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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-11 -- Fall 1 / City Council Members Mayor Tom Cossette www.tcossette@ci.corcoran.mn.us 763-494-9937 Councilors Chuck Grabowski – Chuck Lymangood - Paul Jacobs – Ron Thomas FALL NEWSLETTER November 2006 City of Corcoran IN THIS ISSUE Election Results 1 From our Administrator 2 City Information 3 City Information 4 City Information 5 City Information 6 Police Department 7 Activities & Event Information 7 Upcoming Events 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 2006 MUNICIPAL ELECTION RESULTS Voter turnout in the City of Corcoran for the 2006 General/Municipal Election was extraordinary! Prior to Election Day, Corcoran had 3531 registered voters. We received 149 absentee votes. The percentage of Election Day voters was beyond expectations, with a voter turnout of 70%. We also had 249 new registrations this year between the two precincts. Here are the results of the municipal races: Mayor P1 P2 Total Ken Guenthner 703 531 1234 Chuck Grabowski 654 527 1181 Write-In 6 6 12 City Council (2 seats) P1 P2 Total Ron Thomas 665 561 1226 Christopher Hudok 689 510 1199 Tom Cossette 668 500 1168 Write-In 19 17 36 Thank you for exercising your right to vote! The City of Corcoran would also like to thank the following people for serving as the 2006 election judges: Linda Benson, Kathy Etzel, Diane Fischer, Linda Gardiner, Jean Gmach, Mary Hartkopf, Katy Hegg, Gerald Johnson, Angie Lindquist, Jacque Lother, Tony Maghrak, Bonnie Maue, Joyce Meister, Louis Oberdeck, Sharon Ratke, Deborah Rice, Trisha Sather, Ann Scherber, Jan Stieg, Adele Stifter, Patricia Tadych, Rosanne Tessmer, and Floyd Thompson. Great job everyone! City Seeks Commissioners for 2007 Every year, generally in January, the City Council makes appointments to fill vacancies on various commissions of the City. Currently there are two commissions, Planning Commission and Parks & Trails Commission. If you are interested in serving on one of these commissions, please submit a completed application to the City by 4:00 p.m. on December 29, 2006. Applications can be obtained at the city office or visit the website at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us. This is a wonderful way to serve your community and help shape the future of Corcoran! If you have any questions regarding the roles of these Commissions please contact Sue Vergin, City Administrator at (763) 420-2288 ext 13. 2 2007 BUDGET TRUTH IN TAXATION HEARING - MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2006 7:00 P.M. The City will hold their annual Truth in Taxation Hearing on Monday, December 4, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The purpose of this hearing is to allow the City and the public to interact to address the proposed budget and levy (tax dollars needed to operate the City) for 2007. The City will identify the revenues and expenditures that they anticipate over the next year and how that impacts the tax levy and property taxes. Being aware of the continuing property value increases in Corcoran the City Council worked conscientiously to prepare a budget that would have minimal impact. Some key items that have impacted the 2007 budget include the increases to fuel costs, additional policing staff to support 24-hour coverage, additional dollars for maintenance to our public streets, and adding dollars to the budget to encourage economic development within the City. Overall, the City’s operating budget is proposed to increase by approximately 15%. Below is a comparison of tax rates and the impacts to a home in Corcoran over the past few years that began with a market value of $300,000 Year Average Increase to Market Value Property Valuation Tax Rate City Taxes 2004 $300,000 28.870 866.10 2005 9% $327,000 27.966 914.49 2006 6% $346,620 29.273 1014.66 2007 10% $381,000 30.651 1167.80 We encourage you to attend the Truth in Taxation hearing as all property owners have a stake in Corcoran and should be part of this process. Page 2 of 8 STATUS OF RECENT CITY LITIGATION Over the past few years, the City has been involved with three legal cases regarding individual septic treatment systems. These cases involved the HRUA, residents failing septic systems, and /or the permitting process. In September, the City was notified that last appeal by HRUA had been completed, with Judgment granted in favor of the City. The City received favorable judgment in all three legal cases, which have now all come to a close. INDIVIDUAL SEWAGE TREATMENT SYSTEMS CONTROL TO BE TRANSFERRED TO HENNEPIN COUNTY Commencing January 1, 2007 the City of Corcoran will no longer regulate on-site septic systems within the City, nor will there be a Waste Water Commission. All on-site septic systems will be under the jurisdiction of Hennepin County. What this means to you as a resident of Corcoran – All permits for sewage treatment system installation, replacement and repairs will be issued by the Hennepin County Human Services and Public Health Department. The Maintenance Program will continue, but will be administered by the County. The County will monitor any systems that are currently being monitored by the City. The City and County will work closely to transfer this responsibility and minimize any impacts to the residents. 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. Prior to January 1, 2007, you may contact the City for information regarding permits, after that you must contact Hennepin County (952) 351-5200. FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR – Sue Vergin 3 Snowplowing COUNTY Winter will be approaching sooner than we think. Corcoran has over 64 miles of roads that are maintained by a minimal staff. The following is information and simple requests for you as a resident to follow during this season. Snow accumulation of 2 inches or more warrants the 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. We ask that you DO NOT plow snow from your driveways across the roads. If this is done, it can create a situation that can damage and/or throw the snowplow into a ditch. Clean snow from around mailboxes. Keep garbage & recycling containers away from the edge of the road so they do not get covered. Decorative rocks, landscaping, lawn sprinkler heads, posts, fences or other obstructions to snow plowing operations are not allowed in the right-of-way. Winter Parking Restrictions Please note: According to Chapter 71 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 from such roads. SKATING RINK ATTENDANTS: The City is seeking Skating Rink Attendants to oversee the city’s rinks. Typically, these positions are open from December through March depending upon weather conditions. A complete job description and application can be obtained from the City Hall and found on the city’s website, www.ci.corcoran.mn.us. Deadline for applications is 4:00 p.m. Thursday, December 7. CITY INFORMATION Page 3 of 8 Gravel Recovery The Public Works Department is in the process of reclaiming the gravel from the shoulders of our gravel roads. This is generally done in the spring, but with high traffic volumes on our gravel roads this summer it has become necessary to do it in the fall. The reason for doing this is to remove vegetation on the roadsides and recovering the gravel that has been pushed off the road from the excessive traffic. This helps to reestablish the crown in the road. During this period, the roads will be dusty and have some grass and sod on them for a short period. BURSCHVILLE AREA ACTIVITIES The City of Corcoran recently entered into an agreement with Xcel Energy to provide Three Phase power to the Burschville Area. This was prompted by the expansion of two local businesses into the Burschville area, Doboszenski’s and Sons and Ess Brothers. Both of these businesses require Three Phase power for their operations. In efforts to reduce costs to these area businesses and others that may choose to move to the Burschville area, the City has agreed to use Tax Increment Funds to pay for the extension of this utility service. Tax Increment Funds are specifically for the purpose of promoting economic development. The City is excited about the growth occurring in this area and thanks Doboszenskis’s and Sons and Ess Brothers for choosing to remain and expand their operations within the City. COUNTY ROAD 19 NOTICE – Detours now removed and the road open. See website link. www.ci.corcoran.mn.us 4 CITY INFORMATION CONTINUED Page 4 of 8 The Parks & Trails Commission Update The Parks and Trails Commission established by the City Council in 2003 had a busy year in 2007! Following their objectives, the Commission is working to provide Corcoran residents not only recreational opportunities, but also parks & trail locations. The Commission has met with each new development for the best location of neighborhood parks & trails. Eventually, Corcoran would have three types of parks: activity parks (similar to the ones we have now); smaller neighborhood parks (in developed areas); and natural parks (wooded or open space). These will eventually be all connected by a system of trails within Corcoran and connecting to trails in neighboring cities. But, the key to making this happen is to plan ahead before development takes place. A comprehensive resource map of the City identifying future trails and open space was established several years ago by the Parks and Trails Commission. The Commission worked with a number of developers this year and evaluated each property against that map. For example, when the Overlake Bluffs development was to be reviewed by the Commission, the members walked the property and brainstormed about the best use for the uniqueness of the property for Corcoran citizens and the development. The property borders Jubert Lake and has several unique features. Working with the developers, the Commission identified a trail to go through the mature trees, along the wetland of the property and eventually to a viewing area within the wetlands. Continuing on the trail, a small viewing/sitting area will be on a higher spot within a nice stand of mature trees. Not all the commission’s time was spend on reviewing developments. In addition, the Commission coordinates activities at the Corcoran athletic parks such as T-ball, baseball, softball and soccer. (See more about this in the newsletter.) The Commission also did a comprehensive study to find the best location for the trailhead on Co. Rd 19. When the project is completed, the trail alongside Co Rd 19 will allow people to go from Crow Hassan Park all the way to Hwy. 55 and then eventually to Morris Baker Park. The trailhead has been located and will be built, as construction on Co. Rd 19 moves through its phases. Present members of the Parks and Trails commission are Dennis Stieg (chair), Tom Anderson, Craig Brolin, Kevin Dale, Gina Dorethy, Liane Laddusaw, Rosalyn Milbrandt, Val Nybo, Joan Parks, Chad Robran, and Dean Vehrenkamp Watch for another update from the Parks & Trails Commission in the next newsletter. CITY OF CORCORAN NATURAL RESOURCE/LAND COVER INVENTORY The City of Corcoran will be working with the Hennepin County Department of Environmental Services (HCDES) to complete a natural resource/land cover inventory for the City between March 15 and September 15 of 2007. HCDES will be gathering information on land cover throughout the City of Corcoran (examples of land cover include maple-basswood forest, hay field and cattail marsh). The collected data will be mapped, and used by the city for long-term planning and conservation efforts. The inventory work will take place the spring, summer, and fall of 2007. This inventory involves, in some cases, walking through the property and observing trees, plants and other cover. No plants will be removed or disturbed. This project is purely for informational purposes so that you, the landowner, and the city can do our best to conserve and properly manage our precious natural resources. Your cooperation is vital to the success of this endeavor and the success of sustaining the high quality of life currently enjoyed by you and your fellow residents of Corcoran. If you are opposed to allowing access to your property or would like more information concerning the land cover inventory please contact City Administrator Sue Vergin at (763) 420-2288 Ext 13 before March 1, 2007. When you contact the city be sure to have your property identification number to ensure that we know the extent of your property boundaries. Once again, if you have any questions or concerns regarding this project please feel free to contact Sue Vergin at the City of Corcoran or Dave Thill at Hennepin County of Environmental Services (612) 348-0124). 5 + 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 15th, between the hours of 8 am – 4 pm. While it may seem overly ambitious, the ultimate goal for this organization sponsored by the US Marines, would be to bring a ray of holiday joy to the heart of each of the estimated 14 million children in need in this country each holiday season. In the past, the residents have been more than generous; just think, giving just one toy from each home or business in Corcoran would be over 1900 toys. Having said that, our aspiration is to reach out to as many of these children as we can, and hopefully more children than in the previous year. With your help the Police Department will always give Toys for Tots their best effort each and every Holiday Season. Come Visit Santa Come visit Santa and receive a free candy cane while getting your picture taken as Frosty & Santa's Elves Help Out! Pick a small gift from beneath the JC tree. Enter your child's name in one of several large prize drawings (Need Not Be Present to Win). Cookies & Juice will also be provided. Cost: Free With Food Shelf Donation! December 16th 10:00 a.m. to Noon At Corcoran City Hall. The Corcoran Jaycee’s sponsors this event. Firearm Safety Training Once again, Corcoran Police Department will host its Firearm Safety Program. The 2007 dates for the training will be March 18th, 25th, April 1st, 15th, 22nd and field day Saturday April 28th. All courses are instructed at the Corcoran Civic Center, located at 8200 County Road 116. Minnesota requires that anyone born after January 1, 1980 must complete a firearms safety course to purchase a license to take wild game. Anyone interested in hunting, shooting, or firearm familiarization is encouraged to attend. Starting February 1st applications will be accepted for registration. These forms can be found on our website or picked up at City Hall. There are 75 seats open for this course. It is open to residents and non- residents, with a percentage of seats reserved for residents. Applications are taken until all seats are filled. We typically receive 150+ applications. So register right away to guarantee a seat. Cost is $10 for Residents and $20 for Non-Residents. NO PHONE REGISTRATION WILL BE ACCEPTED. 1) Complete the Application/Parental Release form. Parent or guardian must sign and date release form. 2) Your fee must accompany the registration form in order to be considered registered. → Please make check or money order payable to Corcoran Firearms Safety 3) You must also enclose a self-addressed stamped #10-business size envelope. The envelope is required for the return of your certificate upon completion of the course. CITY INFORMATION Page 5 of 8 Make a Difference Be Involved Council Meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month at 7:00 pm, Planning Commission meetings are held the 1st Thursday of every month at 7:00 pm and Parks and Trail Meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm. The agendas are posted on the web site for you to review or you can stop by City Hall. If you are seeking the facts, have an opinion, or have an issue you feel that needs to be addressed “let your voice be heard” at this time, as these members have been elected or appointed to represent you and what is in the best interest for the City. You can help make the difference in this community. 6 As I complete my first six months as Chief of Police I want to tell you what an honor it has been to serve you the citizens of the community. I have had an opportunity to meet some of you and I have found that the community truly “loves its Corcoran Police”. It has been a busy year within the department. The department and the community said happy retirement to Chief Paul Schutte, and I would again like to thank Paul for all that he did over his 28 years of service. The Corcoran Police Department has set the following “Mission Statement” to help identify who we are and whom we serve. It is a reminder of the trust that is bestowed upon us each and every day. Chief Sean Gormley MISSION STATEMENT It is the mission of the Corcoran Police Department to provide a sense of security for the people by protecting life and property, enforcing laws and ordinances, and providing quality service to the community. The Department will display the highest integrity, and regard each citizen with a focused and unbiased attitude. Our citizens will determine our success. Integrity The Department and its personnel can only succeed in their mission if we maintain our integrity. Trust is the core element. Once that trust is broken, by an individual or by the Department, our actions are rightfully called into question. The Department and its employees must hold themselves to a standard that is beyond reproach. Pride The Department is a proud institution and works to develop this pride in its sworn officers, civilian and volunteer personnel. We are proud of our rich tradition of providing quality police services to the residents and visitors of Corcoran. We are proud to be a part of a noble profession that is called upon to maintain order in a free society. We are proud of the real partnerships we have with the people we serve. We are proud of the highly motivated, highly trained, and highly respected personnel we have. Community The cornerstone of this Department is the relationship we have with the community we serve. Our ability to be effective in carrying out our mission is based on the credibility we have with the community. Understanding that we are a part of, and not separate from, the community is critical. Although we are granted full-time responsibility for policing the community, we cannot do it without the approval and cooperation of the public. The Department strives to enhance this relationship in several ways: By ensuring that each police contact is carried out fairly and with respect; by seeking input from the public on our programs, procedures and priorities; by being active in community and its programs. Departmental Goals In pursuit of its mission, the Corcoran Police Department sets continuing goals, which include a commitment to: • Provide the public with reasonable and efficient access to public services. • Be responsive to calls and identified needs for police services within Corcoran 24 hours a day. • Allocate personnel to obtain maximum utilization of resources to meet identified needs. • Maintain a proactive approach toward crime and disorder. • Maintain flexibility in its strategies toward crime so that the changing needs of the community may be met. • Identify criminal activity and act to resolve it. • Maintain activities to facilitate the orderly flow of vehicles within the community. • Maintain positive interaction with the public and a high degree of visibility within the community. • Educate the public to the community's role and responsibility in the prevention, detection, and resolution of crime. • Promote public confidence in the law enforcement function. • Conduct an on-going evaluation of its functions and activities to ensure that community needs are being met. • Utilize effective police-community partnerships to resolve problems collaboratively. • Develop and maintain ethical and professional standards of conduct and operation. POLICE DEPARTMENT Page 6 of 8 7 Page 7 of 8 CO Safety Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless poisonous gas that can be produced by incomplete combustion from poorly adjusted or vented fuel-burning equipment (furnaces, fireplaces, water heaters, space heaters, wood stoves, stoves, etc.) CO combines with your blood and prevents oxygen from being absorbed. Initial symptoms of CO poisoning include, headache, fatigue, and shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness. To prevent CO poisoning: → Have appliances serviced or installed by a professional → Have heating systems inspected and serviced annually → CO detector/alarms must meet current UL standard requirements and not covered by furniture or draperies. → Never burn charcoal inside home, garage, vehicle, or tent or use fuel burning camping equipment indoors. → Never leave car running in an attached garage. → Never use gas appliances (ranges, ovens, clothes dryers) for heating → Do not use gasoline-powered tools and engines indoors. → FINALLY, if your natural gas flames are not blue, contact a heating professional immediately and get out of the house. GENERAL INFORMATION SAFETY TIPS AND INFORMATION Page 7of 8 CAN YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS ADDRESS BE EASILY IDENTIFIED Help us (police, fire, and ambulance) find you fast at the time of an emergency. We have the modern equipment, vehicles, red lights, sirens, and radios, but we need your help to find your home or business. Please check your house and driveway. If you have address numbers on the house: ƒ Are they large enough to see from the street? ƒ Are they on a contrasting background so they could be easily seen even at night with a squad spotlight? ƒ Look from the street, has the shrubbery or trees blocked the view? ƒ If your house sits back as many in Corcoran do, can we pick yours out from the others? ƒ If your mailbox is positioned at your driveway, can the numbers be easily seen from either direction? ƒ Are all the numbers there and are they correct? If your mailbox is grouped together with, others please consider a post at your driveway with your house numbers clearly on it. Numbers 2 – 3 inches in height on a contrasting reflective background is best. Valuable time is lost when the address is not properly posted. With your help, we can save those precious moments that could make a difference by giving you the fastest emergency response possible. IIss TThhaatt AA CCrriicckkeett IInn TThhee HHoouussee?? No, that chirping is your smoke detector telling you it needs a new battery. You could just ignore it, and it will go away, but that would increase the risk of death in event of a fire by 50%. Your best bet is to replace the batteries in all your smoke detectors, and pay attention to a few other maintenance essentials as well. The following timeline will help. MONTHLY - Test Your Smoke Detectors and clean them by dusting or vacuuming SEMIANNUALLY - Replace the Battery EVERY 10 YEARS - Replace Your Smoke Detectors 2007 RECYCLING The City contracts with Waste Management to provide recycling services. Many times the City receives calls from residents questioning why they must recycle, or why they must pay for this service, which they may choose not to use. The answer to that question is that the City is mandated by the State to provide this service. The State also restricts the manner in which these services can be paid. They cannot be charged through taxes; therefore, we are required to bill you for this service. Waste Management is increasing their fees for 2007, in part due to the continued increases in fuel costs. Therefore, the 2007 annual Recycling fee will be increased from $25.00 to $27.00. The actual cost per unit is $2.44 per month, but because the City receives funding through a program referred to as SCORE, we are able to use that subsidy to reduce your cost. Watch for your annual recycling bill to be mailed in the spring. 8 City of Corcoran 8200 County Road 116 Corcoran, MN 55340 ADDRESS HERE PRSRT STD U.S.POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 28 HAMEL, MN Corcoran Athletics Association 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 The Information below has been provided by the Corcoran Athletics Association as a public service. This is a non-profit organization not affiliated with the City of Corcoran. Play by Play We had a very good season in 2006. There were 246 girls and boys from ages 4 to 16 years, registered for baseball and softball. We played our regular summer season and had three teams play in the Gopher State fall league. All Star Baseball Tournament We had our first annual Tri-City Boys ages 11/12 All Star Baseball Tournament on Sunday, August 20th during Corcoran Country Daze. The 2006 Corcoran Country Daze, Tri-City Champions were from Hamel. They swept the double elimination series with great pitching and fielding. The teams invited were from associations in Corcoran, Hanover and Hamel. It was a great time for everyone. Fiesta Night Come and talk to all your old friends on February 16th at the Fiesta Night Registration. We will have good food, some fun, and lot of familiar faces in the Corcoran Civic Center. Food will be served from 5PM to 8PM. The cost will be $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children under 12 years old. New Sponsorship Program The Association will be offering a new sponsorship program for businesses and groups. You can rent space on the three Corcoran baseball/softball field for your company’s banner or your group advertisement. More information will be available in the near future. New Web Site We will have a new web site with Association Information for the 2007 season. There will be forms, rules, schedules, and contact information posted for everyone to see. (corcoranathletic.org) Meetings In 2007, the association will have a coaches meeting on April 12th and we will offer a Youth Coaching Principles clinic for all new coach volunteers on April 14th. Both will be held at the Corcoran Civic Center. Volunteers As always, we need volunteers! We have the following position available, Board Member, Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches, First Aid givers, and Division Coordinator, T-Ball/Near-ball Picnic planner.