Park Perspective - July 2019

Park Perspective July 2019

www.stlouispark.org

How a ranked-choice race is counted

Follow the city’s strategic priorities In 2018, the St. Louis Park City Council adopted the following five strategic priorities. Look for the icons throughout this and future editions of the Park Perspective to read stories about how the city is working to meet these priorities.

St. Louis Park is committed to: Being a leader in racial equity and inclusion in order to create a more just and inclusive community for all.

Continuing to lead in environmental stewardship.

Providing a broad range of housing and neighborhood-oriented development.

Providing a variety of options for people to make their way around the city comfortably, safely and reliably. reating opportunities to build social capital C through community engagement.

You go to the polls on Election Day and cast your ballot, but what happens after that? Ranked-choice races require manual counting to determine winners. Results from precincts are reported to Hennepin County on election night, similar to what happens in all other elections. In St. Louis Park, manual counting to determine winners of races begins the next day.

1. Ranked-choice races are counted in rounds.

2. Before the first round of counting, a threshold to win is calculated for each race. The threshold is always equal to 50 percent plus one of the total ballots cast in that race. So, if a race had eight ballots cast, the threshold to win would be five votes. Once the threshold is calculated, it does not change.

3. In round one, if a candidate reaches the threshold with first-choice votes they are declared the winner.

Counting would then stop. If no candidate reaches the threshold with first-choice votes, the ranked-choice process begins.

4. The next round of counting begins by eliminating the candidate with the fewest votes because they have no mathematical possibility of winning.

5. Votes for the eliminated candidate are redistributed to the next ranked candidate (second or third choice) on those ballots. Votes for each candidate are then recounted.

6. Round-by-round counting continues until either: aa. One candidate reaches the threshold and is declared the winner. bb. Only two candidates remain. The candidate receiving the most votes is declared the winner.

Use the example ranked-choice race below to follow your favorite color through a manual count.

For city events, activities and news, visit www.stlouispark.org.

nextdoor.com @stlouispark

@stlouispark

@stlouispark

www.youtube.com/slpcable

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In round one we counted all of the first choices and no color had five votes to win.

The candidate with the fewest votes, green, is eliminated and a new round begins. Let’s see what that voter’s second choice was.

They picked yellow, so their vote is added to yellow’s total. There is still no winner.

By the new vote count, your first choice purple has the fewest votes and is eliminated. Let’s see what color was the second choice for the purple voters like you.

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Out of four candidates you picked purple as your favorite color, highlighted in pink.

Because there are eight total votes, a candidate needs five to win.

You both picked yellow, which means yellow now has a majority and is the winner!

Your second choice won!

Candidate filing for city offices opens July 30 Running for office can be a difficult and intimidating decision. Prospective candidates often have many questions and details to consider. If you are thinking about running for office here are some things you need to know.

Candidates are placed on a ballot in St. Louis Park after they file for office. In 2019, candidates can file for the offices of mayor, council member at large A or council member at large B. When and where to file for office Candidate filing for city offices will take place July 30 – Aug. 13, 2019 at the city clerk’s office located at city hall. The city clerk’s office is open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Note: The city clerk’s office will be open until 5 p.m. on the final day of the filing period, Aug. 13.

Candidate requirements Any person may be a candidate for a city office if they are: • Eligible to vote in Minnesota • At least 21 years old upon assuming office • Not a candidate for another office in the upcoming election • A St. Louis Park resident at least 30 days before the general election How to file for office To file for office, you must: • Complete an affidavit of candidacy • Pay a $20 filing fee • File a nominating petition signed by at least 50 registered voters qualified to vote for the office.

The nominating petition must follow the standard format outlined in Section 4.06 of the St. Louis Park Home Rule Charter.

The requirements for filing, including collection of signatures, must all be completed during the filing period, July 30 – Aug. 13. All candidate filing forms and documents are available at www.stlouispark.org/vote or upon request from the city clerk’s office. Contact the elections team for more information at 952.924.2503.

Withdrawing Candidates are allowed to withdraw their filing and remove their name from a ballot during the withdrawal period. The 2019 withdrawal period is Aug. 14 – 15.

The city clerk’s office will be open until 5 p.m. on the last day of the withdrawal period, Aug. 15.

Once the withdrawal period has ended, a candidate’s name cannot be removed from a ballot.

Resources Many resources are available for candidates for city offices. The role of the city clerk’s office is to connect candidates with these resources to help them navigate the technical aspects and requirements of becoming a candidate and the overall administration of elections in St. Louis Park. City staff cannot interpret laws for candidates or provide advice related to campaigns.

Candidates who file for office will receive a toolkit with many resources they can use during the course of their campaign, including voter outreach and education materials designed by the elections team to help candidates answer questions related to voter registration, early (absentee) voting and ranked-choice voting.

This toolkit is also available upon request by contacting elections staff at elections@stlouispark.org or 952.924.2503.

Outstanding Citizen Award presented at State of the Community event Mayor Jake Spano hosted the first-ever State of the Community on May 30 at the Recreation Outdoor Center (ROC), with food trucks and displays from city departments and community organizations. After his presentation about the state of the community, Mayor Spano presented Julie LaPointe, social worker at St. Louis Park Emergency Program (STEP), with the Outstanding Citizen Award.

Food trucks visit the MSC Monday, July 22, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Municipal Service Center (MSC), 7305 Oxford St. This event is a great opportunity for city employees, businesses and the community to come together, meet new people and promote a positive culture while enjoying some tasty food from Samurai Teppanyaki and Med Box Grill food trucks!

City inspectors dispense advice Community Link is Aug. 21 City of St. Louis Park inspectors were at The Home Depot throughout the month of May as part of Building Safety Month. Inspectors met with a number of residents and contractors about building plans.

Wednesday, Aug. 21, 5 – 7:30 p.m.

ROC, 3700 Monterey Drive Community Link is an interactive community event that links St. Louis Park families with community services and resources in an easy one-stop shop format! The free event offers services such as school resources, haircuts, bike repair, family portraits, employment resources and health care information. A picnic-style meal will be served, and Aquatic Park access will be available to participants attending the event.

Construction continues at nature center Construction is well underway for the new interpretive center at Westwood Hills Nature Center, with completion scheduled for 2020.

The parking lot is currently closed and is being used for construction vehicles. The city has constructed a path from West Franklin Avenue to the current interpretive center building for visitors to use. During construction, parking is on West Franklin Avenue. Visitors can walk up the path to enter the nature center.

Alternative access points are at gate 7 and gate 8, located on Virginia Avenue and Westwood Hills Drive. View the alternate entrances map at the link below for additional details. Drive carefully, park responsibly and be considerate of those who live on the streets being used for alternative parking and access points.

Activities you can enjoy during construction include exploring the 3.5 miles of trails, hosting a birthday party, participating in a variety of nature programming or visiting the current interpretive center.

Visit www.stlouispark.org/whnc/new-interpretive-center or text SLPMN WHNC to 468311 for project updates.

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July 2019

EAB found in St. Louis Park; treatment discounts available In mid-June, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture confirmed the presence of emerald ash borer (EAB) in St. Louis Park. The city has been preparing for its arrival for the past few years by contracting with Rainbow Treecare to treat public ash trees growing along streets and in parks. To date, 1,100 public ash trees have been treated.

Through this partnership, a citywide discount is available through 2019 to St. Louis Park homeowners to treat privately owned trees that are at least 10 inches in diameter and in good physical condition. The citywide bulk discount provides homeowners with an affordable option for managing their ash trees for long-term protection. More than 500 private ash trees have been treated so far through this program.

For more information about the discount program or to schedule a free consultation, visit www.rainbowtreecare.com/stlouispark, email info@rainbowtreecare.com or call 952.767.6920.

Building materials donation days Friday, Sept. 13, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 14, 9 – 11 a.m.

Municipal Service Center, 7305 Oxford St. Have extra materials from your latest building or remodeling project?

Maybe you have tile or hardware you don’t need but can’t return. Or maybe you removed cabinets, and they are still in good condition. Don’t throw them out!

Swap your clothing Monday, July 29, 6 – 8 p.m.

Central Community Center gym, 6300 Walker St.

The City of St. Louis Park will host a new event this fall which will give you the opportunity to donate usable building materials to two local nonprofits that specialize in the resale of building materials. Better Futures Minnesota and Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity ReStore will be onsite during the event to review materials for quality and potential for resale; they reserve the right to refuse unusable materials. All items deemed acceptable will be taken for free.

Acceptable items • Cabinetry – Bath vanities, kitchen cabinets, cabinet doors

Wardrobe in need of an update? Participate in the City of St. Louis Park’s annual clothing swap!

The event is FREE and open to all ages and genders! You do not need to be from St. Louis Park to participate.

• Countertops – Laminate and stone (straight sections only; no peeling, deep scratches, burn marks or excessive caulking)

How the swap works

• Flooring – Hardwood (new and used) and laminate (new only)

• Pack up your unwanted items and bring them to the swap. Items cannot be dropped off early.

• Grout, mudding – New, unopened containers only

- A ll styles, sizes and types of clothing, shoes, coats, jewelry, accessories, etc. are welcome.

Please leave blankets, linens and pillows at home.

- Make sure items are clean.

• Doors – Interior (solid wood, no hollow core) and exterior (metal)

• Hardware – Handles, pulls, hinges • Light fixtures – No shiny brass • Lumber – 4-foot minimum length

• We weigh all your items when you arrive.

• Nails, screws – No rust, in original box/container (no jars or glass)

• You set out the items you brought on tables marked with specific categories.

• Plumbing fixtures – Faucets

• You look through items others have brought and take home whatever you like (no limit).

• Tile – New only, full boxes

• We will provide a mirror in the gym. You are also welcome to try items on in the bathrooms.

• Tools – Electric (corded or battery powered), hand (screw drivers, wrenches, hand saws, hammers, etc.) and yard (rakes, shovels, etc.)

Leftover items will be weighed (to track overall impact of the event) and then donated to St. Louis Park Emergency Program (STEP) and Old School thrift shop. Unwearable items will be recycled.

We ask that everyone who brings clothing do so with the intent to participate in the swap.

If you have items you would just like to donate, please take them directly to a thrift shop. If you have a large quantity of clothing that is no longer wearable because it is torn or stained, take it directly to a Hennepin County drop-off facility, use the city’s curbside clothing pickup program (Simple Recycling) or drop it in a USAgain container.

RECYCLE SMART:

If you have questions, email recycling@stlouispark.org or call Emily Barker at 952.924.2187.

• Windows – Unbroken only Items NOT accepted – Appliances, furniture, paint, toilets This event is open to residents of St. Louis Park, Edina, Golden Valley and Hopkins.

Questions? Visit www.stlouispark.org/waste-reduction or contact Emily Barker at ebarker@stlouispark.org or 952.924.2187.

Know what goes in your recycling cart Recycling has been in the news a lot lately due to shifts in markets and international policy changes. This has left many Minnesotans wondering what is happening to the recycling placed in their bins, and what they can do now to support recycling.

The best thing you can do to support recycling is to recycle the right stuff.

Know what goes in your recycling cart Start with the basics of what can be recycled: • Paper – Mail, office papers, magazines, newspapers • Boxes – Cardboard boxes, cereal and cracker boxes, shoe boxes, toiletry boxes • Cartons – Milk cartons, juice boxes, broth cartons • Glass – Food and beverage bottles and jars

The current state of recycling First of all, know that your recyclables are getting recycled! Unlike on the coasts where they rely heavily on international markets, recyclers in Minnesota send much of the material they collect to local and regional markets to be processed into new materials.

Overall, Minnesotans are good recyclers. We have significantly lower contamination rates (the amount of stuff placed in the recycling that can’t be recycled) than elsewhere in the country. Also, Minnesota state law prohibits materials separated and collected for recycling from being trashed.

Recycle smart by continuing to recycle the items that can go in your recycling cart and keeping problem items out of your recycling cart.

• Plastic bottles and jugs – Soda bottles, milk jugs, shampoo bottles • Cups and containers – Yogurt cups, clear cups, cottage cheese containers, produce containers

Visit www.stlouispark.org/recycling for more information.

• Metal – Food and beverage cans Keep these items out of your recycling cart: • Plastic bags • Large plastic items • Random metal items • Single-use plastic utensils and straws • Paper plates, cups and takeout containers • Propane tanks • Cords and string lights • Electronics and batteries • Needles and sharps

www.stlouispark.org

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LED solar powered lights installed at skate park Two LED solar powered lights were recently installed at the Carpenter Park skate park, 4900 Hwy. 7. The system will light the area each night from dusk until 10 p.m. The lights were donated by Sundial Solar of St. Louis Park.

Sundial Solar was also selected as a contractor for the new interpretive center at Westwood Hills Nature Center.

The city is looking at the possibility of adding solar powered LED trail lighting at Northside Park as well.

More Solar Power Hour sessions coming in July, August In response to the great success of the City of St. Louis Park’s first Solar Power Hour that was held in fall 2018, the city and Midwest Renewable Energy Association will host three more Solar Power Hour sessions for residents on July 23, Aug. 13 and Aug. 20 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at St. Louis Park City Hall, 5005 Minnetonka Blvd. Home and business owners will have an opportunity to take advantage of low solar pricing through the limited-time Solar Twin Cities 2.0 group buy program. Solar Twin Cities helps residents invest in lower cost solar installations for their homes and businesses through the power of volume-purchasing.

Electric vehicles, lawn tools on display About 50 people attended the June 8 Breathe Clean, Electric SLP event, that included 25 electric vehicles available to test drive. Attendees also had the chance to see a battery-operated lawn mower and learn about the many ways electricity can replace gasoline in vehicles and yard equipment. One lucky participant won free tickets to the City of St. Louis Park’s Aquatic Park!

The event was hosted by the St. Louis Park Environment and Sustainability Commission and Midwest EVOLVE, with support from the American Lung Association. Special thanks to participants Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota, Health Professionals for a Health Climate, SunShare, Village Chevrolet of Wayzata, GS Motors, Luther Westside Volkswagen, BMW of Minnetonka, Park Nicollet, HealthPartners, Minnesota Electric Vehicle Owners, Evolve Segway and The Home Depot.

Attend one of these free information sessions to learn more about the basics of solar, its financial implications and how the program works!

City shifts electric accounts to Windsource® program

Crime-free, drug-free housing ordinance workgroup continues

The City of St. Louis Park recently shifted its electric accounts that are not currently using renewable energy to Xcel Energy’s Windsource program. This will ensure all electricity used by city operations will be powered by 100 percent renewable energy. The decision to subscribe to Windsource aligns with the city’s Climate Action Plan midterm goal of achieving 100 percent renewable electricity use by 2030.

The St. Louis Park City Council selected 13 applicants for the crime-free, drug-free rental housing ordinance workgroup, which met for the first time in April.

Xcel Energy’s Windsource program provides customers with the option to purchase renewable energy for their homes and businesses. More than 35,000 Minnesota homes and businesses currently participate in the program.

Energy that supplies Windsource is generated locally by Xcel Energy.

The process to review and analyze the crime-free rental housing ordinance and report the outcome to the council is expected to take about six months.

Look for information on the city’s website and social media on community listening sessions where the public can provide input on the ordinance. If you have questions, contact Michele Schnitker, housing supervisor, at mschnitker@stlouispark.org or 952.924.2571.

While the city’s participation in this program is a step toward achieving its Climate Action Plan goal, municipal operations make up less than two percent of greenhouse gas emissions communitywide. Reaching carbon neutrality (having a net zero carbon footprint) by 2040 will require residents and businesses to also increase participation in renewable programs such as Windsource and Renewable Connect. Visit www.xcelenergy.com for more information about Windsource and how to participate as a business or resident.

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Texa–Tonka small area plan work underway

In 2019, the city is undertaking a small area plan for the land near the intersection of Texas Avenue and Minnetonka Boulevard. The city has contracted with SEH and a team of planners, architects, engineers and outreach and market specialists to create the Texa–Tonka small area plan. A pop-up event near the study area was held in June with the first planning workshop on June 27 at the Lenox Community Center. A second workshop will be held this fall.

Sign up for Southwest LRT updates Construction of the Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) started in May, with passenger service expected to start in 2023. The Cedar Lake Regional Trail is closed for two to three years.

Visit www.swlrt.org to sign up for updates and to learn more about SWLRT. Keep an eye out for information on the construction schedule, proposed road closures and posted detours as construction begins.

The plan will include: • A market overview • Concept site and building plans for commercial properties • Design guidelines • A traffic capacity analysis • A parking study If you would like to provide feedback, complete the Texa–Tonka placemaking survey at bit.ly/texatonka, which will be available until Aug. 1. For more information and updates on the plan, call community development at 952.924.2575 or visit www.stlouispark.org/development-projects.

Purchase flood insurance for your property

Texa-Tonka small area plan boundaries

City awarded Hennepin County facade grant for Historic Walker Lake

Flooding is not covered by a standard homeowner’s insurance policy. A separate flood insurance policy is required to cover damages caused by flooding. Coverage is available for the building itself, as well as for the contents of the building. The City of St. Louis Park participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that makes available federally backed flood insurance for all structures, whether or not they are located within the floodplain. Note that there is a 30-day waiting period before coverage goes into effect. Contact your insurance agency for more information. Flood insurance information is also available in Hennepin County Public Libraries.

Visit www.stlouispark.org/floodplain for more information on flood hazards, risks and building responsibly.

Residents receive discount on flood insurance Photo by Sarah Grace The City of St. Louis Park, in conjunction with Hennepin County, has established the Facade Improvement Grant program for the Historic Walker Lake businesses district. This grant program reimburses businesses or property owners within the Historic Walker Lake business district for eligible facade improvements up to 50 percent of the total project cost.

Grants range from $2,000 to $10,000, and require a 1:1 match from the applicant. Program funds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis from June 2019 to May 2021 and are subject to funding availability.

For more information about this program or to discuss your ideas for a project, contact Julie Grove, economic development specialist, at jgrove@stlouispark.org or 952.924.2523.

Visit www.stlouispark.org/business-financing for the application and program guidelines.

On May 1, 2019, the City of St. Louis Park was accepted into the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Community Rating System, a voluntary floodplain management incentive program that recognizes community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) standards. For cities that are enrolled in the Community Rating System, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from the community’s ability to reduce flood damage to insurable property, strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the NFIP and encourage a comprehensive approach to floodplain management. City property owners who have flood insurance will now receive a 10 percent discount on their flood insurance rates.

www.stlouispark.org

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2019 pavement management project underway This year’s pavement management project is underway in the Pennsylvania Park, Willow Park and Eliot View neighborhoods. This project is included in the Capital Improvement Program, with improvements paid for using city funds rather than assessments to property owners. Visit www.stlouispark.org/pavement-management to learn more about the project and sign up to receive project updates.

City modifies ordinance to prepare for 5G technology The State of Minnesota and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently passed legislation allowing wireless providers to place infrastructure, such as antennas and other equipment, in city right of way while limiting the ability of cities to regulate the location of the equipment. The wireless infrastructure will enable technological advances such as 5G technology. Some 5G equipment was installed at the West End in 2018, and the city expects additional installations.

In response to the new regulations and expected installations, the city council modified the city’s right of way management ordinance to ensure wireless providers meet minimum design and aesthetic standards. The modified ordinance includes requirements for a minimum distance between equipment, a permit to locate a wireless facility in city right of way and concealment of ground-mounted equipment.

It also regulates equipment aesthetic standards such as the specific color, design and material used.

Tips to maintain your pool Summer’s here and it’s time to jump in the pool to beat the heat! Keep these tips in mind when it’s time to drain or backwash your pool to help protect the environment and water resources: • Don’t add chlorine for at least three days before draining pool water.

• Don’t drain pool water directly into ponds, wetlands or other water bodies.

• Direct drainage to green spaces, such as your lawn, and not to hard surfaces like the street or driveway.

• Control drainage to prevent erosion.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) offers swimming pool and hot tub water discharges best management practices. Visit www.pca.state.mn.us and search “swimming pool.” For more information, contact Erick Francis, water resources manager, at 952.924.2690 or efrancis@stlouispark.org.

For more information, contact Phil Elkin, senior engineering project manager, at pelkin@stlouispark.org or 952.924.2687.

Hands-free law starts Aug. 1 The hands-free bill was signed by Gov. Tim Walz in April and becomes law on Aug. 1, 2019, banning the use of hand-held cell phones while driving. Here are some quick facts about the new law. Visit www.handsfreemn.org for more information.

Financial assistance for managing stormwater runoff Stormwater runoff is created when melting snow or rain flows over roads, driveways, roofs and other paved surfaces that do not allow the water to soak into the ground. As the water drains into storm sewers, it can pick up many different pollutants, including sediment, pesticides, phosphorus and trash, all of which can eventually make it into lakes and rivers if untreated.

The Rainwater Rewards program was created to help homeowners control and manage the city’s stormwater runoff by providing financial and technical assistance to residents who implement stormwater management projects on their property. Eligible projects can include rain gardens, permeable pavement, tree plantings, rain barrels and other innovative stormwater management practices.

Residents interested in participating in the program must complete the Rainwater Rewards program application before beginning any work on their property. Visit www.stlouispark.org/rainwater-rewards to learn more about the program or submit an application.

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July 2019

What can I do under the new law?

The new law allows a driver to use their cell phone to make calls, text, listen to music or podcasts and get directions, but only by voice commands or single-touch activation without holding the phone. Remember, hands-free is not necessarily distraction-free.

What can’t I do with my phone under the new law?

You may not hold your phone in your hand. Also, a driver may not use their phone at any time for video calling, video livestreaming, Snapchat, gaming, looking at videos or photos stored on the phone, using non-navigation apps, reading texts and scrolling or typing on the phone.

Can I ever hold my phone?

Yes. Hand-held phone use is allowed to obtain emergency assistance, if there is an immediate threat to life and safety, or when in an authorized emergency vehicle while performing official duties.

Can I use a GPS navigation device?

Yes. GPS and other systems that can only be used for navigation are exempt from the hands-free law. In-car screens and systems are also exempt. In both cases, most of these systems lock when the vehicle is moving.

Identifying illicit discharge Have you ever noticed an unusual odor, discoloration or something that doesn’t seem to belong in our storm drains, lakes or rivers? It may have been an illicit discharge and may be harmful to our community and environment. Illicit discharges are anything that is not rainwater. They are illicit because storm drains and water bodies are not designed to accept, process or discharge these wastes.

If you see an illicit discharge, notify the city through www.mystlouispark.org or by submitting a request through the mystlouispark app (available on iPhones and Androids). Find the illicit discharge option under the private property/ business issue category. For more information, contact Erick Francis, water resources manager, at efrancis@stlouispark.org or 952.924.2690.

Fire open house

The 2019 Fire Department Open House was visited by well over 3,000 people and the weather was perfect! The theme this year focused on kitchen fires and watch what you heat.

For the first time, there was a community health resource section with a number of vendors available to help residents navigate care resources. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) was at the event promoting individual and family preparedness. There were vehicles from the police department, Hennepin Healthcare Ambulance, the Redcross Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) and many large city vehicles and equipment available for everyone to explore. Food was collected for St. Louis Park Emergency Program (STEP).

Demonstrations included hands-only CPR, fire extinguishers, a kitchen education simulator trailer, grease fires, residential sprinklers and burn rooms showing the value of residential sprinklers.

Help save lives with PulsePoint St. Louis Park residents are invited to participate in PulsePoint, a smart phone app that allows CPR-trained citizens to provide lifesaving assistance to nearby victims of sudden cardiac arrest.

Celebrate National Night Out National Night Out 2019 will be held Tuesday, Aug. 6!

App users who have indicated they are trained in CPR and willing to assist in an emergency are notified if someone nearby requires CPR. If the cardiac emergency is in a public place and 911 has been called, the app alerts trained citizens in the vicinity of the need for bystander CPR, along with the dispatch of police, fire and EMS crews. The app also directs citizen rescuers to the exact location of the closest publicly accessible automated external defibrillator (AED).

PulsePoint is a free app and can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play. For more information, visit www.pulsepoint.org.

National Night Out is an annual community-building event aimed at creating safer, more connected neighborhoods and communities and building police-community partnerships.

Every year, St. Louis Park police, fire, public works and other city departments attend more than 130 citywide gatherings.

If you are interested in hosting a party for National Night Out, complete the online party registration form at www.stlouispark.org/national-night-out by July 30. Call 952.924.2661 if you need help registering.

Visit www.stlouispark.org/national-night-out for more information about registration, street closures, hosting a party, and garbage, recycling and organics collection.

Planning a recreational fire?

Get a permit first.

Recreational fires within St. Louis Park require a recreational fire permit, available at www.stlouispark.org/firepermit or at Fire Station 1, 3750 Wooddale Ave. S. Recreation fire requirements • Recreational fires must be 25 feet away from any structure and 10 feet away from the property line.

• Only burn untreated, unpainted, clean, dry, aged firewood that is at least 1 inch in diameter.

• Fires that are unreasonably offensive or injurious to others as determined by the city will be required to be extinguished.

Citizens’ Police Academy returns this fall The Citizens’ Police Academy is open to all interested adults 18 and over who live or work in St. Louis Park. Classes are on Thursdays, 6 – 9 p.m. for 10 consecutive weeks.

Fifteen applicants will be accepted for each class. Watch for dates and registration information for the fall 2019 class online at www.stlouispark.org/police-academy and the police department’s social media, @slppolice.

• Recreational fires are not allowed when winds are greater than 10 miles per hour or if the state has issued burning restrictions. Visit dnr.state.mn.us or pca.state.mn.us for details.

• Permit holder is responsible for conducting, controlling and extinguishing the fire. All fires must be extinguished completely to ensure there is no smoldering or potential for reigniting.

• Never leave a fire unattended, and always have a garden hose or fire extinguisher nearby.

• Recreational fires are permitted Sunday – Thursday from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. – midnight.

For more information, call 952.924.2595 during normal business hours. There is a one-time fee of $25 for a lifetime permit for the current resident living at the property.

www.stlouispark.org

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St. Louis Park Rotary Club Summer Concert Series

Rotary Clubof

St.Louis Park Minnesota

USA

Chartered in1947

Founding Club

Children First

FREE!

The City of St. Louis Park is partnering with the St. Louis Park Rotary Club to bring you the Summer Concert Series.

All performances are free and filled with amazing talent!

In the event of bad weather, call 952.924.2567 for concert status.

Get involved with elections outreach There are many opportunities available for community members to get involved and help our elections team with voting resources for the 2019 election without too much of a time commitment!

Here are just a few ways you can get involved over the summer: • Are you a core member of your community? Help us spread the word on ranked-choice voting by becoming an election ambassador.

• Do you want to know what goes on behind the scenes on Election Day or what it takes to run an election? Sign up for our adult enrichment classes to learn about what goes into holding an election.

• Are you a block party star? Ask us how to get election education materials before National Night Out, and provide your neighbors with an easy way to register to vote, learn about ranked-choice voting or sign up to get a ballot by mail.

As with every election, all of these efforts just need one thing to make them work: You! We need your help to spread elections information through the community, get involved today!

For more information on available opportunities or to sign up, visit www.stlouispark.org/vote, or contact the elections team at 952.924.2503.

day date

time

event

Description

Location

W Sa W W W Sa

7 – 8:30 p.m.

6 – 9:30 p.m.

7 – 8:30 p.m.

7 – 8:30 p.m.

7 – 8:30 p.m.

6 – 8 p.m.

The Tuxedo Band Dan Israel and Friends St. Louis Park Community Band Carolyne Naomi Community Talent Show Jeff Dayton + hits of country greats

'50s, '60s rock and roll Folk Concert band African Variety Country

Wolfe Park, 3700 Monterey Drive Wolfe Park, 3700 Monterey Drive Wolfe Park, 3700 Monterey Drive Wolfe Park, 3700 Monterey Drive Wolfe Park, 3700 Monterey Drive Wolfe Park, 3700 Monterey Drive

July 24 July 27 July 31 Aug. 7 Aug. 14 Aug. 17

St. Louis Park kids Summer Concert Series NEW LOCATION! Veterans’ Memorial Amphitheater, 3700 Monterey Drive

Come to the park for a variety of fun kid’s entertainment in our NEW location! Bring a blanket and enjoy some summertime tunes, then stay to play on the playground, enjoy lunch in the park or swim at the Aquatic Park! Performances are not covered; shades, hats and umbrella are recommended. In the event of bad weather, call 952.924.2567 for concert status.*Free to attend. Shows vary from 45 minutes to one hour.

All Ages, Wednesdays, 10 – 11 a.m.

Date

Performer

July 17 July 24 July 31 Aug. 7 Aug. 14

Will Hale & The Tadpole Parade Sticks & Tones Tricia and the Toonies AlphaBits The Teddy Bear Band

Open Mic Night

The Teddy Bear Band

Local artists and groups who are looking for an opportunity to get their name out there and perform for the public.

All Ages, Thursdays, 7 – 8 p.m.

Date

performer

July 18 July 25 Aug. 1 Aug. 8 Aug. 15

Trigger and Heat B & the Sting Beth Renee Craig Ball U Can Jug or Nots

U Can Jug or Nots

Fishing with a Cop Don’t miss the last Fishing with a Cop event Wednesday, Aug. 21, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Wolfe Park, 3700 Monterey Drive. No need to bring a pole or bait – just show up and fish with a St. Louis Park police officer! For questions, call 952.924.2600.

Largest rooftop solar array goes live in St. Louis Park On June 6, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at Extra Space Storage to celebrate the completion of St. Louis Park's largest rooftop solar array. More than 45 people attended the event, which included remarks from St. Louis Park Mayor Jake Spano, Extra Space Storage District Manager Traci Poirier and IPS Solar C&I Solar Developer Steve Oman. After the ribbon-cutting, attendees were invited to take a rooftop tour to see the solar installation up close.

The new 210-kilowatt (kW) solar installation is comprised of 575 rooftop solar modules and will produce an estimated 259,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) annually, which offsets more than 50 percent of the building’s annual electrical consumption.

Over the next 25 years, the system is expected to offset nearly 5,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide.

The completion of the solar installation supports the city’s Climate Action Plan goal of achieving carbon neutrality – a net zero footprint – in St. Louis Park by 2040.