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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-01 -- Winter-SpringThe City of Corcoran shares information on Facebook and Twitter regarding emergency information, City Council and Commission information, special events and other happenings around the community. Follow City Administrator Brad Martens and the City of Corcoran for up to date information on recent activity in the City of Corcoran. View or follow the links below for more information: Facebook: www.facebook.com/CorcoranMN/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/CorcoranMNCity www.twitter.com/city_brad Winter/Spring 2019 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us CORCORAN NEWS Winter/Spring 2019 Letter from Mayor Thomas I want to thank you for the opportunity to continue to serve Corcoran as Mayor for another two years. I am honored by your trust and I will do my best to live up to your expectations. It is an exciting time for Corcoran as development takes place in small pockets of the City. The Council and I will do our best to guide residential and commercial development to preserve the wonderful rural character of the overall community. While the majority of Corcoran will remain rural for quite some time, new developments offer an opportunity to increase amenities for all of our residents. Examples of this include the new Wildflower Park off of Gleason Parkway in southeast Corcoran, new park land being master planned as an athletic complex, and an increased number of commercial/retail providers that are now interested in Corcoran. The year 2019 and beyond will continue to be an exciting time in Corcoran as we begin to build our parks and trails system and look to begin development in our future town center which is to be located west of County Road 116 between City Hall and County Road 10. Additional priorities include increased code enforcement and a new detective position to keep our community clean and safe. Please take the time to read the newsletter and to contact myself or any of the Council about questions or comments you have. Additional information can be found by following the City on Facebook or Twitter and by signing up on our email list for Council packets. Please also look for new opportunities to get involved in 2019 including upcoming community meetings. Again, I thank you for this opportunity to serve the City of Corcoran. Have a wonderful 2019 and please reach out if you have any questions, comments, or ideas. Sincerely, Ron Thomas Mayor City of Corcoran 763-400-7020 rthomas@ci.corcoran.mn.us Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter! The City Council will be hosting community-wide meetings in 2019. The meetings will focus on timely topics. Be sure to check out future newsletters, the City’s website, and social media for up-to-date meeting information. Social Media in 2019 City Meetings Scheduled in 2019 Parks & Rec News! Summer Ball Registration Open! Visit www.ci.corcoran.mn.us See page 9 for more information. 6 Page Public Safety Parks & Recreation 4 Page Page 12  Page 2 Winter/Spring 2019 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Page 12 Environmental Page 14 Corcoran Happenings Page 16 General Information 8 Page 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 select items discussed during meetings since the last newsletter. A full recap can be found by reviewing the approved City Council minutes on the City’s website. Recognition and Appointments  Recognized former Councilmember Tonya LaFave for her service.  Accepted the resignation of Elm Creek Watershed Commissioner Sharon Meister.  Appointed Jim Shoulak to the Planning Commission.  Appointed Ken Guenthner to the Elm Creek Watershed Commission and the Charter Commission.  Appointed Councilmember Bottema as Council Liaison to the Elm Creek Watershed Commission.  Appointed Councilmember Keefe as the Parks and Trails Liaison, appointed Councilmember Schultz as the Planning Commission Liaison, and appointed Councilmember Dejewski and Mayor Thomas as alternates for the commission liaisons. Ordinance Amendment Updates  Provided staff direction to draft an update for the ordinances for Development Rights and Open Space Preservation Plats; the draft ordinance will be reviewed at a January 24, 2019 Council Work Session.  Adopted ordinance amendments related to code enforcement and nuisances.  Adopted the 2019 fee schedule.  Scheduled a Southeast Design Guidelines work session to update the downtown on February 28, 2019.  Heard an update from the subcommittee tasked with updating the animal ordinance related to bees; directed staff to proceed with the ordinance update process with a few minor changes. Public Hearings  Held public hearing on October 11 to certify delinquent fees to Hennepin County.  Held public hearing on December 13 on the 2019 proposed budget and property tax levy. Staffing Updates  Approved Maintenance Operator employment offer to Robbie Kottke.  Accepted the resignation of Jeff Schmid.  Authorized staff to hire part-time snow plow assistance as needed.  Authorized staff to extend a conditional job offer to the detective candidate. Northeast Trunk Sewer Improvement Project (Developer Funded)  Awarded bids and construction is underway.  Held a closed session to discuss Bellwether easement; approved easement agreements as presented. Southeast Corcoran 2019 Trunk Watermain Improvements  Authorized staff to proceed with the first phase of the Southeast Corcoran Trunk Watermain Improvements project that will create a looped system to provide redundancy and increase fire flows in Southeast Corcoran. Gleason Parkway Extension and Turn Lanes (Developer Funded)  Authorized staff to proceed with the first phase of the Gleason Parkway Extension project that will connect the Ravinia development to County Road 116. Presentations  Heard a presentation from Sherman Patterson from the Lights on Program, which has partnered with the Police Department to connect people with automotive services to avoid equipment violations.  Heard from Senator David Osmek on the upcoming legislative session. Page 5 Property Taxes Land Use Updates Public Safety 10 Page City Updates Continued... Fast Fact: City Council Vision and Action Steps The City Council held a vision setting session on January 27, 2018 after which they adopted action steps for 2018. The City is in the process of completing or has completed all of the eleven action steps. Check out the progress on page 96 of the December 27 City Council Packet: https://www.ci.corcoran.mn.us/vertical/sites/%7BA13DB5FF-43A9-4A27-A5A0- 44E78D9C28BC%7D/uploads/2018-12-27_Council_Agenda_Packet.pdf Council met on January 5, 2019 to hold the City’s 2019 Vision and Action Steps Session. Visit www.ci.corcoran.mn.us for an outline of the City’s 2019 Vision and Action Steps after Council has adopted them at the January 24 regular Council meeting. Proposed Ordinances Per Minnesota Statute 415.19, the City of Corcoran posts proposed ordinances on the City’s website for the purposes of maintaining transparency with the public. Ordinances are posted at least 10 days prior to the City Council meeting at which the proposed ordinance is scheduled for a final vote. Proposed ordinances are removed from this page after the date of the meeting. Visit the link to view current Proposed Ordinances within the City of Corcoran: http://www.ci.corcoran.mn.us/ index.asp?SEC=31D52FFE-E483-4D84- BD6D-AE8845307589&Type=B_BASIC City Updates: Ordinances Parks and Recreation Updates  Named the press box at Snyder Field after Kevin Dale in honor of his efforts improving ballfields in Corcoran.  Adopted a resolution naming Wildflower Park in the Ravinia Development.  Authorized staff to obtain quotes for assistance regarding master planning City Park including the recently purchased Rockford School portion.  Authorized staff to obtain quotes for a feasibility study for trails located by County roads and also seek financial support from Hennepin County. Regional Water Supply System Study  Supported a surface water study for a northwest metropolitan area regional water study. Request for Contribution – Dayton Parkway Interchange  Heard presentations from the Mayor of Dayton requesting a contribution to the Dayton Parkway Interchange project (new interchange on interstate 94 in Dayton just northeast of Corcoran).  Directed staff to bring back finance options and look into additional information on potential traffic impacts. 2019 Municipal State Aid (MSA) Roadway Designation  Directed staff to designate and remove MSA designations based on traffic count, development and maintenance needs, which will lead to an increase in the City’s annual construction and maintenance allocation from the state. 2019 General Fund Budget and Property Tax Levy  Adopted the budget and levy at the rate of the proposed budget and allocated additional funding to code enforcement. City Investment Strategy  Directed staff to proceed with a conservative investment strategy that will increase the City’s interest earnings, and authorized membership into the 4M fund. City Hall Remodel  Reviewed financing options and authorized staff to proceed with the finance plan.  Authorized staff to enter into an agreement with Wold Architects and Engineers for design services. 2040 Comprehensive Plan  Updated the Council regarding the Comprehensive Plan anticipated to be presented in February 2019. Legislative Priorities  Reviewed the proposed legislative priorities; adopted the priorities with minor changes. In an effort to better our community, the City Council has directed staff to focus on code enforcement. In 2018 the Council updated the City Code to streamline code enforcement processes, and in 2019 staff will be focusing on code enforcement with the priority of completing a comprehensive review of properties with multiple code violations. The goal of the increased enforcement is to ensure the community is safe and clean. Well- maintained properties help to protect property values of homes and businesses in our community.  Page 3 Winter/Spring 2019 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Code Enforcement: A 2019 Priority For current land use applications that have been reviewed, please see page 4. Pictured above Elmwood IV Based upon current house sales in 2018, 21 new homes have been permitted and built in the Corcoran Bass Lake Crossing neighborhood. This M/I Homes Development is located at County Road 10 and Maple Hill Road, on the east side of Corcoran. Bass Lake Crossing Updates 2018 Ravinia Development Updates 2018 Pictured above Springdale I Ravinia Classic Collection Based upon current house sales in 2015-2018, 197 new homes have been permitted and built in the Corcoran Ravinia neighbor- hood. This Lennar Homes Development is located at County Road 101 and Gleason Parkway, in the southeast corner of Corcoran.  Page 3 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Land Use Applications and Final Plats The Corcoran Planning Commission is an advisory board and consists of five regular members, with an assigned City Council liaison that is a non-voting member. The Planning Commission holds public hearings, reviews applications 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. For more information, please contact City Hall at 763-420-2288. Final PUD Development Plan, Final Plat and Development Contract (PID 1211923120001, 0111923430002 & 0111923440001) City file 18-016 Pulte Homes has submitted a request for approval of Final Plat and Final PUD plan application for a portion of Bellwether (formerly Encore), Minnesota’s first Del Webb community. This 398-unit project is located on 225 acres in Northeast Corcoran. The Planning Commission recommended approving the final PUD Development. Council approved the Final Plat and Final PUD Development Plan at the City Council meeting on October 11. Final Plat Rush Creek Run (PID 2811923220003) City file 18-026 The Whisney family submitted a request for approval of a Final Plat for Rush Creek Run to allow 6 lots from an existing 60-acre parcel. One lot is currently developed as a farmstead with various structures, and the remaining 5 lots will be sold with 1 development right on each lot. Council approved the Final Plat at the City Council meeting on October 25. Development Rights Appeal at 22901 Oakdale Drive (PID 0511923310001) City file 18-032 The family of Chester Kottke Sr. (Chester Kottke ETAL Trustees) has requested City Council review the development rights on a 52.06-acre property pursuant to Section 1070.070 of the Zoning Ordinance. Ordinance 1070.070 allows landowners to appeal to the City Council if it is believed that the Development Rights Map is in error. Council approved the appeal at the meeting on October 25. Lot Consolidation and Easement Vacation at 21580 Sicora Lane (PID091192311002 and 311192311003) City file 18-031 Resident is requesting to consolidate their 1.86-acre home lot (Lot 2) with the adjacent 2- acre parcel to the east (Lot 1). The lot consolidation also requires an easement vacation for the Drainage and Utility Easement that currently exists along the property line separating the two lots. Council approved the lot consolidation and easement vacation at the meting on November 19. Final PUD Development Plan and Final Plat Ravinia 10th Addition — City file 18-034 Lennar submitted a request for approval of a Final Plat and PUD Development Plan Ravinia 10th Addition to all 26 single-family detached home lots and three out lots. Planning Commission recommended approval. Council approved the final PUD Development Plan, Final Plat and Development Contract at the meeting on November 19. Lot Line Adjustment and Variances at 6626 and 6628 Pioneer Trail (PID 3111923140004 and 3111923110004) City file 18-030 Resident requested approval of a lot line adjustment and two variances. Planning Commission reviewed the lot line adjustment and variance request at the December 6 meeting. Planning Commission recommended approval. Council approved the lot line adjustment and variances at the meeting on December 27. Final PUD Development Plan and Amendment, Final Plat and Development Contract for Bass Lake Crossing 2nd Addition at County Road 10 and Maple Hill Road (PID 2511923130031) City file 18-035 M/I Homes LLC has submitted a request for approval of a Final PUD Development Plan and Amendment for Bass Lake Crossing 2nd Addition to allow 53 homes in phase 2 of the Bass Lake Crossing development. The net density of the 53-lot addition to the subdivision is 3.78 units per acre under the Corcoran Zoning Ordinance definition. The Final PUD Development Plan has reduced the number of lots from 55 to 53. Planning Commission recommended approval. Council approved the final PUD Development Plan, Final Plat, and Development Contract at the meeting on December 27. www.ci.corcoran.mn.us  Page 4 Winter/Spring 2019 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 population trends suggest about the kinds of services people will need. Communities with lots of young families may want to offer different kinds of services than communities seeing a big increase in the number of senior residents. Sometimes cities have to provide certain services to comply with state or federal laws. Some common examples are requirements for testing drinking water and making public buildings accessible to people with disabilities. www.ci.corcoran.mn.us  Page 5 Winter/Spring 2019 Property Tax Info 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. Understanding Your Property Tax Video: http://www.hennepin.us/residents/property/property-taxes Why is a property tax levy needed? Only a small portion of the City budget is funded through fees or charges for services. For 2019, the portion funded by fees or charges covers only 22% of the City’s expenditures. The remaining 78% is funded through the levy. 2019 City of Corcoran Tax Levy The City Council adopted its preliminary levy for 2019 at the September 13 meeting. This levy amount was used to create the City tax amount you saw on your proposed 2019 levies and taxes notice. The City Council adopted a final levy for 2019 at the December 13, 2018 meeting. The adopted final levy of $4,262,937, is a $278,434 or 7.49% increase from the 2018 levy. Despite this increase, the tax rate is projected to decrease slightly from 45.375% to 45.120% due to new construction and increased valuations. When Do I Homestead My Property? After purchasing and moving into a new home, you should apply for homestead as soon as possible. You may apply for homestead at any time during the year, and you may qualify for taxes payable the following year provided that you move into the home by December 1 of the year and apply by December 15. The homestead classification applies to properties that are physically occupied by the owner(s) as the principal place of residence. Classification as a homestead may qualify the property for a reduced classification rate, a reduced taxable market value, a property tax refund, and/or other special program eligibility. To have your property homesteaded, you must complete the Application for Homestead form. To qualify for the homestead classification, you must:  Be one of the owners of the property or be a qualifying relative of at least one owner of the property  Occupy the property listed as your primary residence  Be a Minnesota resident A Certificate of Real Estate Value (CRV) must be filed before homestead can be granted, and a copy of the warranty deed needs to be included with the homestead application. You can go to www.hennepin.us/residents/property/ homestead to download and complete the Homestead Application Form. Then drop the application off at the City Hall with the appropriate documentation referenced above to complete the homestead property process. www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Public Works City Snowplow Policy Fast Fact: Snow Shoveling — Overexertion and Injuries Source: www.fema.gov Snow shoveling can be hazardous. More than 10,000 people visit emergency rooms each year due to overexertion and injury from snow shoveling, including strains, cuts, and fractures from slipping and falling. Nearly 100 people die every year from heart attacks brought on by shoveling snow. Use caution, take breaks, push the snow instead of lifting it when possible, and lift lighter loads. The Corcoran Police, Public Works, and the Hennepin County Highway division would like to caution 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 depositing snow on roadways may also be liable in a civil lawsuit if damages or injuries that occur as a result of this action. Under MN Statutes, Chapter 160.2715, RIGHT-OF-WAY USE, violation 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 violations 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.  page 6 Winter/Spring 2019 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us A snowplowing 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 conditions. 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 operation are as follows:  Snow accumulation 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 conditions. Call out is normally at 2:00 am when practical.  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 operations may be terminated after 12-14 hours to allow personnel adequate time to rest. High winds creating white out conditions could cause suspension of services until weather improves. The City will assume no responsibility for damage to underground lawn sprinkling systems, exterior lighting systems, and similar landscaping installed in the public right- of-way. To review the City approved policy view the city website at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us and select Departments - Public Works/Parks Department - Snowplowing. Garbage Can/Recycling Bins Driveway Location During winter months, please be sure to place garbage containers inside your driveway perimeter or boundary. Garbage containers should never be placed on the roadway. It if snows on collection day, please keep your bins away from the snowplow right-of- way. If the snow is heavy, it may tip over garbage or recycling bins as the snow is dispelled from the edge of the plow. A Quick Mailbox Reminder Inspect your existing 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 condition before the snow falls. Swing-Away Mail Box Post Option Available 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 regulations and MNDOT’s specifications. 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 for $150.00, you can have Corcoran Public Works install it. Please call 763-420-2288 for more information.  page 8 Winter 2015 Government Services Beginning in 2019 Beginning in 2019, the City will be responsible for reviewing wetland conservation act rules, monitoring of water land excavations and replacements, and wetland banking applications in addition to other wetland related activities. The City is finalizing the transition plan with Elm Creek Watershed Commission. Updates on the transition will be available in a future newsletter. Fast Fact: Summer Seasonal Help Wanted The Public Works Department will be accepting applications for seasonal help including mowing fields, assisting the public works maintenance workers, baseball field preparation, and other summer park and street work. If you are interested contact Jessica Beise via email at jbeise@ci.corcoran.mn.us or complete the City of Corcoran application by visiting www.ci.corcoran.mn.us or by clicking here. www.ci.corcoran.mn.us  page 7 Winter/Spring 2019 Public Works Smart Salting Source: Minnehaha Creek Watershed District With the winter season upon us, ice and snow accumulation is a reality. Dealing with slippery driveways and walkways can be challenging, but with a little advance planning you can help in protecting 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 aquatic 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. Additionally, all that salt we are laying down is damaging our lawn and landscaping, corroding cars and infrastruc- ture, and hurting our pets’ paws. As you prepare for hosting, 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 traction, 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 with- out piles: You don’t need to put down much salt to get ice to melt and applying more doesn’t mean faster melting. Aim for a spread of 3-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 salting winter maintenance contractors have gone through training to learn proper winter maintenance and salt application. You can find a list of certified professionals on the MPCA website: http:// www.pca.state.mn.us/. Learn more about using salt safely at www.minnehahacreek.org/salt. As a reminder, the spring road restrictions will be enforced this spring. A majority of the city streets in Corcoran will be posted at 4-ton per axle. If you have a delivery, questions about accessing posted roads, or need a permit, please contact the Corcoran City Hall at 763-420-2288. Check the City of Corcoran website for updates on other seasonal road restrictions from MN DOT at: www.ci.corcoran.mn.us 4-Ton Road Restrictions This Spring  page 8 Parks & Recreation Parks and Trails Promote Healthy Lifestyles Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/healthyplaces/ parks_trails/default.htm Well-designed parks and trails are valued parts of our environment. Research examining the connection between parks, trails, and health has helped identify the value that parks provide to people. Parks and trails can promote physical activity and community engagement; and provide both environmental and mental health benefits. When well-designed, parks have been shown to reduce stress and foster community interaction. They can also protect sensitive lands such as flood plains and steep slopes. Parks and trails can provide resources most communities need when addressing many of today’s public health problems. In addition to the Three Rivers Parks trail along County Road 19, Corcoran now has trails in the Ravinia and Bass Lake Crossings developments, with trails also planned in the Bellwether development just north of Mama G’s on County Road 101. The City is also in the beginning phase of working with Hennepin County to plan trails along additional County Roads in Corcoran. Parks & Trails Beneficial To City Residents City of Corcoran Area Snowmobile Trails Sponsored by the Northwest Trails Association Corcoran’s snowmobile trails are setup and maintained by the Northwest Trails Association. Northwest Trails is an organization of enthusiastic and committed snowmobilers in Hennepin County and the northwest suburbs of Minneapolis, MN. Northwest Trails Association was formed as a non-profit volunteer organization in 1973. Its mission is to support a safe, adventurous and friendly snowmobiling experience primarily through trail coordination, safety education, and club activities of value to members. Northwest Trails meets at 7:30 pm on the first Tuesday of each month at the Medina Entertainment Center in Medina. The Trail Association's goal is to build and maintain snowmobile trails in north- western Hennepin County with the help of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) and its Grant-in-Aid Program. 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. Trails runs through the Hennepin Parks and park reserves of: Morris T. Baker, Crow-Hassan, and Elm Creek. The Wright Country Trail System is accessible from several locations. Northwest Trails 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. Northwest Trails Association is very grateful to all the landowners for extending this privilege to Northwest Trails Association and the snowmobilers who use the trails. It takes many hours of volunteered labor to mark and maintain the trail system throughout the year. Trail signs were set up in October for the December 1 trail opening and will be removed in April 2019. The trails are groomed and maintained using a modern Tucker Sno- Cat with custom built drags. The future of snowmobiling depends on all snowmobilers working together to promote the sport. Being a member of the Northwest Trails Association is a way to promote safe, responsible snowmobiling as well as supporting a good local trail system for snowmobiling. Snowmobile Safety Training is also offered and coordinated by the Northwest Trails Association. Family involvement is encouraged. Northwest Trails Association social activities include: dinner outings, club work nights and group snowmobile trips. By joining Northwest Trails, you will also become a member of the Minnesota United Snowmobile Association (MnUSA), from which you will receive their many benefits. For snowmobile trail updates please visit www.nwtrails.net/changes.htm.  page 8 Winter/Spring 2019 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us New Neighborhood Park in Corcoran! Wildflower Park in Corcoran is located at 6604 Wildflower Trail in the Ravinia neighborhood. The park includes fun, nature-inspired elements such as rock climbers, and a leaf-shaped merry-go- round, while still incorporating classic playground amenities that include slides, swings, and spinners. Sure to be a hit for children of any age, this playground welcomes everyone and is open to all! Field Rentals in 2019 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 City Hall at 763-420-2288 or view the City’s website at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us. www.ci.corcoran.mn.us  page 9 Winter/Spring 2019 Parks & Recreation Corcoran Skating Rinks Update Corcoran's skating rinks offer fun and recreation for cold weather enthusiasts of all ages. Building and maintaining them depends on many variables. To start making ice, crews need temperatures to be around 0 to –10 degrees F for about one week and frozen ground about four inches deep. The crews can 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. With the unusually warm weather, the ice rinks have been off to slow start this season. If rinks don’t have complete coverage, they can be unsafe for skaters. Depending on weather conditions, the Public Works crew generally cleans and resurfaces the rinks daily, Monday through Friday and weekend mornings (roads and public safety are first priorities). During inclement weather, the rinks and shelter building may be temporarily closed and a “closed” sign will be posted on the shelter door. Pending weather conditions may also lead to unexpected late openings and/or early rink closings. Updates on the ice rinks will also be posted on the City’s website at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us and on the weather line at 763-400-7025. Warming house hours are: 11:00 am — 9:00 pm weekends and holidays; 4:00 pm — 9:00 pm weekdays. The City is still looking for additional ice rink attendants! If interested, the application can be found at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us and emailed to Recreation Coordinator Jessica Christensen Buck at jchristensenbuck@ci.corcoran.mn.us. Summer Parks & Rec Programs Baseball Registration Open Now! It’s time to start thinking about spring baseball! New this season, residents received priority registration! Priority registration was available for Corcoran residents on Thursday, January 10 from 8:00 am – 7:00 pm; and Friday, January 11 from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, and was available by coming into City Hall. Registration opens to all on Monday, January 14 and runs through March 1 (or until filled), and can be completed online at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us or at City Hall. Soccer Continues in Corcoran After years of hard work, the Corcoran Soccer Association has passed the torch to the City of Corcoran to oversee the ever-growing soccer program. Thank you so much to the Corcoran Soccer Association and volunteers, for all their tireless dedication to the program and for providing an enjoyable soccer experience to Corcoran residents and the surrounding communities as well! New this season, Corcoran 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 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 at 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. For more information, visit www.ci.corcoran.mn.us or contact Recreation Coordinator Jessica Christensen Buck jchristensenbuck@ci.corcoran.mn.us. Public Safety Free Car Seat Inspections The Corcoran Police Department offers free car seat inspections to Corcoran residents for car seats of all sizes. Car seat inspections are by appointment only. To schedule an appointment with the department's state-certified car seat technician, please click here for an appointment time. Car seat inspections take approximately 30 minutes. What You Need To Do For Your Car Seat Inspection Please install your car seat, and bring both the owner's manual for your car and the car seat manual to the inspection. Car seats over six years old should be replaced. Technicians will not install car seats that are over six years old. For more information visit: www.safekids.org Car Seat Safety 2019 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 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us  page 10 Winter/Spring 2019 Corcoran Police Social Media Truck Safety Seminar — February 27, 2019 (New Date) Corcoran Police and Public Works will host the 11th Annual Truck Safety Seminar on Wednesday, February 27, 2019, at the Corcoran Public Works facility, 9100 County Road 19. The seminar is held from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and will cover a multitude of items such as the new commercial vehicle laws for 2019, rules and regulations, vehicle equipment requirements, questions you may have and much more! Coffee, rolls, and lunch are provided by donations from sponsors. Registration starts the end of January 2019. Space is limited, so visit the website to register early! Online registration begins February 1. To get on the email list for the seminar information, contact Paula Steelman at 763-400-7002 or email her at psteelman@ci.corcoran.mn.us or register here now. 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 2019 seminar, contact Paula at 763-400-7002 or email psteelman@ci.corcoran.mn.us. Firearm Safety Class Corcoran Firearm Safety 2019 classes are scheduled for Sunday, March 17, 24, 31, and April 7, 14, 2019, from 6:00 pm—9:00 pm at the Corcoran Community Room. The class will conclude with Field Safety Day on Saturday, April 27, 2019, from 8:00 am—3:00 pm. Registration opens February 1, 2019. Youth ages 11 and older can attend a firearms safety certification course and receive their certificate. The Firearms Safety Certificate becomes valid at age 12. Three 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. Visit www.ci.corcoran.mn.us for more information. Burning Permits If you choose to burn yard debris, don’t forget to apply for a burning permit; it only takes a couple of minutes to apply in person at the Corcoran Police Department, during the business hours of Monday through Friday 7:30 am—5:00 pm and Thursdays 7:30 am—9:00 pm, or at City Hall from 8:00 am — 4:00 pm. 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 recreational fire. Burn permits are not required when the ground is snow-covered, which is ground that has a continuous unbroken cover of snow to a depth of three inches or more surrounding the immediate area of the fire.  Items not approved to burn include: hazardous wastes, demolition debris, motor vehicles, oils, rubber, plastics, chemically-treated materials, sheet rock, paint, garbage, and debris cast off from businesses. You can find the complete list on the city’s website or on the MN DNR’s website at: www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire. Online Safety Tips Sources: www.kidpower.org, www.dhs.gov/ stopthinkconnect and www.norton.com For Kids Tip 1: Discuss what cyber-bullying is Tip 2: Be clear about the rules for using technology Tip 3: Give consequences if kids cyber- bully Tip 4: Provide support if a child is cyber- bullied Tip 5: Make sure kids know adults will take the necessary steps to stop cyber-bullying Tip 6: If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, tell an adult right away For Adults Tip 1: Keep personal information professional and limited Tip 2: Keep your privacy settings on Tip 3: Practice safe browsing Tip 4: Make sure your connection is secure and choose strong passwords Tip 5: Be careful in what you download For Seniors Citizens Tip 1: Know what cyber security is Tip 2: Keep mobile devices in your possession at all times Tip 3: Don’t ever give your personal information over email Tip 4: Avoid opening attachments from unknown senders Tip 5: Install and update security programs on your computer For Your Family Tip 1: Realize cybersecurity is a moving target Tip 2: Get wise to phishing Tip 3: Watch out for scams Tip 4: Use a password management system Tip 5: Keep social networks secure Tip 6: Identify the threat in your household Tip 7: Educate kids about online safety Tip 8: Don’t forget mobile devices Tip 9: Use a credit card Tip 10: When in doubt, call support  page 11 Winter/Spring 2019 Public Safety www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Article Courtesy of Rogers Fire Department Smoke alarms should be replaced every ten years from the manufacture date. Over time, the sensors in the alarms become dusty and cloudy causing alarms to go off for no reason or to not alarm when intended. Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home, outside each sleeping area, and inside each bedroom. There are two kinds of smoke alarms ionization – which detect flaming fires quickly and photoelectrical – which detects smoldering fires quickly. It is recommended to use both types or a combination alarm in your home. Smoke alarms should be tested monthly and batteries replaced at least every six months depending upon battery duration. Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed at least ten feet from every sleeping area. This is to alert you when you are sleeping. Most of the time carbon monoxide alarms are in the furnace area, which if it were to alarm one may not hear it when sleeping. It is recommended to purchase a carbon monoxide alarm with a digital read out. Carbon monoxide alarm replacement should follow manufacture guidelines as different brands vary. Contact your local Fire Department if you have any questions regarding smoke alarms and/or carbon monoxide alarms. Non-Emergency Corcoran Fire Department Phone Numbers: Click here for map of fire districts or visit www.ci.corcoran.mn.us. Hanover 763-498-7518 Loretto 763-479-3036 Rogers 763-428-3500 Snow Removal Around Fire Hydrants Article Courtesy of Rogers Fire Department During a fire, seconds count. The extra minute removing snow from around fire hydrants may save your neighbor’s home or yours. Also, keep your house numbers readily visible. During your snow removal efforts this winter season, please keep fire hydrants free from obstruction of snow. As you shovel or push snow off your driveways and sidewalks, take time to clear the snow from around fire hydrants allowing for a three-foot radius. Your help will be greatly appreciated. Private Property Snow Removal Minnesota State Statute (169.42) and City Code (130.04) prohibit relocating snow and ice from private property (including driveways and parking lots) to a roadway, sidewalk, or adjacent property. Parking on the Streets Parking is prohibited on public streets and alleys between the months of November 1 and April 1, between the hours of 1:00 am to 7:00 am. No parking on any city street shall be allowed at any time if the snowfall is two inches or greater. This restriction remains in effect until roads are plowed and snow has been removed from roads. No vehicle of 10,000 gross weight or greater shall park on any city street unless authorized by the Director of Public Safety or Public Works Director. For City street related questions, please call the Corcoran Public Works department at 763-420-2288. For Hennepin County Road related questions please call Hennepin County at 612-596-0299.  page 12 Winter/Spring 2019 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Environmental Updates Preventing Winter Watershed Pollution We all live in a watershed, and protecting our watershed is everyone’s responsibility. The Elm Creek Watershed Management Commission (ECWMC) is the regional governmental unit responsible for protecting the water resources of the Elm Creek Watershed, located in Hennepin County, Minnesota. Corcoran comprises 36.06 square miles of the 130.61 square miles of the Elm Creek Watershed, located in central or northwest Hennepin County. 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 effective when the temperature is above 15 degrees. Recommended application 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 aquatic organisms. Sand only provides traction, and does not melt ice. Visit www.elmcreekwatershed.org for more information. 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 patio furniture, deck or driveway, over watering of lawns, septic systems that are not operating 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 polluting of creeks and streams that flow into main watersheds. Minnesota's Buffer Initiative Minnesota’s New Buffer Initiative requires public waters in the state -- lakes, rivers, and streams — to be surrounded by vegetated buffers 50-feet wide (on average) and public ditches to have 16.5-foot wide buffers as well. Buffers installations were required on public waters by November 2017, and on public drainage systems by November 2018. Learn more at http://www.elmcreekwatershed.org/buffers.html. 2019 Corcoran Recycling Schedule For more information regarding recycling, please contact Randy’s Environmental Services at 763-972-3335 or visit their website at www.randyssanitation.com Recycle Everywhere! Source: www.hennepin.us/recycleeverywhere The Hennepin County 2019 Recycle Everywhere campaign encourages people to refresh their laundry room, revamp their bathroom or rethink their home office by adding a recycling bin, bag, or container to increase recycling in your home! Environmental Updates Some recycling is common sense, like glass and plastic containers, but some recycling is not so easy to remember. Issues occur when recycling guidelines are not followed. Please remember the four most common recycling mistakes below: 1. Plastic bags cannot be recycled by your curbside collection container. They are processed differently and clog sorting machines. Plastics bags should be returned to the retailer or taken to a Hennepin County waste disposal facility. Never bag recyclables, and if you do need to, use a paper bag. 2. Cardboard used in frozen goods is not recyclable. You can differentiate this form of cardboard because it is has a glossy appearance. 3. Shredded paper should be placed in a paper bag and shut with a single staple. Loose shredded paper contaminates other recyclable materials and reduces the amount of material that can be recycled. 4. Needles used for medical purposes are a recycling contaminant and should never be recycled. Hennepin County offers free medical waste drop-off facilities. Learn more at www.hennepin.us/green-disposal- guide/items/needles-sharps. For information on the recycling in Hennepin County, please visit: www.hennepin.us/recycling Recycling Tips  page 13 Winter/Spring 2019 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Corcoran’s Waterways Article submitted by Elm Creek Watershed Commissioner Sharon Meister A recent study on the condition of the headwaters of Rush Creek is now complete. The full report is available on the Elm Creek Watershed site under “Water Quality-Rush Creek SWA.” Within the Elm Creek Watershed, the North and South forks of Rush Creek feed into Elm Creek then into the Mississippi River. Corcoran makes up the largest area of the Elm Creek Watershed at 28% with many miles of Rush Creek within our borders. Many of the waters in our area are considered “impaired” for fish and other aquatic life. Too many nutrients reach the water, as well as E. Coli from animals and unmaintained septic systems. This leads to excessive plant growth and lower oxygen levels in the stream, ponds, and lakes. Listed in the report are “altered hydrology” practices that have had deep effects. These include increased hard surfaces (imperviousness), drain tiling and ditching. Each causes water to runoff too quickly in a rainstorm causing sedimentation and stream bank erosion. To find possible solutions, Wenck Associates was hired to conduct the Rush Creek Subwatershed study. The subwatershed area was divided into six MUs (Management Units) Lake Jubert, Lake Henry, Tiltons, South Tributary, Upper and Lower North Fork Rush Creek. Each area looked at the land use, soil type, slope and drainage, animal agriculture, septic analysis and included a section on key issues and concerns. For each area, several technical tools and other survey methods were used to narrow in on the top ten most cost-effective practices to help clean the waterways. Some possible agricultural solutions include: grassed waterways, alternative tile intakes, manure management practices, streambank stabilization, septic system repair, and upkeep. Wetland restoration is another solution. Drain tile is broken and an embankment is built to retain water in the former wetland. Areas called depressions that are poorly drained and contain hydric soils were probably once a wetland would be good candidates for wetland restoration. If any concerned landowners would like to explore possible funding towards implementation, please contact James Kujawa, Hennepin County Senior Environmentalist at James.Kujawa@Hennepin.us. Wetland Banking which allows a landowner to have land purchased and set aside for valuable wetlands is another possibility. Information can be found at www.bwsr.state.mn.us/wetlands/index.html. Organics Recycling Source: Hennepin County Did you know that organics are the most common material in the trash? Hennepin County 2016 residential waste sort data shows that nearly 25% of household trash is material accepted for organics recycling. All food, non-recyclable and food soiled paper, certified compostable products, and other compostable household items are available for organics recycling. For more information on organics recycling: https://www.hennepin.us/ residents/recycling-hazardous-waste/organics-recycling. Corcoran Happenings NH Pioneer Society Helps You Tell Your Story Home can mean many things to many people. Trying to describe that idea usually requires telling a few stories of the people and experiences that shaped the community everyone shares. Join the North Hennepin Pioneer Society Burschville School and the Anoka County Historical Society (ACHS) as they discuss how to collect these stories, as well as what to do with them, on February 16, at 10:00 am at the Corcoran Community Room. The first portion of the program will explain how to conduct an oral history, including the types of questions to ask, recording devices to use, and how to transcribe the stories gathered. The second portion of the program will be a hands-on workshop where attendees can practice these newly-acquired skills. During this time, guests including past Corcoran Mayor, Ken Guenthner, legacy families, and other civic leaders will partner with attendees to record their stories. These stories will then live at the Pioneer Society to preserve the unique history of the Corcoran area. The class is free to anyone interested in how to collect stories from their community, their family, or even themselves. Please contact ACHS at 763-421-0600 for more information. Event Information Who: North Hennepin Pioneer Society Burschville School What: Telling Your Story (program presentation) When: February 16, 2019 at 10:00 am Where: Corcoran Community Room 8200 County Road 116, Corcoran, MN 55340 Contact: Rebecca Ebnet-Desens Bonnie Maue 763-421-0600 763-639-1438 rebecca@anokacountyhistory.org bonniem@usfamily.net 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 information 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 organization serving families and individuals for 38 years. For more information, contact CROSS at 763- 425-1050, info@CROSSservices.org, or visit www.CROSSservices.org.  page 14 Winter/Spring 2019 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Financial Peace University Wednesday Nights, Beginning Jan 9, 2019 6:30 pm Location: Hope Community Church 19951 Oswald Farm Road, Corcoran, MN Has debt robbed your freedom and stolen your joy? Battle back! Dave Ramsey and his team of financial experts will teach you how to beat debt and build wealth with the most powerful tool there is . . . your income. This DVD-based small group gives practical tools for gaining financial peace in your life. For questions, contact 763-494-4673 or sign up at http://www.fpu.com/1079001. Grief Support Group Wednesday Nights, Jan 9—Apr 3, 2019 6:30—8:00 pm Location: Hope Community Church 19951 Oswald Farm Road, Corcoran, MN Help and encouragement after the death of a loved one. GriefShare is a special weekly seminar and support group designed to help you rebuild your life. Contact 763-494-4673 or office@myhopecommunity.com for more information. Hope Community Church Community Events Sponsored by Hope Community Church Hope Community Church (County Roads 30 & 116) has been active in the Corcoran commu- nity since it was founded in 1997. One of the key ways they serve is through community events such as the festivals, comedy nights, and Christmas events, as well as community classes. We invite you to join us for these new groups starting in January. Please call 763- 494-4673 with questions on any of the events sponsored by Hope Community Church. Corcoran Gardening 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, which is unfortunate, because gardeners beautify the community and also help preserve native plants and wildlife. With the end of winter approaching, is a great time to start planning new gardens, and also to start thinking about which perennials will need to be divided in the spring. A gar- dening fact, perennials that have been in the ground for three years or more will usually need to be separated and replanted to a new garden, or a friends garden or a city garden! Hostas, hydrangeas, coneflower, rudbeckia, phlox, forget-me- nots, sedum, daylilies, and so many more are great perennials for Minnesota gar- dens! 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 Corco- ran 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 Cor- coran 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. 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 offered include deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs. The trees will be given away at the City Park skating rinks/warming house shelter located at 20200 County Road 50 in late April. In an effort 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 + 6.875 sales tax, and need to be ordered in bundles of 25. Tree Order Forms are mailed out in February. Please call 763-682-1970 to be added to the notifica- tion list. Corcoran residents interested in purchasing larger bare root trees and shrubs should watch the City of Plymouth website at http://www.plymouthmn.gov/ index.aspx?page=820 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.  page 15 Winter/Spring 2019 2019 Corcoran Event Calendar Jan 15: Parks & Trails Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Jan 21: Holiday — City Hall Closed Jan 24: City Council in Council Chambers 5:45 pm — Work Session 7:00 pm — Regular Meeting Feb 1: Truck Safety Seminar Registration Begins (See Page 10 for more information) Feb 1: Firearms Safety Registration Begins (See Page 10 for more information) Feb 7: Planning Commission Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Feb 14: City Council Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Feb 16: NH Pioneer Society Story Event 10:00 am — Corcoran Community Room Feb 18: Holiday — City Hall Closed Feb 19: Parks & Trails Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Feb 27: Annual Truck Safety Seminar (Pre-registration required) 8:00 am — Public Works Facility Feb 28: City Council in Council Chambers 5:45 pm — Work Session 7:00 pm — Regular Council Meeting Mar 7: Planning Commission Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Mar 14: City Council Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Mar 17: Youth Firearm Safety Begins 6:00 pm — Community Room Mar 19: Parks & Trails Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Mar 28: Charter Commission/City Council Council Chambers 6:00 pm — Charter Commission 7:00 pm — City Council Meeting Apr 4: Planning Commission Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Apr 11: Open Book Meeting/City Council 5:30 pm — Open Book Community Room 7:00 pm — Regular Council Meeting Council Chambers Apr 16: Parks & Trails 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. www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Corcoran Happenings PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID ROGERS, MN PERMIT NO. 98 City of Corcoran 8200 County Road 116 Corcoran, MN 55340 Save the Date: April 11 Open Book Meeting The Open Book meeting is an opportuni- ty for residents to discuss their property value. For more information on the pro- cess, see the Hennepin County Asses- sor’s Office website at www.hennepin.us/residents/property/ property-value. Open Book Meeting Info April 11, 2019 5:30 pm — 7:00 pm Corcoran City Hall Corcoran Community Room 8200 County Road 116 Corcoran, MN Get Involved: Charter Commission Parks and Trails Commission Looking for a way to become involved in the future of the City of Corcoran? Become a commissioner of the Charter Commission or the Parks and Trails Com- mission in Corcoran. If you are a current resident, and would like to serve as a city commissioner, please contact Jessica Beise via phone at 763-400-7029 or via email at jbeise@ci.corcoran.mn.us. 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 Feb 7, Mar 7 & Apr 4 7:00 pm Parks & Trails Commission Meetings Jan 15, Feb 19 & Mar 19 7:00 pm Corcoran City Council Meetings Jan 24, Feb 14, Feb 28, Mar 14 & Mar 28 7:00 pm City Website www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Interested in a Summer Job? The Public Works Department will be accepting applications for seasonal help including mowing fields, assisting 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. Corcoran Permits During the 2018 year, information on residential building permits in Corcoran include: 406 total permits, 71 new homes, 32 decks, 30 remodels, 9 accessory buildings, and 10 additions. Commercial building permits included 2 commercial new construction, 7 commercial remodels, 1 commercial addition, 2 commercial accessory buildings, and 1 solar garden. For Building Permit Guidelines and Checklists, please visit the City website and select Departments, Building and Inspections and Permit Forms and Checklists, or view at: http://www.ci.corcoran.mn.us/index.asp? SEC=4F83ECF4-0F7F-489D-8151- 7865C7A6244C&Type=B_BASIC  page 16 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Winter/Spring 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