Park Perspective: May 2022

Park Perspective May 2022

www.stlouispark.org

Follow the city’s strategic priorities The St. Louis Park City Council has adopted the following five strategic priorities. Look for the icons throughout this and future editions of the Park Perspective to read stories about how the city is working to meet these priorities.

St. Louis Park is committed to: Being a leader in racial equity and inclusion in order to create a more just and inclusive community for all.

Continuing to lead in environmental stewardship.

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

Providing a variety of options for people to make their way around the city comfortably, safely and reliably. reating opportunities to build social C capital through community engagement.

State primary election day: Aug. 9

Early voting starts June 24

Your next election is the state primary on Aug. 9 to decide nominees for each major party for the state general election on Nov. 8. Ballots for the state primary elections will have columns, each representing one of the major parties. Voters can vote for candidates from one major party and cannot select candidates from more than one column on the ballot. St. Louis Park Public Schools will also have a special, non-partisan election on the August ballot. The election is two questions related to the approval of a capital project levy and the issuance of general obligation school building bonds.

Early voting for the state primary election begins on Friday, June 24. You can vote early in person at St. Louis Park City Hall, 5005 Minnetonka Blvd., Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. To learn more about early voting, including how to vote by mail, visit www.stlouispark.org/vote or call 952.924.2503.

New polling locations The City of St. Louis Park completed redistricting for wards and precincts, a process that happens once every 10 years. The number of precincts in the city has been reduced from 16 to 12. This means you may have a new polling location if you choose to vote in person on Election Day. All registered voters will be sent a postcard confirming their new ward, precinct and polling place in early July. The Minnesota Secretary of State’s online poll finder tool will be updated with the changes in early July.

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

nextdoor.com @stlouispark

@stlouispark

@stlouispark

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St. Louis Park polling locations

Precinct 1 – Beth El Synagogue, 5225 Barry St. W. Precinct 2 – Wat Thai of Minnesota, 2544 Hwy. 100 S. Precinct 3 – St. Louis Park City Hall, 5005 Minnetonka Blvd.

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.

Precinct 4 – St. Louis Park Rec Center, 3700 Monterey Drive Precinct 5 – Vista Lutheran Church, 4003 Wooddale Ave. Precinct 6 – Municipal Service Center, 7305 Oxford St.

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

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Precinct 7 – St. Louis Park Senior High School, 6425 33rd St. W. Precinct 8 – Aquila Elementary School 8500 31st St. W. Precinct 9 – Lenox Community Center, 6715 Minnetonka Blvd.

Precinct 10 – St. Louis Park Middle School, 2025 Texas Ave. S. Precinct 11 – Park Harbor Church, 1615 Texas Ave. S. Precinct 12 – Westwood Lutheran Church, 9001 Cedar Lake Road

Questions?

Call the elections hotline at 952.924.2503 or email elections@stlouispark.org.

New legislative districts State redistricting was completed before redistricting was done by the city. Under the new map, St. Louis Park will continue to be in Senate District 46. In Minnesota, each senate district is divided into two house districts, labeled “a” and “b.” The line dividing Senate District 46 shifted south because of population changes. The line now follows Highway 7 from the west, before turning south on Highway 100, continuing east along Excelsior Boulevard, then going south again on Quentin Avenue and continuing east along 40th Street West. Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 are now in Minnesota House District 46a, and precincts 5 and 6 are in 46b. The City of St. Louis Park did not control any part of the process that determined the legislative boundary.

Contacting an elected official Keep this information handy if you want to contact an elected official.

2022 ST. LOUIS PARK CITY COUNCIL Mayor Jake Spano jspano@stlouispark.org 952.928.1448 At Large A Larry Kraft lkraft@stlouispark.org 952.928.1451 At Large B Nadia Mohamed nmohamed@stlouispark.org 952.207.0256 Ward 1 Margaret Rog mrog@stlouispark.org 952.928.1447 Ward 2 Lynette Dumalag ldumalag@stlouispark.org 952.928.1435

Ward 3 Sue Budd sbudd@stlouispark.org 952.928.1460 Ward 4 Tim Brausen tbrausen@stlouispark.org 952.928.1444 COUNTY GOVERNMENT Commissioner Marion Greene A2400 Government Center 300 S. Sixth St. Minneapolis, MN 55487 marion.greene@hennepin.us 612.348.7883 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT Daniel Freeman – District 3 daniel.freeman@threeriversparkdistrict.org 763.559.6776 www.threeriversparks.org

STATE SENATE DISTRICTS Sen. Ron Latz – District 46 95 University Ave. W. Minnesota Senate Bldg. #2215 St. Paul, MN 55155 651.297.8065 www.senate.mn STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS Rep. Ryan Winkler – District 46A 459 State Office Building St. Paul, MN 55155 rep.ryan.winkler@house.mn 651.296.7026 Rep. Cheryl Youakim – District 46B 591 State Office Building St. Paul, MN 55155 rep.cheryl.youakim@house.mn 651.296.9889 STATE GOVERNMENT Gov. Tim Walz Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan 130 State Capitol 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

St. Paul, MN 55155 651.201.3400 www.mn.gov/governor

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT U.S. Senate Sen. Amy Klobuchar 425 Dirksen Senate Building Washington, DC 20510 www.klobuchar.senate.gov 1200 Washington Ave. S. #250 Minneapolis, MN 55415 612.727.5220 Sen. Tina Smith 720 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 smith.senate.gov 60 Plato Blvd. E. #220 Saint Paul, MN 55107 651.221.1016 U.S. House Rep. Ilhan Omar 1730 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 www.omar.house.gov 404 Third Ave. N. #203 Minneapolis, MN 55401 612.333.1272

Mayor joins state leaders in supporting

local infrastructure investments In February, St. Louis Park Mayor Jake Spano joined Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Commissioner Katrina Kessler, legislators and other city leaders in addressing the critical need for investments in local infrastructure.

Governor Tim Walz is proposing new legislation that would establish a $21.1 million grant program for stormwater infrastructure upgrades across Minnesota. These upgrades will help mitigate flood damage and adapt communities for increasing severe rain events.

“The impacts of climate change are many, and we’ve certainly seen their effects here in St. Louis Park with more severe storms and resulting flooding issues,” said St. Louis Park Mayor Jake Spano. “Earlier this month, the City of St. Louis Park declared a climate emergency in an effort to encourage state and federal leaders to provide funding and pass policies communities need to combat climate change.

This proposed grant program for stormwater infrastructure upgrades will help us as we continue our city’s longstanding commitment to climate action.”

In St. Louis Park, efforts to address stormwater have ranged from large projects such as the 2017 construction of an underground stormwater retention chamber at Carpenter Park and participation in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) community rating system, to programs for residents such as Rainwater Rewards, adopt a storm drain and discounted rain barrel sales.

Visit bit.ly/SLPstormwater to learn more.

Transportation project updates METRO Green Line Extension Construction of the METRO Green Line Extension continues along the entire route through St. Louis Park. Crews are working at the intersection of Louisiana Avenue and Oxford Street to complete the southerly connector for freight rail. This work includes pile driving, installing concrete retaining walls and bridge construction. The station platforms are clearly visible at Wooddale Avenue and Beltline Boulevard. The trackways will be placed as the construction season progresses.

The Metropolitan Council is transitioning the project name from Southwest LRT to the METRO Green Line Extension to better communicate the transportation network that expands the current Green Line through Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Visit www.greenlineext.org to learn more and sign up for the Metropolitan Council’s weekly updates. The 24-hour hotline number to call for construction-related issues is 612.373.3933.

RedoCedarLou: Cedar Lake Road, Louisiana Avenue improvements Road improvements are planned for Cedar Lake Road and Louisiana Avenue. The project consists of two distinct parts that will be constructed separately: • C edar Lake Road improvements (between Highway 169 and Nevada Avenue): 2023 – 2024 construction • Louisiana Avenue improvements (between Wayzata Boulevard and the railroad bridge south of Cedar Lake Road): 2024 – 2025 construction. This part also includes Cedar Lake Road from Kentucky Avenue to Nevada Avenue.

Cedar Lake Road and Louisiana Avenue improvements project will include: • New pavement • Intersection improvements at Cedar Lake Road and Louisiana Avenue • Enhancements for people walking and rolling, including curb extensions, raised medians and upgrades to ensure ADA compliance • Accommodations for people biking • Streetscape improvements To learn more, visit bit.ly/RedoCedarLou, or contact Joseph Shamla, project manager, at jshamla@stlouispark.org or 952.924.2552.

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

WHAT YOUR DOG LOOKS LIKE TO YOU:

WHAT YOUR DOG MAY LOOK LIKE TO OTHERS:

PLEASE KEEP DOGS LEASHED IN PUBLIC

Proposed Minnetonka Boulevard roadway layouts 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 potential roadway layouts based on the public feedback received. Visit hennepin.us/minnetonka-boulevard to view the layouts, vote for your favorite and provide any comments. Construction for this project is scheduled for 2024.

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.

Every dog owner loves their dog, but some people are fearful of dogs or may have had a bad experience. While you may think your dog would never hurt someone, don’t take that chance.

When not at an off-leash dog park, dogs are not allowed to run at large in St. Louis Park.

To learn more, visit bit.ly/SLPdogparks or scan the QR code.

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May 2022

Understanding

right of way Are you planning outdoor home improvements this summer? If you are, good for you!

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

If your work is within 16 feet of the street or within 2 feet of the edge of the alley, it is likely that you will be working within the public right of way.

What is right of way?

All roads and alleys are located on land that is referred to as right of way. The right of way is intended for public purposes. The right of way is intended for public purposes, including public streets, bikeways, alleys and public utilities. It generally extends beyond the pavement and can include sidewalks, utility poles, underground utilities, signs and streetlights. In addition, the city uses the area for snow storage in the winter.

Construction in, on, under or above the right of way requires review by the city, and if it is allowed, a permit. Examples of private improvements that are allowed within the right of way are sprinkler systems, pet containment, landscaping and driveways.

Construction of retaining walls, steps, lighting or a fence are generally not allowed in the right of way.

Funding available for landscaping projects It’s not too early to start thinking about spring landscaping projects that can help manage stormwater. The city’s Rainwater Rewards program offers funding and technical guidance to residential property owners who install projects that do at least one of the following: • Protect and restore stormwater by capturing pollutants in rainwater runoff • Increase the watershed’s ability to store water • Preserve and restore native plant and wildlife communities • Protect and preserve groundwater quality and quantity Project examples include rain gardens, tree plantings, rain barrels, permeable pavement, green roofs and other innovative stormwater management practices.

Program benefits include cost share, guidance with management practices, selecting designers and contractors, and future planning. The program is available to residential properties in St. Louis Park. Applications are accepted year-round while funding remains.

To learn more, visit www.stlouispark.org/rainwater-rewards, or contact Erick Francis, water resources manager, at efrancis@stlouispark.org or 952.924.2690.

Private improvements in the right of way may be damaged when construction takes place. If there is construction work in the right of way, repairs and relocation of underground private improvements are the responsibility of the property owner.

How can I find out where the right of way ends and my property starts?

In most instances the street or alley runs down the middle of the right of way. The width of the right of way can vary. Typically, the right of way for residential streets is 60 feet wide. For public alleys, it’s 15 feet wide. Wider streets have wider right of way.

Sometimes the center of the road does not match the center of the right of way.

If you would like to install landscaping, sprinklers, pet containment, fences or other private improvements adjacent to a street or alley, we recommend you hire a surveyor who can find your property corners. This will help you determine if the improvement you are installing is on your property or in the right of way.

Visit www.mnsurveyor.com for a list of registered land surveyors.

Work within the right of way requires a permit from the engineering department.

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

Slower is safer The City of St. Louis Park adjusted speed limits on city streets in late 2021. The city’s default speed limit is 20 miles per hour on local streets unless posted otherwise. Slower is safer. Slower speed limits promote a mobility system that prioritizes walking first, then bicycling and transit, and then motor vehicle use. They are also in line with national trends toward lower urban speed limits to support safety. 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. The city has free yard signs available to help promote and educate the community on the speed limit changes on local residential streets.

While supplies last, the signs can be picked up during regular business hours at: • City hall, 5005 Minnetonka Blvd. (8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday) • Municipal Service Center, 7305 Oxford St. (7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Monday – Friday) • Police department, 3015 Raleigh Ave. S. (8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday) • T he Rec Center, 3700 Monterey Drive (8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, noon – 6 p.m. Sunday)

Is your property at risk of flooding?

The city will give you the following information at your request: • I f your property is in or out of the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) as shown on the current Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for the city; in or out of the floodway; or in or near an area where the problems are not shown on the FIRM. • 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, call the community development department at 952.924.2575 and provide your street address and, if available, the subdivision, lot and block number.

Visit www.stlouispark.org/floodplain to learn more about flood hazards, risks and building responsibility.

www.stlouispark.org

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Bicycle safety for drivers and bicyclists Whether driving a car or riding a bike, safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Turning across a bike lane You must yield to approaching bicyclists before merging into and turning across a bike lane (MN State Statute 169.19). You would never merge into an adjacent travel lane without looking and yielding to approaching vehicles. Please remember to do the same for bike lanes and bicyclists.

Passing a bicyclist When passing a bicyclist, drivers must pass at a safe distance, never less than 3 feet from the bicycle (MN State Statute 169.18). Drivers can also cross a double yellow line to the left side of the roadway to pass a bicyclist going in the same direction when it is safe to do so.

Crossbikes You can think of a crossbike like a crosswalk, but for people biking across an intersection. They are used to highlight locations where vehicles turn or merge across a bike lane. The crossbikes are colored green to draw further attention to them. When you are driving, check your blind spot for bicyclists when approaching an intersection with these markings. Regardless if a bike lane is green or not, drivers must stop and let a bicyclist pass before turning. When you bike across any intersection, use caution and assume motorists cannot see you.

You’ll find crossbikes at intersections throughout the city.

Bicycling while being predictable is safe, easy and the law.

Disregarding traffic laws is illegal and unsafe. Bicyclists must: • • • •

Stop at all stop lights and stop signs (MN State Statutes 169.06 and 169.222) Ride with traffic, not against it (MN State Statutes 169.18 and 169.222) Use a front light and rear light or reflector at night (MN State Statute 169.222) Signal turns and lane changes with your arm unless both arms are needed to control the bicycle (MN State Statute 169.222)

Bicycling at traffic signals Some traffic lights require the presence of a car to change the light to green.

Bicyclists may proceed through a red light they believe is not responding them only if (MN State Statute 169.06): • The bicyclist has come to a complete stop • The traffic signal stays red for an unreasonable amount of time • The bicyclist believes the signal is malfunctioning or needs to be triggered by a vehicle to turn green • There is no cross traffic

Climate Champions renewed for 2022 Climate Champions, the City of St. Louis Park’s energy efficiency assistance, cost share and recognition program, has been renewed for 2022.

St. Louis Park businesses can participate by first signing up for a free, whole-building, on-site energy assessment with Energy Smart, a Minnesota Chamber of Commerce program. After the energy assessment, the business will qualify for the Climate Champions cost share, which will match 50% of eligible utility rebates related to energy efficiency, including those for LED lighting, refrigeration, HVAC and insulation projects. Businesses located in certain neighborhoods or those participating in the city’s Efficient Building Benchmarking program may qualify for a 75% rebate match.

After the business completes the energy efficiency project, they will be recognized as a St. Louis Park Climate Champion for helping the city achieve its Climate Action Plan goal of carbon neutrality by 2040.

In 2021, 20 St. Louis Park businesses received energy assessments through the program. Many of those businesses have now applied for the cost share to help pursue projects such as LED lighting upgrades. Nelson’s became the city’s first official Climate Champion when the property owner installed a high-efficiency, rooftop HVAC unit through the program.

The City of St. Louis Park also offers cost share funds for Building Operator Certification training, a nationally accredited workforce development training focused on efficient building operations, saving owners money and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Both the Climate Champions program and the Building Operator Certification cost share seek to create more efficient buildings and informed building owners and operators. Emissions from buildings make up 60% of all greenhouse gas emissions in St. Louis Park. To address this, the city’s Climate Action Plan midterm goals include reducing energy consumption in commercial buildings by 30% in order to reach carbon neutrality by 2040.

Sign up for the free energy assessment and learn more about the Climate Champions program. Visit www.stlouispark.org/climate-champions for more information.

St. Louis Park achieves SolSmart Gold for advancing solar energy growth St. Louis Park has received the Gold designation from the national SolSmart program for making it faster, easier and more affordable for homes and businesses to go solar. Gold is the highest designation recognized by SolSmart for communities taking bold steps to encourage solar energy growth and remove obstacles to solar development. To receive the designation, communities make changes to their local processes to reduce the time and money it takes to install a solar energy system. This includes evaluating local permitting processes, as well as planning and zoning procedures.

The city achieved the Gold designation by pledging a turnaround time of three business days for small rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) permit applications. It also updated the city solar ordinance so that special permits or hearings aren’t required for installation of solar PV. “This Gold designation showcases great collaboration between our zoning, building and sustainability staff to streamline solar in St. Louis Park,” said Brian Hoffman, City of St. Louis Park building and energy director. “We will continue to take bold steps to make the myriad benefits of solar energy accessible to our community and to support a resilient clean energy economy.”

St. Louis Park received SolSmart Bronze designation in 2018 and Silver designation in 2021 by creating an online solar permitting checklist, reviewing local zoning codes and identifying any restrictions to solar development, training inspection and permitting staff on solar, hosting Solar Power Hour group buy programs and creating a solar suitability map.

SolSmart is led by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office. More than 400 cities, counties and small towns have achieved SolSmart designation since the program launched in 2016. Visit solsmart.org to learn more.

Interested in exploring solar for your home? Take advantage of Solar Sundown, the City of St. Louis Park cost share program where qualifying property owners can receive a 4% or 6% reimbursement on their solar investment in 2022. Visit www.stlouispark.org/solar to learn more and view additional resources.

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May 2022

Think twice before

leaving your engine running

Do you often leave your vehicle’s engine idling when parked? Idling your car, or running the engine when the vehicle is not in motion, is not as harmless as it seems.

Did you know that two minutes spent idling burns as much gas as 1 mile of driving?

Idling can produce more tailpipe emissions per minute than driving, causing negative effects to public health (especially kids’ developing lungs). Further, idling vehicles are especially attractive to thieves — nearly half of the vehicle thefts in St. Louis Park in 2020 were vehicles left idling unattended.

Idling contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. If St. Louis Park drivers chose to cut out 16 minutes of idling per day, more than 13,000 tons of carbon dioxide could be eliminated every year — the equivalent to carbon dioxide of 1,500 homes’ energy use for one year.

The next time you’re picking something up curbside or sitting in a parking lot, try shutting off your engine. Shutting off and restarting your vehicle has little impact on the engine and uses less fuel – more than 10 seconds of idling uses more gas than restarting! Visit iturnitoff.com to learn more about idling and explore idling reduction messages to share with your friends or family.

New CERT team members sworn in In March, 12 new Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members were sworn in and introduced to the community. The CERT group is a critical component of the St. Louis Park Fire Department’s community risk reduction strategy. Each of these resident members have been through training and background checks. They are looking forward to connecting within their neighborhoods in ways that promote safety and prevention. With the new additions to the team, the fire department now has 22 CERT members. Their goal is to have 45 members. If you or someone you know is interested, call the fire department at 952.924.2595.

Get help tackling home energy projects A Home Energy Squad visit can make sure your home isn’t wasting energy or cool air this summer! The City of St. Louis Park and Home Energy Squad offer discounted home visits where experts install energy-saving materials on the spot and identify future energy (and money) saving improvements for your home.

Once you’ve identified those energy savings projects, be sure to take advantage of energy efficient rebates from the City of St. Louis Park! The city partially matches utility rebates for energy efficient furnaces, water heaters and air conditioners, as well as air sealing and insulation projects that receive energy rebates.

Visit www.stlouispark.org/hes-challenge for more information.

Attend a hands-only CPR training class Hands-only CPR training classes are available for those ages 15 and over (an adult or guardian must be present with participants ages 15 – 17). There is a maximum of 10 participants per training. Training will be canceled if there is less than five people registered. Participants are required to wear a face covering. The training is not a certification course, and participants will not qualify for a CPR certificate.

Upcoming training dates All training dates are held on the first Wednesday of the month from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Fire Station 1, 3750 Wooddale Ave. S. Visit pickatime.com/stlouispark/save-a-life to register online.

June 18, 2 – 6 p.m., Wolfe Park, 3700 Monterey Drive Learn about food waste prevention, recycling, solar panels, tree care, electric lawn tools, native flowers and more!

Permits required for recreational fires 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.

May is Building Safety Month The City of St. Louis Park is participating in the 42nd annual Building Safety Month, a worldwide campaign presented by the International Code Council, its members and partners to promote building safety. This year’s campaign, “Safety for All: Codes in Action,” raises awareness about the importance of building codes in ensuring safety in the spaces in which we live, work and learn.

Visit www.buildingsafetymonth.org to learn more about Building Safety Month.

Fires must be 25 feet away from any structure, and you may only burn clean, dry firewood. Do not have a fire if winds are more than 10 miles per hour or when still weather conditions prevent the smoke from moving away. Fires are prohibited when the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has declared a burning ban or the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert.

Visit www.dnr.state.mn.us or www.pca.state.mn.us to learn more.

Be considerate of your neighbors when having a fire Do your fires cause health issues for any of your neighbors? Listen to those who may suffer from your backyard fires. Let your neighbors know when you are planning to have a fire. Since fires release fine particles that contribute to air pollution, closing windows will not prevent wood smoke from affecting those with respiratory conditions.

www.stlouispark.org

5

Fire Department Open House and Community Health Resource Fair Fire Station 1, 3750 Wooddale Ave. S.

Tuesday, Sept. 13, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

This event was originally scheduled for June but has now moved to September.

Look for more information later this summer about this exciting event!

Gov. Walz visits St. Louis Park to discuss public safety proposal In March, Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, along with Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington, stopped in St. Louis Park on their statewide public safety tour to discuss what their public safety budget would mean for the city. Under the proposal, St. Louis Park would receive nearly $900,000 per year for public safety initiatives. Joining in the discussion were Mayor Jake Spano, Police Chief Mike Harcey, Fire Chief Steve Koering and City Manager Kim Keller. Visit bit.ly/3LaKgoO to learn more.

Join the police department at

summer community events The St. Louis Park Police Department is excited to reconnect with our community this summer through fun events for all ages! Mark your calendars, the following events have been tentatively set for summer:

• Fishing Fishing with a Cop: June 22, July 27 and Aug. 24, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m, Wolfe Park, 3700 Monterey Drive • Skateapalooza: Skateapalooza: July 13, 5 – 8 p.m., Carpenter Park, 4900 Hwy. 7 (rain date July 27, 5 – 8 p.m.)

• Basketball Basketball in the Park: Thursdays, June 16 – Aug. 25, 6 – 8 p.m., Ainsworth Park, 7700 28th St. W. • National National Night Out: Aug. 2, 5 – 9 p.m., citywide

Learn more about St. Louis Park’s

neighborhood watch block captain program Neighborhood watch is a voluntary program aimed at reducing your likelihood of becoming a crime victim. It works by teaching simple, yet proven crime prevention techniques and by building relationships between neighbors and the St. Louis Park Police Department. Block captains help maintain the safety and well-being of their neighborhood by coordinating neighborhood watch activities for their block.

Their efforts include : • • • • •

Serving as liaison between the block and the police department Organizing their block's annual National Night Out block party Hosting crime prevention meetings Distributing newsletters and crime alerts Attending the annual block captains' meeting

In exchange for their service, block captains report an increased sense of neighborhood pride and improved relationships. Visit bit.ly/SLPPDvolunteer to see if your block is organized and has a block captain on our new interactive map or to complete the neighborhood watch block captain application. Block captains must be St. Louis Park residents and at least 18 years old. For more information, call St. Louis Park Police Department Community Outreach Officer Ken Sysko at 952.924.2661.

2021 officer of the year recognized St. Louis Park Police Officer Allison Jones has been named St. Louis Park Police Department 2021 Robert Linnell Officer of the Year. The police department presents this award annually to the officer who has demonstrated consistent principles of integrity, fairness and a commitment to service within the community.

Those who nominated Jones for the award cited her selflessness, empathy and strength of character, as well as her dedication and commitment to serving the community. Officer Jones is described as an exceptional officer and a shining example of the department’s guiding morals and values. In 2021, Officer Jones worked as an investigator for the police department where she took on some of the most difficult and sensitive case assignments. She is currently serving in the patrol division.

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May 2022

Student mental health panel discussion May 24 The St. Louis Park Police Department will host a mental health panel discussion May 24 at 6 p.m., at St. Louis Park City Hall, 5005 Minnetonka Blvd., in the council chambers, third floor. The goal of this event is to acknowledge mental health issues faced by St. Louis Park students within the last few years and to provide resources to students and their families. The panel will include various local mental health experts who can relate to issues specific to St. Louis Park students. This event will be recorded and available to watch for those who are unable to attend.

Bike identification

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Make: ____

Model: _____________________________________________

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Size: _______________________________________________

Size: _____

Color: ______________________________________________

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Serial number:_______________________________________

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St. Louis Park Police non-emergency number: 952.924.2618

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Owner name: _____________________________________

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Bike identification Keep your bike safe

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Make: ______________________________________________

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The St. Louis Park Police_____________________________________________ Department recommends purchasing a high-quality method Model: Model: ___ of securing your bike when not in use and recording your bike’s information for Size: _______________________________________________ Size: _____ safekeeping. Stop by the police department lobby, 3015 Raleigh Ave. S., or city hall Color: ______________________________________________ Color: ____ lobby, 5005 Minnetonka Blvd., to get your free bike identification card to record your bike’s information.

Additionally, take photos of your bike and keep this Serial numb Serial number:_______________________________________ information in an secure location in number: case of theft.

St.accessible, Louis Park Police non-emergency 952.924.2618 St. Louis Pa

First-generation homeownership program available The City of St. Louis Park is offering an innovative program to help encourage home ownership for first-generation home buyers.

2022help is here Remodeling

Recycling calendar

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.

To determine youris collection visit Spring here, which day, means it’s time to start thinking about what home improvement projects you want to tackle this year. Whether it is remodeling your kitchen, installing www.stlouispark.org/recycling and select Additionally, the income and education gap between households of color and solar panels or new siding, the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) and the City “Find your collection day.” white households has resulted in difficulty for Black and African American people of St. Louis Park can help you make it happen through a variety of financing options. and households of color to obtain a mortgage, which leads to subsequent ongoing FromManagement statewide loanswith to loans specifically for St. Louis Park residents, CEE can help Contact Waste questions about housing stability issues. The first-generation pilot homeownership program you kick off your home improvement projects. collection or to report a missed pickup by emailing is designed to address these historic injustices and inequities, to facilitate stlouispark@wm.com or call affordable homeownership and to provide a means for wealth building. The goal CEE’s loans offer low 763.783.5423. monthly payments and flexible terms. Loans are only available is to address housing disparities; build power in communities most impacted by while funds last. You can find more information about St. Louis Park’s loans and housing challenges and disparities; pilot an innovative program to address housing statewide loans by visiting mncee.org/loans or by calling 612.335.5884. challenges for Black communities, communities who do not identify as white, and low-income communities; and support inclusive and equitable communities.

Holidays

2022 Know your recycling day 2022 2022 Recycling

Holidays that delay collection in 2022 are Memorial Day, calendar Independence Day, Labor Day and Thanksgiving Day.

To be considered for the program, the buyer must have never owned a home, and their parents must never have owned a home. Households with one to four To determine your collection day, visit members must have an income limit below $79,900 (80% of Area Median Income).

If your normal service falls on or after one of these www.stlouispark.org/recycling and select Income limits will be increased based on family size for families with more than four holidays, you“Find will your receive service one day later. collection day.” members.

For your convenience, To determine your collection day, visit the next two months of the recycling schedule are provided ContactVisit Waste Management about below. www.stlouispark.org/recycling download a yearly calendar, find your www.stlouispark.org/recycling and select with questionsto For more information, visit bit.ly/SLPhomeownership or contact Marney Olson at collection day or sign up for email reminders. collection or to report a missed pickup by emailing Week A Week B Holiday “Find your collection day.”

952.924.2196 or molson@stlouispark.org.

To determine your collection day,stlouispark@wm.com visit or call 763.783.5423.

Contact Waste Management with questions about •

I f your normal service falls on or after a holiday, you will receive service one day later. www.stlouispark.org/recycling and select February 2022 March 2022 January 2022 collection or to report a missed pickup by emailing “Find your collection day.”

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issed collection?

Contact Waste Management at stlouispark@wm.com or Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa stlouispark@wm.com or call 763.783.5423.

763.783.5423.

Contact Waste Management with questions about 1* 1 in220223 are4Memorial 5 1 2 3 4 5 Holidays that delay collection Day, collection or to report by emailing 2 3a missed 4 5pickup 6 7 8 •Independence This calendarDay, applies properties Multifamily 6 Labor 7only 8toand 9 Thanksgiving 10 11with 12city-provided 8 9 10 11 12 Day Day.6 7 recycling.

9 10or call 11 763.783.5423.

12 13 14 15 stlouispark@wm.com buildings are required to offer recycling to their tenants.

Check with your building 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 16 17 18 19 If 20 21 22 service your normal falls on or after one of these management or contact city staff at recycling@stlouispark.org if you have Holidays that delay collection in 2022 are Memorial Day, 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 23 24 25 26 holidays, 27 28 you 29about will receive service one day later.building. questions recycling collection at your Independence Day, Labor Day and Thanksgiving Day.

Recycling calendar Recycling calendar

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If your normalinservice fallsMemorial on or after one of these Holidays that delay collection 2022 are Day, May 2022 June 2022 holidays, service one dayWeek later.B Week A Day. Independence Day, Labor you Day will and receive Thanksgiving Su

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Public housing waiting list opening If your normal soon service falls on or after one of these 6 7 January 2022

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3 4 Sa 11Su 10 12 1* 13 14 15 16 1 217 318 4 17 5 18 7 8 February 19 20 2022 216 22 23 7 8 924 1025 11March 12 24 2022 256 14 15 Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th 13 29 14 15 19 13 26 27 28 30 16 17 18 31 20 21 22

Week B holidays, you will 8receive service one later.

9 Week 10 A11 12 day 13 Su M Tu W14 Th The one-bedroom public housing waiting list will open Monday, June 13 at 10 a.m.

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 and will close on Monday, June 20, at 4 p.m. Applications will be accepted online 2 3 427 528 6 January 22 23 24 2022 25 26 only during this period. Translation is available in 60 languages. Applicants must Week A Su Mmeet Week B Holiday 9 10 11 Tu 31 W Th F Sa 12Su 13M income and eligibility requirements.

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16 17 1* 18 19 23 24 25 26 27 2 3 4 5 6 7 February September 20228 2022 more. January 2022 6 7 30 14 31 15 9 10 11 12 13 Su M Tu W Th SuF M Sa TuSu WM Th Tu W Th F 13 14 F Sa 16 17 1* 18 19 20 21 22 2022 1 May 2 3 4 20 3 21 23 24 25 26 27 281 292 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Su7 M8 Tu9 W10 Th 6 11 30 414 31 15 5 6 7 8 9 27 10 28 9 10 11 12 13 13 114 215 316 417 518 16 17 18 19 20 11 21 12 22 13 14 15 16 17 May 2022 20 821 922 10 23 11 24 12 25 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Su M Su 18M 19 Tu 20 W Th F Sa 21 22 23 27 15 28 16 17 1824 19 30 31 1 252 263 27 4 5 629 24 730 25 26 22 23 28

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F Sa S 1 2 5 6March7 20228 9 7 Tu 14 W Th 12M 13 15 F16 Sa 1 21 2 322 423 5 1 19 20 April 2 8 28 9 10 12 202 267 27 29 1130 F14 Sa Su M Tu W 15 16 17 18 19 2

1 2 3 4 5 3 4 5 20 21 22 23 24 251 262 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 28 29 March 2022 April 2022 October 2022 November Visit www.stlouispark.org/rental-assistance to learn 8 9 10 5 6 6 7 8 9 10 27 11 28 12 27 11 28 12 29 2022 303 314 W Th F Sa Th F Sa SuSa WTu 19 Th F 14 Sa 15 M 16Su Tu 17M 18 10 F11 12 13 Su 13 15 Su16SuM17M Tu 18Tu 19 WW Th Sa 2022 July 2022 5 2 3 41 22 5 1 2 22 23 24 251 26June 19 20 21 23 24 1 25 26 2 317 418 5 20 Su M Tu W7 Th8 F9 Sa F12 Sa 3 4 5 6 2F12 Sa 3 6 4Su7 M 5 8 Tu 69 W10 727 Th11 8 25 12 26 27 4 28 29 630 731 8 9 1024 11 1 2 7 13 1114 1215 13 16 114 17 218 9619 10 15 319 4 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 August 11 2 June 622 20 723 821 11 2022 13 26 14 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 16 172022 22 1026July 20 18521 19 24 925 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Su M Tu W Th F Sa Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W 18 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 12 13 20 21 23 24 27 25 27 28 25 18 26 19 27 20 28 21 29 22 30 23 28 26 29 14 30 15 31 1629 17 18 24 17 1 2 2 3 4 1 2 3 20 21 22 23 24 27 25 2824 29 27 28 30 30 311 19 25 26 27 28 29 30 25 3 4 5 6 7 8 August 9 2022 May 20228 June 2022 July 2022 5 6 7 8 9 10 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 26 27 11 28 29 30 29 13 30 14 31 31 15 16 10 11 12 13 14 F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa 12 13 14 15Su 16M 17Tu 18W Th F Sa 15 16 17 18Su 19M 20Tu 21W Th 14 15 16 17 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 1 2 September 2022 November New Christmas Day28falls a3 Sunday.

2 2022 3falls 4 on22a Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 *In 7 2022, 1 2on 4 2022 5 6 19 20 21 23 24 October 25and24 22 23 24 25 26 27 Year’s 281 Day 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 29 30 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M7 delay Tu8 W9inTh F11 Sa as a result of these holidays.

There will be no collection Su8 M9 Tu10 W11 Th12 F13 Sa 5 6 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 7 26 27 28 29 30 29 30 31 28 29 30 31 31 15 16 10 11 12 13 14 1 12 13 14 15 16 117 218 3 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 14 15 16 117 218 319 420 5 18 319 420 521 622 723 8 2for September 2022 October172022 November 2022 Visit www.stlouispark.org/recycling more information on21recycling.

622 723 824 925 1026 December 1127 12 19 420 521 622 723 824 925 10 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Su M Tu W Th F Sa 26 11 27 12 28 13 29 14 30 15 16 17 31 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 28 1329 1430 1531 16 17 18 19 29 30 31 1 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 2 3 4 5 6 November 7 8 September 2022 2022 2022 December 2022 5 4 5 6 7 8 9October 10 6 7 6 7 8 9 10 25 26 27 28 29 30 27 11 28 12 29 304 30 14 31 15 9 10 11 12 13 Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 11 12 13 14 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 1 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 18 19 20 21 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 23 24 25 26 27 on 28 a 29 Year’s Saturday and Christmas Day6falls7 on 8a Sunday.

2 3 *In42022, 5 New 6 7 8 Day falls Need to talk to someone about your business questions or4 ideas where 5 but 6 not 7 sure 8 9 10 4 5 9 10 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 * 25 26 27 28 29 There 30 25 26 27 28 27 28 29 30 30 no 31delay 9 10 11 will 12 be 13 14 15 in collection as a result of these holidays. to start? Open to Business offers no-cost office hours to11 help12you13find14the15answers 16 17 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 you need through Hennepin County’s Elevate Business. Advisor Vicky Gonzalez is 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 20 21 22 23 24 25information 26 Visit www.stlouispark.org/recycling for more on recycling.

23 24 25 Day 26 falls 27 on 28 a Saturday 29 *In 2022, New Year’s and Christmas Day falls on a Sunday. available to answer questions, offer referrals and provide consultations about your * 26 27 28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 There 30 25 27 28 29 30 30 31 will be no delay in collection as a result of these holidays.

Business advising available in English and Spanish

business.

Visit for more on recycling.

• A ssistance is available in English and Spanish. La asistencia disponible en www.stlouispark.org/recycling *Inestá 2022, New Year’s Day falls on a Saturday and Christmas Dayinformation falls on a Sunday. inglés y español.

There will be no delay in collection as a result of these holidays.

• Office hours on the first and third Fridays of the month, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Visit www.stlouispark.org/recycling for more information on recycling.

Visit www.stlouispark.org for more information and to purchase season passes.

• Visit bit.ly/3NwZkPQ to sign up for office hours.

www.stlouispark.org

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Know before you throw Gardening swap is May 24 On Wednesday for the past few months, the city has been posting information on social media on how to properly dispose of confusing items. Below are samples of those posts! Follow the city’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts (@stlouispark) for more useful tips in the future! If you have questions about what goes where, visit www.stlouispark.org/garbage-recycling or contact staff at recycling@stlouispark.org or 952.924.2562.

The gardening swap will be held at the Recreation Outdoor Center (ROC), 3700 Monterey Drive, on May 24 from 4 – 6 p.m. It is a great opportunity to clear out gardening tools you no longer use and take home new seeds, tools and more!

Items not accepted: chemicals (including fertilizers and pesticides), plastic pots or broken items.

To reduce the spread of jumping worms, only house plants, seedlings and annuals are allowed.

The event is free and open to everyone! No items may be sold; everything must be given and taken freely. For more information, visit www.stlouispark.org/reuse or contact public works at 952.924.2562 or recycling@stlouispark.org with questions.

RECYCLING: Cartons, common for holding milk and juice, can be recycled curbside.

Recycled cartons become paper pulp and pressed board, which can be reused as toilet paper, paper towels or eco-friendly building materials. So be sure to recycle those cartons! Visit the Carton Council website, www.recyclecartons.com, for more information about carton recycling.

GARBAGE: Did you know that most frozen food boxes are not recyclable?

They are usually coated in plastic used to help protect the food from freezer burn.

The recycling sorting facility doesn't have the ability to determine if there is a coating or not and also note that the quality of the paper fiber is very low, so the manufacturers that they sell their material to don't want it. For these reasons, frozen food boxes can't be accepted in curbside recycling carts in St. Louis Park and must go in the garbage instead.

ORGANICS: Do you know how to dispose of your pizza delivery box?

Although these boxes are made of cardboard, they are often not recyclable because they are covered in grease. Instead, place these boxes in your organics cart (either your curbside cart for single-family residences, or one of the city's drop-off locations if you live in a multifamily building).

Join the growing number of residents

participating in organics!

The City of St. Louis Park offers weekly collection of food scraps and compostable material through the organics program, which is available to you at no extra cost.

New tree planting programs available To help increase the tree canopy across St. Louis Park, the city has launched new tree planting programs this year! The programs will help offset the costs of planting a tree for both residents and businesses. They are great options for those who would like assistance with transporting, siting and planting a tree. The city will offer additional funds for areas of the city identified as environmental justice priority areas and for homes and businesses that recently lost an ash tree due to emerald ash borer (EAB). Visit www.stlouispark.org/trees to learn more.

Last chance to save your ash tree!

If you don’t treat your ash tree(s) this summer, they likely will be killed by emerald ash borer (EAB) in the next few years and require removal per city ordinance. EAB is increasing rapidly in the area.

Through Rainbow Treecare, the city is offering St. Louis Park residents a discounted rate to treat their ash trees. Treatments are very effective on healthy trees and typically are much less expensive than the cost to remove a tree. An average size ash tree (20 inches in diameter) costs about $134 to treat every two years, and removing the same tree would cost at least $1,200. You could treat this tree for 17 years for the same cost as removal. Visit www.stlouispark.org/eab for more information about EAB. To have your tree evaluated for treatment under the city discount, contact Rainbow Treecare at www.rainbowtreecare.com/stlouispark or call 952.767.6920. Evaluations are free of charge.

Consider protecting your tree and and St. Louis Park’s tree canopy.

Buckthorn removal and restoration projects

Already 40% of St. Louis Park residents participate in the organics program. That’s a great number, but we want to lead the way in recycling in Minnesota by increasing organics participation to more than 50%!

Over the next few years, multiple natural land restoration projects will take place in St. Louis Park with the focus on buckthorn removal and replacement with native plant species. These projects will be in partnership with the nonprofit organization Great River Greening and partially funded by state grant dollars.

To sign up, visit www.stlouispark.org/organics or call utility billing at 952.924.2111.

The properties that will be part of this round of grants are: • Louisiana Oaks and Oak Hill parks (2021 – 2024) • Westwood Hills Nature Center (2021 – 2024) • Bass Lake Preserve (2021 – 2026) Call 952.924.2562 for more information about these projects.

July 4th Fireworks

Celebration

ALL AGES

Spring street sweeping underway

July 4, 7 p.m.

Aquila Park, 3110 Xylon Ave. S.

The city started spring street sweeping in March and will begin a second round of sweeping in May after the trees have leaves.

Have a night to remember with your family and friends watching one of the best fireworks shows in the Twin Cities! Enjoy food trucks, vendors and fireworks to music! Rain date is July 5.

Hours of sweeping will be 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday. The city does not post “no parking” signs for street sweeping. However, the city has created a street sweeping map to show what streets have been swept and estimated sweeping dates by neighborhood. Visit bit.ly/street-sweeping to view the map.

• DJ Bob entertainment 7 – 10 p.m.

• Fireworks begin promptly at 10 p.m.

• Sensory friendly space on site

As always, the estimated dates can be affected by the weather, current maintenance needs or emergencies that staff need to address.

May 2022

* Although leashed dogs are allowed in our parks, we strongly discourage them from attending due to their hearing sensitivity.

www.stlouispark.org

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