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2018-04 -- Spring-Summer
Fast Fact: Sign Up to Speak at a Council Meeting Interested in speaking at a Council meeting? Contact Brad Martens at 763-400- 7030 or bmartens@ci.corcoran.mn.us to be included on the Council Agenda. Meetings are the second and fourth Thursday of each month. Spring/Summer 2018 Social Media in 2018 The City of Corcoran began a City social media presence in 2017, and shares information on Facebook and Twitter regarding emergency information, City Council and Commission information, special events and other happenings around the community. View or follow the links below for more information: Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CorcoranMN/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/CorcoranMNCity www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Corcoran News Spring/Summer 2018 The statement above is the updated vision statement the City of Corcoran is working towards. The last year has been an important journey towards the future vision of Corcoran as we’ve worked to update our comprehensive plan. The 2040 Comprehensive Plan guides our community and focuses our efhorts on what goals and priorities are important as the City of Corcoran grows. Thank you to the many residents in the community who have assisted in this process and shared insight to help shape the City of Corcoran’s future. Paralleling the comprehensive plan update, the City Council has focused time and energy in updating the mission, vision, and values for the organization. In late January, a Council work session was held to discuss what makes a community successful and visualized what Corcoran may look like in 2028. This led to a discussion of action steps to take in 2018, and the years that follow, to achieve that future vision. The City will focus on specific action steps to work towards this vision (more information inside the newsletter). Corcoran residents are encouraged to become more involved and learn more about the community by setting up a meeting with a Councilmember or stafh, attending or watching meetings, serving on a commission, or serving on a non-governmental organization such as the Northwest Area Jaycees or Corcoran Lions Club. Thank you for being a part of the Corcoran community and I look forward to another beautiful Corcoran summer. As always, if you have questions or comments don’t hesitate to reach out to the City Council or me. My contact information is bmartens@ci.corcoran.mn.us or 763-400-7030. Sincerely, Brad Martens City Administrator City of Corcoran The City of Corcoran will become a vibrant community focused around a thriving Town Center while preserving its natural character and agricultural roots. A Vision Statement for the Future 2040 Comp Plan Info Links 2030 Comp Plan http://bit.ly/2n9wTxd 2040 Comp Plan Video Archives http://bit.ly/2nwy62j Council Agenda Packets http://bit.ly/2mLysOo Council Minutes http://bit.ly/2mLyqpF Page Public Safety 6 4 Page Environmental Page 12 Page 2 Spring/Summer 2018 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Page 12 Corcoran Happenings Page 14 Corcoran Happenings Environmental Page 16 General Information 10 Page 8 Page Parks & Recreation City Updates The City Council meets on the second and fourth Thursday’s of the month at 7:00 pm at City Hall. The following is a recap of a selection of items discussed at meetings since the last newsletter. A full recap can be found by reviewing the approved City Council minutes on the City’s website . Police Canine Program Approved appointment process and related items as presented. Director of Public Safety Gottschalk informed the Council of the canine delivery schedule. Appointed Officer Cody Vojacek to the role of Canine Handler. Police Detective Position Approved the hiring process and related items as presented. Local Surface Water Management Plan — 2018 Update Directed stafh to continue with the compliance level policy for stormwater management. Annual Appointments Approved annual appointments as presented. 2018 Legislative Priorities Directed stafh on priorities for the upcoming legislative session. Roadway Jurisdictional Transfers — Hennepin County Directed stafh to submit the letter to Hennepin County as presented related to proposed jurisdictional transfers. City Hall Remodel Authorized the City Administrator to engage an architect for review of existing conditions, needs analysis, preliminary plans, and drafl budget. 2018 City Council Calendar Approved the City Council calendar as presented. Comprehensive Plan Updates Rescheduled a work session for the comp plan from January 18 to February 15. Reviewed overview of the outcome of open house held on January 29. 2018 Road Materials Bids and Quotes Authorized stafh to obtain quotes and bids for asphalt maintenance, dust control, sealcoating, and gravel hauling services. Awarded asphalt, calcium chloride, seal coating, and gravel contracts. Schutte Initiate Expiration of Ag Preserve Approved the initiation of expiration for ag preserve; expiration takes place eight years from 2018. City Initiated Sign Ordinance Update Approved the amendment to allow for larger dynamic signs. Application for Site Plan Amendment and Variances for 10705 County Road 116 Approved the site plan amendment and variances as presented. Bass Lake Estates/Crossing South—19219 and 19235 County Road 10 Approved a change to the financial guarantee policy for Bass Lake Estates to allow a performance bond and cash in lieu of a letter of credit; stafh to update the development contract as needed. Approved the final PUD and final plat for 56 homes and 7 self-storage buildings. Approved the development contract as presented. Preliminary Plat Extension — Sawgrass Approved an extension of the preliminary plat until February 29, 2019. Discussion of Dog Kennel Standards Directed stafh to amend the ordinance to allow dog kennels only in commercial areas. Discussion on Animals in Commercial Districts Authorized a sub-committee to study the issue to include Councilmember Bottema and Corcoran resident Ken Guenthner. City-Initiated Small Cell Tower and DAS Facility Ordinance Update Directed stafh to proceed with an amendment as presented. 2018-2019 Capital Improvement Plan Approved the capital improvement plan as presented. Authorized stafh to purchase a 2018 Mack single axle truck and a 2018 Ford Interceptor utility K9 squad car. Approved front loader equipment purchase as presented. Page 5 Property Tax Appeals Cleaning Up After Your Pets Public Works 7 Page Most Requested Building Permit Fees Reroofing, Re-siding $91 each Windows-in same openings $91 Furnace or A/C unit Replacement $76/unit Gas Fireplace $101 General Plumbing $51+ Water Heater Replacement $21 Water Soflener Replacement $16 *All of the above fees include the State Surcharge ($1) and can typically be issued immediately at City Hall. Accessory structures which do not exceed 120 square feet are exempt from building permits. These structures must still meet building code, setbacks, and zoning requirements. If you have any questions please stop by City Hall or call Mike Pritchard at 763-400-7033. For Building Code related questions, please call our contracted Building Official, Metro West Inspections at 763-479-1720. Building Permits City Updates Continued... Page 3 Spring/Summer 2018 Commissioner Appointment Process Re-appointed Val Nybo and Judy Strehler to the Parks and Trails Commission for a 3-year term. Re-appointed Meredith Wu and Jennifer Russell to the Planning Commission for a 3-year term. City Hall and Public Work Staff Positions Approved the position of Temporary Assistant to the City Administrator and authorized City Administrator to hire the position. Approved the job description and hiring process for the Recreation Coordinator. Updated on the process to fill the vacant position of Maintenance Operator and recommended a candidate be selected; Council authorized the Mayor and City Administrator to drafl a conditional ofher and complete the hiring process. Years of Service Recognition—Brandon Heinz Recognized Public Works employee Brandon Heinz for 15 years of service. Appraisal and Environmental Site Analysis (ESA) — 20400 County Road 50 Authorized the Mayor and City Administrator to obtain an appraisal and ESA. City Commissions Annual Reports and 2018 Priorities Received updates from Planning Commission Vice-Chairperson Alan Schutlz. Received updates from Parks and Trails Commission Chair Tom Anderson. Final PUD Development Plan, PUD Amendments, Vacation for Final Plat for U.S. Home Corporation (dba Lennar) for Ravinia 9th Addition Held public hearing for vacation of drainage and utility easements. Approved final plat for additional 49 lots in Ravinia on the north side of Gleason Parkway. Concept Plan and EAW Review — Pulte Home Encore Received a presentation from the developer on the proposed development in northeast Corcoran with 387 single family units. Pheasant Ridge 2nd Addition — PUD OSP Sketch Plan — 10000 Ebert Road Reviewed the concept plan proposing 30 single family homes. Concept Plan for Maple Hill Apartments Reviewed concept plan for a 3-story, 82 unit apartment complex at the northeast corner of County Road 10 and Maple Hill Road. Council Table Top Emergency Management Exercise Directed stafh to schedule an emergency management exercise for April 12. Wittkop Home Relocation to 6270 Hunter Road Approved the relocation as presented. City Hall Dynamic Sign Approval Approved the final design for the sign to be installed at City Hall. Municipal State Aid Project Options Authorized stafh to complete a feasibility study for bridge replacement projects, adjusting state aid routes, and developing a 5-year capital improvement plan. Allocation of Funds to Corcoran Country Daze Approved the request for the City of Corcoran to manage costs of Police Department coverage, Public Works assistance, garbage collection, and portable restrooms for the Corcoran County Daze event. Vision Setting Work Session Recap Approved the updated mission statement, vision statement, values and 2018 action steps. Resolution Supporting Local Decision-Making Authority Approved the resolution as presented. Fire Study Grant Funds Authorized stafh to execute the grant contract in order to receive the $29,849.40 in grant funds; approved resolution designating the funds. Proposed Levy Increase — Elm Creek Watershed Commission Direct stafh to not support the proposed increase. Rockford Area Schools Property — 20400 County Road 50 Approved purchase agreement in the amount of $1,430,000 for the property. www.ci.corcoran.mn.us City Mission Statement The City of Corcoran will provide high quality public services in a cost effective, responsible, and professional manner in order to create a preferred environment to live, work, play and conduct business. Monthly Water and Sewer Bills The City of Corcoran now ofhers a direct payment ACH option for monthly city sewer and water bills. Direct payment ACH guarantees bills are paid in full and on time each month by automatically deducting payment from a checking or savings account. Additional benefits of ACH direct payment include: saving money by not having to mail in a check, reduced stress, and convenience. Please email jrotz@ci.corcoran.mn.us or jbeise@ci.corcoran.mn.us for more information on how to enroll. In addition, The City of Corcoran also ofhers online credit card payments as another method of payment besides cash or check. Please go to the following web address if you would like to use online credit card payments: https://cityofcorcoran.revtrak.net/. The City Hall Community Room is available to rent for family or business events. The Corcoran Community Room is a great location for family holiday gatherings, graduation parties, birthday parties, weddings, baby or wedding showers, and family reunions. The Community Room is 45 x 45 feet and accommodates seating for up to 150 people, has a full kitchen, men’s/ women’s restrooms and access to the Memorial Garden with a gazebo behind the City Hall. Banquet, classroom, and lecture style seating are available for room setup options. Community Room rental fees per day: Monday-Thursday $150.00 Friday $275.00 Saturday or Sunday $350.00 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. Community Room/ Park Rental Page 3 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Fast Fact: Ways to Save Money on Water and Sewer Bills Source: https://www.thebalance.com/save-money-on-your-water-bill-1388747 To save money on monthly water and sewer bills, use the dishwasher to wash your dishes. A dishwasher cycle uses less water than handwashing does, but make sure the dishwater is full. For more money saving tips visit https://www.thebalance.com/save-money-on-your- water-bill-1388747. www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Page 4 Spring/Summer 2018 Important Reminders Pet Waste Can Be Harmful Storm water can carry waste and other pollutants directly into waterways. Animal waste may contain harmful organisms and parasites such as roundworms and hookworms or Giardia, as well as bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli that can be transmitted to humans and animals. When animal waste washes into a stream, lake, or wetland, it breaks down using up oxygen and releasing other chemicals. No one likes the smell or to step in pet waste and spread it into homes, cars and businesses. Please clean up afler your pet when walking within Corcoran neighborhoods, on the shoulder of paved roads, and within the ditches of Corcoran’s many gravel roads. Your neighbors will appreciate your efhort and you will be helping to keep waste from Corcoran’s many watersheds. Some Helpful Tips On The Go Carry plastic bags in your pocket. The bag can be used to secure and pick-up waste to be thrown away in the garbage. At Home Clean-up and remove waste on a regular basis. Bag it and place it in the garbage. Landfills are designed to safely handle and contain waste such as cat litter, dirty diapers, etc. Consider Contracting With a Pet Waste Removal Service There are many products and DIY systems out there for pet waste-composting/digester systems (also known as “doggy septic systems”); however, these options are not recommended. The systems require a high level of maintenance and many times don’t work properly, and can be costly to remove. Pet waste materials need high and consistent amounts of heat to efhectively kill the dangerous organisms and breakdown waste properly. These systems are not recommended in areas with high water tables, low temperatures, or in soils with slow drainage. Understanding the Assessment and Appeals Process Fast Fact: https://www.houselogic.com/finances-taxes/taxes/property-tax/ In 1798, Revolutionary War hero Paul Revere’s property tax rate was 6% ! He paid $75 in property taxes on his Boston home, valued at $1,250. Today, Boston has among the lowest city property taxes. The assessor classifies property according to its use. Each class of property (single-family home, apart- ment, cabin, farm, and commercial) has it own classification rate. The class rate is determined by the state legislature. Similar to market value, the class rate of your property plays a role in how much property tax you pay. The assessor classifies property according to its use. Each class of property (single-family home, apart- ment, cabin, farm, and commercial) has it own classification rate. The class rate is determined by the state legislature. Similar to market value, the class rate of your property plays a role in how much property tax you pay. www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Page 5 Spring/Summer 2018 Open Book Meeting April 12, 2018 The Open Book meeting is an opportunity for residents to discuss their property valuation or classification. For more information on the process see the Hennepin County Assessor’s Office website at http://www.hennepin.us/ residents/property/property-value. Open Book Meeting Info April 12, 2018 5:30 pm — 7:00 pm Corcoran City Hall Community Room 8200 County Road 116 Corcoran, MN 55340 Notice of Valuation and Classification Each spring, the assessor will mail you a Notice of Valuation and Classification informing you of the market value and classification of your property. Classification and Class Rates Role of the Property Tax Assessor http://www.revenue.state.mn.us/propertytax/factsheets/factsheet_12c.pdf The assessor has an important role in the property tax process, in that it is very important to make sure all property is valued at its market value and classified according to its use so the property tax levy is divided correctly among all taxable properties. The assessor does not determine your property taxes, and assessors do not raise revenue by increasing market values. Using a mass appraisal system and historical data, the assessor’s job is to estimate the market value of all properties on the assessment date of January 2 each year. The assessor considers the location of the property, the amount of land in each parcel, any improvements to the land, physical characteristics of the improvements (such as square footage, decks, porches, etc..), and the quality of construction. The property is then compared to similar properties in your area that have recently sold in order to determine the estimated market value. The assessor determines these factors each year, and they are shown annually on the Notice of Valuation and Classification. What if I disagree with how my property was assessed? If you have a disagreement over valuation or classification of your property, the first step is to contact your city assessor. Review and verify information with your city assessor such as dimensions, age and condition of structures. Review records to determine the market value of similar properties in your neighborhood. Review sales data to find out what similar properties in your area are selling for. Ask the assessor to explain the criteria used for classifying your property. You may also review the classifications of other properties used in the same manner as yours. If your property has not been inspected recently, both interior and exterior, ask the assessor to come out to review your property. If your concern is not resolved afler conferring with the assessor, you may attend the Open Book meeting for Corcoran residents, scheduled on April 12. Your assessor is not responsible for the dollar amount of taxes that you pay. Tax rates are determined by local taxing authorities (the city, the county, school districts, etc.). If you think your taxes are too high, you should make your opinion known to your taxing authorities during the budget meetings in September and December. For clarification on your property assessment, Corcoran City Assessor Rolf Erickson is available to answer questions at 763-473-3978. If you still disagree with your property tax assessment, appealing your assessment is the next step. You can appeal your assessment with the Hennepin County Board of Appeal and Equalization, which typically meets in June. By law, the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization cannot make a change favoring a taxpayer if the assessor is not allowed to inspect the property. You have the right to appeal your estimated market value and or property classification if you feel your property is: Classified improperly Valued at an amount higher or lower than you could sell your property for Valued at a level difherent from similar property in your area Visit www.hennepin.us/residents/property/property-value for more information on the appeals process. Other Helpful Property Tax Links Community Safety Public Safety Free Car Seat Inspections The Corcoran Police Department ofhers free car seat inspections to Corcoran residents for car seats of all sizes. Car seat inspections are by appointment only. For more information, please visit www.ci.corcoran.mn.us or click on the link below. Car Seat Safety Inspections www.ci.corcoran.mn.us page 6 Spring/Summer 2018 When Do I Call 911? By dialing 911, you can reach the police department, fire department, or an ambulance. When you call 911, a dispatcher connects you with the services you need. Dialing 911 is not only for emergencies such as medical, burglaries or fires, but also when you need any non-threatening police, fire or medical services. When the dispatcher answers they will ask you if it is an emergency and determine from there what services you need. If you’re not sure if you should call 911, it’s better to be safe than sorry. The dispatcher can help you determine if you need emergency assistance. Examples of when to call 911 would be a medical need such as a possible heart attack or stroke, trouble breathing; house or grass fire; domestic violence; burglary or thefl; car accidents; suspicious activities; anything else that may seem like an emergency or for police services. If you call the police administrative office with any of the above situations, you will be transferred to the Hennepin County Sherifh’s Emergency Communications/911 office to have the officer dispatched to your location. The Police Administrative Office is for administrative services such as registering for youth firearms training, permit to purchase applications, returning a police officer’s call, to find out about paying a citation, setting up house watches while you’re out of town, etc., and does not dispatch the officer for police calls. Do not call 911 for information when the power is out, to report a broken fire hydrant, when your water pipes burst, to get a ride to an appointment, for paying tickets, for your pet, or as a prank. It is against the law to make a prank call to 911. It is a prank call when someone calls 911 as a joke or calls 911 and hangs up. If 911 lines or emergency operators are busy with prank calls, someone with a real emergency may not be able to get the necessary help. Henn County Sheriff’s 911 website link: http://www.hennepinsherifh.org/emergency- communications911 The Corcoran Police Department shares information on Facebook and Twitter regarding emergency information, weekly press releases, special events and other happenings around the community. View or follow the links below for more information: Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Corcoran- Police-Department/459695357400188 Twitter: www.twitter.com/corcoranpolice Corcoran Police Social Media Spring Flooding Safety Tips Source: US Department of Homeland Security When spring hits, whether it’s “official” or feels like spring, many of us are eager to get out of the office and into the fresh air. However, too much rain or thawing snow afler a long winter can bring severe flooding. Floods are the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States. Here are some things to keep in mind as the spring flood season draws near. Never drive or walk through flooded streets. It only takes six inches of moving water to sweep a person ofh their feet (and not in the romantic way) and 12 inches to move a car. Remember, if a street is flooded, Turn Around; Don’t Drown. Talk with your family and make an emergency plan for you and your pets. No matter the disaster, it’s always a good idea to have emergency supplies ready at home, at work, and in the car. You can learn more about the dangers of flooding and find information about flood insur- ance at Ready.gov/floods and Floodsmart.gov. www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Public Works Information in this article was collected from: Bulletin No. 8 revised November 2003 © Copyright Wisconsin Transportation Information Center. Road Restriction Reminder In the spring of each year, Corcoran Public Works follows MNDOT’s guidelines for road restrictions throughout the City. Due to our geographic location, we follow the Metro Region for placing restrictions, but follow the Central Region for lifling restrictions. This involves flagging and posting signs at the entrances of these roads. A vehicle cannot exceed a total of four tons per axel weight. Why do we have road restrictions? In spring, roads begin to thaw from both the top and bottom. As the frost/ice melts, water saturates the road’s base and subgrade. The layers lose strength, similar to a handful of mud compared to dry compacted soil, and as thawing continues, water becomes trapped in the upper sub-grade and is unable to drain away through the still frozen soils below. Pavements and gravel roads weaken considerably in a very short time under these conditions. These conditions can also occur during and afler periods of heavy rain, (more so on gravel roads). What causes the damage? Without adequate support, pavement deflects too much under heavy loads, and cracks or depressions develop. Gravel roads develop sofl spots and ruts as vehicle traffic compacts and displaces the over-saturated surface and subgrade. This degradation on both gravel and asphalt roads allows more moisture to penetrate, worsening the cycle until the road fails completely. According to tests by AASHTO (the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials), the amount of damage a road sustains is directly related to the weight of the large trucks and how oflen it is applied. Passenger autos and light duty vehicles are not a problem. It is large trucks carrying what would usually be legal weight loads, over weakened surfaces which cause the damage. When trucks carry loads that are heavier than the weight limit, the potential for damage is much higher. Another factor is the amount of weight and number of tires on each axle. Damage increases rapidly with higher axle loads and actually worsens at a faster rate than the load increases. A nine-ton axle load, for example, causes about ten times more damage than a five-ton axle load. Distributing a vehicle’s weight and its payload over more axles and tires assists in lightening the load at each point of contact, reducing damage to the road. Reducing Damage Imposing restrictions on truck weight limits is a reasonable and practical way to protect vulnerable local roads when they are at their weakest. Spring weight limits begin with the first thawing (typically early March) and continue until the road surface is again strong enough to carry normal loads (typically mid-May). Spring Burn Permit Restrictions In Effect Efhective Tuesday, March 27, open burning restrictions are in efhect for the following counties: Anoka, Chisago, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, and Washington. The warmer weather and spring winds dry the dead standing grass and brush, allowing them to ignite and spread fire quickly. Spring open burning restrictions mean residents will not be allowed to burn brush or yard waste. Restrictions typically begin about two weeks afler the snow melts and remain in place until summer green-up occurs. This usually lasts four to six weeks. In Minnesota, most wildfires occur during April and May and over 95 percent are caused by people. The DNR places restrictions on open burning during this time to reduce the number of wildfires during the spring fire season. These spring restrictions have resulted in a dramatic decrease in the number and size of fires the DNR and fire departments respond to each year. Under normal conditions, burn permits can be purchased at the Corcoran Police Department or City Hall for either a one-month burn period ($10.00), or a six-month burn period ($50.00). Both the police department and the appropriate fire department will be notified in case your fire is called in as an emergency by a concerned resident. Any landowner or resident in Corcoran that does not have a permit for a controlled burn or bonfire can be cited and fined. For burn ban information check the City’s website at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us or the MN DNR website at: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html. page 7 Spring/Summer 2018 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us 2018 Corcoran Event Calendar Apr 12: Open Book Meeting 5:30 pm — Community Room Apr 12: City Council Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chamber Apr 17: Parks & Trails Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Apr 26: City Council Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chamber May 1: Lions Scholarship Ceremony 7:00pm — Corcoran Community Room May 3: Planning Commission Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers May 5: Corcoran Clean Up Day 8:00 am — Public Works Facility May 7—8: CAA Picture Night Corcoran Community Room May 10: City Council Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers May 15: Parks & Trails Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers May 24: City Council Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers May 28: Holiday — City Hall Closed Jun 7: Planning Commission Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Jun 14: City Council Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers June 19: Parks & Trails Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers June 28: City Council Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers July 4: Holiday — City Hall Closed Jul 5: Planning Commission Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Jul 12: City Council Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Jul 17: Parks & Trails Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Jul 26: 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. Are you interested in learning more about honey bees, gardening and landscaping for bees, or keeping bees in Corcoran? If so, the Corcoran Bee club is a resource for all interested residents. The Corcoran Bee Club was organized by Corcoran residents to provide an opportunity for area beekeepers, gardeners, and “hive hosts” to meet and support their hobby. Organized club events occur two to three times per year and are very informal. There are no membership requirements or dues. Anyone interested in bees and the broad spectrum of issues involving bees is welcome to attend meetings, or simply Parks & Recreation page 8 Spring/Summer 2018 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us DNR Encourages Homeowners to Compost, Not Burn In an efhort to prevent wildfires, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources urges woodland property owners to compost their yard waste rather than burn it. “Burning should be a last resort for yard waste— especially in April and May, when wildfire risk is especially high,” said Casey McCoy, fire prevention supervisor, and added, “Composting prevents wildfires and reduces air pollution, so it’s the safest possible way to manage yard debris.” The University of Minnesota Extension ofhers a step-by-step guide to composting yard waste by visiting www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/soils/ composting-and-mulching-guide/ for complete information. For landowners who feel they must burn yard debris, now is the time to do it. That’s because annual burning restrictions will take efhect immediately afler snowmelt occurs, which will happen soon in parts of Minnesota. Three inches of snow significantly reduces the chances that a fire will escape and burn unintended areas or endanger lives, homes, and neighboring properties. If a yard waste fire does escape, the homeowner is responsible for any damage it does to nearby property. Although a DNR burning permit is not required in many locations where there is sufficient snow, be sure to check local regulations prior to burning. Once burning restrictions are issued, debris burning will be banned, and no permits issued, until further notice. For information and daily updates on open burning restrictions and current fire danger, visit mndnr.gov/burnrestrictions. The Importance of Honey Bees in Minnesota Information Courtesy of Corcoran Bee Club Parks & Recreation Parks and Trails Commission Donate Shade Trees Sponsored by the NW Area Jaycees and Corcoran Parks and Trails Commission For the past several years, the Parks and Trails Commission has given away shade tree saplings to Corcoran residents made possible with funds donated by the Northwest Area Jaycees. Varieties ofhered include deciduous and evergreen trees as well as shrubs. The trees will be distributed at the City Park skating rinks/warming house shelter located at 20200 County Road 50 in late April. In an efhort to increase distribution of these trees, Parks and Trails Commission will accept orders for up to five trees as long as supply lasts. To order, or for more information and delivery date, email Tom Anderson at trees4corcoran@yahoo.com or call 763-428-2559. For your larger projects you can order additional trees from Wright County Soil and Water Conservation District. Please view their website at www.wrightswcd.org/tree_program.html for complete information. Cost of each tree is about $1.10 per tree, and need to be ordered in bundles of 25. Tree Order Forms are mailed out in February. Please call or email Eric at 763-682-1970 or eric.mattson@mn.nacdnet.net with any questions. Corcoran residents interested in purchasing larger bare root trees and shrubs should watch the City of Plymouth website at http://www.plymouthmn.gov/ departments/parks-recreation-/forestry/ archive-2016-tree-shrub-sale for updates on the annual tree and shrub sale. Prices vary depending on variety. To purchase trees directly through the DNR nursery, please view the link below: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/ nursery/index.html. sign-up to receive notifications or information. While we call ourselves the Corcoran Bee Club, the Club is intended to be a resource for anyone located in the western suburbs. Meeting topics are determined by the group and have included local hive site visits, guest speakers, and a group honey extraction session every Fall. Meeting regulars have been beginner, novice and experienced beekeepers, people who provide space on their property for hives maintained by others, gardeners, students, and plenty of people just curious about bees, beekeeping, and bees in the environment. Corcoran Bee Club meetings are held at the Corcoran Community Room, typically on Monday or Tuesday evening, and outdoor meetings and events tend to be held on Saturdays. The Club maintains an email list to provide meeting notices (no marketing, etc.) and information about bee related events in the area. If you’d like to receive email meeting notices or would like more information about the Corcoran Bee Club and local beekeeping, simply send an email message to: corcoranbeeclub@gmail.com Corcoran Soccer Sponsored by the Corcoran Soccer Association Registration Opens Mid-April for Summer 2018 Soccer Season Corcoran Soccer is a co-ed, summer recreational soccer league serving the cities of Corcoran, Greenfield, Hamel, Medina, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Rockford, and surrounding areas since 1999. Corcoran Soccer ofhers afhordable recreation emphasizing skill acquisition, conditioning, and most of all, fun, for children ages 5 through 14. Teams are formed into age brackets based on date of birth using US Youth Soccer Association guidelines. Corcoran Soccer is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization. Online registration for players and coaches opens mid-April 2018 at www.corcoransoccer.org. Please consider coaching your child’s team! Families receive one free player registration for a parent who is coaching! Referee Training Want to be a soccer referee? Visit www.minnesotasrc.com for more information and follow directions there. Most requirements can be completed online (returning referees can be recertified entirely online). New referees are required to attend a clinic once online requirements are completed. There are many clinics but the sooner you sign up, the easier it is to attend one near you…as April approaches, clinics are less available. Open to youth and adults! Check the Minnesota State Referee Committee website listed above for further details. (Please note that completing your certification in no way guarantees you a spot with any specific soccer club.) page 9 Spring/Summer 2018 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Environmental Updates page 8 Winter 2015 The Elm Creek watershed in northern Hennepin County is approximately 83,600 acres and drains land from nine communities including Champlin, Corcoran, Dayton, Greenfield, Hassan Township, Maple Grove, Medina, Plymouth, and Rogers. Land use throughout the watershed is highly variable and ranges from rural (predominantly row crop agricultural and hobby farms) to high density urban and commercial development. Based on the current comprehensive 2030 plans for the respective communities throughout the watershed, it is anticipated that much of the currently rural land will be converted to low and medium density residential land in the next 20 years (with increasing areas of high density residential and commercial development in specific areas). The watershed includes three major stream systems (Elm, Rush, and Diamond Creeks) that total over 41 stream miles. Major lake systems within the watershed include French, Diamond, Rice, Fish, Weaver, Henry, Cowley, Hayden, Lehman’s, Goose, Mud Lakes and the Mill Ponds. To address water quality throughout the watershed, the Elm Creek Watershed Management Commission in collaboration with Three Rivers Park District, Hennepin County Environmental Services, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), United States Department of Geological Services (USGS), and the Metropolitan Council has conducted a series of monitoring and assessment studies. Previous studies include a longitudinal channel stability and erosion study; fish and invertebrate Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) studies; invertebrate monitoring through the Stream Health Evaluation Program (SHEP) and River Watch; maintenance of a long-term, USGS stream gauging/water quality monitoring station; and a watershed-wide Surface Water Assessment Grant. Based on the results of this work, seven waterbodies (Diamond, Fish, Weaver and French Lakes and Elm, Rush and Diamond Creeks) are currently listed as impaired for dissolved oxygen, biota, nutrients, or mercury by MPCA. Elm Creek Watershed General Info www.ci.corcoran.mn.us page 10 Spring/Summer 2018 Many Routes to Clean Water In some places the clean water route is rather short and fast. In newer neighborhoods, runofh flows over paved streets and driveways to storm water drains and storm sewers to ponds, wetlands, or streams. The new Ravinia development in southeast Corcoran is a good example. The Ravinia neighborhood has curbs, gutters, and catch basins connecting to storm sewer pipes that carry runofh to several storm water wetlands. In other places, the route is perhaps less obvious. In non-suburban areas of the city, there are no storm sewer systems like the kind found in the Ravinia neighborhood. Instead of catch basins and pipes, there are ditches and ditched sections of streams that accept overland runofh and carry it to Elm Creek, Rush Creek, Jubert Lake, or one of Corcoran’s many wetlands. Most of the city has this type of drainage system. No matter which path is taken, it’s important to keep runofh and meltwater as clean as we can, for a variety of reasons. For one thing, preventing spills, wastes, sediment, and other contaminants from entering our storm drainage system saves money. Polluted lakes and streams must be cleaned if they fall below water quality standards, and the cost is borne in part by the city – in other words, by residents of Corcoran. See the related article about the Rush Creek Headwaters Subwatershed Assessment or by viewing http://bit.ly/2nff3iS. There are many other reasons, of course, ranging from preventing floods caused by plugged ditches to wanting the next generations to enjoy healthy lands and waters. For whichever reason you think is important, your actions matter. Take a look at the practices below, and if they apply to you, adopt them. If you do, you will make a difherence. In places with curbs, catch basins, and storm sewers: Clean up leaks of gasoline, oil, and other fluids from your cars and lawn equipment. Wash your car on your lawn instead of on your driveway. Sweep grass clippings ofh your street or driveway and put them back on your lawn. Keep storm drains clear of leaves and other debris. In places with ditches and overland runoff: Avoid placing leaves, grass clippings, or other wastes in ditches. If you raise horses, cattle, pigs, chickens or other animals, follow recommended practices for manure management. Check for and correct soil erosion, especially near ditches or streams. Find something suspicious in a storm drain or ditch? Call Mike Pritchard, the City of Corcoran Zoning and Code Compliance Officer at 763-400-7033. If you want more information, come to City Hall to pick up brochures, visit the city’s website, or visit the websites of other organizations that provide information about storm water pollution prevention. For more information visit the links in the blue sidebar on the lefl. Drainage ditches and storm water drains eventually empty into fresh water, such as this storm water wetland in the City Park. If you see garbage dumped in a ditch, please contact Zoning Official Mike Pritchard. Fast Fact: A used aluminum can is recycled and back on the grocery shelf as a new can, in as little as 60 days. Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours — or the equivalent of a half a gallon of gasoline. Information from www.recycling-revolution.com Items Not Accepted at Clean Up Day Hazardous/Other Types of Waste Brushes, Paints, Stains, Oil/Oil Products, Household Garbage, Lawn and Garden Waste, Organics, Disposable Propane Tanks, and other Hazardous Waste. Hennepin County ofhers a facility for recycling and hazardous waste materials disposal, and is located on Jefherson Highway in Brooklyn Park. Call 612-348-3777 for information, or visit: http://www.hennepin.us/green-disposal- guide/household-hazardous-waste Needles and Sharps Disposal Efhective March 1, 2016, needles and sharps will be accepted from households for disposal at Hennepin County Drop Ofh Facilities in Brooklyn Park and Bloomington. Its important to manage and dispose of sharps (needles, lancets, and syringes) safely to prevent injury and disease transmission from needle-sticks. Follow the link below for a complete list of safe disposal options for sharps, including mail-in and destruction options, and the proper steps to utilize the drop ofh facilities: http://www.hennepin.us/green-disposal- guide/items/needles-sharps Electronics Best Buy charges customers $25 per TV (smaller than 32”) and computer monitor brought into their store for recycling (Limit of two per household per day). The fee helps cover the increasing cost of TV and computer monitor disposal. E-waste volume is rising while the need for recycled glass has declined. Best Buy continues to accept many electronics products such as batteries, ink cartridges, computers, printers and many other items needing to be recycled free of charge at all of their stores. www.ci.corcoran.mn.us page 11 Spring/Summer 2018 Corcoran Clean Up Day 2018 City of Corcoran 2018 Clean Up Day Price List* Listed below are items accepted and the fee. Cash or Check Only Please. Proof of residence with driver’s license or other I.D. (*All Prices are subject to change) General Recyclable Steel (Scrap Metal) No Charge (Equipment and engines to be recycled must have all fluids drained) Upholstered Furniture/Mattress $25.00 (Each piece) (Mattresses, box springs, recliner/chair, etc.) Loveseat/Couch/Carpet $25.00 (Each piece) Misc. Junk (Price depends on amount) $7.00+ Level Pickup Box (Approx. 2 cu. yds.) $35.00 Level with Cab (Approx. 4 cu. yds.) $70.00 Tires Car $3.00 Pick-up Truck $4.00 Large Truck $10.00 Tractor Not Accepted (May bring to West Side Tire, 19925 75th Ave N, Corcoran) Appliances, Electronics, Etc. TV/Monitor (Tube style/CRT) 27” and smaller $25.00 28” and larger $35.00 Flat Panel LCD, LED, Plasma $10.00 Compressed Gas Appliances $20.00 (Refrigerator, Freezer, A/C, Dehumidifier, Etc.) General Appliances No Charge (Washer, Dryer, Stove, Dishwasher, Water Heater, Etc.) Batteries (Including automotive) No Charge Fluorescent Bulbs (Up to 8’) $1.00 (Each bulb) Propane Tank* (Valve must be removed or will not accept) No Charge *No disposable tanks The City of Corcoran’s Annual Clean Up Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 5, 2018, from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm, at the Public Works Facility located at 9100 County Road 19 in Corcoran. The City of Corcoran will be accepting appliances, electronics, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, tires, general junk and debris and scrap metal. There is a charge for many of these items. The City of Corcoran cannot accept hazardous materials such as paint, chemicals, oil, flammable liquids, disposable propane tanks, etc. Yard waste or other organic materials will not be accepted. Corcoran Happenings Wetland Signs Identify Protected Areas To help Corcoran residents better identify protected wetland areas near their property, the City of Corcoran is posting wetland signs which designate areas that are protected and should not be cut, mowed, filled or changed in any way. The city of Corcoran continues to coordinate efhorts with the Elm Creek Watershed Commission in helping protect our local streams and watersheds, the signs will be a marker reminding residents to help protect our community and environment. For more information on the Elm Creek Watershed, please visit the links below: Elm Creek Watershed www.elmcreekwatershed.org City of Corcoran www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Under Services, choose Environmental and then Storm Water. University of Minnesota Agricultural Extension Service www.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/ For information about manure management, choose Crops and then Nutrient Management. Hennepin County – Protecting land and water http://www.hennepin.us/residents/ environment/protecting-land-water Includes home landscaping tips, a landowner guide, and more. page 12 Spring/Summer 2018 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us NW Area Jaycees 2018 Scholarships Available Sponsored by the NW Area Jaycees The Northwest Area Jaycees will be awarding up to $20,000 in scholarship monies to graduating senior high school students. All applicants must reside within Corcoran city limits and will be continuing onto their college education during the entire Fall 2018 -Spring 2019 school year. The applications are scored on the following: Academics, Leadership, Community Involvement, and Financial Need. Complete all questions, including teacher recommendation letter, high school transcript and student applying must sign the application in the space provided. The Scholarship Committee will notify all applicants of scholarship status via mail and/or email. All questions must be answered on separate paper and typed. All unanswered segments of the application will be scored as zero. View the link below for the scholarship application: http://nwareajaycees.org/wp- content/uploads/2017/02/NW-Area-JCs-sholarship-application.pdf. Completed scholarship applications must be received or postmarked no later than Friday, May 4, 2018! Corcoran Lions Scholarships Sponsored by the Corcoran Lions The Corcoran Lions are excited to ofher their 29th annual scholarship program. Each year it is a great opportunity to be able to help our youth with the opportunity to further their education. As in past years, the basic rules remain the same and they are as indicated below. Applications are due by April 13, 2018, along with a transcript of grades. The Corcoran Lions Club awards scholarships to graduating seniors who live in the City of Corcoran. This year the Lions will have the 9th annual Bill Schalo Scholarship. The Bill Schalo scholarship is given based on community service in Corcoran. This scholarship is given in memory of the Lions’ fellow member who gave so freely to our community for so many years. The scholarships are based on academic performance, leadership, service to the community and on a need basis. The graduate must attend college, junior college, university, or trade/vocational school in the year directly following graduation to receive the award. Applications can be found on the Lions website at www.corcoranlions.com or at or the following high school offices Bufhalo, Delano, Maple Grove, Mayer Lutheran, Osseo, Rockford, Wayzata, Providence Academy and West Lutheran High School. If a student attends a high school outside of the area or has been home-schooled and still resides in the City of Corcoran, he or she is eligible for a scholarship. Please contact Jerry Cain by email at jerryjcain@gmail.com if you need a Corcoran Lions scholarship application. The award ceremony will be held on Tuesday, May 15, 2018, at Corcoran City Hall, at 7:00 pm. The Corcoran Lions Club is a service that helps build communities through events, donations and assistance. The Lions Club makes donations to many organizations in our community, which includes the police and fire and City Hall. Their goal is to encourage new memberships and promote events held at the Corcoran Lions Park. If you are interested in becoming a Lions member, email jerryjcain@gmail.com or stop by one of the meetings held at the Corcoran City Hall at 7:00 pm, on the first and third Tuesday of each month. For more information about the Corcoran Lions visit their website at www.corcoranlions.org. page 13 Spring/Summer 2018 Corcoran Happenings Design a Native Minnesota Garden 1. Assess your yard. Consider adjoining property including natural features and opportunities for links to neighboring habitat; location of your house, window views, neighbors, structures, sidewalks, utility lines (both above and below ground), mature trees, weak or diseased trees, vegetable gardens, current shrubbery and flower beds; sun including number of hours of direct sunlight; topography including slopes and aspects (facing directions); soils including drainage, pH, fertility and texture (have a soil test done); water such as natural seeps and roof runofh. 2. Think about your preferences. How will the garden be used? (Is if for entertainment, play, public, private, and quiet areas) How long do you plan to stay in this house? What wildlife species would you like to attract? How much time is available for gardening? What kinds of trees, shrubs, flowers and grasses do you desire? Consider colors and appearances at difherent times of the year. 3. Determine how much money you want to spend. 4. Develop a design based on your answers to the above questions. Consult references, visit gardens and landscapes using native plants to modify your plan. Be realistic about the size of your landscape project. Start small and add to it with each passing year. 5. Prepare garden/landscape site. Use a method appropriate for your site and preferences. Options include newspaper and mulch, selective use of herbicides, sod removal. For more information visit: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ gardens/nativeplants/landscaping_steps.html Corcoran Gardeners Club Sponsored by Corcoran Parks and Trails Commission Corcoran has many resident gardens and many experienced gardeners but most of us do not know each other. This is unfortunate, because gardeners beautify the community and also help preserve native plants and wildlife. With the end of winter approaching, now is a great time to start planning new gardens and start thinking about which perennials will need to be divided in the spring. A gardening fact: perennials that have been in the ground for three years or more will usually need to separated and replanted to a new garden. This could be in a friend’s garden or even a city garden! Hostas, hydrangeas, coneflower, rudbeckia, phlox, forget- me-nots, sedum, daylilies and so many more are great perennials for Minnesota gardens! To learn more gardening tips, join the Corcoran Gardeners Club! Please consider volunteering and/or participating in the Corcoran Gardeners Club to share your gardening expertise, or simply join the Corcoran Gardeners Club to learn about gardening! Come be a part of designing gardens, as the City of Corcoran develops and grows! Volunteers for the Memorial Garden, and at the City Park, are especially needed to enhance the beauty of these areas of Corcoran. The Corcoran Parks and Trails Commission is overseeing and organizing the Corcoran Gardeners Club. If you are interested in participating or learning more, please call Tom Anderson at 763 -428-2559 or contact him via email at tom.thegardener@yahoo.com. www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Root Power Article submitted by Corcoran Garden Club If you would like to improve your yard or farm this year, consider planting some beautiful native prairie flowers and grasses. As shown in the image above, they establish some amazing root systems. Once established these plants can: Ofher an attractive, low-maintenance site Allow water to infiltrate into the ground Reduce nutrient runofh and erosion by anchoring soil Provide a “living snow fence” near a road or field Supply a sustainable forage and habitat location Rebuild soil and stabilize streambanks For more information visit: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/gardens/nativeplants/ index.html J.S. Bach’s “Ascension Oratorio” Presented by the Bach Society of Minnesota Sunday, May 6, 2018 7:00 pm North Hennepin Pioneer Society Membership: Yearly Membership is: $12 per person, $20 per couple or $5 per student. For any further information or an appointment to see the school, please contact: Verneal Klersy 763-498-8677 Betty Lange 763-286-0877 Bonnie Maue 763-420-3440 Email: corcoranschool1894@gmail.com Cororan Named 4th in 20 Safest Cities in Minnesota Source: https://www.safewise.com/blog/safest-cities-minnesota/ To identify the twenty safest cities in Minnesota, SafeWise reviewed the 2016 FBI crime report statistics and population data. Cities that fell below identified population thresholds or that failed to submit a complete crime report to the FBI were excluded from the ranking system. Our evaluation is based on the number of reported violent crimes (aggravated assault, murder, rape, and robbery) in each city. If there was a tie, we also factored in the number of property crimes (burglary, arson, larceny-thefl, and motor vehicle thefl). To level the playing field, we calculated the rate of crimes per 1,000 people in each city. This makes it easier to directly compare the likelihood of these crimes occurring in cities with vastly difherent populations. Save the Date! North Hennepin Pioneer Society Summerfest August 19, 2018 Corcoran’s Burschville School House Corcoran, MN Visit www.ci.corcoran.mn.us for more information. page 14 Spring/Summer 2018 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Save the Date! Night to Unite 2018 Corcoran’s Annual Night to Unite August 7, 2018 Public Works Building 9100 County road 19 Corcoran, MN Visit www.ci.corcoran.mn.us for more information. Corcoran Happenings North Hennepin Pioneer Society Sponsored by North Hennepin Pioneer Society In 1894, on County Rd 10 west of County Rd 116, a school house was built in Corcoran and Burschville. District 107 served the farming community until May 1967, when the school closed and the furnishings were sold at an auction. The school was sold, by the Bufhalo School District, to the North Hennepin Pioneer Society for $1. Later the Society purchased the one-acre piece of land, where the school stood, from the Weinand family for $1,000. Afler a couple of years of searching, buying and receiving donations, it again resembles the one-room school house you may remember. Mark your calendars on August 19th for our Annual Summerfest. We open the school for visitors to walk in, explore the school and take a seat. Once you walk through those school house doors time seems to stand still, imagination takes over and the memories come flooding back of those long-ago days. Visit this site and enjoy live music, children’s games, door prizes and a raftfe, plus those famous “Pork Chops” grilled by alumni of the Burschville School. Funds collected at Summerfest help keep up the expenses of insurance, painting, utilities, maintenance and lawn mowing. The Society is continuously seeking historical documents, photographs or items you may have for donation. They are also seeking voluntary help for the grounds upkeep, building maintenance labor and monetary donations to help with the expenses. NHPS is a 501 ©(3) non-profit organization. West metro communities and area music lovers are invited to hear this special presentation. The Bach Society of Minne- sota, under the direction of Matthias Maute, will ofher this piece at 7:00pm on Sunday, May 6 at Saint John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church & School in Corcoran. Bach began his composition with the Latin phrase “lesu iuva” (“Jesus help”) and it was first performed almost two hundred and eighty-three years ago immediately following its composition for Ascension on May 19, 1735. Tickets: May be purchased online (bachsocietymn.org) or at the door with prices ranging from $15 to $22. World Championship Hamel Rodeo at Corcoran Lions Park The Hamel Rodeo is the largest rodeo in the State of Minnesota on the basis of both total added money and total pay ofh. This year the contestants will take home approximately $120,000 for their efhorts. This is why many of the top name contestants will always be found at the Hamel Rodeo. For more information on the World Championship Hamel Rodeo visit www.hamelrodeo.org. Minnesota City Festival Happenings page 15 Spring/Summer 2018 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Festival City Dates Website Tater Daze Festival Brooklyn Park June 14-16, 2018 www.brooklynpark.org/tater-daze Hennepin County Fair Corcoran June 15-17, 2018 www.hennepincountyfair.com St. Louis Park Parktacular St. Louis Park June 13-17, 2018 www.partacular.org Rockin’ Rogers Rogers June 21-24, 2018 www.rogersmnlions.org/programs-events/rockin-rogers/ Big Lake Spud Fest Big Lake June 21-24, 2018 www.biglakespudfest.com Plymouth Music in the Park Plymouth July 11, 2018 www.musicinplymouth.org Delano 4th of July Celebration Delano June 29-July 4, 2018 www.delano4th.com World Championship Hamel Rodeo Corcoran July 5-8, 2018 www.hamelrodeo.org Robbinsdale Whiz Bang Days Robbinsdale July 12-15, 2018 www.whizbangdays.org Maple Grove Days Maple Grove July 11-15, 2018 www.mgco.org Ramsey County Fair Maplewood July 11-15, 2018 www.ramseycountyfair.com Monticello Riverfest Monticello July 12-15, 2018 www.monticelloriverfest.com Sherburne County Fair Elk River July 19-22, 2018 www.sherburnecountyfair.org Anoka County Fair Anoka July 24-29, 2018 www.anokacountyfair.com Wright County Fair Howard Lake July 18-22, 2018 www.wrightcountyfair.org Scott County Fair Jordan July 25-29, 2018 www.scottcountyfair.com Riverboat Days Wabasha August 17-19, 2018 www.wabashamn.org/riverboat-days Crow Wing County Fair Brainerd August 1-5,2018 www.cwcfair@brainerd.com Dakota County Fair Farmington August 6-12, 2018 www.dakotacountyfair.org Carver County Fair Waconia August 8-12, 2018 www.carvercountyfair.com Mille Lacs County Fair Princeton August 8-12, 2018 www.millelacscountyfair.com St. Michael Daze & Knights Festival St. Michael August 10-11, 2018 www.stmdazeandknightsfestival.com Rockford River Days Rockford August 10-12, 2018 www.rockfordriverdays.weebly.com Corcoran Country Daze Corcoran August 17-18, 2018 www.countrydaze.org Lions NTPA Tractor Pull Corcoran June 2 & Aug 25, 2018 www.corcoranlions.org Minnesota State Fair St. Paul August 23-Sept 3, 2018 www.mnstatefair.org Corcoran Lions Demo Derby Corcoran Sept 8, 2018 www.corcoranlions.org Fun All Summer Long County fairs and city festivals evoke fond memories for adults and children alike. Minnesota has over 300 fairs and festivals each year for family fun! A county fair is a local, public event exhibiting equipment, produce, livestock and traditions. County fairs and city festivals can include carnival games, amusement rides, baked goods contests, sporting events, livestock competitions, just about anything that brings people together for entertainment. Corcoran Country Daze at Corcoran Lions Park August 17-18 Corcoran Country Daze is co-sponsored by the City of Corcoran and the NW Area Jaycees and takes place on August 17-18. With bands playing both Friday and Saturday nights, and plenty of free family fun on Saturday, Corcoran Country Daze has quickly become an annual family favorite event in Corcoran! For more information on Minnesota summer events visit: www.explore minnesota.com PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID ROGERS, MN PERMIT NO. 98 City of Corcoran 8200 County Road 116 Corcoran, MN 55340 Do you have an interest in serving as an election official? Election Judges attend training, assist the equipment testing and work at the polling places on election day. If you are interested in becoming an election judge contact Jessica Beise, City Clerk / Administrative Services Coordinator via email at jbeise@ci.corcoran.mn.us for more information. Election Dates August 14 — Primary Election Day November 6 — General Election Day For more information visit: http://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/ General Information City of Corcoran Main Office — 763-420-2288 Monday-Friday 8:00 am — 4:00 pm City of Corcoran meetings can be viewed via video links at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Upcoming Meetings Planning & Commission Meetings Apr 5, May 3, Jun 7, Jul 5 7:00 pm Parks & Trails Commission Meetings Apr 17, May 15, Jun 19, Jul 17 7:00 pm Corcoran City Council Meetings Apr 12 & Apr 26, May 10 & May 24, Jun 14 & Jun 28, Jul 12 & Jul 26 7:00 pm City Website www.ci.corcoran.mn.us 2018 Corcoran Recycling Schedule page 16 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Spring/Summer 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 Tonya LaFave, Councilor tlafave@ci.corcoran.mn.us City Administrator Brad Martens 763-400-7030 bmartens@ci.corcoran.mn.us Miss a Council Meeting? Did you miss the last Council meeting? You can view past Council meetings at the City of Corcoran website. Visit www.ci.corcoran.mn.us and click on the link within the View Council Meeting section to view the most recent Council meeting. Election Official