HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-03 -- SpringCi
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City Council Members
Mayor—Ken Guenthner 763-478-6699
Councilors—Tom Cossette, Rich Asleson, Diane Lynch, Ron Thomas
If you would like to speak at open forum, please contact City Administrator Brad Martens at 763-400-7030.
If you have a question or concern for the council, please email general@ci.corcoran.mn.us.
“Let your voice be heard.”
8200 Co. Rd. 116 · Corcoran, MN 55340
City Hall Office Hours:
8:00 AM — 4:00 PM Monday—Friday
www.ci.corcoran.mn.us or 763-420-2288
NEWSLETTER NEWSLETTER
MARCH 2014MARCH 2014
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
March 2014 represents eight full months on the job as City Administrator. I am
happy to say that I have had a very enjoyable time getting to know the
organization, local leaders, informal leaders, residents, and business owners
that make Corcoran such a wonderful place. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by
how I have been welcomed by everyone and given the benefit of the doubt.
For that I say thank you.
One of the first goals of an administrator in a new community is to get to know
the people. This of course includes the City Council and staff working for the
City but also includes the extremely important volunteers, business owners,
and residents who we work for. From volunteer commissioners, local
non-profits, associations, church groups, and more I’ve learned that Corcoran
is blessed by those who donate their time for others.
Another high priority for a new administrator is to get to know as much of the
local landscape as possible. Corcoran presents a pretty substantial challenge
just by its sheer size so I’ve been touring areas as I can when opportunities
arise. Examples include familiarizing myself with the southeast portion of the
community where the Lennar, Ravinia development is proposed, riding along
with staff who are responding to complaints, following up on incidents such as
the bus accident at the CR 10/50 intersection, riding in a snow plow, bringing
my family to Country Daze, or doing as much business in town as I can.
Corcoran is certainly a beautiful community, abundant with a natural character
that makes it enjoyable to be here…even when it’s covered with snow.
While the last eight months have been exciting as I learn a new community,
the next eight months appear that they will be at just as exciting. You’ll read
about some of this in the upcoming pages where you can learn about planning
and development items, bridge projects on County Road 101, the new Public
Works facility, sanitary sewer infrastructure, upcoming events, and more.
Finally I would like to thank you for welcoming me and for the opportunity to
serve the Corcoran community. If you have comments or questions please
don’t hesitate to reach me at 763-400-7030 or bmartens@ci.corcoran.mn.us.
Oh, and keep thinking spring; Country Daze will be here before we know it.
Planning and Development 2
Road Restrictions and
Construction Projects
3
Property Record Storage 4
Sanitary Sewer Update 4
Septic System Tips 4
Protect Our Waters 5
Events and Activities 6-7
Tree Give Away 8
Oriental Bitter Sweet 9
Down Memory Lane 8
Recycling and Compost 10
Permits and Inspections 11
Code Enforcement 11
Public Works Open House 2
2014 Directory available at City Hall
A note from Brad MartensA note from Brad Martens
Page 2
Land Use Planning and Development Projects
The City has been very busy reviewing several proposals for development related activities. Here are a few of
the highlights:
Lennar: Ravinia
In December 2013 the City Council adopted Resolutions approving Rezoning, Preliminary Plat, and a
Planned Unit Development (PUD) Plan for a proposed 426 home single family development called
“Ravinia” on 266 acres located in southeast Corcoran. The approvals included many conditions that
must be met prior to final approval. The applicant has submitted for Final PUD and Final Plat approval,
these items are tentatively scheduled for review at the April Commission and Council meetings. If
approved, it is anticipated that build-out will take place over nine phases.
Corcoran Mini-Storage
The City is reviewing a sketch plan to rezone two properties immediately west of Lions Park to allow
for a mini-storage development to occur. A comprehensive plan amendment would be required to
allow the development to take place. A sketch plan allows for the applicant to come before the Parks
and Trails Commission, Planning Commission, and City Council to get non-binding feedback on the
proposal prior to formally applying for the approval, which can be costly as formal plans and other
materials are required at that time.
Rockford School District Varsity Baseball Field
The Rockford School District is proposing to construct a varsity baseball field on property owned by
the School District adjacent to the City Park. Discussions continue on items such as parking and
maintenance of the facility. Additionally, the Rockford School District has asked the City of Corcoran
to participate financially in the project as it would be a shared use facility, as are the existing fields on
the property.
Peachtree Partners: Schendel property
Peachtree Partners has submitted a comprehensive plan amendment application and Sketch Plan
application to the City of Corcoran to amend the Comprehensive Plan to allow for the development of
231 single family homes on 103 acres on the Schendel property (located north of the County Road 10/
County Road 50 intersection). The property is zoned high density residential and must be changed to
low density residential for the development to be approved.
Maple Hill Estates Community Center
Work continues on the proposed community center in Maple Hill Estates. The City is working with
Maple Hill Estates to create a separate City-owned lot where the community center would be
constructed. A variance and site plan must be approved and is working its way through the planning
process.
Public Works Facility Open House
The Public Works Facility officially received its Certificate of
Occupancy on January 29, 2014. While many items
remain prior to project completion (landscaping, fencing,
bituminous wear course, etc.) this meant that equipment
and operations could begin to be moved into the building.
Snow removal equipment were some of the first items to
move in. As you can imagine, after decades of getting into
freezing vehicles to begin plowing, having a now-heated
vehicle bay is a major improvement.
A formal open house has been scheduled for
Thursday, May 8, 2014 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Please save the date as we would very much like
to have you come see the new facility.
Hennepin County Bridge ProjectsHennepin County Bridge ProjectsHennepin County Bridge Projects
As mentioned in the fall 2013 newsletter, Hennepin
County will be replacing two bridges on County Road
101 in 2014 that will affect Corcoran. The first is the
bridge over Rush Creek just north of Corcoran. This
project will begin in late spring and take 3-4 months to
complete. The detour route north to south will be Coun-
ty Road 159 (Territorial Rd) to County Road 116 to
County Road 30, back to County Road 101. The sec-
ond bridge is over the South Fork of Rush Creek just
south of St. John’s Church. This project will begin in
July and will take approximately six weeks to complete.
The detour route north to south will be County Road 30
to County Road 116, to County Road 10, back to
County Road 101. There is a high likelihood that these
detours will occur at the same time, making County
Road 116 quite busy. The City is committed to working
with the County to ensure adequate signage is in place
as we want to keep as many people off our gravel
roads as possible. To that end we are requiring signifi-
cant signage and also are asking for grading work to
be done by the County during and after the project.
For more information you can visit Hennepin County’s
website at www.hennepin.us and search for “CSAH
101.” Both projects will show up in the results.
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HELP DEVELOP THE NEXT GENERATION OF
LEADERS BY VOLUNTEERING
A SMALL AMOUNT OF YOUR TIME The Lions and Jaycees are always looking for people young
(age 18) and old who would like to help in giving back to the
community.
To become a member, learn more about the organizations or
event dates.
Go to their website at - www.corcoranlions.com
Or email: nwjcgambling@gmail.com
ROAD RESTRICTIONSROAD RESTRICTIONSROAD RESTRICTIONS
In the spring of each year, Public Works follows MNDOT’s
guidelines to apply road restrictions throughout the City. We
go on with the Metro and off with the Central. This involves
flagging and posting 4 ton signs at the entrances of these
roads. (That is, a vehicle cannot exceed a total of 4 tons per
axle weight.) This is done because the frost goes out of the
ground and traps moisture, making the under-layer soft.
Heavy equipment or vehicles on the roads push the surface
up, causing damage such as sinking or cracking of asphalt.
Allowing time for the roads to dry will help alleviate these
issues. During this time the city will not issue permits
for overweight vehicles except for emergency reasons.
If this affects any deliveries to your residence, you may
want to notify your vendor of this posting to avoid any
fines that could be issued to them.
www.mrr.dot.state.mn.us/research/
seasonal_load_limits/sllindex.asp
Restrictions are generally lifted sometime in May, followed
by the Central Region.
The following roads in Corcoran are always posted as 4 ton
limits and require a permit:
Horseshoe Trail—between Willow and Rolling Hills Road
Larkin—between Co. Rd. 10 & 116
Hackamore
Take a Walk Through Take a Walk Through Take a Walk Through
The City’s The City’s The City’s
Memorial GardenMemorial GardenMemorial Garden
Don’t forget that rocks, benches, and stones can be Don’t forget that rocks, benches, and stones can be Don’t forget that rocks, benches, and stones can be
ordered at City Hall to be placed in the City's ordered at City Hall to be placed in the City's ordered at City Hall to be placed in the City's
Memorial garden in remembrance of your loved one. Memorial garden in remembrance of your loved one. Memorial garden in remembrance of your loved one.
Page 4
Your Address Files and
Property Records Storage
In 2014 the City of Corcoran will continue to scan
and digitally store the contents of address files per
the State of Minnesota Records Retention
Schedule. This will free up some much needed
space in our paper filing system. As we scan old
and new records into the digital address files, we
will be purging all paper records.
Our goal is to have this project completed
sometime this fall. Upon completion of this project,
we will send notice via our newsletter that paper
address file records are available for you to
pick up if you would like to retain them, and the
date that the records will be destroyed. *Please
also note that with our current equipment, we are
only capable of scanning documents up to
11” x 17” in size. Any documents over this size,
(i.e. building construction plans 1 year completed)
will not be scanned and will be discarded if not
picked up.
Septic System Tips
Although Corcoran will soon have its first water
and sewer utility, for some years ahead most
residents will continue dispose of wastewater
through their individual septic systems. To save
money and prevent pollution of our lakes and
streams from damaged septic systems, Hennepin
County Environmental Services encourages
everyone to keep these septic-smart practices in
mind.
Conserve water. According to Hennepin County,
the most common cause of septic system failure
is excessive water entering the system. Consider
installing low-flow fixtures in your home and
reducing the amount of water you use.
Don’t put additives or cleaners in your septic
tank. The effectiveness of these products is
unproven, and they can damage your system.
Keep garbage out. Food scraps, cotton swabs,
cat litter, paper towels, grease and hazardous
products, such as bleach, anti-bacterial soap, oil,
and gasoline are among the products that should
not go down the drain. See the link below for oth-
ers.
Have your septic system pumped periodically.
Pumping will remove accumulated solids and
prevent them from entering your soil treatment
system or drain field.
For more tips about septic systems and how to
maintain them, see the septic system information
on Corcoran’s web site, www.ci.corcoran.mn.us.
Under the Services tab, choose Environmental
and then Septic Information.
Sanitary Sewer Update
In January the Metropolitan Council sent a letter to the City of
Corcoran updating the City on a timeline to design and construct
the remainder of the Elm Creek Interceptor (formerly called the
Dayton/Hassan Extension) between the Hindu Society property
and Brockton Lane. The location will be roughly parallel to the
North Branch of Rush Creek. Planning and design work will take
place in 2014 with construction completed by 2015.
Civic Center / Memorial Garden
The Civic Center is open for rental to the
public and can serve as a meeting or
banquet room. This room can seat up to
150 people in a banquet style seating.
The room is also equipped with a full
commercial kitchen with appliances
available to cater your event.
Also included with the rental is a park
area with a gazebo and surrounding
gardens. This area is a nature-lover’s
getaway, with wetlands and mature trees.
It’s also a perfect photo shoot accent for
those who are having weddings,
anniversaries, graduations and family
reunions. Visit our website for pictures
and more information.
www.ci.corcoran.mn.us>Facilities
Page 5
Ten Things You Can Do to
Improve Minnesota’s Lakes,
Rivers and Streams*
1. Fertilize Smart: Make sure your fertilizer is
phosphorus-free. Sweep up fertilizer that spills on to
hard surfaces. Excess phosphorus washes away
into nearby lakes and streams where it feeds algae.
Algae blooms stress fish and wildlife, and they
make swimming and fishing unpleasant or
impossible.
2. Grass - Don’t Blow it Off: Blow or rake grass
clippings and leaves out of the street. Grass and
leaves in the street end up in ditches and storm
sewers, where they are carried into nearby lakes
and streams.
3. Use Your Runoff: Direct your downspouts onto
your lawn or garden or into a rain barrel.
4. Scoop the Poop: Grab a bag when you grab the
leash, and pick up after your pets. When pet waste
is left behind, rainwater washes it into ditches lakes
and streams. Pet waste contains bacteria that can
cause illnesses.
5. Use Chemical Wisely: Use chemical products
according to label directions. Consider alternative or
natural remedies to control weeds and pests. Don’t
apply during the hot days of summer.
6. Keep a Healthy Lawn: Aerate your lawn, seed
bare patches and mow at a higher setting. A
healthy, vigorous lawn needs less watering, fewer
chemicals and less maintenance. Aerate your lawn
periodically to loosen soil. Seed bare patches to
prevent erosion and soil loss. Mow at a higher
setting. Grass mowed to a height of 2 1/2 to 3
inches develops deeper, healthier roots and has a
competitive advantage over weeds.
7. Plant Rain Gardens: Capture, clean and infiltrate
rainwater that would otherwise run off your property.
Rain gardens are planted depressions designed to
store rainwater and allow it to soak into the soil.
Find out more about rain gardens at
www.bluethumb.org.
8. Replace Turf with Native Plants: Swap some of
your high maintenance lawn for low maintenance
native ground cover, plants or grasses.
9. Reduce Your Footprint: Replace some
pavement—such as a walk, patio or driveway - with
pavers or pervious pavement. The porous surface
will allow water to seep through, reducing the
amount of water that runs off into the storm sewers.
10. Go to the Car Wash: Commercial car wash
facilities often recycle their water or are required to
send their wash water to the waste water treatment
plant, so if at all possible, use a facility to keep your
car clean.
* From Hennepin County Environmental Services.
Minnesota is known for its abundance
of water resources.
However, the quality of Minnesota's lakes, streams
and wetlands is threatened by increasing
development and pollution.
When it rains, the storm water that runs off
driveways, lawns, houses and parking lots can carry
pollutants like oil, paint and chemicals down storm
sewers, culverts and ditches, and into nearby lakes,
streams and rivers.
In new developments, filtering or treating storm water
runoff with projects like storm water ponds is
required.
We cannot simply build our way out of poor water
quality, though. We must also take steps to reduce
water pollution.
By taking these easy, no-cost or
low-cost steps, you can have a big
impact on reducing runoff and
protecting our water resources and
wildlife habitat.
MAKE A
DIFFERENCE
Page 6
CORCORAN
CLEANUP DAY
MARK YOUR CALENDAR and get ready-
now is the time to get rid of your unwanted
junk. Corcoran will have its annual Spring
Cleanup Day on Saturday, May 3, 2014,
from 8:00am to noon rain or shine. You can
bring your items to the City Hall parking lot.
Now is a great opportunity for our residents
(showing an ID) to get rid of any unwanted
appliances, electronics, tires and other
items that are hard to dispose of for a mini-
mal fee. All tires must be removed from
bikes, mowers, garden tractors, etc.
The fees for disposal of items are on the
City website. Cash or check only.
(Additional fees may be charged for items
not mentioned or disposal of large
quantities.)
We accept residential refuse only - no paint
or flammable or toxic chemicals will be
accepted. These items can be brought to
the Hennepin County Recycling & Transfer
Station located at 8100 Jefferson Hwy. in
Brooklyn Park.
Currently Corcoran does not have a
compost site. The nearest one available is
in Maple Grove. For a minimal fee, Corcoran
residents are permitted to drop off yard
waste, which includes leaves, grass
clippings, and brush. For more information.
go to www.mgyardwaste.com .
2014 CORCORAN CALENDAR OF EVENTS2014 CORCORAN CALENDAR OF EVENTS
The following events are sponsored by the Lions or other organizations
and are held at the Corcoran Lions Park located at
7205 CO RD 101 (intersection of CO RD 101 & 10).
Tractor Pull Saturday, May 31—7:00 pm
Hennepin County Fair Wednesday—Sunday, June 18—22
See their website @ www.hennepincountyfair.com for details
Hamel Rodeo Thursday—Sunday, July 10, 11, 12, 13
See their website @ www.hamelrodeo.org for details and times
Regional Tractor Pull Saturday, August 23, - 7:00 pm
Demo Derby Saturday, September 6, - 7:00 pm
Hamel Lions Haunted House Weekends in October
See their website @ www.hamellions.org for details and times
OTHER CORCORAN EVENTS OTHER CORCORAN EVENTS
(Held at different locations)
Lions Chevy Dinner Friday, April 25
At Rush Creek—Social from 6:00-7:00. p.m. Dinner at 7:00.
Raffle Top prize $1,000. Tickets are available through any Lions member or call Tim
Holmquist at 612-804-8146 / $100.00 per couple
SAVE THE DATE
Corcoran Country Daze Friday and Saturday, August 15, 16
See their website @ www.countrydaze.org for details and times
Burschville School Open House Sunday, August 17
Maple Grove Triathlon Saturday, August 23
Corcoran Soccer Registration Opens in April, for the
summer soccer league. Corcoran Soccer is a co-ed, mid-summer
recreational league serving the cities of Corcoran, Greenfield, Hamel,
Hanover, Loretto, Maple Grove, Medina, Rogers, and the surrounding
areas since 1999. Corcoran Soccer offers affordable recreation
emphasizing skill acquisition, conditioning, and most of all, fun, for
children ages 5 through 14.
Teams will be formed into age brackets according to U.S. Youth Soccer
Association guidelines.
Practices and games are held Tuesday and Thursday evenings, starting
at 6:30 p.m., from mid-July through the end of August. Registration closes
in mid-May or when teams are formed, whichever comes first. For
registration information, visit their website at www.corcoransoccer.org.
NORTHWEST AREA
JAYCEES SENIOR
SCHOLARSHIPS
Applications can be picked up at
your school or City Hall. Deadline
to submit is April 25, 2014.
Page 7
Corcoran’s Annual
Easter Egg Hunt O nce again Corcoran's
annual Easter Bunny
Egg Hunt will be held on Saturday, April
19, 10 a.m. sharp, at City Park ball fields,
located at 20200 CO RD 50. Don't be late
or you’ll miss out! This event is held
outdoors, so dress appropriately. The egg
hunt is a fun acƟvity for kids ages 0‐10,
with treats in each category. The object
of this acƟvity is to find the hidden eggs,
and if you find the “prize eggs” you can
turn them in for larger giŌs. Bring your
cameras and hopefully you’ll capture a
picture of the Easter Bunny.
In Corcoran the Easter Egg Hunt event is
sponsored by the NW Area Jaycees.
Council and staff wishes to thank them
for their generous involvement in our
community.
The Corcoran Lions are excited to offer their 26th annual scholarship program.
Each year it is a great opportunity to be able to help our youth with the
opportunity to further their education. As in past years, the basic rules remain
the same and they are as indicated below.
Applications can be found on the Lions’ website at www.corcoranlions.com or
at or the following high school offices Buffalo, Delano, Maple Grove, Mayer
Lutheran, Osseo, Rockford, Wayzata, Providence Academy and West Lutheran
High School. and are due by April 11, 2014, along with a transcript of grades.
If a student attends a high school outside of the area or has been home-
schooled and still resides in the City of Corcoran, he or she is eligible for a
scholarship. Please contact Jerry Cain by email if you need an application:
jerryjcain@gmail.com. The Award Ceremony will be held on Tuesday, May 5,
2014, at 7:00 p.m. at the Corcoran City Hall.
The Corcoran Lions Club awards scholarships to graduating seniors who live in
the City of Corcoran. This year the Lions will have the 5th annual Bill Schalo
Scholarship. Bill’s scholarship is given based on community service in
Corcoran. This scholarship is given in memory of the Lions’ fellow member who
gave so freely to our community for so many years. The scholarships are based
on academic, leadership, service to the community and a need basis. The
graduate must attend college, junior college, university, trade or vocational
school in the year directly following graduation to receive the award.
The Corcoran Lions Club is a service that helps build communities through
events, donations and assistance. The Lions Club makes donations to many
organizations in our community, which includes the police and fire and City
Hall. Their goal is to encourage new memberships and promote events held at
the Corcoran Lions Park. If you are interested in becoming a Lions member,
email jerryjcain@gmail.com or call Jerry at 763-498-7556 for more
information.
Corcoran Athletics Association
1976 to 2014
The CAA has baseball/softball registration for the 2014 season
going on right now. It’s for kids from ages 4 to 18. Registration is
online at www.caa-mn.com, and registration closes March 28,
2014. Put your own team together. There are no tryouts; everyone
plays ball. Get the whole family involved in an athletics
organization that believes in Players First, Winning Second.
The CAA is a 38-year-old non-profit, organized and coordinated by
an all-volunteer board of directors. We count on active parents to
be board members, division coordinators, coaches and activity
organizers. If you want to be part of a fun organization, all you have
to do is ask. We don't expect a lot; just give what you've got.
Maybe you don’t have time to give; that's OK—you can go online to
make a financial donation. We will use the donations to keep
registration fees low and fields safe and buy equipment.
If you need more information about the CAA,
e-mail corcoranathleticsinfo@hotmail.com.
Or go to the website at:
www.caa-mn.com.
Submitted by Kevin Dale
CORCORAN ATHLETICS CORCORAN ATHLETICS
ASSOCIATIONASSOCIATION
Page 8
As in the past several years the Parks and Trails Commission will
be giving away shade tree saplings to Corcoran residents in a
project funded by the Northwest Area Jaycees. Varieties selected
this year include Cranberry Bush, Golden Currant, Common Purple
Lilac, Canada Red Cherry, Common Chokecherry, Red Splendor
Crabapple, River Birch, American Linden (Basswood), Red Maple,
Sugar Maple, Northern Red Oak, Black Hills Spruce, and Colorado
Spruce.
As in the past trees will be given away at City Hall soon after they are delivered. Last year it was first week in
May, but it is variable, depending on the weather. In an effort to increase distribution of these trees, Parks and
Trails will accept “orders” for up to five trees by e-mail as long as the supply lasts. For orders or more
information, e-mail Tom Anderson at tompand@yahoo.com .
Trees will be purchased, with funds donated by the Northwest Area Jaycees, from Wright County Soil and Water
Conservation District. Their web address is http://www.wrightswcd.org and they will be happy to accept orders
from Corcoran residents. The cost of the trees is about $1.05 each, but they need to be ordered in bundles of 25.
Twenty-five different trees and shrubs are available, with varieties selected to grow in a wide variety of soils and
sun conditions.
Corcoran residents who would like to purchase larger bare root trees and shrubs are welcome to order through
the City of Plymouth web site at http://plymouthmn.gov/index.aspx?page=599. Prices vary from $7 to $45
depending on variety.
Submitted by: David Feehan
After my aunt and uncle passed away I was cleaning out their
home at St. Theresa’s Assisted Living facility. There I had met an
elderly woman who was a former resident of Corcoran and shared
a story with me. She had told me that in the early 1900s, every-
one worked hard on the farms throughout the week. But on
Saturday nights, the young folks would go to Bass Lake, where
there was a pavilion and a band, and dancing was popular.
On Sunday after mass, many of the families would gather in the
general store (still standing, I believe) and while a few of the
women would watch the children in the front part of the store,
the other adults would go into the back room for an afternoon
of talking, laughing, and Irish Whiskey. More often than not, a
challenge would be given, and a couple of the men would take
off their shirts and go into the back yard for a boxing match.
After the match, usually with a couple of bruises or bloody noses
and lips, the two combatants would shake hands, put their arms
around one another, and proceed to have a few more drinks.
This was the weekly entertainment for some families in
Corcoran. Knowing my family, it sounds very credible. When my
siblings and I were youngsters attending Our Lady of Victory
Elementary school in North Minneapolis, they used to call us the
"Fightin' Feehans” - true to our Corcoran roots.
If you have information and pictures about Corcoran you would like to share in
the City’s next newsletter, contact staff at 763-400-7031.
Page 9
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS OR EVENT
For a small fee as low as $75.00, you can advertise your
business or event in the Corcoran newsletter.
This newsletter is distributed to more than1,850 businesses
and residences in Corcoran.
For more information pertaining to advertising
contact staff at 763-400-7031.
ELECTION
JUDGES NEEDED
The 2014 election cycle includes a
primary August 12, 2014, and
general election November 4, 2014.
If you are interested in participating
as an election judge, an application
may be obtained at City Hall or on
the city website at
www.ci.corcoran.mn.us. Choose
Government and then Elections.
Oriental Bittersweet Threatens
Area Parks
Your help is needed to locate and eliminate an invasive vine
that has found its way to Minnesota, including the counties in
and around the Twin Cities.
Oriental bittersweet, originally from China, Korea, and Japan,
has been found at several area parks, including Elm Creek
Crow Hassan, Baker, Lake Rebecca and Silverwood park
reserves and several municipal parks in the metropolitan area.
Oriental bittersweet grows aggressively. In some places, thick
mats of vines have been found that smother and weigh down
vegetation or girdle the trees they grow on. Because of the
vine’s threat to the environment, the Minnesota Department of
Agriculture (MDA) has added it to the state’s list of noxious
weeds, with requirements to eradicate the plant if it is found.
Oriental bittersweet isn’t confined to parks, however. Because
the seeds are spread by birds and other animals and because
the vine can grow in a range of habitats, it can be found almost
anywhere, including woodlots, fencerows, roadsides, pastures
and residential backyards.
Private landowners therefore play an
important role in finding and eliminating
the plant, and winter is an ideal time to
search. Look for twining stems and
clusters of yellow capsules with red fruits.
A desirable native species, American
bittersweet, is similar, but it has orange,
not yellow, capsules. The accompanying
photos show both the native and non-native
vines.
To report an infestation and request help
with treatment, call “Arrest the Pest” at 1-
888-545-6684. To learn more about
Oriental bittersweet identification and
control, visit the MDA website at:
www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/badplants/
orientalbittersweet.aspx.
Brochures are also available at City Hall.
www.philsauto.com
(763) 420-2059
7590 Commerce Street
Corcoran, MN 55340
BRING IN THIS AD AND RECEIVE
$5.00 OFF AN OIL CHANGE OR
$10.00 OFF ANY OTHER SERVICE OVER $50.00
Certified Automotive Master Technicians
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Page 10
RECYCLING POSTCARDS ARE
IN THE MAIL
Please watch for this bill to arrive in your mail-
box. The annual amount due for this service is
$34.50. To avoid late fees and penalties, please
make sure your payment is submitted on time.
If you do not
receive a bill,
contact the City
Clerk, Jeanie
Heinecke, at:
763-400-7032.
Why Recycle?
In 2010, Twin Cities metro area residents
recycled over 1.3 million tons of waste. That’s
about 40% of the total amount of waste
generated in the region. Although Minnesota has
the second best recycling rate in the country, we
could recycle much more than we do. Twenty-
one percent of our garbage is recyclable paper.
Why does recycling matter? Recycling has
tremendous benefits for the environment and our
community. By recycling, Twin Cities metro
area residents can:
Use less energy. Recycling a single aluminum
can saves enough energy to power a television
for three hours.
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Recycling
in Minnesota reduces emissions equal to taking
2.3 million cars off the road.
Save natural resources. Recycling 1 ton of
paper saves 7,000 gallons of water.
Create jobs. Over 36,000 Minnesota jobs are
involved with recycling.
Generate State Revenue. Each year the
recycling industry contributes $64 million in taxes
to help pay for public services.
The next time you go to dispose of your pop can,
old magazines or other recyclable items, remind
yourself just how much recycling can do! For
more information on recycling in your area, visit
www.RethinkRecycling.com, your go-to guide for
waste and recycling in the Twin Cities.
Recycling/Compost
Waste Debris and Refuse must be
kept in an enclosed building or a
closed container. This includes wood
waste, tree trimmings, shavings,
furniture, appliances, machinery and
junk vehicles, which may become a
harborage for rats, snakes or vermin
or which may be conducive to fire or
endanger the health, safety or welfare of the public.
Many of these items are accepted at Hennepin County Drop-off
Sites. For accepted items, hours of operation, locations, and fees,
please call 612-348-3777 or visit: www.hennepin.us/residents/
recycling-hazardous-waste/drop-off-facilities
Yard Waste generated on the
property may be composted on site,
burned under the guidelines and rules
associated with issuance of a City
burn permit (in most areas) or
otherwise removed from the property.
For a fee, Maple Grove Yard Waste
Site accepts many types of yard waste. For accepted items, hours
of operation, directions, and fees, please call: 763-420-4886 or
visit:www.mgyardwaste.com/.
Page 11
Permits and Inspection Requirements
As the construction season approaches, the Building Inspections Department would like to remind you that permits
are required for most construction activities as well as many replacements. Roofing, siding, and window
replacements require permits that can be issued “over-the-counter,” while you wait. Furnace, air conditioning,
water heaters and softeners, as well as most other mechanical and plumbing replacements also require permits,
most of which can be issued “over-the-counter.” Please also note that agricultural buildings, although exempt from
building permits, do require Zoning approvals through an issuance of a Certificate of Compliance.
Reminder: Fences over 6’ in height require a building permit. Any fence to be constructed within 6’ of a property
line requires a zoning application and review. An application can be found on line at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us, or
call Mike at: 763-400-7033 with questions.
If you wish to speak with an inspector, or to schedule an inspection, please call Metro West Inspections at
763-479-1720.
Other Frequently-Requested Permits
Building- and Zoning-Issued Permits
Any grading, land-disturbing or land-filling activities.
Police-Issued Permits
Burning if larger than 3’ by 3’
Permit to purchase fire-arms
Permission to hunt
WEEDS AND TALL GRASS
All property owners of the city are responsible for the removal, cutting or disposal and elimination of noxious
weeds and rank vegetation or uncontrolled plant growth on their property (any weeds, plants, or grass exceeding
12”). The most common prohibited noxious weeds (listed by the MN Dept. of Agriculture) in our area include Can-
ada Thistle and Purple Loosestrife. These and other noxious weeds can be controlled a variety of ways.
Check the U of M Extension Service web site at: www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/weeds/ or The MN
Dept. of Agriculture at: www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/badplants/noxiouslist.aspx to learn more.
Left: Purple Loosestrife
in mid-summer. Center
and right: Canada Thistle
flowers in mid-summer
and first-year rosette of
leaves. Both plants are
on the Department of
Agriculture’s “Control
List,” meaning their
dispersal must be
controlled.
Citation letters will be issued for reported properties violating the City ordinance.
PRST STD
US POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 98
ROGERS, MN
City of Corcoran
8200 Co Rd 116
Corcoran, MN 55340
Change Service Requested