Fair Housing Month
April is the start of Fair Housing Month, which seeks to promote strong and diverse communities though fair housing laws and policy. The City’s housing goals are guided by our 2040 Comprehensive Plan, which was crafted with resident engagement. The document specifically outlines the need for a variety of housing options to best serve residents through all stages of life.
Over the last several years, Rosemount has added around 200 to 300 units of housing annually. Most of these have been single family homes, a trend that is forecasted to continue. As the community grows, working to ensure a more balanced and diverse housing stock and affordability options is at the forefront of keeping our community vibrant and economically competitive.
From affordable single-family homes to townhomes, duplexes, and multifamily apartment buildings, housing choices with a variety of sizes, price points, and payment options can improve the economic diversity of a local community.
Taking living costs into consideration, an average blue-collar household in our area often has a slim budget, or no budget at all, to afford monthly rent. For example, after covering all other expenses, a Rosemount household with two adults, each making $20/hour, and two children only has $1,169 left for housing costs. On average, this is barely enough to afford a one-bedroom apartment in the multi-family properties built in Rosemount since 2010.
Additionally, in a tight labor market, a diverse housing stock allows workers to live near their employers. This is especially important for in-demand service jobs that
Volunteer Recognition
When you volunteer, your efforts strengthen the local services available to members of the community. Volunteering raises awareness of important social needs, connects communities, and builds friendships.
Each April, volunteers across our country are recognized for the countless hours of service donated to improve the lives of others.
have been experiencing chronic employment shortages, such as restaurant servers, retail cashiers, and daycare attendants, that help support the local economy. The lack of local workforce reduces many establishments hours of operation and discourages new business from opening due to hiring concerns.
Encouraging a multitude of housing options also helps further the economic goals of the City. The addition of new residents at different stages of life creates a diversified consumer profile that is important for attracting and sustaining a vibrant commercial base, such as new restaurants, groceries, entertainment venues, gyms and clothing boutiques. The City Council has emphasized attracting these types of experiential retail and entertainment establishments. These kinds of businesses rely on heavy foot traffic to remain viable, so encouraging denser housing near commercial centers helps attract them. Affordable and workforce housing is a major component of ensuring that students, seniors and service industry employees can live locally in their communities. By focusing on lifecycle housing, the City is poised to continue to expand economic opportunity while retaining the welcoming hometown feel Rosemount is known for.
Rosemount City Council offers its commendation and gratitude to citizens who donate their energy and time to improve the quality of life in Rosemount.
Change your life and those around you -volunteer! Share your talents, develop new skills, enhance your resume and feel good about giving back to the community. Check our website for the various ways you can make a difference: rosemountmn.gov/volunteer
@cityofrosemount @cityofrosemount @cityofrosemount Nextdoor City of Rosemount
651-423-4411
ENCOURAGING A MULTITUDE OF HOUSING OPTIONS SUPPORTS THE ECONOMIC GOALS OF THE CITY
Code Enforcement in Rosemount
Every summer, the City of Rosemount’s Sequential Code Enforcement Program highlights a specific neighborhood of the City. The goal of this program is to promote a high quality of life by offering education and ensuring compliance with city code. In every case, the City strives to work with and educate the property owners on best practices.
Each spring, letters are sent out to every property owner in the designated neighborhood. The letter explains the routine process for code compliance, current regulations, and typical violations.
Two weeks after notification is sent, the Code Enforcement Officer will conduct inspections by walking through the neighborhood. Any properties that are not in compliance with code will be notified in person or by mail to bring further awareness to the issue and offer a time period to address the problem.
What is the difference between general code enforcement and the sequential code enforcement program?
While code compliance is enforced on a complaint basis throughout the year, the sequential enforcement program allows for proactive code enforcement education. This occurs only during the late spring and summer months in a designated neighborhood – not across the entire city.
How does the City determine which neighborhood will be a part of the sequential code enforcement program each year?
The City rotates which neighborhood will participate on an early basis. This allows for each neighborhood to participate approximately every seven (7) years. A map of the neighborhood program is available on our website. For more information, search keyword Code Enforcement on the city website.
Annual WATER QUALITY Report
The 2022 Water Quality Report is available online can be viewed and printed from our website at: www.rosemountmn.gov/waterquality. The direct url, per state statute is: https://www.rosemountmn.gov/ DocumentCenter/View/217/WaterQuality-Report
If you wish to receive a printed copy, please contact the Public Works Department at 651-322-2022.
UPCOMING EVENTS
More details and event info can be found on our website on the Meetings & Events calendar.
ARBOR DAY TREE GIVEAWAY
Celebrate Earth Month by planting a tree. First come, first served. 150 FREE trees will be given, one tree per household. Be sure to call Gopher State One Call before you dig. 651-454-0002.
WHEN:
TIME:
WHERE:
Saturday, April 29th
10:00 a.m.
Public Works Facility, 14425 Brazil Avenue
CITY-WIDE GARAGE SALE
Rosemount Parks & Rec is coordinating this popular sale. A fee of $15 per household is charged to be included on the list that will be published county-wide. Deadline to register is April 28.
WHEN:
May 11-13
REGISTRATION:
QUESTIONS:
Parks and Recreation
13885 S. Robert Tr. 651-322-6000
SPRING CLEANUP
Residents are welcome to drop off items that are not normally collected by trash haulers, such as mattresses, appliances, and scrap metal. Free confidential shredding is also provided.
WHEN:
TIME:
WHERE:
Saturday, May 20
8 a.m. – Noon
DCTC East Lot 1300 145th St. E.
MEMORIAL DAY REMEMBER AND HONOR EVENT
Join elected officials, along with Rosemount VFW and Legion, in honoring the fallen soldiers of Rosemount in a special ceremony. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.
WHEN:
TIME:
WHERE:
Monday, May 29 11:00 a.m.
Central Park
SPRING 2023
EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR
2022 Police Officer of the Year
2022 Firefighter of the Year
Nathan Florine was selected by his peers as the 2022 Rosemount Firefighter of the Year. Florine started with the Rosemount Fire Department in September of 2016. It was apparent early on that his passion for the department and his firefighting duties were at a very high level. Whether responding to a service call or at training, he always brings a positive attitude and a smile with him.
Florine steps up for special duties when needed and quickly became a mentor for new recruits to lean on. We can count on Nathan to respond to calls regardless of the time of day or night, raining or snowing, or extreme weather conditions, he is there to respond to the needs of citizens when called. Florine puts himself out there to continuously learn new skills, challenge those around him, and take on leadership roles when needed. We congratulate firefighter Nathan Florine on being selected as the 2022 Firefighter of the Year, well deserved!
Officer Casey Murphy is the 2022 Rosemount Police Department Officer of the Year. Officer Murphy started with the City in 2017 when he was hired as a Community Service Officer (CSO). While working as a CSO, Casey completed his degree in Criminal Justice and was subsequently hired as a Police Officer in July of 2019. While Officer Murphy has been primarily assigned to the Patrol Division, he has taken on many roles within the Department. Currently, he works as a Field Training Officer, is a member of the Technology Committee and the Recruitment Team, and helps update an internal intelligence briefing on a monthly basis. Officer Murphy displays a high level of commitment to his work and is known for being a team player who often volunteers to work at community engagement activities.
Officer Murphy’s peers acknowledged him for his willingness to help whenever needed; supervisors praised him for his leadership, teamwork and thorough investigations. Throughout the year, the Department received several compliments from the public about his professionalism and compassion on various calls for service. Congratulations, Officer Murphy!
2023 Summer Construction Projects
Jay Simons Neighborhood, ½ mile north of Bonaire Path and west of Bacardi Avenue: This project includes street reconstruction and new sewer and water utilities to the neighborhood. A portion of Bacardi Avenue will also be upgraded with new pavement, plus an extension of the shared-use trail going 800 feet to the north.
Akron Avenue Extension, south of County 42: The road will be upgraded to modern standards, and utilities will be extended to the south. A trail alongside the road will be added, as well as a trail underpass to connect the Amber Fields neighborhood on the west side of Akron with park facilities on the east side.
Pavement Maintenance Program: A location map showing streets where crack sealing and pavement sealing activities are planned is available on the city website by searching keyword Pavement Management.
More details and regular updates available at www.rosemountmn.gov/construction
CITY NEWS
Congratulation to Fire Fighter Nathan Florine (left), Officer Casey Murphy (middle) and Dispatcher Tiffany Gleason (right).
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Summer Fire Safety
Spring is here and many of us celebrate a freshly grilled dinner and a bonfire under the stars. However, don’t forget to put safety first.
Outdoor Fire Pits
If using a portable fire pit, remember to keep them at a minimum 25 feet from all buildings or combustible material. This will help to ensure that any embers that escape the fire pit will extinguish themselves before landing on combustible surfaces. Keep an extinguishing agent like a water source or a fire extinguisher nearby. Always keep a kid-free zone of three feet around the campfire and never leave your campfire unattended. Most importantly, be sure to extinguish your campfire completely before turning in for the night. This is especially true for portable fire pits, as they often get pulled around to the side of the residence at the end of their use. If there are any embers still hot in the fire pit, they can flare up and catch the side of the house on fire. The maximum height of flames are 2 feet, and the maximum diameter of the fire is 3 feet. Prohibited burning materials includes: treated lumber, composite shingles, tar paper, insulation, composition board, hazardous waste, garbage, leaves, brush, oil, rubber, plastic, and tires.
Sign Up for No Mow May
Grilling
Never use a grill indoors and don’t leave it unattended. When lighting a grill, keep the top open to allow an area for flare up, should it occur. If the grill does not light in the first several attempts, stop and wait five minutes before trying again to allow the air in the grill area to clear out. When grilling, place the grill away from your home, deck railings, and out from under eaves in the event of a flare up. Most home fires involving grills are started by gas grills, not charcoal grills. Be sure to check the gas tank hose and connection on propane grills for leaks before using them for the first time each season.
Back again this year, Rosemount has proclaimed next month as No Mow May . During No Mow May, the City temporarily suspends enforcement of lawn height ordinances (8”) on residential properties. By reducing early mowing, we support the growth of early spring lawn flowers that help native pollinators find food sources after coming out of hibernation. Studies have shown that reducing the frequency of lawn mowing can increase the total number and diversity of pollinators in yards.
New for 2023, we’ve added some tips to our website to help you troubleshoot common issues. Search No Mow May on our website or use the QR code to learn more.
Here’s how to participate in No Mow May:
1. Register your home using our online form. Search No Mow May.
2. Pick up a sign (while supplies last) at City Hall (2875 145th Street West) and place it in your yard.
3. Stop mowing or mow less during the month of May.
4. Mow your lawn and go back to your normal mowing schedule by June 12.
Paper registration forms are also available at City Hall.
SPRING 2023
Annual WATER SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
More than 1,700 city-owned fire hydrants are flushed annually each spring. This process helps clear mineral deposits from the water mains and ensures that each hydrant is in peak operating condition in case of emergency. Occasionally this causes discolored water to appear from your faucets. If this happens, residents are encouraged to run the water in all taps in their home until the water is clear again. Avoid doing laundry until the water runs clear for several minutes.
More than 1,600 water valves will also be operated, examined, cleaned and repaired if necessary, during the multi-year inspection cycle. This process - like hydrant flushing - can stir up deposits in the water mains. Remember to let your cold water run for several minutes to clear the lines before calling in. If you continue to have issues with discolored or strong-smelling water, please call our Public Works department at 651-322-2022.
POND Inspections
The City of Rosemount has more than 250 stormwater ponds, lakes, and wetlands, a portion of which are inspected each year. City staff or hired consultants will look at the condition of pipes, for signs of erosion, accumulated sediment, trees/brush that block maintenance access, and other issues during inspections. You may see inspectors taking measurements, writing notes, taking samples, and taking pictures. In some cases, inspectors may wear waders or use canoes/kayaks to collect measurements and samples.
The City uses the inspections to generate and prioritize maintenance lists. The most common maintenance activity is the removal of brush and trees.
REPORTING Illegal Dumping and Spills
If you see spills or illegal dumping, we want to hear about it. For emergencies that are immediate threats to life or property or after-hours spills, call 9-1-1. For non-emergencies during business hours, contact Rosemount Public Works at 651-322-2022 or use our online reporting tools.
Storm drains in the street drain directly into neighborhood lakes, ponds, and wetlands. Look for these signs of dumping and spills on curbs, sidewalks, streets and in local waters:
• Oily sheens, suds or foams, unusual colors and/or odors, excessive trash
• Barrels with unknown contents
• Pipes with water flowing into ponds when it has not recently
• Unexplained staining on the curb
• Sanitary sewage (wastewater that looks like it should have been flushed down a toilet)
GREEN Rebates
Rosemount Stormwater Rebate
Property owners that install approved water quality improvement projects (e.g. raingardens, buffers, rain barrels, and native plant gardens) can receive a one-time rebate on their stormwater utility fee through the Stormwater Rebate program. Rebates range from $20-$500 and cannot exceed 50% of total qualifying costs. Apply early! Funding is limited and restrictions apply.
Water Efficiency Rebates
You can save money without sacrificing performance. Residents can apply to receive a one-time rebate on their water bill for installing WaterSense low flow toilets, Energy Star washing machines, WaterSense irrigation controllers, or by having an irrigation system audit. Rebates range in price from $50-$200 and cannot exceed 50% of the pretax cost. Apply early, as funds are limited.
For information about these programs and more ways to save, visit rosemountmn.gov/rebates
City Seeking Wetland Monitoring Volunteers
The Wetland Health Evaluation Program (WHEP) seeks volunteers to monitor wetlands this summer. You could be part of this important citizen science program in its 26th year!
WHEP volunteers work as a team to monitor five wetlands for vegetation and macroinvertebrates (bugs and other small critters from May through July. The time commitment is about 15 hours total over the course of the summer, and equipment and free training are provided.
More information is available at www.mnwhep.org
CITY NEWS
Minnesota Recycling Works
Have you ever questioned if recycling is worth it? Short answer: yes. Beyond saving energy and protecting natural resources, recycling also supports vital industries. Recycling is the process of collecting materials that would otherwise be thrown away and turning them into new products. Our cans, bottles and paper are dropped off at a local facility where people and machines sort the recycling into material types which are sent to many different companies:
• Paper and cardboard are made into newspapers, toilet paper rolls and cereal boxes at five paper mills in Minnesota.
• Cartons like juice boxes are sent to a company in Wisconsin that makes a material for new paper products.
• Aluminum cans get turned into new cans, wire, siding and more at plants in the South.
• Steel cans like those used for soup are made into steel beams in Chicago.
• Plastic bottles with a number 1 like water and soda bottles are shipped to other states to be made into new bottles and carpet.
• Plastic containers with a number 2 like milk jugs are transformed into low-maintenance lumber by companies like Avon Plastics in Paynesville.
• Cottage cheese and other plastic tubs with a number 5 are used to create food containers, car parts and more by companies in other states.
• Glass bottles and jars are sorted by color in St. Paul. Clear glass goes to Anchor Glass in Shakopee to make condiment bottles. Brown glass is sent to Illinois to make beer bottles. Our recycling is wanted by many companies in our state and across the country. Help support local recycling business:
• Stick to the basics: Recycle the items listed above.
• Keep it loose: Empty recycling into your bin – no plastic bags. Check the Recycling Guide for everything else: www.dakotacounty.us, search recycling guide.
Partially funded by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Dakota County.
Crash Course: Residential Recycling
Recycling can be confusing, even for the most environmentallyconscious. This crash course provides the low-down on where our recycling goes, why it seems like there are so many rules, and why it’s worth the work. Learn tips and tricks to recycle right and have your questions answered by an industry professional.
WHEN: May 9
TIME: 7 to 8 p.m.
WHERE: Steeple Center, Room 202
Crash Course: Organics
Organics recycling and composting have become increasingly trendy topics in the past years, but what really are they? Learn more about how composting works, how it benefits our community, and how you can easily do your part in this crash course. No yard, money, or effort required! Attendees will have the chance to win a countertop organics bin.
WHEN: May 23
TIME: 7 to 8 p.m.
WHERE: Steeple Center, Room 202
Farmers’ Market
WHERE: RCC Parking Lot
WHEN: Tuesday from 1-5 p.m.
DATES: June 13- Sept. 26
More Info:
info@stpaulfarmersmarket.com
SPRING 2023
City Hall
2875 - 145th Street West
Rosemount, MN 55068-4997
Phone: 651-423-4411 • TTY: 7-1-1 (Minnesota Relay)
Mayor: Jeff Weisensel
Council Members: Paul Essler, Heidi Freske, Tami Klimpel, Paul Theisen
City Administrator: Logan Martin
Hosting a Block Party? Apply for a Permit
Block parties are allowed in Rosemount on lowvolume resident streets, dead-end streets, or cul-de-sacs. No thoroughfares or collector streets may be used. To hold a block party, a resident or group of residents must fill out a special event application online. Applications must be turned in at least five business days in advance of the party. If the special event is approved, barricades will be
delivered, if requested, to the applicant’s address and should be returned to the same location for pick up following the event. There is no fee for a special event permit, but it helps us coordinate with public safety.
To apply, search keywords Block Party on our website and it will lead to the Special Event Permit page.
Printed on recycled paper ECRWSS Postal Customer PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES, MN PERMIT NO. 333
