources: property taxes, fees, revenue sharing with the state, and grants. Property tax dollars pay for the services everyone in the community benefits from and can access, including residents, visitors, commuters, and tourists. This includes services through the City, like streets, street signs, police and fire services, and City parks. Property taxes also cover services through Hennepin County, like county libraries and parks. Also included, are other Hennepin County services such as economic development programs to help businesses grow and develop, and local City services such as snowplowing, road grading and repairs, are all typically paid for with property tax dollars. Who Decides What City Services to Provide? The City Council reviews the services the City currently provides and thinks about what local preferences are and what populatfon trends suggest about the kinds of services people will need. Communitfes with lots of young families may want to offer different kinds of services than communitfes seeing a big increase in the number of senior residents. Sometfmes citfes have to provide certain services to comply with state or federal laws. Some common examples are requirements for testfng drinking water and making public buildings accessible to people with disabilitfes. Homestead Classification Any Minnesota resident purchasing a new or existfng home who occupies the home as their principal residence may be eligible for the homestead classificatfon on their property. Classificatfon as a homestead may provide homeowners with property tax savings. After purchasing and moving into your home, you should apply for the homestead classificatfon. Minnesota law prohibits owners from claiming the homestead classificatfon prior to occupancy. Simply ‘closing’ on a home does not constftute occupancy, and closing alone does not qualify for the homestead classificatfon status. Where should I apply for homestead? 1. Apply online through the Hennepin County website at hennepin.us/residents/ property/homestead. You will need to create an online services account. 2. Apply in person at City Hall or mail or drop off the completed applicatfon and additfonal documentatfon. The Homestead Applicatfon Form can be found on the city’s website at ci.corcoran.mn.us select Services — New Resident — Corcoran New Resident Packet or through Hennepin County at hennepin.us/residents/property/homestead. When filing for the homestead classificatfon, a copy of the Certfficate of Real Estate Value (eCRV) and warranty dead or contract for deed needs to be included with the applicatfon. • Page 6 Winter/Spring 2020 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Truck Safety Seminar The Corcoran Police Department and Public Works will host the 13th Annual Truck Safety Seminar at the Corcoran Public Works facility, 9100 County Road 19 in March. A seminar date is stfll to be determined, but will run from 8:00 am — 12:00 pm and will cover a multftude of items such as the new commercial vehicle laws for 2020, rules and regulatfons, vehicle equipment requirements, and much more! Coffee, rolls, and lunch are provided by donatfons from sponsors. Check back for more informatfon on the seminar and/or registratfon date(s) at ci.corcoran.mn.us and select Departments — Police — Training and Safety — Truck Safety Seminar. To get on the email list for seminar informatfon, contact Paula at 763- 400-7002 or psteelman@ci.corcoran.mn.us. We greatly appreciate all of our sponsors for the Truck Safety Seminar! The seminar could not happen every year without their generosity! If you would like to be a sponsor of the 2020 seminar, contact Paula at 763-400-7002 or email psteelman@ci.corcoran.mn.us. Firearms Safety Class Corcoran Firearms Safety 2020 classes are scheduled for Sunday, March 15, 22 & 29 and April 5 & 19, 2020, from 6:00 pm — 9:00 pm, locatfon to be determined. The class will conclude with a Field Safety Day on Saturday, April 25, 2020, from 8:00 am — 2:00 pm. Registratfon opens February 3, 2020. Youth ages 11 and older can attend a firearms safety certfficatfon course and receive their certfficate. The Firearms Safety Certfficate becomes valid at age 12. Four basic rules of firearms handling • Treat each firearm as if it is loaded. • Always control the muzzle of your firearm. • Be sure of your target and what is beyond. • Keep your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard untfl ready to shoot. For updated informatfon on locatfon or to register, visit ci.corcoran.mn.us and select Departments — Police — Training and Safety — Youth Firearm Safety Training. Parking Regulations Parking is prohibited on public streets November 1— April 1 from 1:00 am - 7:00 am and after a snowfall of at least two inches. Parking may not resume untfl snow has stopped accumulatfng and the street has been plowed. No vehicle of 10,000 lbs gross weight or greater shall park on any city street unless authorized by the Director of Public Safety or Public Works Director. Any questfons in reference to the parking ordinance, please call the police department at 763-420-8966. Fire Hydrant Clearing While shoveling your driveway, take an extra few minutes to clear a three-foot radius around the hydrant after each snowfall. This will help reduce the tfme it takes firefighters to hook up hoses if a fire occurs in your neighborhood. Plowing Snow onto Roads Minnesota State Statute (169.42) and City Code (130.04) prohibit relocatfng snow and ice from private property (including driveways and parking lots) to a roadway, sidewalk, or adjacent property. Snowplow Safety Parents are encouraged to talk to child about snowplow safety. Children should stay away from snow piled at the curb and be warned not to build forts in the piles. Children should also be taught to stay at least 20 feet back in the driveway when a plow comes down the street. Be careful when driving and keep a safe distance when following a snowplow. Use extreme cautfon when passing plowing or de-icing equipment. It is difficult for operators to see directly behind their equipment. Winter Reminders Public Safety Burning Permits If you choose to burn yard debris, don’t for- get to purchase a burn permit; it only takes a couple of minutes to apply in person during the business hours of Monday—Thursday, 7:30 am – 5:00 pm; and Friday, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm at the Corcoran Police Department. Burn permits are required for any fires larger than three-feet diameter by three-feet in height. Anything smaller than a three-foot by three-foot fire must be a recreatfonal fire. Burn permits are not required when the ground is snow-covered, which is ground that has a contfnuous unbroken cover of snow to a depth of three inches or more sur- rounding the immediate area of the fire. • Page 7 Winter/Spring 2020 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Public Safety Carbon Monoxide: The Invisible Killer Source: National Safety Council Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that often goes undetected, striking victfms caught off guard or in their sleep. More than 400 people in the U.S. die from unintentfonal carbon monoxide poisoning every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventfon. More than 20,000 visit the emergency room, and more than 4,000 others are hospitalized. This "invisible killer" is produced by burning fuel in cars or trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, portable generators, or furnaces. When the gas builds up in enclosed spaces, people or animals who breathe it can be poisoned. Ventflatfon does not guarantee safety. How Can I Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning? Anyone can be at risk. The CDC says infants, the elderly, and people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or breathing problems are more prone to illness or death, but carbon monoxide doesn't discriminate. Winter can be a prime tfme for carbon monoxide poisoning as people turn on their heatfng systems and mistakenly warm their cars in garages. So as the weather turns colder, it's important to take extra precautfons. The Natfonal Safety Council recommends you install a battery-operated or battery backup carbon monoxide detector in the hallway near each separate sleeping area in your home. Check or replace the battery when you change the tfme on your clocks each spring and fall and replace the detector every five years. The CDC offers these additfonal tfps: • Have your furnace, water heater, and any other gas or coal-burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year • Do not use portable flameless chemical heaters indoors • Have your chimney checked and cleaned every year, and make sure your fireplace damper is open before lightfng a fire and well after the fire is extfnguished • Never use a gas oven for heatfng your home • Never use a generator inside your home, basement, or garage or less than 20 feet from any window, door, or vent; fatal levels of carbon monoxide can be produced in just minutes, even if doors and windows are open • Never run a car in a garage that is attached to a house, even with the garage door open; always open the door to a detached garage to let in fresh air when you run a car inside Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning The U.S. Fire Administratfon has put together materials on the dangers of carbon monoxide, including a list of carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms. Symptom severity varies depending on the level of carbon monoxide and duratfon of exposure. Mild symptoms sometfmes are mistaken for flu. Low to moderate carbon monoxide poisoning is characterized by: • Headache • Fatfgue • Shortness of breath • Nausea • Dizziness High-level carbon monoxide poisoning results in: • Mental confusion • Vomitfng • Loss of muscular coordinatfon • Loss of consciousness • Death If you think you are experiencing any of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, go outside and get fresh air immediately. You could lose consciousness and die if you stay in the home. When the Carbon Monoxide Alarm Sounds The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that you should never ignore a carbon monoxide alarm, and do not try to find the source of the gas. Instead, follow these steps: • Immediately move outside to fresh air • Call emergency services, fire department, or 9-1-1 • Do a head count to check to account for everyone • Do not reenter the premises untfl emergency responders have given you permission to do so. • Page 8 Winter/Spring 2020 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us The Corcoran Public Works, Police Departments and the Hennepin County Public Works would like to cautfon residents that it is unlawful to dump, plow or push snow from private driveways onto highway or city streets whether you are plowing your driveway or you have hired someone to remove snow. Snow dumped on highways or street right-of-way can create a hazard not only for motorists, but also for snowplows. Even heavy snowplows have been ditched and damaged when hitting compacted and frozen snow. The person responsible for depositfng snow on roadways may also be liable in a civil lawsuit if damages or injuries that occur as a result of this actfon. Under Minnesota State Statutes, Chapter 160.2715, RIGHT-OF-WAY USE, violatfon of the above statute is a misdemeanor, city ordinance 130.04 also prohibits the plowing, blowing, shoveling or otherwise placing of snow from sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots onto public roadways. The violatfons are considered a misdemeanor, punishable by a maxi- mum $700 fine and/or 90 days in jail. Through the years this issue has become a bigger concern as the community grows. The Corcoran Public Works and Police Departments will be enforcing these laws. City Snowplow Policy Public Works A goal of the Corcoran Public Works Department is to clear snow and ice from City roads as soon as possible. Delays may occur in the event of equipment breakdown or extreme weather conditfons. The safety of the public and the City employees is a top priority. Currently the City has more than 70 miles of roads and 109 cul-de-sacs that are maintained by the Public Works department. The criteria for the decision to begin snow and/or ice control operatfon are as follows: • Snow accumulatfon of two inches or more warrants the plowing of asphalt roads, two to four inches warrants the plowing of both asphalt and gravel roads dependent on road conditfons. Call out is normally at 2:00 am when practfcal. • High volume major collector roads and roads with steep hills and curves receive first priority. • Safety of the plow operators and the public are important. Therefore snowplowing operatfons may be terminated after 12 - 14 hours to allow personnel adequate tfme to rest. High winds creatfng white out conditfons could cause suspension of services untfl weather improves. The City will assume no responsibility for damage to underground lawn sprinkling systems, exterior lightfng systems, and similar landscaping installed in the public right-of-way. To review the City approved policy visit ci.corcoran.mn.us and select Departments — Public Works/Parks Department — Snowplowing. Garbage/Recycling Carts Placement for curbside trash collectfon is incredibly important during the winter months. Carts should never be placed on the roadway, they are a traffic hazard and an obstacle to the effectfve and safe removal of snow and ice in the winter. Please be sure to place carts inside your driveway perimeter or boundary, behind the curb— a few feet behind the curb or the edge of the street to minimize potentfal impacts to safety, snow/ice removal, and other operatfons. If it snows on collectfon day, please keep your cart away from the snowplow right- of-way. If the snow is heavy, it may tfp over garbage or recycling containers as the snow is dispelled from the edge of the plow. Mailbox Reminder Inspect your existfng mail box post for damage and replace before the winter snowplowing season begins. Ensure your mail box posts are sturdy, set solidly in the ground, and in good conditfon before the snow falls. Swing-Away Mail Box Post Option Swing-Away Mail Box Posts are designed to reduce or eliminate damages to mail receptacles during inclement weather. The swing-away posts are constructed of galvanized steel and are designed to meet the Postal regulatfons and MNDOT’s specificatfons. An example is currently on display by the front doors of Corcoran City Hall. The Swing-Away Mail Box Posts (mailboxes not included) are available to purchase for $65.00 for the individual product or installed by Corcoran Public Works for $150.00. Please call 763-420-2288 for more informatfon or to request installatfon. • Page 9 Winter/Spring 2020 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Parks & Recreation Corcoran Skating Rinks Corcoran's skatfng rinks offer fun and recreatfon for cold weather enthusiasts of all ages. Building and maintaining the rinks depends on many variables. To start making ice, crews need temperatures to be around zero to – 10 degrees F for about one week and frozen ground approximately four inches deep. The crews then establish a six- inch base, which will help rinks survive most warm snaps. The final step is to build a smooth “finish surface” on the ice. Corcoran ice rinks typically open for the season late December, and weather permitting, will remain open untfl late February. Depending on weather conditfons, the Public Works crew generally cleans and resurfaces the rinks daily, Monday through Friday and weekend mornings (roads and public safety are first prioritfes). Pending and current inclement weather can cause the rinks and shelter to be temporarily closed. A “closed” sign will be posted on the shelter door and will also be updated on the weather line. Warming house hours are: 11:00 am — 9:00 pm weekends and holidays; 4:00 pm — 9:00 pm weekdays. For the most accurate and up to date information on warming house and ice rinks closings call the Weather Line at 763-400-7025. Adopt-a-Spot Do you have a favorite area of Corcoran that you want to have a positfve impact on? Consider adoptfng that spot! Coming to Corcoran is a new program, Adopt-a-Spot. Individuals or organizatfons will have the optfon to adopt a road, park, or trail and host a minimum of two clean-ups per year. Partfcipants are required to sign a waiver and follow a list of guidelines during clean ups. Field and Park Shelter Rental Available City Park is a wonderful spot to host your family gathering whether it be a graduatfon party, family reunion, birthday party, etc. With a park shelter, softball fields, tennis and volleyball courts, your next gathering is sure to be a hit! The City of Corcoran is currently acceptfng reservatfons for the 2020 season. Park Shelter/Picnic Facility rental fees: Park Shelter $100.00 (per use/per day) Ballfields/Soccer Fields $30.00 (6 hour usage) Lion’s Field $30.00 (Addl. $30.00 per game for lights) Tennis Courts $30.00 (All courts — 4 hour usage) Volleyball Court $30.00 (4 hour usage) For more informatfon, contact Recreatfon Coordinator Jessica Christensen Buck at jchristensenbuck@ci.corcoran.mn.us or visit ci.corcoran.mn.us and select Departments — Parks and Recreation — Park Shelter / Ball Fields. Hockey Sticks and Pucks Wanted! The City is looking for hockey stfcks and pucks for individuals to use at the ice rinks. If you have hockey stfcks and pucks you no longer use and would like to donate, bring them to City Hall or to the ice rinks at 20200 County Road 50, Corcoran, MN. • Page 10 Winter/Spring 2020 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Parks & Recreation Area Snowmobile Trails Sponsored by: Northwest Trails Association Corcoran’s snowmobile trails are setup and maintained by the Northwest Trails Associatfon. Northwest Trails is an organizatfon of enthusiastfc and committed snowmobilers in Hennepin County and the northwest suburbs of Minneapolis, MN. Northwest Trails Associatfon was formed as a non-profit volunteer organizatfon in 1973. Northwest Trails has created over 150 miles of groomed trails throughout northwestern Hennepin County for all to enjoy. Permission to construct and maintain these trails has been granted by private landowners as well as government agencies. Our trail runs through Hennepin County and the park reserves of: Baker, Crow-Hassan, and Elm Creek. The Wright Country Trail System is accessible from several locatfons. Our success with the trail system and the acknowledgement of snowmobiling as a sport, is attributed to the willingness of landowners who let snowmobilers travel on their private property. We, as an associatfon, are very grateful to all the landowners for extending this privilege to Northwest Trails and the snowmobilers who use the trails. It takes many hours of volunteered labor to mark and maintain our trail system throughout the year. Trail signs are set up in October for the December 1 trail opening and will be removed in April. The trails are groomed using a modern Tucker Sno-Cat and our custom built drags. Being a member of the Northwest Trails Associatfon is a way to promote safe, responsible snowmobiling as well as supportfng a good local trail system for snowmobiling. Spring Baseball Registration It’s tfme to start thinking about spring baseball! Registratfon will be available for t-ball (4-5 years old), coach pitch (6-7 years old), and machine pitch (8- 10) years old. Residents of Corcoran receive priority registratfon startfng on Monday, January 6 through Sunday, January 12 both online and in -person. Online priority registratfon will require residents to use the password “Corcoran” to begin the registratfon process. Registratfon opens to all on Monday, January 13 and runs through Friday, February 28 (or untfl filled). Registratfons and can be completed online at ci.corcoran.mn.us and select Departments — Parks and Recreation or in person at City Hall. The seasons run from late April/early May through the end of June. Registratfon for machine pitch includes the opportunity to partfcipate in the mid-season jamboree against other teams in the league! Volunteer coaches are needed – if interested, be sure to mark it on your child’s registratfon! Volunteer coaches receive one registratfon refund at the end of the season per each team coached. Summer Soccer Residents of Corcoran receive priority registratfon startfng on Monday, April 6 through Sunday, April 12 both online and in-person. Online priority registratfon will require residents to use the password “Resident” to begin the registratfon process. Registratfon opens to all on Monday, April 13 and runs through Tuesday, May 19 (or untfl filled). Registratfons can be completed online at ci.corcoran.mn.us and select Departments — Parks and Recreation — Soccer Registration and Information or in person at City Hall. The soccer season will run from Thursday, July 9 to August 20—27 depending on the weather. Volunteer coaches are needed – if interested, be sure to mark it on your child’s registratfon! Volunteer coaches receive one registratfon refund at the end of the season. Questions regarding Parks & Recreation facilities and programs? Contact: Jessica Christensen Buck, Recreation Coordinator at jchristensenbuck@ci.corcoran.mn.us or 763-400-7034 • Page 11 Winter/Spring 2020 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us 2020 Corcoran Recycling Schedule For more information regarding recycling, contact Randy’s Environmental Services at 763-972-3335 or visit their website at www.randyssanitatfon.com 7 Things You’re Recycling Wrong Source: Randy’s Environmental Services Car Parts Brake rotors, wheels & tfres, batteries, and other metal car parts aren't recyclable in curbside recycle carts. The only metal materials that can be recycled are generally food packaging, such as aluminum beverage cans and metal food cans. Heavy metal parts should be taken to a scrap metal dealer, and a person could fetch a pretty penny. 1 lb Propane Tanks Any kind of compressed gas tank in your recycle cart is UNSAFE. This includes the likes of refillable propane tanks used for camp stoves, disposable propane canisters, butane canisters, helium balloon tanks, and oxygen tanks. These pose massive health and safety risks. Compressed gas cylinders could rupture and catch fire, so it’s vital that they’re disposed of properly at a safe drop-off locatfon! Plastic Gas Cans Similar to propane tanks, plastfc gas cans pose a large risk of explosion and fire! Plastic Landscape edging This type of plastfc is rarely labeled with a Resin Identfficatfon Code (recycle number) which is needed to identffy the type of plastfc for proper recycling. In additfon, this material is usually quite dirty and the processing lines can’t handle all the shapes and sizes! Plastic toys These are another item that can’t be recycled because one toy will often contain a variety of different plastfc types. In order for a plastfc item to be recycled, it must first contain only one type plastfc, making plastfc toys nearly impossible to recycle in a residentfal curbside recycle program. Lithium Batteries No batteries are allowed in your curbside recycle cart, and Lithium Batteries are perhaps the most dangerous. For starters, they're often filled with acid and some types can start fires when they get smashed with other recyclables. Lithium-ion batteries usually contain a metal coil and a flammable lithium-ion fluid. Tiny metal fragments float in the liquid. The contents of the battery are under pressure, so if a metal fragment punctures a partftfon that keeps the components separate or the battery is punctured in our truck or recycling facility, the lithium reacts with water in the air vigorously, generatfng high heat and often a fire! Plastic Bags This one might surprise people – it’s a commonly made mistake when recycling. No plastfc bags are able to be recycled at standard recycling facilitfes. Not only are they not recyclable at single sort recycle facilitfes, but when people put them in the cart loose, they cause havoc on the equipment and cause down tfme to untangle locked gears. Curbside recycling is collected and processed at Material Recovery Facilitfes (MRF’s). One of the common items that we find in the recycling stream are consumer plastfc bags. i.e. Target bags, Wal-Mart bags, etc. These plastfc bags cause havoc on the sortfng facility and create increased downtfme. Please, do not place loose bags in your recycle cart. Plastfc bags and wrap can be brought to retailers that offer plastfc bag recycling, such as grocery and department stores. Environmental • Page 12 Winter/Spring 2020 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Environmental Preventing Winter Watershed Pollution Source: www.elmcreekwatershed.org We all live in a watershed, and protectfng our watershed is everyone’s responsibility. The Elm Creek Watershed Management Commission (ECWMC) is the regional governmental unit responsible for protectfng the water resources of the Elm Creek Watershed, located in Hennepin County. Corcoran comprises 36.06 square miles of the 130.61 square miles of the Elm Creek Watershed. During the winter months, follow the guidelines below to help reduce illicit discharge into our watershed: • Rock and/or sidewalk salt ends up in our ground water. Remember a little sidewalk salt goes a long way, and shoveling before you salt will help reduce contaminated runoff. Rock and/or sidewalk salt is only effectfve when the temperature is above 15 degrees F. Recommended applicatfon after shoveling snow and scraping ice, is about a handful per square yard treated. Use only enough of the deicer product to break the ice/surface bond, then remove slush by shoveling. • Limit the use of sand. Sand increases the amount of sediment in our streams, lakes and rivers, and degrades important habitat for aquatfc organisms. Sand only provides tractfon, and does not melt ice. What is Illicit Discharge? Illicit discharge is defined as non-storm water that discharges into our watersheds, and comes in many forms. The runoff from washing your car, pressure washing your patfo furniture, deck or driveway, over watering of lawns, septfc systems that are not operatfng correctly, and swimming pool discharges are all forms of illicit discharge. Livestock farms that do not properly dispose of manure or runoff from barns, are also forms of illicit discharge and contribute to pollutfng of creeks and streams that flow into main watersheds. Minnesota's Buffer Initiative Minnesota’s Buffer Law requires perennial vegetatfve buffers of up to 50 feet along lakes, rivers, and streams and buffers of 16.5 feet along ditches. These buffers help filter out phosphorus, nitrogen and sediment. As of July 2019, approximately 98% of parcels adjacent to Minnesota waters are compliant with the Buffer Law. With the winter season upon us, ice and snow accumulatfon is a reality. Dealing with slippery driveways and walkways can be challenging, but with a little advance planning you can help in protectfng our local lakes and streams! Salt provides a quick and easy way to melt ice, but did you know that the salt you lay down on your driveway, sidewalk, or steps eventually makes its way into lakes and streams where it hurts fish, birds, and aquatfc plants and insects? One tea- spoon of salt permanently pollutes five gallons of water because once it’s in the water, it is too costly to remove on a large scale. Additfonally, all that salt we are laying down is damaging our lawn and landscaping, corroding cars and infrastruc- ture, and hurtfng our pets’ paws. As you prepare for hostfng, make sure you have the right tools in your tool belt for managing snow and ice: • Shovel after snowfall: the proper shovel (or snow blower) can make all the difference! Shoveling regularly will reduce the need for salt. Ergonomic shovels will make the job easier on your back. • Sand: Use sand for tractfon, only if needed, when the temperature drops below 15 degrees F. Salt does not work in temperatures less than 15 degrees F. • Apply the right product and spot treat areas: All salt is not the same. Some, like calcium chloride, work to colder temperatures, but may have other side effects like leaving a slimy residue. Check the label before you purchase so you know what kind of deicer it is and if it will work for your purposes. • Use just a little and disperse evenly without piles: You don’t need to put down much salt to get ice to melt and applying more doesn’t mean faster meltfng. Aim for a spread of three inches between salt crystals. A 12-oz. mug holds about one pound of salt, which is enough for 250 square feet (approximately two parking spaces). • Sweep and reuse: Extra salt and sand that is visible on dry pavement can be swept up and reused. This helps keep it out of the storm drain and will save you money in the long run! • Hire a certified professional: Smart saltfng winter maintenance contractors have gone through training to learn proper winter maintenance and salt applicatfon. You can find a list of certffied professionals on the MPCA website: http:// www.pca.state.mn.us/. Learn more about using salt safely at www.minnehahacreek.org/salt. Smart Salting Source: Minnehaha Creek Watershed District • Page 13 Winter/Spring 2020 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Corcoran Happenings NW Area Jaycees and Parks and Trails Commission Donate Shade Trees Sponsored by: NW Area Jaycees and Corcoran Parks and Trails Commission For the past several years, the Parks and Trails Commission has given away shade tree saplings to Corcoran residents made possible with funds donated by the Northwest Area Jaycees. Varietfes offered include deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs. The trees will be given away at the City Park skatfng rinks/ warming house shelter located at 20200 County Road 50 in late April. In an effort to increase distributfon of these trees, Parks and Trails Commission will accept orders for up to five trees as long as supply lasts. To order, or for more informatfon and delivery date, email Tom Anderson at trees4corcoran@yahoo.com or call 763- 428-2559. For your larger projects you can order additfonal trees from Wright County Soil and Water Conservatfon District. Please view their website at www.wrightswcd.org/tree_program.html for complete informatfon. Trees come in bundles of 25 per species and Tree Order Forms are mailed out in February. Call 763-682-1970 with any questfons. Corcoran residents interested in purchasing larger bare root trees and shrubs should watch the City of Plymouth for updates in March on the annual tree and shrub sale. Prices vary depending on variety. To purchase trees directly through the DNR nursery, visit: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/nursery/index.html. Lawns to Legumes Program Source: MN Board of Water and Soil Resources The Lawns to Legumes program offers a combinatfon of workshops, coaching, plantfng guides and cost-share funding for installing pollinator- friendly natfve plantfngs in residentfal lawns. The program also includes a public educatfon campaign to raise awareness for pollinator habitat projects and will establish demonstratfon neighborhoods that showcase best practfces. Funding is provided through the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) and will be targeted in priority areas to benefit the Rusty patched bumblebee and other at-risk species. The program has three components: • Grants to demonstratfon neighborhoods. • Grants and coaching for individual landowners. • Outreach and educatfon for all interested Minnesota residents. Minnesota residents can apply to be reimbursed for up to $350 in costs associated with establishing pollinator habitat in their yards. Applicatfons for the first round of funding will be accepted through February 28, 2020. Funding decisions and all notfficatfons will be emailed in March for Spring 2020 installatfons. Visit: bwsr.state.mn.us/lawns-legumes- your-yard-can-bee-change for more informatfon and additfonal updates about the program. CROSS Meals on Wheels What is Meals on Wheels? CROSS Meals on Wheels offers delivery of hot, ready-to-eat meals to elderly, disabled, and homebound individuals living in Corcoran, Maple Grove, Osseo, Rogers, and Dayton. When are meals delivered? Meals are delivered between 11 am to 12:30 pm Monday through Friday. What type of food is served? Meals are a main entrée, vegetable, bread, dessert, fruit, and milk. Can relatives sign up their loved ones? Family members are encouraged to contact CROSS to obtain informatfon about enrolling loved ones. How much does it cost? With the new sliding fee program, the home delivered meal program is now open to more community members, the meal price determined on eligibility to pay and need. Do you need volunteers? As our program grows, so does the need for volunteer drivers. Whether once a month or once a week, CROSS will work around your schedule. Drivers must have their own vehicle, driver’s license and insurance. Based in Rogers, CROSS Services in a nonprofit organizatfon serving families and individuals for 42 years. For more informatfon, contact CROSS at 763-425-1050, info@CROSSservices.org, or visit www.CROSSservices.org. • Page 14 Winter/Spring 2020 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Corcoran Happenings NW Area Jaycees Scholarships Available Sponsored by: NW Area Jaycees The Northwest Area Jaycees will be awarding up to $15,000 in scholarship monies to graduatfng senior high school students. All applicants must reside within Corcoran city limits and will be contfnuing onto their college educatfon during the entfre Fall 2020—Spring 2021 school year. The applicatfons are scored on the following: Academics, Leadership, Community Involvement, and Financial Need. Complete all questfons, including teacher recommendatfon letter, high school transcript and student applying must sign the applicatfon in the space provided. The Scholarship Committee will notffy all applicants of scholarship status via mail and/or email. All questfons must be answered on separate paper and typed. All unanswered segments of the applicatfon will be scored as zero. View the link below for the scholarship applicatfon: http://nwareajaycees.org/wp- content/uploads/2017/02/NW-Area-JCs-sholarship-applicatfon.pdf. Visit nwareajaycees.org for informatfon regarding the spring deadline for completed scholarship applicatfons and awards ceremony. Corcoran Lions Scholarship Program Sponsored by: Corcoran Lions The Corcoran Lions are excited to offer their 32nd annual scholarship program. Each year it is a great opportunity to be able to help our youth with the opportunity to further their educatfon. As in past years, the basic rules remain the same and they are as indicated below. The Corcoran Lions Club awards scholarships to graduatfng seniors who live in the City of Corcoran. This year the Lions will have the 11th annual Bill Schalo Scholarship. The Bill Schalo scholarship is given based on community service in Corcoran. This scholarship is given in memory of the Lions’ fellow member who gave so freely to our community for so many years. The scholarships are based on academic, leadership, service to the community and a need basis. The graduate must attend college, junior college, university, trade or vocatfonal school in the year directly following graduatfon to receive the award. Applicatfons can be found on the Lions website at www.corcoranlions.com or at or the following high school offices Buffalo, Delano, Maple Grove, Mayer Lutheran, Osseo, Rockford, Wayzata, Providence Academy, and West Lutheran High School. If a student attends a high school outside of the area or has been home-schooled and stfll resides in the City of Corcoran, he or she is eligible for a scholarship. Email questfons and forms to Jerry Cain at jerryjcain@gmail.com. The Corcoran Lions Club is a service that helps build communitfes through events, donatfons and assistance. The Lions Club makes donatfons to many organizatfons in our community, which includes the police and fire and City Hall. Their goal is to encourage new memberships and promote events held at the Corcoran Lions Park. If you are interested in becoming a Lions member, visit their website, contact a current member or stop by one of the meetfngs held at the Corcoran City Hall at 7:00 pm, on the first and third Tuesday of each month. For more informatfon about the Corcoran Lions visit their website at www.corcoranlions.org. Visit www.corcoranlion.org for informatfon regarding the spring deadline for completed scholarship applicatfons. Local High School Scholarship Info Links For more information on available scholarships for graduating high school seniors, please visit the appropriate school district scholarship pages: • Buffalo HS Scholarships bhmschools.org/scholarships- information • Delano HS Scholarships delano.k12.mn.us/high-school/ student-services/counselors-corner/ scholarships • Osseo HS Scholarships schools.district279.org/oalc/ students/scholarships • Rockford HS Scholarships Rockford.k12.mn.us/page/726 • Wayzata HS Scholarships wayzataschools.org/whs/families/ counseling/paying-for-college Social Media Information City of Corcoran The City of Corcoran began a City social media presence in 2017, and shares informatfon on Facebook and Twitter regarding emergency informatfon, City Council and Commission informatfon, special events, and other happenings around the community. View or follow the links below for more informatfon. Facebook: facebook.com/CorcoranMN/ Twitter: twitter.com/CorcoranMNCity Corcoran Police Department The Corcoran Police Department uses social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter to provide two-way communicatfon with the public regarding emergency informatfon, weekly press releases, special events, and other happenings around the community. View or follow the links below for more informatfon. Facebook: facebook.com/pages/Corcoran- Police-Department/459695357400188 Twitter: twitter.com/corcoranpolice • Page 15 Winter/Spring 2020 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Election Information Presidential Nomination Primary Source: Office of Minnesota Secretary of State In March 2020, Minnesota will hold a presidential nomination primary to vote for each major party’s nominee for President. MARCH 3, 2020 • Polling place hours: 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. • Find your polling place and learn how to vote early in person or by mail at mnvotes.org. • Absentee votfng begins January 17, 2020. THE BALLOT • Only major politfcal partfes will partfcipate; each party has its own ballot with only their candidates listed. • You will be required to request only one party’s ballot when you vote, whether absentee or in-person at your polling place. • Your ballot will only list nominees for President for the party you requested. • A record of which party’s ballot you selected will be made available to the ma- jor political parties. • Each major party chair will submit a list of candidates for their party, and will decide if there will be a write-in space on their party’s ballot. • The presidentfal nominatfon primary results will determine Minnesota’s dele- gates for each major party. WHAT HAPPENED TO PRECINCT CAUCUSES? • Precinct caucuses and local and state nominatfng conventfons will take place for other party business. • Precinct caucuses are meetfngs run by state politfcal partfes. They are the first in a series of meetfngs where partfes may endorse candidates, select dele- gates, and set goals and prioritfes (party platiorms). • 2020 precinct caucuses will be held on Tuesday, February 25 at 7:00 pm. Cau- cus locatfons will be posted at mnvotes.org shortly before the caucus date. WHY THE CHANGE? • In 2016, the Minnesota legislature passes a law establishing a presidentfal nominatfon primary (Minnesota Statues Chapter 207A and Minnesota Rules Chapter 8215). • The State Primary Electfon will be held August 11, 2020 for offices other than President. QUESTIONS? • Visit mnvotes.org for more informatfon on votfng and electfons. • Contact your county electfon office (list available at mnvotes.org). • Minnesota Secretary of State: 651-215-1440 or electfons.dept@state.mn.us Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State mnvotes.org — 1-877-600-VOTE Election Registration Information Voter Registratfon is required prior to castfng your ballot. To register, complete a Minnesota Voter Registratfon Applicatfon by mail, in person, or online at mnvotes.org. You may also register on Electfon Day at your polling place with required informatfon to prove your residency. To register, you must be: • A U.S. citfzen. • At least 18 years old on Electfon Day. • A resident of Minnesota for 20 days. • Finished with all parts of any felony sentence. • You can vote while under guardianship unless a judge specifically has revoked your right to vote. • You cannot vote if a court has ruled that you are legally incompetent. If you have moved, changed names, or haven't voted within four years, you must update your registration by completing a new registration application. Absentee Voting Absentee Vote via Mail Absentee ballots are available 46 days prior to the electfon. If you are unable to vote in person at City Hall, visit mnvotes.org to complete the absentee ballot applicatfon process online. If you’re unable to complete the applicatfon online, you can pick up an applicatfon at Corcoran City Hall or call 763-400-7029 to request that an absentee ballot applicatfon be sent to you. Upon receipt of completed and signed applicatfon, your absentee ballot will be sent to you. Vote Absentee in Person Corcoran residents can absentee vote for the presidentfal nominatfon primary at Corcoran City Hall startfng Friday, January 17, 2020. Hours for votfng are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday and closed Saturday and Sunday. City Hall will be open extended hours for absentee votfng for the primary electfon 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday, February 29, 2020. City Hall will also remain open Monday, March 2, 2020 untfl 5:00 pm. 8200 County Road 116 Corcoran, MN 55340 PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID ROGERS, MN PERMIT NO. 98 General Information • Page 16 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Winter/Spring 2020 City of Corcoran Main Office — 763-420-2288 Monday- Friday 8:00 am — 4:00 pm City of Corcoran meetfngs can be viewed via video links at ci.corcoran.mn.us Upcoming Meetings Planning Commission Meetings Feb 6, Mar 5 & Apr 2 7:00 pm Parks & Trails Commission Meetings Feb 20, Mar 19 & Apr 16 7:00 pm Corcoran City Council Meetings Jan 9 & 23, Feb 13 & 27, Mar 12 & 26, Apr 6 & 23 7:00 pm Corcoran News is published quarterly by the City of Corcoran to update residents and businesses on city government news. City Council Ron Thomas, Mayor rthomas@ci.corcoran.mn.us Jonathan Bottema, Councilor jbottema@ci.corcoran.mn.us Brian Dejewski, Councilor bdejewski@ci.corcoran.mn.us Alan Schultz, Councilor aschultz@ci.corcoran.mn.us City Administrator Brad Martens 763-400-7030 bmartens@ci.corcoran.mn.us City Website www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Monthly Water and Sewer Bills The City of Corcoran offers a direct payment ACH optfon for monthly city sewer and water bills. Direct payment ACH guarantees bills are paid in full and on tfme each month by automatfcally deductfng payment from a checking or savings account. Please email utflitybilling@ci.corcoran.mn.us for more informatfon on how to enroll. In additfon, the City of Corcoran also offers online credit card payments as another method of payment besides cash or check. Visit the following web address to use online credit card payments: https://cityofcorcoran.revtrak.net. Save the Date: April 9 — Open Book Meeting The Open Book meetfng is an opportunity for residents to discuss their property value. For more informatfon on the process, see the Hennepin County Assessor’s Office website at: hennepin.us/residents/ property/ property-value. Open Book Meeting Information: April 9, 2020 5:30 pm — 7:00 pm Corcoran City Hall 8200 County Road 116, Corcoran, MN City Assessor’s Office: Rolf Erickson 763-473-3978 Spring 4-Ton Road Restrictions As a reminder, the spring road restrictfons will be enforced this spring. A majority of the city streets in Corcoran will be posted at four-tons per axle. If you have a delivery, questfons about accessing posted roads, or need a permit, contact City Hall at 763-420-2288. Visit www.ci.corcoran.mn.us for more updates. Hennepin County Battery Recycling Discontinued Due to potentfal fire risks, Hennepin County discontfnued collectfng batteries at public buildings, including the drop-off locatfon at Corcoran City Hall. Residentfal battery drop-off is stfll available free of charge at both Hennepin County Drop-off facilitfes in Bloomington and Brooklyn Center and at county household hazardous waste event collectfons. Learn more at hennepin.us/batteryrecycling.