Park Perspective: July 2021

Park Perspective July 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.

Calling all candidates!

The candidate filing period for the four ward council member races and St. Louis Park Public Schools (ISD 283) school board member is July 27 – Aug. 10. The city clerk’s office is open during the filing period from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, on the third floor of city hall, 5005 Minnetonka Blvd. The city clerk’s office will be open until 5 p.m. on the final day, Aug. 10, of the filing period. For copies of required forms, information on official rules and procedures, or more detailed information about running for office, visit bit.ly/SLPcandidate or call the elections office at 952.924.2503. Find more information about elections on page 8.

Final candidate info sesssion

Remember: no primary election this year!

When: July 22, 7 p.m.

Where: City hall council chambers 5005 Minnetonka Blvd.

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

nextdoor.com @stlouispark

@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.

Early voting: Sept. 17 • Election Day: Nov. 2

Get your pocket voting guide today! www.stlouispark.org/vote

Celebrate Aug. 3!

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

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

Topics: Ranked-choice voting, filing for office, campaign finance

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

Every year, St. Louis Park Police Department representatives attend more than 100 citywide gatherings to build crime prevention awareness, generate support for anti-crime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and let criminals know that residents are organized and aware of what’s going on in their neighborhoods.

We hope to see you Tuesday, Aug. 3, 6 – 9 p.m. to celebrate National Night Out. Other city departments, including the fire department and operations, also will be out attending as many National Night Out parties as possible. Visit www.stlouispark.org/national-night-out to learn more.

2021 Fire Department Open House and Community Health Resource Fair Friday, Sept. 17, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Displays and demonstrations

For kids

• Kitchen safety

• Sparky the fire dog

• Fire extinguisher demonstration

• Squirt house

• Burn rooms/fire sprinkler demonstration

• Home Depot kids workshop

• Emergency preparedness

• Take pictures of your kids in “kid-sized” fire gear

• Hennepin County Medical Center ambulance • Hands-only CPR • Police squad car

Food • Hotdogs, cookies, chips, water

• Public works heavy equipment • City departments

Fire Station 1 3750 Wooddale Ave. S.

Recreational fire permits required

Catalytic converter

theft prevention

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 do not require a recreational fire permit.

Visit www.stlouispark.org/firepermit to view or print the permit application and to find complete information and regulations.

Recreational fires may cause health issues for your neighbors.

Be considerate and 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.

Catalytic converters are attractive targets for thieves due to their lack of identifying information and the difficulty in tracking them back to a specific vehicle. In addition, it only takes about 90 seconds for a catalytic converter to be stolen. Thieves then sell the stolen converters to a third party who in turn takes them out of state and mills them for precious metals.

Take these steps to avoid theft Replacing a catalytic converter can be expensive. Take these steps to prevent theft of your catalytic converter: • P ark your vehicle inside a locked garage. If that’s not possible, park in a well-lit area and near building entrances or any other high-visibility area.

• C alibrate your vehicle alarm to sound when it detects vibration. See your vehicle’s owner’s manual for instructions.

• I f you see anything suspicious, call 911 right away. The faster you call, the more likely police officers are to catch the thieves.

• C onsult with your auto repair facility about engraving your license plate number onto the casing of your vehicle’s catalytic converter. This may deter theft. In the event the catalytic converter is stolen, it can be tracked back to the vehicle. Be aware of your vehicle’s warranty information before engraving. In St. Louis Park, the following repair shops provide this service: – D&D Auto, 8801 Minnetonka Blvd.

– The Phoenix, 3715 Oregon Ave. S. – Automotive Service Co., 5708 W. 35th St. • B uy and install anti-theft equipment such as catalytic converter cages, clamps and/or cables.

• I f you’re handy, marking a catalytic converter can be a do-it-yourself undertaking. All you need is high-temperature (1,200 – 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit) automotive exhaust paint or a quality handheld electric engraver that is suitable for etching metal, as well as a safe way to access the catalytic converter from under your vehicle.

Join the Citizens’ Police Academy The Citizens’ Police Academy, offered each fall, is open to all interested adults 18 and over who live or work in the City of St. Louis Park. Participants will have an inside look at what it’s like to be a St. Louis Park police officer, learn about the police department’s role in the community and find out how they can play a part in maintaining a safe community.

Classes take place over 10 consecutive weeks, Sept. 9 – Nov. 11, on Thursdays from 6 – 9 p.m. at the St. Louis Park Police Department, 3015 Raleigh Ave. S. Fifteen applicants will be accepted for each class. Dinner is provided. Potential participants must agree to a basic background check. To apply, complete and submit the registration form at www.stlouispark.org/police-academy by Aug. 26.

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July 2021

Dogs must be leashed

in St. Louis Park The City of St. Louis Park continues to receive complaints about dogs running at large or off leash. As a reminder, city ordinance requires owners to leash dogs whenever they are off their home property.

Dogs must be leashed in all city parks, 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 require a license to use and are located at Cedar Knoll Park, 2541 Nevada Ave. S., and Dakota Park, 2643 Dakota Ave. S. As a reminder, pets of any kind, even on leash, are not allowed anywhere at Westwood Hills Nature Center.

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.

Finally, be sure to pick up and dispose of pet waste in the garbage.

Rainwater carries pet waste into storm sewers, eventually polluting lakes and streams. Help keep local lakes and streams clean by picking up after your pet, whether on your property or out on a walk.

Save energy and money by joining the Home Energy Squad Challenge

St. Louis Park launches Climate

Champions program for business The City of St. Louis Park has launched Climate Champions, a new energy efficiency assistance, cost share and recognition program for businesses! The city is collaborating with Xcel Energy, CenterPoint Energy and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce’s Energy Smart program to help local businesses understand their energy use, navigate energy efficiency upgrades, pursue financing and rebates, and be recognized for their efforts.

As part of Climate Champions, the city is offering a cost share program that will match 50% of eligible utility rebates. Businesses located in certain neighborhoods or those participating in the city’s Efficient Building Benchmarking program may qualify for a 75% rebate match. To learn more and apply, visit www.stlouispark.org/climate-champions www.stlouispark.org/climate-champions..

Need help paying for energy bills?

Is paying energy bills a struggle for you, a friend or family member? The Minnesota Department of Commerce's Energy Assistance program now has higher income eligibility and an extended deadline. This means thousands more Minnesotans qualify and have more time to apply. Both homeowners and renters are eligible for energy assistance. Request an application through the Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County by calling 952.930.3541 or online at caphennepin.org/what-we-do caphennepin.org/what-we-do.. Apply before Sept. 1.

St. Louis Park recognized for sustainability improvements The City of St. Louis Park recently advanced in two prestigious sustainability recognition programs: SolSmart and Minnesota GreenStep!

The city was awarded SolSmart Silver designation for its efforts to make it faster, easier and more affordable for residents and businesses to go solar. St. Louis Park is committed to reducing solar energy costs and encouraging even more homes and businesses to use this clean, affordable energy source. Visit www.stlouispark.org/solar to learn more.

The city also achieved Step 5, the highest step, in Minnesota GreenStep, a voluntary challenge, assistance and recognition program focused on energy use reduction, resource conservation, civic innovation and more. To gain both Step 4 and Step 5 status, the city’s sustainability division reported nearly 100 sustainability-related metrics and showcased improvements in several metrics from 2019 to 2020. Visit greenstep.pca.state.mn.us to learn more.

The City of St. Louis Park has joined 20 other Minnesota communities to promote home energy efficiency, help residents lower their energy bills and increase home comfort.

The Intercity Home Energy Squad® Challenge encourages residents to schedule a home energy visit through the Home Energy Squad.

You’ll learn how your home uses energy and identify energy-saving opportunities, which will lower utility bills. At in-home visits, energy experts can also install materials such as LED lightbulbs, door weather stripping and more.

The City of St. Louis Park buys down the costs of in-home visits, which are offered for only $35 or $50 (valued at $600) depending on the age of the home. Free visits are also available for income-qualified residents.

Awards will be given to cities with the highest participation rate per capita and the most air sealing and insulation rebates per capita.

St. Louis Park won the 2020 challenge with the highest number of Home Energy Squad visits and the highest Home Energy Squad visit rate per capita. By making changes identified through the Home Energy Squad Challenge, residents can help move St. Louis Park closer to its Climate Action Plan goals.

Visit www.stlouispark.org/hes-challenge to learn more and join the challenge. Visits are available for renters and owners of single-family, duplex, triplex or fourplex homes. Home Energy Squad is provided by CenterPoint Energy and Xcel Energy and delivered by the Center for Energy and Environment, a local nonprofit.

Pick up fall trees Sept. 11 and 13 If you purchased a tree through the fall tree sale, be sure to mark you calendar for tree pick up this fall. Dates are Saturday, Sept. 11 from 8 a.m. – noon and Monday, Sept. 13 from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Municipal Service Center, 7305 Oxford St. The City of St. Louis Park partners with Tree Trust to offer trees for sale at discounted prices to residents. Each property may purchase up to three trees for only $35 a tree. A spring tree sale was held earlier in 2021. Only three trees total per property may be purchased between both sales.

The tree sale will remain open until Sept. 3 or until the trees sell out, whichever comes first. If trees remain for sale, they may be purchased at bit.ly/fall2021trees bit.ly/fall2021trees..

www.stlouispark.org

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Stay informed about construction projects The City of St. Louis Park has several transportation projects scheduled around the city. 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.

Minnetonka Boulevard reconstruction planned for 2024

Pedestrian improvement project starts this summer Beltline Boulevard Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) pedestrian improvements are designed to complete gaps in the pedestrian network by providing safer and more comfortable connections to the future Beltline Boulevard light rail station.

The project area includes a trail along Beltline Boulevard and Ottawa Avenue and improved sidewalks along Lynn and Ottawa avenues. Work is expected to start this summer with trails and sidewalks open by this fall. Visit bit.ly/BeltlineSWLRT for more information.

Dakota-Edgewood bikeway and bridge project – take the survey!

The Dakota-Edgewood bikeway and bridge project will bring north-south pedestrian and bike connections to the east side of the city. The project area includes a pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the Burlington Northern railroad tracks at Dakota Park and a multi-use trail along the east side of Edgewood Avenue between Cedar Lake Road and the BNSF Railway right of way. Work has been underway since last October and is anticipated to open to pedestrians and bicyclists later this fall. For more information visit bit.ly/DEtrailbridge.

If you bike, walk, roll, park or drive on Dakota Avenue between Lake Street and Minnetonka Boulevard, we want to hear from you! This April, white plastic bollards were installed as a demonstration project to provide an additional buffer between bicyclists and drivers on Dakota Avenue between Lake Street and Minnetonka Boulevard. Now that the bollards are in place, tell us what you think! Your answers will help the city understand the use of the protected bikeway on Dakota Avenue, and other potential locations around the city. Visit bit.ly/DEtrailbridge to take the survey and to learn more about the project.

Hennepin County is reevaluating the current use and design of Minnetonka Boulevard (County Road 5), between Highway 100 and France Avenue. The county and its partners, including the City of St. Louis Park, are developing a plan for the corridor to better serve current and future users. Construction for this project is scheduled for 2024.

Minnetonka Boulevard hasn’t been reconstructed since 1952 and is nearing the end of its lifecycle. This means there’s an opportunity to think differently about the roadway and the surrounding area.

Here’s what is being looked at for this phase of engagement: • I mproved connections and accommodations for people biking, walking and rolling, including improved first- and last-mile rail connections for users traveling to the Beltline Boulevard and West Lake Street light rail stations • L ane adjustments to provide traffic calming and help when vehicles are making turns • Streetscape improvements, like improvements to boulevards The county recognizes that this is an important area with a diverse population, a variety of businesses and access to city services. It is also a key connection for both local travelers and those who commute to work and school.

With these considerations in mind, the county and its partners promise to: • Prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion • Collaborate with community partners • Identify and clearly communicate any impacts of proposed changes

Monterey Drive/Beltline Boulevard/36th Street improvements The second phase of the reconstruction of Monterey Drive, Beltline Boulevard and 36th Street began in mid-May. The project includes a roundabout at the intersection of Beltline Boulevard and Monterey Drive, pavement rehabilitation on Monterey Drive, reduction of traffic lanes to construct bike lanes and center landscaped medians. The project is expected to be completed by late October 2021. Work will be completed in stages in order to maintain access to The Rec Center campus and other local businesses. Lane reductions and detours will be necessary to complete the construction safety and to help shorten the duration of each stage.

Visit bit.ly/2LIctHQ for more information.

Call before you dig When it comes to underground utilities, safety and damage prevention are the ultimate goals. Contact Gopher State One Call (GSOC) by calling 651.454.0002 or 800.252.1166 at least 48 hours (not including weekends and holidays) before starting any excavation project. Whether the project is large or small, if you are using machine-powered equipment or just a shovel and rake to plant a garden, get your work area marked. Contacting GSOC in advance helps you and your loved ones dig safely while avoiding costly damages to underground facilities.

For more information, visit www.gopherstateonecall.org.

4 July 2021

Be on the lookout for ways to offer your feedback for the future of Minnetonka Boulevard.

Visit hennepin.us/minnetonka-boulevard to learn more and stay updated on the project. If you have questions or comments, contact Madeline Lunzer, public engagement lead, at madeline.lunzer@bolton-menk.com, or Jason Staebell, project manager, at jason.staebell@hennepin.us.

Consider right of way when planning projects Still planning home improvements for this summer? Outdoor home improvements like tree or shrub planting or landscaping projects usually don’t require a permit. However, driveways, patios, decks, sprinkler systems and work within the right of way does require a permit. Before you start work, it’s always a good idea to call the city and find out if a permit is needed.

If your work is within 16 feet of the street or within 2 feet of the edge of the alley, it is likely that you will be working within the public right of way. Work within the right of way requires a permit from the engineering department.

Visit bit.ly/ROWpermit for information about right of way and permits, or call the engineering department at 952.924.2656.

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Bird scooters debut in St. Louis Park

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Citywide speed limit

reductions debut this fall

Bird, a mobility sharing company, has debuted its scooters in the city. Riders can pay with cash at CVS Pharmacy, Speedway and Walgreens for Bird credits or pay with prepaid debit cards, and ride without a smartphone.

This year, to support safer streets, the city will be adjusting speed limits on city streets. The city’s default speed limit will be 20 miles per hour on local residential streets with higher speed limits on busier roads.

Bird also offers discounted rides through its Bird Access and Community Pricing programs. To be eligible, you must provide proof of enrollment in a government support program with a low-income requirement such as SNAP, TANF, WIC, HUD Housing Choice Voucher or LIHEAP. Eligibility for these programs also includes proof of veteran or active military status, or government-issued ID showing age over 65. For more information, call 866.205.2442 or visit www.bird.co www.bird.co..

Slower speed limits promote a mobility system that prioritizes walking first, then bicycling and transit, and then motor vehicle use. Lower traffic speeds reduce the likelihood of a crash and make all types of crashes less likely to lead to death or a life-changing injury.

Scooter users must follow the same traffic laws as bicyclists. Scooters can be used on city or Three Rivers Park District trails, but can’t be used on the sidewalk, according to state statute. To report unsafe or abandoned scooters, contact Bird at 866.205.2442 or email hello@bird.co. You can also report unsafe or abandoned scooters at 952.924.2656 or through mystlouispark.org mystlouispark.org..

Implementation of new speed limits will take place over three phases in the coming months. You can sign up for email and text updates, as well as learn more about speed limits and traffic safety, at bit.ly/SLPSpeedLimits bit.ly/SLPSpeedLimits..

Mobility sharing is a transportation solution ideal for short-distance, point-to-point trips. For more information about how to use and access Bird scooters, visit www.bird.co or the city’s website, www.stlouispark.org/mobility-sharing.. For more information about mobility sharing in St. Louis Park, www.stlouispark.org/mobility-sharing contact Ben Manibog, 952.924.2669 or bmanibog@stlouispark.org.

Purchase flood insurance for your property

St. Louis Park moves up to Silver level

as a bicycle friendly community The League of American Bicyclists has honored the efforts of the City of St. Louis Park to build better places Photo by Sarah Grace to bike with a Silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community award. The award recognizes the city’s commitment to creating transportation and recreational resources that benefits its residents of all ages and abilities, while encouraging healthier and more sustainable transportation choices. The city had previously been recognized at the Bronze level and is now the only Twin Cities suburb at the Silver level or better.

“We are very pleased to receive this Silver-level designation from the League of American Bicyclists,” said Ben Manibog, City of St. Louis Park transportation engineer. “It shows the extent of the work the city has done to prioritize walking, biking and transit use. This includes ongoing investment in Connect the Park and bike infrastructure and the construction of the Dakota-Edgewood trail bridge.”

Visit www.bikeleague.org to learn more about the League of American Bicyclists, an organization committed to engaging diverse communities and building a powerful, unified voice for change around protecting and promoting bicyclists’ rights.

Did you know that flooding is not covered by a standard homeowner’s insurance policy? A separate flood insurance policy is required to cover damages caused by flooding.

Coverage is available for the building itself, as well as for the contents of the building. The city participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, which makes federally backed flood insurance available for all structures, whether or not they are located within the floodplain. Note that there is a 30-day waiting period before coverage goes into effect.

Contact your insurance agency for more information.

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

Do your part:

adopt a storm drain!

St. Louis Park residents are invited to adopt a storm drain by committing to keep it clear of leaves, trash and other debris. The simple act of sweeping and cleaning up around a storm drain protects creeks, wetlands and lakes by preventing pollution from entering our shared waterways.

Visit www.adopt-a-drain.org/map to sign up.

www.stlouispark.org

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Interested in homeownership?

Think you can’t afford a mortgage payment? Maybe you can through the Homes Within Reach program! Also known as the West Hennepin Affordable Housing Land Trust, Homes Within Reach is a nonprofit whose vision is to transform people’s lives through homeownership. Homes Within Reach purchases homes in the community, rehabilitates them and then sells them to qualified homebuyers through the community land trust model. The city has partnered with Homes Within Reach since 2006, and in that time has helped 25 families achieve homeownership in St. Louis Park.

Human Rights Commission Summer of Action underway The St. Louis Park Human Rights Commission Summer of Action series includes events to foster social capital and community engagement with particular focus on race equity and justice-oriented topics. This series will provide community members opportunities to deepen knowledge and build capacity by taking action on topics that are important to them, creating a more engaged, informed and inclusive community in St. Louis Park. Visit bit.ly/SLPHRC for updates.

Nichole Salaam

If you are thinking of selling your St. Louis Park home, consider selling to the Homes Within Reach program, which is currently looking at purchasing and preserving homes in St. Louis Park.

joins St. Louis Park as racial equity manager

To learn more about Homes Within Reach, the community land trust model and eligibility requirements, or for an application, visit www.homeswithinreach.org or call 952.401.7071.

Nichole Salaam joined the city in June as the new racial equity manager. Salaam will work with residents, the community and city staff to advance the city council’s strategic priority of being a leader in racial equity and inclusion in order to create a more just and inclusive community for all. Salaam has more than 15 years of experience, most recently working for Project for Pride in Living as the director of equity and engagement.

Elevate Business HC Businesses in St. Louis Park and throughout Hennepin County are eligible to receive free business advising and consulting services through Elevate Business HC, a new initiative to help businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and build for future growth. In addition to mentoring and general business advising, professional services and consulting expertise offered at no cost to businesses in Hennepin County include a wide range of practical assistance, including accounting, finance, legal, marketing, social media, web development, human resources and more.

To get started, contact any of the organizations listed at www.hennepin.us/elevate and let them know you are interested in participating in Elevate Business HC. Need help finding a business advisor who meets your unique needs?

Email economic.development@hennepin.us or register your business at www.elevatebusinesshc.com to learn more about the services offered by individual organizations.

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July 2021

St. Louis Park

Rotary Clubof

St.Louis Park Minnesota

USA

Chartered in1947

Founding Club

Children First

Rotary Club

FREE!

Summer Concert Series The St. Louis Park Rotary Club Summer Concert Series takes place evenings this summer.

Visit www.stlouispark.org/concerts for performers and dates.

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 yearly calendar, find your collection day or sign up for email reminders.

• I f your normal service falls on or after a holiday, you will receive service one day later.

• M issed collection? Contact Waste Management at stlouispark@wm.com or 763.783.5423.

• T his 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. If your building doesn’t have recycling, email recycling@stlouispark.org for help.

August 2021

Media and entertainment swap and share event

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Clean out the bookshelf, dust off your CD collection, say goodbye to unwanted movies, set aside the games you no longer play, and come to the City of St. Louis Park’s media and entertainment swap and share event! This event is a way to find new-to-you items to keep you entertained and to reduce waste. The event is free and open to all. No items may be sold at this event. Visit www.stlouispark.org/reuse for more information.

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October 2021

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ST LOUIS PARK

ART Participate in organics collection

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Sept. 11, 10 a.m – 5 p.m.

ROC, 3700 Monterey Drive Visit www.slpfota.org/artfair for event details, vendor applications and sponsorship opportunities.

Almost 40% of St. Louis Park households participate in weekly collection of food scraps through the residential organics program. All households with St. Louis Park’s residential solid waste collection service can participate in the program at no additional cost. Sign up and a brown-lidded organics cart will be delivered to your home along with a starter set of compostable bags and a list of accepted materials.

The city also gives participating households an annual supply of certified compostable bags to collect food scraps. Information on where to pick up compostable bags is included when your cart is delivered.

All material collected through the program is delivered to a commercial composting facility, where it is composted, instead of being incinerated or landfilled. To sign up and to learn more, visit www.stlouispark.org/organics www.stlouispark.org/organics..

If you’re still unsure about participating, maybe you can identify with some of these common reasons people hesitate to sign up: • I don’t generate enough food waste. Any amount of food kept out of the trash helps the environment. Food scraps, paper towels and facial tissues all can be composted through the city’s organics program. Give it a try, you might be surprised at just how much you’re throwing away!

Mosquito control activity underway Summer weather in Minnesota means an increase in mosquitoes. To reduce the risk of disease and annoyance, the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District (MMCD) will be conducting surveillance and treatment activities.

• I don’t have enough space. Consider collecting in a countertop pail, under the sink or in a standalone bin on the floor. To set out your organics for collection, the city provides a 30-gallon brown-lidded organics cart that measures 39 inches high, 24 inches wide and 23 inches deep. By diverting more waste to organics, you may also be able to downsize your garbage cart, which will save space and money.

Each year the MMCD field staff uses a fleet of trucks and helicopters to monitor and treat wetlands that breed mosquitoes. With many people still working from home during the weekday due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more people may notice MMCD activities in local neighborhoods and parks.

• I t’s going to smell. Right now, you’re putting these materials in your garbage.

Participating in the organics program just means you put them in a different container. Collection is weekly, just like garbage. Organic material is bagged in certified compostable bags, which helps keep your cart clean.

At times MMCD employees may need to cross private property for access to check and treat areas for mosquito larvae. MMCD management asks the community to please stay several feet away from field staff and ensure children and pets are kept at a distance.

• I have a garbage disposal for food waste. Disposing of food with a garbage disposal stresses the wastewater system and can cause expensive clogs in your pipes or sewer line. Joining the organics program ensures your food scraps, and other materials like paper towels and facial tissues, are composted instead.

If you have questions about mosquito control activities or concerns about an employee, call the MMCD front desk at 651.645.9149 or visit MMCD.org MMCD.org.. To check on locations of daily helicopter activity, visit mmcd.org/helicopter-activity mmcd.org/helicopter-activity..

www.stlouispark.org

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About ranked-choice

voting and redistricting How a ranked-choice voting race is counted 1. R anked-choice voting is counted in rounds. After the polls have closed on election night, all first-choice votes are counted and reported to the public, similar to what happens in all other elections.

2. I f a candidate reaches the threshold (50% plus one of total votes cast for that office) with first-choice votes, they will be declared the winner of that race. No more counting is needed.

3. I f no candidate reaches the threshold with first-choice votes and more than two candidates are running for that office, the ranked-choice voting process kicks in and round-by-round counting will begin the day following the election.

4. The next round of counting begins by eliminating all candidates with no mathematical possibility of winning. Votes for the eliminated candidates are transferred to the next ranked candidate (second or third choice) on those ballots. Votes are then recounted.

5. I f no candidate reaches the threshold, the process is repeated until either: • O ne candidate reaches the established threshold of 50% plus one of the total votes cast for the office, and is declared the winner.

• O nly two candidates remain. The candidate receiving the most votes is declared the winner.

40th anniversary

celebration Sunday, Sept. 26, 1 – 4 p.m.

Westwood Hills Nature Center, 8300 W. Franklin Ave. Come celebrate 40 years of the Westwood Hills Nature Center! Enjoy live animal programs, puppet shows, facility tours and live music. Visit www.stlouispark.org/whnc for more information.

YES

50% Plus one vote

NO Mapping St. Louis Park voters

50%

plus one vote

Election staff are using historical data collected from the past four election cycles to understand more about how St. Louis Park voters participate in elections.

Geo-enabling elections data helps us better understand voting trends in the community such as where more voters tend to cast ballots early in person, on Election Day or by mail. Elections staff use this information to plan for future elections and ensure the city’s services and programs are meeting the needs of voters. Although redistricting (the process of redrawing ward and precinct boundaries) is based only on population data from the United States Census, this additional data analysis can provide a deeper level of understanding to support the redistricting process.

In conjunction with the redistricting process, the city wants to know your thoughts on topics that will help us shape the city’s voting and elections services for the next 10 years. Your feedback on things such as your voting habits, the location of your polling place, and the overall accessibility of voting services in St. Louis Park helps us plan for the future and understand how to best serve you.

• F ollow updates for redistricting on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@stlouispark) • L ook for your chance to provide feedback on the elections services in St. Louis Park before the redistricting process begins. Information will be in the elections-themed special edition of the Park Perspective, which will be mailed to residents in September.

Aquatic Park last

day of summer Wednesday, Aug. 25, 1 – 7 p.m.

Aquatic Park, 3700 Monterey Drive

Bring a non-perishable food donation or cash donation for the STEP food shelf and pool entrance is just $3. All season pass holders who bring a donation will receive a coupon for one free small fountain beverage choice at the concession stand. The concession stand will feature last-day specials. BOGO coupons not applicable for this event.

• S ign up through GovDelivery to be notified automatically of elections updates: www.stlouispark.org/signup

Perspectives, Inc. receives Human Rights Award Perspectives, Inc. is the recipient of the 2021 Human Rights Award, presented by the St. Louis Park Human Rights Commission.

Perspectives was selected for the award due to their important work in St. Louis Park and their demonstrated success with positive outcomes in addressing homelessness, poverty, addiction, mental illness, poor nutrition and lack of access to services. Visit www.perspectives-family.org to learn more.

The Human Rights Award recognizes individuals, groups, organizations or businesses that have made an outstanding contribution toward increasing understanding and cooperation between people of different backgrounds in St. Louis Park. Learn more about the award and the St. Louis Park Human Rights Commission at bit.ly/SLPHRC bit.ly/SLPHRC..

Internet service discount for qualified customers Are you struggling to pay for internet service due to COVID-19? The federal Emergency Broadband Benefit Program provides a temporary discount of up to $50 per month on internet service and leased equipment for enrolled customers. Consumers can apply for and enroll in the program now. To learn more, visit getemergencybroadband.org or contact your internet provider. For help navigating the process, contact John McHugh, ParkTV community TV coordinator, at 952.924.2528 or jmchugh@stlouispark.org.

www.stlouispark.org

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