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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-10 -- Fall City Council Members Mayor—Ken Guenthner 763-478-6699 Councilors—Tom Cossette, Rich Asleson, Diane Lynch, Ron Thomas If you have a question or concern for the council, please email general@ci.corcoran.mn.us or contact City Administrator Brad Martens at 763-400-7030. C i t y o f C o r c o r a n C i t y o f C o r c o r a n INSIDE THIS ISSUE Planning Development Update 2 Hope Center 2 2015 Budget and Tax Levy 3 Police News 4 City Snow Plowing Policy 4 National Night Out 5 Building Permits 5 Events and Activities 6-7 Skating Rinks 8 Snow Mobile Safety 8 Meet the Candidates 8 Elections 9 Down Memory Lane 9 Radon in Homes 10 Household Hazardous Waste 11 Home Businesses 12 Snow Plowing Policy - continued 12 NEWSLETTER NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2014OCTOBER 2014 Corcoran Receives a Corcoran Receives a Corcoran Receives a Bond Rating Upgrade!Bond Rating Upgrade!Bond Rating Upgrade! The City issued new debt this year for water and sewer improvements to serve the Ravinia development, which will be paid for by revenue from that utility. As part of that process, staff participated in a bond rating call in which Moody’s reviewed the City’s finances and its financial management practices. After the review was completed, the City’s bond rating was upgraded from an A1 to an A2. The higher the bond rating the better interest rate we achieve, which lowers the cost of bonds over the term. According to Moody’s, the following are the reasons for the upgrade:  Tax base is going in the right direction; income is above average; demand is there; see steady growth ahead.  Reserves are getting nominally stronger; however, the value (meaning the amount of reserves) is on the lower end.  See a good five-year trend, which speaks to conservative budgeting and prudent financial management.  More upward pressure than not, more credit positives than negatives since last bond rating in 2012. If the City continues to follow its Financial Management Plan the City could see another upgrade in a few years. Following our plan will ensure the City keeps our goals in sight and creates a predictable tax environment for our residents, business owners, and those wishing to pursue development in our City. 8200 Co. Rd. 116 · Corcoran, MN 553408200 Co. Rd. 116 · Corcoran, MN 55340 City Office Hours 8:00am City Office Hours 8:00am -- 4:00pm Monday 4:00pm Monday -- FridayFriday www.ci.corcoran.mn.us or 763www.ci.corcoran.mn.us or 763--420420--22882288 See pages 4 &12 for more information Page 2 Planning and Development Update The following highlights a few of the planning and development reviews that have been reviewed by the City Council. For further information contact City Hall at 763-420-2288.  Ravinia (Lennar development) Grading continues on the 266-acre site, which was approved in April. Utility work along County Road 101 to serve the site is about 75% complete. It is anticipated that a few homes will begin construction this fall in time for the spring home tour in 2015. Due to the significance of the project, a special website has been created to host regular updates on the project. A link can be found on the City’s website at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us under the “About Us” tab, then click on “What’s New.”  Peachtree Partners, LLC (Schendel property) A comprehensive plan amendment was approved in June to re-guide the property from high density residential (10+ units/acre) to low density residential (3-5 units/acre). The applicant (Peachtree Partners) has also presented a sketch plan to the City Council for 249 homes on the 103.3-acre site. Several additional items need to be approved prior to any development taking place (rezoning to PUD, preliminary plat, preliminary PUD development plan, final plat, final PUD development plan). The City Council, Planning Commission, and Parks and Trails Commission will review these applications as they come forward. The City does expect to receive a preliminary plat application this fall.  Three Rivers Park District Trailhead Three Rivers Park District received approval to construct a trailhead at the southeast intersection of County Road 19 and County Road 10. The original plan was to construct the facility this fall. Unfortunately not one bid was received by Three Rivers Park District to complete the work. The project will be rebid over the winter and constructed next summer.  The Met Council continues to work on the Elm Creek Interceptor project. According to the Met Council, the goal is to begin construction in summer 2015. The pace of easement and land acquisition may affect that schedule. Hope Center Construction is Underway! A groundbreaking ceremony was held on August 28, 2014, and construction of the new Hope Center is underway. Hope Center – Community Center is located in Maple Hill Estates. The building will be approximately 3,400 square feet and include a large open indoor activity area, arts and crafts room, kitchen, computer lab, fitness room, teen lounge and a large covered porch. Land was donated by Maple Hill Estates property owner. The estimated total cost of the project is $346,000, of which the City has contributed just over $18,000 or approximately five percent. The majority of construction should wrap up this fall. It is estimated that a certificate of occupancy will be received by late November. Page 3 Adopting the City’s budget and tax levy is one of the most important obligations the City has. The budget sets the City’s priorities by funding what is important to complete in the upcoming year and has a direct effect on its property owners as it determines the City’s tax rate. The tax levy is composed of the general levy and debt levy. The general levy is the amount of money needed to fund the operations of the City after receiving non-tax revenue, such as fees and charges for services. The debt levy is the amount of money needed to pay its committed debts. Discussions on the 2015 budget and levy began in May with each City department outlining its needs and wants to complete the projects and goals asked of it. These budgets were reviewed and achieved some level of incorporation into the first draft. Also included in this first draft were the goals and objectives of the City Council and the components needed to follow our financial management plan. The draft budget and levy was first presented to the City Council at its July 24th meeting and has been refined since. On September 11th the City Council reviewed the draft 2015 budget and levy for a third time and adopted its preliminary levy at $3,117,568 which is a $210,868 or 6.8% increase from 2014. Some of the items of interest include the following:  Debt levy increase of $77,307 as required to pay our debt. A large portion of this is the new Public Works facility.  A new $25,000 increase to begin a Capital Improvement Fund dedicated to large capital purchases. This amount will increase annually with a goal of eliminating the need to issue debt for most fleet and large equipment purchases by 2022. By not issuing debt the City saves the cost of issuance and interest which can be significant over time.  A new contribution of $10,000 to the City’s reserves which are below our goal of 35% of annual expenditures. Achieving 35% is important as the City receives the bulk of its revenue in two annual property tax payments. The City must have a reserve balance able to withstand the periods in between.  A 2% cost of living adjustment for wages. While an overall levy increase of 6.8% was adopted in the preliminary levy, the City’s tax rate is estimated to decrease by 1.88 or 3.8%, moving from 49.74% to 47.86%. The reason for this is the 10.3% increase in tax capacity that took place from the previous year, which can be attributed to the decertification of the TIF District, increased valuations, and new construction. The direct effects of the 2015 budget depend on the valuation change in individual properties. Properties with no change in valuation would see a decrease in City taxes while properties with increased valuations above 2.5% from the previous year would see an increase. The adoption of the preliminary levy is by no means the final step in the budget process. The preliminary levy sets the maximum amount the City can levy; it can decrease but not increase prior to the final levy being approved. Next, Hennepin County will use the Preliminary Levy to send a Truth in Taxation notice in November which will inform each property owner of proposed taxes for 2015. The City will then hold its Truth in Taxation hearing on December 11th and approve the final levy on December 22nd. For more detail and to read about the specifics in the proposed 2015 budget and levy, please visit the City’s website, where you can review City Council packets that addressed the issues on July 24th, August 28th, and September 11th. Also feel free to contact City Administrator Brad Martens at bmartens@ci.corcoran.mn.us or 763-400-7030. Page 4 POLICE INTERNSHIPPOLICE INTERNSHIP This summer the Corcoran Police Department had a little extra help. Police Reserve Officer Marcus Anderson worked 485 hours as a summer intern for the department. Marcus had been assisting the department with office tasks, summer events, working with patrol offic- ers and other duties as assigned. Marcus is currently working towards his Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. We would like to thank Marcus for his dedicated service. City Snowplowing PolicyCity Snowplowing PolicyCity Snowplowing Policy The Corcoran Police, Public Works and the Hennepin County Highway division would like to caution residents that it is UNLAWFUL TO DUMP, PLOW OR PUSH SNOW FROM PRIVATE DRIVEWAYS ONTO THE HIGHWAY OR CITY STREETS whether you do it or hire someone. Snow dumped on highways or street right of way can create a hazard not only for motorists, but also for snowplows. Even heavy snowplows have been ditched and damaged when hitting compacted and frozen snow. The person responsible for depositing snow on roadways may also be liable in a civil lawsuit if damages or injuries occur as a result of this action. Under MN Statutes, Chapter 160.2715, RIGHT- OF-WAY USE, violation of the above statute is a misdemeanor, city ordinance 130.04 also prohibits the plowing, blowing, shoveling or otherwise placing of snow from sidewalks, drive- ways and parking lots onto public roadways. The violations are considered a misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum $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. Information continued on page 12 Public Safety Director Announces Public Safety Director Announces His RetirementHis Retirement After serving the City of Corcoran as the Director of Public Safety for more than eight years, Chief Sean Gormley is retiring November 28, 2014. During his time here in Corcoran, Chief Gormley served on various law enforcement groups and committees. He served as a member of the Hennepin County Chiefs, Hennepin County Chief’s Legislative Committee. Chief Gormley was the Chaplain Coordinator for the Lakes Area Emergency Management Planning Group, Chairman of the UAB (User Advisory Board), chaired the Lakes Area Emergency Management Planning Group, and also served as the City’s Emergency Management Director. Chief Gormley’s contribution to the City of Corcoran will always be valued and remembered. He is a committed and dedicated employee who will be greatly missed. We wish him well in his future endeavors. To celebrate his retirement, the City is hosting a farewell get together open to the public on Monday, November 24, 2014, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. Page 5 NATIONAL NIGHT OUTNATIONAL NIGHT OUT The introduction of National Night Out, “America’s Night Out Against Crime,” in 1984 began an effort to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, and neighborhood camaraderie and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. NATW’s National Night Out program culminates annually, on the first Tuesday of August. More information can be found at www.natw.org Tuesday evening, August 5, Public Safety Director Gormley and Lieutenant Hamilton attended a National Night Out event in the Jackie Lane neighborhood. According to Lt. Hamilton, it was a great opportunity for the residents to meet with each other and spend time with public safety. They also attended the southwest area National Night Out event, which was held at the Loretto Fire Department. If your neighborhood is interested in hosting 2015 National Night Out, please contact the police department for more information. BUILDING PERMITS In planning your construction 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 questions please stop by City Hall or call Mike at 763-400-7033. For Building Code related questions, please call our contracted Building Official, Metro West Inspections at 763-479-1720. UTILITY CHARGES ARE DUE All delinquent utility bills are subject to certification to Hennepin County for collection. Outstanding recycling, dust control, and property management charges not paid will be certified to Hennepin County for collection in 2015. Additional late charges and fees will be added to the delinquent amount if not paid by November 1, 2015. Page 6 It was a beautiful sunny weekend as Country Daze took place on August 15 and 16. A special thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make the event such a success. Big events to draw a crowd were FREE ACTIVITIES FOR THE CHILDREN and Big Foot smashing up cars. There was even a fly-in visit from North Memorial’s helicopter. The City had tables set up with handout packets on recycling & environmental concerns along with city maps and City Staff representatives to answer questions or concerns. The police department was also busy giving out free children's ID badges. If you were unable to attend, mark your calendars for next year, August 14 and 15. Or contact the Northwest Jaycees if you would like to help. CORCORAN COUNTRY DAZE RECAP REMINDER SANTA VISIT Saturday, December 6, 10:00 am to noon at the Corcoran Community Center - 8200 CO RD 116. 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 Jaycee’s holiday tree. Cookies and juice will be provided. Kids can also enter a prize drawing for larger gift items. Corcoran Athletic Association Pancake Breakfast and Enrollment The Athletic Association is not affiliated with the City. Registration for the Baseball/ Softball season will start Feb 8th, 2015, at the CAA annual Pancake Breakfast. Please watch their website for more details or other information. http://www.eteamz.com/corcoranathleticsassociation/ HISTORICAL - PIONEER SOCIETY ‘As with maintenance, on your own home, we have a one - room school to keep in shape. The historical society’s next big project will be repair work on the siding and repainting the old school house. Planning ahead for next spring and summer, we are looking for donations and help reaching our goal. You can contact us at the North Hennepin Pioneer Society, P.O. Box 391, Hanover, MN 55341 or call Verneal at: 763-498-8677 or Bonnie at: 763-639-1438. It’s not just our school, but the community’s school, filled with memories of those who once attended. Our friends and neighbors walked through those doors as children themselves. Please help us to preserve our school for your children, as they learn of those long ago days. Thank you. The Pioneer Society. Page 7 THANK YOU Thanks to all who attended and/or sponsored our annual Summerfest in August. We shared the event with many new faces, old friends, returning students and families and members of the community. A little rain didn’t spoil the fun, lively music, yummy food, face painting and old-fashioned kids’ games. On display, as a special treat, was a newly restored stain glass window from the Greenwood Methodist Church. The church is no longer standing on County Road 10 in Burschville, beside the old cemetery. But we have the window that was mounted over the front door. A pew from the church was donated to the School and items from the church were on loan from members of the society and the Hanover Unit- ed Methodist Church. Memories of the congrega- tion, weddings, confirmation, burials and old family stories came back to many who ventured into the school. These stories are our greatest treasure! Thank you to the community for your commitment and sponsoring our event: Corcoran JC’s, Fish and LaBeau, Burschville Construction, Storman’s, Complete Lawn Service, Hirschfields, Todd Thun, Doug & Deb Manthei -”Those Pork Chops,” Gary & Renee Lieder, Pro-Tech, Scott Treptau, “The Jammers,” and so many others. For those who missed the opportunity to attend or sponsor us this year, we hope to see and hear from you next year! The North Hennepin Pioneer Society is looking for any memorabilia from the Burschville area and especially from School District # 107. 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. Please consider becoming a member of our society to help conserve our historical site and school. Thank you, Bonnie Maue, President of the Northwest Pioneer Society SAVE THE DATES SAVE THE DATE CORCORAN OFFERS FIREARM SAFETY CLASSESCORCORAN OFFERS FIREARM SAFETY CLASSES Corcoran Firearm Safety classes will start on Sundays March 15, 2015, and continue on March 22 and 29 and April 12 and 19 from 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm, as well as Saturday, April 25, from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm. Registration opens February 1, 2015. Watch the City’s website for more postings. The Hamel Haunted Acres is back up and running. They are currently looking for more committee members as well as actors, you can contact them at: hauntedacresmn@gmail.com . Voted as one of the best haunted houses in the Twin Cities—come on out and you will understand why. Located on highway 10 and Highway 101 in Corcoran, 7205 CO RD 101. (The same location as the Hamel Rodeo and the Hennepin County Fair.) The event will be held October 17, 18, 24, 25, 30, and 31. Gates are open from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Admission is $10.00 or $1.00 off the ticket price with a food donation. The funds help support the community. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. There are concessions, a bonfire, and a whole lot more inside the gates! For more information go to their web- site, www.hamellionshauntedacres.com/. HELPING PEOPLE RESOLVE DISPUTES In neighbor relations, there are generally two dissatisfactions:  Safety or health issues  Individual preference issues Corcoran has ordinances to protect overall community safety and health and property-maintenance issues, but when it comes to matters of preference, neighbors sometimes just have to work through it together. Discussing an issue directly with your neighbor before calling the City not only cuts down on the number of complaints and grievances that turn into taxpayer burdens, it also goes a long way in making sure your neighborhood is safe, well-maintained and quibble-free. When Diplomacy Fails The City of Corcoran would like residents to be aware of the membership it has with Community Mediation Services. Community Mediation Services, Inc. provides mediation services to residents, businesses, schools and organizations in north and west Hennepin County. For more information, go to www.communitymediations.org or call 763-561-0033. Page 8 WINTER ACTIVITIES CORCORAN'S SKATING RINKS offer fun and recreation for cold weather enthusiasts of all ages. Building and maintaining them depends on many variables. To start making ice, crews need temperatures to be around 0 degrees to –10 degrees F for about a week and frozen ground about four inches deep. Then the crews can establish a 6-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 until mid-February. If rinks don’t have complete coverage, they can be unsafe for skaters. With an exception of excess snow, weather conditions were normal last year. Pending weather conditions can lead to late openings and early closings. Once the rinks are open, depending on weather conditions, the Public Works crew cleans and resurfaces them daily, M–F and weekend mornings. (Roads and public safety are priorities.) Warming house hours are 11:00 am - 9:00 pm weekends and holidays, and 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm weekdays. 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. For concerns call the Public Works Department at 763-420-2652. JOB POSTING The City is looking for rink attendants for the 2014- 2015 season. For more information go to the City’s website at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us/About Us. Snowmobile Safety The Northwest Trails Association is an organization of enthusiastic 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 coordination, safety education, and club activities of value to members. Once again Corcoran will be a hosting site for the snowmobile training course at the Corcoran Community Center. To register and for more information pertaining to the class, go to the NW Trails website at www.nwtrails.net/safety.htm or call 952-882- 6770. Supplies needed: Completed CD & test. CDs can be picked up at Corcoran City Hall or by calling the MN DNR at 888-646-6367. Classes: Friday, Nov. 28 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm (parents are required to attend) and Saturday, Nov. 29 from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm is the outdoor practical. All Minnesotans born after Dec. 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. The League of Women Voters will host a “Meet the Candidate Night” Monday, October 20, 2014, at 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, located at Corcoran City Hall, 8200 CO RD 116. The League of Women Voters is a trusted, nonpartisan political organization, doing the hands-on work to safeguard democracy. While never endorsing a candidate, they are directly involved in shaping the important issues to keep the communities strong. All candidates have been notified, this time will allow voters to meet, listen to issues and ask questions. The League also has an email address for voters to submit your questions in advance send them to: lwvwayzataplymouthmn@gmail.com The candidates are as follows: Filing for Mayor Ken Guenthner Carolyn Holford Filing for Council Mike Keefe Tonya La Fave Alan Schultz Jason Woody Think ahead - ask yourself which issues are most important to you, and jot down what you’d like to learn from each to the candidates. With friends and neighbors it is your opportunity to “let your voice be heard” and help shape the issues that affect all of us! DOWN MEMORY LANE The North Hennepin Pioneer Society would like to share the story behind a special chair in its collection. Records show that a wheelchair was donated from the Estate of Elsie Staats. She was born in 1895 and died in 1951 and had lived in the Corcoran community. On the back of the wheelchair is a stamped metal plate with this inscription: “ Gendron Wheelchair Company Factory in Perrysburg, Ohio Catalog# 221W”. Meaning, the chair was made between 1941 - 1959. Investigating the history behind this, the company was founded in 1872 in Toledo, Ohio. Gendron produced wire wheels for baby carriages originally. In 1890, it began making bicycles, tricycles, invalid chairs, baby carriages, doll carriages, coaster wagons, toy wheelbarrows, children's die-cast toys, and replica pedal cars up until World War II. Due to the war effort, Gendron concentrated its efforts on wheelchairs and hospital stretchers. However, they continued to manufacture wooden wagons and playground equipment. Catalogs from the 1950s and early 1960s show playground equipment and hand car racers with the trade name Howdy Doody. For more information you can contact Bonnie Maue at 763-420-3440. Page 9 VOTE NOVEMBER 4 The City of Corcoran has three elected positions on the November 4, 2014, General Election Ballot: the Mayor (2-year term) and two City Council at-large positions representing all Corcoran residents and property owners (4-year term). REGISTER TO VOTE To find out if you are already registered to vote at your current address, visit https://mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us/VoterStatus.aspx. Pre-register by mail or in person at least 20 days prior to Election Day by completing a Minnesota Voter Registration Application, available at most government offices and public libraries and online at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us. You may also pick one up at City Hall or register at the Hennepin County Government Center (300 So. 6th St, Public Service Level, Minneapolis). You can register to vote on Election Day at your precinct voting site by bringing one of the following documents to verify your current address:  A valid driver’s license or permit, or receipt for either  Valid MN identification card (or receipt), notice of ineffective registration mailed to you from the county auditor or city clerk,  Photo ID card with a student fee statement,  Current utility bill (due within 30 days of election) with your name and address plus a photo ID card. You may also have a registered voter in your precinct vouch for your resi- dence. Voters must be at least 18 years old on the day of the election, be a citizen of the U.S., and have resided in Minnesota for 20 days immediately preceding election day. Other requirements may apply; check the MN Voter Registration Application for details. VOTE ABSENTEE If you are unable to get to the polls on Election Day, you can vote by absentee ballot. Absentee voting is a two-step process that can be done in person or online or by mail. In-Person: Absentee ballots will be available at City Hall, 8200 County Road 116, Corcoran MN 55340 Monday–Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm beginning September 19. City Hall will be open Saturday, November 1, 2014, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and Monday, November 3, 2014, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm for absentee voting. Online: Request an absentee ballot using the Secretary of States online application at, www.sos.state.mn.us By mail: Download an application from the City’s website or call 763-400-7032. Return the completed application to the City of Corcoran, 8200 County Road 116, Corcoran, MN 55340. The City must receive all absentee ballots by election day. Please be sure to allow enough time to request the application and mail it back to City Hall. Absentee ballots will be accepted now until November 4, 2014. Page 10 The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) provides information on radon and how to protect your family's health. MDH also recommends that every Minnesota home be tested for radon. What is radon? Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that seeps up from the earth. When inhaled, it gives off radioactive particles that can damage the cells that line the lung. Long term exposure to radon can lead to lung cancer. In fact, over 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the US each year are from radon, making it a serious health concern for all Minnesotans. Where does radon come from? The soil. Radon is produced from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. Uranium breaks down to radium. As radium disintegrates it turns into radioactive gas called radon. As a gas, radon moves up through the soil and into the air you breathe. How dangerous is radon? Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer (after tobacco) in smokers. Thankfully, this risk should be entirely preventable through awareness and testing. Where is your greatest exposure to radon? While radon is present everywhere, and there is no known, safe level, your greatest exposure is where it can concentrate-indoors. And where you spend most time-at home. Your home can have radon whether it be old or new, well-sealed or drafty, and with or without a basement. How serious a problem is radon in Minnesota? High radon exist in every state in the US. In Minnesota, 2 in 5 homes has radon levels that pose a significant health risk, and nearly 80% of counties are rated high radon zones. Some factors that further contribute to Min- nesota's high radon levels include:  Minnesota's geology produces an ongoing supply of radon.  Minnesota's climate affects how our homes are built and operate. Three ways to protect you and your family: 1. Test your home - obtain a test kit. 2. Reduce your exposure - reduce radon gas by taking action to reduce radon entry into your home. 3. Protect your loved ones - tell your family and friends to test so they are not exposed to a deadly gas in their homes. For the above article in its entirety and for more information, please visit the Minnesota Department of Health website at www.health.state.mn.us/ (keyword search: Radon). Please also visit http://www.epa.gov/radon. Radon in Minnesota Homes TEST YOUR HOME PROTECT YOUR HEALTH What to Do With Household Hazardous Waste Which of these can be thrown in the trash or into your curb-side recycling bin?  Paint  Drain cleaner  Perfumes or colognes  Cell phones  Fluorescent light bulbs Answer: None. Both water-and oil-based paints may contain solvents and metals that can be leached into groundwater or surface waters. Conventional drain cleaners contain strong acid or alkaline ingredients that are similarly harmful to human health and the environment. Perfumes and colognes? They seem harmless enough, but many contain alcohol and so are flammable. If you’re using your cell phone to call someone about that, remember that when it doesn’t work anymore, it contains metals and should not be thrown in the garbage. The same goes for fluorescent bulbs. Because spent bulbs contain mercury, they, too, should be kept out of the trash. If you can’t throw them away, where could you bring them?  Hennepin County Drop-Off Centers  To the City on Corcoran Clean-up Day  Selected retailers  Donation centers Answer: All of these. The Hennepin County Drop-off Centers in Brooklyn Park and Bloomington accept many kinds of household hazardous waste year-round. For maps, directions, and guidance, go to http://www.hennepin.us/ and type “drop-off facilities” in the search box. Corcoran Clean-up Day, usually held in early May, accepts various unwanted items, including appliances, tires, and electronics. Watch for an announcement in the spring newsletter. The City also has a battery collection box near the entrance to City Hall. Several retailers, including Best Buy, Menards, Home Depot, and Ikea, will accept fluorescent bulbs, batteries, cell phones, or electronics. Call ahead for hours and types of waste accepted. Many charitable organizations will accept your donations of unused paint or stain, furniture, working electronics, and other household items. See the Choose to Reuse Directory at www.http:// hennepinchoosetoreuse.org/ for a list of organizations, locations, and materials accepted. And if you’re looking for something for your household, some of these organizations also sell used items for much less than you can buy them new. For more information about options for disposing of household waste or unwanted belongings, see the A –Z How to Get Rid of It Guide at www.hennepinatoz.org. Or stop by City Hall for literature or brochures. Page 11 PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 98 ROGERS, MN City of Corcoran 8200 Co Rd 116 Corcoran, MN 55340 Change Service Requested CITY SNOW PLOWING POLICY The goal of the Corcoran Public Works Department is to clear snow and ice from City roads as soon as possible. Delays may occur in the event of equipment breakdown or extreme weather conditions. The safety of the public and the City employees is our top priority. Currently the City has more than 65 miles of roads that are maintained by the City. The criteria for the decision to begin snow and/or ice control operation are as follows:  Snow accumulation of 2 inches or more warrants the plowing of asphalt roads, 2 to 4 inches warrants the plowing of both asphalt and gravel roads dependent on road conditions. Call out is normally at 2 am when practical.  Priorities are high volume major collector roads, roads with steep hills and curves.  Safety of the plow operators and public is important. Therefore snow plowing operations may be terminated after 12-14 hours to allow personnel adequate time to rest. High winds creating white out conditions could cause suspension until weather improves. The City will assume no responsibility for damage to underground lawn sprinkling systems, exterior lighting systems, and similar landscaping installed in the public right-of-way. To review the City Approved policy go to the city website: under Departments - Public Works/Parks Department - Snow Plowing. AS A REMINDER: Minnesota experienced lots of heavy snow last winter, which may have stressed or damaged your existing mail box posts. Don’t forget to check your mail box posts to make sure they are sturdy, set solidly in the ground, and in good condition before the snow falls. Do You Operate A Business Out Of Your Home? All home occupations are required to register with the City. There are three types of home occupations: Allowed, Special (requiring an administrative permit) and Conditional (requiring an interim use permit). The registration process begins by completing an application, which is reviewed by City staff. If your business is determined as Allowed, this is the extent of the process. If it is determined that your business is a Special or Conditional occupation, either an Administrative or Interim Use permit may be required. The purpose of this process is to maintain the character and integrity of residential areas and provide a means for residents to conduct home-based businesses. For more information, visit our website or stop by City Hall to pick up “A Guide to Home Occupations,” or call Mike at 763-400-7033. Swing Away Mail Box Post. This post is designed to reduce or eliminate damages. These post are constructed of galvanized steel designed to meet the Postal regulations and MNDOT’s specifications. One is on display by the front doors of City Hall. They are also available for you to purchase for $65.00, or for a complete price of $150.00 you can have Public Works install it. The past few winters the City had received several phone calls about mail box posts being knocked over by the snow plow trucks. In actuality most times heavy snow thrown from the plow blade to the roadside can cause the posts to tip or break off. Damage is not necessarily caused by the plow hitting them.