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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-10 -- Fall-Winter LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS MINNESOTA PRESENTS City of Corcoran Candidate Forum The Candidate Forum is presented by the Minnesota League of Women Voters. Save the date for the City Council Candidate Forum! When: October 10, 2018 Time: 7:00 pm Where: Corcoran City Hall 8200 County Road 116 Corcoran, MN 55340 The City of Corcoran’s next municipal electfon will be held on November 6, 2018. Visit the City of Corcoran website for electfon updates at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us. Candidate Questions? Questfons for candidates at the forum can be submitted in advance to lwvwpa@lwvmn.org. Questfons will be taken from the audience at the forum as well. If you can’t attend in person, the video will be available on the City’s website following the forum. For more informatfon about the League of Women Voters visit: https://lwvmn.org The City of Corcoran is looking for Ice Rink Attendants to oversee recreational activities, ensure safety of participants, and assist with general maintenance and upkeep of the skating rinks. See page 10 for more info. Fall/Winter 2018 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us CORCORAN NEWS Fall/Winter 2018 City Administrator Update The cooler weather confirms that the year is slowly winding down. The actfvity happening in the City however contfnues to heat up. Here is a brief recap of some of the larger items you should know about: New park Playground equipment has been installed in the Ravinia development at a new park. This public park located off of Gleason Parkway will be opening soon and will be maintained by the City. If you’re driving west on Gleason Parkway from County Road 101, the park is located on the right side about a half mile. This park will be formally named in the near future and contfnue to be developed in 2019. Bass Lake Crossing and Bass Lake Crossing South Developments Home constructfon is in full swing in the Bass Lake Crossing development (north of Lions Park). Sales have been swifl with well over 20 homes purchased this year already. Bass Lake Crossing South (west of Lions Park) is completfng utflity work. Bellwether by Del Webb (Formerly Encore) The Council will consider final approvals for Bellwether in October. Some grading work was already approved to be completed at the developers own risk. The nearly 400 home development is hoping to have a grand opening summer 2019. City Hall Remodel New growth has required new staffing, and City Hall is currently past workspace capacity. A space needs analysis was reviewed by the Council on September 13 and staff has been directed to obtain quotes to proceed with plans and specificatfons. Although a finance plan has yet to be finalized, the plan is to use only funds from new development to pay for the remodel (building permit revenue from new homes for example). 2019 Budget The Council adopted the preliminary levy on September 13. More detailed informatfon is available on page 5 of this newsletter, and in the Council agenda packet on the website (2018-09-13 Council Agenda Packet). While the levy contfnues to increase, the tax rate contfnues to decrease due to the new growth and increased valuatfons of the new homes. Councilmember Resignation and Appointment Councilmember Tonya LaFave recently moved outside of the Corcoran city limits and has resigned from the City Council. We thank Tonya for all of her tfme and dedicatfon to the City. The Council appointed Alan Schultz to fulfil her term which ends December 31, 2018. This is just a brief overview of some of the actfvity taking place in the City. I encourage you to take the tfme to read the newsletter and reach out with any questfons you have. As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to the City Council or me. My contact informatfon is bmartens@ci.corcoran.mn.us or 763-400-7030. Brad Martens City Administrator City of Corcoran 6 Page Public Safety 4 Page Page 12 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 . Commissions and Appointments  Recognized outgoing Parks and Trails Commissioner Trish Krueger for her service on the commission.  Adopted a resolutfon honoring the Corcoran Athletfc Associatfon and Kevin Dale for work in the community.  Recognized the Parks and Trails Commission’s fifleenth anniversary and accomplishments.  Reappointed Rich Alseson, George Gmach and Brian Lother to the Charter Commission.  Accepted the resignatfon of Jennifer Brewington from the Planning and Charter Commissions.  Appointed Phillip Christensen to the Parks and Trails Commission and the Charter Commission.  Appointed Jeffery Dickman to the Planning Commission. K9 Oath of Office and Updates  Zeke the City’s canine was issued the Oath of Office and basked in acknowledgement of his oath.  Received an update on K9 actfvity from Officer Vojacek. Easement Vacation for Portions of Ravinia 7th Addition – Public Hearing  Held the public hearing; approved the vacatfon of easements. Ordinance Amendments  Approved a minor subdivision ordinance amendment, eliminatfng the requirement that parcels be previously platted to be eligible for subdivision.  Provided guidance to staff on the nuisance ordinance amendments.  Approved an ordinance amendment eliminatfng commercial kennels as an allowed use in residentfal districts (existfng kennels will be considered legal non-conforming and will be able to contfnue operatfon).  Adopted an ordinance amendment creatfng language for management of right-of-ways, regulatfng small cell installatfons, and updatfng distributed antenna system telecommunicatfons standards.  Adopted an ordinance amendment to allow event centers in the urban reserve and rural residentfal districts with an interim use permit.  Approved an amendment to the ordinance updatfng the financial guarantee requirements for development projects.  Adopted an ordinance amendment to allow a separate charitable gambling event to take place at a locatfon where charitable gambling already exists (i.e., allow a raftfe at an establishment that sells pull tabs). 2019 Budget Updates  Provided inputs for the first drafl of the 2019 budget.  Reviewed the drafl budget and directed staff to maintain or lower the tax rate.  Adopted the Preliminary Levy and called for the Truth-in-Taxatfon Budget Hearing on December 13. Financial Management Plan  Tammy Omdal of Northland Securitfes, the City’s financial advisor, presented the five- year financial management plan outlining the City’s projected projects.  Council accepted the plan as presented. Water Service Update  Approved the water service agreement with the City of Maple Grove to extend water to Northeast Corcoran for the Del Webb Bellwether Project (formerly named Encore).  Received a report on the potentfal for municipal water supply optfons for Northeast Corcoran and directed staff to proceed with budgetfng funds in 2019 to complete feasibility studies and other related work.  Page 2 Fall/Winter 2018 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Page 12 Environmental 16 Page Corcoran Happenings 19 Page Election Information 9 Page Page 5 City Updates Land Use Updates Parks & Recreation 10 Page Public Works Elections 2018  Appointed the absentee ballot board members to review absentee ballots the City receives.  Appointed electfon judges for the primary and general electfons.  Schedule a special meetfng for November 13, 2018 for the canvassing of the 2018 General electfon results for municipal offices. 2018 Strategic Goals In January 2018, the City Council completed a vision setting session and outlined a vision for the next ten years. Council identffied the following actfon steps to be completed in 2018 to make progress to the larger vision. Here is an update on how each strategic goal is progressing: Purchase park land, parks and trails commission to begin master planning.  The park land has been purchased and the Parks and Trails Commission has begun the planning process with delineatfng the wetlands in the park. Designate open space park on west side of Jubert Lake.  The 2040 Comprehensive plan designates an open space park on the west side of Jubert Lake. Redesign downtown/town center plan.  Staff has begun to redesign the Southeast district plan. Council is scheduled to review on November 8. Guide comp plan for increased commercial/industrial area west of existing downtown, and in Southwest Corcoran.  The 2040 Comprehensive plan designates the increase commercial/industrial area. 2019 budget for paving gravel roads in the future.  No funds were allocated for 2019. Complete staff planning for 2018 (canine, detective, part-time recreation coordinator, part- time code compliance), update capital improvement plan.  Staff planning is in process and the capital improvement plan has been updated. Plan and budget Crime, Drug, and Safety Task Force items for 2019.  Items were discussed as part of 2019 budget. Review fire service report and consider next steps.  Two members of the Council were selected for the subcommittee and will be meetfng to discuss the fire service needs. Update City code to better enforce code issues.  Council has reviewed nuisance ordinance processes and staff are working on the ordinance amendments that will be brought forward later this fall. Learn about options for adjusting ordinances to protect trees/natural areas.  Reviewed optfons; ordinances were found to be sufficient. Ask Charter Commission to discuss the option of future wards in Corcoran. City Updates Continued...  Page 3 Fall/Winter 2018 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Corcoran Lions Night to Unite Building Permits Most Requested Building Permit Fees Reroofing, Re-siding $91 each Windows/Doors $91 (In same openings) 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. 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 testfng, 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. Please contact Metro West Inspectfons at 763-479-1720 to check if your proposed product is an approved decking material. If you have any other building code related questfons please stop by the Corcoran City Hall or call Mike Pritchard at 763-400-7033.  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 (5) regular members, and a rotatfng City Council liaison that is a non- votfng member. The Planning Commission holds public hearings, reviews and then makes recommendatfons regarding land use and planning applicatfons 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 informatfon, please contact City Hall at 763-420-2288. Development Rights and Open Space and Preservation Ordinance Updates (City File 18-014) One of the implementatfon strategies from the Drafl 2040 Comprehensive Plan was to consider amendments to the open space and preservatfon ordinance to better reflect City goals. The Council is also considering changes to the development rights program. Staff presented the City Council with a work plan and schedule at the May 24 meetfng. The Council discussed further at the September 27 Council Meetfng and have a work session tentatfvely scheduled for October 11. Ordinance Amendment Shoulak/Lindblad Event Centers (City File 18- 024) James Shoulak and Marie Lindblad applied separately for ordinance amendments to allow a event centers in residentfal areas. While the individual requests are slightly different, the concept of event centers are similar, staff processed the requests concurrently. A public hearing was held at the August Planning Commission meetfng and was approved August 23 at the City Council meetfng. This amendment sets standards for allowing event centers to operate with an interim use permit. Final Plat for “Rush Creek Run” at 7320 Rolling Hills Road (PID 28-119-23-22-0003) (City File 18- 026) A request for final plat approval to create six single family home lots has been submitted but is currently incomplete. The preliminary plat for this project was approved on April 26th. Upon receipt of the missing items, this request will be scheduled for Council actfon. Final Plat and Final PUD Development Plan for Bellwether (Formerly Encore) at 9975 County Road 101 (PID 1211923120001) (City File 18-027) The preliminary plans were approved by the City Council in June. A request for final plat approval has been submitted and staff is reviewing the request. This applicatfon is for Phase one, which will plat the Newman property and create 79 lots (78 home lots plus the actfvity center). The item has been scheduled for Planning Commission review on October 4 and City Council actfon at a future meetfng in October. A grading permit was approved and limited site work has begun. Utflity work is antfcipated to start this fall. Final Plat and Final PUD Development Plan for Refuge at Rush Creek (Formerly Fehn Meadows 2nd Addition) (PID 03-119-23-13-0002) (City File 18-028) This applicatfon is a request to plat 14 new single family home lots. The preliminary plat and PUD was approved by the City Council in June. The final plat and PUD was recommended for approval by the Planning Commission early September and was presented to City Council for actfon on September 27. Preliminary Plat, Preliminary PUD and Rezoning for Pheasant Ridge Second Addition (PID 0311923310003, 0311923430005, 0311923410002) (City File 18-029) The Council has reviewed and provided feedback to the applicant on a PUD sketch plan to create 30 single family home lots. This formal applicatfon for an open space and preservatfon subdivision is currently incomplete. Upon receipt of the missing items, this request will be scheduled for Council actfon. www.ci.corcoran.mn.us  Page 4 Fall/Winter 2018 A L LO C AT I O N O F TA X D O L L A R S The median household value in Corcoran is projected to increase to $344,328. The City taxes on a home of that value using the projected tax rate is $1,525 or about $127 per month. The chart below shows where the $1,525 is allocated based upon the overall percentage of City expenditures. www.ci.corcoran.mn.us  Page 5 Fall/Winter 2018 City Updates Truth-in-Taxation Hearing Budget Meeting City Council Chambers Thursday, December 13, 7:00 pm Learn More… The entfre budget and related staff reports are available on the City’s website at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us. Under the Government tab click Council, then Agenda Packets, then 2018. Select the 2018-09-13 Council Agenda Packet to view the budget used to set the preliminary levy. City Administrator Brad Martens, can also be reached at 763-420-2288 or bmartens@ci.corcoran.mn.us for further questfons. N E X T S T E P S Item Annual Cost Monthly Cost Administratfon $316.19 $26.35 Planning /Engineering $24.26 $2.02 Public Works/Parks $403.73 $33.64 Police $456.22 $38.02 Fire $126.61 $10.55 Debt Service $197.99 $16.50 2 0 1 9 P R O P O S E D B U D G E T A N D L E V Y The City Council adopted its preliminary levy for 2018 at the September 13 meetfng. This levy amount may be decreased prior to final approval but not increased. This levy amount was used to create the City tax amount you see on your proposed 2019 levies and taxes notfce. W H Y I S A P R O P E R T Y TA X N E E D E D ? Only a small portfon of the City budget is funded through fees or charges for services. For 2019 the portfon proposed to be funded by fees or charges covers only 22% of our expenditures. The remaining 78% is funded through the property tax levy. Home Value Tax Rate City Tax Tax Capacity 2018 $329,500 45.357% $1,460 $3,219.15 2019 $344,328 45.120% $1,525 $3,380.78 TA X E F F EC T The adopted preliminary levy is in the amount off $4,262,937 which is a $278,434 or 7.49% increase from the 2018 levy. Despite this increase, the tax rate is projected to decrease slightly from 45.357% to 45.120% due to new constructfon and increased valuatfons. As the City of Corcoran grows it will oflen be the case to see higher percentage overall levy increases in order to provide services to the new developments. However, it is the goal of the Council to contfnue to lower the overall tax rate year afler year, and this goal has been accomplished for the second year in a row. A reduced tax rate means that propertfes with no change in value would see a decrease in City taxes. Propertfes with valuatfon increases would likely see an increase. According to the City Assessor, the following average increases took place in Corcoran: Residential: 4.5% Farm: No Change Commercial: 4.7% Industrial: 4.7% Using this informatfon, a home previously valued at $329,500 (median value) could now be valued at $344,328. The antfcipated tax impact in this example would be as follows: The City Council will contfnue to refine the budget and levy prior to final approval which is antfcipated on December 13. Between now and that tfme the levy can decrease but not increase. Corcoran has implemented CodeRED. The CodeRED system will serve as the backbone of Corcoran’s emergency planning and communicatfons outreach to both citfzens and staff. The system sends telephone calls, text messages, emails, and posts to social media channels in order to inform residents and protect life and property. Afler a thorough evaluatfon and review of alertfng systems, CodeRED was selected for its reliability and accuracy, as well as the system’s wide spread adoptfon across the U.S. It will be used to notffy residents of significant events in their neighborhood like flooding, road closures, missing children notfces, and other public safety emergencies. Residents living within Corcoran are encouraged to download the CodeRED mobile alert app on your mobile device. Once the app is downloaded, enroll and enter contact informatfon including cell phone numbers, text, and email addresses. You can add or update your contact informatfon to ensure you will be included when a message is sent by clicking here. Public safety officials across the United States have credited CodeRED notfficatfons for successfully locatfng missing children, apprehending wanted criminals and issuing tfmely evacuatfons. Public Safety CodeRED Notification Services www.ci.corcoran.mn.us  page 6 Fall/Winter 2018 The Corcoran Police Department shares informatfon on Facebook and Twitter regarding emergency informatfon, weekly press releases, special events and other happenings around the community. View or follow the links below for more informatfon: Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Corcoran- Police-Department/459695357400188 Twitter: www.twitter.com/corcoranpolice Corcoran Police Social Media Fire Department News The City of Corcoran contracts with the Loretto Fire Department, the Rogers Fire Department, and the Hanover Fire Department for fire protectfon services for Corcoran residents. To view the Corcoran map that includes fire department boundaries visit www.ci.corcoran.mn.us and select Departments, Emergency Management and then select Fire Protection Services, or click here to view the map. Loretto Fire Department Open House When: Saturday, October 13, 2018 Time: 4:00—8:00 pm Where: 259 North Medina Street, Loretto There will be a pig roast dinner (free will offering), games, inflatables, face paintfng, fire truck rides, demonstratfons and more! Join the Loretto Fire Department Come meet our local firefighters, tour the fire statfon, and join the Loretto Fire Department team by becoming a Loretto firefighter! Contact Chief Leuer at 612- 221-4963 or by email at lfdch1@gmail.com. Hanover Fire Relief Association Poultry Social When: Friday, November 16, 2018 Time: 7:00–9:00 pm Where: 11250 5th St NE, Hanover Hanover Fire Relief Associatfon will be sponsoring a poultry social event to raise funds for the Hanover Fire Department. Please consider joining them for this annual event! For more informatfon, visit http://hanoverfiremn.org/. Rogers Fire Department The Rogers Fire Department provides City fire services to the residents in the northeast corner of Corcoran. Rogers Fire Department has two fire statfons, a full-tfme fire chief, a full-tfme fire inspector and 41 paid on-call firefighters. For more informatfon, visit www.cityofrogers.gov/fire-dept. Fire Fighter Recruitment If you are interested in becoming a fire fighter, download a fire fighter application (https://rogersmn.gov/images/Fire_Images/pdf/ Fire_Fighter_Application.pdf) and contact Chief Feist at 763-428-3500 or by email at bfeist@rogersmn.gov.  page 8 Winter 2015  page 7 Fall/Winter 2018 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Winter Hazard Awareness Week — November 5—9, 2018 Source: www.fema.gov Public Safety WINTER STORM WATCH normally, when a winter storm is expected, the Natfonal Weather Service will issue a winter storm watch. A winter storm watch means that conditfons exist for the occurrence of severe winter weather such as blizzard conditfons, heavy snow, significant freezing rain, or sleet. A winter storm watch is your signal to prepare for the storm now. Once the storm begins, travel may not be possible. Preparing at Home and at Work Don’t forget, you may not be at home when the storm strikes! Have emergency supplies available at your place of work. Remaining inside protected from the elements is the safest place during a winter storm. Consider a plan for the potentfal loss of heat, power, telephone service, and a shortage of supplies if the storm persists. Below are some checklists you can use to be prepared. Preparing for the Indoors  Flashlight with extra batteries  Battery powered weather radio and portable radio  Extra food and water, especially high energy food that requires no cooking or refrigeratfon such as dried fruit and canned goods (don’t forget the non-electric can opener)  Medicine, first aid supplies, and ample baby supplies  Emergency heatfng source, such as a stocked fireplace, wood stove, or space heater  Smoke detector and fire extfnguisher, the chance of fire increases dramatfcally using alternatfve heatfng  Carbon monoxide detector Preparing Your Vehicle About 70 percent of deaths during an ice or snow storm occur in a vehicle. If you questfon if you should attempt to travel, then don’t! If you must travel then allow extra tfme. Reduce your speed and do not attempt to make sudden turns or stops. Winterize the vehicle so it will be reliable. This includes a good set of tfres. Other items necessary for the car or truck include: • Dry blanket(s) or sleeping bag • Extra dry clothing • Flashlight with extra batteries • High calorie non-perishable food (i.e., granola bars or power bars) • Snow shovel, windshield scraper, and brush • Sack of sand, rock salt, or kitty litter for traction • Jumper cables • First aid kit and a small container for water  Maps, compass, knife, and water proof matches Stay informed of the latest weather forecast. Being prepared before the storm hits will keep you and your family from unnecessary risk. WINTER STORM WARNING A winter storm warning means that severe winter weather such as heavy snow, significant freezing rain, or sleet is expected. A blizzard warning means that sustained or gusty winds of 35 mph or more are expected to reduce visibility at or below a quarter of a mile due to falling and/ or blowing snow. The issuance of the winter storm warning is your signal to take steps necessary to keep you, your family, and pets or animals safe during the storm. All unnecessary travel should be delayed untfl the storm is over. If you get stranded in your vehicle and shelter is not visible nearby, stay in your vehicle. • Run the motor for about ten minutes each hour for heat. Keep the tailpipe free from snow and open the window slightly from tfme to tfme to let in fresh air. • Make yourself visible by turning on the dome light while the engine is running and tfe a colored cloth to your antenna or door. Most deaths and injuries during winter storms can be prevented. When shoveling snow or doing other actfvitfes in the cold, you should always set a slow pace. Take frequent breaks and warm yourself regularly. Frostbite can occur from exposure to the cold. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and usually occurs in extremitfes such as face, toes or fingers first. When treatfng frostbite, always make sure the affected area is dry and then warm it slowly. Visit https://www.fema.gov/media-library- data/1408633655071- 32caae446efef4ab2f4fcccdb55f725c/ PrepareAthon_WINTER% 20STORMS_HTG_FINAL_508.pdf for more informatfon on preparing for winter storms. For general informatfon on emergency preparedness, visit: https://www.ready.gov/be-informed Hunting Reminder Fast Fact: Hennepin County Snow and Ice Removal Source: https://www.hennepin.us/residents/transportation/snow-and-ice Hennepin County plow drivers maintain more than 2,200 lane miles of county roads. Plow drivers help people continue getting where they need to go. This is a big job in the county. Hennepin County has a quarter of Minnesota’s population – more than 1.2 million residents. Half of all jobs in the Twin Cities metro region are located in Hennepin County. And, more than 4,200 people who live in other places travel into the county to work each day. For issues related to snow removal on a county road call 612-596-0299. Many of us look forward to fall as a great tfme to be outdoors. It is possible that you may hear gunshots in the distance when you’re outside. Because huntfng is permissible in most areas of the City of Corcoran, we have citfzens who hunt or allow others to hunt on their property with written permission. You can get a copy of the firearm ordinances and regulatfons at City Hall, the Police Department, or on the City’s website at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us. You will need a license for the game you wish to hunt. A person may not shoot, hunt or discharge a deadly weapon or take a wild animal with a firearm within 500 feet of any structure or corral containing livestock without written permission from the landowner. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website (MN DNR) has a vast amount of informatfon on hunter safety, seasons, regulatfons, licenses, and much more. Their website is: www.dnr.state.mn.us/huntfng/ index.html Be an ethical hunter and follow safe huntfng practfces. Corcoran PD asks that hunters respect others and their property while huntfng. Everyone has the right to enjoy the outdoors safely. Did You Know? In Minnesota, there were 159,343 deer harvested in 2015. For a breakdown of deer harvested view the Minnesota DNR Deer Harvest Report at http:// files.dnr.state.mn.us/wildlife/deer/reports/ harvest/deerharvest_2015.pdf.  page 8 Fall/Winter 2018 Public Safety www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Burning Permits If you choose to burn yard debris, don’t forget to purchase a burn permit; it only takes a couple of minutes to apply in person during the business hours of Monday through Thursday, 7:30 am—5:00 pm; and Fridays, 8:00 am—12:00 pm at the Corcoran Police Department. Burn permits are required for any fires larger than three-feet diameter by three -feet in height. Anything smaller than a three-foot by three-foot fire must be a recreatfonal fire. Burn permits are not required when the ground is snow- covered, which is ground that has a contfnuous unbroken cover of snow to a depth of three inches or more surrounding the immediate area of the fire. Items approved to burn: vegetatfve material, such as grass, leaves, brush, and untreated lumber. Items not approved to burn: hazardous wastes, demolitfon debris, motor vehicles, oils, rubber, plastfcs, chemically-treated materials, sheet rock, paint, garbage and debris castoff 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. Drug Deactivation and Disposal Bags Do you have unused medicatfon lying around the house? In partnership with Corcoran Lions, the Corcoran Police Department now offers a free, simple way for residents to dispose of small amounts of unused medicatfon. Deterra Drug Deactfvatfon Bags deactfvate the chemicals found in medicatfon, preventfng injury to children and pets that may accidentally consume spare medicatfons. The bags are also degradable and can be disposed of in normal trash, helping to prevent damage to the environment. Deterra bags can deactfvate up to 45 pills, six ounces of liquid, or six medical patches. All they require is warm tap water! If you would like a Deterra Bag, please stop by the Corcoran Police Department located at City Hall to pick one up. The Corcoran Police Department is open Monday-Thursday, 7:30 am- 5:00 pm, and on Fridays from 8:00 am--12:00 pm. For more informatfon, please contact the Corcoran Police Department at 763-420-7026. Save the Dates: Firearm Safety 2019 March 17, 24, & 31 April 7, 14, & 27 Truck Safety 2019 March 7 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 Public Works, Police Department and the Hennepin County Highway division would like to cautfon residents that it is unlawful to dump, plow or push snow from private driveways onto highway or city streets whether you are plowing your driveway or you have hired someone to remove snow. Snow dumped on highways or street right-of-ways can create a hazard not only for motorists, but also for snowplows. Even heavy snowplows have been ditched and damaged when hitting compacted and frozen snow. The person responsible for depositfng snow on roadways may also be liable in a civil lawsuit if damages or injuries that occur as a result of this actfon. Under MN Statutes, Chapter 160.2715, RIGHT-OF-WAY USE, violatfon of the above statute is a misdemeanor, city ordinance 130.04 also prohibits the plowing, blowing, shoveling or otherwise placing of snow from sidewalks, driveways and parking lots onto public roadways. The violatfons are considered a misdemeanor, punishable by a maxi- mum $700 fine and/or 90 days in jail. Through the years this issue has become a bigger concern as the community grows. The Corcoran Public Works and Police Departments will be enforcing these laws.  page 9 Fall/Winter 2018 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us A goal of the Corcoran Public Works Department is to clear snow and ice from City roads as soon as possible. Delays may occur in the event of equipment breakdown or extreme weather conditfons. The safety of the public and the City employees is a top priority. Currently the City has more than 65 miles of roads that are maintained by the Public Works department. The criteria for the decision to begin snow and/or ice control operatfon are as follows:  Snow accumulatfon of two inches or more warrants the plowing of asphalt roads, two to four inches warrants the plowing of both asphalt and gravel roads dependent on road conditfons. Call out is normally at 2:00 am when practfcal.  High volume major collector roads and roads with steep hills and curves receive first priority.  Safety of the plow operators and the public are important. Therefore snowplowing operatfons may be terminated afler 12-14 hours to allow personnel adequate tfme to rest. High winds creatfng white out conditfons could cause suspension of services untfl weather improves. The City will assume no responsibility for damage to underground lawn sprinkling systems, exterior lightfng systems, and similar landscaping installed in the public right-of-way. To review the City approved policy view the city website at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us and select Departments - Public Works/Parks Department - Snowplowing. Garbage Can Driveway Location During winter months, please be sure to place garbage containers inside your driveway perimeter or boundary on garbage pickup days. Garbage containers should never be placed on the roadway. A Quick Mailbox Reminder Inspect your existfng mail box post for damage and replace before the winter snowplowing season begins. Ensure your mail box posts are sturdy, set solidly in the ground, and in good conditfon before the snow falls. Swing-Away Mail Box Post Option 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 regulatfons and MNDOT’s specificatfons. An example is currently on display by the front doors of Corcoran City Hall. The Swing-Away Mail Box Posts 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 informatfon or to schedule the installatfon. Spring Baseball — Coming Soon! It’s time to start thinking about spring baseball! New this season, residents will receive priority registration! Priority registration will be 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, but is only available by stopping by City Hall. Open registration begins on Monday, January 14 and runs through March 1, and can be completed online or at City Hall (until filled). Questions can be directed to Recreation Coordinator Jessica Christensen Buck at jchristensenbuck@ci.corcoran.mn.us. Ice Rink Attendants WANTED! As the weather cools, it is tfme to start thinking about the winter! The City of Corcoran is looking for Ice Rink Attend- ants to oversee recreatfonal actfvitfes, ensure safety of partfcipants, and assist with general maintenance and upkeep of the skatfng rinks. Attendants will work approximately 5 – 15 hours each week startfng around mid-December through mid-February. Hours are 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm on weekdays and split shifls be- tween 11:00 am – 9:00 pm on week- ends. A complete job descriptfon and applica- tfon can be found on the City’s website at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us or by visitfng Corcoran City Hall at 8200 County Road 116, Corcoran, MN 55340. The applica- tfon deadline is 4:00 pm on Friday, November 2, 2018. Questfons can be directed to Recreatfon Coordinator Jessica Christensen Buck at jchristesenbuck@ci.corcoran.mn.us or 763-400-7034. www.ci.corcoran.mn.us  page 10 Fall/Winter 2018 Parks & Recreation Corcoran Skating Rinks Looking for something to do this winter? City Park isn’t just for the summer! Corcoran's skatfng rinks offer fun and recreatfon for cold weather enthusiasts of all ages. The Corcoran Public Works department hopes to get the ice rinks open by the last week of December and keep them open untfl mid-February. Building and maintaining them depends on many variables. To start making ice, crews need temperatures to be around 0 degrees 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. If rinks don’t have complete coverage, they can be unsafe for skaters. Once the rinks are established and open, the Public Works crew cleans and resurfaces the rinks daily, Monday-Friday and weekend mornings, depending on weather conditfons (roads and public safety are first prioritfes). 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 conditfons 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. Warming house hours are: 11:00 am — 9:00 pm weekends and holidays 4:00 pm — 9:00 pm weekdays For ice rink concerns, please call the Recreation Coordinator Jessica Christensen Buck at 763-400-7034. Neighborhood Park The new park in the Ravinia neighborhood is opening soon! Featuring excitfng items such as swings, climbers, and slides the new park is sure to be a good tfme for all ages. Thank you so much to all those that helped build the playground that children will enjoy for years to come! Check the City website for grand opening informatfon and updates at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us. Snowmobile Safety & Training  page 8 Parks & Recreation City of Corcoran Area Snowmobile Trails Sponsored by the Northwest Trail Association Corcoran’s snowmobile trails are setup and maintained by the Northwest Trails Associatfon. Northwest Trails is an organizatfon of enthusiastfc and committed snowmobilers in Hennepin County and the northwest suburbs of Minneapolis, MN. Northwest Trails Associatfon was formed as a non-profit volunteer organizatfon in 1973. Its mission is to support a safe, adventurous and friendly snowmobiling experience primarily through trail coordinatfon, safety educatfon, and club actfvitfes 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 Associatfon'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. Our trail 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 locatfons. Our success with the trail system and the acknowledgement of snowmobiling as a sport, is attributed to the willingness of landowners who let snowmobilers travel on their private property. We, as an associatfon, are very grateful to all the landowners for extending this privilege to Northwest Trails and the snowmobilers who use the trails. It takes many hours of volunteered labor to mark and maintain our trail system throughout the year. We begin putting out the trail signs in October for the December 1 trail opening and removing the signs in April. The trails are groomed using a modern Tucker Sno-Cat and our custom built drags. The future of snowmobiling depends on all snowmobilers working together to promote the sport. Being a member of the Northwest Trails Associatfon is a way to promote safe, responsible snowmobiling as well as supportfng a good local trail system for snowmobiling. Snowmobile Safety Training is also an offering coordinated by the NW Trails Associatfon. Family involvement is encouraged. NW Trails Associatfon social actfvitfes include: dinner outfngs, club work nights and group snowmobile trips. By joining Northwest Trails, you will also become a member of the Minnesota United Snowmobile Associatfon (MnUSA), from which you will receive their many benefits. For Trail Updates please view www.nwtrails.net/changes.htm. Sponsored by the Northwest Trail Association The Northwest Trails Associatfon is an organizatfon of enthusiastfc and committed snowmobilers in Hennepin County and the NW suburbs of Minneapolis. Its mission is to support a safe, adventurous, and friendly snowmobiling experience primarily through coordinatfon, safety educatfon, and club actfvitfes of value to members. Corcoran will be a hostfng site for the snowmobile training course at the Corcoran Community Room. To register for the class, go to the NW Trails website at http://nwtrails.net/safety.htm (space is limited). An online course is required prior to the classroom session. There is a $30 fee for the online course (students can save $8 if purchased through Northwest Trails Associatfon). There is also a $5 fee due at the tfme of pre-registratfon to reserve a seat. More informatfon will be made available with pre-registratfon. Important Info: Students must bring with a copy of their birth certfficate and a printout from the online training, verifying completfon of the written test to class on November 23. Partfcipatfon in class will not be allowed if the online course step is not confirmed. Classes: Friday, November 23, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm (parents are required to attend) and Saturday, November 24, from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm is the outdoor practfcal course. Questions: Please call Randy Baudler at 763-420-5526 or email at youthsafetytraining@gmail.com. Did You Know? All Minnesotans born after December 31, 1976, must have a safety certificate to operate a snowmobile in the state. If you have a driver’s license, this certification will be indicated on your license.  page 11 Fall/Winter 2018 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us  page 12 Fall/Winter 2018 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Environmental Updates 2018 Corcoran Recycling Schedule For more information regarding recycling, please contact Randy’s Environmental Services at 763-972-3335 or visit their website at www.randyssanitatfon.com Recycle Everywhere! Source: www.hennepin.us/recycleeverywhere The Hennepin County 2018 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 basket to collect recycling. The 2018 Recycle Every- where campaign contfnues to focus on tfps and tricks to help people expand their recycling habits to recycle in every room and by offering free resources to improve recycling at home. Hennepin County contfnues to offer free resources, including recycling labels, bags for collectfng recyclables, and a recycling guide, to help people expand their recy- cling habits. These resources can be ordered online at www.hennepin.us/ recycleeverywhere. They can be used at home, shared with family and friends, or distribute at events, at work or in your community. Hennepin County also has a newsletter artfcle, social media posts, logo, images, ads, videos, and recycling tfps fact sheet available to help spread the word at www.hennepin.us/business/work-with-henn-co/environmental-educatfon- resources#artfcles-posts. What is a Watershed? Source: MN Pollution Control Agency A watershed is the area of land where all of the water that drains off of it goes into the same place—a river, stream or lake. The smallest watersheds are the drainage areas for small streams and lakes. Think about your local pond, creek or river. Where does it start? What type of landscape does it flow through? Where does it end up? All of the area covered is a watershed. Each small watershed is part of the more extensive watershed for a larger stream or lake in the vicinity. These larger watersheds are, in turn, part of even larger drainage networks, and so on. The largest-scale watershed is called a basin. Minnesota has ten basins, some of which include portfons of neighboring states or Canada. Major Watersheds The largest watersheds within a basin are called major watersheds. These are the drainage networks of the basin's largest rivers or lakes. There are 80 major watersheds in Minnesota. For each of these, Minnesota Pollutfon Control Agency (MPCA) works with other state agencies and local partners to identffy water restoratfon and protectfon needs throughout the watershed and to determine how best to address them. Learn about MPCA’s major watershed approach to water quality restoratfon and protectfon. Find informatfon about your watershed here, or visit https://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/watersheds. Environmental Updates How to Dispose of Leaves and Brush Yard waste disposal includes backyard compostfng, brush, garden debris, grass clippings, leaves, sod, logs, trees, stumps, indoor and outdoor plants, mulch and wood chips. State law prohibits disposal of all yard, brush and tree waste in landfills or solid waste facilitfes. Ash Tree Disposal Hennepin County prohibits hauling ash tree waste. Ash tree waste should be takin to closest disposal site to minimize the spread of the emerald ash borer. Some yard waste haulers and sites cannot accept ash tree waste. Visit http:// www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/pestmanagement/ eab/ashtreewaste.aspx for a list of ash tree disposal sites. Included below are some ideas for disposing of leaves and brush: Curbside Pickup Contact your waste hauler for informatfon, availability and material prep. Yard Waste Drop Off Sites Open to all Hennepin County residents. Call before visiting these businesses for hours, materials they accept, requirements and fees. SKB Malcolm Avenue Transfer Station 630 Malcolm Avenue SE, Minneapolis 612-331-4610 Open to the public Monday - Friday 7 am - 5 pm (all year) Saturday 7 am - 12 pm (Apr-Nov only) Maple Grove Yard Waste Site 10300 Maple Grove Parkway, Maple Grove 763-420-4886 Maple Grove, Champlin, Brooklyn Park, Dayton, Brooklyn Center, Crystal, and New Hope residents at no charge. General public may have fees -- call first for fees. Rogers residents need a City Hall issued permit to dump. Open Apr 1-Nov 30 Monday - Saturday, 8 am - 7 pm Sunday 11 am - 7 pm The Mulch Store Locatfons in: * Burnsville, 952-736-1915 * Empire Township, 651-423-4401 * Minnetrista, 952-446-1056 * Shakopee, 952-445-2139 Open to the public. For hours at each locatfon, visit The Mulch Store website at www.mulchstoremn.com/. Leaf Disposal Fast Fact: The Salt of the Matter https://www.mprnews.org/story/2017/12/06/road-salt-water-pollution Minnesota dumps some 730 million pounds of salt on roadways each winter. A teaspoon of road salt pollutes five gallons of water forever. Once snow melts, salt flows into lakes and streams. Once salt is in a body of water, it’s nearly impossible to remove. Chloride, the mineral in salt that contaminates waters, is toxic to fish, other aquatic life, and birds. The MN Pollution Control Agency launched a chloride management plan in 2017 across the metro area. The plan focused on smart salting, which is using the minimum amount necessary (https://www.mprnews.org/story/2017/03/31/mndot-cutting-back-road-salt).  page 13 Fall/Winter 2018 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Minnesota Waters Need a Low-Salt Diet Source: https://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/salt-and-water-quality Doctors tell us to stfck to a low-salt diet. Our lakes and streams should follow the same advice. While salt helps to keep our roads safe in the winter and to soflen the water in our homes, it contains chloride, a water pollutant. Salt pollutes. It takes only one teaspoon of road salt to permanently pollute five gallons of water. Once in the water, there is no easy way to remove the chloride, and at high concentratfons, chloride can harm fish and plant life. Less is more when it comes to applying road salt and water soflening. Learn more about chloride pollutfon here or visit https://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/chloride-salts. Looking to spread the word? Let residents and organizatfons in your area know about the dangers of excess salt applied to pavement with this handy, printable Salt pollutes postcard. How Can I Help Reduce Salt Runoff? Source https://www.pca.state.mn.us/featured/snow-removal-do-it-better-cheaper-and- pollution-free Do you shovel your own driveway for your business or home, or hire a business to remove it? The more snow and ice you remove manually, the less salt you will have to use and the more effectfve it can be. Whether you use a shovel, snow blower, snow plow, or ice scraper, remove the snow as early as you can and keep up with it throughout the storm. You may find you don’t even need salt. Make sure to ask your snow removal company what their process is for salt applicatfon in the winter months.  Fifleen degrees is too cold for salt to be effectfve. Use sand instead for tractfon, but note that sand does not melt ice.  Slow down when driving in snowy or icy conditfons. Make sure to allow plenty of room for plow drivers.  Be patfent and understand that just because you don’t see salt on the road, doesn’t mean it hasn’t been applied.  More salt does not equate to more meltfng. Use less than four pounds of salt per 1,000 square feet (an average parking space is about 150 square feet). One pound of salt is approximately a heaping 12-ounce coffee mug. Consider purchasing a hand- held spreader to help with a consistent applicatfon amount.  Sweep up any extra salt or sand that is visible on dry pavement. It is no longer doing any work and will be washed away. Utflize the salt or sand somewhere else. How Often Do I Need My Septic Pumped? Septfc tanks must be periodically cleaned (pumped) to remove floatfng scum and sludge that accumulate. If either floatfng scum or sludge is allowed to enter the soil treatment system (drain field) it will cause expensive and oflen irreparable damage. How oflen to clean a septfc tank depends on its size, use, and operatfng conditfon. A typical household will calculate a cleaning frequency of one to three years. A septfc tank in a northern climate will need to have the solids removed more oflen than a tank farther south. This is primarily because the cooler temperatures inhibit bacterial actfon and provide less decompositfon of the sewage solids. A constant foul odor, slow drains, and drains that back up are all signs your septfc tank needs pumping. Contact a qualified septfc system professional from the local yellow pages for additfonal advice. Do Septic and Well Systems Have To Be Inspected Before a Property Transfer? The law requires that prior to signing an agreement to sell or transfer real property, a seller must disclose to a buyer the status and locatfon of the septfc system. The seller must disclose this informatfon in writfng. Further questfons or additfonal informatfon on your septfc system can be directed to Hennepin County Human Services and Public Health Department at 612-543- 5220, or click on the link below: http://www.hennepin.us/search#q=septfc% 20systems&t=All&sort=relevancy  page 14 Fall/Winter 2018 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Environmental Updates Corcoran Garden Club Add Composting to Your Recycling Routine Compostfng isn’t just for gardening. There are many benefits to compostfng organic waste. While one compost purpose benefits gardens, compostfng is also a great way to recycle organic waste. What exactly is compostfng? Compostfng uses the natural decompositfon process to change organic waste into a humus-like, usable product. It is nutrient-rich and can be used to fertflize poor soils, rather than using chemical fertflizers. Since approximately half of the waste stream is organic matter, compostfng can play a significant role in reducing waste from landfills; in conserving landfill space and reducing the productfon of leachate and methane gas; and in producing a high quality fertflizer for your garden. What Can be Composted? In additfon to food waste, yard waste, like grass clippings and leaves, can be added to compost bins or containers. Food waste, such as banana peels, coffee grounds and eggshells, are great items to compost. Perennial flowers can also be added to compost piles, however, do not place perennial weeds which come grow back year afler year, into compost piles, as they will only grow back and spread. Composting Facts and Benefits Source: http://extension.psu.edu/plants/gardening/news/2013/some-composting-facts  The average US. Household generates 650 pounds of compostable materials each year.  Over 60 percent of what we put in our landfills is organic waste, such as food scraps. Yard trimmings, and paper, much of which could be recycled by compostfng.  Compostfng saves money. Families reduce their garbage collectfon bills and municipalitfes save money on transportfng and disposing of waste when organic materials are eliminated from the collectfon system.  Compost improves soil, adds important nutrients for plants, and reduces the need for expensive commercial fertflizers. For additfonal informatfon on compostfng, please view the links below: www.ecochem.com/t_compost_faq2.html http://extension.psu.edu/plants/gardening/news/2013/some-compostfng-facts http://www.arboretum.umn.edu/getdirtyactfvitfes.aspx https://www.dakotavalleyrecycling.org/component/tags/tag/organics Join the Clubs! The Corcoran Garden Club meets throughout the growing season. Towards the end of the growing season, the Corcoran Garden Club also partfcipates in wildflower seed collectfon, used by Three Rivers Parks to expand their natfve prairie. A Three Rivers Park naturalist demonstrates seed collectfon and guides the volunteers through the seed collectfon process. The Corcoran Garden Club meets at select tfmes at the Corcoran City Hall at 7:00 pm, located at 8200 County Road 116, Corcoran. To join the Corcoran Garden Club, email Tom Anderson at tom.thegardener@yahoo.com. Would you like to understand more about honey bees? Join the Corcoran Bee Club and learn how honey bees create honey. For more informatfon about the Bee Club, please email corcoranbeeclub@gmail.com. Fast Fact: Composting Protects Watersheds Source: http://www.mncompostingcouncil.org/resources--education.html Healthy soils are essential for protecting watersheds. Compost is the best way to add organic matte which is vital to soils. When added to soil, compost can filter out urban stormwater pollutants by an astounding 60-95 percent! Building Biodiversity in the Soil Source: http://beyondpesticides.org/assets/ media/documents/infoservices/ pesticidesandyou/documents/diy- biodiversity.pdf The foremost method for building biodiver- sity in the soil is compostfng. Compostfng breaks down organic matter, while growing the organisms necessary for a healthy food web. Compost can be made in different ways, depending on the soil where it will be used. Compost made predominately from wood chips, sawdust, or dry leaves (“browns”) and turned infrequently favors fungi. Compost made largely from kitchen scraps, grass cuttings, green plant residues, and/or ma- nures (“greens”) and turned frequently fa- vors bacteria. Compostfng should be an aero- bic process favoring aerobic organisms. DIY Biodiversity 1. Compost nurtures populatfons of soil food web organisms. 2. Organic Gardens exclude toxic fertflizers, increase biodiversity, protect biological com- munitfes, and fight climate change. 3. Mulch provides food for soil organisms and shelter for predators. 4. Plant and Save Heirloom Seeds to pre- serve genetfc diversity and promote locally adapted varietfes. 5. Plant a Chestnut Tree for the future. www.mprnews.org/story/2016/01/27/ minnesota-chestnut-tree-hybrid-excites- researchers 6. Grow Saprophytic Mushrooms to increase fungal biodiversity. 7. Disperse Mycorrhizal Fungi to promote symbiotfc relatfonships that help forest health. 8. Seed Bombs distribute seeds with soil food web organisms. 9. Plant for Insect Diversity and encourage “beneficial” insects. 10. Pledge your yard as a Pestfcide Free Zone/ Honey Bee Haven to protect pollina- tors. 11. Nesting Places for insects preserve polli- nators and predators. 12. Nesting Places help conserve bird popula- tfons. 13. Encourage Insectivores and bring balance to the garden. 14. Water is necessary for life. 15. Feed animals through lean tfmes. 16. Brush Piles provide shelter and habitat.  page 15 Fall/Winter 2018 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Environmental Updates Organics Recycling in Corcoran Source: https://www.hennepin.us/residents/recycling-hazardous-waste/organics-recycling What Is Organic Recycling? Remember when your grandmother used to scrape uneaten food, coffee grounds, and food-soiled paper products into an old ice cream bucket? Our grandparents were practfcing organics recycling long before organics recycle was a thing. For our grandparents though, less garbage in their garbage can, meant less work for them when the garbage needed to be disposed of. Today, organic recycling includes all uneaten food, food-soiled paper, compostable paper, plastfc cups, plates, bowls, utensils and containers, coffee ground filters, hair and nail clippings, cotton balls and swabs with paper stems, household plants and flowers, tea bags, wooden chopstfcks, popsicle stfcks, and toothpicks. About one-third of the trash we create today, is organic materials, including food, food-soiled paper, and certffied compostable products, that could be composted. Organic recycling takes compostable materials and turns them into nutrient-rich soil. Click on link below for an Organics Recycling Guide. https://www.hennepin.us/-/media/hennepinus/residents/recycling/documents/ residentfal-organics-recycling-guide.pdf In early 2017, Hennepin County commissioners began discussing an organics recycling proposal for all of Hennepin County to divert food waste away from landfills and garbage burners. One of the items under consideratfon was requiring curbside organics recycling for all Hennepin County residents. If Hennepin County moves forward with this requirement, all citfes will need to implement a curbside organic recycling program by 2022. In 2016, only three percent of the organics waste generated in Hennepin County was collected for compostfng. Because organics waste comprises such a large portfon of the total garbage, state waste officials have made it a priority to try to reach a 75 percent recycling goal by 2030. The new state waste plan aims to make curbside organics pickup common throughout the metro area. (https:// www.pca.state.mn.us/waste/metropolitan-solid-waste-management-policy-plan) How Can I Start Composting Organics? The artfcle on page 14 may be helpful in understanding how to begin compostfng your organic waste. You can also contact your local garbage hauler and inquire about organics recycling. Doesn’t the Current Required Recycling by the City Cover Organics Recycling? The current, recycling requirement through the City is for non-organics recycling only, and is mandated by Hennepin County. Organics recycling may also be mandated by Hennepin County and become part of the required recycling program for City of Corcoran residents in 2022. Corcoran Happenings CROSS Meals on Wheels Sponsored by Cross Services 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. Corcoran Soccer Thank you to the CSA Board Members and all the amazing volunteer coaches who helped make 2018 a great season of Corcoran Soccer! Visit www.corcoransoccer.org for information about Corcoran Soccer.  page 16 Fall/Winter 2018 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us North Hennepin Pioneer Society Celebrates Summerfest! Sponsored by North Hennepin Pioneer Society The North Hennepin Pioneer Society (NH Pioneer Society) hosted Summerfest with the help from area businesses and the hard work of its members. Thank you to everyone who donated prizes, attended Summerfest and helped to make this day special. New to Summerfest this year, Corcoran Century Farms were on display and featured inside the school at the annual Summerfest on August 19. It may come as surprise how many century old farms stfll exist in Corcoran today. Research uncovered ten Century Farms recognized by the Minnesota Farm Bureau. These family farms registered and received a 100-year memory plaque award. The award given to the Weinand family is on display at the Corcoran City Hall. The Weinand’s history to the school and the land go back to 1856, when they donated an acre of land to the community for a school. In the mid 1800’s, it was normal for school teachers to reside at family farms as a guest through their teaching career, as teachers were required to be single to teach, and most did not have the means to own a home near the school where they taught. Four generatfons of Weinand children attended Burschville #107 untfl it closed in 1967. NH Pioneer Society is a non-profit organizatfon. Funds are raised annually at Summerfest for grounds maintenance, preservatfon of the school, and also for the collectfon of school items on display. If you would like to be included as a supportfng member who cares about Corcoran’s last one-room school please consider becoming a NH Pioneer Society member. Membership is $12 a person, $20 a couple or $5 for students. The school is open and available for tours seasonally from May-October. NH Pioneer Society is actfvely seeking any past school memorabilia from school District # 107-Burschville School located on County Road 10 in Corcoran. Do you have any school class photos from 1894-1967 you would like to share? For more informatfon please contact: Verneal Klersy 763-498-8677 Betty Lange 763-286-0877 Email: CorcoranSchool1894@gmail.com Local Businesses Support Corcoran Country Daze Sponsored by NW Area Jaycees and Local Businesses Corcoran Country Daze would not be possible without the teamwork of the NW Area Jaycees, the Corcoran Lions, Corcoran Public Works, Corcoran Police Department, City of Corcoran staff, and local business partfcipatfon. The support of local area businesses are greatly appreciated and are a valuable part of the Corcoran community. For a list of sponsors please visit https://www.corcorancountrydaze.org/our-sponsors. Fast Fact: History of a Wreath Source: https://www.proflowers.com/blog/history-of-the-wreath The first notes that the wreath dates back to ancient Greece and Rome, where members of Greco -Roman society would hand-make ring-shaped “wreaths” using fresh tree leaves, twigs, small fruits and flowers. Worn as headdresses, these wreaths represented one’s occupation, rank, achievements and status. The Laurel wreath was most commonly used then. Laurel wreaths were used to crown victors of the ancient Greco-Roman Olympic Games. Wreath translated literally means, “a thing bound around” from the Greek word diadema. NW Area Jaycees Future Events Santa Claus Is Coming to Corcoran! Sponsored by NW Area Jaycees Date: Saturday, December 1, 2018 Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm Where: Corcoran Community Room 8200 County Road 116, Corcoran, MN Pancakes? Santa? What could be better? Pictures will be taken by a professional photographer with Santa, plus kids get to pick a free small gifl from under the NW Area Jaycee’s tree. Kids can also enter a prize drawing for larger gifl items. A pancake breakfast will be served for all to enjoy. Actfvitfes are free with a non- perishable food shelf donatfon. NW Area Jaycees Holiday Wreath Sales Sponsored by NW Area Jaycees The NW Area Jaycees are teaming up with the Rockford High School 2018-19 Prom Committee for the annual Holiday Wreath/Centerpiece Fundraiser. Have you purchased your holiday wreath and centerpiece yet? If not, please consider ordering from the NW Area Jaycees and the Rockford High School 2018-19 Prom Committee. There are three sizes of wreaths and one centerpiece optfon available. Costs: 25” wreaths are only $15, 36” wreaths are $25, 48” wreaths are $42, and centerpieces are $20. Pick up will be on Saturday, November 24, at the Corcoran City Hall parking lot or by arrangement the following week. If you are interested in ordering, please contact Sarah Schmidt via email at Sschmidt79@embarqmail.com or phone 612-366-3910.  page 17 Fall/Winter 2018 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Corcoran Happenings Hope Community Church Community Events Sponsored by Hope Community Church Hope Community Church (County Roads 30 & 116) has been actfve in the Corcoran community since it was founded in 1997. One of the key ways they serve throughout the year is through community events such as The Great Hope Get-Together, children’s sports camps, veteran’s dinners, comedy nights, and Christmas events. Please call 763-494-4673 with questfons on any of the events sponsored by Hope Community Church. Harvest Festival Saturday, October 20, 2018 11:00 am — 2:00 pm Join us for an aflernoon filled with fall fun for all ages! - Trunk or treat - Soup lunch - Outdoor actfvitfes - And much more! Costumes encouraged. For more informatfon visit: www.myhopecommunity.com/harvest Ladies Christmas Tea Saturday, December 1, 2018 3:00 pm — 5:00 pm (Boutique opens at 2:00 pm) General tfcket sales open November 4 Adults $15.00 Young Ladies (ages 4-10) $8.00 Purchase tfckets by November 25 at: www.myhopecommunity.com/tea All ladies, ages 4 to 104, are cordially invited to attend the 22nd Annual Ladies Christmas Tea at Hope Community Church. Come and begin your holiday season in an elegant, festfve setting, enjoying delicious food and beautfful music. You will also have an opportunity to shop at the Holiday Boutfque. Come early to admire the beautfful tables set up by our table hostesses and vote for your favorite! Become a table hostess and receive one complimentary tfcket! “Hope Radio Hour” Christmas Dinner Theater Saturday, December 8, 2018 Doors open at 5:30 pm/Dinner served at 6:00 pm Adults $25.00 Purchase tfckets at: www.myhopecommunity.com/dinner The 16th Annual “Hope Radio Hour” is a delightiul night of comedy, laughter, and reflectfon, in celebratfon of the birth of Christ. Enjoy a delicious catered dinner, creatfve comedy skits, and beautfful musical performances. Oct 4: Planning Commission Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Oct 3-5: St. Thomas the Apostle Garage Sale Locatfon: St. Thomas the Apostle Church Oct 8: Rockford Referendum Meeting 7:00 — 9:00 pm — Rockford High School Visit: https://www.rockford.k12.mn.us/ Page/2299 for more info Oct 10: Candidate Forum 7:00 pm — Corcoran Community Room Oct 11: City Council Meeting 5:45 pm — Council Work Session 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Oct 12-13/19-20/26-27: Haunted Acres Sponsored by Lions and NW Area Jaycees 7:00 pm — Corcoran Lion’s Park Oct 16: Parks & Trails Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Oct 25: City Council Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Nov 1 : Planning Commission Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Nov 8: City Council Meeting 5:45 pm Council Work Session 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Nov 12: Holiday — City Hall Closed Nov 13: Special City Council Work Session: Canvassing Election Results 5:45 pm — Council Chambers Nov 19: City Council Meeting (Monday) 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Nov 20: Parks & Trails Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Nov 22-23: Holiday— City Hall Closed Dec 6: Planning Commission Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Dec 13: City Council Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Dec 18: Parks & Trails Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Dec 24/25: Holiday — City Hall Closed Dec 27: 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. Haunted Acres Prepares for Haunting Season! Sponsored by Hamel Lions and Corcoran Lions Visit Haunted Acres and you will understand why Hamel Lions Haunted Acres was voted #1 in Minnesota! The Hamel Lions Haunted House was established in 1997. Throughout the years, Haunted Acres has received accolades by several websites as one of the best haunted attractfons in the state of Minnesota. With a few TV spots on Channel 9 morning news highlightfng the event achievements, Haunted Acres is becoming an attractfon site for people looking for a spooktacular scare! Over the years Haunted Acres has raised over $70,000 and 2,500 pounds of food for Interfaith Outreach and the Hanover Food Shelf. Haunted Acres is completely volunteer operated. If you are interested in helping out on the Boo Crew this year, please click here to apply, or visit www.hamellionshauntedacres.com and select Contact Us / Volunteer page to complete the online volunteer form. The first night of hauntfng begins on Friday, October 12! Don't forget an extra pair of underwear! For more informatfon on hours and event rules please view the website at www.hamellionshauntedacres.com. Corcoran Happenings 2018 Corcoran Event Calendar  page 18 Fall/Winter 2018 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Election Information Absentee Voting and Direct Balloting Absentee Vote via Mail If you are unable to vote in person at City Hall, visit www.mnvotes.org to complete the absentee ballot applicatfon process online. If you’re unable to complete the applicatfon online, you can pick up an applicatfon at Corcoran City Hall (8200 County Road 116) or call 763-400-7029 to request that an absentee ballot applicatfon be sent to you. Upon receipt of completed and signed applicatfon, your absentee ballot will be sent to you. Vote Absentee in Person Corcoran residents can absentee vote for the general electfon at: Corcoran City Hall (8200 County Road 116, Corcoran, MN 55340) startfng Friday, September 21, 2018, for the general electfon. Hours for votfng are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday and closed Saturday and Sunday. City Hall will be open extended hours for absentee votfng for the general electfon 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday, November 3, 2018. City hall will also remain open Monday, November 5, 2018, untfl 5:00 pm. Direct Balloting Corcoran voters can directly place their ballots into a ballot counter when votfng in person startfng: Tuesday, October 30, through Monday, November 5, 2018 for the general electfon. Election Information Candidates for Corcoran City Offices The City of Corcoran’s next municipal electfon will be held on November 6, 2018. Corcoran will have three positfons on the general electfon ballot for city offices: Mayor (two-year term) and two City Councilmember positfons (four-year terms). Candidate Forum Hosted by the League of Women Voters Save the date for the City Council Candidate Forum on October 10, at 7:00 pm, at Corcoran City Hall, 8200 County Road 116, Corcoran, MN 55340. For more informatfon visit www.ci.corcoran.mn.us. Corcoran hosts a municipal electfon as part of the 2018 general electfon. The mayor and two council member seats are on the ballot. Listed below are the candidates for these offices listed in alphabetfcal order. Election Registration Info Voter Registratfon is required prior to castfng your ballot. Voter registratfon applicatfons can be completed online at https://mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us/ VoterRegistratfon/ VoterRegistratfonStep1.aspx, by clicking here to print out the voter registratfon applicatfon, or by applying in-person on electfon day (includes in-person absentee votfng). To register, you must be:  A U.S. citfzen  At least 18 years old on Electfon Day  A resident of Minnesota for 20 days  Finished with all parts of any felony sentence  You can vote while under guardianship unless a judge specifically has revoked your right to vote  You cannot vote if a court has ruled that you are legally incompetent. If you have moved, changed names, or haven't voted within four years, you must update your registration by completing a new registration application. Elections Information on the City of Corcoran Website Electfons informatfon is available on the City’s website to provide additfonal informatfon on electfons. You can find this sectfon under the ‘Government’ tab on the City’s website at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us.  page 19 Fall/Winter 2018 Election Links Ways to Register https://www.sos.state.mn.us/electfons- votfng/register-to-vote/ Where Do I Vote? https://www.sos.state.mn.us/electfons- votfng/electfon-day-votfng/ Other Ways to Vote https://www.sos.state.mn.us/electfons- votfng/other-ways-to-vote/ What’s On My Ballot? https://www.sos.state.mn.us/electfons- votfng/whats-on-my-ballot/ www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Mayor Two year Term – One Seat Available John Dahl Louis Richard Stoffers II RonThomas Councilmember Four Year Term –Two Seats Available Mike Keefe Alan Schultz Jason Woody Local School District Ballot Questions Rockford Area Schools Referendum and Levy Vote The Rockford Area School Board unanimously voted to place school funding questfons on the November 6, 2018 ballot this fall. Visit the Rockford Area Schools Referendum informatfon page at https:// www.rockford.k12.mn.us/Page/2299. Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Area Schools Referendum Vote Find out everything you need to know regarding the upcoming Buffalo- Hanover-Montrose Operatfng Referendum Electfon. Read more about why the district is need of additfonal funding and learn about the tax impact to your property. Find out when and where to vote. Visit the Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools website at www.bhmschools.org/informatfon/2018-bhm-operatfng-referendum-informatfon. Visit the MN Secretary of State website at https://myballotmn.sos.state.mn.us/ to view what is on your ballot, including all candidates for your local municipality, school board and any school referendum questfons. Residents of Corcoran can vote on these questfons, and candidates within your precinct through absentee votfng (September 21 -November 5), or on November 6, 2018, which is Electfon day. To verify which school district you reside in, how to register, and where your votfng locatfon is please visit http://www.sos.state.mn.us/electfons-votfng/. Residents in Corcoran currently vote at the Corcoran City Hall, in one of two precincts. Local School District Website Links Click on the School District link below for more informatfon on each school district and school board members. Rockford School District — www.rockford.k12.mn.us Buffalo School District — www.bhmschools.org Osseo School District — www.district279.org/ Delano School District — www.delano.k12.mn.us Wayzata School District — www.wayzata.k12.mn.us/ General Election 2018 questions? Visit https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/. PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID ROGERS, MN PERMIT NO. 98 City of Corcoran 8200 County Road 116 Corcoran, MN 55340 Primary Election Voter Turnout Record The State Primary Electfon in 2018 was the highest in voter turnout in Minnesota since 1982! The City of Corcoran mimicked these results, with the highest voter turnout for the Primary Electfon since 2003! Corcoran’s voter turnout for the Primary Electfon included about 18% of the registered voters partfcipatfng in the vote this past August. Election Dates General Election Dates Sept 21: Absentee votfng begins at Corcoran City Hall Oct 10: Candidate forum hosted by League of Women Voters Oct 16: Last day to pre-register to vote for the general electfon (Registration on Election Day Available) Oct 30: Direct ballotfng begins Nov 3: City Hall is open for absentee votfng from 10:00 am-3:00 pm Nov 5: In-person absentee votfng ends at 5:00 pm Nov 6: Electfon Day Nov TBD — Canvassing electfon results For more informatfon on electfons, contact Jessica Beise, City Clerk / Administratfve Ser- vices Coordinator 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 meetfngs can be viewed via video links at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Upcoming Meetings Planning Commission Meetings Oct 4, Nov 1, Dec 6 & Jan 3 7:00 pm Parks & Trails Commission Meetings Oct 16, Nov 20, Dec 18 & Jan 15 7:00 pm Corcoran City Council Meetings Oct 11, Oct 25, Nov 8, Nov 19, Dec 13, Dec 27, Jan 10 & Jan 24 7:00 pm City Website www.ci.corcoran.mn.us St. Thomas The Apostle Church Huge Garage Sale! Where: St. Thomas the Apostle 20000 County Road 10 Corcoran, MN 55340 When: October 3-5, 2018 October 3 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm October 4 8:00 am to 8:00 pm 50% off from 4 pm to 8 pm October 5 8:00 am to 1:30 pm Bag day all day - $4/bag and unlimited bags Questions? Please contact Elaine Kramer at 763-494-4332  page 20 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Fall/Winter 2018 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 Commissioners Needed Looking for a way to become involved in the future of the City of Corcoran? Become a member of the Planning or Charter Commission 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.