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Home My WebLink About2026-10 -- Fall-Winter Candidate Forum Oct 20 Save the date for the City Council Candidate Forum on October 20, at Corcoran City Hall, 8200 County Road 116, Corcoran, MN 55340. The Candidate Forum is presented by the Minnesota League of Women Voters. The City of Corcoran’s next municipal electfon will be held on November 8, 2016. Check the City of Corcoran website for electfon updates at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us. FEMA Flood Plain Letters Mailed As part of the recent update, ALL residents whose property contains designated flood plain were sent a notfficatfon letter regarding changes to the FEMA maps. The City mailed notfces for approximately 530 propertfes. Please note that even if your property contains floodplain, you may not be required to purchase insurance. Flood Insurance is only required if you have a mortgage or secured loan from a federally regulated or insured lender (this includes most loans) AND the principle structure (home) on is located within the Special Flood Hazard Area (aka: SFHA, the one- percent, or 100-year floodplain). For more informatfon visit www.ci.corcoran.mn.us. Utility Charges Are Due All delinquent utflity bills are subject to certfficatfon to Hennepin County for collectfon. Outstanding recycling, dust control, and property management charges not paid will be certffied to Hennepin County for collectfon in 2017. Additfonal late charges and fees will be added to the delinquent amount if not paid by October 14, 2016. Social Gathering for Outgoing Councilmembers Please stop by Corcoran City Hall on Monday, December 19, between 5:30-7:00 pm to thank outgoing Councilmembers and Mayor Guenthner for their past years of service to Corcoran. For more information on Corcoran City Office Candidates, see page 19. Fall/Winter 2016 Thank You From Mayor Guenthner www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Corcoran News Summer/Fall 2016 I’d like to start my final greetfng with a sincere thank you for the many rewarding years you’ve allowed me to spend both as a member of the City Council and as Mayor. I remember describing my new adventure twenty years ago to my toddler and preschooler on the day of my first Council meetfng, and in a flash those young men have grown and moved on. I think they realize their good fortune in having been raised in this wonderful city. I too have grown, and it is tfme for me to turn the page. Like most community members who have passed through City Hall (many fine people, many characters, all of us a bit of each) I first became involved in city government over a single issue. My issue, and driving interest through the years, was the pursuit of good government practfces. To put it simply, how do we as neighbors come together and engage in the most efficient, fair, economical and far reaching problem solving process. I was confident twenty years ago, and I remain confident today, that even when issues seem too complex, or differing opinions too intractable, we can rely on good, methodical processes to lead to the right answers for the community. I have really enjoyed the many, many good people who have worked for the City over the years. I want to acknowledge and commend all of the citfzen volunteers who have given the Council, Commissions and the City their most valuable gifl, their tfme. It is fair to say that we are experiencing a very unsettled tfme in our natfonal and state politfcs. I hope the residents of Corcoran can take a measure of comfort in the knowledge that our City is healthy and strong, financially and organizatfonally. We all have differences over day-to-day issues and long-term goals, and we always will, but the fact remains that the platiorm from which we resolve those differences, the manner by which we come together to make decisions, govern and share our community, is stronger than ever. Best wishes and, once again, thank you for the allowing me the privilege and honor of serving as the Mayor of Corcoran. Sincerely, Kenneth Guenthner Mayor City of Corcoran Reciting Mayor’s Oath in 2015 City Council 2016 Strategic Goals Updates In 2015, the City Council directed staff to focus on seven strategic goals for the City. Here is an update on how each strategic goal is progressing in 2016: Complete Downtown Utility and Street Improvement Project Constructfon began in June, crews are working from the north of the project area to the south. Constructfon will contfnue through the fall with a tentatfve completfon date by mid-November. Weekly updates are available at http:// www.wenck.com/corcoran/. Pave Gravel Collector Roads Staff is compiling background informatfon on maintenance costs for paved and gravel roads. Council discussed maintenance costs and an assessment policy at the August 11 work session. Discussion will contfnue at the October 13 work session. Regional Recreation Amenity Plan (Athletic Complex on Roehlke property) Discussion took place at the February 11 Work Session, and March 10 City Council meetfng. This item will have contfnued discussion as part of the 2017 budget process. Establish a Business Group As part of the survey of downtown business owners, staff asked about the desire of having a Corcoran business group. Limited support existed and no further actfon is being taken at this tfme. Establish Night to Unite! Program The second Night to Unite! event was huge success with six neighborhood partfes hosted and one City hosted event at the Public Works facility. Over 300 people attended the City event hosted at the Public Works building. The City hopes to contfnue to grow these events in the future. See page 5 for a short artfcle on the Night to Unite! 2016 event. Update Sign Ordinance The City Council adopted the updated ordinance at the July 23, 2015, City Council meetfng. Improvements Made to the City Council Chamber Video recording equipment was installed in June 2016. The first recorded Council Meetfng was July 14, 2016. Videos of City Council meetfngs can be viewed on the City’s website at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us. 8 Page Public Safety 4 Page Budget Updates 2017 Environmental Page 12  Page 2 Fall/Winter 2016 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Page 13 Environmental Page 14 Corcoran Happenings 8-9 Page 12 Recycling Information Page 9 Page Election News 19 Public Safety 11 Page Public Works 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 . Randahl Construction Conditional Use Permit — 7241 County Road 116  Approved the Conditfonal Use Permit for a contractor operatfon in the downtown district. Park Dedication Ordinance Amendment  Adopted the Park Dedicatfon Ordinance amendment, updatfng the formula for acceptfng park dedicatfon funds with development. Commission Liaisons at Council Meetings  Commissions are now attending Council meetfngs to increase communicatfon between the advisory commissions and the Council. Continued on page 3... Page 5 Page 5 Parks and Recreation Page 7 10 Page Building Permits In planning your constructfon projects for next year, please remember that the City has a number of guidelines and checklist handouts available to help you with the permit process. Handouts and permit forms are available at City Hall or on our website at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us. If you have any questfons please stop by City Hall or call Mike Pritchard at 763-400-7033. For Building Code related questfons, please call our contracted Building Official, Metro West Inspectfons at 763-479-1720. City Updates Continued... 2017 Budget and Levy  Reviewed drafls of the 2017 budget on July 14, August 11, and September 8.  Adopted the preliminary levy on September 22 in the amount of $3,751.608. Ravinia 5th and 6th Additions Easement Vacations, Final Plats and Planned Unit (PUD) Final Plan  Approved drainage and utflity easement vacatfons in the 5th and 6th Additfons.  Approved the Final Plat and PUD Final Plans for the 5th and 6th Additfons. Sub-Watershed Assessment  Approved a $59,000 grant applicant for a sub-watershed assessment; study is estfmated to take a year, pending the grant approval. Commission Video Recordings  Directed staff to video record and place on the City’s website all commission meetfngs and work sessions. North Hennepin Pioneer Society Request for Funds  Reviewed a request from the North Hennepin Pioneer Society for maintenance repairs to the one room school house located in northwest Corcoran; Expended $6,000 from the City’s lawful gambling fund to assist with the repairs. Park Design Request for Proposal  Authorized staff to seek Request for Proposal to provide cost estfmates for the neighborhood park in Ravinia. Commissioner Resignations and Appointments  Parks and Trails Commissioner Rachel Tessmer resigned her post; Council recognized Ms. Tessmer for her service  Planning Commissioner Rick Ravnholdt resigned his post; Council recognized Mr. Ravnholdt for his service.  Appointed Jennifer Russell the Planning Commission on August 25, 2016 Police Officer Employment Offer and Oath of Office  Approved a Conditfonal Employment Offer for Cody Vojacek; Officer Vojacek was sworn in on August 25, 2016. Solar Ordinance  Adopted a Solar Ordinance that allows a variety of solar uses in different zoning classificatfons. Floodplain Ordinance Amendment  Adopted a Floodplain Ordinance Amendment; FEMA required the ordinance update for compliance with the Federal Flood Insurance program. Zoning Ordinance Amendment to Opt-out of Temporary Family Health Care Dwellings  Adopted an Ordinance Amendment to opt-out of new regulatfons related to temporary family health care dwellings. Minor Subdivision Ordinance Amendment  Adopted an Ordinance Amendment Interim Use Permit (IUP)/Conditional Home Occupation Kennel License – 19520 Stieg Road  Approved an IUP and Conditfonal Home Occupatfon License for a commercial kennel operatfon. Industrial and Commercial Zoning District Standards  Reviewed a request to review the zoning district standards for commercial and industrial lots; directed staff to examine these standards as part of the Southeast District Market Analysis. No Fault Sewer Backup Coverage  Directed staff to move forward with the steps necessary to receive no fault sewer backup coverage beginning in 2017. Dynamic Sign at City Hall  The Northwest Area Jaycees announced at the September 8th City Council meetfng their intent to donate up to $40,000 to the constructfon of a dynamic sign to be located at City Hall.  Page 3 Fall/Winter 2016 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Ravinia Development Updates 2016 Pictured above Springdale I Ravinia Classic Collection Based upon current house sales in 2015-2016, 73 new homes have been permitted and built in the Corcoran Ravinia neighbor- hood. This Lennar Homes Development is located at County Road 101 and Gleason Parkway, in the southeast corner of Corcoran. City Updates 2017 Budget Process Update 19%2%3% 30% 32% 3%11% 2017 Expenditures by Category Administration Planning/Engineering Building Inspections Public Works/Parks Police/Fire Transfers Debt Service 81% 19% 0% 2017 Revenue by Category Property Taxes Fees, Permits, Fines, etc. Local Government Aid The City Council adopted its preliminary levy for 2017 at the September 22nd meetfng. This levy amount may be decreased prior to final approval on December 19, but not increased. This levy amount was used to create the City tax amount you will see on your proposed 2017 levies and taxes notfce. Why is a property tax levy needed? Only a small portfon of the City budget is funded through fees or charges for services. For 2017 the portfon funded by fees or charges covers only 19% of our expenditures. The remaining 81% is funded through the levy (PIE charts at right). The adopted preliminary levy is in the amount of $3,751,608 which is a $264,240 (7.58%) increase from the 2016 levy. The tax rate is projected to increase from 45.7% to 49.0%. A table showing antfcipated City tax impacts on various residentfal propertfes is included below. www.ci.corcoran.mn.us  Page 4 Fall/Winter 2016 Residential Market Value $76,000 $150,000 $285,000* $300,000 $450,000 $1,000,000 2016 City Tax $208.35 $576.89 $1,249.24 $1,323.94 $2,056.10 $4,569.10 2017 City Tax $223.49 $618.83 $1,340.04 $1,420.17 $2,205.54 $4,901.20 Difference $15.14 $41.94 $90.80 $96.23 $149.45 $332.10 Per month $1.26 $3.49 $7.57 $8.02 $12.45 $27.68 *See TAX EFFECTS section below for median household value of $285,000 Budget Process TimeLine May—June Staff develops budget June 9: Council provided staff with directfon on prioritfes to include in budget July 14: Council held a work session to review first drafl of budget and provided staff directfon on changes September 8: Council held a work session to discuss employee compensatfon and to review the second drafl of the budget September 22: Council reviewed the third drafl of the budget and adopted the preliminary levy November: Hennepin County mails Truth-in- Taxatfon notfces showing proposed levies and taxes December 8: Council holds Truth-in-Taxatfon Budget Meetfng acceptfng public comment December 19: Council approves 2017 final budget and levy Item Annual Cost Cost Per Month Administratfon $257.55 $21.46 Planning /Engineering $28.31 $2.36 Building Inspectfons $35.30 $2.94 Public Works/Parks $407.42 $33.95 Police/Fire $431.33 $35.94 Transfers $38.90 $3.24 Debt Service $141.19 $11.77 Tax Effects* The median household value in Corcoran is $285,000* accord- ing to the Metropolitan Council. The proposed levy increase would likely bring the City tax amount for 2017 to $1,340 for 2017 or about $112 per month. The chart below shows where the $1,340 is spent. Truth-in-Taxation Hearing Budget Meeting City Council Chambers Thursday, December 8, 7:00 pm 2016 Budget and Levy Adoption City Council Chambers Monday, December 19, 7:00 pm Learn More… The entfre budget and related staff reports are available on the City’s website at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us. Under the Government tab click “Council” then “Agenda Packets” then “2016”. Select the 2016-09-22 Council Agenda packet to view the budget used to set the preliminary levy. City Administrator Brad Martens can be reached via phone at 763-420-2288, or via email at bmartens@ci.corcoran.mn.us for further questfons. Next Steps 19%2%3% 30% 32% 3%11% 2017 Expenditures by Category Administration Planning/Engineering Building Inspections Public Works/Parks Police/Fire Transfers Debt Service 81% 19% 0% 2017 Revenue by Category Property Taxes Fees, Permits, Fines, etc. Local Government Aid Fast Fact: Corcoran was settled in 1855, and was organized on May 11, 1858. The city is named after Patrick B. Corcoran, the first schoolteacher, merchant, and postmaster of the town. Patrick B. Corcoran was originally from Ireland, but moved to the United States in 1847, and to Hennepin County in 1855. The City of Corcoran was incorporated on December 4, 1948.  Page 3 Winter/Spring 2016 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us The Corcoran Night to Unite would not be possible without the teamwork of the Corcoran Police Department, City of Corcoran, Rogers Fire Department, Hanover Fire Department, and Loretto Fire Department. The support of local and area businesses who provided each party with fabulous prizes are greatly appreciated and are a valuable part of the Corcoran community. THANK YOU! www.ci.corcoran.mn.us  Page 5 Fall/Winter 2016 Parks & Recreation Corcoran Night to Unite 2016 Neighbors joined in across the City of Corcoran on Tuesday, August 2, 2016, to celebrate Corcoran’s Night to Unite! which is a natfonwide event designed to strengthen neighborhood and community relatfonships. This year, six neighborhood partfes were hosted by local residents and one City event was held at the new Public Works building located at 9100 County Road 19, in Corcoran. Family-fun actfvitfes at the City event included face paintfng, spraying a fire truck hose, a sidewalk chalk competftfon, a jump house, dinner, and a chance to win many prizes donated by local area businesses. Corcoran residents met new neighbors and connected with old neighbors at the annual Night to Unite! in Corcoran. Emergency response teams that service the City of Corcoran included North Memorial ambulance and North Memorial helicopter air-care services, Loretto, Rogers, and Hanover Fire Departments, Hennepin County Special Operatfon Forces, and DNR canine and horse patrol units all partfcipated in Corcoran’s Night to Unite!. The Corcoran Police Department, city staff and council members visited neighborhood partfes during Night to Unite! celebrating the community of Corcoran. Night to Unite! is sponsored by the City of Corcoran, AAA, and the Minnesota Crime Preventfon Associatfon. Visit the City of Corcoran website at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us to view the list of prize winners from Night to Unite!. Corcoran Lions 2016 Corcoran Event Calendar Oct 6: Planning Commission Meeting CANC ELLED 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Oct 5-8: St. Thomas the Apostle Garage Sale Locatfon: St. Thomas the Apostle Church Oct 10: Rockford ISD 883 Referendum Informational Meeting 7:00 pm — Corcoran Community Room Oct 13: City Council Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Oct 14-15/21-22/28-29: Haunted Acres Sponsored by Lions and NW Area Jaycees 7:00 pm — Corcoran Lion’s Park Oct 18: General Election Last Day to Pre- Register to Vote 8:00 am to 4:00 pm — Corcoran City Hall Oct 18: Parks & Trails Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Oct 22: Corcoran Pumpkin Carving Sponsored by Heidi’s GrowHaus 2:00 to 6:00 pm — Heidi’s GrowHaus Oct 27: City Council Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Oct 28: Rockford Education Fall Fundraiser Event — Throwback Prom 2016 Locatfon: Medina Country Club Nov 3: Planning Commission Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Nov 5: Corcoran City Hall Open for General Election In-Person Absentee Voting 10:00 am to 3:00 pm — Corcoran City Hall Nov 7: Corcoran City Hall General Election In-Person Absentee Voting Ends 8:00 am to 5:00 pm — Corcoran City Hall Nov 8: General Election 8:00 am to 8:00 pm — Corcoran City Hall Nov 10: City Council Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Nov 15: Parks & Trails Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Nov 21: City Council Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Nov 24-25: Holiday — City Hall Closed Dec 1: Planning Commission Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Dec 8: City Council Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Dec 19: City Council Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Dec 20: Parks & Trails Meeting 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Dec 23/26: Holiday — City Hall Closed Parks & Recreation  page 6 Fall/Winter 2016 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Corcoran Skating Rinks Corcoran's skatfng rinks offer fun and recreatfon for cold weather enthusiasts of all ages. Building and maintaining them depends on many variables. To start making ice, crews need temperatures to be around 0 degrees to –10 degrees F for about one week and frozen ground about four inches deep. The crews can then establish a six inch base, which will help rinks survive most warm snaps. The final step is to build a smooth “finish surface” on the ice. Public Works has a goal to get the rinks open the week of Christmas break and keep them open untfl mid-February. If rinks don’t have complete coverage, they can be unsafe for skaters. Pending weather conditfons can lead to late openings and early rink closings. Once the rinks are open, depending on weather conditfons, the Public Works crew cleans and resurfaces the rinks daily, M–F and weekend mornings. (Roads and public safety are first prioritfes.) During extreme cold weather, the rinks and shelter building may be closed. Before dropping off your children, check for a “Closed“ sign posted on the shelter door. Updates on the ice rinks will be posted on the City’s website at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us. Warming house hours are: 11:00 am — 9:00 pm weekends and holidays 4:00 pm — 9:00 pm weekdays For ice rink concerns, please call the Public Works Department at 763-420-2652. City of Corcoran Seeks Rink Attendants The City is seeking Rink Attendants to oversee the city’s ice rinks. The seasonal positfons are open from December through the end of the season, contfngent on weather conditfons. A complete job descriptfon and applicatfon can be obtained from the City Hall and found on the city’s website at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us. Rink Attendant applicatfon deadline is 4:00 pm on Friday, November 4, 2016. Three River Parks Elm Creek Winter Activities The Winter Recreatfon Area at Elm Creek Park Reserve features a lighted tubing hill with lifls and snowmaking, a beginner-level downhill ski and snowboard hill, and just over 11 miles of cross-country ski trails. Afler the actfon, winter sports enthusiasts can warm their toes and grab a hot cocoa at the Chalet. A blend of modern and rustfc, the Chalet provides equipment rental, concessions, public seatfng and a fireplace. Activity Passes and Trail Map Downhill ski and snowboard season passes can be purchased at the Elm Creek Chalet from 9:00 am— 5:00 pm. Purchase a season pass and receive great benefits at sister ski areas! Elm Creek offers scenic trails for cross-country skiing, skijoring, snowshoeing and more. Visit: www.threeriversparks.org/parks/elm-creek-park/winter-recreatfon- area/hours-and-rates.aspx for more informatfon. Parks & Recreation City of Corcoran Area Snowmobile Trails Corcoran’s snowmobile trails are setup and maintained by the Northwest Trails Associatfon. Northwest Trails is an organizatfon of enthusiastfc and committed snowmobilers in Hennepin County and the northwest suburbs of Minneapolis, MN. Northwest Trails Associatfon was formed as a non-profit volunteer organizatfon in 1973. Its mission is to support a safe, adventurous and friendly snowmobiling experience primarily through trail coordinatfon, safety educatfon, and club actfvitfes of value to members. Northwest Trails meets at 7:30 pm on the first Tuesday of each month at the Medina Entertainment Center in Medina. The Trail Associatfon's goal is to build and maintain snowmobile trails in north- western Hennepin County with the help of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) and its Grant-in-Aid Program. Northwest Trails has created over 150 miles of groomed trails throughout northwestern Hennepin County for all to enjoy. Permission to construct and maintain these trails has been granted by private landowners as well as government agencies. Our trail runs through the Hennepin Parks and park reserves of: Morris T. Baker, Crow-Hassan, and Elm Creek. The Wright Country Trail System is accessible from several locatfons. Our success with the trail system and the acknowledgement of snowmobiling as a sport, is attributed to the willingness of landowners who let snowmobilers travel on their private property. We, as an associatfon, are very grateful to all the landowners for extending this privilege to Northwest Trails and the snowmobilers who use the trails. It takes many hours of volunteered labor to mark and maintain our trail system throughout the year. We begin putting out the trail signs in October for the December 1 trail opening and removing the signs in April. The trails are groomed using a modern Tucker Sno-Cat and our custom built drags. The future of snowmobiling depends on all snowmobilers working together to promote the sport. Being a member of the Northwest Trails Associatfon is a way to promote safe, responsible snowmobiling as well as supportfng a good local trail system for snowmobiling. Snowmobile Safety Training is also an offering coordinated by our club. Family involvement is encouraged. Our social actfvitfes include: dinner outfngs, club work nights and group snowmobile trips. By joining Northwest Trails, you will also become a member of the Minnesota United Snowmobile Associatfon (MnUSA), from which you will receive their many benefits. For Trail Updates please view www.nwtrails.net/changes.htm. Snowmobile Safety & Training Sponsored by the Northwest Trail Association The Northwest Trails Associatfon is an organizatfon of enthusiastfc and committed snowmobilers in Hennepin County and the NW suburbs of Minneapolis. Its mission is to support a safe, adventurous, and friendly snowmobiling experience primarily through coordinatfon, safety educatfon, and club actfvitfes of value to members. Corcoran will be a hostfng site for the snowmobile training course at the Corcoran Community Room. To register for the class, go to the NW Trails website at http://nwtrails.net/safety.htm (space is limited). An online course is required prior to the classroom session. There is a $30 fee for the online course (students can save $8 if purchased through Northwest Trails Associatfon). There is also a $5 fee due at the tfme of pre-registratfon to reserve a seat. More informatfon will be made available with pre-registratfon. Important Info: Students must bring with a copy of their birth certfficate and a printout from the online training, verifying completfon of the written test to class on November 25. Partfcipatfon in class will not be allowed if the online course step is not confirmed. Classes: Friday, November 25, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm (parents are required to attend) and Saturday, November 26, from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm is the outdoor practfcal course. Questions: Please call Randy Baudler at 763-420-5526 or email at youthsafetytraining@gmail.com. Did You Know? All Minnesotans born after December 31, 1976, must have a safety certificate to operate a snowmobile in the state. If you have a driver’s license, this certification will be indicated on your license.  page 7 Fall/Winter 2016 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us The Corcoran Police Department shares informatfon on Facebook and Twitter regarding emergency informatfon, weekly press releases, special events and other happenings around the community. View or follow the links below for more informatfon: Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Corcoran- Police-Department/459695357400188 Twitter: www.twitter.com/corcoranpolice Corcoran Police Social Media Public Safety Burning Permits If you choose to burn yard debris, don’t forget to apply for a burning permit; it only takes a couple of minutes to apply in person during the business hours of Monday through Thursday 7:30 am—5:00 pm and Fridays 8:00 am—12:00 pm at the Corcoran Police Department. Burn permits are required for any fires larger than three-feet diameter by three-feet in height. Anything smaller than a three-foot by three-foot fire must be a recreatfonal fire. Burn permits are not required when the ground is snow-covered, which is ground that has a contfnuous unbroken cover of snow to a depth of three inches or more surrounding the immediate area of the fire. Items approved to burn are vegetatfve material, such as grass, leaves, brush and untreated lumber. Items not approved to burn are hazardous wastes, demolitfon debris, motor vehicles, oils, rubber, plastfcs, chemically-treated materials, sheet rock, paint and garbage. You can find the complete list on the city’s website or on the MN DNR’s website at: www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire. Save the Dates — Firearm Safety Class Corcoran Firearm Safety 2017 classes are scheduled for Sunday, March 19, 26, April 2, 9 and 23, 2017, from 6:00 pm— 9:00 pm at the Corcoran Community Room. The class will conclude with Field Safety Day on Saturday, April 29, 2017, from 8:00 am—3:00 pm. Registratfon opens February 1, 2017. Youth ages 11 and older can attend a firearms safety certfficatfon course and receive their certfficate. The Firearms Safety Certfficate becomes valid at age 12. Three basic rules of firearms handling:  Treat each firearm as if it is loaded.  Always control the muzzle of your firearm.  Be sure of your target and what is beyond. Visit www.ci.corcoran.mn.us for more informatfon. www.ci.corcoran.mn.us  page 8 Fall/Winter 2016 Corcoran Fills Full-Time Police Officer Position Corcoran Welcomes Cody Vojacek Cody Vojacek joins the Police Department as a new full-tfme Patrol Officer. Cody has over five years of experience working in law enforcement. Cody most recently worked with the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy. Cody also served as a court deputy, a correctfonal officer and a recreatfon officer. Cody worked as a reserve officer for Corcoran PD from 2009 to 2013. The Corcoran Police Department was established in 1962 and is currently comprised of a director of public safety, a police lieutenant, and six full -tfme patrol officers. The department is supported by a full-tfme administratfve assistant and ten part- tfme police officers. The department provides 24/7 police coverage to the community and officers typically work 12-hour shifls. Dispatch, jail, and crime lab services are provided by the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Department. Save the Date: Truck Safety March 2, 2017 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Winter Hazard Awareness Week — November 14-18 Public Safety Normally, when a winter storm is expected, the Natfonal Weather Service will issue a winter storm watch. A winter storm watch means that conditfons exist for the occurrence of severe winter weather such as blizzard conditfons, heavy snow, significant freezing rain, or sleet. A winter storm watch is your signal to prepare for the storm now. Once the storm begins, travel may not be possible. Preparing at Home and at Work Don’t forget, you may not be at home when the storm strikes! Have emergency supplies available at your place of work. Remaining inside protected from the elements is the safest place during a winter storm. Consider a plan for the potentfal loss of heat, power, telephone service, and a shortage of supplies if the storm persists. Below are some checklists you can use to be prepared. Preparing for the Indoors  Flashlight with extra batteries  Battery powered weather radio and portable radio  Extra food and water, especially high energy food that requires no cooking or refrigeratfon such as dried fruit and canned goods (don’t forget the non-electric can opener  Medicine, first aid supplies, and ample baby supplies  Emergency heatfng source, such as a stocked fireplace, wood stove, or space heater  Smoke detector and fire extfnguisher, the chance of fire increases dramatfcally using alternatfve heatfng  Carbon monoxide detector Preparing Your Vehicle About 70 percent of deaths during an ice or snow storm occur in a vehicle. If you questfon if you should attempt to travel, then don’t! If you must travel then allow extra tfme. Reduce your speed and do not attempt to make sudden turns or stops. Winterize the vehicle so it will be reliable. This includes a good set of tfres. Other items necessary for the car or truck include: • Dry blanket(s) or sleeping bag • Extra dry clothing • Flashlight with extra batteries • High calorie non-perishable food (i.e., granola bars or power bars) • Snow shovel, windshield scraper, and brush • Sack of sand, rock salt, or kitty litter for traction • Jumper cables • First aid kit and a small container for water  Maps, compass, knife, and water proof matches Stay informed of the latest weather forecast. Being prepared before the storm hits will keep you and your family from unnecessary risk. WINTER STORM WARNING A winter storm warning means that severe winter weather such as heavy snow, significant freezing rain, or sleet is expected. A blizzard warning means that sustained or gusty winds of 35 mph or more are expected to reduce visibility at or below a quarter of a mile due to falling and/or blowing snow. The issuance of the winter storm warning is your signal to take steps necessary to keep you, your family, and pets or animals safe during the storm. All unnecessary travel should be delayed untfl the storm is over. If you get stranded in your vehicle and shelter is not visible nearby, stay in your vehicle. • Run the motor for about ten minutes each hour for heat. Keep the tailpipe free from snow and open the window slightly from tfme to tfme to let in fresh air. • Make yourself visible by turning on the dome light while the engine is running and tfe a colored cloth to your antenna or door. Most deaths and injuries during winter storms can be prevented. When shoveling snow or doing other actfvitfes in the cold, you should always set a slow pace. Take frequent breaks and warm yourself regularly. Frostbite can occur from exposure to the cold. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and usually occurs in extremitfes such as face, toes or fingers first. When treatfng frostbite, always make sure the affected area is dry and then warm it slowly. Visit https://www.fema.gov/media-library- data/1408633655071- 32caae446efef4ab2f4fcccdb55f725c/ PrepareAthon_WINTER% 20STORMS_HTG_FINAL_508.pdf for more informatfon on preparing for winter storms.  page 9 Fall/Winter 2016 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Hunting Reminder Public Safety Many of us look forward to fall as a great tfme to be outdoors. It is possible that you may hear gunshots in the distance when you’re outside. Because huntfng is permissible in most areas of the City of Corcoran, we have citfzens who hunt or allow others to hunt on their property with written permission. You can get a copy of the firearm ordinances and regulatfons at City Hall, the Police Department, or on the City’s website at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us. You will need a license for the game you wish to hunt. A person may not shoot, hunt or discharge a deadly weapon or take a wild animal with a firearm within 500 feet of any structure or corral containing livestock without written permission from the landowner. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website (MN DNR) has a vast amount of informatfon on hunter safety, seasons, regulatfons, licenses, and much more. Their website is: www.dnr.state.mn.us/huntfng/ index.html Be an ethical hunter and follow safe huntfng practfces. Corcoran PD asks that hunters respect others and their property while huntfng. Everyone has the right to enjoy the outdoors safely. Did You Know? In Minnesota, there were 159,343 deer harvested in 2015. For a breakdown of deer harvested view the Minnesota DNR Deer Harvest Report at http:// files.dnr.state.mn.us/wildlife/deer/reports/ harvest/deerharvest_2015.pdf. www.ci.corcoran.mn.us  page 10 Fall/Winter 2016 Nuisance Animals The MN DNR recognizes a number of wild animals considered nuisance animals. Wild animals are not domestfcated animals like dogs or cats. Nuisance animals can cause property damage. The DNR list includes but is not limited to: bats, beavers, coyotes, geese, rabbits, raccoons, and snakes. The DNR provides a number of techniques and optfons that can help control these animals and prevent damage. Some common methods include fencing, chemical repellents, securing buildings, removing food sources, or huntfng using a firearm or bow and arrow. Methods to eradicate nuisance animals using poison, artfficial lights or motor vehicles are prohibited and may carry legal consequences. If you take a protected nuisance animal you must notffy the local conservatfon officer, Brent Grewe at 763-205-6014. For more informatfon on nuisance animals, please contact the DNR at 651-296-6157 or via email at info.dnr@state.mn.us. For general informatfon on nuisance animals visit the DNR website at: www.dnr.state.mn.us/livingwith_wildlife/taking.html. Fire Department News in Corcoran The City of Corcoran contracts with the Loretto Fire Department, the Rogers Fire Department, and the Hanover Fire Department for fire protectfon services for Corcoran residents. To view the Corcoran map that includes the Fire Department boundaries visit www.ci.corcoran.mn.us and select Departments, Emergency Management and then select Fire Protectfon Services, or click here to view the map. Loretto Fire Department (LFD) Open House When: Saturday, October 15, 2016 Time: 4:00-8:00 pm Where: 259 North Medina Street, Loretto Meet and visit with the LFD at their Open House and enjoy food, fire truck rides, games and fire preventfon demonstratfons. Loretto Fire Department Accepting Applications for Fire Fighters Loretto Fire Department is currently acceptfng applicatfons from Corcoran residents to join the LFD team. For more informatfon please contact Fire Chief Jeff Leuer at 612-221-4963 or via email at jleuer@ci.loretto.mn.us. www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Public Works Fast Fact: Source: Minnesota Department of Transportation Follow these safe winter driving tips:  Call 511 or visit www.511mn.org before leaving on your trip to get current road conditions.  Turn on your headlights, wear your seat belt and turn off your cruise control.  Slow down; allow at least five car lengths, and preferably 10, between your vehicle and a plow, and never drive into a snow cloud.  Stay behind the snowplow. The road behind a snowplow is safer to drive on.  Watch for snowplows that turn or exit frequently, and often with little warning. A goal of the Corcoran Public Works Department is to clear snow and ice from City roads as soon as possible. Delays may occur in the event of equipment breakdown or extreme weather conditfons. The safety of the public and the City employees is a top priority. Currently the City has more than 65 miles of roads that are maintained by the Public Works department. The criteria for the decision to begin snow and/or ice control operatfon are as follows:  Snow accumulatfon of two inches or more warrants the plowing of asphalt roads, two to four inches warrants the plowing of both asphalt and gravel roads dependent on road conditfons. Call out is normally at 2:00 am when practfcal.  High volume major collector roads and roads with steep hills and curves receive first priority.  Safety of the plow operators and the public are important. Therefore snowplowing operatfons may be terminated afler 12-14 hours to allow personnel adequate tfme to rest. High winds creatfng white out conditfons could cause suspension of services untfl weather improves. The City will assume no responsibility for damage to underground lawn sprinkling systems, exterior lightfng systems, and similar landscaping installed in the public right-of-way. To review the City approved policy view the city website at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us and select Departments - Public Works/Parks Department - Snowplowing. Garbage Can Driveway Location During winter months, please be sure to place garbage containers inside your driveway perimeter or boundary on garbage pickup days. Garbage containers should never be placed on the roadway. A Quick Mailbox Reminder Inspect your existfng mail box post for damage and replace before the winter snowplowing season begins. Ensure your mail box posts are sturdy, set solidly in the ground, and in good conditfon before the snow falls. Swing-Away Mail Box Post Option Available Swing-Away Mail Box Posts are designed to reduce or eliminate damages to mail receptacles during inclement weather. The swing-away posts are constructed of galvanized steel and are designed to meet the Postal regulatfons and MNDOT’s specificatfons. An example is currently on display by the front doors of Corcoran City Hall. The Swing-Away Mail Box Posts are available to purchase for $65.00 for the individual product or for $150.00, you can have Public Works install it. Please call 763-420-2288 for more informatfon or to schedule the installatfon. The Corcoran Police, Public Works and the Hennepin County Highway division would like to cautfon residents that it is unlawful to dump, plow or push snow from private driveways onto highway or city streets whether you are plowing your driveway or you have hired someone to remove snow. Snow dumped on highways or street right-of-way can create a hazard not only for motorists, but also for snowplows. Even heavy snowplows have been ditched and damaged when hitting compacted and frozen snow. The person responsible for depositfng snow on roadways may also be liable in a civil lawsuit if damages or injuries that occur as a result of this actfon. Under MN Statutes, Chapter 160.2715, RIGHT-OF-WAY USE, violatfon of the above statute is a misdemeanor, city ordinance 130.04 also prohibits the plowing, blowing, shoveling or otherwise placing of snow from sidewalks, driveways and parking lots onto public roadways. The violatfons are considered a misdemeanor, punishable by a maxi- mum $700 fine and/or 90 days in jail. Through the years this issue has become a bigger concern as the community grows. The Corcoran Public Works and Police departments will be enforcing these laws. City Snowplow Policy  page 11 Fall/Winter 2016 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Environmental Updates  page 8 Winter 2015 Corcoran Recycling News – Payment Options in 2017 In 2015, the City partnered with Randy’s Environmental Services to provide additfonal payment optfons to residents for their recycling services billing. Scheduled for early 2017, Randy’s Environmental Services, the City’s residentfal recycling contractor will be billing residents directly for recycling services. You can pay by credit card or echeck on the Randy’s Environmental Services website at https://secure.randyssanitatfon.com/ webpak/signin.jsp. As in prior years, you will receive your annual recycling bill in early 2017. The late charge for past due recycling fees will be 1.5% monthly of the annual fee and a one-tfme $10.00 late fee. If the recycling fees are not paid by August 31 of each year, recycling fees will be certified to Hennepin County and will be added to your 2017 property tax bill. For more informatfon, contact the City of Corcoran at 763-420-2288. 2016 Corcoran Recycling Schedule For more information regarding recycling, please contact Randy’s Environmental Services at 763-972-3335 or visit their website at www.randyssanitatfon.com www.ci.corcoran.mn.us  page 12 Fall/Winter 2016 How To Create A Compost Bin Source: http://eartheasy.com/grow_compost_bin_build.htm Compost bins are open on the bottom and set directly on the ground. Compost tumblers are sealed drums which are raised off the ground and can be spun to aid aeratfon. While compost tumblers make compost faster, and keep pests out of the compost, compost bins are cheap to build and do an adequate job of making compost. The purpose of building a bin is to keep the compostfng materials together, where they build heat as decompositfon breaks down organic matter. The bin should be big enough to allow you to 'turn' the compost with a shovel or pitchfork, as this promotes aeratfon and speeds compostfng. Compost bins are best when covered, since too much rain will cool the compost and slow the compostfng process. You can just set a sheet of polyethylene plastfc on the pile to use as a cover, or you can build a proper lid which makes tending the compost more convenient. A compost bin can be the simplest of constructfons. Some gardeners take four wood pallets, oflen available free from shipping companies, and stand them on edge to form a square. The pallets are then nailed or lashed together to form an instant compost bin. How to build a compost bin is determined in part by the materials you have available. There is satfsfactfon in building a compost bin from scrap or recycled materials, so check what materials are available before you settle on a constructfon style. The instructfons on this page are for a very simple, but adequate, compost bin. You can build your bin using recycled or scrap lumber, but don't use plywood - it will delaminate quickly in the damp environment of a composter. The plan below can be embellished by adding a second cross-piece on the front, and a lid on top to keep the rain from over-watering the compost. For ideas on building your own compost bin visit any of the links below: http://eartheasy.com/grow_compost_bin_build.htm http://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/garden/make-fertflizer-faster-building-ultfmate- compost-bin https://thecompostadores.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/photographic-steps-to-build -a-bin.pdf Hennepin County launched the 2016 Recycle Everywhere campaign the week of July 4. The campaign encourages people to refresh their laundry room, revamp their bathroom or rethink their home office by adding a recycling bin, bag, or basket to collect recycling. The 2016 Recycle Everywhere campaign continues to focus on tips and tricks to help people expand their recycling habits to recycle in every room and by offering free resources to improve recycling at home. Hennepin County continues to offer free resources, including recycling labels, bags for collecting recyclables and a recycling guide, to help people expand their recycling habits. These resources can be ordered online at www.hennepin.us/ recycleeverywhere. They can be used at home, shared with family and friends, or distribute at events, at work or in your community. Hennepin County also has a newsletter article, social media posts, logo, images, ads, videos, and recycling tips fact sheet available to help spread the word at www.hennepin.us/business/work-with-henn -co/environmental-education- resources#articles-posts. Recycle Everywhere! Source: www.hennepin.us/recycleeverywhere What is a Watershed? Source: MN Pollution Control Agency A watershed is the area of land where all of the water that drains off of it goes into the same place— a river, stream or lake. The smallest watersheds are the drainage areas for small streams and lakes. Think about your local pond, creek or river. Where does it start? What type of landscape does it flow through? Where does it end up? All of the area covered is a watershed. Each small watershed is part of the more extensive watershed for a larger stream or lake in the vicinity. These larger watersheds are, in turn, part of even larger drainage networks, and so on. The largest-scale watershed is called a basin. Minnesota has ten basins, some of which include portfons of neighboring states or Canada. Major Watersheds The largest watersheds within a basin are called major watersheds. These are the drainage networks of the basin's largest rivers or lakes. There are 80 major watersheds in Minnesota. For each of these, Minnesota Pollutfon Control Agency (MPCA) works with other state agencies and local partners to identffy water restoratfon and protectfon needs throughout the watershed and to determine how best to address them. Learn about MPCA’s major watershed approach to water quality restoratfon and protectfon. Find informatfon about your watershed here, or visit https://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/watersheds. www.ci.corcoran.mn.us  page 13 Fall/Winter 2016 Environmental Updates Rethinking Recycling and Reusing Source: http://www.rethinkrecycling.com/learn-educate/understanding-issues Why Care About Waste? The populatfon in the Twin Citfes metropolitan area is growing and people are throwing out more and more garbage every year. Currently, residents in the Twin Citfes create approximately seven pounds of garbage every week! What Can Be Done? There are many easy ways to reduce our growing garbage problem and protect our environment. Instead of throwing out valuable goods and packaging, think reuse and recycling. Lower waste and manufacturing costs, energy savings, and cleaner air and water are among the benefits we can all share. Our small actfons can have a big impact. Collectfvely, if residents of the Twin Citfes made even some of these changes, our waste problems could be kept in check:  Choose to purchase items with less packaging  Buy recycled whenever possible  Get off of junk mail lists  Compost food waste  Learn how to safely dispose of household hazardous products like cleaners, fertflizers, etc.  Reuse scrap paper and grocery bags Local Businesses Support Corcoran Country Daze Corcoran Country Daze would not be possible without the teamwork of the NW Area Jaycees, the Corcoran and Maple Grove Lions, Corcoran Police Department, City of Corcoran staff, and local business partfcipatfon. The support of local area businesses are greatly appreciated and are a valuable part of the Corcoran community. Corcoran Happenings  page 14 Fall/Winter 2016 NW Area Jaycees Holiday Dates Santa Claus Is Coming to Corcoran! Date: Saturday, December 10, 2016 Time: 9:00 am to noon Where: Corcoran Community Room 8200 County Road 116, Corcoran, MN Activities are free with a non-perishable food shelf donation. Pictures will be taken by a professional photographer with Santa, plus kids get to pick a free small gift from under the NW Area Jaycee’s holiday tree. Cookies and juice will be provided. Kids can also enter a prize drawing for larger gift items. NW Area Jaycees Holiday Wreath Sales Sponsored by NW Area Jaycees The NW Area Jaycees are teaming up with the Rockford High School 2017 Prom Committee for the annual Holiday Wreath/Center- piece Fundraiser. Have you purchased your holiday wreath and centerpiece yet? If not, please consider ordering from the NW Area Jaycees and the Rockford High School 2017 Prom Committee. There are three sizes of wreaths and one centerpiece optfon available. Costs: 25” wreaths are only $15, 36” wreaths are $25, 48” wreaths are $40, and centerpieces are $20. Pick up will be on Saturday, November 26, at the Corcoran City Hall parking lot or by arrangement the following week. If you are interested in ordering, please contact Teresa Rentz via email at rockfordprom2017@gmail.com or phone 763-498-2581. www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Thirteenth Annual Corcoran Country Daze Sponsored by the NW Area Jaycees It was quite a contrast from last year’s hot and humid weekend at this year’s Country Daze! The event took place on August 19 and 20, with rain showers coming through every couple of hours on the already rain-soaked fields. It required some quick thinking on the part of the organizers and a lot of rearranging! A few actfvitfes were cancelled, or postponed, but almost all went on as planned between the sunshine and showers. The Free Family Actfvity Day on Saturday, included inflatables, build-a-birdfeeder, face paintfng, pony rides, crazy hair, games, petting zoo and more. The City of Corcoran had tables set up with informatfve handouts for residents, City staff representatfves were present to answer questfons and concerns. The grass benefit volleyball tournament turned into more of a mud fest but the ten teams had fun competfng for bragging rights and their team name on a trophy! Entertainment included Jonah and the Whales, who took the stage Friday night, and on Saturday night, Two Hicks and a Chick started the music jam, with Hitchville closing out the night with some fantastfc country music! A moment of silence was recognized to honor our Veteran’s prior to kicking off a thrilling fireworks display! Food shelf donatfons were accepted for local charitfes. A photo album is available online on the NW Area Jaycees Facebook page www.facebook.com/nwareajaycees. A special thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make the event a success despite Mother Nature’s challenges, including the many local businesses and clubs who sponsor the event and make the Free Family Day possible. Thank you also to the many visitors who came and made the best of a difficult weather situatfon! Mark your calendars for next year’s event, the third weekend in August! More informatfon will be posted as the event draws near at www.corcorancountrydaze.org and via the Northwest Jaycees website at www.nwareajaycees.org. Let them know if you would like to get involved, volunteers are always appreciated! Corcoran Lions Maple Hill Estates CITY OF CORCORAN Preferred Tile and Construction CROSS Meals on Wheels What is Meals on Wheels? CROSS Meals on Wheels offers delivery of hot, ready-to-eat meals to elderly, disabled, and homebound individuals living in Corcoran, Maple Grove, Osseo, Rogers, and Dayton. When are meals delivered? Meals are delivered between 11 am to 12:30 pm Monday through Friday. What type of food is served? Meals are a main entrée, vegetable, bread, dessert, fruit, and milk. Can relatives sign up their loved ones? Family members are encouraged to contact CROSS to obtain information about enrolling loved ones. How much does it cost? With the new sliding fee program, the home delivered meal program is now open to more community members, the meal price determined on eligibility to pay and need. Do you need volunteers? As our program grows, so does the need for volunteer drivers. Whether once a month or once a week, CROSS will work around your schedule. Drivers must have their own vehicle, driver’s license and insurance. Based in Rogers, CROSS Services in a nonprofit organization serving families and individuals for 38 years. For more information, contact CROSS at 763- 425-1050, info@CROSSservices.org, or visit www.CROSSservices.org. www.ci.corcoran.mn.us  page 15 Fall/Winter 2016 Corcoran Happenings Throwback Prom Night 2016 Sponsored by the Rockford Education Foundation Fundraising Event for Education The Rockford Educatfon Foundatfon annual fundraising event is scheduled for Friday, October 28, 2016, at the Medina Country Club. This year the event theme is Throwback Prom Night to relive those favorite memories, because once just isn’t enough! This event supports funding for educatfonal needs not included in the Rockford Area Schools general fund. To date, the Rockford Educatfon Foundatfon has raised over $700,000 in donatfons to support student educatfon in Rockford Area Schools. Attendees are welcome to dress up in vintage prom attire and join in the event fun including a silent auctfon, raftfe, games, food, live dessert auctfon and dancing! The silent auctfon will be run online through a mobile bidding site, which will allow guests to bid from their phones or ipads, at the event or from anywhere! Please visit www.rockfordfoundatfon.org to purchase tfckets to this event and register for the silent auctfon. Support for the Foundatfon comes entfrely through community contributfons! Contact Kelly Grimm at kelly@rockfordfoundatfon.org if you would like to become a sponsor, donate an auctfon item or have questfons about the event. Rockford Education Foundation, independent from Rockford Public Schools, is a non-profit 501(3)(c) tax-exempt organization. It is run by a volunteer board of directors, dedicated to providing valuable educational experiences and innovative projects for all students in the Rockford Area Schools. The Foundation is a conduit between the school district and those who wish to give money to support our schools. Visit www.rockfordfoundation.org to learn more. Other Local School Foundations: Wayzata Educatfon Fund — www.wayzataedfund.org Osseo District 279 Foundatfon — www.district279foundatfon.org Delano Partners in Educatfon — www.delanopie.org Mobile Hope Celebrates 20 Years Sponsored by Mobile Hope MN Mobile Hope celebrated its 20 year anniversary this summer at Maple Hill Estates. Over 800 volunteers have partfcipated and have touched the lives of many kids and families in the last 20 years. Mobile Hope now includes year-round services targeted at developing a culture of achievement throughout Maple Hill Estates. Mobile Hope will be re-launching the Homework Help program four days a week at the Hope Center, contfnuing with the Journey Youth Program, and assistfng with food distributfon with the help of CROSS food shelf. Many of these actfvitfes require volunteers. In fact, Mobile Hope needs about 65-70 volunteers every week to run its programs. Please consider becoming a Mobile Hope volunteer and being a part of changing lives in your own backyard. For more informatfon contact Jill Dejewski at 763-416-0945 or visit www.MobileHopeMN.org. Corcoran Happenings Building Biodiversity in the Soil Source: http://beyondpesticides.org/assets/ media/documents/infoservices/ pesticidesandyou/documents/diy- biodiversity.pdf The foremost method for building biodiver- sity in the soil is compostfng. Compostfng breaks down organic matter, while growing the organisms necessary for a healthy food web. Compost can be made in different ways, depending on the soil where it will be used. Compost made predominately from wood chips, sawdust, or dry leaves (“browns”) and turned infrequently favors fungi. Compost made largely from kitchen scraps, grass cuttings, green plant residues, and/or manures (“greens”) and turned frequently favors bacteria. Compostfng should be an aerobic process favoring aerobic organisms. DIY Biodiversity 1. Compost nurtures populatfons of soil food web organisms. 2. Organic Gardens exclude toxic fertflizers, increase biodiversity, protect biological communitfes, and fight climate change. 3. Mulch provides food for soil organisms and shelter for predators. 4. Plant and Save Heirloom Seeds to preserve genetfc diversity and promote locally adapted varietfes. 5. Plant a Chestnut Tree for the future. www.mprnews.org/story/2016/01/27/ minnesota-chestnut-tree-hybrid-excites- researchers 6. Grow Saprophytic Mushrooms to increase fungal biodiversity. 7. Disperse Mycorrhizal Fungi to promote symbiotfc relatfonships that help forest health. 8. Seed Bombs distribute seeds with soil food web organisms. 9. Plant for Insect Diversity and encourage “beneficial” insects. 10. Pledge your yard as a Pestfcide Free Zone/ Honey Bee Haven to protect pollinators. 11. Nesting Places for insects preserve pollinators and predators. 12. Nesting Places help conserve bird populatfons. 13. Encourage Insectivores and bring balance to the garden. 14. Water is necessary for life. 15. Feed animals through lean tfmes. 16. Brush Piles provide shelter and habitat.  page 16 Fall/Winter 2016 Corcoran Garden Club Add Composting to Your Recycling Routine Compostfng isn’t just for gardening. There are many benefits to compostfng organic waste. While one compost purpose benefits gardens, compostfng is also a great way to recycle organic waste. What exactly is compostfng? Compostfng uses the natural decompositfon process to change organic waste into a humus-like, usable product. It is nutrient-rich and can be used to fertflize poor soils, rather than using chemical fertflizers. Since approximately half of the waste stream is organic matter, compostfng can play a significant role in reducing waste from landfills; in conserving landfill space and reducing the productfon of leachate and methane gas; and in producing a high quality fertflizer for your garden. What Can be Composted? In additfon to food waste, yard waste, like grass clippings and leaves, can be added to compost bins or containers. Food waste, such as banana peels, coffee grounds and eggshells, are great items to compost. Perennial flowers can also be added to compost piles, however, do not place perennial weeds which come grow back year afler year, into compost piles, as they will only grow back and spread. Composting Facts and Benefits Source: http://extension.psu.edu/plants/gardening/news/2013/some-composting-facts  The average US. Household generates 650 pounds of compostable materials each year.  Over 60 percent of what we put in our landfills is organic waste, such as food scraps. Yard trimmings, and paper, much of which could be recycled by compostfng.  Compostfng saves money. Families reduce their garbage collectfon bills and municipalitfes save money on transportfng and disposing of waste when organic materials are eliminated from the collectfon system.  Compost improves soil, adds important nutrients for plants, and reduces the need for expensive commercial fertflizers. For additfonal informatfon on compostfng, please view the links below: www.ecochem.com/t_compost_faq2.html http://extension.psu.edu/plants/gardening/news/2013/some-compostfng-facts http://www.arboretum.umn.edu/getdirtyactfvitfes.aspx Join the Clubs! The next Corcoran Garden Club (CGC) meetfng is scheduled for October 22, and the CGC will collect wildflower seeds, used by Three Rivers Parks to expand their natfve prairie. A Three Rivers Park naturalist will demonstrate seed collectfon and guide the volunteers through the seed collectfon process. The Corcoran Garden Club meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Corcoran City Hall at 7:00 pm, located at 8200 County Road 116, Corcoran. To join the Corcoran Garden Club, email Tom Anderson at tom.thegardener@yahoo.com. Would you like to understand more about honey bees? Join the Corcoran Bee Club and learn how honey bees create honey. For more informatfon about the Bee Club, please email corcoranbeeclub@gmail.com. www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Fun Twin Cities Pumpkin Event Pumpkin Nights http://www.pumpkinnights.com/ welcome#pumpkinnights Pumpkin Nights, is a one-mile long walking path lined with 3,000 hand- carved pumpkins in 12 themed, larger- than-life worlds of marvelous art, creatfng a multf-sensory Halloween experience unlike any other. This Halloween adventure will take place at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds and will be open for 18 days, startfng on Friday, October 14 through Halloween Day—Monday, October 31, from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm. The outdoor, family friendly Halloween experience combines whimsical interactfons that will appeal to all senses as you explore and engage in the enchanted worlds of Pumpkin Galaxy, Witch’s Brew, The Great Pumpkin Reef, a Minnesota themed world and more! Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in their best costume to join in the fun and bring a carved pumpkin to add to the Community Carvings world. For every carved pumpkin brought to the festfval, Pumpkin Nights will donate $5 to the highlighted charity of that evening! Pumpkins will also be available to purchase at the pumpkin patch, located in the middle of the one-mile path. Tickets sales began on September 12. Visit www.pumpkinnights.com/tfckets/ for tfcket informatfon. Corcoran Soccer Fast Fact: Thank you to the CSA Board Members and all the volunteer coaches who helped make 2016 a great season of Corcoran Soccer! Visit www.corcoransoccer.org for information about Corcoran Soccer. www.ci.corcoran.mn.us  page 17 Fall/Winter 2016 Corcoran Happenings Haunted Acres Prepares for Haunting Season! Sponsored by Hamel Lions, NW Area Jaycees and Corcoran Lions Visit Haunted Acres and you will understand why Hamel Lions Haunted Acres was voted #1 in Minnesota! The Hamel Lions Haunted House was established in 1997. From 1997 to 2008 three different locatfons existed. In 2010, the Hamel Lions, Corcoran Lions and NW Area Jaycees united to establish the current Corcoran Lions Park locatfon as the final destfnatfon for hauntfng fun! Throughout the years, Haunted Acres has received accolades by several websites as one of the best haunted attractfons in the state of Minnesota. With a few TV spots on Channel 9 morning news highlightfng the event achievements, Haunted Acres is becoming an attractfon site for people looking for a spooktacular scare! Over the years Haunted Acres has raised over $70,000 and 2,500 pounds of food for Interfaith Outreach and the Hanover Food Shelf. Haunted Acres is completely volunteer operated. If you are interested in helping out on the Boo Crew this year, please click here to apply, or visit www.hamellionshauntedacres.com and select Contact Us / Volunteer page to complete the online volunteer form. The first night of hauntfng begins on Friday, October 14! Don't forget an extra pair of underwear! For more informatfon on hours and event rules please view the website at www.hamellionshauntedacres.com. Corcoran Pumpkin Carving—October 22 (2:00-6:00 pm) Sponsored by Heidi’s GrowHaus and other local businesses Come join Heidi’s GrowHaus on October 22, from 2:00- 6:00 pm to celebrate Oktoberfest! In observatfon of the fall season, there will be music, local food and drink, preservatfon workshops, cider-making demonstratfons, family games, and giveaways! In honoring traditfon, the annual pumpkin carving contest will contfnue as usual: purchase a pumpkin, carve your design with the supplied tools and templates, and the mess will be whisked away! Prizes will be awarded to the most wacky, creatfve, or stunning pumpkin carving artfsts. Proceeds from food sales will go to support the Hanover Food Shelf. We will also be acceptfng donatfons of non-perishable food items. For more info visit: www.GrowHausMN.com. Summerfest 2016 Despite this year’s extra rain and added mud, Summerfest actfvitfes contfnued and the band played on! Due to the inclement weather this year, the Summerfest locatfon was moved to the Lange farm, located near the school. Great food, games, music and face paintfng were all part of Summerfest 2016! The Burschville School was open to visitors and former students to tour and reminisce. Especially memorable to one family, were the photos of their great grandmother, who was a teacher at the Burschville school, so many years ago. The North Hennepin Pioneer Society is looking for any memorabilia from school District # 107 Burschville School on County Road 10, #134 Morin School on Willow Road, #136 Clearview School on Strehler Road, #67 Oakdale School on Bechtold Road, #66 Oswald School on Cain Road, #65 Corcoran School on Larkin Road, #64 French Corcoran School on County Road 50, #90 Elm Hill School on Pioneer Trail. If you have any school class photos, we would make copies and then return the originals to you. Please contact Betty at 763-286-0877 or Bonnie at 763-420-3440. Northwest Pioneer Society is a non-profit organization. Funds are raised to maintain the grounds, the school and to preserve the collection of school items on display. Please consider becoming a member of the Northwest Pioneer Society to help preserve the historical Burschville school in Corcoran! 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 North Hennepin Pioneer Society Date: October 5-7, 2016 Location: St. Thomas the Apostle Church 20000 County Road 10 Corcoran, MN 55340 St. Thomas the Apostle HUGE Garage Sale Sponsored by St. Thomas the Apostle Church St. Thomas the Apostle Church Women’s Group will host its annual garage sale! The sale hours include: Oct 5: 1:00 --9:00 pm Oct 6: 8:00 am—8:00 pm with 50% off sales from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm Oct 7: 8:00 am—1:30 pm with the $4.00 bag day sale offering HUGE savings to visitors. Please contact Elaine Kramer at 763-494- 4332 with any questfons. Proceeds from the garage sale support various needs within St. Thomas the Apostle Church.  page 18 Fall/Winter 2016 Corcoran Happenings www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Hope Community Church Community Events Sponsored by Hope Community Church Hope Community Church (County Roads 30 & 116) has been actfve in the Corcoran community since it was founded in 1997. One of the key ways they serve throughout the year is through community events such as The Great Hope Get-Together, children’s sports camps, veteran’s dinners, comedy nights, and Christmas events. Please call 763-494-4673 with questfons on any of the events sponsored by Hope Community Church. Harvest Festival Saturday, October 29, 2016 11:00 am — 3:00 pm Harvest Festfval is an event for everyone and includes Trunk or Treat, Chili Potluck Contest, Potato Sack Races, Pumpkin Paintfng, Pie Eatfng Contest and more! Costumes are encouraged. Visit www.myhopecommunity.org/harvest for more informatfon. Ladies Christmas Tea Saturday, December 3, 2016 3:00 pm — 5:00 pm (Boutique opens at 2:00 pm) Tickets $12.00 per adult/$6.00 ages 4-10 Purchase tfckets by November 27 at www.myhopecommunity.org/ tea. All ladies, ages four to 104, are cordially invited to attend the 20th Annual Ladies Christmas Tea at Hope Community Church. Come and begin your holiday season in an elegant, festfve setting, enjoying delicious food and beautfful music. You will also have an opportunity to shop at the Holiday Boutfque. Christmas Dinner Theatre “Hope Radio Hour” Friday, December 9, 2016 Doors Open 5:30 pm/Dinner serve 6:00 pm Tickets $25 per person/$160 for table of eight Purchase tfckets at www.myhopecommunity.org/dinner The 14th Annual “Hope Radio Hour” is a delightiul night of comedy, laughter, and reflectfon in celebratfon of the birth of Christ. Enjoy a delicious catered dinner, creatfve comedy skits, and beautfful musical performances. Corcoran Election News  page 19 Fall/Winter 2016 Miss a Council Meeting? Did you miss the last Council meetfng? You can now view past Council meetfngs at the City of Corcoran website. Visit www.ci.corcoran.mn.us and click on the link within the View Council Meeting sectfon to view the most recent Council meetfng. The City Council meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. All Council scheduled work sessions and meetfngs are open to the public. If you have something you would like to address with the City Council, you have an opportunity to speak at the Open Forum session at each Council meetfng. Please contact City Administrator Brad Martens at 763-400-7030 or at bmartens@ci.corcoran.mn.us to learn about getting on the council agenda. Along with the additfon of the newly recorded Council meetfngs, an archive of two years of Council and Commission agendas and approved minutes can be found at the City of Corcoran website located at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us. Click on the Government tab and select Council, or any of the City Commission links for agenda and meetfng minutes documents. The City of Corcoran website includes the last two years of past agendas and approved minutes for the City Council and City Commissions. 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. www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Mayor Two year Term – One Seat Available John Dahl Carolyn S. Holford Ron Thomas Council Member Four Year Term –Two Seats Available Thomas P. Anderson Jonathan Bottema Brian Dejewski Jennifer Russell Can’t Make it on Election Day? Consider Absentee Voting! You can vote early by using an absentee ballot, instead of votfng in person on electfon day. Absentee Votfng began for the 2016 General Electfon on September 23, and closes on November 7 at 5:00 pm. Residents do not need a reason to absentee vote. Residents can come to City Hall, 8200 County Road 116, Corcoran, MN 55340, during office hours to vote absentee. Residents can also submit their absentee ballot applicatfon and vote via mail. Direct ballotfng is new in 2016, if you vote in person via absentee, you will be able to place your ballot in the ballot counter seven days prior to the electfon. More informatfon can be found on the City’s website at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us. e-Pollbooks New this electfon, electronic poll books (tablet devices) will replace the paper roster check-in and paper Electfon Day registratfon. The e-poll books are expected to help electfon judges through each step of the process. Voters will stfll receive a paper ballot for castfng their vote. For more informatfon visit www.ci.corcoran.mn.us. New Election Information on the City of Corcoran Website A new Electfons informatfon sectfon has been created on the City’s website to provide additfonal informatfon on electfons. You can find this sectfon under the ‘Government’ tab on the City’s website, www.ci.corcoran.mn.us. Candidates for Corcoran City Offices The League of Women Voters is hostfng a Candidate Forum in the Corcoran Community Room at 8200 County Road 116, Corcoran, MN 55340 on October 20, 2016 at 7:00 pm. Corcoran hosts a municipal electfon as part of the 2016 General Electfon. The Mayor and two council member seats are on the ballot. Listed below are the candidates for these offices listed in alphabetfcal order. Local School District School Board Seats Open Click on the School District to view school board candidates within each school district. Rockford School District — http://bit.ly/2ds1H9H Buffalo School District — No electfon this year Osseo School District — https://www.district279.org/school-board-electfons Delano School District — www.delano.k12.mn.us Wayzata School District — No electfon this year For complete candidate information visit http://candidates.sos.state.mn.us/. Please turn to page 20 for additional election date information. Corcoran News is published quarterly by the City of Corcoran to update residents and businesses on city government news. City Council Ken Guenthner, Mayor kguenthner@ci.corcoran.mn.us Pat Hank, Councilor phank@ci.corcoran.mn.us Mike Keefe Councilor mkeefe@ci.corcoran.mn.us Tonya LaFave, Councilor tlafave@ci.corcoran.mn.us Ron Thomas, Councilor rthomas@ci.corcoran.mn.us City Administrator Brad Martens 763-400-7030 bmartens@ci.corcoran.mn.us City of Corcoran Main Office — 763-420-2288 Monday-Friday 8:00 am — 4:00 pm Upcoming Meetings Planning & Commission Meetings Oct 6, Nov 3, Dec 1, and Jan 7 7:00 pm Parks & Trails Commission Meetings Oct 18, Nov 15, Dec 20, and Jan 17 7:00 pm Corcoran City Council Meetings View on-demand video link at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us Oct 13, Oct 27, Nov 10, Nov 21, Dec 8, Dec 19, Jan 12,and Jan 26 7:00 pm City Website www.ci.corcoran.mn.us General Election Dates Sept 23: Absentee Votfng Began Oct 18: Last Day to Pre-Register to Vote for the Electfon (Registration on Election Day is Available) Nov 1: Direct Ballotfng Begins Nov 5: City Hall is Open for Absentee Votfng In-Person from 10:00 am-3:00 pm Nov 7: In-Person Absentee Votfng Ends at 5:00 pm Nov 8: General Electfon Day 7:00 am — 8:00 pm Nov 15: Special City Council Meetfng to Canvass the Electfon Results 6:45 pm For more informatfon contact Jessica Beise at jbeise@ci.corcoran.mn.us or 763-400-7029. Save Time on Election Day Register to Vote Voter Registratfon is required prior to castfng your ballot. Voter registratfon applicatfons can be completed online at https://mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us/ VoterRegistratfon/ VoterRegistratfonStep1.aspx, to register on paper visit http://www.sos.state.mn.us/ electfons-votfng/register-to-vote/register- on-paper/, or by applying in-person on electfon day (includes in-person absentee votfng.) To register, you must be: A U.S. citfzen At least 18 years old on Electfon Day A resident of Minnesota for 20 days Finished with all parts of any felony sentence You can vote while under guardianship unless a judge specifically has revoked your right to vote You cannot vote if a court has ruled that you are legally incompetent. If you have moved, changed names, or haven't voted within four years, you must update your registration by completing a new registration application. Registration Deadlines You may register on Electfon Day, however, individuals are encouraged to register before Electfon Day to save tfme at the polling place. Online registratfon deadline is 11:59 pm on October 18. If registering by mail, applicatfons must be received by your electfon office by 5:00 pm on October 18. PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID ROGERS, MN PERMIT NO. 98 City of Corcoran 8200 County Road 116 Corcoran, MN 55340  page 20 Fall/Winter 2016 www.ci.corcoran.mn.us General Information Important Election Dates 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