Park Perspective: February 2022

Park Perspective February 2022

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.

Meet your St. Louis Park City Council

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

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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.

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

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

Pictured (left to right): Margaret Rog, Larry Kraft, Nadia Mohamed, Tim Brausen, Jake Spano, Lynette Dumalag and Sue Budd In January, four St. Louis Park ward council members were sworn into four-year terms ending January 2026.

Incumbents Margaret Rog, Lynette Dumalag and Tim Brausen were re-elected to ward council seats 1, 2 and 4 respectively, while Sue Budd was elected to the ward 3 council seat. The four ward council members join Mayor Jake Spano and at-large council members Larry Kraft and Nadia Mohamed. Visit bit.ly/3iR5A5u to learn more about the city council members.

St. Louis Park declares a climate emergency In January, the St. Louis Park City Council passed a resolution declaring a climate emergency in St. Louis Park. With this resolution, St. Louis Park joins an emerging coalition of Minnesota cities sending a message to state and federal elected officials that local governments statewide are taking steps to address climate change and are demanding increased legislative and financial support.

“St. Louis Park has long demonstrated its commitment to climate action, from adopting what is still the boldest carbon neutrality goal in the state to continuously expanding its list of sustainability programs for residents and businesses,” said St. Louis Park Mayor Jake Spano. “Given the myriad impacts of climate change that we have already experienced firsthand, it is well past time for our state and federal leaders to follow suit by providing the funding and passing the ambitious policies that communities need.”

The climate emergency resolution commits the city to a number of 2022 programs, projects and policy initiatives that help every resident, employee, business owner and visitor of St. Louis Park take action toward a collective future for all.

Sun, Feb 27 | 10:30 am–3 pm Eisenhower Community Center · 1001 Hwy 7, Hopkins

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Free admission Free parking Free kids activities

IDEAS & HELP

Get free, no-obligation advice about your project from a variety of home improvement pros. Visit with over 85 exhibitors. Attend helpful seminars and demonstrations.

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LEARN MORE homeremodelingfair.com

OPERATION: RESCUE ROOM

Enter our contest by Feb 21 for a chance to win $1000 to help with remodeling. For more information, visit homeremodelingfair.com/ fair-day-activities/operation-rescue-room.

SPONSORS Cities of Golden Valley, Minnetonka, and St. Louis Park, and the Community Education programs of St. Louis Park and Hopkins School Districts

Attend the West Metro Home Remodeling Fair

The resolution will also launch the “2022 Year of Climate Action” in St. Louis Park to spur increased engagement through community-wide events led by the city’s environment and sustainability commission. Finally, it commits the city to striving for equity in climate action, including consideration of inclusive involvement and engagement, policy and program design, populations and people who are more likely to benefit or be burdened and accessible communications.

The West Metro Home Remodeling Fair features a wide variety of exhibitors with products and services related to home improvement, including remodeling contractors, architects, landscapers, financial lenders and more. Attend one of the seminars or meet with a pro for a one-on-one free consultation. In addition to remodeling seminars, the fair will include a seminar on the Just Deeds Project, which allows homeowners to discharge discriminatory language from property titles.

Visit homeremodelingfair.com for a schedule of all seminars and a list of exhibitors.

Visit www.stlouispark.org/climate-action-plan for more information about activities planned in 2022 to engage the community in taking action on climate change.

Visit www.stlouispark.org/home-remodeling for more information on city remodeling programs, including loans, rehab and architectural advisors, rebates and Home Energy Squad visits.

All about redistricting City council approves 2022 budget, tax levy At its final meeting of 2021, the St. Louis Park City Council approved a 2022 budget and a final property tax levy increase of 5.58% over 2021. This final approved levy was the conclusion of several months of budget discussions between city council and staff. The 2022 budget was developed with the council’s strategic priorities, Vision 3.0 and the comprehensive plan in mind.

Housing and redevelopment authority 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 can’t exceed 0.0185% of the estimated market value of the city. The maximum HRA levy was approved for 2022, which totals $1,517,799 based on valuation data from Hennepin County.

Economic development authority levy A new economic development authority (EDA) levy was approved for 2022 in the amount of $500,000, which is lower than the 0.01813% of the estimated market value of the city. 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 tax levy means to you On the median-valued home of $330,500, the effect of the total tax levy, HRA levy and EDA levy, is a $13 per month increase in the city portion of property taxes.

Regardless of the 2022 property 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.

What’s next Property tax statements for 2022 will be mailed by March 31. Most property taxes are due May 15 and Oct. 15 in equal installments. Also in March, you’ll receive a valuation and classification notice that will impact your 2023 property taxes. 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. Don’t delay in calling – this is the time to appeal or question your valuation and classification for 2023. Valuation can’t be appealed after property taxes are sent. Taxes may not be appealed.

New year, new utility rates

Redistricting has been in the news, and you may wonder how it will affect you and how you vote. The St. Louis Park election team is working with newly collected census data to draw new boundaries for city precincts. It’s important to understand how this process is different from those that tend to make headlines.

The city is only responsible for redrawing its own precinct map. St. Louis Park currently has 16 precincts. The precinct you live in determines your polling location.

If a boundary changes, all the residents in the new precinct may have a new polling location. Rest assured, if your polling location changes through this process, you will be notified and given an opportunity to share your thoughts.

St. Louis Park is divided into four wards made up of an equal number of precincts, each represented by a council member. The ward and precinct boundaries must align with other maps drawn by the state legislature and in some rare cases with federal maps for congressional districts. Once the legislature completes its work drawing those larger boundaries, the elections team can begin to finalize its work. A map must be submitted to the city council for approval by the end of March.

Federal, state and local representatives are working to redraw maps now. It’s not anticipated that the ward boundaries in St. Louis Park will be altered significantly, if at all. As a result, it’s likely you will still be represented by the same council member.

However, the precinct boundaries cover less area and have seen more changes in population, so they will need to be redrawn. This means you may have a new polling location.

How to participate Visit www.stlouispark.org/vote for a more detailed explanation of the redistricting process, the current map of precincts and the many ways to participate in redistricting, including: • A ttending public meetings in areas that may be affected by a significant change • S ubmitting comments on ward and precinct boundaries, both as they are currently and as they might be in the future • W atching, attending and/or providing public comment at the city council meeting where the council will discuss the new map Your input is needed to complete the process. Visit www.stlouispark.org/vote to participate in events or provide feedback before the deadline.

Mark your calendar for 2022 elections

The City of St. Louis Park reviews utility rates annually to ensure rates are properly structured and generate enough revenue to operate and maintain the city’s water, sewer and solid waste services. In December, the city council adopted the recommended rate changes for 2022.

As an example, the effect on a residential property with four people for all 2022 utility rate adjustments is an increase of approximately $14.60 per quarter, or $4.87 per month. This calculation is based on a household of four using 30 units of water per quarter, 20 units of sewer per quarter and 60-gallon solid waste service. It’s important to note that rates will vary based on individual service levels.

Water Water and water meter charges increased 4.5% for 2022. Water rates are structured to encourage water conservation. Water service charges are quarterly fixed fees based on meter size and are intended to help cover the cost of making water service available to users. These charges also help cover costs related to infrastructure and meter system maintenance.

Sanitary sewer The sanitary sewer rates have increased 3.5% for 2022. Sanitary sewer rates include charges for sewer consumption, as well as a sanitary sewer service charge, which is a fixed fee that helps cover costs related to infrastructure maintenance.

Storm drainage/stormwater The quarterly single-family stormwater rate, which pays for flood control projects and stormwater runoff, increased 6% for 2022.

Solid waste The 2022 solid waste rates increased by 5.25% in 2022. Solid waste rates include all city collection services – garbage, recycling, organics and yard waste for residential customers. Solid waste rates were updated on the city’s website in January 2022 to reflect updated rates.

Visit www.stlouispark.org/finance to view a full list of 2022 utility rates. Utility customers will also receive an insert in their utility bills in early 2022 with information about the new rates.

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February 2022

Two regularly scheduled elections are set for 2022: a state primary election on Aug. 9 and a state general election on Nov. 8. Mark these important dates on your calendar now!

Offices on the ballot will be: • U.S. Representative district 5 • Governor and lieutenant governor • Secretary of state, attorney general and state auditor • State senator* • State representative* • Hennepin County commissioner district 3, county commissioner and county sheriff • Judges Keep in mind polling locations may change after the redistricting process is complete.

Check polling locations at pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us before you vote in these elections. * Note: Offices on the ballot may also be affected by state redistricting. Check back for updates in the July Park Perspective to see which, if any, legislative districts have changed.

Arts and culture grants

awarded for 2022 Four grants were awarded for 2022 as part of the City of St. Louis Park Arts & Culture Grant Program. The grant program funds art projects and cultural activities that build bridges between artists and communities, engage people in creative learning and promotes cultural health, well-being and cultural experiences in St. Louis Park. From among 29 applications, the review committee chose four events that best met the grant program criteria:

St. Louis Park solar program shines Solar Sundown, the City of St. Louis Park solar panel cost share program, helped 43 households and five local businesses install rooftop solar in 2021! The program aimed to double the amount of rooftop solar in the city and bring St. Louis Park closer to meeting its Climate Action Plan goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2030.

Program participants exceeded this goal and more than doubled the amount of rooftop solar.

The 2022 Solar Sundown application is now available at www.stlouispark.org/solar.

Under the program, the city will reimburse 4 or 6% of solar installation costs for qualifying property owners, depending on the census tract. Property owners can also take advantage of additional solar incentives and financing options to bring costs down.

• F rank Freedman/Community Storytelling Forum: Monthly events with guest storytellers ($500) • Thai Cultural Council of Minnesota: MinnesoThai, a celebration of the rich traditions of Minnesota and Southeast Asian cultures ($10,000) • Semilla Center for Healing and Arts: Winter Solstice Lantern Walk, a lantern installation and event at Westwood Hills Nature Center ($5,000) • WaveletsCreative: Fall Sound Garden event at Texa-Tonka Park ($4,500) Funding for the program is provided through the City of St. Louis Park Development Fund, with $20,000 budgeted for art projects in 2022. Visit www.stlouispark.org/arts for more information.

Energy and water bill assistance available Are your winter heating bills higher than expected? Apply to the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Energy Assistance program to keep your home warm, lights on and water flowing. New eligibility guidelines mean that one in four Minnesota households now qualify for assistance, which is available to both homeowners and renters. It only takes one application to apply for both energy and water bill assistance.

St. Louis Park residents can apply through the Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County by calling 952.930.3541 or online at caphennepin.org/what-we-do.

Open to Business program The city’s Open to Business program offers free, one-on-one, confidential business consulting to help small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs with access to the technical assistance and financing options they need. Contact John Endris, Open to Business advisor, at jendris@mccdmn.org or 651.216.6252 to schedule a meeting.

Nominate an outstanding community member for an award

Do you know a St. Louis Park community member who has made outstanding contributions and dedicated their time to improve the St. Louis Park community? If so, consider nominating them to be recognized with an award. Requirements include: • T he community member may be nominated by anyone. Nominations may be submitted at any time.

• Community members include residents, or non-residents who work or volunteer in St. Louis Park and contribute significantly to the city.

• The nomination must include a statement explaining why the individual should receive the award. Supporting documents may be attached, but they aren’t required. Examples of supporting documents include letters of support, news articles, awards or other information that may be helpful to those reviewing the nomination.

Nominations may be submitted online at bit.ly/slpoutstanding. If you can’t submit the nomination online, call 952.924.2632 for assistance.

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: • If your property is in or out of the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) as shown on the current Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM); in or out of the floodway; or in or near an area where the problems are not shown on the FIRM. • Additional 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.

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Stay informed about construction projects The City of St. Louis Park has several transportation projects with activity 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.

Fern Hill pavement management project Several streets on the west side of the Fern Hill Neighborhood are scheduled for rehabilitation during the 2022 construction season. There are different construction activities going on throughout the neighborhood, including pavement replacement, utility reconstruction, new sidewalk construction, sidewalk repair and bikeway installation. The city’s annual pavement management project proactively addresses the condition of residential streets within the city. The program was developed to extend pavement life and enhance system-wide performance in a cost-effective and efficient way by providing the right pavement strategy at the right time. Construction is expected to start in May and completed in the fall.

Alley rehabilitation The city is planning for select alleys in the Elmwood Neighborhood to be upgraded in 2022. Construction includes removing the gravel, regrading, drainage improvements and installing a new concrete surface.

Southwest Light Rail Transit Work on the Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) Greenline extension throughout the winter months was focused on construction of the station platforms at Beltline Boulevard, Wooddale Avenue and freight rail bridges near Louisiana Avenue. Visit www.swlrt.org to sign up for the Metropolitan Council’s SWLRT weekly updates.

Dakota-Edgewood bikeway and trail bridge project This project is a part of the city’s Connect the Park plan designed to make it easier for people to move around the city and region without a single occupancy vehicle.

The bikeway and trail bridge project created a north-south pedestrian and bike connection through the middle of the city. The bridge was completed just before winter. More information about a May grand opening celebration will be available closer to the event.

36th Street and Wooddale Avenue improvements Construction of the 36th Street and Wooddale Avenue improvements is expected to start in early spring and be complete in the fall. The improvements will include: • Reduction from four lanes of traffic to three lanes • Pavement replacement • Modification of the 36th Street and Wooddale Avenue and the 36th Street and Xenwood Avenue intersections • Separated two-way bicycle facility on the south side of 36th Street • Upsizing the sanitary sewer on 36th Street • Sidewalk upgrades to ensure ADA accessibility This project will improve infrastructure and safety for all users of these roadways.

Minnetonka Boulevard reconstruction planned for 2024 Hennepin County continues its work 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.

In 2021, the county began an engagement process that led to the creation of three potential roadway layouts based on the public feedback received. For 2022, we would like your input on the layout you think would best address current issues and serve all users.

Visit hennepin.us/minnetonka-boulevard to view the layouts, vote for your favorite and provide any comments. If you have additional 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. Construction for this project is scheduled for 2024.

Visit www.stlouispark.org/connect-the-park for information on the entire Connect the Park plan.

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:

Order a discounted rain barrel 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 $90. 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 7, 8 a.m. – noon or Monday, May 9, 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.

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• 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.

Headlights and taillights reminder Change your clock, change your batteries Daylight saving time begins Sunday, March 13! 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.

As we continue to navigate winter weather and look forward to spring, the police department reminds drivers that according to Minnesota statute 169.48 (vehicle lighting), headlights and taillights must be illuminated when visibility is impaired by unfavorable weather conditions or other factors that can affect seeing people and vehicles on a roadway. Automatic forward-facing driving lights and parking lamps on their own don’t meet this requirement.

Check your headlights and taillights to be sure they’re working, and turn them on anytime visibility is low.

Get out and sled!

St. Louis Park police officers will be out enjoying local sledding hills in February!

Join in the fun by posting your best sledding photos with the location of your favorite St. Louis Park sledding hill in the comments section of the “Get out and sled” post on the St. Louis Park Police Department Facebook page (@slppolice), or email your photos to slppdoutreach@stlouispark.org. You’ll have a chance to win a sledding package valued at $150. Visit bit.ly/2KNzYkC for a list of outdoor sledding locations in the city.

Drug takeback event

Gun lock safety devices available The most important responsibility of any gun owner is to securely store their gun when it is not in use. This includes the use of a gun lock. A limited supply of gun lock devices are available for free at the front counter of the police department, 3015 Raleigh Ave. S., during regular business hours, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Monday – Friday. For more information, contact our community outreach officers at 952.924.2661 or slppdoutreach@stlouispark.org.

The St. Louis Park Police Department, in partnership with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, will be hosting a prescription and over-the-counter drug take back event in late April. The date and time are still being determined. This is a safe, convenient and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs. Visit the police department’s Facebook or Twitter pages (@slppolice), for event updates.

If you can't attend the event, the police department has a drop box available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the police department lobby to dispose of household medicines, including prescription, over-the-counter and pet medicines. Visit www.hennepin.us/medicine for more information about the drop box and what is accepted.

Medication disposal bags are also available for free and can be picked up Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at one of the following locations: • City hall, 5005 Minnetonka Blvd.

• Fire Station 1, 3750 Wooddale Ave. S. • Police department, 3015 Raleigh Ave. S.

Apply now to serve on a board or commission Looking for opportunities to meet new people or get involved in your community?

Have you considered serving on a city advisory board or commission? Joining a board or commission is a great way to meet people, give back to the community and pursue initiatives that spark your passions or interests. The city is looking for more great people to join and contribute. Applications are being accepted for both adult and youth positions on the following city advisory boards and commissions: • Community technology advisory commission • Environment and sustainability commission • Housing authority board • Human rights commission • Parks and recreation advisory commission • Planning commission • Police advisory commission The deadline to apply is Feb. 28. Terms for new members begin May 31.

To learn more about what the city’s advisory boards and commissions do or to apply, visit www.stlouispark.org/boards-commissions.

Join the St. Louis Park Police Explorer and Reserve programs Explorer program The St. Louis Park Police Explorers volunteer program offers youth ages 14 to 21 a chance to learn firsthand the duties and responsibilities of police officers. Explorers meet every Tuesday evening throughout the year to participate in role playing, class study and social exercises related to a career in law enforcement. Explorers also volunteer at local community events with the police officers. If you or someone you know is interested in attending a meeting or learning more about becoming an explorer, contact Officer Caroline Bjorge at cbjorge@stlouispark.org or Officer Madeline Turnquist at mturnquist@stlouispark.org.

Reserves The St. Louis Park Police Department Reserves unit is made up of 15 – 25 volunteers who range in age from 20 to over 60. Every year, they donate roughly 1,000 hours of volunteer services to assist with night patrols and city events, including Fourth of July festival, National Night Out, school carnivals, D.A.R.E. graduations and more. If you are interested in applying or for more information about the program, contact Officer Alex Forsman at aforsman@stlouispark.org or Officer Thomas Martinez at tmartinez@stlouispark.org.

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Tree sale starts March 1

Starting March 1, visit www.treetrust.org to order and pay for your trees as part of the city’s annual tree sale. Trees are $35 each; a maximum of three trees per property may be purchased. In addition to selling discounted trees through the tree sale, flats of native plants will also be available to purchase. Help our pollinators and environment by incorporating native plants into your landscape!

Tree and native plants pickup will be Saturday, April 30, from 8 a.m. – noon or Monday, May 2, from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Municipal Service Center, 7305 Oxford St. Also, the city will soon be offering full-service tree planting incentive programs to residential and commercial property owners. We expect to launch these programs in March with the tree sale. Stay tuned for more information.

Yard waste collection starts April 4 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.

Emerald ash borer inspections underway The emerald ash borer (EAB) is now widespread in St. Louis Park. City staff trained as Minnesota tree inspectors are out this winter and early spring marking infested ash trees for removal. By city ordinance, the city marks both public and private trees that need to be removed. Trees with EAB are typically identified by light-colored patches of damaged bark left by woodpeckers eating EAB larvae. Healthy or lightly infested trees can be protected from EAB with injections. Rainbow Treecare provides injections at a reduced rate for St. Louis Park residents. Visit www.stlouispark.org/eab for more information.

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. Use certified compostable bags, brown paper Kraft lawn bags or brown paper grocery bags.

Celebrate St. Louis Park

Arbor Day May 7 Visit www.stlouispark.org/events for location, time and volunteer registration.

3. Branches 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.

Reduce the amount of yard waste you set out this season by mulching your lawn clippings.

Mulching recycles grass clippings and leaves by breaking them down into very small pieces that do not need to be bagged. Mulched grass clippings and leaves eventually break down and become compost, which reduces your need for fertilizer.

Visit extension.umn.edu/lawncare/what-do-lawn-clippings to learn more.

Residential brush drop-off site

opens April 2 St. Louis Park residents may use the city’s brush drop-off site during the following dates and hours in 2022.

April 2 – Oct. 30

Nov. 5 – 20

• Tuesdays: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• Saturdays: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

• Saturdays: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

• Sundays: noon – 4 p.m.

• Sundays: noon – 4 p.m.

Accepted: branches, brush, logs, grass clippings and leaves Not accepted: rocks, root balls or stumps, dirt/soil or sod, trash, metal, concrete, fencing, lumber or wood scraps The site is located at 6215 Cedar Lake Road, on the southeast side of the railroad tracks. There is no charge for St. Louis Park residents when dropping off materials from their property (non-contractor use). A Minnesota ID or driver’s license is required as proof of residency. Visit www.stlouispark.org/brush-drop-off or call 952.924.2562 for more information.

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Winter cart set-out reminders Setting out your carts for collection Make sure your carts are out by 7 a.m. as collection times may vary.

Storing your carts after collection Put carts away promptly after collection. If you must store your carts outdoors, 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.

• 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.

• If you have alley collection, place carts on your property, driveway or beside your garage next to the alley.

During winter months, please 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 snowbanks 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.

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.

• I f your normal service falls on or after a holiday that affects collection, 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 or contact public works at 952.924.2562 or recycling@stlouispark.org if you have questions.

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Get ready to swap your old items for new ones!

Reuse events are back for 2022 and are scheduled for the spring and summer.

All events will be hosted outside at the Recreation Outdoor Center (ROC), 3700 Monterey Drive, and are open to everyone. Before attending, visit www.stlouispark.org/reuse for details on what is accepted.

• Gardening swap: May 24, 4 – 6 p.m.

• Clothing swap: July 28, 4 – 6 p.m.

• Media swap: Aug. 24, 4 – 6 p.m.

Citywide hydrant flushing starts May 8 City crews are scheduled to flush the watermains in St. Louis Park starting Sunday, May 8, weather permitting. Flushing hours will mainly be from 8 p.m. – 6 a.m. and should be complete by Friday, May 13.

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.

Paper shredding events scheduled This year’s two paper shredding events will take place at Creekside Park, 7341 Oxford St., just west of the Municipal Service Center. Residents may bring up to five paper grocery bags of paper. Please do not use lawn/leaf bags or plastic bags of any kind.

Visit www.stlouispark.org/cleanup for additional details.

• May 17, 5 – 7 p.m.

• Sept. 28, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

SAVE THE DATE

Cleanup days set for May 21, Oct. 1

Mark your calendars for the annual spring and fall cleanup days! These events will be held at the Municipal Service Center, 7305 Oxford St., on May 21 and Oct. 1 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• I tems collected for a charge: Large bulky trash items, appliances and microwaves, mattresses, box springs, tires and certain electronics (TVs, DVD/VHS players and stereos) • Items collected for free: Bicycles, scrap metal and some electronics (cell phones, laptops, tablets, keyboards, etc.)

Visit www.stlouispark.org/cleanup for more event information and other disposal options available year-round. A postcard will be mailed to homes before each event.

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.

• Turn 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.

The Citizens’ Police Academy is open adultsrun 18 and over water who live • Each morning during this timetoperiod, the cold tapor towork flushinyour St. Louishousehold Park. Classes will be held on Wednesdays, March 18 – May 27 (no system of any discolored water sitting in the pipes. If tapclass water April 1),becomes from 6 – discolored 9 p.m. at the St. Louis Parkrun Police 3015 Ave. S. during the day, the Department, cold water tap untilRaleigh the water Twenty clears applicants will be accepted and must be able to attend all 10 sessions.

Register again. online at www.stlouispark.org/police-academy www.stlouispark.org/police-academy.. Note: Interested in learning about the city overall? See pages 1 and 2 for youth and adult opportunities.

Citizens’ Police Academy returns this spring

www.stlouispark.org

7 3

Sh a m r o c Stay connected with internet service Are you struggling to pay for internet service? Congress recently created the Affordable Connectivity Program, a new long-term program to replace the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program. This investment in broadband affordability will help ensure long-term connections to work, school, health care and more.

Here’s what you need to know: • H ouseholds that were enrolled in the EBB Program as of Dec. 31, 2021, will continue to receive their current monthly benefit until March 1, 2022.

• Households that qualified for the EBB Program due to a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since Feb. 29, 2020, or by meeting the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s COVID-19 program, will need to requalify for the Affordable Connectivity Program.

• Households have new and easier ways to qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program such as receiving WIC benefits or having an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

• The maximum monthly benefit will change from $50 per month to $30 per month for households not located on qualifying tribal lands. The monthly benefit will remain at $75 per month for households on qualifying tribal lands.

Ice B owling S t. Lo u is Pa r k

Saturday, March 12, 1 – 5 p.m.

See if you have what it takes to get lucky at ShamROC Ice Bowling. Participants will bowl four frames for the chance to win fabulous prizes, all while enjoying food, drinks, music and having fun! Games take approximately 30 minutes. Fee: $50 per team of four participants.

Visit www.shamrocicebowling.com for rules, registration and more information.

Visit fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit to learn more about the Affordable Connectivity Program and how to apply.

Internet providers St. Louis Park residents may choose from the following internet service providers: • • • •

enturyLink — 1.866.963.6665 or www.centurylink.com C Comcast — 1.800.XFINITY (934.6489) or xfinity.com HughesNet — 1.877.809.7843 or internet.hughesnet.com US Internet — 612.444.1888 or usinternet.com

Note: US Internet is currently available only in portions of St. Louis Park, but plans a significant expansion in 2022 and 2023. Visit the coverage map at usinternet.com/fiber/coverage-map for more information.

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

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February 2022

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

952.924.2540 www.stlouispark.org nextdoor.com

@stlouispark

@stlouispark

@stlouispark

www.stlouispark.org/sign-up

City of St. Louis Park requires dogs to be leashed The City of St. Louis Park has been receiving an increased number of 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 are not allowed anywhere at Westwood Hills Nature Center.

Dogs must be leashed in all city parks, open spaces and 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 bit.ly/SLPpetowner 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.

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....................230.0743 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

St. Louis Park recreation staff receive MRPA awards The Minnesota Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) recently recognized three City of St. Louis Park recreation staff members with awards.

Pictured at left, Mark Oestreich, Westwood Hills Nature Center manager (left), and Jason West, recreation superintendent (right), received the Tommy Johnson Award for the Westwood Hills Nature Center project. The Tommy Johnson Award recognizes innovation and creativity in the recreation field.

Pictured at right, Nate Rosa, recreation supervisor (center) received the Jack Niles Award, recognizing a professional member of MRPA for 10-plus years who has provided outstanding service to the parks and recreation field. He is pictured with MRPA President Chris Esser (left) and St. Louis Park resident and faculty member at Minnesota State University Mankato Michelle Margo (right), Margo nominated Rosa for the Jack Niles Award.