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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-10 -- Fall1 CORCORAN RECYCLING REMINDER – If you have not paid your recycling fee for 2005, please remit the outstanding $34.00 by November 15, 2005. If it is not paid by that time it will be assessed to your property taxes and you will be charged an additional processing fee by the County. Recycling dates and information can be found on our website www.ci.corcoran.mn.us. Materials must be placed at the back side of the curb or the end of your driveway OFF the adjoining main road BEFORE 7:00 AM. If you have questions about service or your recycling pick up is missed please call 1-800-450-9378. THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED RECYCLING QUESTION: Why do we have to pay for recycling? Minnesota State Statute ( 473.149 and 115A.46) and Hennepin County (Ordinance 13) mandates public entities (which means “cities”) to implement curbside recycling. The expense of curbside recycling is subsidized partially by an annual grant administered by Hennepin County. This grant finances less than 30% of the cost of the recycling service provider. Without this grant, the cost to each household or business would be greater. 8200 County Road 116, Corcoran, MN 55340 City Hall Office Hours: Mon. – Fri. 8 am – 4 pm Phone 763-420-2288 Police Non-Emergency 763-420-8966 City of Corcoran Fall 2005 Newsletter CONTENTS City Business - General Information 2 From the Mayor 3 From the Administrator 4 Code Enforcement 4 From our Police Chief 5 From Public Works 6 Upcoming Events 6 Wastewater Commission 7 Opinions / Survey 8 DUST CONTROL The residents of Corcoran living along gravel roads that are in the City’s dust control program pay for this service. The City has partially subsidized this program in efforts to keep costs down, because these gravel roads are traveled by the general public. If you have not yet paid for this service, please contact the City Hall, (763) 420-2288 for your current balance. Payments not received by November 15, 2005, will be assessed to your property taxes with additional interest and a processing fee by Hennepin County. RECEIVE CITY INFORMATION All Agendas and Meeting Minutes can be found on our web site www.ci.corcoran.mn.us. We also provide agenda information electronically for all City Council and Planning Commission Meetings. OR Copies of the Meeting Minutes can be received through the mail or fax. Contact the City office (763) 420-2288 and we will include you in the distribution of this public information. 2 Page 2 of 8 MEETING SCHEDULES October 27, Thursday, 7:00 p.m. – Council Meeting November 2, Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. – Wastewater Commission Meeting November 3, Thursday, 7:00 p.m. – Planning Commission Meeting November 10, Thursday, 7:00 p.m. – Council Meeting November 15, Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. – Park & Trail Meeting November 22, Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. – Council Meeting December 1, Thursday, 7:00 p.m. – Planning Commission Meeting December 7, Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. – Wastewater Commission Meeting December 8, Thursday, 7:00 p.m. – Council Meeting December 20, Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. – Park & Trail Meeting December 22, Thursday, 7:00 p.m. – Council Meeting MEET OUR NEW ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT We are pleased to welcome Jill Smith-Arens to City Hall as our new part- time administrative assistant. Jill joined the office staff at City Hall on July 18. She brings to us a variety of experience in the administrative area. In addition to varied administrative duties, Jill will be responsible for coordinating the City’s Newsletter and maintaining the Web Site. We are looking forward to having her creative talents inspire our Newsletter and Web Site. Please join us in welcoming her to our City. COMMISSION VACANCIES Waste Water Commission Vacancies This Commission is responsible for the review of all wastewater treatment within the City. There are presently three openings on this Commission, one regular member, and two alternate members. Application forms can be obtained from City Hall. 2006 Vacancies – Apply Now Every year, generally in January, the City Council makes appointments to fill vacancies on various commissions of the City. There are four Commissions – • Parks & Trails Commission • Planning Commission • Home Occupation Commission • Waste Water Commission • If you are interested in serving on any of these commissions please submit a completed application to the City by December 15, 2005. Applications can be obtained at the city office or visit the website at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us. If you have questions regarding the roles of these Commissions please contact Sue Vergin, City Administrator at (763) 420- 2288, ext. 13. COUNTY ROAD 19 IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT UPDATE Improvements to CSAH 19 are being proposed at this time to improve the safety and traffic-carrying capacity of the roadway. The proposed design includes a separate multiple use pedestrian / bicycle trail located within the roadway easement area along the east side of CSAH 19. Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2006 and is expected to last into 2008. • In 2006, the first phase of construction is anticipated to begin at the north end of the project, from just south of CSAH 10 in Burschville to just north of County Road 117 in Hanover. • In 2007, the second phase of construction would occur from CSAH 50 to CSAH 10. • In 2008, the third and final phase of construction would occur from just south of TH 55 in Medina to CSAH 50. Thru-traffic on the portion of CSAH 19 under construction will be rerouted by way of a detour in order to speed up the construction process. Access will be provided to all property owners at all times throughout construction. Here is a link to Hennepin County’s website for additional information: http://www.hennepin.us/vgn/portal/internet/hcdetailmaster/0,2300,1273 _83388_106298806,00.html 3 Page 3 of 8 FROM THE MAYOR - Tom Cossette Municipal Sewer Update Municipal sewer (and water) will be available in Corcoran relatively soon. Here’s an update on construction schedules known as of July 2005. Southeast District—The South Corcoran Extension of the Elm Creek Interceptor is projected to service all of Corcoran’s SE District east of CR 116. Project construction is anticipated to begin in the summer of 2006 and be completed in early 2007. The proposed pipe alignment is along the right-of-way of the proposed realignment of CR 10 from County Ditch 16 in Maple Grove to the Larkin Road/CR Rd 101 intersection (NE corner of Lions’ Park) in Corcoran. The tentative route of the gravity trunk through Corcoran starts at the NE corner of Lions’ Park, runs south along the west side of Lions’, through backyards of the CR 101 residences, and terminates in Hedgestone just north of the existing Gleason Rd. residences. Wastewater from Hedgestone and its peripheral stubs will be collected at this point. Northeast District—The Dayton-Hassan Extension of the Elm Creek Interceptor will provide sewer service to Corcoran’s Northeast District, Corcoran’s Southeast District west of CR 116, southwest Dayton, a portion of northwest Dayton, southeast Hassan, and northwest Maple Grove. The recommended alignment extends from the Pineview/County Hwy 81 intersection in Maple Grove generally westward along 105th Avenue and terminates at CR 101 in Corcoran about ¼ mile south of the Corcoran/Hassan border. Construction is scheduled to begin April 2006 and complete December 2007. No definite trunk alignment within the Northeast District has been proposed at this time. As always Interceptor construction costs are borne by the Met Council and reimbursed with connection charges as new development occurs. Construction costs of Corcoran trunks emanating from the Interceptor are paid by the project developer. For more Elm Creek Interceptor information contact: Tim O’Donnell, Sr. Information Coordinator, Metropolitan Council, 651-602-1269, tim.odonnell@metc.state.mn.us. Or, see the Met Council website: www.metrocouncil.org. Southwest District—United Properties has agreements to purchase property fronting Highway 55 between Rolling Hills Road and Pioneer Trail. In order to develop the property as business park/light industrial municipal sewer and water service must be extended to this area from its current location in Medina at approximately the intersection of Highway 55 and Willow Drive. The City of Medina has two primary concerns with the project. First, the presence of sewer along the Medina stretch of Highway 55 would invite development prematurely. Second, the project funding mechanism must account for the fact that Medina would not be accessing the pipe until sometime in the future. In the spirit of neighborly cooperation Medina has submitted to the Met Council a Comprehensive Plan amendment that would preclude premature development in Medina. Joint Corcoran/Medina meetings to address the funding issues are scheduled to begin in October. On the Corcoran side of Highway 55 United Properties has agreed to fund the required area wide environmental review and is proceeding accordingly. For information on new development proposals and updated sewer schedules look for upcoming Planning Commission and City Council agendas in the Crow River News or on the Corcoran city website: www.ci.corcoran.mn.us. NOTE OF THANKS The City of Corcoran is very fortunate to have organizations, businesses, and residents that come forward to help support events and equipment for our City, either financially or by volunteering their time. The first six months of this year, the Corcoran Lions Club has made donations in excess of $15,000. These monies were designated for park improvements, defibrillators for our Police Department, firearm safety classes and clean up day. The Corcoran Jaycees with support from the Corcoran Lions and the City hosted the 2nd Corcoran Country Daze, which was a great success. The Hanover Athletic Association and our Business Community have also made very generous contributions that have made a big difference in making events such as firearm classes and Police Department open house more successful. We are especially appreciative of Corcoran residents who donate time to serve on commissions or volunteer their help in other capacities. The people who volunteer their time, services and donate financially to help our community all make a difference. If you know someone who contributes to our City please let them know their generosity is appreciated. 4 Page 4 of 8 A NOTE FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR – Sue Vergin 2006 BUDGET TRUTH IN TAXATION HEARING - MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2005 7:00 P.M. The City will hold their annual Truth in Taxation Hearing on Monday, December 5, 2005, 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 2006. 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 2006 budget include the increase in fuel costs, the additional policing staff to provide 24-hour coverage, and 2006 is an election year. 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 27.649 958.37 For 2006 the City anticipates that expenditures will increase by approximately 7.8%. To meet that increase, the City’s tax levy is proposed to increase by approximately 13%. However due to growth and the increase to property values the tax rate has actually been reduced, as seen in the chart above. Based on the current population of 5875, it costs each person in Corcoran approximately $327 per year, which is equivalent to 90 cents per day for police protection, street maintenance, park facilities, and the general administration and operation of the city. 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. CODE ENFORCEMENT BUILDING PERMITS Building permits are required by the City of Corcoran for most types of construction, including but not limited to, new construction, remodeling, additions, 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. Work performed without a permit will be charged a fee equal to 5 times the required permit fee. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you contact the city office to see if a permit is required prior to doing any work to prevent a fine from being imposed. 6 Page 5 of 8 A NOTE FROM OUR POLICE CHIEF – Paul Schutte The summer of 2005 has been very busy for us. We had our Open House on June 4 and had a great turn out in spite of the rainy weather. We have added an additional full-time officer to our ranks. Matt Miller was officially sworn in at the June 23, 2005 Council Meeting. Matt grew up in Lakeville, Minnesota. After earning a BA in Criminal Justice and Environmental Studies from Gustavus Adolphus College, he went on to complete his law enforcement training through Rochester Community College. Matt also has special training in drug and traffic enforcement. He worked with the Kanabec County Sheriff’s Office before joining Corcoran’s Police Department. We’re confident that Matt will be an asset to our department. Corcoran has also seen a significant rise in commuter traffic in recent years as I’m sure you’ve noticed. The complaints concerning driving violations and lack of courtesy have also gone up. In response to citizen concerns, we have heightened our traffic patrol and our officers are citing more traffic violators. We are hoping that stronger enforcement will encourage people to drive more safely and courteously within our city. HUNTING INFORMATION With the arrival of fall, we need to focus on the activities that come with the season. Hunting remains a popular activity in Corcoran. We urge anyone wishing to hunt within the Corcoran city limits to contact the Police Department to learn of any regulations or restrictions that may affect your outing. We want your hunting experience to be a good one and knowing the rules before you start is a good way to ensure a safe and enjoyable activity. Permits are required for some types and locations of hunting. Permits are available at the Police Department between the hours of 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM regular business days. To purchase a license or stamp please see your local sporting goods store. Visit our website under “Police” for downloadable forms and more information. If you have other questions or concerns please contact the police secretary at 763-420-8966. BRUSH WOLVES / COYOTES BECOMING A PROBLEM Corcoran has a lot of open land that makes excellent refuge for brush wolves/coyotes. Their population has increased dramatically in recent years and incidents involving these dogs have risen as a result. These coyotes will attack pets, particularly small dogs and cats. Time of day doesn’t seem to be a factor in these attacks. The best thing you can do to protect your pets from being attacked is to stay with them while they’re outside. The Police Department will respond to a wolf problem; however these animals do not linger long enough for the officer to take action. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has printed information available concerning Wolves/Coyotes and you can request it or seek information about this matter by calling them at 651-296-6157. SIGNS OF A METHAMPHETAMINE LAB We’ve all heard about the increase in Methamphetamine (Meth) production and trafficking in the metro area. There are things that we can do, as private citizens, to prevent Meth manufacturing from happening in our neighborhoods. Drug dealers and Meth manufacturers have some common habits that we can look for. Do not confront your neighbor or enter a suspected lab. -Frequent visitors at all times of the day or night -Activity at the house is usually at odd hours or late at night -Occupants appear unemployed, yet seem to have plenty of money -Occupants are unfriendly, and appear secretive -Extensive security at the home -Windows blackened or curtains always drawn -Occupants go outside the house to smoke cigarettes -Chemical odors coming from the house, garage or detached buildings -Coffee filters, bed sheets or other material stained from filtering red phosphorus or other chemicals -Occupant sets garbage in another collection area -Evidence of chemical/waste dumping (i.e., burn pits, “dead spots” in the yard If you notice any combination of these activities, you should report your concerns to the Corcoran Police Department at 763-420-8966. 7 Page 6 of 8 A NOTE FROM PUBLIC WORKS - Pat Meister WINTER ACTIVITIES SNOWPLOWING: 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 don’t 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. SKATING RINK ATTENDANTS: The City will be seeking Skating Rink Attendants within the next few months 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. Also watch the website and the local papers for when applications will be accepted. UPCOMING EVENTS SNOWMOBILE SAFETY TRAINING All residents of Minnesota born on or after January 1st, 1980, must have a snowmobile safety certificate to operate a snowmobile anywhere in Minnesota. CLASSROOM REGISTRATION – There are only 100 seats open for the course. Applications are taken until all seats are filled. We typically receive 150+ applications; please register early to guarantee a seat. 1. Applications and Parental Release forms can be downloaded form our internet site www.ci.corcoran.mn.us, or Obtained at the City Hall. They are to be mailed back to the Northwest Trails Association. 2. A fee of $10.00 (Check or Money order) payable to Northwest Trails Association must accompany your applications form, follow the remaining instructions on form and mail directly to NWTA. CLASSROOM DATES – Are scheduled to begin on Thursday December 1, 2005 6:00 – 9:00 pm LOCATION – All courses are instructed at the Corcoran Civic Center, located at 8200 – Co. Road. 116 FIREARMS SAFETY CLASSES The Corcoran Police Department will once again host its annual Firearms Safety Training Course. Any person born on or after January 1st, 1980 must complete this course and receive a certificate before they can obtain a license to hunt or shoot wild game. Classes will be held on Sunday’s, starting March 19th from 6 to 9pm. All classes will be held at the Corcoran Civic Center. Space is limited to the first 100 registered students. Students must be 12 years of age or older by November 1st, 2006 to be eligible to take the class. REGISTRATION – will begin the first part of February. Individuals can register by going to the City of Corcoran website www.ci.corcoran.mn.us and print off the Registration and Parental Release form, complete the required information: mail or drop off at the City Hall. For questions regarding registration call 763-420-2288 and ask for Pat Puhle. NO PHONE REGISTRATION WILL BE ACCEPTED. Anyone interested in assisting with the class contact Officer Ryan Burns at 763-420-8966. 8 Page 7 of 8 A MESSAGE FROM THE WASTEWATER COMMISSION We’ve all heard it - the soil in Corcoran is not conducive to septic systems and poses a unique set of problems when dealing with septic maintenance. Because of these conditions, residents need to be vigilant about our taking care of their septic systems. Regular pumping, as required in our septic maintenance program, will help the systems last longer and avoid environmental and health hazards. The cost of routine maintenance is far less than replacing a system and the expense of regular pumping, as expected in our maintenance program, is typically less than it would cost if we had monthly municipal sewer fees. The Wastewater Commission has provided the following list of items we can do to help our systems last longer. A GUIDELINE TO HELP PREVENT THE NEED FOR COSTLY REPAIRS 1. Do the recommended pumping and maintenance every three (3) years. It’s the single most effective thing you can do to help your system and prolong its life. Additives are not a good substitute – don’t be misled. 2. Keep any equipment off the treatment area, winter or summer; nothing heavier than a riding lawnmower. During any construction on or near your home, protect your system and alternate site from damage by isolating with snow fence or effective barrier of some kind. Damage can be irreversible and ruin your options. 3. Fix leaky faucets and watch for running toilets. Reduce the amount of water used can save many systems that are border- line to failing. 4. Wash only full loads in the dish washers and washing machines. Distribute loads throughout the week to avoid overloading the system with large volumes of water. 5. Use the minimum amount of detergent or bleach and use liquid detergents rather than powdered to avoid fine particles. Use no-phosphate detergents. Install a filter on washer to remove lint. 6. Set water softeners to recharge as infrequently as possible. Route the softener recharge water outside the septic system if possible. 7. Sump pump water should be routed outside the septic system and away from the drain field. 8. Dispose of all chemicals, paint, solvents, etc. outside the septic system. Don’t use antibacterial soap. Minimize the use of drain cleaners. Anything that will kill valuable bacteria in your system should be avoided. 9. Don’t use garbage disposal. 10. Don’t plant trees or shrubs within five (5) feet of the soil treatment system. 11. Don’t flush cigarette butts or unwanted medications down the toilet. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION PROGRAM The Corcoran Wastewater Commission is concerned with protecting the citizens of Corcoran through the protection of groundwater, natural resources and land use by ensuring that individual sewage treatment systems (ISTS) are functioning properly and are not contaminating our resources. To this end, the City of Corcoran has in place a 3-year maintenance and inspection program per MN Rules Chapter 7080.0315. The following is a cost comparison of the benefit of compliance with the maintenance and inspection program and following our suggestions for being “kind to your septic system” versus the installation of a new system due to misuse and poor maintenance/pumping frequency. Cost of Pumping and Inspection every 3 years: Pumping/Inspection by licensed pumper - $180.00 - $200.00+ Cost of New System Installation: Soil Borings, Percolation Tests, Septic Design, etc. - $625.00 Permit & fee to the City - $150.00 New Septic Mount & Tanks - $13,000 - $15,000 Old System Abandonment - $1,000 These prices are an average of what a new system typically costs and what the average pumper charges. Prices may vary due to the season in which a system needs replacement, repair, etc. System sizes vary by the number of bedrooms, some systems may cost significantly more. If your property does not have another viable site, then easements may need to be obtained from neighboring property. As you can see the cost of maintenance versus new installation is significantly less. Why bother with the inconvenience, cost and hassle associated with new system installation? Proper care, maintenance and inspection will save you in the long run and will protect you and your fellow residents from the dangers of an imminent health risk from septic system. The City of Corcoran appreciates your compliance. Chris Hudok Wastewater Commissioner For more information please visit the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency at www.pca.state.mn.us or the University of Minnesota Extension Service at www.extension.umn.edu 9 Page 8 of 8 OPINION / SURVEY We want your ongoing feedback on how we’re doing at City Hall. Your ideas, suggestions and comments are important to us. Please feel free to make your contributions to the questions below or another piece of paper and mail or bring it to the City Hall at 8200 County Road 116, Corcoran. Thanks for your help. 1. Is there a service we provide you, you feel we shouldn’t? ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Is there a service we do not provide you, you feel we should? ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Are you in favor of a small tax increase for Civil Defense for sirens to be strategically placed through out the community? □ Yes □ No 4. Are you in favor of a small tax increase to receive more newsletters? □ Yes □ No 5. Corcoran’s current policy requires developers to pay all the costs for land development. Should the City change this policy and have the taxpayers partially subsidize costs associated with development of land? □ Yes □ No 6. Would you like to see more parks and trails within the City? □ Yes □ No 7. In the past three years have you or your family used the: Skating Rinks □ Yes □ No / City Park □ Yes □ No Ball Fields □ Yes □ No / Tennis Courts □ Yes □ No 8. Should the City be more aggressive in pursuing pavement on gravel roads? □ Yes □ No 9. Do you see a positive trend in the maintenance of the City roads? □ Yes □ No City of Corcoran 8200 County Road 116 Corcoran, MN 55340 PRSRT STD U.S.POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 28 HAMEL, MN ADDRESS HERE Visit our website at www.ci.corcoran.mn.us which provides most information requested by residents, and a variety of maps and forms.