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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-10 -- Fall 12 City of Corcoran 8200 Co Road 116 Corcoran, MN 55340 MAIL TO Project Updates Shannon Lane Bridge Replacement Proceeds Shannon Lane culvert replacement began on Monday, October 12th. The work is now complete, with the final seeding and restoration underway. Activities included tree clearing, removing the old culvert and replacing it with a concrete box culvert. The program was conducted under the MnDOT State Aid program for bridges. The assessment hearing for 14 residents will be held at the regular Council meeting on November 12th. Three other culverts within the City will be inspected this fall as part of the annual program for those crossings under the MnDOT program. City Hall Geothermal Upgrades Are in Place Did you know that our City Hall is heated and cooled with the relatively constant temperature of the ground? Geothermal pumps and pipes circulate refrigerant through 1-inch diameter coils placed in the city hall backyard. Heat is pulled from the ground and pushed into city hall in the cold of winter and the process is reversed during the heat of summer. The result: a constant, comfortable 70 degrees for our city employees and your next visit to City Hall and the Community Center. The City Hall geothermal system recently received an upgrade. The old pumps and underground coils have been replaced. Contractors have also upgraded equipment to improve heat transfer and retention in all parts of City Hall. The new system has 36 tons of heat pump capacity and over 4 miles of underground coils. The coils extend like fingers from a common connection through the backyard and under the adjacent wetland. Heat transfer from the refrigerant in the coil to the ground is accentuated by the clay and groundwater under the wetland. It creates the perfect environment for an efficient system. Why was geothermal technology the right for City Hall? Energy efficiency. In a technology defined by numbers, here's a fact that everyone will appreciate: With a geothermal system, City Hall can be heated and cooled for less than $5 a day versus $22 a day with more conventional systems. Yes, the geothermal upgrade cost more up front, but payback was achievable and advantageous. Our contractor has calculated the payback to be nine years when comparing geothermal to traditional gas heating. With the long-term picture in mind, geothermal will save tax dollars and give us a city facility we can all visit with pride. Watch in the near future for a update on an “Open House Meeting” to further explain the system. PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 28 HAMEL, MN 1 Corcoran Business Community Presents 7th Annual Carving Days Friday, October 23rd – 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm • Scary Haunted Greenhouse (Presented by the Corcoran Jaycees) Saturday, October 24th – 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm • Pumpkin carving, kids’ games Pumpkin contest @ 4:30 • Haunted greenhouse for kids, creepy bug display • 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Scary Haunted Greenhouse (Presented by the Corcoran Jaycees) Sunday, October 25th – 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm • Pumpkin carving, kids’ games. Pumpkin carving contest starts at 3:30 pm • Haunted greenhouse for kids, creepy bug display • Costume contest @ 4:00 pm Friday, October 30th – 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm • Scary Haunted Greenhouse (Presented by the Corcoran Jaycees) Saturday, October 31st – 2:00 pm – 5:00pm • Kids games • Haunted greenhouse for kids • Costume contest 4:30 pm to 5:00 pm • 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Scary Haunted Greenhouse (Presented by the Corcoran Jaycees) Location of Events Lawn King, Inc. 7555 County Road 116 Corcoran, MN 763-420-2909 www.lawnkingnursery.com Donations: Please present a food shelf item as a donation when touring the Haunted Greenhouse. All donations will be given to the Hanover Area Food Shelf. This newsletter has been designed by staff and a volunteer group to improve our communications about the City’s activities and educate you on environmental and safety concerns. If you have an idea for an article or would like to volunteer for a specific area or project at City Hall, please call 763-420-2288 x15. CITY OFFICE INFORMATION 8200 - County Road 116 Corcoran, MN 55340 Phone 763-420-2288 Fax 763-420-6056 Email - general@ci.corcoran.mn.us Website - www.ci.corcoran.mn.us City Hall Office Hours Monday – Friday 8am to 4pm City Council Meetings Second & Fourth Thursday of each month at 7:00pm Planning Commission Meetings First Thursday of each month at 7:00pm Parks & Trail Meetings Third Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm “Let your voice be heard” October 2009 FALL NEWSLETTER From the Mayor 2 Emergency Management Program 2 2010 Census 3 Ordinance Updates 3 Civic Center Rental 3 Comp Plan – Open House & Public Hearing 4 Parks & Trails 5 Public Works – Snow Removal 6 Police – Awards and Outreach 7 Environmental Control – Stormwater 8 Events, Activities and Misc. Information 9-11 Businesses in Corcoran 10 Project Updates 12 Inside This Issue: CITY OF CORCORAN 2 FROM THE MAYOR On behalf of the elected members of our City government, I’d like to extend greetings and thank the many community volunteers who continue to enrich us with their time and talents. I’d also like to thank our city staff for once again producing an informative, entertaining newsletter. This past year has been a challenge for everyone. The City Council and staff have been working over the past few months to create a city budget that balances our need for basic city services with the economic realities that none of us controls. From a “cost of government” perspective, Corcoran remains the least expensive community in Western Hennepin County. In other words, our city budget and the corresponding amount we tax our citizens, measured on a per person basis, is the lowest of any of the West Hennepin County cities. Ironically, delivering a “no fat” budget every year leaves no cushion when we must face an economic downturn and loss of tax value and capacity in the community. Our city employees deserve our real thanks for their commitment to delivering the services we need on a bare bones budget. I also want to thank the citizens who have attended our budget workshops and lent their thoughts to the process. Please keep in touch and consider attending our budget presentation at the “Truth in Taxation” meeting in early December. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM AT CITY HALL Staff has discussed and put together a plan should the pandemic flu affect its employees or council members. At this time operations will go on as normal. Should office personnel be affected at any given time, the City will take action by closing the offices and/or canceling any council or commission meetings. Phone messages will be returned on a priority basis. Public Works Department - All operations will proceed on a priority basis. Management will work with adjoining cities and contracted personnel to help maintain the major streets during any snow fall or icy conditions to sustain a safety level. Police Department - Has implemented a plan with the surrounding agencies should it affect staffing levels. Continue basic protection and prevention measures: • If you or a family member has flu-like symptoms, stay at home. (Seven days after symptoms begin) Call with your concerns and staff will be happy to assist you in a way they see appropriate. • Always cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve. • Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently. • Stay healthy by getting plenty of rest, eating healthy and exercising. See insert on “How to Manage Influenza Symptoms”. For more information please visit www.mdhflu.com or contact your health care provider. What would happen if the Pandemic- H1N1 flu affects City staff? 11 NNoorrtthh HHeennnneeppiinn PPiioonneeeerr SSoocciieettyy UUppddaattee On August 9th, the Pioneer Society held their annual fundraiser at the 115-year-old Burschville School House with an overwhelming response. Since many of the members are elderly and some have passed on, their goal is to recruit new members young and old to continue to help restore this building and site. This is the perfect opportunity to be involved and learn more about the community’s legacy and contribute to the upkeep of this school house built in 1894. The group meets one Saturday a month from October to March at the Corcoran Civic Center. You do not have to be a resident of Corcoran to join. It is here where they also discuss ideas for fundraisers and research and gather history of Corcoran and Burschville. To help with the grounds upkeep and building maintenance expenses, donations are greatly appreciated. For information, assistance or charitable contributions, contact Verneal Klersey at 763-498-8677. EEnneerrggyy AAssssiissttaannccee AAvvaaiillaabbllee Winter cold is here. If you’re looking for tips on how to save energy costs during this heating season, or if you need help paying for heating bills or weatherization costs, assistance is available. The Minnesota Office of Energy Security’s Energy Assistance Program helps with home heating costs through direct payments to energy suppliers, education about energy efficiency, crisis help for utility disconnection or fuel deliveries, and more. The Weatherization Assistance Program provides assistance with energy audits, exterior wall and attic insulation, and tests of home heating systems, among other services. Income guidelines apply to both programs. For more information, call 1-800- 657-3710 or visit www.energy.mn.gov. If you call, have a pen and paper handy. Homeowners planning to upgrade their homes to become more energy-efficient may receive a rebate through Project Re-Energize, a program established through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Window replacements, attic and exterior wall insulation, and other energy efficiency projects completed after October 1, 2009, are eligible for the rebates. The home must be owner-occupied and constructed before the year 2000. For more information, visit www.homeenergyresourcemn.org ARE YOU 55 +? Change: we all experience it at some point in our lives. Every person ages differently. Some people will experience very minor changes in physical and mental health, while others will experience more noticeable changes. Aging lengthens the time it takes for the brain to process information, reduces reaction time, and makes focusing on one thing more challenging. Reaction time is very important behind the wheel. It can mean the difference between being involved in an accident and avoiding one. A driver’s improvement program for a 4-hour driver’s refresher course will be offered at the Corcoran City Hall Council Chambers November 17th, 2009 5:30- 9:30 The beginner’s 8-hour course will be offered January 12 & 13 from 5:30 – 9:30 This class is given by the St. Cloud State University Minnesota Highway Safety & Research Center. With this course the state law qualifies you to save 10% on your auto insurance for three years. The fee for the4-hour refresher course for repeat students is $20.00 and the 8-hour course is $24.00. To register or for more information call toll free 1-888-234-1294 If you are a member of the AAA, coupons are available in the Home and About magazine. 10 KNOW YOUR BUSINESSES IN CORCORAN As a courtesy to our residents and merchants we have included once again the names of all businesses in Corcoran. Business Name Type of Business Number Street Phone Corcoran Bottle Shop Retail Liquor Store 19905 75th Avenue 420-3114 Ballistic Products Inc. Retail 20015 75th Avenue 494-9237 Miller Brothers Excavating Residential Excavation 20170 75th Avenue 420-9170 W.W. Constructors, Inc. Industrial Construction 20095 75th Avenue 420-4177 Gazelle Marketing Distr Industrial hoses/specialty products. 20115 Auger Ave. 550-9292 Pro Dry Wall Construction Residential 20125 Auger Ave. 424-3314 Stitch-It Computerize Embroid. & Laser Engraving 7575 Commerce Street 494-3669 Phil’s Quality Automotive Automotive Repair and Service/ Tires 7590 Commerce Street 420-2059 Pro-Tech Auto Repair Automotive Repair 7591 Commerce Street 420-3060 Commercial Door Systems Inc. Distributor for Doors, Lock Snipping 7670 Commerce Street 494-9533 A-1 Outdoor Power Power Equipment Part/Sales/Service 7630 Commerce Street 420-2748 Napa Auto / RJ’s Corner Store Wholesale and Retail Auto part sales 19905 County Road 10 420-2321 St. Thomas The Apostle Church 20000 County Road 10 420-2385 Frank’s Stanchion Bar Bar-Liquor 20037 County Road 10 420-2582 10-50 Club Bar- Restaurant 20115 County Road 10 420-3606 Corcoran Locker Plant Meat Market 20121 County Road 10 420-2555 Ebert Construction General Contractor 23350 County Road 10 498-7844 Step by Step Montessori School Montessori School/Child Care 23610 County Road 10 498-5437 Storman’s Food and Fuel Convenience Store 9350 County Road 19 498-8331 Doboszenski & Sons Excavation Business 9520 County Road 19 478-6945 St. John’s Lutheran Church Church & K-8 School 9141 County Road 101 420-2426 Mama G’s Bar/Restaurant 9705 County Road 101 420-2588 Immanuel United Methodist Church 10025 County Road 101 420-2585 Custom Filtration Manufacture Filters/ Wire Mesh 7219 County Road 116 478-4748 Cowboy Concrete Concrete Contractors 7241 County Road 116 478-8008 Lawn King Retail 7555 County Road 116 420-2909 Farmers State Bank Bank 7559 County Road 116 420-2025 Heidi’s Lifestyle Gardens Landscaping 7241 County Road 116 612-366-7766 Country Pizza Parlor Restaurant 7565 County Road 116 420-5755 Corcoran Pet Care Center Pet Care 7569 County Road 116 420-3930 Corcoran Crossroads Convenience Store/Gas Station 7625 County Road 116 420-2888 Pheasant Run Golf Club Golf Course 10705 County Road 116 428-8244 Broman’s Greenhouse Greenhouse/ Bedding Plants 10720 County Road 116 420-2146 Medina Electric Electrical Contractor 22510 Highway 55 478-6828 Ess Bros. Real Estate Distributer & Manufacturer 9350 County Road 19 478-2027 Laurent Motor Café Used Car Sales 23030 Highway 55 478-9802 Lano Equipment Light Construction Equipment 23580 Highway 55 479-4342 Lakeland Auto Body Auto Body 23596 Highway 55 479-1747 Peterson Motorworks Sell Cars & Repair 23600 Highway 55 479-2084 National Sales & Leasing Used Vehicles 23600 Highway 55 479-2404 Dick’s Auto Reconditioning Auto Detailing 23600 Highway 55 479-4037 Shamrock Golf Course Golf Course 19625 Larkin Road 478-9977 Good Shepherd Luth. Church Church / School 7675 Maple Hill Road 494-9568 Rush Creek Golf Course Golf Course/Club House 7990 Maple Hill Road 494-8844 Hope Community Church Church 19951 Oswald Farm Rd. 494-4673 Grove Nursery Wholesale Nursery 9650 Trail Haven Road 420-4202 All Seasons Canine Country Club Boarding Kennel 10800 Trail Haven Road 420-1002 3 WHY IS THE 2010 CENSUS IMPORTANT TO CORCORAN On April 1, 2010, the U.S Census Bureau will count every resident in the United States. Why? Numbers mean power. The Census count is the basis for determining the number of each state’s congressional representatives. Minnesota currently has eight representatives in the U.S. Congress; however, the state could lose one seat after 2010 because of population changes. Completing and returning the Census questionnaire will help ensure Minnesotans’ interests are fully represented in Congress. Numbers mean money. For every 100 Minnesotans who fail to answer the Census, the state will lose $1 million in federal funds over the next 10 years. The federal government gives out approximately $300 billion each year based on the Census count, while the state distributes many of it’s program funds based on population counts. Counties, cities and townships where residents fail to answer the Census will lose additional state dollars. The City of Corcoran will be working to ensure all residents are counted in this census. Numbers mean information. Businesses, governments, schools and non-profit agencies use Census data for planning programs, land use, business and services. Census data tells us who our customers are, where our students live and what our greatest needs will be. FOR RESIDENTS WHO ARE SNOWBIRDS USUAL ADDRESS • The Census counts residents at their “usual” address – You decide… • By using a Corcoran address to be counted, you benefit your home state of Minnesota and your home city of Corcoran Questionnaires will be delivered to ALL addresses nationwide • The Census will mail questionnaires in mid-March to all regular mailing addresses • Minnesota snowbirds will receive Census questionnaires at both their Minnesota and snowbird addresses • The Census Bureau will hand-deliver questionnaires to the addresses of persons with non-home delivery, such as a P.O. Box, RFD or Star Route • The Post Office will NOT forward Census questionnaires Snowbirds who consider themselves Minnesota residents MUST respond to the questionnaire delivered to their Minnesota address • Do NOT answer the questionnaire delivered to a temporary residence (Arizona, Florida, Texas, etc.) • Wait to answer in Minnesota • Answer the questionnaire you receive at your Corcoran residence If by the end of March you do not receive a questionnaire in Corcoran, request one from a Questionnaire Assistance Center or directly from the Census Bureau. Contact Information: www.mn2010census.org.  ORDINANCE UPDATES This fall the Corcoran City Council will review a stormwater illicit discharge ordinance. This new ordinance is required by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and will implement a program to detect and address non-stormwater discharges (oil, chemicals, etc.) that can be carried by stormwater into our city’s streams, ponds, lakes, and wetlands. (See a related article about stormwater pollution prevention in this newsletter.) The city's animal ordinance has been amended to revise the number of animals that may be kept on parcels of land 30 acres or less. The ordinance update also addresses requirements for sheltering animals and managing waste. Please check the City web site or stop by City Hall to view the amended ordinance. CIVIC CENTER RENTAL If you are looking for a place to hold a reception, family gathering, party, banquet or recreational activity the City of Corcoran may be able to help you. Corcoran’s community room is open to the public to rent with seating for up to 150 people. There is a sound and audio visual system available and a full commercial catering kitchen for your use. See our website at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us to view pictures. To inquire about availability and fees, call 763-420-2288 x 10. 4 FFaallll 22000099 CCoommpprreehheennssiivvee PPllaann UUppddaattee aanndd OOppeenn HHoouussee A comprehensive plan is a long-range planning document for the entire City. The document identifies the vision, goals, and strategies for growth and development in the City. The comprehensive plan is an opportunity to set strategies for not only where development will occur and what type, but how it will develop, including design objectives. This includes a focused effort on new planning techniques to preserve and protect natural resources while still allowing for appropriate development. The comprehensive plan serves as a guideline for the City Council, Commissions and City staff for use in decision-making relating to land use, park development, transportation, public facility planning and other topics. How can I get involved? The comprehensive plan update process is coming to a conclusion with one more opportunity for public participation. The draft comprehensive plan, including all maps and text, are available for review by local jurisdictions and residents of Corcoran (chapters are available on the city’s website). The City wants to hear and receive resident input into the plan and is holding an Open House and Public Hearing with the Planning Commission and City Council prior to final approval by the City Council in December. Upcoming dates are listed below: • November 5, 2009, between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at City Hall- Comprehensive Plan Open House This informal open house will be held to provide opportunities for residents to review the plans and draft chapters. • November 5, 2009 - Joint Public Hearing at 7:00 p.m. At the conclusion of the open house a public hearing will be held jointly by the Planning Commission and City Council. A brief presentation will be made providing an overview of the plan. Residents will have an opportunity to provide input during this public hearing. • December 3, 2009 - Planning Commission Meeting A recommendation to the City Council will be made by the Planning Commission. • December 10, 2009 - City Council Meeting- Draft Plan Approval The City Council will make any recommendations for changes and approve the draft plan for formal submittal by December 29, 2009. Draft plans, chapters and meeting information are available on City’s website at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us. Please take the time to review this important information and attend the open house and meeting. 9 Corcoran Jaycee’s Wreath Fundraiser Reserve yours today. To order, call the Jaycees at 497-4857 or check out the Jaycee’s new wreath website: www.corcoranjaycees.org/wreaths. Pick up will be at the Corcoran City Hall on Saturday, Nov. 28th. Balsam Fir - $14 each This wreath is made from fresh, fragrant and long-lasting Northern Balsam Fir. Decorations include three white-tipped pinecones with four red holly berries per cone. The beautiful bows are made from either velvet ribbon. All wreaths can be hung from a wire attached to the bow. Holiday Centerpiece - $19 each A long-lasting decoration for indoor use. Decorations include a large stem of red cherries, several natural pinecones, a cluster of birch tips, Balsam Fir and pine. The wicker basket holds a plastic liner and a large piece of wet floral foam that can be watered periodically to keep the centerpiece fresh during the Holiday Season — NO Leaks or spills either. AA SSPPEECCIIAALL SSAANNTTAA VVIISSIITT Children ages 10 and under are welcome to visit Santa and get their picture taken as Santa’s elves help. Pick a small gift from beneath the JC’s tree. Visit Frosty the Snowman and stay for refreshments. The cost is FREE with a non- perishable food shelf donation. Enter your child’s name in one of several large prize drawings. (Need not be present to win.) WHEN: Saturday December 12, 2009, 10 am - NOON WHERE: Corcoran City Hall, 8200 Co Rd 116 The Corcoran Police department is once again accepting donations for the Toys for Tots foundation. You may make a donation by bringing a new, unwrapped toy to City Hall now through December 10, between the hours of 8am and 4pm. Thank You Corcoran Jaycees For donating funds to sponsor the fall edition of the City’s newsletter The Corcoran Jaycees was founded in 1980, and has been a part of this community for more than 25 years, serving and giving back to the community in which they live. The organization consists of people ages 21-40 who are dedicated to providing individual development and leadership training through community work. The Corcoran Jaycees is a not-for-profit community organization that volunteers its time to raise money through community projects, fundraisers, and charitable gambling for the needs of the community and its people. It brings them great joy to serve others and make new friends and connections along the way. To become a member, go to their website at www.corcoranjaycees.org. Reminder – You do not have to be a resident of Corcoran to join the Corcoran Jaycees. They serve the communities around Corcoran and have members from surrounding cities. That is part of the reason they are called the Corcoran Area JCs. Invite a friend to join with you! 8 SSttoorrmmwwaatteerr PPoolllluuttiioonn PPrreevveennttiioonn:: You Can Help Although winter-like weather has arrived early this year, it’s not too late to think about things you can do to prevent pollution of the city’s lakes, streams, and wetlands by stormwater-carried contaminants. Many things you can do around your home this fall (and next spring) will help protect water quality and help the city meet its stormwater permit obligations. What is the City’s role in preventing Stormwater polution? The City of Corcoran and other urban municipalities are required to have a permit from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to discharge stormwater into the public water bodies. The purpose of the permit is to protect water quality by requiring the city to practice and report on several measures to reduce pollution, all of which are detailed in the city’s stormwater pollution prevention plan. One of those measures is to inform citizens about stormwater pollution and how to prevent it, which is why the city devotes space in its newsletters to publish articles such as this. What can I do to prevent stormwater pollution? According to the MPCA, the most common pollutants in stormwater runoff include pesticides, fertilizers, oil, sediment, and litter. Simple practices around your farm and home will help keep these and other pollutants out of our lakes, streams, and wetlands. Rural/agricultural areas • If you raise livestock, keep them away from stream banks. Provide them with a source of water away from water bodies. • Follow the recommendations of your farm’s nutrient management plan to store and apply manure away from water bodies. • Rotate grazing areas to prevent soil erosion. • To save money and minimize pollution when applying pesticides and fertilizers, follow label directions. • Vegetate the banks of streams and other water bodies on your property. The vegetation will help trap nutrients and sediments before they are carried into the water by stormwater runoff. Residential areas • If you fertilize your lawn, use phosphorus-free fertilizer. Try to avoid spreading fertilizer into the street, where it can be washed into water bodies. • When you mow, mulch grass clippings into your lawn. Sweep any clippings off paved areas, such as streets and driveways. As they decay, grass clippings add nutrients and reduce oxygen content in water. • When you rake leaves, sweep them off your driveway and keep them out of the streets. Like grass clippings, leaves washed into water bodies add nutrients and reduce oxygen as they decay. • If you have a lake, stream or wetland on your property, leave a buffer of vegetation around it rather than mowing to the edge. The buffer will help trap nutrients and sediment carried in runoff before they enter the water. The wider the buffer, the better. Corcoran city code requires a buffer of at least 10 feet from the edge of a wetland. Where can I learn more? For more information about stormwater pollution prevention, visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s “After the Storm” web page at http://www.epa.gov/weatherchannel/stormwater.html. Free copies of a brochure by the same name are available at City Hall. 5 PARKS AND TRAILS The Parks and Trails Commission would like to announce the addition of three new commissioners. Rachael Tessmer from Corcoran has joined the commission as a regular member. Lindsay Jacobs and Michelle Hansmann have joined as co-student commissioners, each sharing the responsibility of the one assigned student commissioner seat, previously held by Dana Bjorge. The commission and council would like to take the opportunity to once again thank Dana for her efforts to serve the community. Chair Chad Robran says, “It is great to see youth involvement at the community level. We are very pleased to see two students apply for the student position and to have city officials working to make accommodations for both students to split the position. We are the only commission that has an appointed youth position and find that it adds a lot of creative ideas to the discussion of future development.” The commission still has one alternate position available and is still look for applicants. If you would like to serve on the Parks and Trails Commission, please fill out an application by downloading it from the city’s website or stopping by City Hall to pick one up. In other Parks and Trails news, the commission has been working with a graduate student, Haylee Bonsteel, who is working under a grant that the city received early this fall. This grant has allowed Parks and Trails to utilize a graduate student and other resources to look at and possibly make revisions to the Park Dedication ordinance. “We want to make sure that the city’s Park Dedication ordinance is fair and in compliance with state statues,” says Chad Robran. Parks and Trails would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone in the community to come join in meetings and share thoughts. “We are a very informal group and try to make the discussion positive, creative and thought worthy. Due to the way we manage the meeting, we let everyone get a chance to speak and share in a comfortable atmosphere,” says Chair Chad Robran. Meetings are held in the Civic Center the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00PM. Pictured Left to right Mayor Ken Guenthner, Student Dana Bjorge, Chair Chad Robran Appreciation Award presentation 6 PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SSnnooww RReemmoovvaall aanndd SSaaffeettyy Corcoran has more than 64 miles of roads that are maintained by our public works staff. The following are information and simple requests for you as a resident to follow during this season. The City of Corcoran begins plowing when snowfall depth reaches at least 2” or when roadway conditions warrant a response by public works personnel plowing of asphalt roads, and 4 inches warrants the plowing of asphalt and gravel roads. High winds, drifting of snow, ice, and/or freezing rains may also warrant the commencement of operations depending upon conditions. Safety of the plow operators and the public is important. Therefore, snow plowing operations may be terminated after 12 – 14 hours to allow personnel adequate time for rest. State law prohibits the placement of snow and ice from driveways in the public right-of-way. We ask that you DO NOT plow snow from your driveways across the roads. This creates unsafe driving conditions that can damage and/or throw the snowplow into a ditch, and can result in your receiving a fine. RESPONSIBILITY OF RESIDENTS Snowstorms create numerous problems. Residents have certain responsibilities in minimizing these problems. Therefore, the following is requested from residents: • Keep updated on current and predicted weather conditions. • Be aware of the snow removal equipment. Please, DO NOT CROWD THE PLOW. Always assume the driver cannot see you. • Expect snow removal equipment to back up frequently. • Obey the “Snowbird Ordinance” by not parking vehicles on City streets during the prohibited hours. • Be patient – plowing and sanding takes time. • Group mailboxes when possible. • Place garbage and recycling containers 2 feet away from the edge of the road. Keep garbage and recycling containers off the street during snow events so they do not get covered. • Decorative rock, landscaping items, lawn sprinkler heads, fences, or other obstructions are not allowed in the right-of-way. These items need to be removed as they are viewed as a hazard. • Residents should be aware that they may need to clear their driveways several times until their street has been plowed to its full width. PARKING REGULATIONS According to Chapter 71 71.01 of the City of Corcoran Municipal Code, it is unlawful to park a motor vehicle on any public street within the City limits from November 1 to April 1 between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. No parking is allowed on any City street at any time if snowfall is 2 inches or greater. This will be in effect until such roads are plowed and snow has been removed. No vehicle of 10,000 pounds gross weight or greater shall park on any City street unless authorized by the Police Chief or Public Works Director. Swing-Away Mail Boxes Are Available Through the City Mail and newspaper boxes must be mounted at a minimum of 46” above the street level. Properly installed mailboxes will be considered for repair or replacement with a standard residential mailbox and post ONLY if physically struck by snowplow equipment. Installations damaged by heavy or wet snow or ice coming from the plow blade will not be repaired or replaced. The City and the postal offices are requesting your help in keeping the area around your mailbox clear of snow. This will enable the postal carriers to deliver your mail without delay. If you are interested in purchasing an impact-resistant swing-away mail box, call 763-420-2288 x 15. The cost to purchase the box and post is $65.00 or $150.00 complete/ installed by the Public Works Department. 7 POLICE DEPARTMENT Corcoran Police Department Issues Citizen Awards At the Thursday, September 10, 2009, City of Corcoran Council Meeting, Police Chief Gormley presented Lauren and Will Osterberg with Citizens’ Awards. On August 13, 2009, 8-year-old Lauren and 6-year-old Will Osterberg found their father lying on the garage floor unconscious and Lauren quickly dialed 911. Lauren was able to remain calm and give the 911 dispatcher clear and precise information as to their exact location. With doing this, Lauren was able to provide the necessary help and assistance that her father needed. Chief Gormley also acknowledged Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office 911 dispatcher Pat Audette, who received Lauren’s call. Chief Sean Gormley stated, “Police, Fire and Ambulance personnel are often times credited with final outcomes in situations that are life-threatening. There is an important link that usually goes unnoticed and quite frankly does not receive the recognition that is so well deserved. This link is our 911 dispatchers. Without their professionalism and dedication, our jobs on the front line would be much more dangerous than they already are. Without the quick action of Lauren and the professionalism of 911 dispatcher Pat Audette, the outcome of this situation could have been quite different.” HCSO 911 Dispatcher, Pat Audette; Corcoran Police Chief, Sean Gormley; Officer Ryan Burns 6-year-old Will Osterberg & 8-year-old Lauren Osterberg COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAM The Corcoran Police Department, along with Maple Hills Estates, Lord of Life Lutheran Church and the Corcoran Jaycees, partnered for the first Community Outreach Program by taking several families to a Minnesota Twins game. These are families that normally do not have an opportunity to go to a Twins game. A total of 25 people attended the Saturday, September 19th game. This wonderful opportunity for the organizations to reach out to the Maple Hills Estates community was a huge success! All attendees had a wonderful time watching the Minnesota Twins beat the Detroit Tigers 6 to 2.