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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-04 -- Spring-SummerSpring/Summer 2019 Retired American Flag Collection Location A collection box will be located at the Corcoran City Hall for residents to bring their tattered and torn American flags for retiring. A collection box will be located at Corcoran City Hall at 8200 County Road 116, Corcoran, from May 1-17, 2019. Once the flag collection is complete, the local area VFW will make sure each American flag is properly retired. Other local drop ofh locations include: Hamel VFW 19020 Hamel Road, Plymouth Loretto Fire Department 259 N Medina Street, Independence Long Lake Fire Department 340 Willow Drive N, Long Lake 2040 Corcoran Comp Plan Draft Available Online The previous comp plan for the City was completed in 2011 and reflected the com- munity’s vision through 2030. The 2040 Comp Plan update process began in 2017, and the final draft for the 2040 Comp Plan was approved by the City Council on February 14, 2019. The Metropolitan Council will review the plan and over the next 6 months and we anticipate a final adoption by the end of this year. Thank you to everyone who assisted, contribut- ed with ideas and suggestions, and at- tended community meetings to learn more about the 2040 Comp Plan for Cor- coran. Below is the link for the final draft: 2040 Comp Plan Final Draft www.ci.corcoran.mn.us CORCORAN NEWS Spring/Summer 2019 Corcoran, like all cities is challenged with balancing the ability for land owners to utilize their properties as best they can while still protecting the greater community. One of the areas that is particularly challenging is code enforcement. For many years the City has utilized a complaint based approach, in which resident complaints were responded to as they were received. While this certainly reduced the number of code violations we dealt with (127 in 2018), it certainly wasn’t uniform throughout the City and oflen put neighbors in a “do I complain and potentially have my neighbor mad at me or just let it go and be unhappy” decision point. Additionally, the complaint based approach doesn’t align well with the City’s mission statement, which includes a desired outcome of “A safe and clean community where residents can be proud to live, work, and play.” This year a new approach will begin at the direction of the City Council in which City stafh will begin proactively going out in the community and looking for some code violations. The specific focus for 2019 year will be properties with excessive “junk” or multiple code violations. Properties will be viewed from the street and once violations are found, the City will send a notice informing the property owner about the issue with a deadline for taking care of the violation. Complaints will also continue to be accepted and addressed as they come in. This will all take some time of course and I ask for your patience and understanding as we implement this new approach. I also ask that you take a look at your property and consider whether or not a little cleanup makes sense. We’re all in this together and have a shared responsibility to keep Corcoran as a great place to live. If you have questions on what is allowed or not allowed on your property please give City Hall a call at 763-420-2288. Additionally, if you have any questions or comments for the City Council or me please don’t hesitate to reach out. My contact information is 763-400-7030 or bmartens@ci.corcoran.mn.us. Sincerely, Brad Martens City Administrator City of Corcoran A New Approach to Code Enforcement in 2019 City Mission Statement The City of Corcoran will provide high quality public services in a cost effective, responsible, and professional manner in order to create a preferred environment to live, work, play and conduct business. Recycling Calendar Page 16 Page Public Safety 6 4 Page Environmental General Information Page 12 Page 2 Page 12 9 Page 8 Page Parks and Recreation 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 . Land Use Applications Lot Line Adjustment and Variance 6626 and 6628 Pioneer Trail  Council approved documents as presented. Final PUD Development Plan and Amendment, Final Plat, and Development Contract for Bass Lake Crossing 2nd Addition  Council approved the second addition consisting of 53 lots and allowed additional three stall garages as requested by applicant. Rezoning, Preliminary Plat, and Preliminary PUD Development Plan for Ravinia 11th Addition  Council approved project as presented creating 14 lots; discussed setback distances between homes. Preliminary Plat Extension Request -- Sawgrass  Council approved an extension of the preliminary plat for the Sawgrass development until February 29, 2020. 20801 Larkin Road Preliminary Plat  Council approved the preliminary plat creating two single family home lots. Preliminary Plat, Final Plat and Variances for Dahlheimer Farms at 20702 County Road 50  Approved the project which created one five acre lot and an out lot of the farm land. Bee Ordinance  Council provided feedback on proposed changes to the animal ordinance regarding bees.  Council held a public hearing and approved an ordinance update to allow bee keeping in all zoning districts with certain conditions. County Road Trail Corridor Feasibility Study  Council authorized stafh to obtain quotes for feasibility study for trails on County roads and to seek financial support from Hennepin County. Oath of Office and Annual Appointments  City Clerk/Administrative Services Coordinator Beise administered oaths of office to Mayor Ron Thomas and Councilmembers Mike Keefe and Alan Schultz. Commission Appointments  Council held commissioner interviews for the Planning Commission.  Council re-appointed Dean Jacobs and Dorothy Theis to the Planning Commission.  Council directed stafh to drafl an ordinance update to allow for alternate commissioners.  Council re-appointed Tom Anderson and Deb Regan to the Parks and Trails Commission.  Council appointed John Dugan to the Parks and Trails Commission. Dayton Parkway Interchange Contribution Request  Council approved the Resolution committing $250,00 to the Dayton Parkway Interchange. Website Update Project  Council authorized stafh to execute an agreement with CivicLive for website redesign services, and implement a new website in 2019. Code Enforcement Report and Contract  Council received the annual code enforcement report and discussed the role of code enforcement in the community.  Council authorized stafh to execute a contract with Landform for assistance in code enforcement services. Tree Inventory/Forest Management Plan  Councilmember Bottema discussed request to a complete tree inventory and forest management for City owned properties. Page 5 Property Tax Valuation Important Reminders Public Works 7 Page www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Corcoran Happenings Environmental Most Requested Building Permit Fees Building a Deck? There are a lot of composite or “maintenance free” decking materials being sold at popular home improvement stores such as Menards, Home Depot, and Lowes, etc. These composites are not specifically approved by State Building Code and require testing, approvals, and licensing to prove they meet minimum Code standards. Some manufacturers do not have their product properly tested and licensed, which means they will not pass State Building Code and cannot be used. Others may require smaller joist spacing or special fasteners. contact Metro West Inspections at 763-479-1720 to check if your proposed product is an approved decking material. Reroofing, Re-siding $91 each Windows-in same openings $91 Furnace or A/C unit Replacement $76/unit Gas Fireplace $101 General Plumbing $51+ Water Heater Replacement $21 Water Soflener Replacement $16 *All of the above fees include the State Surcharge ($1) and can typically be issued immediately at City Hall. Accessory structures which do not exceed 120 square feet are exempt from building permits. These structures must still meet building code, setbacks, and zoning requirements. More questions? Contact Code Compliance Official Mike Pritchard at 763-400-7033. Building Permits City Updates Continued... Fast Fact: City Council Vision and Action Steps Council adopted the City’s 2019 Vision and Action Steps at the January 24 regular Council meeting. Visit www.ci.corcoran.mn.us for an outline of the City’s 2019 Vision and Action Steps. Page 3 Spring/Summer 2019 Work Plan for Establishing Water Supply System  Council reviewed drafl water supply plan and directed stafh to proceed. Housing For All  Councilmember Dejewski provided a recap of a recent Housing for All program meeting he attended and discussed the need for Council to plan for afhordable housing in Corcoran. City Hall Remodel  Council reviewed the drafl design of the future Council chamber and provided feedback on the design.  Council discussed various options for construction management for the remodel; directed stafh to look into the Sourcewell Cooperative. Staffing Updates  Council appointed Michelle Friedrich to Deputy Clerk upon the hiring of a new administrative assistant.  Council authorized recruitment for the administrative assistant position.  Council approved job descriptions for the Deputy Clerk, Administrative Services Director, and Administrative Assistant positions.  Council appointed Jessica Beise to Administrative Services Director as of April 6, 2019.  Council approved a conditional ofher to David Lang for the Public Works Maintenance Operator position. Wetland Conservation Act and Local Government Unit (LGU) Responsibilities  Council approved the Resolutions and Ordinance required for the City to assume responsibilities for wetland conservation act and LGU services in Corcoran. Park Planning Proposals  Council authorized stafh to proceed with Wenck Associates for planning services for City Park Master Plan. 2040 Comprehensive Plan  Council authorized the submittal of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan to the Metropolitan Council. Grant Applications and Funding Opportunities  Council directed stafh to submit a grant application for a sub watershed assessment.  Council authorized stafh to submit an application for planning assistance for the Town Square Park.  Council authorized stafh to proceed with a feasibility memo and seek grant funding for the downtown storm water improvement project.  Council authorized stafh to obtain quotes for a feasibility study for trails on County Roads and to seek financial support from Hennepin County. Assessment Policy Amendment  Council approved an amendment to the assessment policy updating which streets receive an overlay without an assessment. Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Allocation to Hennepin County  Council approved a resolution in support of additional transportation funding for Hennepin County. Did you miss the last Council meeting? You can view past Council meetings at the City of Corcoran website. Visit www.ci.corcoran.mn.us and click on the link within the View Council Meeting section to view the most recent Council meeting. Monthly Water and Sewer Bills The City of Corcoran ofhers a direct payment ACH option for monthly city sewer and water bills. Direct payment ACH guarantees bills are paid in full and on time each month by automatically deducting payment from a checking or savings account. Additional benefits of ACH direct payment include: saving money by not having to mail in a check, reduced stress, and convenience. Please email utilitybilling@ci.corcoran.mn.us for more information on how to enroll. In addition, the City of Corcoran also ofhers online credit card payments as another method of payment besides cash or check. Please go to the following web address if you would like to use online credit card payments: https:// cityofcorcoran.revtrak.net/. Park Shelter/Picnic Facility rental fees per day: Park Shelter $100.00 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 information, please contact Parks and Recreation Coordinator Jessica Christensen Buck at 763-400-7034. Park Shelter Rental  Page 3 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Fast Fact: Ways to Save Money on Water and Sewer Bills Source: https://www.thebalance.com/save-money-on-your-water-bill-1388747 To save money on monthly water and sewer bills, use the dishwasher to wash your dishes. A dishwasher cycle uses less water than handwashing does, but make sure the dishwater is full. For more money saving tips visit https://www.thebalance.com/save-money-on-your- water-bill-1388747. www.ci.corcoran.mn.us  Page 4 Spring/Summer 2019 Important Reminders Pet Waste Can Be Harmful Storm water can carry waste and other pollutants directly into waterways. Animal waste may contain harmful organisms and parasites such as roundworms and hookworms or Giardia, as well as bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli that can be transmitted to humans and animals. When animal waste washes into a stream, lake, or wetland, it breaks down using up oxygen and releasing other chemicals. No one likes the smell or to step in pet waste and spread it into homes, cars and businesses. Please clean up afler your pet when walking within Corcoran neighborhoods, on the shoulder of paved roads, and within the ditches of Corcoran’s many gravel roads. Your neighbors will appreciate your efhort and you will be helping to keep waste from Corcoran’s many watersheds. Some Helpful Tips On The Go Carry plastic bags in your pocket. The bag can be used to secure and pick-up waste to be thrown away in the garbage. At Home Clean-up and remove waste on a regular basis. Bag it and place it in the garbage. Landfills are designed to safely handle and contain waste such as cat litter, dirty diapers, etc. Consider Contracting With a Pet Waste Removal Service There are many products and DIY systems out there for pet waste-composting/digester systems (also known as “doggy septic systems”); however, these options are not recommended. The systems require a high level of maintenance and many times don’t work properly, and can be costly to remove. Pet waste materials need high and consistent amounts of heat to efhectively kill the dangerous organisms and breakdown waste properly. These systems are not recommended in areas with high water tables, low temperatures, or in soils with slow drainage. Page 4 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us View City Meetings Online Understanding the Assessment and Appeals Process Fast Fact: History of Corcoran Bicentennial Celebration Booklet In 1863 roads were a priority and had to be built in Corcoran. Residents could pay their quota in cash or work on the road. If they did neither, they were delinquent. The assessor classifies property according to its use. Each class of property (single- family home, apartment, cabin, farm, and commercial) has it own classification rate. The class rate is determined by the state legislature. Similar to market value, the class rate of your property plays a role in how much property tax you pay. Parcel Data for Taxes 2019: https://www.hennepin.us/ residents#property Homestead Information: https://www.hennepin.us/residents/ property/homestead Market value vs. property tax: https://www.hennepin.us/residents/ property/property-value#market-value www.ci.corcoran.mn.us  Page 5 Spring/Summer 2019 Open Book Meeting April 11, 2019 The Open Book meeting is an opportunity for residents to discuss their property valuation or classification. For more information on the process see the Hennepin County Assessor’s Office website at http://www.hennepin.us/ residents/property/property-value. Open Book Meeting Info April 11, 2019 5:30 pm — 7:00 pm Corcoran City Hall Community Room 8200 County Road 116 Corcoran, MN 55340 Notice of Valuation and Classification Each spring, the Hennepin County assessor will mail you a Notice of Valuation and Classification informing you of the market value and classification of your property. These were sent in early March by Hennepin County. Classification and Class Rates Role of the Property Tax Assessor http://www.revenue.state.mn.us/propertytax/factsheets/factsheet_12c.pdf The assessor has an important role in the property tax process, in that it is very important to make sure all property is valued at its market value and classified according to its use so the property tax levy is divided correctly among all taxable properties. The assessor does not determine your property taxes, and assessors do not raise revenue by increasing market values. Using a mass appraisal system and historical data, the assessor’s job is to estimate the market value of all properties on the assessment date of January 2 each year. The assessor considers the location of the property, the amount of land in each parcel, any improvements to the land, physical characteristics of the improvements (such as square footage, decks, porches, etc.) and the quality of construction. The property is then compared to similar properties in your area that have recently sold in order to determine the estimated market value. The assessor determines these factors each year, and they are shown annually on the Notice of Valuation and Classification. What if I disagree with how my property was assessed? If you have a disagreement over valuation or classification of your property, the first step is to contact your city assessor. Review and verify information with your city assessor such as dimensions, age, and condition of structures. Review records to determine the market value of similar properties in your neighborhood. Review sales data to find out what similar properties in your area are selling for. Ask the assessor to explain the criteria used for classifying your property. You may also review the classifications of other properties used in the same manner as yours. If your property has not been inspected recently, both interior and exterior, ask the assessor to come out to review your property. If your concern is not resolved afler conferring with the assessor, you may attend the Open Book meeting for Corcoran residents, scheduled on April 11. The assessor is not responsible for the dollar amount of taxes that you pay. Tax rates are determined by local taxing authorities (the city, the county, school districts, etc.). If you think your taxes are too high, you should make your opinion known to your taxing authorities during the budget meetings in September and December. For clarification on your property assessment, Corcoran City Assessor Rolf Erickson is available to answer questions at 763-473-3978. If you still disagree with your property tax assessment, appealing your assessment is the next step. You can appeal your assessment with the Hennepin County Board of Appeal and Equalization, which typically meets in June. By law, the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization cannot make a change favoring a taxpayer if the assessor is not allowed to inspect the property. You have the right to appeal your estimated market value and or property classification if you feel your property is:  Classified improperly  Valued at an amount higher or lower than you could sell your property for  Valued at a level difherent from similar property in your area Visit www.hennepin.us/residents/property/property-value for more information on the appeals process. Other Helpful Property Tax Links Page 5 Spring/Summer 2019 Community Safety Public Safety Free Car Seat Inspections The Corcoran Police Department ofhers free car seat inspections to Corcoran residents for car seats of all sizes. Car seat inspections are by appointment only. For more information, please visit www.ci.corcoran.mn.us or click on the link below. Car Seat Safety Inspections www.ci.corcoran.mn.us  page 6 Spring/Summer 2019 When Do I Call 911? By dialing 911, you can reach the police department, fire department, or an ambulance. When you call 911, a dispatcher connects you with the services you need. Dialing 911 is not only for emergencies such as medical, burglaries or fires, but also when you need any non-emergency police, fire or medical services. When the dispatcher answers they will ask you if it is an emergency and determine from there what services you need. If you’re not sure if you should call 911, it’s better to be safe than sorry. The dispatcher can help you determine if you need emergency assistance. Examples of when to call 911 would be a medical need such as a possible heart attack or stroke, trouble breathing; house or grass fire; domestic violence; burglary or thefl; car accidents; suspicious activities; anything else that may seem like an emergency or for police services. If you call the police administrative office with any of the above situations, you will be transferred to the Hennepin County Sherifh’s Emergency Communications/911 office to have the officer dispatched to your location. The Police Administrative Office is for administrative services such as registering for youth firearms training, permit to purchase applications, returning a police officer’s call, to find out about paying a citation, setting up house watches while you’re out of town, etc., and does not dispatch the officer for police calls. Do not call 911 for information when the power is out, when a streetlight is out, when your water pipes burst, to get a ride to an appointment, for paying tickets, for your pet, or as a prank. It is against the law to make a prank call to 911. It is a prank call when someone calls 911 as a joke or calls 911 and hangs up. If 911 lines or emergency operators are busy with prank calls, someone with a real emergency may not be able to get the necessary help. Hennepin County Sheriff’s 911 website link: http://www.hennepinsherifh.org/emergency-communications911 The Corcoran Police Department shares information on Facebook and Twitter regarding emergency information, weekly press releases, special events, and other happenings around the community. View or follow the links below for more information: Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Corcoran- Police-Department/459695357400188 Twitter: www.twitter.com/corcoranpolice Corcoran Police Social Media Spring Flooding Safety Tips Source: US Department of Homeland Security When spring hits, whether it’s “official” or feels like spring, many of us are eager to get out of the office and into the fresh air. However, too much rain or thawing snow afler a long winter can bring severe flooding. Floods are the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States. Here are some things to keep in mind as the spring flood season draws near. Never drive or walk through flooded streets. It only takes six inches of moving water to sweep a person ofh their feet (and not in the romantic way) and 12 inches to move a car. Remember, if a street is flooded, Turn Around; Don’t Drown. Talk with your family and make an emergency plan for you and your pets. No matter the disaster, it’s always a good idea to have emergency supplies ready at home, at work, and in the car. You can learn more about the dangers of flooding and find information about flood insur- ance at Ready.gov/floods and Floodsmart.gov. Page 6 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us LED Streetlights Source: https://science.howstuffworks.com/ environmental/green-tech/sustainable/led- streetlight1.htm There are many advantages to LED streetlights. First and foremost they have extremely long lives, as they don’t have filaments that burn out and don’t contain toxic chemicals like mercury. LED lights can last 100,000 hours, be- coming environmentally friendly be- cause they need to be replaced less, and also give ofh less heat then other bulbs. LED lights are highly energy effi- cient. LEDS have double the energy efficiency of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), and use 15 percent of the ener- gy of an incandescent bulb while gener- ating more light per watt. LEDs produce 80 lumens per watt; traditional street- lights can only muster 58 lumens per watt. Neighborhood Streetlights If you spot a street light that is not working in the Bass Lake Crossings or Ravinia new home developments, please report it to Wright Hennepin Electric at www.whe.org or by calling 763-477-3000. As security and street lights go out, the street light will be updated to LED lights. If there was damage done to one of the lights by a person, for example, if it is hit by a car, the cost of repairs is the responsibility of the person who dam- aged the light. Any resident can report problems with the streetlights. www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Public Works Information in this article was collected from: Bulletin No. 8 revised November 2003 © Copyright Wisconsin Transportation Information Center. Road Restriction Reminder In the spring of each year, Corcoran Public Works follows MNDOT’s guidelines for road restrictions throughout the City. Due to our geographic location, we follow the Metro Region for placing restrictions, but follow the Central Region for lifling restrictions. This involves flagging and posting signs at the entrances of these roads. Seasonal load limit road postings were posted and in efhect, on March 15, 2019, at 12:01 am. A vehicle cannot exceed a total of four tons per axle weight. Why do we have road restrictions? In spring, roads begin to thaw from both the top and bottom. As the frost/ice melts, water saturates the road’s base and subgrade. The layers lose strength, similar to a handful of mud compared to dry compacted soil, and as thawing continues, water becomes trapped in the upper sub-grade and is unable to drain away through the still frozen soils below. Pavements and gravel roads weaken considerably in a very short time under these conditions. These conditions can also occur during and afler periods of heavy rain, (more so on gravel roads). What causes the damage? Without adequate support, pavement deflects too much under heavy loads, and cracks or depressions develop. Gravel roads develop sofl spots and ruts as vehicle traffic compacts and displaces the over-saturated surface and subgrade. This degradation on both gravel and asphalt roads allows more moisture to penetrate, worsening the cycle until the road fails completely. According to tests by AASHTO (the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials), the amount of damage a road sustains is directly related to the weight of the large trucks and how oflen it is applied. Passenger autos and light duty vehicles are not a problem. It is large trucks carrying what would usually be legal weight loads, over weakened surfaces which cause the damage. When trucks carry loads that are heavier than the weight limit, the potential for damage is much higher. Another factor is the amount of weight and number of tires on each axle. Damage increases rapidly with higher axle loads and actually worsens at a faster rate than the load increases. A nine-ton axle load, for example, causes about ten times more damage than a five-ton axle load. Distributing a vehicle’s weight and its payload over more axles and tires assists in lightening the load at each point of contact, reducing damage to the road. Reducing Damage Imposing restrictions on truck weight limits is a reasonable and practical way to protect vulnerable local roads when they are at their weakest. Spring weight limits begin with the first thawing (typically early March) and continue until the road surface is again strong enough to carry normal loads (typically mid-May).  page 7 Spring/Summer 2019 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Page 7 Spring/Summer 2019 Parks & Recreation Parks and Trails Commission Donate Shade Trees Sponsored by the 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. Varieties ofhered include deciduous and evergreen trees as well as shrubs. The trees will be distributed at the City Park skating rinks/warming house shelter located at 20200 County Road 50 in late April. In an efhort to increase distribution 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 information and delivery date, email Tom Anderson at trees4corcoran@yahoo.com or call 763-428-2559. For your larger projects you can order additional trees from Wright County Soil and Water Conservation District. Please view their website at www.wrightswcd.org/tree_program.html for complete information. Cost of each tree is about $1.10 per tree, and need to be ordered in bundles of 25. Tree Order Forms are mailed out in February. Please call or email Eric at 763-682-1970 or eric.mattson@mn.nacdnet.net with any questions. Corcoran residents interested in purchasing larger bare root trees and shrubs should watch the City of Plymouth website at https://www.plymouthmn.gov/ departments/parks-recreation/forestry/ tree-sale for updates on the annual tree and shrub sale. Prices vary depending on variety. To purchase trees directly through the DNR nursery, please view the link below: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/ nursery/index.html. Summer Soccer Afler years of hard work, the Corcoran Soccer Association has passed the torch to the City of Corcoran to oversee the soccer program. Thank you so much to the Corcoran Soccer Association for all their dedicated years to the program and providing an enjoyable soccer experience to not only Corcoran residents, but the surrounding communities as well! New this season, residents will receive priority registration! Priority registration will be available for Corcoran residents on Thursday, April 11, from 8:00 am – 7:00 pm, and on Friday, April 12, from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, but is only available by coming into City Hall. Registration opens to all on Monday, April 15, and runs through May 19 (or until filled), and can be completed online by visiting www.ci.corcoran.mn.us or at City Hall. The soccer season will run from Thursday, July 11 to August 22-29, depending on the weather. Volunteer coaches are needed – if interested, be sure to mark that on your child’s registration! Volunteer coaches receive one registration refund at the end of the season. Fall Baseball Registration – Opens SOON! It’s time to start thinking about fall baseball! Registration opens to all on July 1 and runs through August 2 (or until filled), and can be completed online at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us or at City Hall. Bats, game balls, and helmets will be provided. Kids should bring their own gloves and water bottles. Registration will be available for t-ball (4-5 years old), coach pitch (6-7 years old), and machine pitch (8-10 years old). The season runs approximately five weeks from mid to late August, through the end of September, with no games or practices on Labor Day. Volunteer coaches are needed – if interested, be sure to mark that on your child’s registration! Volunteer coaches receive one registration refund at the end of the season. T-ball is scheduled on Monday nights, coach pitch on Wednesday nights, and machine pitch on Monday and Wednesday nights. NEW Adopt-A-Spot Do you have a favorite area of Corcoran that you want to make a positive impact on? Consider adopting to clean it up! Coming to Corcoran is a new program, Adopt-a-Spot. Individuals or organizations will have the option to adopt a road, park, or trail and host a minimum of 2 clean ups per year. Participants are required to sign a waiver and follow a list of guidelines during clean ups. For more information on the summer soccer program, or fall baseball registration, or Adopting-A-Spot in Corcoran, visit www.ci.corcoran.mn.us or contact Recreation Coordinator Jessica Christensen Buck at jchristensenbuck@ci.corcoran.mn.us. Page 8 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us 2019 Corcoran Event Calendar Apr 11: Open Book Meeting 5:30 pm — Community Room Apr 11: City Council Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chamber Apr 18: Parks & Trails Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Apr 25: City Council Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chamber May 2: Planning Commission Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers May 4: Corcoran Clean Up Day 8:00 am — Public Works Facility May 7: Lions Scholarship Ceremony 7:00pm — Corcoran Community Room May 9: City Council Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers May 16: Parks & Trails Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers May 23: City Council Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers May 27: Holiday — City Hall Closed Jun 6: Planning Commission Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Jun 13: City Council Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers June 20: Parks & Trails Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers June 27: City Council Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers July 4: Holiday — City Hall Closed Jul TBD: Planning Commission Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Jul 11: City Council Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Jul 18: Parks & Trails Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Jul 25: City Council Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers For the most up to date calendar information, visit www.ci.corcoran.mn.us and check out the Upcoming Events link. Bee Ordinance Protects Honey Bees in Corcoran The City Council passed a new bee ordinance at its February 28 meeting. The new ordinance incorporates many of the best practices found in other city ordinances around the Twin Cities. Responding to requests from the community, the Council formed a subcommittee last year to research beekeeping and a variety of ordinances. The drafl ordinance was reviewed by an expert beekeeper affiliated with the University of Minnesota Bee Lab prior to adoption. The new ordinance allows beekeeping in all zoning districts, including commercial, residential, public institutional, and agricultural areas. The minimum lot size for keeping hives is one acre, and the number of hives allowed is based on the size of the lot. No permit is required for keeping bees, but the ordinance does contain a number of required practices and regulations. For example, beekeepers must use a flyway barrier, essentially a fence or thick hedge six-feet high, between the hives and neighboring properties, if the hives are within twenty-five feet of the property line. When honeybees leave the hive to forage, afler flying at ground level for a few feet, they generally fly over 20 feet ofh the ground. The flyway barrier assures that they are at “cruising altitude” by the time they fly over neighbors’ properties. It is a little-known fact that honeybees do not sting while foraging, so when a neighbor’s honeybees visit your garden all they want is pollen and nectar, not you or the children! Honeybees only sting in defense of their hives – a good reason to leave the hives alone. Wasps do sting away from their nests, and unfortunately it is the wasps that cause an undeserved, bad reputation for other harmless pollinators like honeybees. Have you ever seen a bee swarm? These dense clusters of bees, appearing throughout the summer, occur when a successful bee colony has outgrown it’s hive space. Sensing the overcrowded conditions, the colony starts to raise a new queen, the old queen grows her wings out (she’s usually flightless) and she loses a little weight. The old queen flies out with half the workers and they form the swarm cluster, very near the old hive and usually hanging from a branch. The old queen is at the center of the cluster and the workers on the outside fly around the area looking for a new, suitable hive location. Once a new hive spot is found (it only takes a day or two), the cluster flies all at once to the new hive ands sets up housekeeping. Meanwhile, a newly raised queen has taken over the old hive along with the stay-behind workers. Clusters are extremely important and nature’s way of propagating bee colonies. If you see a cluster, do not disturb it! Enjoy the spectacle and know that within a day or two, it will disappear on its own. If the cluster is in a spot that can’t be avoided or is in danger of disruption, contact the Corcoran police department or City Hall and they will notify beekeepers experienced with removing clusters. And remember this – honeybees do not sting while swarming. They simply want to find a new home, they want to be lefl alone and they aren’t interested in bothering you! For information on the new bee ordinance, including the standards and regulations for beekeeping in Corcoran, you can contact City Hall. If you have any questions about honeybees or beekeeping, feel free to send an email to corcoranbeeclub@gmail.com. Enjoy the Summer, and welcome the bees to your garden! Environmental Information Courtesy of Corcoran Bee Club Page 9 Spring/Summer 2019 Environmental Updates  page 8 Winter 2015 Wetland Signs Identify Protected Areas To help Corcoran residents better identify protected wetland areas near their property, the City of Corcoran is posting wetland signs which designate areas that are protected and should not be cut, mowed, filled or changed in any way. The city of Corcoran continues to coordinate efhorts with the Elm Creek Watershed Commission in helping protect our local streams and watersheds. The signs will be a marker reminding residents to help protect our community and environment. For more information on wetland or bufher systems, please visit the links below: Elm Creek Watershed www.elmcreekwatershed.org City of Corcoran www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Under Services, choose Environmental and then Storm Water. City of Corcoran LGU Services https://www.ci.corcoran.mn.us/index.asp? SEC=146EE608-A2DE-40E7-8B27- 2236EFABAE77&Type=B_BASIC University of Minnesota Agricultural Extension Service www.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/ For information about manure management, choose Crops and then Nutrient Management. Hennepin County – Protecting land and water http://www.hennepin.us/residents/ environment/protecting-land-water Includes home landscaping tips, a landowner guide, and more. Many Routes to Clean Water In some places the clean water route is rather short and fast. In newer neighborhoods, runofh flows over paved streets and driveways to storm water drains and storm sewers to ponds, wetlands, or streams. The new Ravinia development in southeast Corcoran is a good example. The Ravinia neighborhood has curbs, gutters, and catch basins connecting to storm sewer pipes that carry runofh to several storm water wetlands. In other places, the route is perhaps less obvious. In non-suburban areas of the city, there are no storm sewer systems like the kind found in the Ravinia neighborhood. Instead of catch basins and pipes, there are ditches and ditched sections of streams that accept overland runofh and carry it to Elm Creek, Rush Creek, Jubert Lake, or one of Corcoran’s many wetlands. Most of the city has this type of drainage system. No matter which path is taken, it’s important to keep runofh and meltwater as clean as we can, for a variety of reasons. For one thing, preventing spills, wastes, sediment, and other contaminants from entering our storm drainage system saves money. Polluted lakes and streams must be cleaned if they fall below water quality standards, and the cost is borne in part by the city – in other words, by residents of Corcoran. See the related article about the Rush Creek Headwaters Sub Watershed Assessment or by viewing http://bit.ly/2nff3iS. There are many other reasons, of course, ranging from preventing floods caused by plugged ditches to wanting the next generations to enjoy healthy lands and waters. For whichever reason you think is important, your actions matter. Take a look at the practices below, and if they apply to you, adopt them. If you do, you will make a difherence. In places with curbs, catch basins, and storm sewers:  Clean up leaks of gasoline, oil, and other fluids from your cars and lawn equipment.  Wash your car on your lawn instead of on your driveway.  Sweep grass clippings ofh your street or driveway and put them back on your lawn.  Keep storm drains clear of leaves and other debris. In places with ditches and overland runoff:  Avoid placing leaves, grass clippings, or other wastes in ditches.  If you raise horses, cattle, pigs, chickens or other animals, follow recommended practices for manure management.  Check for and correct soil erosion, especially near ditches or streams. Find something suspicious in a storm drain or ditch? Call Mike Pritchard, the City of Corcoran Code Compliance Officer at 763-400-7033. If you want more information, come to City Hall to pick up brochures, visit the city’s website, or visit the websites of other organizations that provide information about storm water pollution prevention. For more information visit the links in the blue sidebar on the lefl. Drainage ditches and storm water drains eventually empty into fresh water, such as this storm water wetland in the City Park. If you see garbage dumped in a ditch, please contact Zoning Official Mike Pritchard. www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Page 10 Fast Fact: A used aluminum can is recycled and back on the grocery shelf as a new can, in as little as 60 days. Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours — or the equivalent of a half a gallon of gasoline. Information from www.recycling-revolution.com Items Not Accepted at Clean Up Day Hazardous/Other Types of Waste Brushes, Paints, Stains, Oil/Oil Products, Household Garbage, Lawn and Garden Waste, Organics, Disposable Propane Tanks, and other Hazardous Waste. Hennepin County ofhers a facility for recycling and hazardous waste materials disposal, and is located on Jefherson Highway in Brooklyn Park. Call 612-348-3777 for information, or visit: http://www.hennepin.us/green-disposal- guide/household-hazardous-waste Needles and Sharps Disposal Efhective March 1, 2016, needles and sharps will be accepted from households for disposal at Hennepin County Drop Ofh Facilities in Brooklyn Park and Bloomington. Its important to manage and dispose of sharps (needles, lancets, and syringes) safely to prevent injury and disease transmission from needle-sticks. Follow the link below for a complete list of safe disposal options for sharps, including mail-in and destruction options, and the proper steps to utilize the drop ofh facilities: http://www.hennepin.us/green-disposal- guide/items/needles-sharps Electronics Best Buy charges customers $25 per TV (smaller than 32”) and computer monitor brought into their store for recycling (Limit of two per household per day). The fee helps cover the increasing cost of TV and computer monitor disposal. E-waste volume is rising while the need for recycled glass has declined. Best Buy continues to accept many electronics products such as batteries, ink cartridges, computers, printers and many other items needing to be recycled free of charge at all of their stores. www.ci.corcoran.mn.us  page 11 Spring/Summer 2019 Corcoran Clean Up Day 2019 City of Corcoran 2019 Clean Up Day Price List* Listed below are items accepted and the fee. Cash or Check Only Please. Proof of residence with driver’s license or other I.D. (*All Prices are subject to change) General Recyclable Steel (Scrap Metal) No Charge (Equipment and engines to be recycled must have all fluids drained) Upholstered Furniture/Mattress $32.00 (Each piece) (Mattresses, box springs, recliner/chair, etc.) Loveseat/Couch/Carpet $32.00 (Each piece) Misc. Junk (Price depends on amount) $12.00+ Level Pickup Box (Approx. 2 cu. yds.) $40.00 Level with Cab (Approx. 4 cu. yds.) $75.00 Tires Car $4.00 Pick-up Truck $4.00 Large Truck $10.00 Tractor Not Accepted (May bring to West Side Tire, 19925 75th Ave N, Corcoran) Appliances, Electronics, Etc. TV/Monitor (Tube style/CRT)  27” and smaller $30.00  28” and larger $40.00 Flat Panel LCD, LED, Plasma $15.00 Compressed Gas Appliances $20.00 (Refrigerator, Freezer, A/C, Dehumidifier, Etc.) General Appliances No Charge (Washer, Dryer, Stove, Dishwasher, Water Heater, Etc.) Batteries (Including automotive) No Charge Fluorescent Bulbs (Up to 8’) $1.00 (Each bulb) Propane Tank* (Valve must be removed or will not accept) No Charge *No disposable tanks The City of Corcoran’s Annual Clean Up Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 4, 2019, from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm, at the Public Works Facility located at 9100 County Road 19 in Corcoran. The City of Corcoran will be accepting appliances, electronics, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, tires, general junk and debris and scrap metal. There is a charge for many of these items. The City of Corcoran cannot accept hazardous materials such as paint, chemicals, oil, flammable liquids, disposable propane tanks, etc. Yard waste or other organic materials will not be accepted. Page 11 Spring/Summer 2019 The Elm Creek watershed in northern Hennepin County is approximately 83,600 acres and drains land from eight communities including Champlin, Corcoran, Dayton, Greenfield, Maple Grove, Medina, Plymouth, and Rogers. Land use throughout the watershed is highly variable and ranges from rural (predominantly row crop agricultural and hobby farms) to high density urban and commercial development. Based on the current comprehensive 2030 plans for the respective communities throughout the watershed, it is anticipated that much of the currently rural land will be converted to low and medium density residential land in the next 20 years (with increasing areas of high density residential and commercial development in specific areas). The watershed includes three major stream systems (Elm, Rush, and Diamond Creeks) that total over 41 stream miles. Major lake systems within the watershed include French, Diamond, Rice, Fish, Weaver, Henry, Cowley, Hayden, Lehman’s, Goose, Mud Lakes, and the Mill Ponds. To address water quality throughout the watershed, the Elm Creek Watershed Management Commission in collaboration with Three Rivers Park District, Hennepin County Environmental Services, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), United States Department of Geological Services (USGS), and the Metropolitan Council has conducted a series of monitoring and assessment studies. Previous studies include a longitudinal channel stability and erosion study; fish and invertebrate Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) studies; invertebrate monitoring through the Stream Health Evaluation Program (SHEP) and River Watch; maintenance of a long-term, USGS stream gauging/water quality monitoring station; and a watershed-wide Surface Water Assessment Grant. Based on the results of this work, seven waterbodies (Diamond, Fish, Weaver and French Lakes and Elm, Rush and Diamond Creeks) are currently listed as impaired for dissolved oxygen, biota, nutrients, or mercury by MPCA. Elm Creek Watershed General Info Corcoran Happenings  page 12 Spring/Summer 2019 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us NW Area Jaycees 2019 Scholarships Available Sponsored by the NW Area Jaycees The Northwest Area Jaycees will be awarding up to $20,000 in scholarship monies to graduating senior high school students. All applicants must reside within Corcoran city limits and will be continuing onto their college education during the entire Fall 2019 -Spring 2020 school year. The applications are scored on the following: Academics, Leadership, Community Involvement, and Financial Need. Complete all questions, including teacher recommendation letter, high school transcript and student applying must sign the application in the space provided. The Scholarship Committee will notify all applicants of scholarship status via mail and/or email. All questions must be answered on separate paper and typed. All unanswered segments of the application will be scored as zero. View the link below for the scholarship application: http://nwareajaycees.org/wp- content/uploads/2017/02/NW-Area-JCs-sholarship-application.pdf. Completed scholarship applications must be received or postmarked no later than Friday, May 3, 2019! Corcoran Lions Scholarships Sponsored by the Corcoran Lions The Corcoran Lions are excited to ofher their 31st annual scholarship program. Each year it is a great opportunity to be able to help our youth with the opportunity to further their education. As in past years, the basic rules remain the same and they are as indicated below. Applications are due by April 13, 2019, along with a transcript of grades. The Corcoran Lions Club awards scholarships to graduating seniors who live in the City of Corcoran. This year the Lions will have the 10th 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 performance, leadership, service to the community and on a need basis. The graduate must attend college, junior college, university, or trade/vocational school in the year directly following graduation to receive the award. Applications can be found on the Lions website at www.corcoranlions.com or at or the following high school offices Bufhalo, 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 still resides in the City of Corcoran, he or she is eligible for a scholarship. Please contact Jerry Cain by email at jerryjcain@gmail.com if you need a Corcoran Lions scholarship application. The award ceremony will be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2019, at Corcoran City Hall, at 7:00 pm. The Corcoran Lions Club is a service that helps build communities through events, donations and assistance. The Lions Club makes donations to many organizations 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, email jerryjcain@gmail.com or stop by one of the meetings held at the Corcoran City Hall at 7:00 pm, on the first and third Tuesday of each month. For more information about the Corcoran Lions visit their website at www.corcoranlions.org. Page 12 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us  page 13 Spring/Summer 2019 Corcoran Happenings Design a Native Minnesota Garden 1. Assess your yard. Consider adjoining property including natural features and opportunities for links to neighboring habitat; location of your house, window views, neighbors, structures, sidewalks, utility lines (both above and below ground), mature trees, weak or diseased trees, vegetable gardens, current shrubbery and flower beds; sun including number of hours of direct sunlight; topography including slopes and aspects (facing directions); soils including drainage, pH, fertility and texture (have a soil test done); water such as natural seeps and roof runofh. 2. Think about your preferences. How will the garden be used? (Is if for entertainment, play, public, private, and quiet areas) How long do you plan to stay in this house? What wildlife species would you like to attract? How much time is available for gardening? What kinds of trees, shrubs, flowers and grasses do you desire? Consider colors and appearances at difherent times of the year. 3. Determine how much money you want to spend. 4. Develop a design based on your answers to the above questions. Consult references, visit gardens and landscapes using native plants to modify your plan. Be realistic about the size of your landscape project. Start small and add to it with each passing year. 5. Prepare garden/landscape site. Use a method appropriate for your site and preferences. Options include newspaper and mulch, selective use of herbicides, sod removal. For more information visit: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ gardens/nativeplants/landscaping_steps.html Corcoran Gardeners Club Sponsored by Corcoran Parks and Trails Commission Corcoran has many resident gardens and many experienced gardeners but most of us do not know each other. This is unfortunate, because gardeners beautify the community and also help preserve native plants and wildlife. With the end of winter approaching, now is a great time to start planning new gardens and start thinking about which perennials will need to be divided in the spring. A gardening fact: perennials that have been in the ground for three years or more will usually need to separated and replanted to a new garden. This could be in a friend’s garden or even a city garden! Hostas, hydrangeas, coneflower, rudbeckia, phlox, forget- me-nots, sedum, daylilies and so many more are great perennials for Minnesota gardens! To learn more gardening tips, join the Corcoran Gardeners Club! Please consider volunteering and/or participating in the Corcoran Gardeners Club to share your gardening expertise, or simply join the Corcoran Gardeners Club to learn about gardening! Come be a part of designing gardens, as the City of Corcoran develops and grows! Volunteers for the Memorial Garden, and at the City Park, are especially needed to enhance the beauty of these areas of Corcoran. The Corcoran Parks and Trails Commission is overseeing and organizing the Corcoran Gardeners Club. If you are interested in participating or learning more, please call Tom Anderson at 763 -428-2559 or contact him via email at tom.thegardener@yahoo.com. Root Power Article submitted by Corcoran Garden Club If you would like to improve your yard or farm this year, consider planting some beautiful native prairie flowers and grasses. As shown in the image above, they establish some amazing root systems. Once established these plants can:  Ofher an attractive, low-maintenance site  Allow water to infiltrate into the ground  Reduce nutrient runofh and erosion by anchoring soil  Provide a “living snow fence” near a road or field  Supply a sustainable forage and habitat location  Rebuild soil and stabilize streambanks For more information visit: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/gardens/nativeplants/ index.html Page 13 Spring/Summer 2019 The Burschville School in Corcoran has officially been granted status on the National Register of Historic Sites, as of November 1, 2018. Mark your calendars for August 11, 2019 for the annual Summerfest event. It will be a time of celebration, to acknowledge all the work it took to reach this point. To think, it has been 125 years since the one-room school opened for students! Visit this site and enjoy live music, children’s games, door prizes and a raftfe, plus those famous “Pork Chops” grilled by alumni of the Burschville School. All profits from the food wagon are donated to the school! Funds collected at Summerfest help keep up the expenses of insurance, painting, utilities, maintenance and lawn mowing. The Society is continuously seeking historical documents, photographs or items you may have for donation. They are also seeking voluntary help for the grounds upkeep, building maintenance labor and monetary donations to help with the expenses. NHPS is a 501©(3) non-profit organization. Join the NH Pioneer Society at the next meeting: April 27, 2019, at 9:30 am -- Annual Meeting at the History Center / Prairie Church in Hanover. There will be a short meeting, with an annual review, plus the Hanover Historical Society will introduce us to their Society. North Hennepin Pioneer Society Membership: Yearly Membership is: $12 per person, $20 per couple or $5 per student. For any further information or an appointment to see the school, please contact: Verneal Klersy 763-498-8677 Betty Lange 763-286-0877 Bonnie Maue 763-420-3440 Email: corcoranschool1894@gmail.com Save the Dates! NW Area Jaycees Easter Bunny Visits Corcoran! The NW Area Jaycees will host their annual Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 20, 2019! Don’t be late or you’ll miss out! Event is held outdoors so dress appropriately. Free event and geared for ages 0-10 with age appropriate treats in each age category. Bring your baskets to gather up the goodies! The hunt is located at the Corcoran Soccer Fields: Date: Saturday, April 20, 2019 Time: 10:00 am Where: Corcoran Soccer Fields 20300 County Road 50, Corcoran (Same location as Corcoran Soccer off County Road 50; not the playground off County Road 10.) Visit www.nwareajaycees.org for more info.  page 14 Spring/Summer 2019 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Country Daze 2019 Corcoran Country Daze is co-sponsored by the City of Corcoran and the NW Area Jaycees and takes place on August 16-17. With bands playing both Friday and Saturday nights, and plenty of free family fun on Saturday, Corcoran Country Daze has quickly become an annual family favorite event in Corcoran! Night to Unite 2019 Corcoran’s Annual Night to Unite August 6, 2019 Public Works Building 9100 County road 19 Corcoran, MN Visit www.ci.corcoran.mn.us for more information. Corcoran Happenings North Hennepin Pioneer Society Sponsored by North Hennepin Pioneer Society Page 14 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us DNR Encourages Homeowners to Compost, Not Burn In an efhort to prevent wildfires, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources urges woodland property owners to compost their yard waste rather than burn it. “Burning should be a last resort for yard waste—especially in April and May, when wildfire risk is especially high,” said Casey McCoy, fire prevention supervisor, and added, “Composting prevents wildfires and reduces air pollution, so it’s the safest possible way to manage yard debris.” The University of Minnesota Extension ofhers a step-by-step guide to composting yard waste by visiting www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/soils/composting-and-mulching-guide/ for complete information. For landowners who feel they must burn yard debris, now is the time to do it. That’s because annual burning restrictions will take efhect immediately afler snowmelt occurs, which will happen soon in parts of Minnesota. Three inches of snow significantly reduces the chances that a fire will escape and burn unintended areas or endanger lives, homes, and neighboring properties. If a yard waste fire does escape, the homeowner is responsible for any damage it does to nearby property. Although a DNR burning permit is not required in many locations where there is sufficient snow, be sure to check local regulations prior to burning. Once burning restrictions are issued, debris burning will be banned, and no permits issued, until further notice. For information and daily updates on open burning restrictions and current fire danger, visit mndnr.gov/burnrestrictions. Save the Date! North Hennepin Pioneer Society Summerfest August 11, 2019 Corcoran’s Burschville School House Corcoran, MN Visit www.ci.corcoran.mn.us for more information. NEW! Country Daze Bean Bag Tournament The NW Area Jaycees will be running a doubles bean bag tournament this year. Teams will pay $40 to play in this double elimination tournament to win CASH prizes. Registration will open on Monday, June 3 at 8:00 am and close on Friday, August 9, at 3:59 pm. For more information or to register, visit www.ci.corcoran.mn.us or contact Recre- ation Coordinator Jessica Christensen Buck at jchristen- senbuck@ci.corcoran.mn.us. County fairs and city festivals evoke fond memories for adults and children alike. Minnesota has over 300 fairs and festivals each year for family fun! A county fair is a local, public event exhibiting equipment, produce, livestock, and traditions. County fairs and city festivals can include carnival games, amusement rides, baked goods contests, sporting events, livestock competitions, just about anything that brings people together for entertainment. Championship Hamel Rodeo at Corcoran Lions Park The Hamel Rodeo is the largest rodeo in the State of Minnesota on the basis of both total added money and total pay ofh. This year the contestants will take home approximately $120,000 for their efhorts. This is why many of the top name contestants will always be found at the Hamel Rodeo. Save July 11-14, 2019, on your calendars for the rodeo! For more information on the World Championship Hamel Rodeo visit www.hamelrodeo.org.  page 15 Spring/Summer 2019 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Festival City Dates Website Tater Daze Festival Brooklyn Park June 13-15, 2019 www.brooklynpark.org/tater-daze Hennepin County Fair Corcoran June 12-16, 2019 www.hennepincountyfair.com St. Louis Park Parktacular St. Louis Park June 12-16, 2019 www.parktacular.org Rockin’ Rogers Rogers June 20-23, 2019 www.rogersmnlions.org/programs-events/rockin-rogers/ Big Lake Spud Fest Big Lake June 27-30, 2019 www.biglakespudfest.com Plymouth Music in the Park Plymouth July 10, 2019 www.musicinplymouth.org Delano 4th of July Celebration Delano July 2019 www.delano4th.com World Championship Hamel Rodeo Corcoran July 11-14, 2019 www.hamelrodeo.org Robbinsdale Whiz Bang Days Robbinsdale July 11-14, 2019 www.whizbangdays.org Maple Grove Days Maple Grove July 10-14, 2019 www.mgco.org Ramsey County Fair Maplewood July 10-14, 2019 www.ramseycountyfair.com Monticello Riverfest Monticello July 11-14, 2019 www.monticelloriverfest.com Sherburne County Fair Elk River July 18-21, 2019 www.sherburnecountyfair.org Anoka County Fair Anoka July 23-28, 2019 www.anokacountyfair.com Wright County Fair Howard Lake July 24-28, 2019 www.wrightcountyfair.org Scott County Fair Jordan July 24-28, 2019 www.scottcountyfair.com Riverboat Days Wabasha July 2019 www.wabashamn.org/riverboat-days Crow Wing County Fair Brainerd August 2019 www.cwcfair@brainerd.com Dakota County Fair Farmington August 5-11, 2019 www.dakotacountyfair.org Carver County Fair Waconia August 7-11, 2019 www.carvercountyfair.com Mille Lacs County Fair Princeton August 2019 www.millelacscountyfair.com St. Michael Daze & Knights Festival St. Michael August 9-10, 2019 www.stmdazeandknightsfestival.com Rockford River Days Rockford August 9-11, 2019 www.rockfordriverdays.weebly.com *Corcoran Country Daze Corcoran August 16-17, 2019 www.countrydaze.org Lions NTPA Tractor Pull Corcoran June 1 & Aug 24, 2019 www.corcoranlions.org Minnesota State Fair St. Paul Aug 22—Sept 2, 2019 www.mnstatefair.org Corcoran Lions Demo Derby Corcoran Sept 7, 2019 www.corcoranlions.org Minnesota City Festival Happenings For more information on Minnesota summer events visit: www.exploreminnesota.com Page 15 Spring/Summer 2019 PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID ROGERS, MN PERMIT NO. 98 City of Corcoran 8200 County Road 116 Corcoran, MN 55340 General Information City of Corcoran Main Office — 763-420-2288 Monday-Friday 8:00 am — 4:00 pm City of Corcoran meetings can be viewed via video links at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Upcoming Meetings Planning & Commission Meetings Apr 4, May 2, Jun 6, Jul TBD 7:00 pm Parks & Trails Commission Meetings Apr 18, May 23, Jun 20, Jul 18 7:00 pm Corcoran City Council Meetings Apr 11 & Apr 25, May 9 & May 23, Jun 13 & Jun 27, Jul 11 & Jul 25 7:00 pm City Website www.ci.corcoran.mn.us 2019 Corcoran Recycling Schedule Page 16 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Spring/Summer 2019 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 Mike Keefe Councilor mkeefe@ci.corcoran.mn.us Alan Schultz, Councilor aschultz@ci.corcoran.mn.us City Administrator Brad Martens 763-400-7030 bmartens@ci.corcoran.mn.us Organics in Corcoran About one-third of our trash is organic materials, including food, food-soiled paper, and certified compostable products, that could be composted. The organics collected in curbside or drop-ofh programs are taken to a local commercial compost facility and recycled into compost, a nutrient-rich material that is used in land- scaping and road construction projects to improve our soil. Hennepin County ofhers free resources, including labels and guides, to help you recycle organics throughout your home. These resources are available to Hennepin County residents only. Source: www.hennepin.us/organics Interested in a Summer Job? The Public Works Department will be accepting applications for season- al help including mowing fields, as- sisting the public works maintenance workers, baseball field preparation, and other summer park and street work. If you are interested visit www.ci.corcoran.mn.us or click here, or contact, Jessica Beise via email at jbeise@ci.corcoran.mn.us.