Park Perspective: May 2023

Park Perspective

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.

Creating opportunities to build social capital through community engagement.

For city events, activities and news, visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov @stlouispark nextdoor.com @stlouispark @stlouispark www.youtube.com/slpcable

Sign up for email and text notifications: www.stlouisparkmn.gov/sign-up

Make service requests or receive city information via the app or visit www.mystlouisparkmn.gov.

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

St. Louis Park Mayor Jake Spano announces he won’t seek a third term as mayor

St. Louis Park Mayor Jake Spano has announced he won’t seek a third term as mayor. The conclusion of his term as mayor on Jan. 2, 2024, will mark 12 total years Spano has served on the St. Louis Park City Council. He was first elected mayor in 2016 after serving a four-year term as an at-large council member.

“Being chosen by my community to serve as their mayor has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Spano said. “I also know that the civic health of our community relies on allowing for a variety of leadership and voices. After 12 years on the council, it’s time for me to make space for others to accept the opportunity to lead our community.”

Spano recapped many highlights from his 12 years on the city council, from passage of a climate action plan in 2017 to the community visioning process in 2018 that led to the city’s current strategic priorities; to investments in community resources, including the Recreation Outdoor Center (ROC), the interpretive center at Westwood Hills Nature Center and St. Louis Park City Hall. He is especially proud of the progress the city has made in its strategic priority of race, equity and inclusion.

“I look around the room at our city’s leadership team and I see many people of color and women in those roles,” Spano said. “That’s a dramatic difference from where we were as a city just a few years ago, and their perspectives will help bring our community along in its continued journey toward equity.”

Locally, Spano serves on the executive committee for the Regional Council of Mayors and is the co-founder of Minnesota Mayors Together, working with mayors around the state to advance shared urban and rural prosperity in Minnesota. He also serves on the Southwest Light Rail Transit Corridor Management Committee. Nationally, Spano is in his second two-year term serving on the National League of Cities (NLC) Board of Directors; is the former co-chair of the NLC Race, Equity and Leadership (REAL) council; and is a member of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

City offices on the ballot in November 2023 are mayor, council member at large A and council member at large B. Candidate filing for city offices opens Aug. 1 and is open for two weeks. More information will be available from the city this spring and summer about how to file for office and what it means to be a member of the city council.

See page 2 for more information about elections, civic engagement, the newest city council member and legislative updates.

Tuesday, Aug. 1

5 – 9 p.m.

National Night Out is an annual community-building event aimed at creating safer, more connected neighborhoods and communities and building police-community partnerships. Along with the police department, other city departments, including fire and public works, attend as many parties as possible.

Neighborhood party registration to request street closures and attendance by police or other city staff will be open June 6 – July 25. Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/national-night-out for information and to register.

Your next election is Nov. 7, 2023

There is one regularly scheduled election this year, a municipal general election on Nov. 7.

The offices that will be on your ballot include:

• Mayor • Council member at large A

• Council member at large B

• School board member (St. Louis Park Public Schools or Hopkins Public Schools)

City offices (mayor and council member) are elected using the ranked-choice voting system. By law, school district offices are elected using the traditional voting system. Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/vote to learn more about how the ranked-choice voting system works.

For the 2023 municipal general election, you can vote early at St. Louis Park City Hall beginning Sept. 22 during regular business hours. Early voting at city hall is for St. Louis Park residents only.

Becoming a candidate

If you work or volunteer in community organizing, serve on a committee or are active in your community, you may have considered serving in local office. Choosing to become a candidate can be both a rewarding and intimidating decision. The city clerk’s office has resources to help you navigate the process of filing for office and how to become a candidate. This summer, the city clerk’s office will also be providing opportunities to learn more about the experience of serving on the city council and what it means to be the mayor or a council member.

Please note: city staff can’t interpret laws for candidates or provide advice related to campaigns.

The filing period for city and school district offices is Aug. 1 – 15 at St. Louis Park City Hall.

For more information, visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/vote and click on “become a candidate.” You’ll find:

• Eligibility requirements

• A step-by-step guide on the process to file for office

• Campaign finance rules and reporting forms

• Candidate guides

• Digital toolkit for candidates

Update from the Capitol and Washington, D.C.

The legislative session is winding down, and it has been a very active time at the Capitol. Each year, the city council sets a legislative agenda and works actively during the session to partner with local legislators to address the concerns of St. Louis Park residents. This year that has meant pursuing many projects.

Cedar Lake Road and Louisiana Avenue redesign project

Representative Larry Kraft supported a bonding proposal to aid in the completion of the Cedar Lake Road and Louisiana Avenue redesign project, known as “RedoCedarLou.” Mayor Jake Spano testified in committee about the importance of this project to residents along the corridor and to the west metro region. Council Member Tim Brausen also spoke with Senator Ron Latz regarding the importance of this project to the city and residents of Ward 4. Additionally, Mayor Spano advocated for a separate grant proposal for this project to representatives in Washington, D.C. during meetings with the White House and the Department of Transportation. See page 5 for more information about the RedoCedarLou project.

Emergency management response

Senator Latz spoke with fire chiefs from across the west metro, including St. Louis Park Fire Chief Steve Koering, about emergency management response. They discussed a task force to attempt innovative improvements to response that center patient care.

Proposed commercial land trust

Representative Cheryl Youakim worked closely with city staff on issues related to affordable commercial construction and housing, and was a key advocate on several issues.

Including St. Louis Park in the federal budget

Representative Ilhan Omar, Senator Amy Klobuchar and Senator Tina Smith invited members of the St. Louis Park City Council to visit them in Washington, D.C. In these meetings, council members shared their gratitude for receiving congressionally directed spending for three projects in the community, totaling $6 million. Projects include multifamily land trust for affordable housing, $3 million; Electrify Everything MN community cohort grant program, $1 million; and RedoCedarLou project, $2 million.

Yolanda Farris serving as at large A council member

Earlier this year, Yolanda Farris was sworn in as St. Louis Park City Council Member. Farris is filling the remainder of the term, until Jan. 2, 2024, that resulted from the resignation of previous At Large A Council Member Larry Kraft.

Farris is a peer recovery coach with Perspectives, Inc., a St. Louis Park-based residential support program for women in recovery and their children. She has lived in St. Louis Park since 2013.

Civics 101

In the February edition of the Park Perspective, you learned a little bit about how the city works, including what the mayor and city council members do and how you can connect with your elected officials. In this edition, you will learn more about how the city council approaches their work and how decisions are made.

How do items get on a city council meeting agenda?

Items of business that require action or discussion by the city council may be submitted by a council member, the city manager, the city attorney or a member of the public for placement on an agenda. The city manager reviews all items prior to placing them on an agenda. You may request items considered to be of concern to the city or related to the city’s strategic priorities to be placed on an agenda by submitting a request to the city clerk’s office at least two weeks before the meeting. Prior to placement on an agenda, requests from the public will be reviewed by city staff. When appropriate, city staff will attempt to address or resolve the situation before placing it on an agenda.

How is the city council’s work organized?

The city council’s work is generally organized into items that require action and those that require discussion or policy direction. Items that require city council action, such as voting on a street construction project or approval of the city’s budget, occur during regular meetings held on the first and third Mondays of every month at city hall. Items that require city council discussion or policy direction usually occur at study sessions held on the second and/or fourth Mondays of every month or as needed at the discretion of the city manager. The city council utilizes “systems thinking” to approach and organize their work. In many cases, items are discussed at a study session prior to being placed on a council agenda for action.

What is “systems thinking?”

Systems thinking is an approach that allows the city council to analyze and focus on how items and concepts are connected so they can establish desired outcomes that reflect the city’s strategic priorities. Making informed decisions requires an understanding of how a particular action is influenced or impacted by other parts within a system. The city council organizes their work into five systems, one system for each of the city’s strategic priorities.

Community and civic engagement

Racial equity and inclusion

Housing and neighborhood oriented development

Environmental stewardship

Transit and mobility solutions

How can I follow city council systems discussions?

The city council systems calendar is available at www.stlouisparkmn.gov/city-council or by request from the city clerk’s office. The schedule is developed by staff and reflects different considerations related to timing of discussions, impact on other projects and it leaves space for council’s regular blocks of business, such as developing and adopting the city’s budget or making decisions on development or street projects. Please note that the schedule may be adjusted if more or less time is needed in a system or to accommodate other items that may arise and require more immediate city council discussion or policy direction.

How do I know what items will be discussed within a particular system?

At the start of each system, a general outline is provided to the city council that details the items that will be addressed during each meeting within the system. This information is also available at www.stlouisparkmn.gov/city-council or upon request from the city clerk’s office. The best ways to stay up to date on the city council’s work is by viewing their meeting agendas, subscribing to receive email notifications about the city council and contacting city staff or a council member.

Transform your parking lot into a green space

Are you a business owner with excess parking spaces or struggling plants?

Transform your parking lot into a vibrant green space with a new cost share program from the City of St. Louis Park, called Depave SLP!

With Depave SLP, property owners who remove pavement and fill in the space with native plants, trees, rain gardens, pollinator habitat or permeable pavers may be eligible for partial city reimbursement.

Beautifying and greening paved areas can result in:

• Transforming an overheated and unsightly parking lot into a welcoming natural space to be enjoyed by employees and customers.

• Paying less for winter maintenance, such as plowing and salting.

• Helping cool the community, reduce flooding and improve local air quality.

A higher reimbursement is available to properties in Environmental Justice priority areas that have higher surface temperatures, flood risk, air pollution, hardscape and low existing tree cover. Visit bit.ly/depaveSLP for more information.

More help than ever for home energy projects

A Home Energy Squad (HES) visit can make sure your home isn’t wasting energy or cool air this summer! The City of St. Louis Park offers a 50% discount on HES visits where experts install energy-saving materials on the spot and identify future energy (and money) saving improvements for your home.

Once you are ready to start a project, don’t forget to take advantage of additional funding through St. Louis Park’s Climate Champions for Homes program. Residents who have received a HES “Planner” visit may qualify for rebate matches up to 200%, or city rebates on electrification projects such as heat pumps or heat pump water heaters.

Don’t forget to take advantage of new federal tax credits up to $2,000 on projects such as insulation, weatherization, heat pumps or heat pump water heaters. Visit www.rewiringamerica.org/app/ira-calculator to learn more.

Contact Ellie Rabine, sustainability specialist, at 952.924.2131 or erabine@stlouisparkmn.gov with questions.

Idle-Free SLP campaign revamps for spring

This spring, the youth-inspired “Idle-Free SLP” campaign is expanding its focus from schools, parks and municipal buildings to multifamily and commercial properties as well. Vehicle idling, or running your vehicle when parked, produces harmful emissions, pollutes the atmosphere, wastes gas and contributes to poor local air quality.

The city’s sustainability division has launched the climate equity map, a new tool where residents can explore city demographic, climate impact and energy data. The map helps city staff focus on environmental justice in their work.

Visit bit.ly/climate-equity-map to learn more and explore the map.

Explore the climate equity map Request a sustainability presentation

City sustainability staff are available to speak to congregations, condo associations, book clubs, business owners, cycling groups, Scout packs — just about anyone in the community — about city sustainability programs and resources. Staff can also engage with attendees at local events through tabling. Visit bit.ly/3JE52hB to submit a request.

Any property owner or school that manages or owns a parking lot is eligible to request a free aluminum sign from the city. Those who are concerned about unnecessary idling near or at schools are encouraged to reach out to school administration to make them aware of this program, as well as additional resources through the city sustainability division. Email Ellie Rabine, sustainability specialist, at erabine@stlouisparkmn.gov to learn more or request a sign.

May is Building Safety Month

The City of St. Louis Park is participating in the 43rd 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, “It starts with you,” 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.

2022 officer of the year recognized

St. Louis Park Police Officer Mitch Swanson has been named St. Louis Park Police Department’s 2022 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 nominating Officer Swanson for the award cited his creativity, proactiveness and problem solving to better serve the community. An example is his role in creating a partnership between St. Louis Park’s retail stores and other agencies to proactively address retail theft and other crimes. Officer Swanson has gone above and beyond in building partnerships, while also maintaining a high level of service and performance and helping to train other officers as investigators. In 2022, Officer Swanson worked as an investigator and as an officer with the West Metro Mobile Field Force.

Bike identification

Remodeling help is here

Bike

Summer is almost here, which 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 solar panels or new siding, the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) and the City of St. Louis Park can help you make it happen through a variety of financing options. From statewide loans to loans specifically for St. Louis Park residents, CEE can help you kick off your home improvement projects.

CEE’s loans offer low monthly payments and flexible terms. Loans are only available while funds last. You can find more information about St. Louis Park’s loans and statewide loans by visiting mncee.org/loans or by calling 612.335.5884.

Keep your bike safe

Bike identification

The St. Louis Park Police Department recommends purchasing a high-quality method of securing your bike when not in use and recording your bike’s information for safekeeping. Stop by the police department lobby, 3015 Raleigh Ave. S., or city hall 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 information in an accessible, secure location in case of theft.

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:

Bike identification

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 Community Outreach Officer Luke Ellanson at 952.924.2661.

Join the police department at summer community events

The St. Louis Park Police Department is excited to reconnect with our community this summer through the following tentatively scheduled, fun events for all ages!

• Fishing with a Cop: June 21, July 19 and Aug. 16, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Wolfe Park, 3700 Monterey Drive

• Skateapalooza: July 12, 5 – 8 p.m., Carpenter Park, 4900 Hwy. 7 (rain date July 26, 5 – 8 p.m.)

• Basketball in the Park: Thursdays, June 22 – Aug. 24, 6 – 8 p.m., Ainsworth Park, 7700 28th St. W.

• National Night Out: Aug. 1, 5 – 9 p.m., citywide

Bike identification

• 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.stlouisparkmn.gov/floodplain for more information on flood hazards, risks and building responsibly.

Hennepin County offers resources and programming for small businesses at any stage through its Elevate Business program.

Elevate Business is a hub where business owners can come together to learn through free one-on-one services from trusted consultants and advisors, specializing in legal support, marketing, bookkeeping, finance, loan and grant navigation, and more.

Elevate Business offers free services for entrepreneurs, including:

• 25 hours of free business advising

• Peer-to-peer roundtables

• Topic-driven webinars and events

• Regional resources, all in one place

Small business expansion program now available

The City of St. Louis Park has launched the Advance program, a small business assistance program to help with the establishment or expansion of small businesses in St. Louis Park.

Qualified small businesses (with up to 20 employees and and under $1 million in annual revenue) can receive forgivable loans up to $10,000. Loan funds can be used to assist with hard costs related to opening a new commercial location, expanding into a larger space or acquiring a commercial property for the first time. Loan funds require a minimum of one-to-one match of applicant-incurred eligible expenses.

Visit bit.ly/SLPbusiness-financing for more information. For questions, contact Greg Hunt at ghunt@stlouisparkmn.gov or 952.924.2197 or Julie Grove at jgrove@stlouisparkmn.gov or 952.924.2523.

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.stlouisparkmn.gov/construction-updates to learn more about the projects and sign up for email updates.

METRO Green Line Extension

Construction will continue in 2023 and is expected to include work on road, rail and stations near Beltline Boulevard, Louisiana Avenue and Wooddale Avenue. Visit greenlineext.org to sign up for the Metropolitan Council’s weekly updates.

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:

• Cedar Lake Road improvements (between Highway 169 and Nevada Avenue): 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

• A roundabout 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@stlouisparkmn.gov or 952.924.2552.

Minnetonka Boulevard reconstruction planned for 2024

Minnetonka Boulevard (County Road 5) between Highway 100 and France Avenue will be getting a makeover in 2024 and 2025. Hennepin County received approval from the city council for the preliminary design. The project will include the following:

• Reducing the lanes of traffic from four to three to better facilitate vehicle turns and increase safety

• Enhancements for people walking, biking and rolling, including curb extensions, raised medians and crossing beacons

• Trails along both sides the corridor

• Stormwater treatment

• Watermain replacement

• Streetscape improvements

Construction of the project is expected to begin in spring 2024. Due to the size of the project, it will take two years to complete. Visit hennepin.us/minnetonka-boulevard to learn more about the project.

Funding available for landscaping projects

The city’s Rainwater Rewards program offers funding and technical guidance to residential property owners who install landscaping 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.stlouisparkmn.gov/rainwater-rewards, or contact Erick Francis, water resources manager, at efrancis@stlouisparkmn.gov or 952.924.2690.

Small area planning of transit station areas and west Excelsior Boulevard

The project to update the small area plans around the METRO Green Line light rail transit stations and western Excelsior Boulevard is underway, and we need your input! For the first phase of the project, we want to know what you like about the areas today and what you would like those areas to look like in 20 years. You can provide your input by attending an in-person open house May 23 or completing the online survey.

The open house will be held May 23 from 4 – 7 p.m. in the city hall council chambers, 5005 Minnetonka Blvd.

If you would like to complete the online survey, visit the project webpage at bit.ly/transit-area-plan

Later this summer, the city will be holding workshops for each study area to get more in-depth ideas from community members. Visit the project webpage to sign up for email updates to receive the latest information!

Zoning code update

The zoning code update is a comprehensive review of the current zoning ordinance, which has not been substantially updated since 1992. The zoning code update will focus on the residential zoning districts and is the result of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, which promotes expanding the diversity and affordability of housing options in St. Louis Park's neighborhoods.

Watch for opportunities to provide input this summer, stay informed about the project and sign up for email updates by visiting bit.ly/zoning-code-update

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.

Spring street sweeping

Due to snow taking longer to melt this year, the city will begin street sweeping in May.

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.

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

2023 city cleanup days

Mark your calendars for the annual spring and fall cleanup days! These events will be held June 10 and Sept. 23 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Municipal Service Center, 7305 Oxford St. Note: The September event date was changed after the publication of the February Park Perspective

A postcard with more information will be mailed to all residents before each event. Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/cleanup for more event information and other disposal options available year-round.

Paper shredding events scheduled

The city will be hosting free paper shredding events for confidential papers on June 21 from 3 – 5 p.m. and Sept. 7 from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. at Creekside Park, 7341 Oxford St. Residents may bring up to five grocery bags of paper. Do not use lawn/leaf bags or plastic bags of any kind. These events are not for business paper shredding; they are intended for St. Louis Park residents.

Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/cleanup or call 952.924.2562 for more information on event guidelines.

Note: Shredded paper is not accepted in recycling or organics carts. Bring confidential papers to a shredding event if you would like them to be shredded on-site and recycled.

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. 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.

Clothing swap

The city will host a clothing swap on Tuesday, July 25 from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Recreation Outdoor Center (ROC), 3700 Monterey Drive.

The event is free and open to everyone. The swap is a great opportunity to clear out clothes that no longer fit or that you no longer wear and take home new items for yourself. Linens, blankets or towels will not be allowed.

Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/reuse for more information.

Internet service options expand in St. Louis Park

St. Louis Park residents may choose from several internet service providers, including CenturyLink, Comcast, HughesNet and US Internet.

US Internet will resume its expansion in St. Louis Park this spring. US Internet is using directional boring, a trenchless method of installing underground utilities, to install fiber in the right of way. This method results in less damage to the right of way then open trench construction.

What is right of way?

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.stlouisparkmn.gov/firepermit to view or print the permit application and to find complete information and regulations.

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.

If work is within 16 feet of the street or within 2 feet of the edges of the alley, it’s likely taking place within public right of way. This right of way exists whether or not you have public sidewalk in front of your property. Construction in, on, under or above the right of way requires review by the city, and if it’s allowed a permit. Utilities must be allowed to work in the right of way as long as they obtain permits and meet permit requirements. All companies working in the right of way, including US Internet, are required to restore any disturbed areas to their original state. Call 952.924.2632 if you have questions or comments about US Internet’s activities in St. Louis Park. Questions about their coverage or service should be directed to the phone number below.

or www.centurylink.com

• 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

Affordable internet

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a United States government program run by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to help low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices like a laptop or tablet.

The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, tablet or desktop computer from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

The program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household. You are likely eligible if your household’s income is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line or if you or someone you live with currently receives a government benefit like SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, Pell Grant or free and reduced-price lunch. Visit www.affordableconnectivity.gov to learn more about qualifications and to apply.

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

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. Visit bit.ly/SLPpetowner for more information about leash laws and pet ownership in St. Louis Park.

Nominate a property for the Evergreen Award

The Evergreen Award is presented each year to recognize St. Louis Park properties that are uniquely designed with well-maintained landscapes, with an emphasis on properties that are visible to the passerby. Businesses, apartments and houses are all eligible to receive the award.

If you would like to nominate a property, contact Mike Bahe, natural resources manager, at mbahe@stlouisparkmn.gov or 952.924.2699. Nominations are due each year by Aug. 1.

To help increase the tree canopy across St. Louis Park, the city is continuing the tree planting cost share 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 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. Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/trees to learn more.

Doo good

Protect our lakes and streams by picking up your dog’s doo! Dog doo can pollute stormwater. Rain and melting snow flows across yards and trails, collecting in storm drains that lead directly to our lakes and streams. Dog doo contains millions of bacteria and accounts for a considerable percentage of the bacteria in our waterways. Dog doo also is a significant source of nitrogen and phosphorus, which act like fertilizer and promote algae growth in our waterways.

How to be a “Do Gooder:”

• Be prepared with bags and take extras

• Place waste in public garbage carts or your own

• Pick it up regularly at home or hire someone to do it

Saturday,

June 17, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Wolfe Park, 3700 Monterey Drive

ks Celebration

July

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.

• DJ Bob entertainment 7 – 10 p.m.

• Fireworks begin promptly at 10 p.m.

• Sensory friendly space on-site

PLEASE KEEP DOGS LEASHED IN PUBLIC WHAT YOUR DOG MAY LOOK LIKE TO OTHERS: WHAT YOUR DOG LOOKS LIKE TO YOU: 2023 TO $AVE 8 May 2023 www.stlouisparkmn.gov