Gardening swap is May 11

The 2023 gardening swap will be held May 11 from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Recreation Outdoor Center (ROC), 3700 Monterey Drive. This 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. To reduce the spread of invasive plants, certain perennials will also not be allowed.

The event is free and open to everyone! No items may be sold; everything must be given and taken freely. For more information and a list of acceptable items, visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/waste-reduction. Contact public works at 952.924.2562 or recycling@stlouisparkmn.gov with questions.

2023 City Cleanup Days

Mark your calendars for the annual spring and fall cleanup days! These events will be held June 10 and Sept. 16 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Municipal Service Center, 7305 Oxford St.

Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/cleanup or call public works at 952.924.2562 for event information and other disposal options available year-round.

New year, new utility rates

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 October 2022, the city council adopted the recommended rate changes for 2023.

As an example, the effect on a residential property with four people for all 2023 utility rate adjustments is an increase of approximately $14.18 per quarter, or $4.73 per month. This calculation is based on a household of four using 32 units of water per quarter, 16 units of sewer per quarter and a 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 3% for 2023. 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 water meter system maintenance.

Sanitary sewer

The sanitary sewer rates increased 4.5% for 2023. Sanitary sewer rates include charges for sewer usage, as well as a fixed sanitary service charge that helps cover infrastructure maintenance costs.

Storm drainage/stormwater

The single-family stormwater rate increased 5% for 2023. The quarterly rate pays for flood control projects and stormwater infrastructure operation, maintenance and reconstruction.

Solid waste

The solid waste rates increased 5.25% for 2023. Solid waste rates include all city collection services – garbage, recycling, organics and yard waste – for residential customers.

Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/finance to view a full list of 2023 utility rates.