Park Perspective - February 2017

Park Perspective February 2017

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Buy your trees in March 2017 utility rate changes effective Jan. 1 Cart guidelines for collection day Attend Ecotacular event June 17 Grant to help re-activate Walker/Lake area City-owned utility boxes get a facelift Energy Action Plan to be implemented

The Park Perspective is printed on 30 percent post-consumer waste recycled paper in an effort to meet the city’s environmentally preferable purchasing policy.

stlouispark.org

You’re invited to shape the future with St. Louis Park Vision 3.0 Be part of shaping the future of St. Louis Park by participating in the city’s third visioning process, St. Louis Park Vision 3.0. A nine-person Steering Committee has been selected to help with the public engagement process.

Here’s how you can be involved!

• Train as a facilitator to host a future-focused conversation with your neighborhood or community group, and report insights back to the Vision 3.0 Steering Committee. Training is Tuesday, Feb. 21, 6 – 8:30 p.m. at the Municipal Service Center, 7305 Oxford St. Registration is required; register online at bit.ly/2jafor3.*

• Tune in to a Facebook Live town hall meeting March 2 or April 13, 8 – 8:30 p.m., via the city’s Facebook page @stlouispark.

• Share your ideas via online surveys, community events and more. These events will be advertised as they become available.

Visit stlouispark.org to stay updated on the latest news regarding St. Louis Park Vision 3.0. *Childcare will be available at all meetings.

• Attend a town hall meeting February 22 or March 16, 7 – 8:30 p.m., at St. Louis Park City Hall Council Chambers, 5005 Minnetonka Blvd., St. Louis Park.*

5005 Minnetonka Blvd.

St. Louis Park, MN 55416-2216 City Hall (7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) 952.924.2500 Emergency 911 Police (non-emergency) 952.924.2618 Municipal Service Center 952.924.2562 Winter Parking Hotline 952.924.2180 The Rec Center 952.924.2540 Westwood Hills Nature Center 952.924.2544 For city events, activities and news, visit stlouispark.org facebook.com/stlouispark twitter.com/stlouispark Make service requests or receive city information via the app or visit mystlouispark.org

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Twin Cities Permit No. 603

Park Perspective is published by the City of St. Louis Park to provide residents with city news.

Water Treatment Plant #4 taken out of service until upgrades completed Following discussion at council meetings in late 2016, the city’s water treatment plant at 4701 41st Street West (Water Treatment Plant #4) was taken out of service December 28, 2016. It will remain out of service until upgrades to the plant, including air strippers, are completed – most likely summer 2018.

The city was advised in early 2016 of exceedances of health risk levels, set by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and at much lower limits than those of the EPA, for some types of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at Water Treatment Plant #4.

At that time the city had already been working with MDH to develop a short-term solution to lower VOC levels at Water Treatment Plant #4. This short-term solution showed positive results for lowering certain VOC levels, including vinyl chloride, at Water Treatment Plant #4, thus the plant remained in service. However, recent testing revealed an increase in other VOCs such as trichloroethene (TCE); it’s those test results that prompted the decision to take Water Treatment Plant #4 out of service.

The decision to take Water Treatment Plant #4 out of service was made out of an abundance of caution and to preserve public trust in the quality of the city’s drinking water. Even though it meets safe drinking water standards set by the US EPA to be in compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act, aggressive, regular testing continued to suggest that the water quality at Water Treatment Plant #4 was not where the city wanted it to be.

The contaminant concerns at this plant are not related to the Reilly Superfund site; the Minnesota Pollution

Control Agency is investigating to determine the source of the contaminants at Water Treatment Plant #4.

The city is working with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) on upgrades to this plant, including an air stripper. Upgrades will permanently address VOC levels including those for which the increases prompted taking the plant out of service. Improvements are in the design phase and construction will begin in 2017 with completion projected for summer 2018.

Residents should not be concerned about overall water quality in the city. Repeated testing by MDH has confirmed that the City of St. Louis Park water is safe to drink and meets all drinking water standards set by the US EPA to be in compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act. While it was disappointing to discover an increase in certain VOCs at this particular plant, the good news is that regular, aggressive testing of drinking water across the system is doing just what it’s supposed to – protect the public health and ensure continued delivery of safe, quality drinking water to residents.

Residents shouldn’t experience any negative impacts in water supply or pressure from taking Water Treatment Plant #4 out of service. Plans were already in place to take this plant out of service for improvements; this simply moves up the timetable. The city has sufficient water capacity to compensate for a water treatment plant being out of service. In case of extreme emergency, St. Louis Park has relationships with all of its neighboring cities and can ask for assistance in supplying additional water. For more information visit slpmn.us/h7ck.

Yard waste collection starts in April Yard waste collection will resume the first week of April and continue through the last full week of November, weather permitting.

What is yard waste?

Yard waste includes all plants from your garden, grass clippings, leaves, weeds, shrub and tree waste, prunings and wood chips.

How do I prepare yard waste for collection?

• Use a personal reusable container.

Reusable containers must not exceed 32 gallons or weigh more than 40 pounds when filled. The container should be sturdy and have handles and a lid so it can be lifted by a single person. Free “Yard Waste Only” stickers for use on your containers can be obtained by calling Advanced Disposal at 763.786.7233 or the City of St. Louis Park at 952.924.2562.

Containers do not need to be lined with a compostable bag.

• Use a bag. Acceptable bags include brown Kraft paper lawn bags or certified compostable bags that are BPI certified and meet the ASTM Specification for Compostable Plastics (D6400). Each bag should weigh no more than 40 pounds when filled.

• Bundle yard waste. Twigs and small branches will be collected at no extra charge as long as the branches are less

than four inches in diameter and no longer than four feet. Branches and twigs must be placed in a brown paper bag or tied into bundles; if they are piled loosely on the ground they will not be collected. Each bundle should weigh no more than 40 pounds.

• Use your brown-lidded organics cart (if signed up for organics recycling).

Unbagged yard waste can be put directly in the organics cart along with bagged food scraps, food soiled paper and other organic material.

Buy your trees in March The City of St. Louis Park is once again partnering with Tree Trust to offer trees for sale at discounted prices. Each resident may purchase up to three trees for only $35 each.

To see available trees and place your order, visit treetrust.org.

Trees are available on a first-come, first-serve basis for St. Louis Park property owners only. Limit three trees per property owner. The sale begins March 1 and will last until all trees are sold.

2017 tree sale pickup:

• Saturday, May 6, 8 a.m. – noon

• Monday, May 8, 5 – 7 p.m.

St. Louis Park Municipal Service Center 7305 Oxford St. St. Louis Park, MN 55426

When is yard waste collected?

April through November. Yard waste is collected weekly, on the same day as your garbage. Please have yard waste out by 7 a.m. to ensure collection.

What NOT to do with yard waste • Do not place extra garbage stickers on bags of yard waste. Yard waste collection is unlimited.

• Do not include sod, dirt, rocks/gravel, bricks, flower pots, garden implements or any household garbage with yard waste or it will not be collected.

• You cannot set out grass clippings if you signed up for the no grass clippings option. Call Utility Billing at 952.924.2111 to verify your yard waste option.

• It is illegal to throw yard waste in the trash (MN Statutes §115A.931).

Curbside collection of clothing, small home NEW! goods available The City of St. Louis Park has partnered with Simple Recycling to provide convenient, curbside collection of unwanted clothing, shoes, and small home goods on your regular recycling collection day. Items collected are either sold for reuse locally and overseas, or recycled into carpeting, insulation or absorbent material for spills.

This new curbside recycling opportunity is free and completely voluntary.

Residential brush drop off site opens April 29 Have you ever wondered what to do with big branches that fall in your yard after a storm? If branches, brush, or logs are greater than four feet in length or 4 inches in diameter, they are too big for residential curbside collection. Instead, residents can bring them to the city’s brush drop-off site.

The site is located at 2501 Edgewood Ave. S., at the intersection of Cedar Lake Road and Colorado Avenue South.

The intent of the residential brush program is to allow larger branch removal from yards, assist residents with storm clean-ups, promote the removal of buckthorn on private properties, and reduce illegal dumping on city property.

Remember, yard waste such as grass clippings, leaves, and small branches must be collected through curbside collection and is not accepted at the site.

The site is monitored by city staff.

• Saturdays: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

• Tuesdays: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

ENTRANCE

Materials NOT accepted: Grass clippings, leaves, root balls, lumber, wood scraps, fencing, trash, sod, fill, any commercial services material, construction material or similar items.

Brush drop-off site

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2. Place clothing, shoes and home goods inside the bag and tie shut.

3. Set the orange bag at your front curb by 7 a.m. on your recycling collection day. When collected, a replacement bag will be left for you.

What’s accepted?

All types of men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, shoes and accessories.

Small home goods such as kitchenware, books, toys, etc. are also collected.

Please make sure that all items are clean and dry.

Visit SimpleRecycling.com Call 866.835.5068 Email info@simplerecycling.com

• Sundays: Noon – 4 p.m.

Materials accepted: Woody vegetation including brush, branches, and logs.

1. Make sure you’ve received the specialized, orange Simple Recycling collection bags via U.S. mail. You may also pick-up additional bags at City Hall, The Rec Center, or Municipal Service Center when needed.

Questions?

Need more bags?

Hours: April 29 – October 29:

Cost: No charge for St. Louis Park residents. MN ID or driver’s license as proof of residency is required.

How does it work?

About spring street sweeping As winter winds down, city crews start thinking about spring cleanup and sweeping. The focus is on removing organic material, such as leaves left over from fall, as well as sand applied for snow and ice control. Sweeping starts as soon at the snow/ice melts enough to allow the sweepers to get to the curbs. The goal is to cover the city once, including the alleys, by the middle of May.

Weather greatly affects the start of the sweeping season and the city makes every effort to sweep twice before the summer maintenance activities begin.

Remember that raking grass clippings and leaves into the street is not only bad for our local lakes, creeks and rivers; it is also a violation of city ordinance.

Participate in organics recycling at no extra cost Organics recycling service is now available at no extra cost to any resident with city garbage and recycling services. Participating in the organics recycling program keeps food scraps and other valuable materials out of the trash.

2. Wait for your brown-lidded organics cart to be delivered to you. It should arrive about one week after signing up.

3. Once you have bags and a cart, you’re ready to start.

Just sort it, bag it, drop it!

To sign up, visit slpmn.us/organics or call Utility Billing at 952.924.2111.

After signing up: 1. Pick up certified compostable bags. You’ll need to place your food scraps, napkins, coffee grounds and other compostable materials in these bags for collection.

Regular plastic bags are NOT compostable. Visit City Hall or the Municipal Service Center to pick up bags at no charge.

sort it Separate your food scraps, napkins, coffee grounds and more.

NEW!

The material you set out for collection is composted at a local, large-scale commercial composting facility which produces compost that is used to improve soil health, reduce soil erosion and decrease the need for chemical fertilizers.

Ask your friends and neighbors about the program, they may be part of the 15% of households already participating. Don’t wait, get started today!

Bag it

drop it

Put your organics in a certified compostable bag, provided by the city.

Place bagged organics in your brown-lidded cart for weekly collection.

2017 utility rate changes effective Jan. 1 The City of St. Louis Park annually reviews its utility rates and takes into consideration the current year budget for operations, the multi-year Capital Improvement Plan and the Long-Range Financial Management Plan in determining if current rates will allow each utility fund to remain sustainable in the long term. Based on these analyses, the City Council authorized an increase to the city’s utility rates for 2017. The 2017 rates are effective for billing periods beginning after January 1, 2017. Note: The following are residential rate changes. Commercial rate changes are available on the city website, slpmn.us/4746.

2017 Solid Waste Rates: Individual rates are based on the total volume of your garbage cart(s). Recycling, organics recycling and yard waste are included in your quarterly rate.

2016 Quarterly Rate

2017 Quarterly Rate

Organics Recycling

$10

NA

20-gallon garbage

$30

$28

30-gallon garbage

$49.50

$46.50

Water Utility

60-gallon garbage

$67.50

$69

The water consumption rate has increased from $1.66 to $1.78 per unit for 0 - 40 units of water used, $2.07 to $2.21 per unit for 41 - 80 units of water used, and $3.09 to $3.31 per unit for all units used over 80 for 2017. One unit equals 750 gallons.

90-gallon garbage

$99

$105.75

120-gallon garbage

$144

$168

150-gallon garbage

$180

$210

180-gallon garbage

$216

$252

The quarterly service charge for residential water (a fixed fee to partially offset the cost of making water available to you) has changed as well. After conducting a Water Rate Study, the city has adopted a phased approach to the fixed fee that completely offsets the cost of making water available to customers and allows the city to be less dependent on consumption fees. The service charge for a standard residential meter increased from $22.35 to $24.79 for 2017.

270-gallon garbage

$324

$378

360-gallon garbage

$432

$504

450-gallon garbage

$540

$630

540-gallon garbage

$648

$756

Sanitary Sewer Utility The sanitary sewer consumption rate has increased from $3.07 to $3.28 per unit of water used for 2017. The sewer rate is calculated based on your winter water consumption.

The quarterly sewer service charge (a fixed fee to partially offset the cost of making sanitary sewer service available to you) increased from $15.68 to $16.78 for 2017.

Storm Drainage Utility The quarterly storm drainage rate (pays for flood control projects and storm water drainage) increased from $21.30 to $21.83 for 2017.

Solid Waste Utility (Garbage, Recycling and Organics Recycling) Solid waste customers may see a decrease or increase in their solid waste rate, depending on level of garbage service. See rates table for details. Organics recycling is now available to all residents at no additional cost; participation is optional.

Service Level

About the zero waste packaging ordinance The Zero Waste Packaging ordinance went into effect on January 1, 2017. Throughout the fall, city staff were busy meeting with food establishments to assist them in making changes to packaging that can be recycled or composted. Many businesses have made the switch, though you will notice some places that are still in transition. The city is continuing to work with these businesses to ensure dining out in St. Louis Park will be a zero waste experience in the near future!

Each food establishment has made packaging choices based on what works best for their business, so be sure to ask if the packaging you get can be recycled or composted. The goal of the ordinance is to reduce the amount of trash created by food and beverage packaging. This is only possible when we put recyclable items in the recycling and compostable items in the organics recycling.

Not sure if something is recyclable or compostable? Sometimes the packaging itself will hold the key. On plastic, look for the “Resin ID Code” (sometimes mistaken for a recycling number). Plastics #1 (PET), #2 (HDPE), and #5 (PP) can go in your recycling. Anything #6 is polystyrene (PS) and should be thrown in the trash. On paper, such as a paper coffee cup, look for the word “compostable” or the BPI logo. Unfortunately many paper food service items are lined Compostable Cert # SAMPLE with plastic, so without a marking that it is compostable or other indication it is not lined, these items should go in the trash. If you’re not sure, look for signage or ask restaurant staff. If you take something home, residents can always contact Public Works at 952.924.2562 with questions as well.

Businesses and residents with questions about the new ordinance are encouraged to visit slpmn.us/ZeroWastePackaging.

Waste prevention. Even better than recycling or composting food packaging is avoiding it in the first place. Next time you dine out bring a reusable container for your leftovers. And don’t forget your mug when you grab a cup of coffee!

Extra Garbage: The city sells “Extra Garbage” stickers for $2 each at City Hall and the Municipal Service Center.

• The stickers can be attached to bagged garbage that doesn’t fit into your cart. These are useful for the times of the year when you may have extra garbage.

• Extra Garbage stickers are for regular household trash; not for bulk items like furniture. Bulk items can be picked up by Waste Management for an extra fee by calling 763.783.5423.

Extra Recyclables: Extra recycling is collected free of charge.

• Place next to your recycling cart in a sturdy cardboard box or an old recycling tote on your collection day.

• Cardboard boxes that don’t fit in your recycling cart should be flattened into 3 foot by 3 foot pieces (or smaller) and put in a box or tote or bundled with twine or tape.

• If your household has extra recyclables on a regular basis, consider requesting an additional recycling cart by contacting Utility Billing at 952.924.2111 or online at slpmn.us/pkam.

The 2017 Utility Rates are on the city website, slpmn.us/4746. Questions? Contact the Utility Billing Department at 952.924.2111.

Holiday light recycling ends For several years, the City of St. Louis Park has collected holiday lights for recycling. Due to changes with the partnering organization, the city will discontinue the regular collection of lights on March 1, 2017. St. Louis Park will accept holiday lights at the spring cleanup on June 10, and again at the fall cleanup in September. Residents who need to recycle strands of lights other times of the year can take them to Express Metals, 8094 Excelsior Blvd., Hopkins, MN 55343. Visit expressmetals.net for operating hours.

Note: Never put holiday lights in your curbside recycling cart, as they are not accepted and cause problems at the recycling facility.

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Cart guidelines for collection day On your collection day, garbage, recycling and organics carts must be placed at the curb or alley where collectors can easily get to them. Carts cannot be placed in the streets, alleys or sidewalks because they get in the way of vehicles and pedestrians and obstruct snow removal.

Storing your carts after collection Put carts away promptly after collection.

If you must store your carts outdoors, please be considerate. The city requires that carts are not stored adjacent to the street and are at least four feet from property lines shared with a neighbor.

Clear an area for your carts During winter months you must keep the area where you place your carts for collection clear of snow. This helps collectors safely access your carts.

• If you have curbside collection, clear an area for your carts on your driveway or on the boulevard between the street and sidewalk.

• If you have alley collection, clear an area for your carts on your property, driveway or beside your garage next to the alley.

Emerald Ash Borer treatment continues In preparation for the inevitable arrival of emerald ash borer (EAB), the City of St. Louis Park has contracted with Rainbow Treecare to treat public ash trees (only the highest quality trees) growing along boulevards and in parks. A citywide bulk discount is available and offered through 2017 for St. Louis Park home owners for trees on private property that are at least 10 inches in diameter and in good physical condition.

Ash trees rarely show signs of light to moderate EAB infestation, making the early infestations difficult to diagnose. By the time the symptoms

are obvious, it may be too late to protect or save the tree. The cost to treat a large, healthy ash tree on private property for 10 -20 years is substantially less than the price of tree and stump removal and tree replacement.

The injection period runs the entire growing season, so plan for this summer once the leaves are fully bloomed in your ash tree. If you are interested in taking advantage of the city’s injection discount, contact Rainbow Treecare at 952.767.6920 or rainbowtreecare.com/stlouispark.

Winter parking rules refresher Here’s what you need to know:

Clean up the creek April 29 Help the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission clean up Minnehaha Creek. Commission members lead volunteers through a portion of the creek that runs through St. Louis Park, picking up litter and other creek impediments. This year we are focusing our efforts on the new Minnehaha Preserve, a magnificent boardwalk and trail experience on Minnehaha Creek.

Gloves and garbage bags provided.

Saturday, April 29 9 – 11 a.m.

Izaak Walton Creekside Park 7341 Oxford St.

Arbor Day planting: May 6

• Three inches of snow or more will still be the guideline for declaring a Snow Emergency. Once the 3 inch threshold is met day or night, the parking ban goes into effect.

However, in an effort to be proactive whenever possible, the city can declare a snow emergency in advance of the storm with the information gathered using a combination of available forecasts to determine severity of the storm.

• Example: Leading forecasts call for the city to receive 4 to 7 inches of snow between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Dec. 15. The city would proactively announce during the evening of Dec. 15 that a Snow Emergency will be in effect at 2 a.m., Dec. 16.

• As always, vehicles parked on a street during a snow emergency are subject to ticketing. If your vehicle remains on the streets 12 hours after it’s ticketed, it will be towed.

• The snow emergency will remain in effect until your street is plowed

Help increase the tree canopy in St. Louis Park by celebrating and planting 60 trees around the Rec Center campus. Trees are planted in partnership with our local tree partner, Tree Trust. Music and refreshments will be enjoyed along with earthly camaraderie.

Saturday, May 6 9 a.m. – noon Rec Center, 3700 Monterey Drive St. Louis Park Meet at Rec Center main entrance.

Photo by: Sarah Grace Photography

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to the curb. As soon as your street is plowed to the curb, you may again park vehicles on the street.

• Snow removal operations are not changing. The city will provide the same high-quality service following the same pattern it has in the past – plowing main roads and then moving into neighborhoods.

• The new proactive approach to snow emergency declaration also provides additional flexibility. If the city received three back-to-back snow events of two inches each for three days, for instance, it could declare a snow emergency if needed to plow streets. Or in the spring if there is more than three inches of snow predicted, but also high temperatures the following day that would likely melt the snow, the city could decide not to declare a snow emergency.

Have snow plowing questions?

Call Public Works at 952.924.2562 during regular business hours or visit slpSNOW.org.

City Council adopts resolution supporting all members of the St. Louis Park community At its December 19, 2016, regular meeting, the St. Louis Park Council adopted a resolution supporting and standing with all members of the St. Louis Park Community. The resolution was consistent with the preamble of the St. Louis Park Home Rule Charter (the city’s governing document), and reinforces and clearly states the City Council’s support for all members of the St. Louis Park community. The resolution is below, with translation provided in Spanish, Somali and Russian.

ENGLISH RESOLUTION SUPPORTING AND STANDING WITH ALL MEMBERS OF THE ST. LOUIS PARK COMMUNITY WHEREAS, the Preamble of the City of St. Louis Park’s Home Rule Charter states “Human freedom and human rights are indivisible and the recognition of equality of all people is indispensable in the administration of a just government. Written documents which govern our nation and state clearly proclaim the rights and responsibilities of the people in making these freedoms possible. It is proper that cities do also, for human rights denied to one are denied to all. We, the people of St. Louis Park, therefore do hereby declare that equality of rights under the law shall not be abridged or denied by the City of St. Louis Park on the basis of color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, age or status with regard to public assistance or disability; and WHEREAS, the city hereby affirms that it does not operate its programs and services for the purpose of enforcing federal immigration laws; and, that public safety officials do not undertake any law enforcement action for the sole purpose of detecting or apprehending undocumented persons.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the St. Louis Park City Council supports and stands with all members of the St. Louis Park community. The City Council rejects division, bigotry, hate, and fear. The City Council will fight for the rights, freedoms and interests of all of the members of the community, no matter the color of their skin, their gender, the way they worship, where they were born, their age, their disability, their status regarding public assistance, their marital or familial status, their sexual orientation, or any other identity.

SOOMAALI QARAARKA TAAGEERITAANKA IYO GARAB TAAGNIDA DHAMMAAN XUBNAHA BEESHA ST. LOUIS PARK COMMUNITY MAADAAMA, ay Aaraarta Axdiga Ismaamulka Magaalada St. Louis Park’s ay sheegayso “Xornimada Aadanaha iyo Xuquuqda Aadanaha ayaan la kala qaybin karin oo aqoonsiga sinnaanta dadka oo idil ayaa laga maarmaan u ah maamulka dowladda xaqa ah. Dukumentiyada qoran ee maamula qarankeena iyo gobolkeena ayaa si bayaan ah u sheegaya xuquuqda iyo mas’uuliyadaha dadka markay suurtgelinyaan xorriyadahan. Weyna habboon thay inay magaalooyinkuna wax u qabtaan, maadama xuquuda aadanaha ee lags iska hor-istaagay qof ay tahay mid dadka oo idil la iska hortaagay. Annaga, oo ah dadka St. Louis Park, ayaa haddaba halkan ku bayaaminayna in u sinnaanta xuquuqda hoos timaad sharciga ayna ku koobi doonin ama ayna ugu diidi doonin Magaalada St. Louis Park iyada oo ku salaysan midab, caqiido, diin, asal qaran, jinsi, xaaladda guur, xaaladda qoys, u-jeed jinsi, da’ ama heerka taakulaynta dowladda ama naafanimada; iyo MAADAAMA, ay magaaladu halkan ku xaqiijinayso in aany ku hawlgelin barnaamijyadeeda iyo adeegyadeeda ujeeddooyin ah fulinta sharciyada socdaalka ee federaalka;oo, ayna saraakiisha ammaanka guud aany qaadin wax kasta ficil fulin sharci loogu talagalay kaliya ujeeddooyin soo helid ama xiritaan ah dadka aan sharciga haysan.

Haddaba sidaas daraaddeed, WAXAAN KU GOOSANY Golaha Magaalada St. Louis Park taageerayso oo ay garab taagan tahay dhammaan xubnaha ka tirsan beesha St. Louis Park. Golaha Magaalada ayaa ku gacansaydhaya kala qaybsanaanta, u dulqaad la’aanta kala duwanida, nacaybka, iyo baqa. Golaha Magaalada ayaa u dagaallami doona xuquuqda, xorriyadda iyo danaha dhammaan xubnaha ka tirsan beesha, iyada oo aan loo eegin midabka maqaarkooda, jinsigooda, sida ay u caabudaan, halka ay ku dhasheen, da’dooda, naafanimadooda, xaaladdooda markay tahay kaalmada dowladda, xaaladdooda guurka ama qoys, oo u siijeedkooda isku-tag, ama aqoonsi kaleba.

ПОСТАНОВЛЕНИЕ В ОТНОШЕНИИ ПОДДЕРЖАНИЯ ВСЕХ ЖИТЕЛЕЙ ГОРОДА СЕНТ-ЛУИС-ПАРК

ESPAÑOL

ПРЕАМБУЛА. В преамбуле устава города Сент-ЛуисПарк указано, что «права и свободы человека, а также признание равенства всех людей являются неотъемлемой обязанностью справедливого правительства. Нормативные государственные документы четко определяют права и обязанности граждан по осуществлению данных свобод. Мы также считаем, что если какое-либо право не было признано за одним человеком, оно также не признается за всеми остальными людьми. Мы, жители города Сент-Луис-Парк, настоящим заявляем, что равенство в правах в соответствие с законом не может быть ограничено или отменено администрацией города Сент-Луис-Парк на основании цвета кожи, вероисповедания, религии, национального происхождения, пола, состояния в браке, семейного положения, сексуальной ориентации, возраста, факта получения социального пособия или состояния здоровья; и

CONSIDERANDO QUE el Preámbulo de Acta Constitutiva de Autonomía de la Ciudad de St. Louis Park establece que “la libertad humana y los derechos humanos son indivisibles y el reconocimiento de la igualdad de todas las personas es indispensable en la gestión de un gobierno justo. Los documentos escritos que rigen nuestra nación y estado claramente proclaman los derechos y responsabilidad de las personas que hacen que estas libertades sean posibles. Es apropiado que las ciudades también lo hagan, porque los derechos humanos negados a uno, son negados a todos. Por tanto nosotros, el pueblo de St. Louis Park, por el presente declaramos que la Ciudad de St. Louis Park no reducirá ni negará la igualdad de derechos bajo la ley según el color de piel, credo, religión, origen nacional, sexo, estado civil, estado familiar, orientación sexual, edad o estatus con respecto a la asistencia pública o discapacidad; y CONSIDERANDO QUE la ciudad por el presente afirma que no dirige sus programas y servicios con el propósito de hacer cumplir las leyes federales de inmigración; y, que los funcionarios de seguridad pública no realizan ninguna acción de cumplimiento de la ley con el único fin de detectar y aprehender personas indocumentadas.

POR LO TANTO, SE CONCLUYE que el Concejo Municipal de St. Louis Park apoya y respalda a todos los miembros de la comunidad de St. Louis Park. El Concejo Municipal rechaza la división, intolerancia, odio y miedo. El Concejo Municipal luchará por los derechos, libertades e intereses de todos los miembros de la comunidad, sin importar su color de piel, sexo, cómo profesan su fe, dónde nacieron, su edad, discapacidad, estatus con respecto a la asistencia pública, su estado civil o familiar, orientación sexual ni cualquier otra identidad.

out!

Protect yourself, family and neighbors when seconds count. Adopt a fire hydrant and shovel it out after a snowfall.

Learn more at

hydranthero.org

Be a Hydrant Hero!

The St. Louis Park Fire Department would like to remind homeowners and businesses with fire hydrants on (or near) their property to please shovel the snow around the fire hydrant after each snowfall and keep the hydrant clear of overgrowth of plants during the summer.

There are about 1,700 fire hydrants in St. Louis Park, and while we will have a crew of firefighters removing the snow and plant overgrowth, they cannot clean all of them in a timely manner. Protect your family and neighbors when seconds count by becoming a hydrant hero!

To adopt a hydrant, go to hydranthero.org. Choose a hydrant, click on the “Adopt me” link, and fill out the registration form – you can even give your hydrant a name! Questions? Call 952.924.2171.

РУ С ́ СКИЙ ЯЗЫ К ́

(Adopted December 19, 2016)

RESOLUCIÓN QUE APOYA Y RESPALDA A TODOS LOS MIEMBROS DE LA COMUNIDAD DE ST. LOUIS PARK

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НАСТОЯЩИМ администрация города подтверждает, что она не проводит свои программы и не оказывает услуги с целью применения федерального иммиграционного законодательства; и что чиновники, ответственные за общественную безопасность, не осуществляют какие-либо правоприменительные меры с единственной целью задержания и ареста лиц, не имеющих необходимых документов.

Save the Date!

Saturday, June 17 2 – 6 p.m.

Wolfe Park 3700 Monterey Drive Fun for everyone!

Enjoy environmentally friendly activities and demonstrations.

A greener planet is in YOUR hands!

НА ОСНОВАНИИ ВЫШЕИЗЛОЖЕННОГО ПОСТАНОВЛЯЕМ, что Муниципальный совет города Сент-Луис-Парк поддерживает всех жителей города Сент-Луис-Парк. Муниципальный совет выступает против разделения, нетерпимости, ненависти и запугивания. Муниципальный совет обязуется отстаивать права, свободы и интересы всех жителей города, вне зависимости от цвета кожи, пола, вероисповедания, места рождения, возраста, состояния здоровья, факта получения социального пособия, состояния в браке, семейного положения, сексуальной ориентации или иных особенностей.

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Home Energy Squad Enhanced: Conveniently bringing you comfort Join the nearly 1,000 St. Louis Park residents who are enjoying the benefits of saving money, energy and are more comfortable in their homes thanks to the Home Energy Squad.

Home Energy Squad is a 2.5 hour visit with two energy consultants. During the visit the crew will install energy saving materials, perform diagnostic tests, and help you develop a customized plan for saving energy, making your home more comfortable and reducing your utility bills. It’s also a great time to ask any questions you have about your home.

Materials installed during the visits may include: a programmable thermostat, a water heater blanket, pipe wrap, door weatherstripping, high efficiency water fixtures and light bulbs. They will also conduct a blower door test, an infrared camera inspection, a combustion safety test on your home’s heating system and

water heater, and check insulation levels in your attic and walls.

At the end of the visit you will receive a custom report with prioritized recommendations. If your home needs insulation or air sealing upgrades the crew will give you a quote for the work to be done and you’ll have to option to schedule the work with a contractor that day – this is a new offering that really saves you time.

The city supports Home Energy Squad Enhanced by buying down the visit cost to $50 (normally $100). Home Energy Squad is provided by CenterPoint Energy and Xcel Energy and delivered by the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE), a local nonprofit.

For more home improvement programs and loan opportunities visit www.stlouispark.org/remodelingincentives.html.

Need help paying for home repairs?

With the coldest days of the year upon us, one of the biggest upsets in the comfort of your home, and possibly your wallet, would be a malfunctioning furnace. Grants of up to $4000 are available for low income residents for immediate emergency repairs such as furnace or water heater replacement, roof repairs, plumbing or electrical issues, etc. Household income limits apply. Household income of 50 percent of area median income (current income limits based on household size: Family of 1 $30,350; family of 2 - $34,350; family of 3 - $38,650; family of 4 - $42,900; for larger families contact Bill O’Meara for income limits). This program is administered by CAPSH for the City of St. Louis Park. Contact Bill O’Meara at 952.697.1310.

Apply March 7-9 for Housing Choice Voucher wait list The St. Louis Park Housing Authority will accept online applications only for the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) waiting list beginning March 7 at 8 a.m. through March 9 at 4 p.m. Applicants must meet income and family size eligibility requirements. Visit www.stlouispark.org/housing-authority.html for more details on the application process.

Get involved in your neighborhood organization!

Did you know St. Louis Park is divided into 35 neighborhoods and many of these neighborhoods have organized neighborhood associations? Involved and active neighborhoods are elements of the overall quality of life in St. Louis Park and we want you to be a part of them.

Strong neighborhoods are important and here are a few reasons why: • Build investment and pride • Increase feeling of safety and security • Connect neighborhoods with each other and with the city • Create and maintain a sense of community Neighborhood organizations take on many shapes and forms in St. Louis Park. Most hold neighborhood get-togethers, organize park cleanups or share services (trading home maintenance for child care, for example). Many neighborhoods publish newsletters and websites listing upcoming events and neighborhood news.

To find out more about your neighborhood, visit stlouispark.org and click on the neighborhoods section. If you don’t know what neighborhood you live in, use the MyNeighborhood application available on the site to determine your neighborhood.

If you are interested in getting involved, contact your neighborhood association leaders.

If your neighborhood isn’t organized, contact Breanna Freedman at bfreedman@stlouispark.org or 952.924.2184.

Open to Business program can help you Own a small business? Want to start one? Free business consultations are available to residents and businesses in St. Louis Park as part of its Open to Business program.

The Open to Business program provides one-on-one counseling with an experienced business advisor. This is an opportunity to help prospective and existing entrepreneurs with planning and organizing their business ideas, financial management, marketing, regulatory compliance and leasing or purchasing property.

Additionally, a small business loan program can help entrepreneurs access the capital they need to start or grow their business.

To be eligible for these free services you must live or work in St. Louis Park; the business does not need to be located in the city. 15-minute walk-in meetings are available on the fourth Monday of each month from 9 – 11 a.m. at St. Louis Park City Hall on the third floor. 30-minute consultations are also available by appointment.

The Open to Business program is offered through a collaboration with the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD). For more information, call Rob Smolund at MCCD at 612.789.7337, ext. 260.

Grant to help re-activate Walker/Lake area On November 29, 2016, the City of St. Louis Park was awarded a $35,000 Moving the Market grant from Hennepin County to support and reactivate the WalkerLake business area. The funds will be used to develop an activation plan, brand/ identity guide and install placemaking and/or wayfinding signage elements. The purpose of the grant activities is to broaden the customer base for area businesses, spur reinvestment and attract new businesses. Contact Julie Grove, economic development specialist, at 952.924.2523 for more information.

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train visits St. Louis Park The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train rolled into St. Louis Park Saturday, Dec. 10, to the delight of many hundreds of people gathered at Library Lane and West Lake Street. Those who braved the cold and snow to attend enjoyed a performance from the train stage by Kelly Prescott and Colin James, while STEP Executive Director Derek Reise was presented with a donation of $7,000 from Canadian Pacific. Mayor Jake Spano rode the train into town and spoke from the stage, welcoming residents to the event and speaking in support of STEP’s contributions to the St. Louis Park community. According to Mayor Spano the crowd in St. Louis Park was larger than at the previous two stops, resulting in the train stage being opened on both sides to the crowd gathered in either side of the tracks.

Prior to the train’s arrival, visitors enjoyed food trucks, vendors and performances from 612 LIVE and Tim Mahoney. The event resulted in nearly 6,000 pounds of food collected for STEP, as well as nearly $24,000 in financial donations from Canadian Pacific, event sponsors and individual donors.

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St. Louis Park receives federal grants for two transportation projects St. Louis Park is the recipient of two federal grants for transportation: $2.9 million for the Dakota Edgewood Trail over the BNSF rail line, and $560,000 for pedestrian improvements at the future Southwest LRT Beltline Station. The two St. Louis Park projects were among 58 projects chosen from 150 applications to receive $208 million in federal funds based on the recommendation of the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB), which advises the Metropolitan Council on transportation issues. The federal funds will leverage an additional $205 million in local matching funds for a total investment of $413 million.

“The fact that St. Louis Park was able to secure funding for these important projects in a very competitive environment speaks to the forward-thinking work that our community and city staff has done in planning for a 21st-century transportation system, one that will serve our neighbors for the coming 50 to 100 years,” said St. Louis Park Mayor Jake Spano. “This funding also recognizes the important role St. Louis Park plays in a regional transportation network. We look forward

to the continued growth of this system that serves all Minnesotans.”

Identified as part of the city’s ten-year Connect the Park program, the Dakota Edgewood Trail will connect neighborhoods north of the BNSF rail line to Hobart Elementary School and to the North Cedar Lake Regional Trail; help establish a main north-south bike/pedestrian corridor along Dakota Avenue and connect to the future Southwest LRT Wooddale Station; and add a bicycle/ pedestrian facility along Edgewood Avenue to Cedar Lake Road.

Pedestrian improvements related to the future Southwest LRT Beltline Station include building new sidewalks along Lynn and Ottawa Avenues and on Hwy. 25 frontage roads; improving pedestrian crossings where Beltline Boulevard and Lynn Avenue intersect with Hwy. 25; and a new multi-use facility for pedestrians/ bicyclists on the west side of Beltline Boulevard from the Beltline Station to 36th Street.

SWLRT project moves forward In December 2016, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) approved a milestone by allowing the Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) project’s entry into “engineering.” This means the federal government has authorized project staff to finalize designs in preparation for the start of construction in 2017. Earlier in 2016, the FTA cleared SWLRT’s environmental review. Bid documents for heavy construction are now being prepared. Construction will take place from 2017 to 2020 and the line will be open for riders in 2021. When the 14.5-mile line opens in 2021 as the METRO Green Line Extension, it will provide access to about 200,000 jobs. For more information visit bit.ly/SWLRTUpdate.

City-owned utility boxes get a facelift The City of St. Louis Park recently piloted a new program of wrapping selected city-owned utility boxes. Utility box wraps have been used in cities nationwide to add artistic flare and to discourage graffiti in neighborhoods and communities.

The purpose of the program in St. Louis Park is to further enhance neighborhood connectivity and to provide a way to incorporate more art in the community. Utility boxes are wrapped in an adhesive vinyl, similar to what is used on vehicles, with a lifespan of five to seven years. The material is graffiti-resistant.

The utility box used for the pilot program is located at the intersection of 36th Street and Beltline Boulevard, near The Rec Center. For more information on the program, contact Breanna Freedman at bfreedman@stlouispark.org or 952.924.2184.

Meet ProjectDox. The City of St. Louis Park has transformed its plan review process.

If you’re planning new residential construction or new commercial construction, additions or alterations, you can submit your project plans electronically via ProjectDox. Submitting your plans and supporting documents electronically makes the plan review process more efficient so you’ll receive your permit faster. It also saves on paper and is more environmentally friendly.

To learn more about how to submit your plans online, visit slpmn.us/b11t.

Permit required for recreational fires Want to have a small recreational fire on your private property? A Recreational Fire Permit is required for fire pits and other devices designed for outdoor recreational fires. There is a one-time Recreational Fire Permit fee of $25 for a lifetime permit for the current resident or renter residing at the property. Minnesota State Fire Code states that fires shall not be located within 25 feet of any structure (including house, garage, wooden decks, wooden sheds, etc. on your property or your neighbor’s property). City Ordinance requires that fires must be located at least 10 feet from the property line.

The St. Louis Park Fire Department reminds residents to be careful when enjoying recreational fires. Please keep the following guidelines in mind: • Consider the weather before burning. No burning is allowed when winds are over 10 mph and burning is discouraged under dry conditions.

• Recreational fires are prohibited when the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has declared a burning ban or the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert. For details see dnr.state.mn.us or pca.state.mn.us.

• Make sure your fire is constantly attended and that you have an extinguishing method readily available.

• Even with a Recreational Fire Permit, the burning of brush, leaves and trash is not allowed.

In addition to following the rules in the recreational fire permit, please consider your neighbors as well. Remember that smoke and the smell of smoke often carries into neighboring homes, even on calm days. In addition to the fact that not everyone likes the smell of a campfire (especially inside their home), smoke is also an irritant for those with respiratory issues such as asthma.

You may print out the Recreational Fire Permit form on slpfire.org or pick one up at Fire Station #1, 3750 Wooddale Ave. S. For more information call 952.924.2595 during normal business hours.

Free tax prep, e-filing help In partnership with AccountAbility MN, Community Action Partnership of Suburban Hennepin (CAPSH) will be offering FREE tax preparation and e-file services to individuals with an annual income of $35,000 or less, and to families with an annual income of $45,000 or less.

Services are also available in Spanish and Russian. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 952.697.1414.

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New partnership expands work of Discover St. Louis Park A new partnership has been formed between Discover St. Louis Park (DSLP) and the cities of St. Louis Park and Golden Valley. DSLP will broaden its focus to include and promote the assets of Golden Valley.

This agreement gives DSLP the opportunity to encourage an even wider audience to visit, enjoy and stay in the communities of St. Louis Park and Golden Valley.

Becky Bakken, President/CEO of DSLP, said, “Golden Valley approached us because the city realized there was an opportunity to contribute to and benefit from something already established and working.” In the last five years, DSLP’s efforts have garnered more than $6 million in direct economic impact to St. Louis Park. “Now, Golden Valley will get the chance to share in that success,” said Bakken.

The agreement will cost the residents and businesses in Golden Valley and

St. Louis Park absolutely nothing. DSLP’s efforts in Golden Valley will be funded the same way they are in St. Louis Park, by a 3% lodging tax collected by the hotels. This tax took effect in Golden Valley on January 1, 2017.

Golden Valley’s contributions will be an estimated 20% of DSLP’s overall budget.

Both cities are “comfortably close” to Minneapolis and all parties involved felt this was a natural fit. Each community has its own unique set of assets that complements the other. “Our goal is to make the same kind of impact in Golden Valley as we have in St. Louis Park,” Bakken explained.

As a component of this agreement, Golden Valley businesses will be included on DSLP’s website, discoverstlouispark.com, and visitor guides at no charge. This will allow DSLP to provide area visitors with the precise accommodations they need.

In the last five years, Discover St. Louis Park’s efforts have garnered more than $6 million in direct economic impact to St. Louis Park.

Above, participants at the Dec. 7 energy action plan kickoff discuss future steps.

Energy Action Plan celebration and implementation After a year of planning, St. Louis Park’s Energy Action Plan is ready for implementation. On December 7, 2016 a kickoff event was held to celebrate the final plan, recruit volunteers and start the steps to put the plan into action.

The plan was developed through a collaboration between the City of St. Louis Park planning team volunteers and Xcel Energy’s Partners in Energy.

Plan goals are for St. Louis Park to source 100% renewable electricity by 2025 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. The key strategies to achieve these goals include efforts targeting energy efficiency projects in commercial buildings, investing in renewable energy, and producing a climate action plan. Climate action plans are comprehensive road maps that outline the specific activities that an agency or community will undertake to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). Climate action planning is underway with city staff working hard gathering data and other information requested by the consulting team hired to facilitate the

process and produce the plan. The goal is to have the plan completed this spring so implementation of strategies to reduce our GHGs can begin. View the Energy Action Plan on the city website, bit.ly/2jeHzK7.

If you’re interested in learning how you can use your talents to help St. Louis Park meet its community-wide energy goals, contact Shannon Pinc, environment and sustainability coordinator, at 952.924.2191 or spinc@stlouispark.org.

Xcel Energy’s Partners in Energy provides participating communities with a team of experts in energy consulting, process and implementation coaching to help identify energy objectives, develop a plan, and implement strategies that incorporate unique, local resources. St. Louis Park was the fourth community selected to become a Partners in Energy community in Minnesota. For more information on the city’s participation with this offering contact Emma Struss, Partners in Energy community facilitator, at 612.244.2455.

Be CONNECTED WITH YOUR Community!

Applications are being accepted for the following City of St. Louis Park boards and commissions: • Board of Zoning Appeals • Environment and Sustainability Commission • Housing Authority • Human Rights Commission • Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission • Planning Commission • Police Advisory Commission • Telecommunications Advisory Commission Apply online at slpmn.us/26es or contact the City Clerk’s office at 952.928.2840.

Application deadline is Feb. 28, 2017; membership terms begin May 31.

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