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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-06 -- Summer 1 City Council Members Mayor Ken Guenthner www.kguenthner@ci.corcoran.mn.us 763-494-9937 Councilors Chuck Grabowski – Chris Hudok - Paul Jacobs – Ron Thomas SUMMER NEWSLETTER JUNE 2007 City of Corcoran IN THIS ISSUE Building and Permit Information 2 Septic Information 3 Pets & Animal Information 3 City Event Information 4 Parks & Trail Information 5 Protect our Waters 5 From our Police Department 6-7 Dust Control and Recycling 8 8200 County Road 116, Corcoran, MN 55340 Phone 763-420-2288 City Hall Office Hours 8am to 4 pm Police Non-Emergency 763-420-8966 Your answers to the most frequently requested phone numbers and questions Phone Numbers Assessors Office 763-473-3978 Athletic Association 763-923-4154 Building Inspector - Metro West Inspections 763-479-1720 Corcoran Jaycees 763-478-0167 Corcoran Lions Club 763-494-9166 DNR 651-296-4819 Henn. Co. Environmental Health – Septic Inspections / Permits 612-543-5210 Henn. Co. Government Center 612-348-8240 Maple Grove Transfer 763-425-3736 Waste Management -Recycling 1-800-450-9378 City Staff City Administrator Sue Vergin ext. 13 Clerk Treasurer Barb Larson ext.15 Code Enforcement Steve Reger ext. 18 General Information Jill Smith-Arens ext. 10 Pat Puhle ext. 14 Police Issues 763-525-6220 or 911 Public Works Dept. 763-420-2652 Questions and Answers Q: Does Corcoran have a Recycle / Drop off facility? A: No, the most convenient site would be the Maple Grove Transfer Station located at 8100 Jefferson Hwy. 763-425-3736 Q: Do I need a permit to burn? A: Yes – if your fire is larger than a recreational fire of (3x3) a permit must be purchased at City Hall. Q: What number do I call for softball registration dates and questions? A: Corcoran Athletic Association 763-923-4154 or email corcoranathleticsinfo@hotmail.com For answer to more frequently asked questions on septic, building permits, pets and police issues see the article written inside this newsletter. SHOULD THE CITY HAVE A WOODLAND ORDINANCE? What would that mean to you as a property owner or as a developer of property within the City? The City of Corcoran will be hearing from Consultant Sherri Buss on what type of ordinances have been used in Minnesota and other parts of the United States, both regulatory and voluntary/incentive approaches. Topics to be addressed will include what are the pros and cons of these approaches; what tools do the City of Corcoran currently have in place that provide protection to woodlands; and what other tools, if any, should the City consider? Over the past few years, the City has discussed whether to implement such an ordinance to protect the woodlands within the City. Concerns have been heard from residents and developers that this may be too much regulation. The City welcomes you to attend this meeting and provide your comments. This meeting will be Thursday, July 12 at 7:00 p.m. at the City hall. 2 A FRIENDLY REMINDER – WITH SPRING COMES PROJECTS BUT BEFORE YOU START PLEASE CHECK WITH CITY HALL New or Remodel Construction The City of Corcoran follows the State Building Code, and therefore building permits are required for most types of construction, including but not limited to, new construction, remodeling, additions, decks, re-siding, re-roofing, septic system repair or replacement, window replacement, fireplace installation, installation of air conditioning and/or furnaces, swimming pools, and fences 6 feet or higher. The permit process generally takes 5 – 7 days. Swimming Pools Because the City abides by the State Building Code, some swimming pools require a permit, while some are exempt. The rule of thumb is as follows: (please follow up with city hall for more details) Pools that do not need a building permit: • Prefabricated, above ground, less than 24 inches in depth and less than 5,000 gallons Pools that need a “one-time” building permit: • Prefabricated, above ground, over 24 inches in depth and/or exceed 5,000 gallons (aka – temporary pool) Pools that need a building permit: • All in ground pools • Above ground pools that exceed 24 inches and 5,000 gallons and are permanent in nature Please note that an electrical and/or plumbing permit may also be required. Grading & Filling Prior to performing any grading or filling on your property, we recommend that you please contact the city hall. Due to the various regulations that protect wetlands, floodplains, and other water ways it is important that you as a property owner are aware of those. Some activities may require a permit, which typically is when you exceed 300 cubic yards of material. Then there are times when a permit will not be required, but due to the location of the work, or impact that it may cause such as altering existing drainage, guidance and inspections from the city engineer or other staff person is required. The intent is not to create a burden on any property owner, but to help protect properties from any negative impacts. Fences No permit is required unless it is 6 feet or higher. No fence or wall shall be placed on or extend into the public right –of – ways. At this time, there is no ordinance that requires a fence around a swimming pool. Shed or Accessory Building Structures over 10x12 or 120 sq. ft need a permit to build. Accessory structures – Each homestead is allowed 1,000 Sq. Ft. of attached garage space. Detached garage space allowed is based on the number of acres you have. Any amount of attached space over 1000 square feet will be subtracted from the amount of detached space allowed on your property. You will need to submit → A site plan survey w/ lot dimensions → Location and setback of building, driveways, septic systems & alternate site plan, wells, drainage field Certificate of Survey If the proposed structure meets all of the required setbacks from property lines, flood plains, etc. by at least 2 times, the permit can be exempt from a certified survey. You can find this information on our web site, call or stop by city hall. For other building questions or concerns, call Metro West Inspections at 763-479-1720 or City Hall. A fine or penalty may be imposed if a violation of the code is found. Therefore, please contact the city prior to commencing any work. It is extremely important that the city fully understand what your intentions are, if that information is not provided you may not receive all of the information pertinent to the work you are intending to do. BUILDING AND PERMIT INFORMATION Page 2 of 8 3 SEPTIC INFORMATION Page 3 of 8 GENERAL CITY INFORMATION MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR SEPTIC SYSTEMS Pumping / Inspecting your system It is essential that all homeowners have their septic systems pumped and inspected on a regular basis. We recommend every three years. This increases the life of the system and prevents pollution from entering the water system and environment. Hennepin County will be handling the distribution and receipt of all Inspection cards. It is expected they will have cards mailed to your home sometime in the later part of the summer. If you are having your system pumped and/or inspected before this, an inspection card can be downloaded from our web site or you can pick one up at City Hall. All cards should be mailed directly to: Hennepin County Public Health Department 1011 First Street So., Suite 215 Hopkins, MN 55343 Installation, upgrading, or repairing your system Hennepin County will also issue all permits for sewage treatment system installation, replacement, and repairs. Please remember that if you are installing a new system or doing repairs on your existing system a permit is required. There are only a few exceptions to this rule so please check first prior to performing any work. You will need to allow approx. 10 - 12 working days for this process to be approved. A permit can be picked up at the City office or you can go directly to their office located in Hopkins. Do septic and well systems have to be inspected before a property transfer? The law requires that prior to signing an agreement to sell or transfer real property, a seller must disclose to a buyer the status and location of the septic system. The seller must disclose this information in writing. Local government ordinances, especially in shoreland areas, may require inspections prior to property transfer. Currently Corcoran has no disclosure ordinance requirement. Further questions or additional information contact Hennepin County Human Services and Public Health Department at 612-543-5220. PETS AND ANIMAL REQUIREMENTS Dogs are prohibited from running at large in the City of Corcoran. Persons allowing dogs to run at large will be issued a fine, beginning at $50.00. Dogs on a leash or under direct control with a responsible person are permitted in streets or on public land, unless the City has posted an area with signs reading “Dogs Prohibited”. REGISTRATION All dogs over the age of six months need to be licensed and registered with the City and must be vaccinated for rabies and distemper at least once every three years by a licensed veterinarian. This paperwork should accompany you when purchasing your tags. KENNEL Hobby - Persons owning 4 or more dogs over six month who are not involved with commercial activity must obtain a license. The premises shall have a secure fenced area of at least 35 square feet per dog and shelter from weather. Commercial - The home occupation ordinance shall govern any commercial activity, including but not limited to breeding, sales, grooming or boarding. All commercial kennels shall be required to apply for an Interim Use Permit for Conditional Home Occupation License (CHOL) as described in zoning ordinance. KEEPING OF FARM ANIMALS & NON-TRADITIONAL FARM ANIMALS A resident must have 3 acres of land for an animal unit and 1 additional acre per unit thereafter. 4 + CORCORAN COUNTRY DAZE Come to the 4th Annual Corcoran Country Daze for food, music, and family fun! More activities added this year during our Family Day Saturday noon to 4 pm including an Old West reenactment, improved petting zoo and back by popular demand, the rock wall, and birdhouse building. All FREE! Great photo opportunities for you and your little ones. Country Daze is still centered around a softball tournament so come watch the teams play ball. Stay for dinner and music, with free live music from 4 pm to 7:30 pm Saturday and Fireworks at dark. Buy a raffle ticket to support a good cause! We are giving away a brand new 2007 Polaris 450 ATV and $500 cash during the Killer Hayseeds concert (need not be present to win)! Tickets are $10 available from JC members, at the Country Pizza Parlor, The 10-50 Club, or sold at the event until 11 pm Saturday. Proceeds from this event benefit the community. If you are interested in volunteering or have any questions, contact Chad, the Event Chair at 612-965-7539 and be sure to check out www.corcoranjaycees.org for further details. Event Schedule (subject to change): 4th Annual Corcoran Country Daze August 17th & 18th, 2007 Friday’s Events 5 pm Food & Beer Stands Open 6 pm Softball Tournament Starts 7:30 pm - 12:30 Free live music with The Law Family Day! Saturday’s Events 8 am Softball Tournament Resumes 9 am - 1 am Beer Garden Open 8 am - Midnight Food Stand Open 12 am - 4 pm Free Family Day Activities: Old West Reenactment Face Painting Moon Bounce Bird House Building Pitching Machine Craft Show Police & Fire Exhibits Hay Climb Tractor Display Tug of War & More! 12 pm - 3 pm North Memorial Helicopter 4 - 8 pm Free live music with Switch 8:30 pm The Killer Hayseeds live! Brought to you by: Westside Tire 9:30 pm Fireworks! Midnight Raffle Drawing The JC’s would like to recognize our major 2007 sponsors so far including Westside Tire, Corcoran Pet Care, and the City of Corcoran. Thank You! The Corcoran Police Department would like to take this opportunity to inform all residents that the annual “National Night Out” will be taking place on August 7, 2007. “National Night Out “is a planned event that attempts to bring neighborhoods together. This event has neighborhoods turning on their outside lights, and gathering outside together as a neighborhood to meet each other and exchange information, issues and concerns that are happening in the neighborhood. Many times a picnic or potluck dinner, and games for kids have brought neighborhoods together. This has proven to be a fun night for residents that have participated in the past, and gives everyone participating a chance to meet each other along with members from the City staff, Police Officers, Public Works, and current Council Members. To participate the Corcoran Police Department must be notified of your neighborhoods participation plans. The most effective way is to have one person be the “Block Captain” and have them contact the police department with the information. We will then make sure someone from the City is present at your party. For scheduling purposes City staff will be available from 6:00 PM to 800 PM to attend your block party for the “National Night Out”. For further information, please feel free to contact Office Steve Warren at 763-420-8966 ext. 12. CITY EVENTS NATIONAL NIGHT OUT OUR CITY’S WEB SITE – Please Help The City has been having some issues with its website and is looking at re-building it. We are interested in hearing from you as to what you like or dislike about our current site to help us construct a more user friendly and informational site. Your thoughts and ideas will be greatly appreciated. We are also looking for volunteers with website experience to help us with this project. If you are interested in helping or have an idea, please contact Jill Smith-Arens at 763-420-2288 ext. 10 or e-mail at jsmith- arens@ci.corcoran.mn.us . Page 4 of 8 5 PARKS & TRAILS Page 5 of 8 Parks & Trails Commission Update A number of years ago, the City of Corcoran completed the development of its Comprehensive Plan, Natural Resource Inventory, and Management Plan. As these plans were developed, City officials and residents identified the need for a Comprehensive Park and Trail Plan. A citizen’s committee developed a park and trails concept plan for Corcoran. The trails were established to go from point A to point B. Corcoran trails would be connectors to greater trails such as the Three River Park Trails, to neighboring city trails and parks and to natural resources After many meetings by both the Parks and Trails Commission and the Comprehensive Plan review, the plan was approved. This map is available at City Hall. A trail or red line is activated when a piece of property next to the red line is going to be developed. At that point, the Parks and Trails Commission study the area under development, the topography, and how the two points could be connected. After evaluation, the Commission will make their recommendation. It may be that the trail under consideration is not in the best possible place, and the Commission would not choose to put the trail there. In 2006, such a case was handled by the Commission. The desire to live near a trail or open space has long been thought to be advantageous to the developer, the landowner, and the residents. According to a study in Washington County, it was found that homebuyers were willing to pay $15,000 more for a home within 100 feet of a natural area. When the county added the $15,000 in added value per home to all the homes next to natural areas throughout the county, the study concluded that the total property value increase countywide came to $162 million dollars. The Parks and Trails Commission feels that by having a concept plan in place before development takes place is very important, because it eliminates problems that many other developed cities are having now. Some developed cities have trails that just end- because the land cannot be bought to connect trails, and other cities find the price of the land is very expensive. Thus, Corcoran residents, developers, and future homeowners will be able to benefit from the early planning that the Parks and Trails Commission are doing. Watch the next newsletter for more information. Minnesota Waters – LET’S KEEP IT CLEAN RAISE YOUR MOWER FOR HEALTHIER LAWNS AND LAKES One step that stimulates root growth, reduces watering, helps control weeds, and reduces lawn maintenance is to raise your mower blade. Longer grass blades above ground translate to deeper roots beneath. This helps the plants absorb more soil moisture and nutrients, protecting it from stress and drought. Taller grass also shades the soil, reducing moisture loss and cutting back on light that weeds like crabgrass need to germinate. The result is a healthier lawn with less watering, pesticides, fertilizer, and work. Whether cutting the lawn long or short, it is important to remember to direct clippings away from streets and other hard surfaces where rain washes them through sewers directly into lakes and wetlands. Corcoran has very few storm sewers, but many of our drainage ditches enter into our creeks, which ultimately run into our rivers and lakes. Grass clippings contain phosphorus, the nutrient that promotes problem algae growth in lakes, ponds, and wetlands. PROTECT OUR WATER Seeking to improve the water quality of Minnesota’s lakes and waterways, state legislators passed a law in 2005 that requires most lawn fertilizers used in Minnesota to be phosphorus-free. While phosphorus is necessary to grow healthy lawns, soils in many parts of Minnesota already have more than enough of it. When phosphorus is applied where it is not needed, it can move into nearby waterways where it encourages the growth of algae. Too much algae, in turn, lowers oxygen levels and harms fish populations. For more information about lawn care and the phosphorus fertilizer law, visit the Minnesota Department of Agriculture website at webinfo@mda.state.mn.us . 6 POLICE DEPARTMENT Page 6 of 8 POLICE RESERVES PURCHASE NEW COMMAND POST Corcoran Police Reserves would like to thank all of the contributors that made it possible to purchase the new command post. The Corcoran Police reserves are a volunteer organization that donates approx. 1000 hours each year to the city. This trailer will be used to respond to emergency scenes where the department will need to be for an extended period. It will also will be used at the various public events though out the city such as Hennepin County Fair, Hamel Rodeo, and Corcoran Country Daze etc... To join the reserves contact Officer Burns at 763- 420-8966 ext. 19, rburns@ci.corcoran.mn.us . Thank you to the following for their generous donations • Westside Wholesale Tire • Ess Brothers • Corcoran Pet Care Center • All Seasons Canine Country Club • Prisim Inc • Commercial Door Systems Inc • A-1 Outdoor Power • WW Contractors • Doboszenski & Sons, INC • Acoustical Innovations • Metro West Inspections • Maple Hill Estates • Farmers State Bank of Hamel • Ebert Construction • Lil Jax Korner • Corcoran Lions • Corcoran JCS • Rush Creek Golf Course • Hicks Concrete • Hanover Athletic Association • Park Place Storage • C Emery Nelson • Country Pizza Parlor • Precision Steel Rule and Die And others that may have been received after the printing of this letter Personal ID Cards Available At the Hamel Rodeo Corcoran and Medina Police department along with Farmers State Bank of Hamel are working together to offer personal Identification cards for you and your family. The cards include basic identification information along with fingerprints and picture. There will be officers available to help you complete the card and take fingerprints. This is a FREE SERVICE. The card is for your records only and is NOT retained by the local police department. The cards will be available only at the Family Day Performance on July 7th, 2007 from 11:00 to 2:00 PM. Look for the booth set up near the South Entrance. Register for a chance to win one of four US Savings Bonds, sponsored by the Farmers State Bank of Hamel. “Scrumpy Jack” the Search and Rescue Dog will be there too! See you at the Rodeo, July 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th , located at the Corcoran Lions Park. This event is sponsored by The Farmers State Bank of Hamel. For more information on the Rodeo go to www.hamelrodeo.org or call 763-478-6611. Pictured above is the “New” Command Post Further donations are being accepted to help fund the additional equipment necessary to operate the station. Should you want to participate contact Officer Burns at 763-420-8966 ext. 19 or email rburns@ci.corcoran.mn.us . 7 Your Police – Your Common Questions Answered Q1. What are police normal business hours? A1. Police lobby hours are M-F 8am – 2pm. During these hours, you will have access to our police clerk. The clerk will be able to answer general questions, basic services and fulfill requests for copies of police reports. Police officers are available 24 hours a day by calling 911. Q2. What are the phone numbers for Corcoran Police Department? A2. 911 – Call for ANY police, fire, or ambulance service. Times have changed, 911 is available for the barking dog complaint thru any life-threatening emergency. If you really desire to remember the 10 digital dispatch number, it is (763)-525-6220. In addition (763) 420-8966 – is the police direct number used for administrative questions M-F 8 am – 2 pm or to leave voice mail for an officer who has been assigned or working your specific incident. Q3. I called directly to the police department (763) 420-8966 to report a theft from my shed. I had to select from one of the many voice mail numbers and finally just guessed and picked one. I left voice mail message requesting assistance. Why did it take 24 hours for an officer to call be back? A3. Our goal is to assist you as quickly as possible. The officer you left your message with was most likely on their day off. If you had called 911 or (763) 525-6220, you would have received a call back from an officer in minutes. Q4. I called directly to the police department during open hours M-F 8am – 2 pm. However, I was directed to hang up and call 911 if I was in Corcoran or call (763) 525-6220 if calling from out side of Corcoran to request police assistance. Why does that happen? A4. You were given correct information. The men and women from the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Communication Division located in Golden Valley are highly trained to obtain the proper information from you; they have direct access to the correct resource to help resolve your issue; and they have the means to get an officer dispatched immediately immediately. Q5. How do I learn more about the Corcoran Police Reserve Program? A5. The Corcoran Police Reserve program dates back to 1983. These volunteer officers provide a much-needed service to our community. This can be a great way to give back to your community, learn more about your police department, and even explore law enforcement as a career. To inquire further, please contact Officer Burns at (763) 420-8966 x19. POLICE DEPARTMENT Page 7 of 8 Welcome Officer Olson and Officer Hochstetler!! It is our pleasure to introduce your new police officers. The department was authorized to add a new police officer position for 2007 and replace the vacancy created by Officer Miller who left CPD for the DNR Enforcement Division. Officer Jesse Olson grew up in Maple Grove and has two years of police experience working for the Melrose Police Department. Officer Duane Hochstetler is a prior resident of Corcoran, has volunteered for the past eight years with CPD Firearms Safety Program, and was a Corcoran Police Reserve Officer for the past four years. Your police department continues to move forward in its staffing to meet the demands placed upon the department and the service level our citizen expect. Your police officers look forward in assisting you; please call (763) 525-6220 when they can be of help. 8 H City of Corcoran 8200 County Road 116 Corcoran, MN 55340 ADDRESS HERE PRSRT STD U.S.POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 28 HAMEL, MN CITY BILLINGS Page 8 of 8 Visit our website at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us, which provides most information requested, by resident- Meetings, Postings, Agendas, and Minutes, including a variety of maps and downloadable forms. Or E-mail: General@ci.corcoran.mn.us DON’T FORGET YOUR RECYCLING PAYMENTS ARE NOW PAST DUE Recycling bills were sent out to all Corcoran residents and businesses in May for $27, stating payment was due on June 8th, 2007. If you mailed your payment in for $27.00 after June 8th, 2007, a $10.00 late fee has been added and your bill remains open. If you have not paid this bill, the amount now due is $37.00. This can be dropped off or mailed to City Hall as soon as possible to avoid additional fees. RECYCLING DATES 6/12, 6/26, 7/10, 7/24, 8/7, 8/21, 9/5, 9/18, 10/2, 10/16, 10/30, 11/13, 11/27, 12/11, 12/26 Reminder – weeks were there is a Holiday; pickup will be on Wednesday, rather then Tuesday. DUST CONTROL PAYMENTS On April 28th, assessment letters were sent to residents living on specific gravel roads. Payment was to be received by May 28, 2007 to avoid an interest charge. Payments received after this date will have 6.75% interest accrued through December 31, 2007. Payments MUST be received by November 15, 2007 or additional interest will be charged through December 31, 2008 and it will be assessed against your property taxes. These fees are not tax deductible. Should you have further questions or concerns as to the amount you owe please contact City Hall at 763-420-2288. Recycling Bills outstanding as of November 15, 2007 will be classified as delinquent. A penalty fee will be added and assessed against your property taxes payable in 2008. This fee is not tax deductible.