Rosemount City Newsletter - January 2023

HOME & BUSINESS EXPO!

Did you know? Small businesses generate $68 of local economic return for every $100 spent with them. Shopping locally is great for the community and the environment. Plus, our business owners volunteer and donate to Rosemount causes. Get to know local businesses, plan for a home improvement project, or interview area service providers.

rosemountmn.gov/expo

WHEN:

TIME:

WHERE:

WHAT:

Saturday, March 18 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Rosemount Community Center, 13885 S. Robert Trail Businesses, coffee cart, food trucks, family fun, and door prizes galore!

Demystifying Development

Our Community Development team is often working with several prospects to bring jobs, services, and growth to Rosemount – and we typically aren’t able to disclose which businesses we are working with. Many citizens wonder why this is. Shouldn’t residents know who might be building in town?

While confidential transactions are common in the site selection and real estate development industry, government is traditionally associated with transparency and publicly available information. Because actions taken by city commissions and City Council are open to the public, certain businesses are often hesitant to make applications to the City until they are well-along their own process of site selection and due diligence.

The reality is that businesses typically “shop around” until they are fairly certain that they have found the right spot to develop. Their goal is to minimize their risk and financial investment until they have done their homework. This homework includes working with the City to analyze planning and zoning requirements, public infrastructure such as roads or energy requirements, plus researching real estate

availability, workforce needs, and any potential conflicts, just to name a few. While this work can be relatively straightforward for businesses that are driven to locate near their customers (retail, gas stations etc.), it becomes a bit more complex for large companies who are often considering multiple sites across multiple cities, states or regions of the country. In cases of publicly-traded companies, they are sensitive to news of their location and growth plans getting out ahead of official announcements. Plans often have competitive implications for real estate negotiations, employee retention if a relocation is being considered, and potential impacts to stock prices if development plans change or are released ahead of schedule.

Like many projects our Community Development team works with, it is less about the “who” and more about what type of business it is, if and how it integrates into the growth plans of the community, and does it conform with City Code.

For more information on current development opportunities in Rosemount, visit rosemountmn.gov/business.

A Codename Case Study: “Project Osprey”

HOME DEPOT 417,000 SQ.FT. DISTRIBUTION CENTER

One example of a recent project that successfully located in Rosemount was called “Project Osprey” during their development plans and series of approvals – which lasted nearly a year. Today that project is publicly known as a 417,000 square foot distribution center for The Home Depot located near Highway 3. Project Osprey started like many of these prospects, with an inquiry from a representative of a site selection team looking to find a suitable location for a Fortune 500 company’s next distribution location. Cities often are asked to respond to a questionnaire based on a series of requirements that meet the needs of the business seeking a new location. It is almost never known who the company is at that time for many of the reasons outlined above. From there, the company narrows down a list of potential sites based on these responses and chooses to engage with a number of communities based on a refined set of criteria. At that point, the identity of the company may be revealed, but more commonly the identity is requested to remain confidential as they further narrow the list of sites under consideration. Staff worked closely with the Project Osprey development team for nearly two years as they worked through everything from site design, infrastructure needs – in this case the extension of a local road in the business park was necessary to facilitate truck access to Highway 3, to any specific requests or deviations from City Code to make the facility compatible with the site they had selected in Rosemount.

During that time, you may have seen or heard the codename “Project Osprey” during a Planning Commission or Port Authority meeting. This is when we as the City start getting questioned about the secrecy of a project. However, there are often circumstances where a project will be nearly ready to go, preparing for public application, and then something will happen either on their end or due to market conditions and plans change. So until the business is almost certain that they have done their due diligence and are ready to apply for building permits and break ground, they maintain their confidentiality.

Today The Home Depot is currently hiring a number of people for their Rosemount location, investing locally, and contributing to the growing tax base of our thriving community.

JOIN A CITY COMMISSION

Rosemount residents can help set the direction of their community by applying to serve on a City Commission. These groups help to advise the City Council on issues of importance. Current commission openings include: Parks and Recreation, Planning, Utility, Port Authority, Environment and Sustainability, and Youth. There are multiple openings this year. Residents interested in serving on a commission can learn more and apply online at rosemountmn.gov/commissions. Applications are due by March 3, 2023.

PART-TIME SUMMER HELP NEEDED

The City of Rosemount hires seasonal staff each year to help us get all our work completed. Summer seasonal staff assist with mowing of parks, open spaces and boulevards, ballfield maintenance, taking care of flower gardens, street and utility maintenance tasks, as well as recreational programs. For information about seasonal job positions and to become a part of the team, visit rosemountmn.gov/jobs. Sign up to receive a notification when jobs are posted.

HELPFUL CITY MAPS AVAILABLE

The City’s website contains a collection of mobile-friendly maps that can help you explore our parks and trail systems, learn about current construction and development projects in the community, locate a new restaurant in town, explore the city’s zoning and land use designations, and so much more! This page is easily accessible by selecting the Interactive City Maps link under Common Service Requests on our homepage.

FIRE

Your City Property Taxes in Action

$40.03

Supports a 45-member volunteer paid per call Fire Department. Provides 24/7 Fire and First Responder service to the City.

COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

SAVINGS FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS

PARKS & RECREATION

1,103 CALLS FOR SERVICE RESPONDED TO IN 2022.

CITY HALL OPERATIONS

Building permits and inspections,long-range planning & zoning, and all business recruitment efforts are included in these funds.

$94.59 $130.80

Wisely saving for the

Funds are dedicated to planning and saving for anticipated projects, such as the Life Time partnership, new PD/PW campus, street projects, and large scale equipment purchases. Saving for the future helps lessen the impact on tax payers.

$135.50

Delivers programming and amenities for seniors, youth, and families across 29 parks, the Steeple Center, and the Community Center.

$187.72

Includes City Council initiatives, marketing & social media efforts, human resources management for the City, all budget, admin, and finance operations, as well as the City’s insurance protections.

A HOME WITH A VALUE OF $384,800 WILL PAY $1,235 ANNUALLY IN CITY PROPERTY TAXES. HERE’S HOW THE $1,235 IS USED BY THE CITY

$271.19

Provides for maintenance & plowing of 281 miles of public streets, management of 205 acres of green space, upkeep of public buildings, along with fuel and fleet management for City operations.

17,890 CALLS FOR SERVICE RESPONDED TO BY PD IN 2022.

A team of 27 officers and three records staff providing 24/7 police protection, including School Resource Officers, Drug Task Force agents, SWAT team members, and more.

$375.17

2023 Budget Update

Establishing the annual budget is one of the most critical tasks that the City undertakes each year. Budgeting during a time of economic volatility is even more critical, and we are pleased to report that a responsible and conscientious 2023 Budget was officially established in December. The City’s rapid growth and expansion of the tax base (up 20%) allowed us to reduce the City’s overall tax rate, and the tax levy amount needed to fund the City’s operations increased by just 5.29%. This results in the median-valued home seeing taxes increase by about $69. The accompanying graphic articulates the vast array of services that we all receive from our City taxes. We are proud of the work that we do with the tax dollars received. We will continue to operate the City as efficiently as possible, while keeping in mind the pressures that the current economy places on all facets of life.

For additional budget info please visit rosemountmn.gov/ budget or call City Administrator Logan Martin at 651-322-2006.

Remember to Pick Up After Your Pets

A fresh clean snow does not erase what’s left after Fido runs in the backyard or goes with you on neighborhood walks. The pile is still there waiting for the next melt. Save yourself time this spring and show courtesy for your neighbors by doing regular poop scoops!

Pet waste contains bacteria and phosphorus that can travel via runoff into local waterbodies, causing algae blooms that hamper recreation. Pet waste can also contain parasites that are more likely to stick around in the soil the longer it is left on the ground, increasing the chances that you, your family, and other pets can get sick. City Code requires that you pick up after your pets when on public property, and that you clean your yard of pet waste at least weekly (more often if there is a nuisance condition).

Be prepared when you go out for dog walks and remember to bring bags or scoopers with you. Leave your supplies and a conveniently located trash can by the back door of your home so you’re not tempted to delay yard clean up. You’ll enjoy your yard more, and your neighbors will appreciate your responsible pet ownership.

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

Rick Chase

We are pleased to announce our 2022 Employee of the Year, Rick Chase. Serving in a dual role since April of 2016, Rick’s commitment to the City of Rosemount has been unparalleled and unprecedented. Not only was he our Building Official, but he also served as the City’s Fire Marshall. And whether at a fire scene until 3 a.m. or working with a resident to make sure their home improvement project goes smoothly - he always had a smile and encouraging words to share.

Rick demonstrated exceptional leadership in the Building Inspections division. He consistently went above and beyond his duty to provide solutions that benefit both the tax payers of Rosemount, as well as other employees within City Hall. Recently, he worked with a local business going through an expansion and identified an opportunity that likely saved that business over a million dollars. We often received messages from residents and business owners complimenting us on their positive interaction with the City.

In early 2023, Rick retired from City service. If you know someone who is a leader in the building trades, we are currently hiring in our Building Inspections division.

Learn more at r osemountmn.gov/jobs .

“ Rick demonstrated exceptional leadership in the Building Inspections division.”

2023 Neighborhood Infrastructure Improvements Project

In 2023, the City will be performing full reconstruction and extension of municipal utilities on the following streets:

• Bacardi Avenue from the current edge of pavement to about 500 feet north of 128th Street W

• 128th Street W between Bacardi Avenue and Bengal Avenue West

• 130th Way between Bengal Avenue and 130th Street W

• Bengal Avenue between 128th Street W and 130th Street W

Exterior Maintenance for Safety

As the snow continues to pile up, the Rosemount Fire Department asks that you take the time to ensure that your gas meter is free and clear of snow and ice. The gas meter on your home has a vent on one side that allows a diaphragm to breath which helps to regulate gas pressure. Excessive weight on the meter from snow and ice can also cause stress on the gas lines which could create a leak. Other often overlooked areas this time of the year include the venting area of your clothes dryer, the furnace vent, gas fireplace vents and egress windows. Ensuring that these areas are free of snow and ice will keep your home running smoothly and help to keep you safe during the winter months!

Many properties in this neighborhood have failing septic systems. As part of this project, utility services will be stubbed into the front yard of each property to allow for connections and conversions from well and septic systems to the City utility system.

For more information regarding this and other construction projects, please visit the Construction Updates page of our website at rosemountmn.gov/construction

Help Us, Help You!

Be a Hydrant Hero

Seconds count in a structure fire. Can the Fire Department get to the hydrants closest to your home or business in the winter? If the answer is no, a fire could double in size while firefighters clear access to the hydrant during an emergency. We ask that you adopt the hydrant closest to your home or business. To help, shovel a three-foot clearance around the hydrant, plus a path to the street.

Be a Drain Defender

As time allows, our Public Works crews monitor blocked street drains at our most wellknown spots for street flooding. With more than 5,600 drains throughout town this is a very tall order, and we’d greatly appreciate your help. Please consider taking a few extra minutes to clear excess snow from your nearest storm drain. Find your nearest drain with a handy map from Adopt-a-Drain: mn.adopt-a-drain.org/map

Remember, these are physical tasks that could be a challenge to some people. Please work with your neighbors and offer to help when you can.

Report an Issue or Ask Questions 24-7

We’ve made reporting a concern or asking questions as simple as a few quick taps on your phone. Have a question? Ask Lucky! Simply text “Hello” to 866-283-7768 to chat with our virtual assistant. You can ask questions, get web links, or report an i ssue even after normal business hours.

COMMON NON-EMERGENCY ISSUES

ILLEGAL PARKING, ANIMAL CONTROL, ILLEGAL TRASH DUMPING

Report potholes, code enforcement issues, utility concerns, graffiti, broken equipment, mailbox damage and much more by visiting our website and clicking on the REPORT ISSUES button located on the homepage of our site or go directly to rosemountmn.gov/report. This tool allows you to submit nonemergency problems or requests for service in the city of Rosemount.

Please note: For Police and Fire issues, emergency or nonemergency, you must call 9-1-1. Some common examples of nonemergency issues include: illegal parking, animal control, illegal trash dumping.

Add Some Wow to Your Yard with a New Pollinator or Rain Garden

Maybe it’s time for the Joneses to keep up with you! Create a gorgeous and eco-friendly garden with an assist from the Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District’s (SWCD) Landscaping for Clean Water Program. Free classes are your one stop shop for how-to design, purchase, plant and apply for a grant for a new pollinator or rain garden.

Here’s how it works: attend a free Introductory Class, attend a Design Workshop, apply for a $250 reimbursement grant, then install your new garden. Voilà! A garden to make your neighbors green with envy. You can take the first step towards landscaping supremacy by signing up for the Free Introductory Class at DakotaSWCD.org/services/landscaping-forclean-water or by calling 651-480-7777. Other grant and rebate programs that can be used together with the Landscaping for Clean Water Program can be found on our website at rosemountmn.gov/rebates.

Declutter Cleaners for a Fresh Start

Sprucing up your home should include properly cleaning out unwanted chemical cleaning supplies. Don’t wait to declutter your surplus of sprays, bug killers, and unused drain cleaners. Gather all your cleaning products and potentially hazardous items from under the sink, storage closets, and garage. Decide what you would actually use in the next year. Put everything else in a box and bring to The Recycling Zone.

The Recycling Zone is your onestop drop-off for most products labeled caution, warning, danger or poison. Residents can bring cleaners, personal care products like nail polish and sunscreen, paint, yard and garden chemicals, bug killers and more for free.

The site is open four days a week all year. Find open hours, directions and the full list of items accepted at www.dakotacounty.us, search recycling zone

Partially funded by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Dakota County.

MAKE THE RECYCLING ZONE YOUR ONE-STOP DROP-OFF

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

New Public Works & Police Campus Update

AS OUR CITY GROWS AND CHANGES, so too, do our service demands and organizational needs related to public safety and infrastructure maintenance. In 2017, a Facilities Task Force was formed to analyze current and future needs and concluded that a new facility was needed soon. An architectural firm was hired to confirm the recommendation and provide an in-depth analysis of future needs. After many years of planning, the City is now in the final stages of designing a new home for its Public Works and Police Departments. Located on Biscayne Avenue, just to the north of the existing MN National Guard maintenance shop, this 160,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility is designed to serve the City’s growing needs for

decades to come. The campus will feature new offices, meeting rooms and training spaces to fully house both departments under one roof, a muchneeded emergency operations center, support for the City’s focus on mental health in policing, hosting regional training events and community meetings, and expanded space for our fleet maintenance and equipment storage. Construction is anticipated to start this summer after plans are finalized and the City receives bids from contractors. We expect construction to take approximately 18 months to complete and are projecting a move-in date of late 2024. Watch for more information on this exciting project, including financing details and a project webpage, in the coming months!

BISCAYNE AVENUE ERICKSON PARK