Rosemount City News: Spring 2024

SPRING 2024

Welcome, Meta!

In the latest City News, we shared details about a major project, code-named Bigfoot or Jimnist. Since then, it has been revealed that this company is Meta – the parent company of Facebook. Meta recently confirmed plans to establish a data center in Rosemount, marking several years of work and one of the largest investments in the Twin Cities in the past decade. This development signals significant growth opportunities in infrastructure, job creation, and sustainability, and we’re thrilled to welcome Meta to Rosemount!

Infrastructure and Jobs: The $800 million investment will generate 1,000 construction jobs at its peak and 100 permanent positions once operational. Meta has collaborated with the City and Xcel Energy on local infrastructure enhancements, including energy upgrades and new transmission lines in the UMore area. Additionally, water line expansions will facilitate future development towards Hwy 52 and southward within UMore

Park, setting the stage for additional business park development. This development is poised to host other advanced industries, creating more skilled technology jobs and expanding the tax base. As with all business projects, development pays for itself. Meta is footing the bill for the majority of these critical infrastructure improvements.

Sustainability: Meta’s data center will prioritize sustainability, with plans for 100% renewable energy and LEED Gold Certification upon completion in 2026. Innovative cooling methods will enhance water efficiency, with water usage comparable to that of a mid-sized hotel. Globally, Meta aims to become water positive by 2030, restoring more water to the environment than is consumed.

Community Partnership: The Rosemount center is expected

2024 ELECTIONS CALENDAR

Primary Election: August 13, 2024

to generate significant local tax revenue and will partner with schools and organizations to support STEM education and community initiatives. Meta’s Community Action Grants program will provide funding for public schools, residents, small businesses, and nonprofits. Additionally, Meta supports water restoration projects in the areas surrounding their facilities.

We’re thrilled to have Meta as a dynamic new partner, aligning with Rosemount’s goals to be a hub for innovative businesses. Their commitment to community engagement and partnerships will undoubtedly benefit Rosemount for years to come.

General Election: November 5, 2024

For more details regarding candidate filing, registering to vote, where to vote, requesting an absentee ballot, please visit rosemountmn.gov/elections or call the City Clerk at 651-322-2003.

Become an election judge – serve your community and get paid! Election Judges work as a team of community members to run a polling place on Election Day. As an election judge you can cycle through a variety of roles throughout the day: open/close the polls, greet voters, help voters register, check in voters and more! Apply on our website.

Zoning Code Update – What’s in a Code?

Over the past eighteen months, city staff along with our consulting team, the Planning Commission, and the City Council, have been reviewing, organizing, and proposing changes to the City’s Zoning Code. The intended result is clarity, consistency, and confidence by both developers and homeowners looking to invest in Rosemount.

What is a zoning code?

A city’s zoning code typically covers topics such as allowed uses (e.g., breweries and daycares), densities (how many homes per acre), and setbacks (distances from buildings, roads, etc.). Zoning helps to prepare for development while aligning with the city’s long-range planning efforts.

How is the Code changing?

Zoning Districts are being consolidated from 21 to 13 to help simplify the code and

Code Enforcement

eliminate district types that weren’t being used. A consistent naming approach has been proposed. In addition, the city is modernizing the code by eliminating obsolete uses and adding modern day uses. It will ensure that the new code complies with state and federal requirements. The proposed changes do NOT affect how the city is developed. All development is still directed by the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.

These changes will make it easier for businesses to understand how they fit in the community, along with streamlining and clarifying development processes for all property owners. The proposed changes will be considered by the City Council in May.

If you would like to learn more about this process and how the zoning code is utilized, please visit the city website and search keywords Zoning Code Update

Code Enforcement is utilized to enforce zoning and property maintenance laws for city residences. These laws, referred to as the City Codes, are specific to Rosemount and based on neighborhood expectations. Well-maintained properties help to increase and promote community pride, economic vitality, safety, and health. The City’s objective in enforcing code compliance is to enhance the quality of life for Rosemount residents through active education on these standards and best practices.

As summer approaches, the Sequential Enforcement Program will soon begin. This program operates seasonally, starting in the spring and continuing into early fall. Each year, a neighborhood is highlighted for block-by-block inspections based on a rotating selection process. Thus, each neighborhood can expect to participate in this program approximately every seven years. In early spring, letters will be sent to every property owner in the designated neighborhood. The letter will outline the routine process for code compliance, current regulations, and common violations. Two weeks after sending letters, the code enforcement officer will conduct inspections in the neighborhood. Properties found to be in violation of the City Codes will receive a correction notification on their door or by mail, raising awareness of the issue and providing a specified timeframe for correcting the violation.

It is important to note that complaint-based code enforcement runs simultaneously throughout the whole year. Complaint-based code enforcement is reactive while the Sequential Enforcement Program is proactive and seasonal. Currently, City staff and the City Council are exploring options to incorporate additional year-round code enforcement mechanisms into City Code. If you have any further questions regarding general code compliance or the Sequential Code Enforcement program, please contact the Chief Building Official, Jon Phelps, at jon.phelps@rosemountmn.gov.

Special Event Permit

Block parties are allowed in Rosemount on low-volume resident streets, dead-end streets, or cul-desacs. No thoroughfares or collector streets may be used. There are several block parties in the City each year.

To hold a block party (a special event), 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. 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. To apply, visit the city website and search keywords Event Permit.

Wear Bright Colors at Night

As we enter the season of warmer weather and glorious evenings, many of us venture out for walks with our children or pets to enjoy the fresh air. As Fire Chief, I often respond to calls in the late evening and overnight hours. In those dark hours of the evening, I often come across people walking or jogging on city streets dressed in very dark clothing, with little to no artificial lighting or reflective material. I have had more than one unnerving surprise over the years while responding to an emergency call. I would like to encourage those that venture out in the evenings to wear bright colors along with reflective material/vest and a light source of some kind. I personally recommend holding or wearing a blinking light or a flashlight; both items bring great awareness to your location. These simple steps will make it much easier for those in cars to get a visual of you well ahead of time and help to prevent an unnecessary tragedy. Here’s to a safe summer for all!

–Chief Schroeder

Police Officer Career Transition Program

Think it’s too late to transition from your current career into law enforcement? It’s not! The Rosemount Police Department recently launched a new hiring initiative, called the Police Officer Career Transition Program. This initiative offers a legitimate pathway to policing for individuals who are already established in a career but looking to transition into public safety.

As the program developed, keen focus was kept on how to alleviate the challenges and burdens that come with making a career transition. How could we help those individuals who are already have a job, rent or a mortgage, and possibly supporting a family, make the transition and survive?

The Rosemount City Council supported a non-sworn and full-time position in the police department with a primary assignment of attending an accelerated law enforcement education program. Those hired receive full benefits, earn the starting salary of a licensed officer, and their tuition costs are covered by the City.

Minimum qualifications require candidates to have an Associate’s degree.

The inaugural position was filled by Cody Barnes in January of this year, and he is currently attending the five-month Peace Officer Education Program at Hennepin Technical College. Cody is paid to go to school full-time and is expected to graduate at the end of May. Following graduation, Cody will take the Peace Officer Licensing Exam and be eligible to work as a fully licensed and sworn officer with the City in June of this year.

In an exciting new development, RPD received a state funding award for $100,000 to hire and train two additional candidates in the Intensive Comprehensive Peace Officer Education and Training Program (ICPOETP). This is a new effort that will begin in October of 2024. To be eligible for the ICPOETP funding, cities are required to establish an initiative like our Police Officer Career Transition Program. Thankfully, we were ahead of the ball and will be posting for this position soon!

HIRING SPOTLIGHT

Full-time Fire Chief

Rosemount residents are proud of their Fire Department and so are we! The members of our Fire Department are committed to protecting the community and they deserve our support. These fine public servants are paid per call, often waking up in the middle of the night to serve before heading to their “regular” job. Did you know - the department receives over 1,000 calls per year, representing a significant growth in the last decade.

Continuing to Build the City

As the City continues to grow and develop, Public Works leads the way to ensure that infrastructure systems are built to meet the needs of additional homes and businesses. In addition to our annual Neighborhood Street Improvement project, here are the following major City-led construction projects for this year:

As you can imagine, leading a 50-person Fire Department in a rapidly developing city is a big task, yet many residents don’t realize that our dedicated Fire Chief is not a full-time employee of the City. Chief Rick Schroeder has served tirelessly for the past 11 years to run the Fire Department, a City service that resident surveys rank as critical. As such, we’re thrilled to announce that we will be hiring a full-time Fire Chief in the coming months. This is a great opportunity to ensure that the Fire Department continues to be able to provide excellent service to our residents.

The new Fire Chief will work with us on crafting a plan for additional staffing support to the Fire Department. Options include “duty crews”, which are dedicated teams on a set-schedule who respond to every call, along with other options for more guaranteed staffing. We cherish our volunteer department and that will continue to be the bedrock upon which Rosemount is served. With over 1,000 calls for service each year, it’s simply time to augment those volunteers with additional support. We’re excited to watch the Department continue to flourish into the future.

Trunk Watermain along County Road 42 – this will be an expansion of the City’s water system to enable land to the east of Akron Avenue to continue to develop.

Aspen Avenue Extension – a new extension will be built to connect County Road 42 with Connemara Trail. This will support the opening of the Life Time facility and commercial businesses on the west side, while enabling redevelopment of properties on the east side of the road.

Akron Avenue South Extension – This road is being upgraded to modern standards, with utilities being extended to the south to serve the Amber Fields development and other land nearby. A roadside trail and an underpass are included to connect the Amber Fields neighborhood with park facilities on the east side.

For more information, please visit the Construction Updates page of our website at rosemountmn.gov/construction.

UPDATES Park Projects

Park Project Updates

Stay up to date with all the new park projects

Rosemount is getting three new parks, new outdoor pickleball courts, and some playground replacements. We’ve created a new webpage for you to check in on the status of current and upcoming park construction projects. Visit our website and search keywords park updates .

Easements:

What are they and why do you need to keep them clear?

An easement is an area on a private property with restrictions on what current and future property owners can do. Most properties in Rosemount have easements that were granted to the City and other utility companies at the time of original development to allow access to inspect and maintain utilities and to allow the flow and storage of stormwater runoff.

While the typical drainage and utility easement on a Rosemount property is 5’ wide along the sides and 10’ wide at the front and back, some properties have much larger easements.

Construction or placement of sheds, garden boxes, firepits, patios, pools, play structures, retaining walls, compost bins, brush piles, and trees is not allowed in easements. Additionally, wetland buffer easements also restrict vegetation maintenance activities like mowing and removing trees.

Why is it important to keep these areas open for access? The City and utility companies need to get to these areas quickly in emergency situations. Structures or debris that are in the way can cause delays that could lead to additional property damage and injuries. Additionally, changing the grade/elevation in an easement can lead to standing water in your yard or your neighbor’s yard.

Most property surveys or plats will show the easements which are on the property, but the best ways to locate easements are to do a title search and work with a surveyor. Contact Rosemount Public Works at 651-322-2022 if you have questions about easements in your yard.

Mow

Less M ay

Rosemount has proclaimed May 2024 as Mow Less May. During this time, the City will temporarily suspend enforcement of lawn height ordinances on residential properties in good standing. We encourage property owners to adopt the following four practices to help pollinators and reduce pollution from lawn care:

• Low Input Mowing – keep lawns at least 4” in length and leave clippings in place to reduce fertilizer needs

• Leave Leaves – wait until after the very end of May to clean up gardens and to allow hibernating pollinators to emerge from hollow stems and leaves

• Plant Natives – participate in local grant rebate programs like Landscaping for Clean Water, Rosemount Stormwater Utility Rebates, and Lawns to Legumes to help add pollinator habitat and to create attractive gardens.

Visit rosemountmn.gov/rebates for more info.

• Only Water & Fertilize When Needed – lawns only need one inch of water per week to remain green, and may need only one fertilizer application per year in the fall. Irrigate wisely and consider having a soil test performed by the University of Minnesota can help determine the right amount of fertilizer needed. Visit soiltest.cfans.umn.edu for details.

Learn more and register your property for Mow Less May. Visit the city website and search keywords Mow Less May.

ANNUAL Hydrant Flushing = Discolored

Water

Nearly 1,800 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, flushing causes discolored water to appear from your faucets. If this happens, we encourage you to run the water in all taps in the home until the water is clear again. Avoid doing laundry until the water runs clear for several minutes. If you continue to have issues with discolored or strong-smelling water, please call our Public Works department at 651-322-2022 or use our online Report an Issue tool.

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 afterhours spills that are flowing, call 9-1-1. For non-emergencies during business hours, call Rosemount Public Works at 651-322-2022 or use our online reporting tools.

Storm drains in the street drain to neighborhood lakes, ponds, and wetlands; the water does not get treated first. Look for these signs of dumping and spills:

• Oily sheens, suds or foams, unusual colors and/or odors, excessive trash

• Barrels with unknown contents

• Pipes with flowing water when it has not recently rained

• Unexplained stains on the curb

• Sanitary sewage (wastewater that look s like it should have been flushed down a toilet)

GREEN Rebates

Rosemount Stormwater Rebate

Property owners who install approved water quality improvement projects (e.g. raingardens, buffers, rain barrels, native plant gardens) can a receive a one-time rebate on their Rosemount utility bill through the Stormwater Rebate program. Rebates range from $20-$500 and cannot exceed 50% of total qualifying costs.

Water Efficiency Rebates

You can save money without sacrificing performance. Residents can apply to receive a one-time rebate on their water bill by installing replacement WaterSense toilets, Energy Star washing machines and dishwashers, WaterSense irrigation controllers, or by having an irrigation system audit. Rebates range from $50-$200 and cannot exceed 50% of pretax costs.

Funding is limited and restrictions apply! Apply early and find more ways to save at rosemountmn.gov/rebates.

WATER QUALITY Report

Water is a highly regulated resource, and the City of Rosemount is dedicated to providing clean and safe drinking water to all residents. The City issues an annual Water Quality Report to keep you informed.

The 2023 Water Quality Report is available and can be viewed and printed from our website at: rosemountmn.gov/waterquality .

If you wish to receive a printed copy, please contact the Public Works Department at 651-322-2022.

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! WHEP volunteers work as a team to monitor five wetlands for vegetation, bugs, and other small critters from May through July. The time commitment is about 20 hours total for the entire summer; equipment and free training are provided. More information is available at mnwhep.org.

More information is available at www.mnwhep.org.

Stay organized with The Recycling Zone

The Recycling Zone in Eagan is a destination for the stuff that doesn’t belong in your home curbside cart. With the drive-thru setup, you stay in your car while staff unload materials from the trunk or backseat. Put smaller items in a box that you can leave behind. The Recycling Zone, located at 3365 Dodd Road in Eagan, is open all year, four days a week. For a complete list of accepted items and drop-off hours, visit www.dakotacounty.us, search recycling zone. Partially funded by Dakota County and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

Accepted items – free drop-off unless noted:

• Auto products like motor oil, antifreeze and gas

• Bug killers/repellants

• Cardboard (no larger than 36 inches by 36 inches)

• Cleaners

• Electronics (fee for TVs and computer monitors)

• Lightbulbs — all types

• Needles and sharps (in a closed rigid container, keep in front seat)

• Paints and stains

• Personal care products like nail polish and hair dye

• Propane tanks and aerosol sprays

• Scrap metal

Event listings:

CITYWIDE GARAGE SALE

A list of participating addresses will be published county-wide in the SUN Thisweek newspaper and made available at local businesses

WHEN: May 9-11

• Small household electronics like toasters and vacuums

• String lights and cords

• Tires (fee)

• Vaping devices

• Weed killer

• Most products that say caution, warning, danger or poison

The Recycling Zone does not accept

• Appliances

• Carpet

• Furniture

• Humidifiers and dehumidifiers

• Lumber

• Mattresses

• Medical waste and medications

• Yard waste

*If you have an unknown or unique household chemical email recyclingzone@co.dakota.mn.us prior to dropping off to work with The Recycling Zone staff about safe handling.

SPRING CLEANUP

Residents are welcome to drop off items that are not normally collected by trash haulers. For more information and pricing, please visit rosemountmn.gov and search for citywide cleanup events

WHEN: May 18

TIME: 8 a.m. to noon

MEMORIAL DAY EVENT

Join our local elected officials and members of the local chapters of the American Legion and VFW in honoring the fallen soldiers of Rosemount in a special Memorial Day Ceremony.

WHEN: May 27

TIME: 11 a.m.

WHERE: Central Park

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

National Community Survey Volunteer Recognition

National Volunteer Week is April 21-27. Volunteers across our country will be recognized for the countless hours of service donated to improve the lives of others. We celebrate the many residents who donate their time and energy to serve on City commissions, help plan and execute events like Leprechaun Days, serve as coaches or mentors, ensure safe elections, and help improve the quality of life in Rosemount.

What would you like Rosemount to focus on? How do you feel about Rosemount as a place to live? We value your opinions and want to know your thoughts for upcoming planning and budget decisions. Let us know by taking the National Community Survey. A random selection of Rosemount residents has already given their feedback in a mailed survey. Now, it’s your turn!

The online survey opens on April 30th and will close on May 14th. It takes about 15 minutes to complete. Visit rosemountmn.gov/survey today to take the survey and review past results. The 2024 survey results will be shared with the community on this same page in mid-June.

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 out our website for more details on how to get started: rosemountmn.gov/volunteer