Park Perspective: October 2021

Park Perspective October 2021

www.stlouispark.org

General Election 2021

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.

Tuesday, Nov. 2

St. Louis Park is committed to:

Polls open 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Being a leader in racial equity and inclusion in order to create a more just and inclusive community for all.

What offices are on the ballot?

All about early (absentee) voting

In 2021, the following offices will be on the ballot:

Continuing to lead in environmental stewardship.

• C ity offices (ranked-choice races) for ward council members.

You can vote early at St. Louis Park City Hall until Nov. 1, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Extended hours are offered:

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

• School district offices (not ranked-choice) for St. Louis Park Public Schools/ISD 283 school board member and Hopkins Public Schools/ISD 270 school board member.

Your ballot will contain the school board offices for the district you live in.

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

@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.

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

A sample ballot was mailed with the September special edition of the Park Perspective. For questions about how to vote your ballot using the ranked-choice voting system, visit www.stlouispark.org/vote or contact the elections office at 952.924.2503.

Also on the website are answers to common questions about ranked-choice voting, like how to vote a ballot with fewer than two filed candidates, or how to use the write-in section in each choice.

When can I vote?

Polling places will be open 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 2. Early (absentee) voting started Sept. 17 and is available through Nov. 1. See more details later in this article.

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

Plan ahead to vote Don’t wait until Election Day! Plan ahead and call 952.924.2503 with any questions.

Who can vote in Minnesota?

To be eligible to vote, you must be: • • • •

At least 18 years old on Election Day A U.S. citizen A resident of Minnesota for 20 days Finished with all parts of any felony sentence

Am I registered to vote?

It’s a good idea to check your registration before voting.

Check online at www.stlouispark.org/vote or by calling 952.924.2503.

Registering to vote on Election Day

If you missed the preregistration deadline, you can register or update your registration when you vote on Election Day. Whether you choose to vote early or at your polling place on Election Day, you will need to bring proof of residence to register. For a list of acceptable proofs of residence under state law, visit www.stlouispark.org/vote or call 952.924.2503.

Where to find elections results Final tabulations and winners of all races for city council will be released on Nov. 3. Results will be posted online at www.stlouispark.org/vote once available.

Note: No result in a ranked-choice race is final until it has been officially tabulated the day after the election. All results are considered unofficial until they are canvassed by the city council.

Results for school board races can be viewed at www.sos.state.mn.us after the polls close on Election Day, Nov. 2. Visit www.stlouispark.org/vote on election night for more information.

• Oct. 30, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

• Nov. 1, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

When voting early in person at city hall, you can place your ballot directly into a ballot counter beginning Oct. 26. This is called direct balloting. Votes will be counted immediately, but results will not be reported until the polls close on Nov. 2.

You can request a ballot to be mailed to you by returning an absentee ballot application. You may not request an absentee ballot online this year because no state, federal or county offices appear on the ballot.

You may return your mail ballot so it arrives before Election Day or you may return it to the designated ballot drop box located outside the main entrance of St. Louis Park City Hall until 3 p.m. on Election Day. Be sure to seal your ballot in the envelopes provided and follow the instructions that were sent with your ballot.

Following instructions is the best way to make sure your mail ballot will be accepted and counted.

You may not return a ballot for anyone else to the drop box. To return a ballot for others you must come to the third floor of city hall, sign a ballot delivery log and show an ID. You may only return up to three ballots for other people in any election.

Health and safety update The city remains committed to providing a safe environment to vote. Stay up to date on the most current health and safety protocols and requirements at www.stlouispark.org/vote.

Here’s what you can expect to see at your polling place if you choose to vote in person: • Election workers are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings and practice physical distancing.

• Plexiglass barriers will be in use.

• Enhanced cleaning and sanitation protocols will be in place for all supplies and surfaces.

• Voters will be offered their own pen for use while voting.

Please do your part in keeping everyone safe: • A ll voters are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings when voting in person.

• Use hand sanitizer that will be available at polling places.

Elections staff cannot provide medical guidance. If you have concerns regarding your specific health condition, consult with your personal physician and consider voting by mail. If you have questions regarding a special circumstance or need additional information on your voting options, call 952.924.2503.

Special announcements Precinct 1 votes at city hall

The facility previously used as a polling place for Precinct 1 is unavailable due to COVID-19. Voters in Precinct 1 will be able to vote in person on Election Day at St. Louis Park City Hall, 5005 Minnetonka Blvd., in the garage. Follow signs on-site for voter parking and designated entrance. All registered voters in Precinct 1 were mailed a notification of this change.”

Preliminary 2022 property tax levy set

In September, the 2022 preliminary property tax levy was set with a 6.5% increase over the 2021 property tax levy. It’s important to note that this is only a preliminary tax levy. By law, cities are required to set their preliminary levy in September, then finalize it in December. Once the preliminary levy is set, the final levy may be lower but can’t be higher.

Understanding property taxes Why do we have property taxes?

Property taxes are the primary funding source for local services provided by cities, counties, school districts and other special districts. Unlike sales or income taxes which can vary, the property tax is an exact levy to fund budgets – no more, no less. Property taxes work in three steps.

Step 1 – Determining assessed value and classification The city’s assessing office determines the estimated market value (EMV) and classification (use) of your property on Jan. 2 each year. The EMV is determined after reviewing market activity (comparable sales, rents, costs). The EMV may be reduced by programs such as the homestead market value exclusion and disabled veteran exclusion which “exclude” part of the value from taxation. This reduced value is known as the taxable market value (TMV). The TMV is converted into tax capacity by the classification rates set by the Minnesota legislature. Note: If there are no exclusions, the EMV and TMV may be the same.

How am I notified?

The valuation and classification notices are mailed in March. When you receive the notice, read it carefully. If you believe your property valuation and classification are accurate, no further action is needed. If you have questions about either, contact the St. Louis Park Assessing Division at 952.924.2535. Most questions can be answered in an informal discussion. If you disagree with the valuation or classification, follow the appeal process steps listed on the notice. Don’t delay in calling – this is the time to appeal or question your valuation and classification. Valuations cannot be appealed after proposed property taxes are sent. Taxes may not be appealed.

Step 2 – Establishing a budget Every year, local governments establish a budget for the following year after determining planned revenue and expenses. The property tax levy is set in September and is determined by subtracting all non-property tax revenue from the total proposed budget.

The preliminary levy for each of the taxing jurisdictions (county, city, schools, Metropolitan Council, watershed, etc.) is totaled and spread among all taxable properties according to their individual tax capacity.

How am I notified?

The Truth-in-Taxation notice is the second notice you will receive. Sent in November, it shows the proposed tax amount for the following year for each taxing jurisdiction (county, city, schools, Metropolitan Council, watershed, etc.). The notice also includes the meeting dates where you can provide input on the budgets and proposed levies.

Budgets are finalized in December after these meetings.

Step 3 – Calculating property taxes Your property taxes are calculated using the prior year’s value and classification relative to the budgets levied. The property tax is your share of the costs to provide the services approved by elected officials.

How am I notified?

The St. Louis Park City Council has discussed at public meetings its desire to set a final levy lower than the preliminary 6.5%. At the same time, the council wanted to ensure the city’s ability to respond appropriately to the needs of its residents should new circumstances arise between when the preliminary levy was set and when the final levy must be decided. In addition to the general levy, two smaller property tax levies are proposed, described below.

Proposed HRA levy St. Louis Park’s housing and redevelopment authority (HRA) levy was implemented in 2001. By law, HRA levy funds are used for housing and redevelopment purposes in the City of St. Louis Park. The HRA levy cannot exceed 0.0185% of the estimated market value of the city. The maximum HRA levy is being recommended for 2022, which totals $1,517,799 based on valuation data from Hennepin County.

Proposed EDA levy A new economic development authority (EDA) levy is being proposed for 2022 in the amount of $500,000. This levy will be used for the development fund as a sustainable funding source and also to continue the city’s investment in programs to advance its Climate Action Plan What the proposed tax levy means to you On the median-valued home of $330,500, the effect of the proposed 6.5% tax levy would be a $12 per month increase in the city portion of property taxes. Adding the HRA and EDA levies to the 6.5% general levy adds approximately $2 per month for the average median-value home. This brings the total proposed tax levy to approximately $14 per month per average median-value home. Regardless of the final tax levy, the St. Louis Park portion of your property tax may go up or down from 2021 to 2022. This is due to several factors including any changes to your property value as well as changes in the values of other properties in the community.

We want to hear from you Here’s how you can comment on the 2022 budget proposal and proposed tax levy before its final adoption Dec. 20, 2021:

• Email budget@stlouispark.org with your comments or questions.

• P articipate in a public hearing at the St. Louis Park City Council meeting Monday, Dec. 6, 6:30 p.m.

Visit www.stlouispark.org/finance for information about the city budget.

Email budget@stlouispark.org if you have questions or would like more information.

City partners with Just Deeds The Just Deeds Project was founded by a coalition of attorneys, realtors and nonprofits to help homeowners locate and discharge racially restrictive language from their property titles. Historically, racial covenants have most significantly targeted, impacted and contributed to systemically limiting access to housing for those from Black communities, as well as members of communities who did not identify as white.

The City of St. Louis Park is proud to be partnering with Just Deeds in its commitment to being a leader in racial equity and inclusion in order to create a more just and inclusive community for all. If you are a resident and interested in participating in the program, Yariet Montes-Huerta, racial equity outreach specialist, at yhuerta@stlouispark.org. Visit www.justdeeds.org to learn more.

The final notice you receive is your property tax statement, which tells you how much property tax you owe for the year. It provides an itemized list of all local property taxes, including city, county, school district, etc. It also includes any special assessments on your property. Property tax statements are mailed by March 31 of each year.

When are property taxes due?

Most property taxes are due May 15 and Oct. 15 in equal installments.

Potential property tax refunds Property owners and renters are urged to annually review their eligibility for property tax refunds. The Minnesota Department of Revenue’s website, www.revenue.state.mn.us, offers information about refunds and property taxes.

For information about refunds, enter “property tax refunds” in the website’s search bar.

For more information on property taxes in general, enter “property tax fact sheets” in the search bar. You may also contact the St. Louis Park Assessing Division at 952.924.2535 for more information.

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October 2021

Small Business Saturday is Nov. 27 Founded by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting local small businesses and helping their communities thrive. This year supporting small businesses is more important than ever. Shopping small makes an impact. For every dollar spent at a small business in the United States, about 67 cents stays in the local community. So, on Nov. 27, celebrate St. Louis Park small businesses by shopping at a locally owned retailer!

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Welcome new city manager, Kim Keller!

A message from the St. Louis Park City Council Neighbors: We on the St. Louis Park City Council are pleased to welcome new City Manager Kim Keller, who joined the city in mid-August. She was appointed to the position by the city council in July following an extensive national search.

The hiring of a city manager, who is charged with the responsibility of carrying out the direction of the mayor and city council, is the most consequential decision we as a council make. That person’s leadership style and judgement will affect St. Louis Park’s trajectory for years to come.

If a city is fortunate, they don’t hire a city manager often. If a city is very fortunate, when they do hire a city manager, the person they choose takes over the helm of a thriving organization following a long and successful tenure by their predecessor.

Friends – this city council, our city employees, our businesses and all of you are very fortunate.

Kim Keller, who has family in St. Louis Park, brings to St. Louis Park 15 years of experience in operations, process improvement and leadership in local government. She most recently served as director of regulatory services in Minneapolis where she oversaw nearly 200 employees and an annual budget of $26 million. She has a master’s degree of public and nonprofit administration from Metropolitan State University and a bachelor’s degree of social work from Saint Catherine University.

Kim’s depth of experience, commitment to excellence and strength in strategic analysis and systems thinking will aid our continuing progress on our strategic priorities of race equity, environmental stewardship, housing, transportation and community engagement. Kim has also demonstrated the balance we seek on the council of being both responsive to specific needs while maintaining a responsibility to the broader goals of our community.

Kim’s predecessor, Tom Harmening, served as St. Louis Park city manager for 17 years, far longer than most of his peers. Before that, he served nine years as community development director. In that time, his leadership facilitated the reimagining of Excelsior Boulevard including the $160 million revitalization project at Excelsior & Grand, the visionary redevelopment at the West End, and the implementation of a variety of groundbreaking efforts, including the city’s Climate Action Plan, intentional race equity and inclusion efforts and affordable housing policies and initiatives – to name just a few.

Most important, however, was Tom’s intentional and ongoing focus on internal culture within city government, which created a high-functioning organization with outstanding staff who bring innovation, creativity and dedication to their work in our neighborhoods every day.

While Tom is a tough act to follow, he’s also a great act to follow. He laid the groundwork for the continuing success of our city, our staff and our new city manager.

As mentioned earlier, this was a very thorough process. Many thanks to those who participated along the way, including city staff, the executive search firm GovHR and especially community partners who participated in candidate interviews. Community partners included Children First Executive Director Margaret Ganyo; St. Louis Park Police Advisory Commission Member Abdihakim Ibrahim; St. Louis Park Public Schools Superintendent and Co-Chair of the St. Louis Park Human Rights Commission, Astein Osei; Citizens Independent Bank President and CEO Brad Bakken; Discover St. Louis Park President and CEO Becky Bakken; Park Nicollet Foundation Executive Director Beth Warner; former St. Louis Park City Manager and Council Member Jim Brimeyer; St. Louis Park Emergency Program (STEP) Executive Director Derek Burrows Reise; and St. Louis Park Friends of the Arts Executive Director Jamie Marshall.

Finally, we thank our city staff for continuing their exceptional service delivery during this period of change and a special thanks to all of you, our neighbors, for being so engaged in the process of selecting our new city manager, Kim Keller. As council members, we are stewards of the work of those who came before us, and we are responsible for setting our community up for success in the future. We thank Tom for his service to all of us and look forward to working with Kim in the coming years to make St. Louis Park an even better place to live, work and play!

Sincerely,

Members of the St. Louis Park City Council

City partners with Twin Cities Film Fest on

topics of mental health, environmental justice The city’s environment and sustainability and human rights commissions are co-hosting a screening of YOUTH v GOV at the Twin Cities Film Fest Oct. 30 at 11 a.m.

YOUTH v GOV tells the story of empowered youth finding their voices and fighting to protect their rights and our collective future against climate change. After the screening, the two commissions will host a short audience discussion about the film and about environmental justice and human rights in St. Louis Park. Thanks to the support of the city’s sustainability and racial equity and inclusion divisions, the film will be free to attend!

Additionally, the city’s Healthy Living Grant is supporting the Changemakers Series, which in 2021 focuses on mental health. The series includes a free screening of Chasing Childhood at 11:15 a.m. Oct. 24, which explores the shift in modern parenting toward children’s lives becoming overbooked, highly structured and constantly supervised by well-intentioned adults, and whether the trend is linked to heightened mental health struggles in children. Register online to attend Chasing Childhood at twincitiesfilmfest.org/theater-event/chasing-childhood. Visit bit.ly/3k5OmUw to learn more about the Healthy Living Grant Program. The Twin Cities Film Fest takes place Oct. 21 – 30 at the ShowPlace ICON Theatres at the West End. Visit twincitiesfilmfest.org for more information about the festival.

www.stlouispark.org

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Rules changed for home-based businesses Recently, the City of St. Louis Park changed its ordinance for home occupations (commonly known as home-based businesses) to allow more uses. Under the amended ordinance, home occupations now allow: • Barbers and hairdressers • One outside employee who doesn’t live at the property • Occupying up to 25% of the dwelling, up from previous limit of 10%

Bring warmth and energy

savings to your home

There are many aspects of fall weather to enjoy, but your home may not agree.

Avoid chilly drafts and increased energy bills this fall and winter by signing up for a Home Energy Squad visit!

At your visit, you’ll learn how your home uses energy and identify energy-saving opportunities that can lower utility bills. Energy experts can also install materials such as LED lightbulbs, door weather stripping and more. The City of St. Louis Park offers discounted visits, available for only $35 or $50 (valued at $600) depending on the age of the home. The city also provides free visits for many households. Visit www.stlouispark.org/hes-challenge to see if you qualify.

Bonus: if you sign up for a Home Energy Squad visit before the end of the year, you’ll help St. Louis Park win the 2021 Home Energy Squad Challenge (and help meet our Climate Action Plan goals)! The city is competing with 21 other Minnesota communities to encourage home energy efficiency. Awards will be given to cities with the highest participation rate per capita and the most air sealing and insulation rebates per capita.

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.

• Use of equipment that doesn’t cause a nuisance violation • P roduct sales, if products are shipped to and from the premises, sales occur off-site, customers visit the home by appointment only, or products are sold at a garage sale* on the property Some do’s and don’ts for home occupations: • D on’t change the character of the property, or allow the home occupation to be apparent from the street or alley • D on’t use a garage or accessory building for the home occupation on’t allow employees to come to the property to be dispatched to other locations • D or to pick up and drop off materials and equipment • D o meet all fire and building codes, as well as other city, county, state or federal regulations • D o store all material and equipment within the home • D o limit signs identifying the home occupation to only one, non-illuminated wall sign up to 2 square feet • D o fill out a registration of land use application, if the home occupation has customers, students or an employee coming to the site. Visit www.stlouispark.org/permits and click on “additional permits/applications” to open a dropdown menu with a link for the application. Completed applications can be emailed to inspections@stlouispark.org.

• Do call city planning and zoning staff with questions: 952.924.2575 The home occupation ordinance continues to prohibit the following activities: auto body/painting; motor vehicle sales; motor vehicle service and repair; small engine repair; massage; medical/dental office; businesses treating animals such as boarding or grooming; restaurant; firearm sales; currency exchange; payday loan agency or sexually oriented businesses.

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*Up to two garage sales are allowed per calendar year for up to 72 consecutive hours each.

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Citywide speed limit reductions debut this fall

Resources available to pay utility bills Too many Minnesotans have to choose between paying their utility bills and other essentials such as food, medicine and healthcare. The Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Energy Assistance Program offers eligible residents help to pay their gas, electric, water and sewer bills so they do not have to choose between life’s necessities. The program also helps applicants with repair or replacement of broken heating systems. Applications for the 2021-2022 heating season are now available. St. Louis Park residents can request an application through the Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County by calling 952.930.3541 or online at caphennepin.org/what-we-do.

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October 2021

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.

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.

Implementation of new speed limits will take place in the coming months. Sign up for email and text updates, as well as learn more about speed limits and traffic safety, at bit.ly/speedlimitsSLP.

Learn the sounds of fire safety National Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 3 – 9, and this year’s theme is to learn the sounds of fire safety. It’s important to know the different sounds the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms make. Knowing what to do when an alarm sounds will keep you and your family safe. When an alarm makes noises – a beeping sound or a chirping sound – you must take action.

These safety tips will help you learn the sounds of fire safety: • A continuous set of three loud beeps—beep, beep, beep—means smoke or fire. Get out, call 911, and stay out.

• A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed.

• All smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 years.

• Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced.

• Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms meet the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.

Visit bit.ly/3sGXKk5 to learn more.

St. Louis Park homeownership programs

Know your recycling day

Pilot program creates pathway to homeownership It is recognized that historical and institutional racism has disproportionately created housing challenges and disparities for Black communities, as well as members of communities who did not identify as white, and other underserved low-income communities. Black/African American people and households have historically been prohibited from purchasing and owning a home due to redlining, block busting, racially restrictive covenants and decimation of Black neighborhoods for “public purposes” such as freeways.

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.

Additionally, the income and education gap between households of color and white households has resulted in difficulty for Black and African American people and households of color to obtain a mortgage, which leads to subsequent ongoing housing stability issues. Due to this income gap and other social injustices, many households of color have poor credit or no credit, making it even harder to get a mortgage or to get a mortgage with a favorable interest rate.

• 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.

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

Christmas Day and New Year’s Day fall on Saturdays, so there will be no service delay.

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

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The city has designed a pilot homeownership program to address these historic injustices and inequities, to facilitate affordable homeownership and to provide a means for wealth-building. The goal is to address housing disparities; build power in communities most impacted by housing challenges and disparities; pilot an innovative program to address housing challenges for Black communities as well as members of communities who do not identify as white, and other low-income communities; and support inclusive and equitable communities.

For more information, visit bit.ly/3grVUi5 or contact Marney Olson at 952.924.2196 or molson@stlouispark.org.

Down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers For first-time homebuyers or those that have not owned a home in the last three years, the City of St. Louis Park provides down payment/closing cost assistance to buy a home in St. Louis Park.

The loan is a 0% interest deferred loan up to $15,000, not to exceed 5% of the purchase price. An additional $5,000 is available for employees of St. Louis Park businesses or renters who have been renting for six months or longer in St. Louis Park. Income restrictions apply: one- and two-person household income limit is $104,900, 3-plus-person household income limit is $120,650.

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Visit bit.ly/2LB747H or call 612.335.5884 for complete details.

Homes Within Reach Homes Within Reach is a nonprofit organization that creates affordable home ownership opportunities for working households in the western suburbs of Hennepin County. The organization purchases and rehabilitates homes and then sells them to qualified low-to-moderate-income individuals and families. Using a Community Land Trust (CLT) model, the buyer only pays for the cost of the home, not the land.

The CLT retains ownership of the land, leasing it to the homeowner.

The city has partnered with Homes Within Reach to provide affordable homeownership opportunities in St. Louis Park since 2007.

Visit homeswithinreach.org or call 952.401.7071 for more information.

Income limits apply.

Recreational fire permits required 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.

www.stlouispark.org

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Get ready for winter Prevent water lines from Fall tree watering freezing this winter Avoid frozen water lines this winter by taking these precautions: • Don’t set your heat below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

• L eave cabinet doors open under your kitchen and bathroom sinks. This will allow heat from the rest of the house to circulate around the pipes.

• W rap foam insulation around pipes that are more likely to freeze.

• C onsider running cold water on the lowest level of your home. Run a steady quarter-inch stream of water all day to help prevent lines from freezing.

Note: The city will not provide any credits or discounts to run water to prevent frozen water lines.

• S hut off and drain any pipes that lead to outside faucets.

• I f you are gone, have someone check your home regularly.

Water, water, water! Trees continue to need water through the fall as roots grow even as the soil cools. For evergreen species, this can be critical as they will need stored water to support the green needles throughout the winter. Check the soil around your tree; if it’s dry, your tree needs a drink. Visit youtu.be/Y-Dn25LPhJw for more information about tree watering.

Note: If your water lines freeze once and must be thawed, they are more likely to freeze again if you do not run water continuously.

Call public works at 952.924.2562 if you have questions.

Be a Hydrant

Hero

Pruning your trees: timing is everything Sharpen your saws and pruners, the leaf-off period of the year is the best for pruning. Absence of leaves allows you to inspect for tree defects that may be hidden during the growing season. This period also reduces the likelihood of disease transfer from insects. When pruning young trees, focus on developing good structure. Remove tight V-shaped branch unions and prune to maintain a central leader. Mature trees may need pruning for many reasons such as broken branches, decayed limbs, rubbing branches and over extended branches to name a few. Pruning of mature trees should be done by a professional. Find a qualified arborist through the licensed contractor list at www.stlouispark.org/trees.

Snow is coming! Volunteer to become a Hydrant Hero! The St. Louis Park Fire Department asks homeowners and businesses with fire hydrants on or near their property to shovel the snow around the fire hydrant after each snowfall.

Visit www.hydranthero.org to adopt a hydrant. Choose a hydrant, click on the “Adopt me” link and fill out the registration form – you can even give your hydrant a name! Call 952.924.2171 for more information.

Simple Recycling collection process changed The City of St. Louis Park no longer directly partners with Simple Recycling to provide curbside collection of unwanted clothing, shoes, accessories and small home goods. Residents can still request pickup of accepted items by visiting www.simplerecycling.com to request a pickup online. Residents without online access may call 866.835.5068 to request a pickup. Residents may use their own bags or boxes for items to be picked up. Visit www.stlouispark.org/recycling for more information, including additional options for drop off or pick up of clothing and other items for reuse.

Last week of yard waste collection is Nov. 22 The last week for yard waste collection is the week of Nov. 22. If there is a significant snowfall before Nov. 22, yard waste collection will end at that time. If this occurs, an update will be posted at www.stlouispark.org/yard-waste.

Remember, yard waste must be in your own reusable containers, compostable bags or bundled separate from garbage. Visit www.stlouispark.org/yard-waste for guidelines on setting out yard waste for collection.

Brush drop-off site accepts leaves and grass clippings until Nov. 21 NEW! Do you have excess leaves and grass clippings that you want to get rid of before your next yard waste collection day?

The city brush drop-off site now accepts grass and leaves on the weekends. The last day the site will be open for drop off is Sunday, Nov. 21.

Hours • Saturdays: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

• Sundays: noon – 4 p.m.

• Tuesdays: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (brush only, no leaves or grass) Note: The site will be closed to residents on Tuesdays after Oct. 26.

The site is located at 2501 Edgewood Ave. S. The entrance is located at the intersection of Cedar Lake Road and Colorado Avenue South on the southeast side of the railroad tracks. There is no charge for St. Louis Park residents. A Minnesota ID, driver’s license or utility bill is required as proof of residency. Visit www.stlouispark.org/brush-drop-off or call public works at 952.924.2562 for more information.

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October 2021

How will I know if there’s

a snow emergency?

Be prepared

for snow season!

The city announces snow emergencies in several different ways.

Use any of the following to find out if a snow emergency has been declared: • Watch the city website at www.stlouispark.org or visit www.slpsnow.org www.slpsnow.org..

• V isit www.slpsnow.org to sign up for ParkAlert, the city’s citizen notification system.

• D ownload the mystlouispark app for Apple or Android devices. The app will display an alert when a snow emergency is in effect.

• F ollow the city’s social media sites on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@stlouispark), as well as Nextdoor.

• V isit www.stlouispark.org/sign-up to register for GovDelivery email and text notifications for snow emergencies and other events.

• Call 952.230.0743 for updates.

• Watch ParkTV (www.parktv.org) or the local television news stations (Channels 4, 5, 9, 11).

What does the city plow?

The city plows city-owned roads, alleys and parking lots. A few county and state highways are located within the city, which are maintained by Hennepin County and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Private association roads are plowed by those associations.

When does plowing start?

Snow removal start times are based on the latest forecast information on timing, intensity and duration of the snow event. In most cases, snowplowing operations begin between midnight and 4 a.m., but the exact time depends on weather conditions. Citywide snow removal starts when snow accumulation approaches 2 inches or more.

In what order is the city plowed?

The city is divided into 11 plow areas, each with high-volume and residential streets.

In a snow event, high-volume roads are plowed first; residential streets and cul-de-sacs are plowed next.

How long does it take to plow the entire city?

The city’s goal is to clear streets and cul-de-sacs within 10 hours during an average 3- to 6-inch snowfall. Each additional inch of snow increases the time required for snow removal.

What slows down the plows?

Traffic, vehicles parked on the street and snow type (wet or dry) all affect the amount of time it takes to plow. Snowfall before or during rush hour causes significant snowplowing delays, as does maneuvering around parked vehicles on city streets.

If you are parking on the street, try not to park directly across from another vehicle.

How will I know when it’s safe to clear my driveway without getting plowed in?

Wait until your street is plowed to the curb before clearing your driveway. Depending on snowfall amounts, plows may come through multiple times. Unfortunately, plowing in driveways is unavoidable. If you choose to clear your driveway before the street is plowed, you will have to clear your driveway opening again after your street is plowed.

View snow removal status for North Cedar Lake Regional Trail The City of St. Louis Park provides 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.

lear an area of your property on both sides of your driveway, along the roadway.

C This gives plows a place to push snow and may minimize the amount of snow that will end up across your driveway entrance. Remember, it’s against the law to plow, blow or shovel snow into or across any street or alley.

How is salt used for snow and ice control?

Due to environmental concerns about high salt (chloride) levels found in water bodies, including Minnehaha Creek, the city closely monitors the amount of salt applied by city vehicles. This concern is balanced with the responsibility to provide the traveling public with safer driving surfaces. Current practice limits ice control to streets and alleys when needed. It does not allow for salt on sidewalks or trails.

Through automated vehicle location (AVL) on snow removal equipment, the city can monitor how much salt is being applied and where. Application rates can be adjusted based on current weather conditions, using real-time data to be most effective for both environmental and safety concerns. The city’s equipment is checked and calibrated each year to ensure accuracy.

What should I do in a snow emergency?

The city may declare snow emergencies for major snow events which will be determined based on the depth of snow, type of snow and existing conditions. During a snow emergency, vehicles must be parked off the street until the street is plowed to the curb.

Vehicles that aren’t moved may be ticketed and towed.

Don’t leave vehicles running and unattended Warming up a car has numerous negative impacts — it wastes gas, pollutes the air and makes it easier for thieves to steal your vehicle.

Vehicles should never be left running and unattended with the keys inside. If you must warm up your car, install a remote starter and start the engine only a few minutes before you need to leave. The fastest way to warm up a vehicle is to drive slowly during the first mile!

Vehicles equipped with factory installed or aftermarket remote starters are much less prone vehicle theft. Help the St. Louis Park Police Department prevent stolen cars by not leaving your car running with the keys inside. If you see suspicious activity around a running car and you are certain the person involved should not be taking the car, call 911.

www.stlouispark.org

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2 feet

2 feet

curb

shovel out a clear space

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!

Setting out carts during winter months During winter months, keep the area where you place your carts for collection clear of snow. This helps crews safely access your carts. Carts set on top of snow banks or buried in snow will not be collected. Don't place carts in the streets, alleys or sidewalks because they get in the way and obstruct snow removal.

Setting out your carts for collection Make sure your carts are out by 7 a.m. as collection times may vary.

• I f you have curbside collection, place carts on your driveway or on the boulevard between the street and sidewalk. Ensure carts have at least 2 feet of space between them and surrounding objects, including other carts, vehicles, trees and overhead branches. This helps drivers provide safe and efficient collection while using automated trucks to empty your carts.

• I f you have alley collection, place carts on your property, driveway or beside your garage next to the alley. The 2-foot spacing noted above for curbside collection is not required for alleys.

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 stored outside are behind the building line adjacent to the street and are at least 4 feet from property lines shared with a neighbor.

Carts are also allowed to be stored in the alley right of way immediately next to your garage as long as the cart does not extend into the alley itself. Keep in mind that any property damage that occurs during snow removal in the alley due to items stored in the right of way is your responsibility.

Flood risk: it’s not just a spring issue Anywhere it can rain, it can flood! Rainfall events are and will continue to be more frequent and extreme.

Here are some facts you should know: • S ince 2001, widespread rains of more than 6 inches are four times more frequent than in the previous three decades in Minnesota.

• R ainfall events of more than 3 inches have increased 65% since 2000 in Minnesota.

• M ore than 30% of flood insurance claims in Minnesota are for damage outside of FEMA-mapped high-risk zones.

• N early 50% of flood damage is outside of FEMA-mapped high-risk zones.

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

City of St. Louis Park

N A T U R E

Help keep streets and waterways clean St. Louis Park cleans city streets to provide safe road conditions for transportation and to protect the environment. All city streets are swept at least twice a year – in the spring and again in the fall. Fall street sweeping started in early October and will continue until the snow falls. The goal is to remove leaves from the street to prevent plugged storm drains and to ensure streets are as clean as possible before the first snowfall.

When leaves accumulate in the street, sweepers are ineffective. The city first uses equipment to push leaves into a pile and haul them away. The sweepers will then resume sweeping to do a final cleanup. Weather greatly influences the amount of sweeping completed in the fall.

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP: Keep streets clear If possible, avoid parking on streets during daytime hours. “No parking” signs aren’t posted for street sweeping since work is ongoing as long as the weather cooperates. However, crews can do a better job when cars aren’t blocking access to the curb.

Keeping storm drains clear of obstructions reduces the chance of flooding in the event of heavy rains. Visit www.stlouispark.org/floodplain for more information on flood hazards, risks and building responsibly.

Protect local waters Grass clippings and leaves in the street end up in local water bodies where they decompose and release phosphorous. Algae use this nutrient to grow, which can turn lakes green and negatively affect fish. Instead, leave grass clippings on the lawn or try composting them in your back yard. Visit www.stlouispark.org/backyard-composting for details. Grass and leaves may also be collected for pick up by the city’s yard waste hauler.

Thank you for doing your part to protect local lakes, creeks and rivers!

C E N T E R

40th Annual Halloween Party ALL AGES

Children 2+ must pay and be accompanied by a paid adult Westwood Hills Nature Center, 8300 W. Franklin Ave. Join us for this family-friendly fall tradition! Come in costumes and enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. Boo-gie down to some tunes with DJ Bob. Play carnival style games and trick-or-treat with friendly animal characters on Mother Nature’s Trail.

Round out the evening with a puppet show and refreshments supplied by Lunds & Byerlys. Due to the anticipated popularity of this event, shuttle buses will be available at St. Louis Park Middle School, 2025 Texas Ave. S. DAYs DATES+TIME Oct. 22, 6:30 – 9 p.m.

F Sa Oct. 23, 6:30 – 9 p.m.

FEE After Oct. 13: $11 per person (resident) / $12 (non-resident) Registration deadline: 4 p.m. on the day of the event or when full. Households of four or more will receive a 20% discount for the fourth person and each person thereafter.

New recreation registration site introduced The city recently introduced a new online registration software for parks and recreation programs! CivicRec is a new, mobile-friendly site that provides a more intuitive, easy-to-navigate system for browsing and registering for recreation activities, classes, sports and leagues. In the future, it will allow users to search for and reserve community facilities, such as picnic shelters, park buildings, courts and fields. Users will need to create a new account prior to registering. The new system was in place starting with the fall parks and recreation session. To create a new account, visit www.stlouispark.org/rec-registration

www.stlouispark.org

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