Issuu

Park Perspective February 2021

www.stlouispark.org

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.

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

nextdoor.com @stlouispark

@stlouispark

www.youtube.com/slpcable

Sign up for email and text notifications: www.stlouispark.org/sign-up Make service requests or receive city information via the app or visit www.mystlouispark.org.

Police department updates use-of-force policy In July 2020, following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and at the request of the St. Louis Park City Council, St. Louis Park Police Department Chief Mike Harcey and Deputy Chief Bryan Kruelle provided an overview to council members of the police department’s use-of-force policy. They also updated the council on the Minnesota Police Accountability Act, which was signed into law in July 2020 and required law enforcement agencies in Minnesota to update their use-of-force policies to be the same or substantially similar to the model policy provided the Minnesota Board of Police Officers Standards and Training (POST), by Dec. 15, 2020. The city council supported the police department’s proposal to form a workgroup to work with police staff on updating the use-of-force policy to comply with the new requirements. The workgroup included volunteers drawn from the city’s police advisory and human rights commissions and the multicultural advisory committee. Before its first meeting, the workgroup received the police department’s current use-of-force policy along with the model policy provided by POST. During three subsequent virtual meetings in October and November, the workgroup reviewed the policy, engaged in policy discussions, provided updates to each of their commissions and committee and provided valuable community input on policy recommendations. Workgroup recommendations were incorporated into the final revised use-of-force policy that was adopted and implemented by the police department. All St. Louis Park police officers completed training on the new use-of-force policy by the Dec. 15, 2020, deadline required by the Minnesota Police Accountability Act. Visit www.stlouispark.org/police to read the new use-of-force policy and to learn more about the St. Louis Park Police Department.

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

Join the police multicultural

advisory committee!

The police multicultural advisory committee (PMAC) provides advice, suggestions and assistance to the St. Louis Park Police Department to help in better serving, communicating with and understanding the many cultures that live in, work in and visit St. Louis Park. Candidates should: • Live or work in St. Louis Park, or have other significant connection to the city • Be able to attend meetings on the third Wednesday of each month, 6:30 – 8 p.m. • Be connected to the community and act as a bridge between the community and the police department • Be willing to work cooperatively with the police department in enhancing relationships between all cultural communities and the police To apply, you will need to: • Visit www.stlouispark.org/pmac to complete the application • Pass a criminal background check • Complete a brief interview with police department staff For more information, contact Officer Katie Fitzhenry, PMAC coordinator, at kfitzhenry@stlouispark.org or 952.928.1427.

Neighborhood watch

block captains needed!

Neighborhood watch is a voluntary program aimed at reducing your likelihood of becoming a crime victim. It works by teaching simple, yet proven crime prevention techniques and by building relationships between neighbors and the police department. Neighborhood watch block captains help maintain the safety and well-being of their neighborhood by coordinating neighborhood watch activities for their block. To find out if your neighborhood is organized, volunteer to become a block captain or for more information, contact Community Outreach Officer Ken Sysko at 952.924.2661. You can also complete the neighborhood watch block captain application at bit.ly/2Z6qO8i.

Help shape our community! Applications are being accepted for both adult and youth positions on these City of St. Louis Park boards and commissions: • Community technology advisory commission • Environment and sustainability commission • Housing authority • Human rights commission • Parks and recreation advisory commission • Planning commission/board of zoning appeals • Police advisory commission Terms begin May 31. Apply online by Sunday, Feb. 28 at www.stlouispark.org/boards-commissions.

New year, new utility rates

Next election is Nov. 2, 2021

The City of St. Louis Park periodically conducts a utility rate study to ensure that utility rates are properly structured and generate enough revenue to operate and maintain the city’s water, sewer and solid waste services. The St. Louis Park City Council adopted the study’s recommended rate changes for 2021. For more information on rate changes, watch for an insert in your 2021 utility bill, visit www.stlouispark.org/utility-billing or call utility billing at 952.924.2111.

November local election The Nov. 2, 2021, election will be a local election only. Offices on the ballot will include four ward city council members, as well as local school board offices for St. Louis Park, Hopkins or Edina public schools, depending on the school district in which you live. The offices of mayor and at large council members will not be on the 2021 ballot.

Residential

Quantity

2020

2021

Tier 1

0 - 13.333 units (0 - 10,000 gallons)

$1.98

$2.07

Tier 2

13.333 - 20 units (10,000 - 15,000 gallons)

$2.40

$2.51

Tier 3

> 20 units (> 15,000 gallons)

$2.87

$3.01

Multifamily

All units

$2.40

$2.51

Water meter charges, which are quarterly fixed fees based on meter size, increased 4.8% for 2021. These charges offset both the cost of making water service available to users and future meter replacement. The sanitary sewer consumption rate has changed from $3.77 to $3.92 per unit of water used for 2021. The sewer rate is calculated based on winter water consumption for residential users and actual use for all other users. The quarterly sanitary sewer service charge, which is a fixed fee to offset the cost of making sanitary sewer service available to users, changed from $19.32 to $20.09 for 2021. The quarterly single-family storm drainage rate, which pays for flood control projects and stormwater drainage, changed from $25.02 to $26.27 for 2021. The 2021 solid waste rates reflect increased costs to provide service. Solid waste rates include all city collection services. A base amount is paid by customers for recycling, organics and yard waste collection. The remaining cost is determined by, and increases with, the garbage service level. This supports waste reduction by charging residents based on how much they throw away. Residents have the option of weekly or every-other-week (EOW) garbage collection.

The solid waste rate changes are as follows: Service level

2020

2021

20-gallon EOW

$30.23

$31.82

30-gallon EOW

$40.19

$42.30

20-gallon

$41.96

$44.16

30-gallon

$57.35

$60.36

60-gallon

$81.63

$85.92

90-gallon

$125.12

$131.69

120-gallon

$198.77

$209.21

150-gallon

$248.45

$261.49

180-gallon

$298.14

$313.79

270-gallon

$447.20

$470.68

360-gallon

$596.29

$627.60

City council approves 2021 budget, tax levy At its final meeting of 2020, the St. Louis Park City Council approved a final property tax levy increase of 4.5% over 2020. This final approved levy was the conclusion of several months of budget discussions between city council and staff, and is lower than the originally proposed 6.11% preliminary tax levy set in September 2020. The budget was developed with the council’s strategic priorities, Vision 3.0 and the comprehensive plan in mind. It will address the need to maintain city infrastructure such as roads, parks and buildings; as well as to support technology, debt service and responsive and high-quality services to residents and business including police and fire. Visit www.stlouispark.org/finance for information about the city budget and finances. 2

February 2021

About ranked-choice voting City offices are elected using the ranked-choice voting system. This means that you will be able to rank up to three choices for the St. Louis Park ward council member contest that appears on your ballot. St. Louis Park first used ranked-choice voting in the 2019 election for mayor and at large council members. Elections staff will be educating voters about how to cast a ranked-choice ballot, how a candidate is elected and how ranked-choice ballots are counted. By law, school districts are not allowed to use ranked-choice voting in school board elections. School board offices will appear on the back side of the ballot and are elected using the traditional method of voting. If you haven’t used ranked-choice voting before, or you simply want a refresher, visit www.stlouispark.org/vote or call the elections office at 952.924.2503. Running for office Deciding to run for office is a big decision. You may have a lot of questions, from understanding the role of a council member to how to get your name on the ballot and how much money you can raise. Visit www.stlouispark.org/vote to find important dates, review frequently asked questions and answers, connect to candidate resources and learn more about the process of running for local office. You can also contact elections staff at 952.924.2503 or elections@stlouispark.org with your questions or to request voter outreach supplies or important forms. The candidate filing period is July 27 – Aug. 10, 2021. Under ranked-choice voting, no primary election takes place. Stay informed Sign up now to receive notifications when new elections information is released. This is the best way to ensure you don’t miss important information about redistricting, ranked-choice voting or when and how to participate in the upcoming election. Visit www.stlouispark.org/sign-up to sign up for elections email and text updates. The city posts elections information regularly on social media, so be sure to follow @stlouispark on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, as well as signing up for Nextdoor at www.nextdoor.com and YouTube at www.youtube.com/slpcable. Redistricting Redistricting is a statewide process to redraw election districts. It happens once every 10 years. After census data is gathered and compiled it is given to the states. The Minnesota state legislature is then required to redraw the boundaries of all senate and congressional districts. After that process is complete, the City of St. Louis Park draws local precincts within the boundaries made by the state legislature. The city clerk will work with state and local elected officials and the community to determine if and how a precinct boundary should be redrawn. The St. Louis Park City Council must approve any changes. Considerations in redistricting A series of rules govern how a district must be drawn. They include hard natural barriers like rivers and major roadways and softer preference boundaries, like keeping neighborhoods intact. Boundaries are also influenced by maintaining communities of interest and the ease by which an average voter could get to a polling location on Election Day. All these factors are balanced to draw a compromise map. Precincts and polling place locations Polling places are where voting takes place on Election Day. Polling places must be accessible and meet the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as all federal and state laws. Facilities that meet these guidelines are often large, public buildings where people gather, such as religious centers, schools or government offices. These locations meet accessibility requirements and can handle large crowds. By state law, polling places must be located within one mile of a precinct boundary, large enough to accommodate election activities, smoke and liquor free, and not adjacent to a liquor service area. Except for public schools or city-owned buildings, the city can’t require a facility to serve as a polling place. In addition to all the legal standards and requirements, many other factors are considered when evaluating facilities for use as a polling place. This may include long-term viability and availability, number of voters to be served at the facility, parking, traffic, voter convenience, safety and other uses at the facility during voting. Provide feedback on precinct boundaries The City of St. Louis Park wants to understand your preferences for precinct boundaries and how your current polling place is meeting your voting needs. While all district boundaries and polling places are a compromise, your voice is important. The city will provide opportunities for you to participate in the process and provide feedback. Input from community members is vital and will be balanced with the strict rules in Minnesota law to ensure the best decisions possible are made to serve St. Louis Park voters now and in the future.

City offers website design, marketing

assistance for small businesses Do you want to create or upgrade your business website or enhance your marketing efforts to increase customer traffic during the COVID-19 pandemic? The City of St. Louis Park, in partnership with local marketing firms, is offering up to $1,000 of marketing services to local businesses. Consulting services eligible for reimbursement include web design and optimization, search engine marketing, social media management, branding and other related marketing efforts. Services must be provided by a participating St. Louis Park-based firm and must be a new engagement. The program is available to St. Louis Park small businesses with up to 50 employees. Limit one reimbursement per small business. Visit bit.ly/3jtN2Hn to learn more about the program and see a list of participating firms.

Is your property at risk of flooding? Wondering what the flood risk is for your property? The city will give you the following information at your request: • I f your property is in or out of the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) as shown on the current Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for the city; in or out of the floodway; or in or near an area where the problems are not shown on the FIRM. • A dditional flood insurance data for a property, such as the FIRM zone and the base flood elevation or depth, if shown on the FIRM, and if a property is in or near an area of historical flooding and/or natural functions floodplain. To request information, provide your street address and, if available, the subdivision, lot and block number. City staff will do the rest. For more information, call the community development department at 952.924.2575. Visit www.stlouispark.org/floodplain for more information on flood hazards, risks and building responsibly.

Notice of eviction policy adopted

Continued business resources

The city’s Open to Business program offers free, one-on-one, confidential business consulting to help small business owners with access to the technical assistance and financing options they need, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Contact John Endris, Open to Business advisor, at jendris@mccdmn.org or 651.216.6252 to schedule a video meeting. The city’s small business liaison is available to assist business owners and managers and be a resource to anyone thinking about starting, expanding or relocating a business in St. Louis Park. For information, contact Julie Grove, small business liaison, at jgrove@stlouispark.org or 952.924.2523.

Effective Feb. 1, 2021, the city’s new notice of eviction ordinance requires rental property owners to provide seven days’ written notice to tenants prior to initiating an eviction action for non-payment of rent or other financial obligations. The notice of eviction ordinance was adopted by the St. Louis Park City Council in November 2020. Visit www.stlouispark.org/property-owners to view the ordinance under the tenant protection section.

Home remodeling programs available Although the 2021 West Metro Home Remodeling Fair has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, home remodeling is underway throughout St. Louis Park. If you’re thinking about remodeling your house, improving energy efficiency or even putting on an addition, the city has programs to help. Visit www.stlouispark.org/home-remodeling to learn more.

Down payment help is available For those purchasing a home in St. Louis Park, the City of St. Louis Park provides down payment and closing cost assistance to first-time homebuyers or those that have not owned a home in the last three years. Employees of St. Louis Park businesses may be eligible for additional funds to encourage them to live where they work.

Crime-free, drug-free sections of rental license ordinance repealed Following extensive public process and analysis, in August 2020, the St. Louis Park City Council adopted revisions to the rental license ordinance repealing the crime-free, drug-free sections of the ordinance. The revisions took effect in September 2020. Visit bit.ly/34iV3dw to learn more.

The loan is a zero-percent interest deferred loan up to $15,000, not to exceed five percent of the purchase price. An additional $5,000 is available for employees of St. Louis Park businesses. Income restrictions apply. Visit the Center for Energy and Environment at bit.ly/CEESLP or call 612.335.5884 to learn more.

www.stlouispark.org

Stay informed about construction projects The City of St. Louis Park has several transportation projects scheduled for this construction season. If you live or travel through these areas, visit www.stlouispark.org/construction-updates to learn more about the projects and sign up for email updates. Dakota-Edgewood bikeway and trail bridge project Work is underway on the Dakota-Edgewood trail bridge following a groundbreaking ceremony in October 2020. The contractor completed most of the underground bridge foundation work as of December 2020, and the bridge columns are rising out of the ground. Due to the cold weather, work was suspended until February 2021. The bridge is expected to open in late 2021. Monterey Drive/Beltline Boulevard/36th Street bikeway improvements Construction on Monterey Drive from Park Commons Drive to the intersection of Beltline Boulevard and 36th Street, on Beltline Boulevard from 36th Street to Park Glen Road and on 36th Street from Beltline Boulevard to Highway 100 is expected start in the spring. The construction overview of the three roads are as follows: onterey Drive phase 2 (Park Commons Drive to the intersection of M Beltline Boulevard and 36th Street) • Add on-street bike facilities from Excelsior Boulevard to Beltline Boulevard • Reduce the four lanes of vehicle traffic to three lanes with a center median • Change the 36th Street and Beltline Boulevard intersection to a roundabout, providing full access into The Rec Center • Replace pavement Beltline Boulevard (from 36th Street to Park Glen Road) • Add on-street bike facilities from Monterey Drive to County Road 25 • Reduce the four lanes of vehicle traffic to three lanes with a center left turn lane • Create an enhanced pedestrian crossing at the 35th Street intersection 36th Street (from Beltline Boulevard to Highway 100) • Add a combination of on- and off-street bike facilities to the corridor

City of St. Louis Park

requires dogs to be leashed

Louisiana Avenue road/bridge reconstruction Louisiana Avenue between Louisiana Circle and Excelsior Boulevard is under construction. The existing bridge over Minnehaha Creek has been demolished. Due to the cold weather, work was suspended until February 2021. This project, expected to be done by this November, will: • R eplace the bridge with a higher bridge, allowing pedestrians to cross Louisiana Avenue under the bridge along Minnehaha Creek • Reconstruct the road • Add off-street bike facilities from Excelsior Boulevard to Oxford Street • Add a sidewalk on the west side of the street from Excelsior Boulevard to the bridge Beltline Boulevard SWLRT pedestrian improvements The Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) is currently constructing the Beltline Boulevard Station just south of County Road 25. To provide safe and convenient access to walk and roll from the Wolfe Park and Triangle neighborhoods to the station, the city is constructing pedestrian improvements on Beltline Boulevard, South County Road 25 Service Drive, Ottawa Avenue and Lynn Avenue. These will be under construction in 2021. Southwest Light Rail Transit 2020 was a very busy year for Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) construction across the community. Construction will continue in 2021 and is expected to include additional work near the Louisiana Avenue, Wooddale Avenue and Beltline Boulevard station areas to complete the infrastructure at these roadway crossings. The photo above shows construction of a stairway to the new Cedar Lake Regional Trail bridge. Visit www.swlrt.org to sign up for the Metropolitan Council’s SWLRT weekly updates.

Chipmunk sculpture installed at Westwood Hills Nature Center City of St. Louis Park

N A T U R E

C E N T E R

The City of St. Louis Park has been receiving an increased number of complaints about dogs running at large, off-leash or being walked at Westwood Hills Nature Center. As a reminder, city ordinance requires owners to leash dogs whenever they are off their home property and pets are not allowed anywhere at Westwood Hills Nature Center. Dogs must be leashed in all city parks and open spaces and on trails and may not run at large. This means that dogs must be controlled by a leash no more than 20 feet long, which is shortened to 6 feet when another person or animal is within 20 feet. The only locations dogs may be off-leash aside from their home property is at a designated off-leash dog park. In St. Louis Park, off-leash dog parks are located at Cedar Knoll Park and Dakota Park and require a license to use. Visit www.stlouispark.org for more information about leash laws and pet ownership in St. Louis Park. Three Rivers Park District also offers several off-leash dog areas throughout the metro area; visit www.threeriversparks.org for information. Parks and trails users may report unleashed dogs to the St. Louis Park Police Department non-emergency number at 952.924.2618.

2 44

February 2021

In December 2020, a 200-pound chipmunk found a new home at Westwood Hills Nature Center. Cast in bronze by local artist Nick Legeros and mounted on a 3,000-pound slab of Chilton stone from Cold Spring, Minn., this 5-foot-long sculpture greets visitors to the interpretive center at Westwood Hills Nature Center. The chipmunk will be joined in 2021 by a companion sculpture of a chickadee, also by Legeros. These outdoor art sculptures were made possible by a donation to the City of St. Louis Park from the St. Louis Park Rotary Club and the St. Louis Park Sunrise Rotary Club, and through a partnership with St. Louis Park Friends of the Arts.

Rent a city garden plot The city manages more than 100 community garden plots in five sites around the city. Contact Leah Porter at lporter@stlouispark.org or 952.924.2562 if you are interested in renting a garden plot. Garden plots are rented for $40 per plot during the 2021 season. Visit bit.ly/2WiwyZF for more information.

Order a discounted rain barrel SAVE THE DATE

The Recycling Association of Minnesota (RAM) has partnered with the city to provide rain barrels to residents at a discounted price this spring. St. Louis Park residents receive 50% off the regular price of $79. Online ordering starts March 1 at www.recycleminnesota.org; use promo code “stlouispark” to receive the discount. Preordered rain barrels should be picked up Saturday, May 1, 8 a.m. – noon or Monday, May 3, 5 – 7 p.m. at the Municipal Service Center, 7305 Oxford St. If you can’t pick up rain barrels on these dates, RAM is hosting other sales throughout the spring with alternative pickup dates. Visit www.recycleminnesota.org or call RAM at 651.641.4589 for more information.

Gardener’s swap Thursday, May 20, 5:30 – 7 p.m. Recreation Outdoor Center (ROC), 3700 Monterey Drive

Funding available for landscaping projects It’s not too early to start thinking about spring landscaping projects that can help manage stormwater. The city’s Rainwater Rewards program offers funding and technical guidance to residential property owners who install projects that do at least one of the following: • Protect and restore stormwater by capturing pollutants in rainwater runoff • Increase the watershed’s ability to store water • Preserve and restore native plant and wildlife communities • Protect and preserve groundwater quality and quantity Project examples include rain gardens, tree plantings, rain barrels, permeable pavement, green roofs and other innovative stormwater management practices. Program benefits include cost share, guidance with management practices, selecting designers and contractors, and future planning. The program is available to residential properties in St. Louis Park. Applications are accepted year-round while funding remains. To learn more, visit www.stlouispark.org/rainwater-rewards, or contact Erick Francis, water resources manager, at efrancis@stlouispark.org or 952.924.2690.

Mark your calendar for the city’s annual gardener’s swap! This free event is open to everyone and is a great opportunity to share extra plants or clear out gardening tools you no longer use, then take home new treasures. No items may be sold. Don’t bring chemicals or broken items. Also, to reduce the spread of invasive plants, certain perennials will not be allowed. Visit www.stlouispark.org/waste-reduction for more information including a detailed list of acceptable items.

Water efficiency grant program offers rebates If you’re buying a toilet or installing lawn irrigation, choose a WaterSense product and you might be eligible for a rebate! In partnership with the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services and the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment, the City of St. Louis Park is offering $30,670 in rebates to encourage residents to install toilets and irrigation components that reduce water use. Eligibility requirements

Tree sale starts March 1 Starting March 1, visit www.treetrust.org to order and pay for your tree as part of the city’s annual tree sale. Trees are $35 each; a maximum of three trees per property may be purchased. Tree pickup will be Saturday, May 1, from 8 a.m. – noon or Monday, May 3, from 5 – 7 p.m., at the Municipal Service Center, 7305 Oxford St., St. Louis Park.

• Must be a St. Louis Park resident who receive a water bill from the city. • Qualifying purchases must be made between Feb. 15, 2020, and June 30, 2022. • New construction and new developments are not eligible for rebates. Rebates are up to $200 for purchasing a WaterSense toilet and up to $250 toward purchasing a WaterSense irrigation controller and/or irrigation spray sprinkler bodies. Rebates are for product purchase only; residents are responsible for installation and permit costs. Your receipt and the UPC showing the WaterSense product will be required to qualify for the rebate. Rebates will be issued as a bill credit on your city utility bill. Rebates will be provided as requests are received until the grant money is gone. For more information, contact Jay Hall, utilities superintendent, at 952.924.2557 or jhall@stlouispark.org.

www.stlouispark.org

3 5

Citywide hydrant flushing starts May 9 City crews are scheduled to flush the watermains in St. Louis Park starting Sunday, May 9, weather permitting. Flushing hours will mainly be from 8:30 p.m. – 6:30 a.m. and should be complete by Friday, May 14. Watermain flushing is done each spring to loosen normal mineral buildup inside underground watermains. Crews flush the watermains by opening fire hydrants, so don’t be alarmed if you see water gushing from hydrants while a city truck is nearby. The flushing process will take five days to complete citywide. Any one neighborhood or area won’t be affected for the entire week. Once a watermain is flushed, city crews will move to the next one. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to specify exact dates and times crews will be in specific neighborhoods, which is why the five-day window is published. Residents can check to see if watermains have been flushed in their neighborhood by visiting bit.ly/WMflushing to view a map. While water has improved color and taste after watermain flushing, the process can temporarily discolor water due to loose iron particles. Iron naturally occurs in groundwater and isn’t harmful to your health. If you experience discolored water, take the following precautions. If you have questions, call public works at 952.924.2562. • T urn your water softener off or set it to “bypass” for the time period watermain flushing is scheduled. • During this time period, don’t do laundry without first checking to see if your water is rust colored. Check water by running the tap. If it’s rust colored, don’t run your washing machine until you’ve cleared the water. To clear your water, run the cold water tap in your laundry tub until it runs clear, then do your laundry. If your laundry is stained by the water during this time period, keep the laundered items wet and call public works at 952.924.2562. We will deliver a chemical that will remove the stains. • Each morning during this time period, run the cold water tap to flush your household system of any discolored water sitting in the pipes. If tap water becomes discolored during the day, run the cold water tap until the water clears again.

Residential brush drop-off site opens April 27 Branches, brush or logs greater than 4 feet in length or 4 inches in diameter are too big for residential curbside collection. Bring them to the city’s brush drop-off site, 2501 Edgewood Ave. S., at the intersection of Cedar Lake Road and Colorado Avenue South. There is no charge for St. Louis Park residents. A Minnesota ID or driver’s license is required as proof of residency. Yard waste, such as grass clippings and leaves, is not accepted at the site and should be set out for curbside collection instead. Excess soil/fill also is not accepted. Visit www.stlouispark.org/brush-drop-off or call 952.924.2562 for information on hours, days of operation and more.

Yard waste collection

starts April 5

During residential yard waste season, yard waste is collected every week on the same day as your garbage. Set out yard waste by 7 a.m. to ensure collection. If you believe your yard waste was missed, call Waste Management at 763.783.5423. There is no additional cost for yard waste collection during residential yard waste season; it is included in your solid waste collection rate. Yard waste includes garden waste, grass clippings, leaves, weeds, wood chips, twigs and branches. Set yard waste out for collection in one of these ways:

1. U se your own reusable container. The container should be sturdy, weigh 40 pounds or less when filled and have handles so it can be lifted by a single person. Yard waste can be placed in the container loose (not bagged). The city provides yard waste stickers to mark your reusable containers. These can be picked up at city hall, 5005 Minnetonka Blvd., or the Municipal Service Center, 7305 Oxford St., or by calling public works at 952.924.2562. 2. U se certified compostable bags, brown paper Kraft lawn bags or brown paper grocery bags. 3. B ranches must be less than 4 inches in diameter and less than 4 feet long. Tie branches into bundles with string or put them in one of the container options above. Note: Each container, bag or bundle should weigh no more than 40 pounds. Visit www.stlouispark.org/yard-waste for more information.

February 2021

Introducing Solar Sundown, a cost sharing program for 2021 If you’ve ever considered installing solar panels on your home or business, 2021 is the year! The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) allows you to deduct a percent of the cost of installing a solar energy system from your federal taxes. The 2020 tax deduction of 26% has been extended through 2022. At the same time, the city has launched a new pilot cost share program called Solar Sundown with the goal of doubling the amount of rooftop solar in the city by the end of 2021. This will bring St. Louis Park closer to meeting its Climate Action Plan goal of 100% renewable energy by 2030. Under Solar Sundown, the city will fund the four percent difference between the 2021 ITC and the 2019 ITC, allowing property owners to receive a 30% credit on their solar investment. Solar arrays must be installed in 2021 and operational by Dec. 31. Visit www.stlouispark.org/solar to see if your home is a good fit for solar, learn about solar financing and installation, and find out if your property is located in an area where it qualifies for additional cost share funds. Sign up at www.stlouispark.org/sign-up to receive updates on the Climate Action Plan and Solar Sundown pilot program.

Winter cart set-out reminders

On your collection day, garbage, recycling and organics carts must be placed at the curb or alley where collectors can easily reach them. Carts cannot be placed in the street, alley or sidewalk because they get in the way of vehicles, pedestrians and snow removal work.

If your cart or other personal items are stored in the alley right of way and they are hit during city operations like snowplowing or street sweeping, any resulting damage to private property caused by the cart and other items is your responsibility. Tips for storing your carts in the alley right of way • Place carts sideways, reducing the amount of cart that sticks out into the right of way • Remove snow regularly from the area where you store or set your cart for collection • After a snowfall, remove carts from the alley right of way until city crews finish plowing

Setting out your carts for collection During winter months, you must keep the area where you place your carts for collection clear of snow. This helps collectors safely reach your carts. • If you have curbside collection, place carts on your driveway or on the boulevard between the street and sidewalk, as close to the street as possible. • If you have alley collection, place carts on your property, driveway or beside your garage next to the alley.

Know your recycling day For your convenience, the next three months of the recycling schedule are provided below. Visit www.stlouispark.org/recycling to download a calendar for the year, find your collection week or sign up for email reminders. • If your normal service falls on or after a holiday, you will receive service one day later. • Missed collection? Contact Waste Management at stlouispark@wm.com or 763.783.5423. • This calendar applies only to properties with city-provided recycling. Multifamily buildings are required to offer recycling to their tenants. Check with your building management if you have questions.

Storing your carts after collection Put carts away promptly after collection. If you must store your carts outdoors, be considerate. During winter months, it is especially important that households with alley collection keep carts out of the path of city snowplows. While you can store your carts in the city’s right of way – the space 2 to 3 feet on either side of the alley – carts should never extend into the alley.

March 2021

Week A

Week B Holiday

May 2021

April 2021

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

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Sa 1 8 15 22 29

View snow removal status for North Cedar Lake Regional Trail New this year, the City of St. Louis Park is providing an online map showing the status of snow removal on the North Cedar Lake Regional Trail. This pilot project is designed to help regular trail users make decisions about the availability of the trail for bicycling and walking following a significant snowfall. The map uses automatic vehicle locator (AVL) data from city snow removal vehicles to show where those vehicles have traveled on the North Cedar Lake Regional Trail for snow removal. Keep in mind, the current condition of the trail will depend on snowfall amounts, timing and duration of the snowfall. While the map may show the trail has been plowed, subsequent snowfall may result in different real-time conditions. Visit bit.ly/trailplowing to view the map. This is a pilot project to help determine the capabilities and usefulness of providing this information to residents. It is currently only available for the North Cedar Lake Regional Trail. The results of this pilot project will help determine if it might be expanded to other trails or areas of the city. If you use this map, we want to hear from you! Email gis@stlouispark.org with your feedback.

Fee help available for parks, recreation The City of St. Louis Park recognizes the importance of recreation and the health and wellness benefits it provides to people of all ages. To help ensure lack of money doesn’t keep people from participating, the city offers “Access to Fun” – a financial assistance program for those who live or work in St. Louis Park to participate in its recreation programs. Programs fee assistance may be used for include parks and recreation special events and programs, Westwood Hills Nature Center programs, birthday party packages and Aquatic Park season passes. Access to Fun does not include adult athletic leagues, facility rentals, Westwood Hills Nature Center outreach programs and any class, program or pass that is $10 or less. A family member may receive a maximum of $200 in fee assistance per calendar year, and must pay the first 50% of the activity or program fee. Eligibility is based on family size and household income. Visit www.stlouispark.org/parks-rec for Access to Fun eligibility guidelines and assistance forms, or call 952.924.2540.

St. Louis Park wins Intercity Home Energy Squad Challenge We are excited to announce that St. Louis Park has won the Intercity Home Energy Squad Challenge, a metrowide competition to promote Home Energy Squad visits. The city had both the highest number of Home Energy Squad visits and the highest Home Energy Squad visit rate per capita. During a Home Energy Squad visit, energy experts perform an assessment of your home, provide energy-saving tips and recommend next steps for future energy efficiency projects. Even if you didn’t participate in the challenge, you can still take advantage of a free virtual visit or a $50 reduced-rate, in-person visit, which also includes the free installation of many energy-saving products. Free in-person visits are available for income-qualified residents. Call 651.328.6220 or visit www.stlouispark.org/hes-challenge to get started.

Electric vehicle chargers available at Westwood Hills Nature Center

Did you know you can charge your electric vehicle at Westwood Hills Nature Center? Four new Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) chargers have been installed, including one serving an ADA-accessible space. These ChargePoint network chargers are available for public use during park hours of sunrise to sunset; overnight parking is not allowed. In order to reach the City of St. Louis Park’s Climate Action Plan goal of Citizens’ Police this carbon neutrality by 2040,Academy vehicle emissionsreturns must be reduced 25% spring by 2030.

the number ofispublic charging city TheExpanding Citizens’ Police Academy open EV to adults 18 stations and overthroughout who live orthe work inis one strategy to help achieve this midterm goal. St. Louis Park. Classes will be held on Wednesdays, March 18 – May 27 (no class April 1), from 6 – 9 p.m. at the St. Louis Park Police Department, 3015 Raleigh Ave. S. Visitapplicants PlugSharewill at www.plugshare.com other EV charging stations Register Twenty be accepted and musttobefind able to attend all 10 sessions. available in St. Louis Park and other cities. Visit www.stlouispark.org/whnc online at www.stlouispark.org/police-academy www.stlouispark.org/police-academy. . Note: Interested in learning about the for more information about Westwood Hills Nature Center. city overall? See pages 1 and 2 for youth and adult opportunities.

www.stlouispark.org

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Permits required for recreational fires

Change your clock, change your batteries

Daylight saving time begins Sunday, March 14! In addition to remembering to set your clocks ahead one hour, this is a great time to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Did you know three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms? Saving your life can be as simple as checking your smoke alarms. Remember to test your smoke alarms every month and get new smoke alarms every 10 years.

Permits are required for recreational fires (in-ground fire pits, portable fire pits, fire bowls, chimineas, etc.). Natural gas and propane fire pits and fireplaces don’t require a recreational fire permit. Visit www.stlouispark.org/firepermit to view or print the permit application and to find complete information and regulations. Fires must be 25 feet away from any structure and you may only burn clean, dry firewood. Do not have a fire if winds are more than 10 miles per hour or when still weather conditions prevent the smoke from moving away. 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. Visit www.dnr.state.mn.us or www.pca.state.mn.us to learn more. Be considerate of your neighbors when having a fire Do your fires cause health issues for any of your neighbors? Listen to those who may suffer from your backyard fires. Let your neighbors know when you are planning to have a fire. Since fires release fine particles that contribute to air pollution, closing windows will not prevent wood smoke from affecting those with respiratory conditions.

Stay in touch with the city City of St. Louis Park contact information All numbers are area code 952 unless noted.

EMERGENCY: Police, fire or medical.......................911 Official city website.....................www.stlouispark.org General information.......................................924.2500

Severe Weather Awareness Week is April 12 – 16 Are you ready for severe weather? Each year, Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM), in collaboration with the National Weather Service, sponsors Severe Weather Awareness Week in Minnesota. The week is designed to refresh, remind and educate everyone about the seasonal threats from severe weather and how to avoid them. It's also a great time to make and practice your emergency plan and build or refresh your emergency preparedness kit.

Administrative services.......................................924.2531 Assessing (property taxes, homestead).............924.2535 City manager’s office.........................................924.2525 Elections.............................................................924.2503 Finance...............................................................924.2515 Human resources...............................................924.2521 Licenses (gambling and liquor)......................... 928.2840 Official records...................................................924.2505 Property tax statements............................ 612.348.3011 Utility billing (water, sewer, garbage and extra garbage stickers)................................................924.2111

In Minnesota, the 2021 statewide tornado drills are scheduled for Thursday, April 15. Outdoor warning sirens will sound in a simulated tornado warning. The first drill is intended for institutions and businesses. The evening drill is intended for second shift workers and families.

Building and energy Housing inspections...........................................924.2588 Licenses (business, trade, apartment, dogs)....................924.2588 Permits (building and remodeling)....................924.2588

Why Severe Weather Awareness Week? According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota experiences an average of 28 tornadoes per year. In 2018, 44 tornadoes touched down. In 2010, a recordbreaking 113 tornadoes touched down across the state. Understanding this threat and knowing what to do when a tornado is approaching can save lives. Visit dps.mn.gov/divisions/hsem/weather-awareness-preparedness to learn more.

Community development Economic development.....................................924.2197 Home improvement loans and programs..........924.2196 Housing authority..............................................924.2579 Housing authority information line...................924.2514 Planning and zoning...........................................924.2575

Why emergency sirens sound You may hear an emergency siren in St. Louis Park for three reasons: • A tornado warning has been issued by the National Weather Service, or a trained spotter saw a developing tornado in or near St. Louis Park • Straight-line winds have been recorded in excess of 70 miles per hour • It’s the first Wednesday of the month at 1 p.m., when testing takes place

Engineering...........................................................924.2656 Fire department Administration...................................................924.2595 Emergency.................................................................. 911 Station 1.............................................................924.2597 Station 2.............................................................924.2598 Information resources Cable TV complaints..........................................924.2660

Parks and recreation General information..........................................924.2540 Event and weather hotline................................924.2567 Facility rental.....................................................924.2540 Park maintenance..............................................924.2562 The Rec Center, Aquatic Park, ROC....................924.2540 Westwood Hills Nature Center..........................924.2544 Youth and adult sports......................................924.2540

Police department Administration and records...............................924.2600 Animal control...................................................924.2133 Crime tip line......................................................924.2165 Emergency.................................................................. 911 Neighborhood outreach....................................924.2184 Non-emergency.................................................924.2618 Public works Forestry and natural resources.........................924.2562 Snow emergency information line....................924.2180 Street lights, stop signs and signals...................924.2562 Street maintenance and snowplowing..............924.2562 Water/sewer service (7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.)...........924.2562 After hours service (after 3:30 p.m.)..................924.2618 Garbage, organics, recycling, yard waste collection Program questions.............................................924.2562 Waste Management...................................763.783.5423

Concerns about tenant rights?

For questions about your rights as a rental property tenant: HOME Line: www.homelinemn.org or 612.728.5767 Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County (CAP-HC): www.caphennepin.org or 952.933.9639

Stay safe with the lockbox program

A key to community resiliency is providing resources for residents to stay in their homes safely and securely, for as long as they choose. The St. Louis Park Fire Department offers a lockbox program to residents who are worried that in case of an emergency, they may not be able to reach the door to let in first responders. At the resident’s request a secure lockbox is placed at the entrance door and contains a key to the home. The lockbox can only be opened with a special key carried by police and fire personnel. When help has been called and no one answers the door, firefighters or police officers can open the door with the key from the lockbox instead of forcing the door open and causing damage and additional cost. The lockboxes are offered to St. Louis Park residents for a one-time fee of $50, which covers administration of the program for as long as the resident requires it. The lockbox, produced by the Knox Company, installs easily and holds one key. Should the resident move or no longer require the lockbox, it can be returned to the fire department. If you need to update the key, notify the fire department. 82

If you or your loved one could benefit from this program, call the fire department at 952.924.2595 or visit www.stlouispark.org/fire to learn more.

February 2021