FALL 2026
Rosemount Fire Department Named 2026 Fire Department of the Year The Rosemount Fire Department has been named the 2026 Minnesota State Fire Department Association Fire Department of the Year! This award recognizes a department that demonstrates outstanding public service, leadership, and teamwork. Over the past year, the Rosemount Fire Department has embraced significant growth and change as the community continues to grow. Call volume has increased by 55 percent in just two years, and the department has taken steps to make sure it is prepared to meet the needs of Rosemount today and in the future.
Some of the department’s accomplishments include establishing a duty crew program, adding full-time staff, expanding EMT training, investing in new equipment, completing a staffing and station study, and implementing new training and command structures. Congratulations to the Rosemount Fire Department on this well-deserved recognition! This honor was officially recognized by the City Council on Oct. 6. Watch the full video on the City’s YouTube channel @CityofRosemount.
Federal Grant to Add Nine Full-Time Firefighters in 2027 As Rosemount continues to grow, so does the need for emergency response services. The City has been awarded a federal grant to help fund nine new full-time firefighter positions in 2027 for the Rosemount Fire Department. The federal grant is called the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant. The SAFER program helps local fire departments have enough paid firefighters and resources to meet national standards for staffing, response times, and operations. Currently, the Rosemount fire department has only three full-time staff members, including
the fire chief, while the rest of the department is made up of paid-on-call firefighters. Adding nine full-time positions will significantly expand the department’s staffing capacity and help provide more consistent coverage for the community. The grant is another important step in building a staffing model that can support Rosemount’s continued growth. This builds on the department’s ongoing efforts to prepare for the future and provide reliable emergency response for Rosemount residents. FALL 2026
Fire Station 2 Improvements
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Community members may notice increased South Perspective activity at the station as remodeling work gets underway. The City is making improvements to Fire Station 2 to support Dayroom-Kitchen-Dining Dayroom a 24-hour staffing model. The remodel will provide spaces that support firefighters working around the clock, including areas focused on their health, safety, and wellness. East Perspective For more than 20 years, Fire Station 2 has served Rosemount well. As the community and fire department have grown, the needs of the station have changed, too. The Lobby remodel will build on the existing facility and add the spaces and features needed to support today’s firefighters. Project highlights include: • New entrance and lobby to provide an improved and welcoming main entrance • Additional space for vehicles and equipment • New office and day room spaces to support 24/7 staffing • Decontamination showers and appliances to support firefighter health and safety • Fitness area to support firefighter health and wellness • Improved ventilation system to help maintain a healthier station environment The project is expected to take approximately 10 months to complete. Find more info at rosemountmn.gov/Fire.
Water Quality Meeting Recap
On August 18, the City Council and Utility Commission met jointly to hear from staff about a narrowed set of options for addressing Gross Alpha levels in city water. City staff presented two main options to resolve the issue: 1. Controlled blending of water from affected wells. (~$2M) 2.Build a water treatment plant that would treat water from affected wells. (~$36-54M) While both options have a financial cost, the City doesn’t expect either option to increase fees for residents as the City’s current water rates and financial plans have enough funding to pay for the work. During the meeting, the group also discussed a potential sequenced approach
that would combine the two options. Under this approach, blending infrastructure could be built in 2027 while the City continues developing plans for a potential water treatment plant. Staff is working to further evaluate and develop this concept for future City Council discussion. The City Council plans to give staff final direction on which option to move forward with in November. More information from that meeting can be found on the City’s Water Quality webpage at rosemountmn.gov/WaterQuality. The page will continue to be updated quarterly in conjunction with each City newsletter.
I N C A S E Y O U M I S S E D I T : Rosemount City Council has a bold vision for the future of our
651-423-4411 Scan code or visit rosemountmn.gov/Built2Play.
Parks & Recreation system. Built to Play a multi year investment in several projects designed to strengthen our parks, recreation facilities, and community gathering spaces. The City is committed to ensuring that every resident has access to safe, modern, and welcoming amenities where they can connect, compete, and have fun. Explore the concepts and learn more about the proposed investment.
FUNDING OUR FUTURE:
How Rosemount Is Paying for Three Major Initiatives
Rosemount is strengthening water safety, modernizing fire service, and investing in parks and recreation - each with a funding plan designed with fiscal responsibility and long-term stability in mind. Here’s a breakdown of what’s underway and how the City is paying for it:
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WATER QUALITY: Addressing Gross Alpha in the Water System Rosemount is researching and designing solutions to reduce Gross Alpha levels in our municipal water supply. We are committed to providing clean, safe, reliable drinking water now and into the future. HOW IT’S FUNDED: This project is paid for through water utility funds. The city has been wisely saving for future infrastructure needs. That means the water treatment projects will not impact your property taxes. Instead, we will be able to use a combination of those infrastructure savings and standard water rate increases to pay for the chosen solution. Please refer to the update on page 2 for estimated costs based on the proposed solution.
2 FIRE SAFETY:
Expanding Service for a Growing Community Calls for service in Rosemount continue to rise. The City is transitioning the Fire Department into a full-time service model, expanding staffing and modernizing operations to ensure fast, dependable emergency response. HOW IT’S FUNDED: This initiative is supported by a federal SAFER grant and traditional city bonding. Because bonding is repaid through property taxes, residents will see the fire department portion included in the long-term tax impact. The estimated cost of the investment in the Fire Department is $14.2 million.
So Why Do These Look Like “One Big Project”?
Even though the three projects use different funding sources, they are happening in the same timeframe and contribute to essential city infrastructure. For many residents, it’s helpful to understand the total impact: It’s similar to having different loans with the same bank. Your home loan and your car loan are separate - different rules, different payment plans. But they both come out of your monthly budget. That’s what’s happening here: separate projects, separate funding, but presented together where it makes sense, so residents have a clear picture.
3 RECREATION &
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: Built to Play Rosemount is moving forward with the Built to Play plan - a major investment in parks, fields, trails, playgrounds, and recreation facilities. These improvements help support community wellness and retaining our hometown feel, while encouraging economic development. Projects will be built out over the next five years. HOW IT’S FUNDED: Built to Play is funded through Port Authority bonding, a flexible tool designed for large-scale community projects that improve quality of life. Like traditional bonds, Port Authority bonds are repaid through property taxes, so residents will see this project reflected in the tax portion of future bills. The estimated cost of this plan is $62.6 million. Please keep in mind that the majority of operating costs for facilities included in Built to Play are paid for by user fees.
What to Expect Moving Forward
To make the tax impact of the Fire Safety and Built to Play bonds easier on residents, the City will phase in increases gradually over six years, beginning in 2028: 75 + 75 + 75 + 75 + 20 + 20 After year six, there will be no additional increases tied to these bonds. Costs will then stay steady until the bonds are fully repaid. Water‑quality improvements will continue to be managed through the utility‑rate structure, separate from property taxes. FALL 2026
SEASONAL REMINDERS
PICK UP POO! City Code requires pet waste to be cleaned up from your yard at least once a week and immediately from public property, including boulevards. Remember to scoop and bag pet waste as soon as possible to help keep bacteria, parasites, and phosphorus out of storm drains.
RECREATIONAL FIRES Recreational fires must be no larger than 3 feet wide, 3 feet long, and 3 feet high. Burning garbage, leaves, grass clippings, painted or treated wood, and other prohibited materials are not allowed. Before having a fire, always check the Minnesota DNR’s current fire restrictions. For more information, visit the city’s website for Open Burning information.
CURB STAKES Free winter curb stakes will be available at the Public Works & Police Campus, 14041 Biscayne Avenue, beginning in mid-to-late October. Stakes will be available while supplies last.
Infant Formula Water Program Now Accepting Applications Applications for the City’s Infant Formula Water Program are now being accepted. The program supports households with bottlefed infants, ages 12 months and younger, by providing water filtration pitchers to families who use city water to prepare formula. This is an optional resource for families who wish to further reduce exposure to naturally occurring manganese during their child’s infancy. Eligible residents can apply by visiting the Public Works front desk located at 14041 Biscayne Ave. and presenting the required documentation for staff verification. Learn more about eligibility requirements and apply: rosemountmn.gov/InfantWater. CITY NEWS
WINTER PARKING RESTRICTIONS Winter parking restrictions take effect November 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027. During this time, parking is not allowed on City streets between 2 and 6 a.m. This helps keep streets clear for snowplowing and winter maintenance. For Drivers • Slow down in school zones: Obey reduced speed limits and watch for crossing guards. • Stop for school buses: Stop 20 feet away when red lights flash regardless of whether the stop arm extends. This applies to both directions on undivided roads.
• Eliminate distractions: Keep your eyes on the road and not on your devices. • Watch for pedestrians: Yield to people at crosswalks and check blind spots carefully. • Be patient in drop-off lines: Follow your school’s specific traffic pattern and do not pass other cars. • Follow guards: Always yield to crossing guards and obey signals. For Walking and Biking Students • Use sidewalks and crosswalks: Walk on sidewalks whenever possible. Cross only at marked intersections. • Look both ways: Stop at the curb and look left, right, and left again before you cross.
• Put devices away: Keep your head up and remove headphones so you can hear approaching cars. • Wear a helmet: Always wear a properly fitted helmet when riding a bicycle, scooter or any other motorized vehicle.
City code helps protect public safety, preserve neighborhood quality, and ensure a high quality of life for everyone in Rosemount. Whether you’re looking for information about parking, property maintenance, pets, noise, or other local rules, city code information is always available online: rosemountmn.gov/CityCode.
Rewards for Going Green STORMWATER
Property owners who install approved water quality improvement projects (e.g. raingardens, buffers, rain barrels, native plant gardens) can a receive a onetime rebate on their Rosemount utility bill through the Rosemount Stormwater Rebate program.
WATER EFFICIENCY
Residents can also apply to receive a one-time rebate on their water bill by installing replacement WaterSense toilets, Energy Star washing machines and dish-washers, WaterSense irrigation controllers, or by having an irrigation system audit.
Funding is limited and restrictions apply! Apply early and find more ways to save at rosemountmn.gov/Rebates.
Planning a Park Rental? Take a Look
New photos of the Jaycee Park and Central Park enclosed buildings are now available on the City’s website. Take a look at the spaces before making your reservation to find the right fit for your event. Reservations for Rosemount park facilities will open Monday, January 4, 2027, at 7 a.m.
Mark your calendar and reserve your space early! rosemountmn.gov/ParkRentals FALL 2026
UPCOMING EVENTS YARD SIGN COLLECTION
WHEN: November 4–15 TIME: Any time WHERE: City Hall DETAILS: Drop off your corrugated plastic yard signs for recycling. Please note that paper or cardboard signs cannot be accepted.
PUMPKIN COLLECTION FOR COMPOST
WHEN: November 7 & 8 TIME: Any time WHERE: Central Park parking lot DETAILS: Please remove candles, wax, and any
non-pumpkin materials before dropping them off.
HOLIDAY LIGHT COLLECTION FOR RECYCLING
WHEN: November 16–January 31, 2027 TIME: Any time WHERE: Steeple Center or City Hall DETAILS:
• Holiday lights can also be recycled year-round at The Recycling Zone (3365 Dodd Road, Eagan), so you’re covered no matter the season. • Note: Cord adapters, plastic rope lights, CFL bulbs, battery packs, garlands, artificial trees, statuary, or metal light fixtures are not accepted at this event. CITY NEWS
OUTDOOR WINTER CLOTHING SWAP WHEN: November 17 TIME: 5:30–7 p.m. WHERE: Steeple Center DETAILS:
• Trade your clean, gently used winter gear for something “new-to-you.” No items to donate? You’re still welcome to shop the swap! • Can’t attend but have winter gear to share? Reach out to Violet Penman at violet.penman@ rosemountmn.gov or 612-268-9097 to arrange early donation.
Putting food scraps back to work
An easy and free way to reduce your trash is by joining Dakota County’s food scraps drop-off program. Just by dropping off food scraps like spoiled produce, vegetable cuttings, coffee grounds or bones, a typical household can divert almost one-third of its trash. Plus, the food scraps that are dropped off serve a greater purpose—they are used to make compost. Compost is a soil-like material that is packed with nutrients that can help plants grow healthy and strong. There are 11 organics drop-off sites located throughout the county — in Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Farmington, Hastings, Inver Grove Heights, Lakeville, Mendota Heights, Rosemount (two) and West St. Paul. Each site has free BPI-certified compostable bags. Sign up and get started today by visiting www.dakotacounty.us (search food scraps), email foodscraps@co.dakota.mn.us or call 952-891-7557. After you sign up, you’ll receive more information and free BPI- certified compostable bags in the mail. Partially funded by Dakota County and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency..
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ORGANICS DROP-OFF SITES LOCATED THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY
Upgrade recycling at your apartment, condo or townhome Everyone deserves a great recycling program. In fact, property owners are required to provide residents with the opportunity to recycle. The Dakota County Multifamily Recycling Program provides free recycling containers, posters and education for residents and staff to improve recycling. So far, 167 apartments, condos, townhomes and senior living buildings have participated in the program. Staff have educated over 10,000 residents. To learn more, contact multifamilyrecycling@co.dakota. mn.us or 952-891-7557.
FALL 2025
PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES, MN PERMIT NO. 333
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
ECRWSS Postal Customer
Printed on recycled paper
CRISIS SUPPORT
VOTE ON ELECTION DAY AT POLLING LOCATION
RESOURCES
DAKOTA COUNTY CRISIS RESPONSE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK: 952-891-7171 988 SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE CALL OR TEXT 988 TO CONNECT WITH THE SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE FOR FREE, CONFIDENTIAL, 24/7 SUPPORT.
November 3, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
GET READY TO VOTE! GENERAL ELECTION: NOVEMBER 3, 2026 ELECTION DAY
NOV. 3, 2026
EARLY VOTING
VOTERS PLACE BALLOT DIRECTLY INTO TABULATOR AT CITY HALL
HOURS
M-F: 8 A.M.–4:30 P.M.
EXTENDED HOURS
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31 (9 A.M. –3 P.M.) SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1 (9 A.M.–3 P.M.) MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2 (8 A.M.–5 P.M.)
Confirm your polling location prior to voting on Election Day as there have been updates since you last voted. Voters can find their polling location online at: pollfinder.sos. state.mn.us/