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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-04 -- Spring-SummerCorcoran 2040 Comprehensive Plan A comprehensive plan is an expression of the community’s vision for the future and a strategic map to reach that vision. Comprehensive planning is an important tool for cities to guide future development of land to ensure a safe, pleasant, and economical environment for residential, commercial, industrial, and public activities. Periodically, the City of Corcoran reviews and updates the long-term vision for the community’s future to incorporate new census data, projections for population, business and employment growth, and community preferences. The 2040 Comprehensive Plan will be drafled in 2017 -2018 with the input of residents, businesses, and City Commissions. Please view the links below to complete the survey, or to view general information regarding the 2040 Corcoran Comprehensive Plan. Comp Plan Dates to Remember City Hall 2040 Comp Plan Community Open House Meetings April 17, 2017 6:00-8:00 pm October 10, 2017 6:00-8:00 pm Spring/Summer 2017 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Corcoran News Spring/Summer 2017 Decisions Are Made by Those That Show Up Work Session Meetings: Big Picture Items Apr 20, 2017—7:00 pm Land Use/Dev Rights May 18, 2017—7:00 pm Transportation and Parks Jul 22, 2017—7:00 pm Utilities Sept 21, 2017—7:00 pm Draft Plan Discussion Oct 19, 2017—7:00 pm The above quote is attributed to many including Ben Franklin, Harry Truman, Martin Luther King Jr., and even Woody Allen. Whoever said it first doesn’t matter, it’s true, and the reason I bring it up is the upcoming 2040 Comprehensive Plan update. Once per decade cities like us are required to update our plans that guide our decisions. This includes land use, transportation, parks, water/sewer infrastructure, and more. Let me take this opportunity to ask you to be involved and to invite you to the first open house scheduled for the evening of Monday, April 17, at City Hall. In addition to the open house on April 17, here are some other ways to be involved:  Learn about the existing 2030 Comprehensive Plan to better understand the current guidance (Available on the City of Corcoran website at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us)  Complete the 2040 Comp Plan Resident Survey (Available on the city website or link sidebar at left)  Organize a group to get together and talk about the Comprehensive Plan and invite stafh or City Council to attend  Share input at Night-to-Unite on August 1, or Country Daze on August 19  Reach out to your neighbors and make sure they know about the process  Attend City Council work sessions dedicated to specific sections of interest to you on the Council Work Session dates included below: The Corcoran 2040 Comprehensive Plan sidebar located on the lefl side of this page, includes information and opportunities to share your vision for future Corcoran. My contact information, the City Council’s, as well as Mayor Thomas’ contact information is included on page 16 of the newsletter, if you would like send us an email. I look forward to an engaging year as we update our plans and envision Corcoran in the year 2040. Sincerely, Brad Martens City Administrator City of Corcoran 2040 Comp Plan Links 2040 Comprehensive Plan Survey www.surveymonkey.com/r/2040CorcoranCompPlan Hard copy of the resident survey available at City Hall Office. 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 Take the resident survey to share ideas! Click on the link below or visit www.ci.corcoran.mn.us 2040 Comprehensive Plan Survey www.surveymonkey.com/r/2040CorcoranCompPlan 6 Page Public Safety 4 Page Environmental Page 12  Page 2 Spring/Summer 2017 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Page 12 Corcoran Happenings Page 14 Corcoran Happenings Environmental Page 16 General Information Public Works 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 . Oath of Office  Oaths of Office were taken by Mayor Ron Thomas, Councilmember Jon Bottema and Councilmember Brian Dejewski. Years of Service Recognition — Officer Warren  Mayor Thomas thanks Officer Steve Warren for his service and presented a 20-year plaque. 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update Process  Reviewed the proposed plan; approved the preliminary work plan with amendments and directed stafh to begin work.  Approved the schedule for the update as presented.  Drafl survey questions for 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update Process and provided stafh with amendments to the survey, stafh to update and send to Council for a brief review. Elm Creek Watershed Commissioner Appointment  Appointed Sharon Meister as Corcoran’s representative on the Elm Creek Watershed Commission; Council discussed role of commissioner and need for more guidelines. Commission Appointments  Approved the re-appointment of Alan Schultz to the Planning Commission.  Approved the re-appointments of Sharon Meister, Trish Krueger, and student commissioner Karin Beck to the Parks and Trails Commission. Request for Speed Study  Directed stafh to request the speed study of County Road 50 near Corcoran City Park. Site Plan and Conditional Use Permits for Motor Café at 23030 Highway 55  Approved the site plan and conditional use permit to rebuild. Request for Vacation of Right-of-Way  Reviewed a request to vacate right-of-way between 7795 and 7815 Corcoran Trail West; support existed if future utility access was maintained. Draft Assessment Policies  Provided stafh direction on the policy and directed stafh to bring some options for reducing impacts on future building rights.  Provided feedback on remaining items including how to handle deferred assessments.  Reviewed the policy with the city attorney and a final version is scheduled for April 13. 2017 Legislative Priorities  Approved the 2017 legislative priorities. Public Work Director/Recruitment Process  Approved the job description and authorized the recruitment process. Regional Recreation Amenity Discussion  Discussed options for moving forward with the purchase agreement; Council directed stafh to take no action at this time which would let the purchase agreement expire. Code Enforcement Procedures and Goals  Discussed options for increasing code enforcement activity; a motion was approved to streamline the process and also be proactive for some code issues including signs in the right-of-way. Bring Your Own Device Policy  Directed stafh to develop a policy giving Council the option to receive a stipend in lieu of receiving printed packets. Deferment of Fees Due Request  A request was heard to defer fees from a proposed sale in the downtown area; by consensus the Council supported the request. Commission Reports  Planning Commissioner Meredith Wu provided a report on 2016 activities and goals for 2017.  Parks and Trails Commission Chair Tom Anderson provided a report on 2016 activities and goals for 2017. Safe City Recognition  Received information on recent recognition as a safe city by three difherent studies. Page 5 Property Tax Appeals Cleaning Up After Your Pets 7 Page City Vision Statement The City of Corcoran will expand opportunities for its residents by supporting life cycle housing, recreational amenities, a vibrant business community, and a strong downtown city center while preserving its natural character and agricultural roots. City Value Statements Can be viewed at: http://bit.ly/2dx0FZJ Building Permits 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 permit. 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. City Updates Continued...  Page 3 Spring/Summer 2017 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Preliminary Plat Extension Request – Sawgrass  Approved an extension of the Sawgrass preliminary plat until February 28, 2018, which was originally approved in 2014. Hackamore Road/Steeple Chase Lane Connection Project  Authorized stafh to finalize design and obtain quotes for the planned connection of the Ravinia neighborhood. Water System Extension Project – Western Water Loop  Authorized stafh to initiate a feasibility study to create a redundancy for the water system. 2017 Capital Improvement Plan and Annual Purchases  Approved 2017 purchases including as presented; approved the equipment purchase of bobcat loaders as recommended. Fire Service Comprehensive Growth Plan RFP  Approved the request for proposal and directed stafh to publish Fire Service Growth Plan to better plan for fire services. MN Solar Appeal of Financial Guarantee Requirements for Solar Garden  Approved a motion to make no changes to the financial guarantee requirements. Press Box Funding Request – Snyder Field  Approved allocating $3,000 from the park dedication fund towards the project. City Council Liaison Schedule to Commission Meetings/Work Sessions  Directed stafh to stagger commission meeting council liaison assignments.  Directed stafh not to schedule work sessions at this time; work sessions may be scheduled in the future as items come up. Final PUD Development Plan and Final Plat for U.S. Home Corporation (dba Lennar) for Ravinia 8th Addition at 6635 County Road 101  Approved the final plat for 20 new homes on what was known as the Schwalbe property. Sketch Plan for Gmach Property  Provided feedback for the concept which proposed creating new lots ofh of Oakdale Drive and Rush Creek Drive; comments are non-binding. PUD Sketch Plan for MI Homes of Minneapolis, LLC for Land at 19400 County Road 10  Provided feedback on the proposed development of 97 homes north of the CR 10/Larkin Road intersection; comments are non-binding. Proposed Miscellaneous Ordinance Updates  Directed stafh to proceed with updates as presented. Public Interaction at Council Meetings  Approved the new public comment process to be implemented beginning with the April 13 meeting. School District Lease Agreement  Authorized the Mayor and City Administrator to enter into an agreement with the School District for use of fields for 2017. 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 transact business. City Council Goal Setting Process The goal setting sessions review and set the priorities through 2018 for the City Council.  Scheduled goal setting sessions from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm on Monday, February 27 and Tuesday, February 28.  Retain and attract business.  Pave a portion of a gravel collector road.  Increase communication with residents and businesses.  Increase opportunities for building rights.  Address specific crime and drug issues to retain safe atmosphere.  Approved the Strategic Goal Work Plan as presented. 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, 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 Fast Facts on Dog Waste: http://envirowagg.com Much of the 11 million tons of dog waste generated in the U.S. each year is trashed and streamed to lined and sealed landfills. The rest is lefl on the ground as a potential pollutant, particularly in urban areas. The average dog poops more per day than the average person. Can you imagine an advanced country in 1959 not providing a practical sanitary disposal system that works for its 178 million people?  1959 human population: U.S. Census Bureau, 177.8 million  2016 dog population: U.S. Humane Society, 83 million  Pet waste quantities: Average dog produces .75 lb of waste per day (U.S. Dept. of Agriculture)  Dog waste vs. human waste: .28 lbs. human waste per day vs .75 ave. dog waste per day  2016 U.S. dogs: 83 million dogs x .75 lb waste per day = total 62,250,000 lb waste per day ÷ 2,000 = 31,215 tons per day. 31,215 tons per day x 365 days = 11.4 tons dog waste per year.  1959 U.S. humans: 177.8 million humans x .28 lb waste per day = total 49,784,000 lb per day ÷ 2,000 = 24,900 tons per day. 24,900 tons per day x 365 days = 9 million tons per year. There are many options for scooping dog waste, including something as simple as carrying bio-gradable bags with you when walking your dog. There are also options available with a scooper and bag attached, so you never have to touch the dog waste — just scoop, and discard the plastic bio-degradable bag, such as the poobagger. (Pictured at left)  Page 3 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us www.ci.corcoran.mn.us  Page 4 Spring/Summer 2017 Cleaning Up After Your Pets 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. Animal waste, when washed into a stream, lake, or wetland 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 pick-up the waste and secured 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 this. (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 just don’t work properly, and then 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: In 1849, the first territorial assembly established a property tax levy to support schools — nine years before Minnesota became a state, in 1858. 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 2017 Open Book Meeting April 13, 2017 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 13, 2017 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 13. 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.taxes.state.mn.us for more information or click here for a flow chart of the appeals process. Other Helpful Property Tax Links Community Safety Public Safety Decreasing Crime by Increasing Involvement Sponsored by the Corcoran PD An informational public safety meeting, is being ofhered at the City Hall for the Corcoran community. Discussion topics will include trending scams, residential safety, and local issues. The meeting will begin with a short presentation, followed by question and answer forum, and concluding with a social hour with local law enforcement. When: April 27, 2017 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Where: Corcoran City Hall Corcoran Community Room 8200 County Road 116, Corcoran Who: Any interested residents and members of the public www.ci.corcoran.mn.us  page 6 Spring/Summer 2017 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 for just emergencies such as medicals, burglaries or fires, but 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 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. Hennepin County Sheriff’s 911 website link: http://www.hennepinsherifh.org/emergency-communications911 The Corcoran Police Department shares information on Facebook and Twitter regarding emergency information, weekly press releases, special events and other happenings around the community. View or follow the links below for more information: Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Corcoran- Police-Department/459695357400188 Twitter: www.twitter.com/corcoranpolice Corcoran Police Social Media Home Free Community Program Services Available to Corcoran Families Article submitted by Missions Inc. — Home Free Community Program Domestic violence, defined as a pattern of coercive, controlling behavior that can include physical, emotional, sexual or financial abuse impacts families in every community, all over the world. According to national statistics, at least one in three women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Home Free Community Program is a local non-profit that serves Corcoran residents impacted by domestic violence. In 2016, it served at least 14 Corcoran families, which is an increase from 2015. Our job is to provide legal advocacy (like Orders for Protection and help in criminal court), safety planning, emotional support and resource referrals to assist families who are working to be safer in their homes. Corcoran residents can access all of our confidential services free of charge and judgement. Home Free is committed to eliminating the roots of violence by respecting human diversity, by assisting women to take control of their lives, and by developing efhective community response to the needs of battered women and their children. Home Free seeks a society in which violence against women and children will no longer exist. Many people come into contact with the program because of police involvement; however anyone can seek assistance even if they decide not to report anything to the police. If you or someone you know has questions about domestic violence, healthy relationships, or how to support someone who may be experiencing domestic violence, please call the Home Free shelter’s 24-Hour Crisis Line at 763-559-4945, or you may contact the Community Program directly at 763-545-7080 during business hours. 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, like 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, developing cracks or depressions. 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. The amount of damage a road sustains is directly related to the weight of the large trucks and how oflen it is applied, according to tests by AASHTO (the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials). Passenger autos and light duty vehicles are not a problem. It is large trucks carrying usually legal weight loads over weakened surfaces which do 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 Friday, March 31, 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). With either permit, please call the Corcoran Police Department to report the date and location of the anticipated burn. 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 2017 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us 2017 Corcoran Event Calendar Apr 6: Planning Commission Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Apr 8: CAA Coaches Meeting 8:00 am — Corcoran Community Room Apr 13: Open Book Meeting 5:30 pm — Corcoran Community Room Apr 13: City Council Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Apr 14: Lions Scholarship Applications Due Apr 17: 2040 Comp Plan Open House 6:00 pm — Corcoran Community Room Apr 18: Corcoran Bee Club Event 7:00 pm — Community Room Apr 18: Parks & Trails Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Apr 20: 2040 Comp Plan Work Session 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Apr TBD: Parks & Trails Shade Tree Delivery Time: TBD — 20200 County Road 50 Apr 27: Police Dept Community Event: Decreasing Crime by Increasing Involvement 6:00 pm — Community room Apr 27: City Council Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers May 4: Planning Commission Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers May 5: Jaycees Scholarship Application Due May 6: Corcoran Clean Up Day 8:00 am — Public Works Facility (Check website or page 11 for more info) May 11: City Council Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers May 16: Parks & Trails Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers May 18: 2040 Comp Plan Work Session 7:00 pm — Council Chambers May 25: City Council Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers May 29: Memorial Day-City Hall Closed Jun 1: Planning Commission Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Jun 3: Corcoran Lions Tractor Pull Time: TBD — Lions Park Jun 8: City Council Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Jun 20: Parks & Trails Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Jun 22: City Council Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Jun 27: Lions Blood Drive 7:00 pm — Corcoran Community Room Jul 6: Planning Commission Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Jul 6-9: Corcoran Lions Hamel Rodeo Time: TBD — Lions Park The Corcoran Bee Club’s Spring meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 18, at the Corcoran Community Center beginning at 7:00 pm. Dr. Rebecca Masterman will return this year to give an update on a variety of bee related topics, including bee health, environmental challenges and opportunities, and beekeeping in general. Dr. Masterman is a program director for the University of Minnesota Bee Squad, an outreach organization created by the University’s Bee Lab. The Bee Squad provides hive management and educational services in support of area beekeepers. If you are keeping bees, considering beekeeping, or just want to learn more about bees and bee habitat, the April 18 meeting is a great opportunity to get together in an informal setting. Active beekeepers are particularly encouraged to attend to learn how they can help curb the spread of varroa mites, a leading contributor to bee colony collapse. The Corcoran Bee Club was organized by Corcoran residents to provide an opportunity for area beekeepers to meet and support their hobby. Club meetings or events occur three to four times per year and are very informal. Continued on Page 9 Parks & Recreation  page 8 Spring/Summer 2017 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Corcoran Athletic Association Baseball Registration Sponsored by the Corcoran Athletic Association Corcoran Athletic Association registration opened February 1, 2017, on-line at www.caa-mn.com. There are no tryouts—everyone plays, everyone has fun! CAA focuses on players first, winning second. The Corcoran Athletic Association is a 40-year old non- profit group organized and coordinated by an all- volunteer board of directors. Volunteers are always needed and CAA can work with any time you have give. Financial donations also help to keep registration fees low, help maintain safe fields and purchase soccer equipment. Have A Business Interested in Advertising? The City of Corcoran has given CAA authority to sell advertising space on the fences of the three City park baseball fields. This money will be used to make major purchases to improve the experience for the children in the program. A two-year contract includes a sign with your business information hung up on the field of your choice and a business sponsor link on the CAA website. Umpires Needed CAA also needs umpires for the 2017 season. If you are interested and are 18 years of age or older, please visit the Minnesota Youth Athletics website at http://www.myas.org for more information on umpire training. Reimbursement for umpire training is covered by CAA if you bring your umpire certificate as confirmation of training, and afler you umpire two games for CAA. A fee of $40.00 per game is paid for trained umpires meeting the above qualifications. More Information For more information about becoming a CAA sponsor or umpire training, please email Kevin Dale at: corcoranathleticsinfo@hotmail.com Important Dates April 8: Coaches Meeting 8:00 am — Corcoran Community Room May 8—9: Picture Night Backup location if inclement weather — Corcoran Community Room Learn About Importance of... Information Courtesy 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 and 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 763-682-1970 to be added to the notification list. Corcoran residents interested in purchasing larger bare root trees and shrubs should watch the City of Plymouth website at http://www.plymouthmn.gov/ index.aspx?page=820 for updates on the annual tree and shrub sale. Prices vary depending on variety. To purchase trees directly through the DNR nursery, please view the link below: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/ nursery/index.html. There are no membership requirements or dues. Anyone interested in bees and the broad spectrum of issues involving bees is welcome to attend meetings. 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. Our indoor meetings are held at the Corcoran Community Room, typically on Monday or Tuesday evenings, and outdoor meetings and events tend to be held on Saturdays. The Club maintains an email list to provide meeting notices (no marketing, etc.), as well as a Facebook page. If you’d like to receive email meeting notices or would like more information about the Corcoran Bee Club and local beekeeping, simply send a message to corcoranbeeclub@gmail.com. Corcoran Soccer Sponsored by the Corcoran Soccer Association Registration Opens Mid-April for Summer 2017 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 2017 at www.corcoransoccer.org. Please consider coaching your child’s team! Families receive one free player registration for a parent who is coaching! Corcoran Soccer Association Looking for Board Members The Corcoran Soccer Association has board member openings for interested parent volunteers looking to support local athletics. Board members seats are volunteer positions. Please contact current President Kevin Pomerenke at 763-420-6090 (evenings) or via email at Kevin.pomerenke@corcoransoccer.org for more information. 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 2017 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us ...Honey Bees in Minnesota of Corcoran Bee Club Environmental Updates  page 8 Winter 2015 Wetland Signs Identify Protected Areas To help Corcoran residents better identify protected wetland areas near their property, the City of Corcoran is posting wetland signs which designate areas that are protected and should not be cut, mowed, filled or changed in any way. The city of Corcoran continues to coordinate efhorts with the Elm Creek Watershed Commission in helping protect our local streams and watersheds, the signs will be a marker reminding residents to help protect our community and environment. For more information on 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. www.ci.corcoran.mn.us  page 10 Spring/Summer 2017 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, at least not 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, our 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. 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 2017 Corcoran Clean Up Day 2017 City of Corcoran 2017 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) (Carpet per room [120 Sq. Ft.]) Misc. Junk (Price depends on amount) $5.00+ Level Pickup Box (Approx. 2 cu. yds.) $30.00 Level with Cab (Approx. 4 cu. yds.) $60.00 Tires Car $3.00 Pick-up Truck $4.00 Large Truck $7.00 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 $5.00 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) No Charge *No disposable tanks The City of Corcoran’s Annual Clean Up Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 6, 2017, 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  page 12 Spring/Summer 2017 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Local High School Scholarship Info Links For more information on available scholarships for graduating high school seniors, please visit the appropriate school district scholarship pages: Buffalo HS Scholarship Page http://bit.ly/1NVVjxC Delano HS Scholarship Page http://bit.ly/1MHhJkn Osseo HS Scholarship Page http://bit.ly/1SmMLFs Rockford HS Scholarship Page http://bit.ly/2mpiuwh Wayzata HS Scholarship Page http://bit.ly/1TpUuAZ NW Area Jaycees 2017 Scholarships Available Sponsored by the NW Area Jaycees The Northwest Area Jaycees will be awarding up to $15,000 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 2017 -Spring 2018 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. Completed scholarship applications must be received or postmarked no later than Friday, May 5, 2017! Visit http://nwareajaycees.org/ to view and download scholarship application and information. Corcoran Lions Scholarships Sponsored by the Corcoran Lions The Corcoran Lions are excited to ofher their 28th 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 14, 2017, along with a transcript of grades. 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 2, 2017, at Corcoran City Hall, at 7:00 pm. The Corcoran Lions Club awards scholarships to graduating seniors who live in the City of Corcoran. This year the Lions will have the 7th annual Bill Schalo Scholarship. The Bill Schalo scholarship is given based on community service in Corcoran. This scholarship is given in memory of the Lions’ fellow member who gave so freely to our community for so many years. The scholarships are based on academic, leadership, service to the community and a need basis. The graduate must attend college, junior college, university, trade or vocational school in the year directly following graduation to receive the award. 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. NW Area Jaycees Holiday Dates The Easter Bunny Makes a Stop in Corcoran! Date: Saturday, April 15, 2017 Time: 10:00 am Where: Corcoran Soccer Fields (Rockford Multi-Use Fields) 20300 County Road 50 The NW Area Jaycees will host their annual Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 15, 2017! Don’t be late or you’ll miss out! Held outdoors so dress appropriately. Free event and geared for ages 0-10 with age appropriate treats in each age category. Bring your baskets to gather up the goodies. Turn in any prize eggs found for larger gifls! Bring your cameras for pictures with the Easter Bunny! The hunt is located at the Corcoran Soccer Fields, 20300 County Road 50. (Same location as Corcoran Country Daze off County Road 50, not the playground off County Road 10.) Check the NW Area Jaycees website for event details as the date draws near: http://nwareajaycees.org/.  page 13 Spring/Summer 2017 Corcoran Happenings Annual Blood Drive — A Pint Can Save Three Lives Sponsored by the Corcoran Lions and NW Jaycees The Corcoran Lions and NW Area Jaycees are sponsoring an annual blood drive on Tuesday, June 27, 2017, from 3:30 pm — 7:00 pm. The blood drive will be located at the City of Cor- coran City Hall at 8200 County Road 116, in Corcoran. To make an appointment, visit https://corcoranlions.youcanbook.me/ or click here to view the GREEN open appointments and reserve your spot today! For additional information or questions, please contact Ken at 763-420-2279 or Val at 763-498-7905 with questions. Facts About Blood Needs*  Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood.  Approximately 36,000 units of red blood cells are need- ed every day in the U.S.  The average red blood cell transfusion is approximate- ly three pints.  The blood type most oflen requested by hospitals is type O.  Facts About Blood Supply*  The number of whole blood and red blood cell units collected in the U.S. in a year: 13.6 million  The number of blood donors in the U.S. in a year: 6.8 million  Although an estimated 38 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood at any given time, less than 10 percent of that eligible population actually do each year.  Blood cannot be manufactured – it can only come from generous donors.  Type O negative blood (red cells) can be transfused to patients of all blood types. It is al- ways in great demand and oflen in short supply. *For more information about national blood collection and utilization trends, visit the AABB website. AABB is an international, not-for-profit association representing individ- uals and institutions involved in the field of transfusion medicine and cellular therapies. 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, which is unfortunate, because gardeners beautify the community and also help preserve native plants and wildlife. With the end of winter approaching, is a great time to start planning new gardens, and also to start thinking about which perennials will need to be divided in the spring. A 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, or a friends garden or a city garden! Hostas, hydrangeas, coneflower, rudbeckia, phlox, forget-me-nots, sedum, daylilies and so many more are great perennials for Minnesota 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 Native Bee Pollinator Friendly Areas Information Courtesy of Parks and Trails Commission What do blueberries, squash, apples, tomatoes, soybeans, and alfalfa all have in common? They all depend on pollinators for their success. But as you have probably heard in the news, many pollinators are in trouble and their populations are plummeting. The Guardians of the Food Chain Bees pollinate approximately 84% of the crops grown for human consumption. About 400 different types of plants need bees and other insects to pollinate them. Bees also make a priceless contribution to our ecosystem. The seeds, fruits and berries eaten by small birds and mammals are all from plants pollenated by bees. One way to help bring some buzzing back to our yards, roadsides and farms is to create a pollinator friendly landscape. Minnesota native plants are the friendliest since they are nectar and pollen are rich. Native seed mixes and plants are available in many locations in our area. The Xerces Society website is a great place to find out where to get them and how to pre- pare your site. Corcoran Parks and Trails Committee is excited to introduce a pollinator plot to the City Hall lawn. This spring, a section of sod near the wetland will be converted to a ha- ven for bees, hummingbirds and butterflies. Corcoran Parks and Trails are hosting a planting event scheduled for Saturday, May 21, at 1:00 pm at the Corcoran Community Room. Stay posted to the Corcoran website for planting updates. For more information, visit: www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/17/why-are-bees-important Fast Fact: CSAH Definition Some county routes are designated as County State Aid Highways (CSAH). These routes are constructed and maintained by counties, but they are eligible for funding from the County State Aid Highway Fund. Differences in signage between CSAH routes and other county roads depends on the county. Some counties, such as Stearns County, delineate between the two by using the "standard" M1-6 blue pentagon shield for CSAH designated routes and Minnesota's general white square shield for other county routes.  page 14 Spring/Summer 2017 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Save the Date! Night to Unite 2017 Corcoran’s Annual Night to Unite August 1, 2017 Public Works Building 9100 County road 19 Corcoran, MN Visit www.ci.corcoran.mn.us for more information. Hennepin County and the City of Medina are undertaking this project to address the existing safety, capacity, and mobility issues at the intersection of Highway 55 and County Road 115/County Road 116. For information on the Hennepin County Hwy 55/County Road 116 Project visit: http://www.tkda.com/projects/csah115/ index.html For more information in Hennepin County Road Improvement Projects visit: http://www.hennepin.us/residents/ transportation/construction-projects Hennepin County Road Improvements on Hwy 55/Co Rd 116 Begins April 2017 Corcoran Happenings St. John’s School Visits the Little White School House Sponsored by North Hennepin Pioneer Society St. John’s Lutheran second grade students look forward each May to travelling back in time to visit Corcoran’s Burchville School House (retired School District 107). St. John Lutheran’s second grade teacher, Mr. Jeremy Koosman, has shared this experience with each of his second grade classes since 2011. Every field trip visit sends the students back in time to see a glimpse of what school life was like in a one-room school in the early 1900’s. The North Hennepin Pioneer Society would like to welcome other schools to bring their classes and step back in time for just a little while. Please join us for a visit. Annual Summerfest Event Please mark your calendar for the annual Summerfest fundraiser. It is scheduled for August 20, 2017, from 12:00 pm to 4:30 pm. Summerfest is one of the school’s main fundraising events and includes activities for all ages including live music, children’s games and scavenger hunt, face-painting, and a flea market. Door prize tickets and raftfe tickets are available for purchase at Summerfest. Food prepared by a former school district student, include amazing grilled pork chops, fresh corn on the cob, root beer floats and more, are also available for purchase. Summerfest will be held on the school grounds, located 4 miles west of downtown Corcoran on Hennepin County Road 10, or 1 mile east of Country Road 19. The school will be open during the Summerfest event for all visitors to visit and explore. 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 Working Together For Good Article submitted by Mobile Hope Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success. ~Henry Ford Mobile Hope is a nonprofit organization based in Corcoran that works to build a culture of achievement in mobile home communities. As Mobile Hope has grown, the need for part- nerships and collaborations have also grown. With the summer months approaching, one of the initiatives highlighting such a partnership is the Summer School Program that is ofhered on-site at Maple Hill Estates for the youth of the Rockford School District. Mobile Hope will ofher summer school to the students of eastern Corcoran for a third year in a row. Mobile Hope is able to ofher this due to a number of organizations and cities com- ing together and recognizing a need to see students better prepared for the new school year. Partners with Mobile Hope include the Rockford School District, the Hope Center, and volunteers from areas including Maple Grove, Plymouth, Corcoran, Medina, and Rockford. Mobile Hope, along with its partners will ofher four weeks of activities and tutoring for stu- dents with the goal of students returning to school in the fall with greater confidence, better prepared, and ready to hit the ground running! New this year, Mobile Hope services have been expanded to the Dayton mobile home com- munity. If you would be interested in being a volunteer at one of these locations during the summer or school year, we encourage you to contact us at www.MobileHopeMN.org - and click on “Get Involved.” Mobile Hope looks forward to working together for good! 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. The 2017 rodeo will cost over $300,000 to produce. A large share of that money is spent right here in our local community. For more information on the World Championship Hamel Rodeo visit www.hamelrodeo.org. Minnesota City Festival Happenings  page 15 Spring/Summer 2017 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us 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 Corcoran Country Daze is co-sponsored by the City of Corcoran and the NW Area Jaycees and takes place on August 18-19. 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.exploreminnesota.com Festival City Dates Website Tater Daze Festival Brooklyn Park June 2017 (Dates unconfirmed) www.brooklynpark.org/tater-daze Hennepin County Fair Corcoran Jun 16-19, 2016 www.hennepincountyfair.com St. Louis Park Parktacular St. Louis Park Jun 15-18, 2017 www.partacular.org Rockin’ Rogers Rogers Jun 22-25, 2017 www.rogersmnlions.org/programs-events/rockin-rogers/ Big Lake Spud Fest Big Lake Jun 22-25, 2017 www.biglakespudfest.com Plymouth Music in the Park Plymouth Jul 5, 2017 www.musicinplymouth.org Delano 4th of July Celebration Delano Jun 30-Jul 4, 2017 www.delano4th.com World Championship Hamel Rodeo Corcoran Jul 6-9, 2017 www.hamelrodeo.org Robbinsdale Whiz Bang Days Robbinsdale Jul 6-9, 2017 www.whizbangdays.com Maple Grove Days Maple Grove Jul 12-16, 2017 www.mgco.org Ramsey County Fair Maplewood Jul 12-16, 2017 www.ramseycountyfair.com Monticello Riverfest Monticello Jul 13-16, 2017 www.monticelloriverfest.com Sherburne County Fair Elk River Jul 20-23, 2017 www.sherburnecountyfair.org Anoka County Fair Anoka Jul 25-30, 2017 www.anokacountyfair.com Wright County Fair Howard Lake Jul 26-30, 2017 www.wrightcountyfair.org Scott County Fair Jordan Jul 26-30, 2017 www.scottcountyfair.com Riverboat Days Wabasha Jul 28-29, 2017 www.wabashamn.org/riverboat-days Crow Wing County Fair Brainerd Aug 1-5,2017 www.cwcfair@brainerd.com Dakota County Fair Farmington Aug 7-13, 2017 www.dakotacountyfair.org Carver County Fair Waconia Aug 9-13, 2017 www.carvercountyfair.com Mille Lacs County Fair Princeton Aug 9-13, 2017 www.millelacscountyfair.com St. Michael Daze & Knights Festival St. Michael Aug 11-12, 2017 www.stmichaelfestival.com Rockford River Days Rockford Aug 11-13, 2017 www.rockfordriverdays.weebly.com Corcoran Country Daze Corcoran Aug 18-19, 2017 www.countrydaze.org Lions NTPA Tractor Pull Corcoran Aug 26, 2017 www.corcoranlions.org Minnesota State Fair St. Paul Aug 24-Sept 4, 2017 www.mnstatefair.org Corcoran Lions Demo Derby Corcoran Sept 9, 2017 www.corcoranlions.org PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID ROGERS, MN PERMIT NO. 98 City of Corcoran 8200 County Road 116 Corcoran, MN 55340 Commissioners Needed General Information Looking for a way to become involved in the future of the City of Corcoran? Become a member of the Charter Commission. The Charter Commission maintains and records changes to the City’s charter and meets once a year in Oc- tober. If you are a current resident, and would like to serve as a City Commis- sioner, please contact: Jessica Beise 763-400-7029 jbeise@ci.corcoran.mn.us 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 6, May 4, Jun 1, Jul 6 7:00 pm Parks & Trails Commission Meetings Apr 18, May 16, Jun 20 7:00 pm Corcoran City Council Meetings Apr 13, Apr 27, May 11, May 25, Jun 8 and Jun 22 7:00 pm City Website www.ci.corcoran.mn.us 2017 Corcoran Recycling Schedule  page 16 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Spring/Summer 2017 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 NEW: Council Comment Cards The City of Corcoran has recently imple- mented City Council Comment Cards for residents wishing to express a thought or question at City Council meetings. The new Comment Cards are a another way for residents to communicate questions or statements to the City Council.