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FN February 2014Jack Kirk is passionate about parks and recreation. No secret about that. Anyone who has met him would agree with that statement. For 35 years and still going strong, Jack has dedicated his career to developing and improving the parks and related recreation programs in the City. Now, the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) agrees; Jack is among the elite in the profession. The MRPA is the professional association which represents Parks and Recreation in the State of Minnesota and on January 9, they honored Jack with their lifetime achievement award known as the Clifton E. French Distinguished Service Award. The award came as no surprise to many who know Jack, including Connie Thompson, the Community Center Director. “This recognition is well deserved. I have had the privilege to watch Jack grow as a professional over 35 years. He is innovative and is always on the lookout for programs ideas to benefit the community. With limited budgets, especially in recent years, he fosters community support and inspires February 2014 No. 186 6431 University Avenue NE Fridley, MN 55432 phone: 763-571-3450 www.FridleyMN.gov e-mail: info@FridleyMN.gov C O M M U N I T Y R E P O R T PRESORTED STD U.S. Postage PAID Twin Cities, MN Permit NO. 92886 Parks and Recreation Director Jack Kirk is Honored Fridley staff to do their very best with limited resources. I continue to learn and grow under his leadership.” Dave Kondrick, of the Fridley Parks and Recreation Commission says “To know Fridley is to know Jack Kirk. He is a gentleman and a dedicated public servant.” Sue Johnson, who has also worked closely with him, believes Jack has made Fridley a better place to live, work and play. Jack was nominated for the award by his peers from other cities. His contributions to the profession go beyond our City boarders. He has served as the President of the MRPA and has mentored many young professionals. His easy-going nature combined with a hard-working constitution, permitted him to develop many good friends and collaborations over the years. With no signs of slowing down, Jack is humble about the award. “I am fortunate to have had a great City to work for over the years who have supported my efforts and appreciated the value Parks and Recreation bring to a community. I am grateful to my wife, family, friends and colleagues to have received the award.” City Council Adopts Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses A vision statement is about the future. It attempts to answer questions pertaining to the quality of life in the City stemming from the physical and psychological characteristics of the City. But not just any future will do. It is about a desired future. And, because this is a vision statement for the entire City, it must include everyone and not just for one person or group. So, a vision statement provides City officials a type of North Star to guide and direct the City, much like sailors would use in their travels. When confronted with the question “where are we going?” The City Council has this answer: We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses. You may say this mental picture may not seem too different than what exists today. That is a good thing and gives credit to the leaders both past and present. Putting it in writing solidifies our values and fortifies our efforts. Mayor Scott Lund underscored the importance of having a vision statement by saying, “The vision provides the context for designing and managing the changes that will be necessary to reach goals. It provides guiding direction for developing strategy, searching out key opportunities, and making resource allocation decisions.” City Manager Wally Wysopal looks to the practical side of having a vision. “It is more than a dream or set of hopes; it is a commitment on the part of every City employee. Visions are rooted in reality and focused on the future.” Our vision is all about families and businesses. They are our target audience. Fridley desires to serve the interests of not only families but the businesses that serve as the economic engine of the City. Key to attracting and retaining families and businesses is safety. We all have a need to live securely and not in fear. Vibrancy is demonstrated by an active and engaged citizenry and is built upon safety. We want all residents to have the opportunity to be active in mind and body. Friendliness is a way of approaching life that makes people want to stay together in community with each other. Being friendly means being respectful and upholding everyone’s dignity as a human person. Friendly becomes the glue that holds the vision together. If we do these things well, the City will be more likely to make it through the unknown challenges and difficulties that may lie ahead. Being stable is a good thing. The City Council will keep the Vision on the forefront as budgets are developed and decisions are contemplated. Get out with Fridley Recreation as we follow travel themes to some spectacular vacation spots this spring! Texas –Monday, March 24 Pump It Up - $25 The Ocean –Tuesday, March 25 Movie in the FMS Pool - $20 Dinosaur Age –Wednesday, March 26 Children’s Museum of MN - $25 Arizona –Thursday, March 27 SNAG Golf - $25 Caribbean –Friday, March 28 Maple Grove Pool & Indoor Playground - $25 Fridley Recreation Spring Break Vacations Monday - Friday, March 24 - 28 For program details go to www.FridleyMN.gov or call 763-572-3570 What’s Inside Finance Department’s Annual Report.........................2 Trees for Sale..........................2 Fire Department Fire Truck........3 Burn Prevention .......................3 Meet Springbrook Staff ............4 Events at Banfill-Locke ..............5 Senior Christmas Dinner...........5 Police Department’s Year in Review........................6 By-Gone Gas Station Demolished ............................6 Shop with a Cop.....................7 Recycling In Fridley .................7 Hyde Park ..............................8 Raingarden Demonstration Project ...................................8 Mayor – Scott J. Lund Councilmember-at-Large – Robert L. Barnette Councilmember 1st Ward – James T. Saefke Councilmember 2nd Ward – Dolores M. Varichak Councilmember 3rd Ward – Ann R. Bolkcom City Manager – Wally Wysopal The past year saw substantial changes in the Finance Department. Technology and innovation continue to be driving factors in providing an increased level of service to both external and internal customers. The Finance Department is unique from most other City departments. One of the key functions of the department is to support core services. Providing a high level of support to other departments allows those departments to focus on what they do best. Another key function of the department is to serve external customers, such as residents and utility customers. We achieve this by promoting efficient financial services. And, assuring our residents, businesses, and other shareholders that the City is being a responsible fiscal steward of public funds is always a top priority. Two documents that provide a piece of that transparency include the Annual Budget and the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The budget looks prospectively into the next year, while the CAFR looks retrospectively on the prior year. The CAFR is prepared by staff each year, and subsequently audited by a CPA firm for their opinion on the representation of the financial statements. The City received an unqualified (clean) opinion for the year ending December 31, 2012. In addition to receiving a clean opinion, the City submitted and was awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). One of the major changes within the accounting division included redesigning the budget document. The budget process and document were redesigned to reflect more policy discussion on the part of the City Council. Included in the changes was the creation of a standalone Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) that provided Council with the opportunity to discuss and vision for capital needs and priorities well beyond the upcoming year. The operational budget also includes key measures for each department and division, which provides an important linkage between spending and services received. Technology continues to play a major role in the direction of the Finance Department. This past Fall, staff implemented a new opportunity for residents and businesses to receive and pay their utility bills. The City partnered with Apex Printing Technologies to provide the opportunity for customers to receive their bills via e- mail and to pay on-line. The service went live in October, and as of the first of this year, we already have about 300 customers signed up to receive their bills via e-mail. For more information and to sign up for this service, visit the City’s website www.FridleyMN.gov then click on “Utils/Streets” and then “Pay your water bill online”. Another technology change that came online in 2013 included the lighting of the Anoka County Fiber Project. This is an Anoka County project that the City of Fridley has been able to directly benefit from through a fiber optic network connection of all public facilities within both the City and the County. This has provided the ability to connect city-owned public facilities such as the Springbrook Nature Center and the satellite fire stations to the Municipal Center, which in the past was done via a much slower T1 line for Springbrook, or in the case of the satellite fire stations via telephone lines. Another major project for the Finance Department included the construction and relocation of the municipal liquor store located within the Fridley Market shopping center. Late in 2012, the owner of the building that houses Cub Foods and Fridley Liquor began a multi-million dollar renovation that included relocating the liquor store to a new space within the existing building. As with most remodeling projects, this project also experienced its share of hiccups along the way. The most significant was a June 21 rain event that infiltrated the new space and closed the store for almost a week. In November of this past year, exterior redevelopment including the parking lot resurfacing and outdoor lighting were completed. This was just in time for the busy holiday season. The new liquor store was designed to allow us to embark on new ventures too—all designed to improve service and customer experience. One such improvement already started is the Tasting Club. The concept behind the Tasting Club is that informal educational classes are offered on a regular basis designed around different types of wines, spirits, and beers. The classes are geared towards all customers, and offer an opportunity to learn and gain a better understanding of products at the Liquor store. For more information on the Tasting Club, please contact Liquor Operations Manager, Kyle Birkholz at Kyle.Birkholz@FridleyMN.gov or call 763- 571-1994. Finally, the Finance Department reorganized the divisions within the department towards the end of the year. Part of the reorganization was to better align divisional functions with the appropriate department. This involved moving the City Clerk’s office to the supervision of the City Manager’s Department. Within the Finance Department, this move, along with the vacancies of a couple other positions, allowed for the opportunity to reorganize duties and responsibilities to provide more efficient support to our external and internal customers. In addition, the reorganization was developed around the planning of a new financial system. The current financial system has been in place for close to 25 years. Support and innovation for the current system is beginning to decline. Many processes and procedures with the existing system are cumbersome and time- consuming. A new system will bring with it more efficiencies and best practices to better aid us and improve service delivery. This past year was an exciting year for the Finance Department. Just as technology and time do not stand still, neither will our quests for the upcoming year. The selection and implementation of a new financial system is on top of the department’s 2014 priority list. Even though this project will consume a vast amount of time and energy, other divisions within the department will continue to strive for additional improvements. Finance Department’s 2013 Annual Report Anoka Conservation District Offers Trees for Sale The Anoka Conservation District (ACD) is an agency that provides technical and financial assistance to private landowners to conserve and enhance the natural resources of Anoka County. When established in 1946 under Minnesota Statutes, the ACD largely worked with agricultural producers but has since evolved to serve the changing demographics of the county. With very little agriculture remaining in the county, the ACD provides assistance to landowners on all sized properties and helps local governments plan and implement wise resource management strategies. The ACD holds an annual tree and shrub sale every year and offers a wide variety of trees, shrubs, native prairie seed grasses and wildflowers for sale. The trees are bare root seedlings and are about 18” to 24” in height. They may be purchased in bundles of ten for $17 or twenty-five for $30. If you are interested, check out their website at www.anokaswcd.org. The website provides information on the trees for sale, and contains links to detailed descriptions and photographs of each of the varieties. It also contains information about the types of trees and shrubs that should be planted in different areas and includes planting directions. You may talk directly with ACD staff by calling 763-434-2030. Trees and shrubs may be purchased by going to the ACD website and using the online ordering option. You also can print a form from the website and mail in a payment. Alternatively, call the ACD office to order and pay. Orders will be accepted until Thursday, April 10, and the trees will be available for pickup on Saturday, April 26, at the Anoka County Fairgrounds between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Please order early to guarantee availability. 2 Fridley Community Report Fridley Community Calendar February 3 Charter Commission Parks & Recreation Commission 5 Appeals Commission 6 Housing & Redevelopment Authority 10 City Council Meeting 17 City Offices Closed in Observance of Presidents’ Day 19 Planning Commission 24 City Council Meeting March 3 Charter Commission Parks & Recreation Commission 5 Appeals Commission 6 Housing & Redevelopment Authority 10 City Council Meeting 11 Environmental Quality & Energy Commission 19 Planning Commission 24 City Council Meeting NOTE:City Council and Commission Meetings start at 7:00pm. Meetings are held at the Municipal Center, 6431 University Avenue NE. The public is welcome. Hearing impaired persons who need an interpreter or other persons with disabilities who require auxiliary aids and would like to attend a meeting, should contact Roberta Collins at 763-572-3500 at least one week in advance. Fire Department Purchases New Fire Truck When the Village of Fridley purchased its first fire engine in 1951, it was considered a high-tech, modern, fire-saving device that carried ladders, hoses, and a pump that released water at 500 gallons per minute. Fire engines are the workhorse of the fire service, and since 1951, fire engines have evolved into a complicated, highly-specialized firefighting tool. Today, buying a fire engine requires a considerable amount of staff time, careful planning, and the support of the entire community. The City recently underwent the process of replacing a fire engine that now calls Station 3 its home. Station 3 is located at 110 - 77th Avenue, and is staffed by firefighters only when they are called from their homes on a call. Fridley generally replaces its engines on a 20-year cycle. All of the trucks are maintained and kept in excellent condition; however, technology is always improving and provisions for safety are constantly being updated. The engine being replaced is over 20 years old. Its manufacturer is no longer in business, making the repair processes on the engine difficult and expensive. The replacement process began about six years ago with the Five-Year Capital Equipment Fund Plan. Through discussions with the City Council, a budget of $600,000 was approved to be used in 2013 to replace the fire engine. This estimated cost included not only the engine, but the equipment to outfit the engine such as hoses, ladders, small tools, and a complete set of hydraulic extrication tools. The next step involved the process of choosing a vendor. Traditionally, fire department staff would create a draft of specifications for bids which takes time and money. Instead, the City utilized the benefits of HGACBuy, an association of local governments in the 13-county Gulf Coast Planning Region of Texas. The cities of Coon Rapids and Golden Valley used HGACBuy with satisfying results. Fridley benefits financially by purchasing through the HGACBuy consortium and by avoiding the costs of the bidding process. In November, 2012, the Fire Department staff began the process of identifying the key requirements for the new engine. Firefighters were asked for their ideas on what they would like in an engine. The size of the engine and its pump volume was determined by the size of the industrial area that Station 3 serves. The engine needed to be able to respond to a variety of fires varying in size and complexity. It was decided the new engine would not have an aerial device. This provided for more compartment space while allowing the engine to remain small in size. The extra storage space allows for more modern equipment that previously was not carried. Other features include a remotely operated “deck gun,” which is essentially a high volume nozzle, reflective chevrons on the back of the vehicle, and video cameras that activate during turns and when the engine is backing up. All of the changes in design and technology provide for increased firefighter safety. Unlike Fridley’s first fire engine, this new engine also has the capacity to pump 1,500 gallons per minute. While reviewing the purchases of other metro fire departments, one of Plymouth’s fire engines fell very close to our specifications. It was manufactured by Rosenbauer America, an HGACBuy contractor, located in Wyoming, Minnesota. Rosenbauer provided the specifications for the Plymouth engine, which Fridley used as a model to create its own unique engine. It took two months to complete the specifications, which were over 100 pages. On March 14, 2013, the City entered into a contract with HGACBuy and Rosenbauer America to purchase the engine for $484,370. Engine 3 was completed on December 26, 2013. On January 7, 2014, firefighting staff conducted a final inspection. The engine is over 32 feet long, 8 feet wide and 10 feet tall. It weighs 29,000 pounds empty. It carries 2,150 feet of hoses of varying sizes, 500 gallons of water and 30 gallons of foam concentrate. The engine can also illuminate an emergency scene using over 160,000 lumens of light, and can provide up to 6 kilowatts of power with its hydraulically-powered generator. It can be crewed by up to six firefighters and offers a climate-controlled cab interior. Engine 3 has all of the equipment needed to combat a structure fire, respond to a medical emergency, or deal with any number of emergency calls. Fridley Engine 3 continues to carry on the same mission as Fridley Village Engine 1 did more than half a century ago. The careful planning given to the construction of Engine 3 will provide the City with a reliable and cost-effective engine that will keep the community safe for the next 20 years. The Fire Department would like to thank the City Council and the citizens of Fridley for providing the means and support to keep our equipment and technology up-to-date, so we may do our jobs more efficiently, ensuring the safety of everyone in the community. Any comments or questions may be directed to Fire Chief John Berg at 763-572-3610 or John.Berg@FridleyMN.gov. www.FridleyMN.gov 3 Burn Prevention Every year, more than 500,000 people receive medical treatment related to burn injuries. The number one cause of injury is direct contact with an open flame, closely followed by scalds. Nearly half of all burn injuries occur in the home, usually in the kitchen or bathroom. We would like to take this time to review some simple tips on preventing fires, burns and scalds in your home. The kitchen is a common source for both heating appliances and potentially dangerous situations. If you have children in your home, you should make it a habit to utilize the back burner on the stove with all pot handles turned in. If an appliance is corded, it is very important to keep the cord secured and out of reach. It is recommended to place a small child in a highchair nearby versus holding while cooking. As always, you should never leave your kitchen unattended while a heating appliance is in use. Young children are very curious. If you take the time to teach them about what you are doing and why it may be dangerous, they are much more likely to understand and pay attention to safety rules. Older children can assist in the kitchen under supervision of an adult. In our brutally cold winters, a hot shower is a favored way to warm up. However, a water heater set above 120°F is hot enough to scald. There are anti-scald devices available for both water faucets and showerheads to help prevent burns from hot water. It is a good idea to check the temperature of a bath or shower before entering or placing a child in the water. Throughout the home, you may have multiple heating devices such as a furnace, fireplace, or space heater. Generally, a 3-foot clearance is required by the manufacturer of any heating appliance. Providing a barrier or safety gate surrounding these items may help to keep curious hands from getting too close or combustible materials from accidently coming in contact. Other heating devices, including hair curlers or irons should never be left unattended, and should be unplugged and stored safely when not in use. In case of a fire, always call 9-1-1 immediately. If an individual is burned, remove them from the heat source quickly. If clothing remains on fire, follow the Stop, Drop and Roll procedure. For minor burns, cool the area with plain water and cover with a sterile bandage or cloth. You should seek medical attention if the burned area is to the face, neck, hands, feet or groin; blisters 3” or larger appear; or there are any indications of infection. Please always be mindful of the potential for burn injuries in your home, work place or on the go. By following these simple recommendations, you can significantly reduce the dangers of burns and fire to yourself, your loved ones, and your home. 4 Fridley Community Report Meet Fridley’s Springbrook Staff With its 127 acres of natural environment, 700+ programming events, and 200,000 visits per year, Springbrook Nature Center relies on the support and hard work of a large crew of visitors, volunteers, community members, and park employees. Amid all these contributors to the park’s success, you may be surprised to learn that the full-time staff of Springbrook is only three people: Director Mike Maher, Naturalist Tara Rogness, and Program Administrative Assistant Jan Swanson. Their year-round work provides the framework for a web of community involvement and enrichment. Below is some information about each of them. Mike Maher Mike is the most recent addition to the group, having started as Director on May 1, 2013. Though new to Springbrook, he brings a variety of experience. He is a graduate of Penn State’s Agricultural Education Program, with a special focus on Natural Resources. “Penn State operates a nature center and I took some classes there. My student teaching was done half at a nature center and half at a vocational school. So as far back as college, I knew that I wanted to do this type of work,” he recalls. Mike came to Minnesota and spent six years at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, a residential nature center in Lanesboro. (A fun fact: Tara was in the same intern class at Eagle Bluff and worked there with Mike for a short time.) Mike notes that Springbrook is different from most nature centers because of its urban surroundings. He explains that this setting opens the park up to a much greater diversity of visitors, with many varying uses for the park. “We get people from the businesses across the street coming over for a lunchtime walk. We get birders, exercisers, scouts, and school programs. There are a hundred different reasons this place is special,” he says. Going forward, Mike hopes to reinforce Springbrook’s invitation to all of the area’s demographic groups. “Something I want to continue to see is people in the community feeling like this is their place—feeling a sense of ownership.” Mike’s responsibilities as Director present a balancing act between pushing forward big-picture projects and keeping tabs on everyday operations. He is a key player in the ongoing SPRING Project renovations and has also brought some new programming ideas to the table, including a “Discovery Dinner Series” that pairs interesting educational presentations with catered meals. “There really is no ‘typical day’ when it comes to my work. I could be hosting a group of legislators, leading a snowshoeing hike, or working with live animals. I can’t get bored. There’s never a day when I get sick of doing this,” says Mike. in Winter” class with the Fridley Tiger Club, which involved leading an outdoor observation hike and handling a snake from the Interpretive Center’s collection. For anyone whose mental image of a naturalist is a woodland wanderer watching birds all day, Tara offers a new perspective. “The time I do spend in the woods looking at birds is while managing a class of 30 kids. And there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes administrative work, protocols that have to be maintained, lessons to be planned, and other things to take care of to keep the programs running.” There is never a dull moment for Tara or the students and visitors she works with. Jan Swanson For Mike and Tara, every day at work is different. The same holds true for Program Administrative Assistant Jan Swanson. “My job is like a wagon wheel. I am at the hub and there are many different spokes branching out. One day I could be helping Tara with a class, the next I could be writing up reports with Mike, or greeting visitors, or giving a little extra attention to a student who needs it. My day is often decided by who walks in the door.” As a youth she spent 12 years as a competitive speed skater. “From an early age I liked the outdoors and athletics,” she says. She attended vocational school and dabbled in a variety of fields including medical transcription, finance, and travel before finding the perfect fit at Springbrook in 1988. “It turned out to be great. It really tapped into all my interests: The outdoors, people, being creative, being high energy. I get to do so many different things. I get to plan, build, and explore.” As Jan reflects on her time so far at Springbrook, she expresses a special fondness for the volunteers and colleagues she’s worked with over the years. “The best part of my job has been meeting so many different people—the incredibly dedicated volunteers and many, many staff that I have made lasting friendships with these past 25 years.” She takes pride in the rapport she has built with volunteers and the families she has watched grow up at the park. Jan and her network of volunteers have been a huge part of the impressive growth of Springbrook’s special events. “In the early years of Pumpkin Night in the Park, we would see 100 to 500 people. In recent years, we’ve had turnouts of 3,500. Plus, up to 1,800 who come out for our Spring Fling event.” Jan is also delighted by the non-human visitors she can see through her office windows. “On any given day I may see birds at the feeders, an owl looking for a mouse, deer, opossum, fox, coyote, raccoons, and turkeys!” Q As their various job duties send them in every direction, you might rarely catch Mike, Tara, and Jan in the same room at once. But when you do, their shared vision for Springbrook’s success and commitment to the roles they each play in it are obvious. Also obvious is their passion for their work. “I really genuinely love being here. It’s a lot of fun,” says Mike, to sum it up. Keep an eye out for these three at your next visit to Springbrook, and get inspired to join in the fun yourself. For more information about volunteer opportunities, special events, and programs, visit www.springbrooknaturecenter.org. Pictured left to right: Mike Maher, Jan Swanson, Tara Rogness Special Reminder: Springbrook’s next Discovery Dinner, “An Evening with Teddy Roosevelt,” will be held Saturday, February 22, 5:50-7:30 pm. Cost is $25 per ticket, with multiple tickets available for $22.50. Reservations and payment are required in advance. Call 763-572-3588. Tara Rogness Tara’s original plan when she entered the biology program at Augustana College in Sioux Falls was to go into genetics. A formative meeting with an academic advisor changed her focus. “That meeting helped me realize that I enjoyed the outdoors and working with children, and that there was a career that combined both of these things.” She interned at a nature center in Sioux Falls and at Eagle Bluff before taking a position at another city- owned nature center, Wood Lake in Richfield. After trying out a summer camp season at Springbrook in 2000, she applied for a full-time naturalist opening in January 2001 and has been here ever since. “My favorite aspect of the job is working so closely with the schools,” says Tara. “I’ve been here long enough now to see kids who started with me as kindergarteners graduate high school.” A partnership with the Fridley School District has Tara visiting each K-8 class four times per year. She enjoys the enthusiasm of the students. “I walk into a school and am greeted with, ‘Hey look, it’s the Nature Lady!’ They may not remember my name, but every time they see me, they’re excited to tell me what they remember from the past year.” Tara stays busy writing curriculum for these lessons and for many more that take place at the park. On this chilly day she has just returned from an “Animals Where in the world can you find oil paintings, award- winning poets, stand-up comics, live figure models, a perfect birthday gift, and maybe a ghost or two all in the same place? You do not have to travel far. Just head over to Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts (BLCA). Located in the historic Banfill-Locke house on Manomin County Park (6666 East River Road) the Center strives to enrich the community through literary and visual art of all kinds. “I think this is one of the greatest places in the Twin Cities to show art,” says Bethany Whitehouse. Even before becoming the organization’s Executive Director in April, 2013, Bethany had seen how the building’s abundant natural light, authentic historical features, and intimate atmosphere creates a unique environment for celebrating art. Her tour of the space begins in the entryway gift shop, full of fine arts and crafts made by local artists. The galleries beyond it are being prepared for the “First Show” exhibit, an annual display of work by selected BLCA members. Peering into a classroom, she points out three separate coat closets jutting out of a side wall. These are just one of many remnants of the building’s storied history. Erected in 1847 as the John Banfill Wayside Inn and Tavern, it is the oldest building in Fridley and one of the oldest remaining in the entire state. What is now a classroom for a variety of BLCA programming was once the sleeping room of Banfill’s establishment. “I’m told it was an extra 5-cent charge to lock your things up in a closet while you slept,” Bethany explains. An upstairs hall features work by members of the figure drawing and portrait groups that meet weekly in a cozy studio on the second floor of the Center. In addition to drawing co-ops, there is an oil painting group and multiple literary groups that meet for critique and sharing of work. Also upstairs is the Writer-in-Residence room, furnished with a writing table and comfy chairs for the honored writer to use at any time throughout the year. The 2014 Writer-in-Residence is Paula Cisewski, a highly acclaimed poet and author who is moving to a new role at the Center after curating its 2013 Reading Series. Even with many successful programs already established, Bethany is looking forward to the brand new offerings in 2014. One notable addition is the Open Mic Series, which will be held the last Sunday of the month from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. “It’s open to any kind of reading, spoken word, or musical talent. Leading up to it we’ve had the most enthusiasm from stand-up comedians,” she says. Another attraction slated for later this year that may turn some heads is the Paranormal Art exhibition. “Because of the history, this place is widely believed to be haunted,” says Bethany. Though Bethany personally has no unusual sightings to report, the Center has been visited by paranormal investigation enthusiasts who come to check it out for themselves. This interest inspired the plans for the show which will be juried by Darkness Radio host Dave Schrader. Nearest on the horizon, however, is the “Kids Do Art” Exhibition, running February 8 through March 1 and featuring 500 works of art by local K-8 students. Like almost all of the BLCA’s events, it is free and open to the public. Receptions for the exhibit will be held February 8 and 15 from 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. Gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 pm. With its flourishing programming, combined with its one-of-a-kind location, the Center truly has something to offer everyone—whether they consider themselves art aficionados or not. “I myself am not an artist of any kind. But, I love looking at art and talking to artists,” says Bethany. “At the same time, even if someone had no interest in art, I’d be hard pressed to find someone who wouldn’t appreciate the building’s history or the beautiful riverside park instead.” You cannot go wrong with a stop at Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts! Stay updated on Banfill-Locke happenings on Facebook or by visiting www.banfill-locke.org. Consider offering your support by becoming a member. Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts Events www.FridleyMN.gov 5 Come meet the Giant Rabbit and wander the Trail of Discovery, in search of costumed characters and family-friendly activities. Participate in springy carnival games, and feast on tasty treats from the concession stand. Springbrook Nature Center 763-572-3588 •100 85th Ave –Fridley www.springbrooknaturecenter.org Saturday, April 12 from 12 - 4 pm Fee: $6 ($5 advance tickets) Springbrook Nature Center Spring Fling Lions Club Hosts Senior Christmas Dinner Fridley Lion Jeff Hood’s Looney Tunes Christmas tie caught the eyes of many at the annual Senior Christmas Dinner on December 10. “This is one of the few times per year I dress up,” said Jeff, longtime chair of the event, during a break from dishing up plates of turkey and dressing. The senior diners also came out to the much-anticipated event in their holiday attire, filling the Community Center banquet room with festive red, green, and white. Jeff and his fellow Lions, joined by a few local public figures, stayed busy serving plate after plate of the traditional Christmas meal with all the fixings. Senior Program Supervisor Connie Thompson reported 158 diners at the noon meal and 145 at the second seating at 3:00 p.m. “We always get a good showing,” said Jeff. At a table of mostly first-time participants, the diners said they heard about the event through the Fridley Senior Program newsletter and decided to give it a try. After a few bites of the lunch, their assessment of the meal was a resounding “Very good!” This year’s food was prepared by T.S.T. Creative Catering. Musician Tara B returned again this year to delight the crowd with piano and singing. Door prizes were provided by the Lions. Mayor Scott Lund addressed the attendees and noted that this was the 38th annual Senior Christmas Dinner, after joking about having a “senior moment” in trying to remember the number of years. According to Connie, the event started small, but quickly outgrew other venues in Fridley before finding a home at the Community Center. Jeff praised Connie’s coordination work and the volunteer efforts of his fellow Lions and their family members in making sure the event went smoothly. “This would never get done without everyone’s help,” he says. Volunteers and diners alike already look forward to next year’s dinner. The Fridley Police Department experienced a productive and rewarding year in service to our community, residents, and visitors. Overall, crime in Fridley continued to drop in 2013 to what looks to be a 24-year low. Two new officers joined the ranks of the Police Department when Officer Nick Steiger assumed the position resulting from Officer Barry Pankonin’s accidental death in 2012. Sargeant Rick Cesare’s June retirement triggered the promotion of Officer Ryan George and the subsequent hiring of Officer Kota Patton. As the year drew to a close, we bade a fond farewell to our Office Supervisor Laurel Anderson as she retired after a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades. A Police Department’s primary focus is on crime: its prevention where possible, its detection when it does occur, followed then by the identification and apprehension of those responsible. We have good news to report regarding crime in Fridley. Preliminary crime data for 2013 shows crimes reported during the first 11 months of the year declined by 83 or 2.7% when compared to the first 11 months of 2012. If this rate of occurrence holds for December, 2013 will show the lowest number of crimes reported to Fridley Police in 24 years! This trend puts Fridley in line with the metro area and statewide observations. While we are very pleased our crime rate continues to drop, it is important to note that serious incidents do continue to occur in the city. One such case involved a lengthy investigation begun by a Fridley School Resource Officer (SRO) into a report of suspected juvenile prostitution. Throughout 2013, our officers, staff, and volunteers were actively engaged in activities intended to make Fridley a great place to live, work, and play. We are pleased and proud to highlight some of their 2013 accomplishments. The Fridley Police Department continues to be a key contributor to the new Anoka County Public Safety Data System, which celebrated a major milestone in 2013 with the signing of the first and largest of the three contracts for the system on November 18. Several members of the PD have provided valuable information into the process to create this new model system, which is expected to serve as a national model for public safety data networks. The system will integrate information from several outdated and disparate systems currently in use by the 11 law enforcement agencies, 15 fire departments, the 911 center, and the County Jail. The goals of the new PSDS are to increase the speed and accuracy with which critical public safety data is shared and to use the information gathered by our public safety officers more effectively to keep our communities safe. Implementation has already begun and is anticipated to be complete in 2015. In February, the Police Department took delivery of a 2013 Polaris 500 Ranger Crew ATV. The ATV was purchased with federal funding from an Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant award. The ATV was obtained so that reserves and police officers could more easily access, patrol, and respond to emergencies in the nearly 600 acres of parks and trails throughout the City. In addition, the ATV will be deployed during community events and disasters. The ATV has been a valuable aid several times this past year as officers have been called upon to conduct searches in the parks. In August, Fridley’s police officers and firefighters participated in “Active Shooter” training at Fridley High School that incorporated the concepts of 3 Echo (Entry, Evaluate, Evacuate). Participants practiced tactically escorting Fire and medical personnel into potentially active/hot scenes to rescue injured victims. Officers also practiced response tactics to active shooter scenarios using the department’s Simunition equipment. Simunition uses special marking ammunition (similar to a paintball) that is fired through a standard firearm making for the most realistic training experience possible. The training was provided by our own staff who have developed instructional expertise in this critical area. In addition to the specific accomplishments listed above, we participated in several other activities of interest in 2013 to include the roll-out of the Taxi- Squad with its anti-DUI messaging, recertification of both police K9s, installation of a prescription drug dropbox in our lobby, another very successful Safety Camp, and a well-attended – but rainy – Night to Unite. Fridley Police Reserve Officers volunteered an incredible 2,900 hours of their time to support our mission last year. Also in 2013, Office Supervisor Laurel Anderson received a Service Recognition Award from the Minnesota Professional Law Enforcement Assistants’ Association for a lifetime of significant contributions to the profession. Finally, in December, FPD officers, staff, and reserves participated in Shop with a Cop for another rewarding year. Fridley’s police officers, staff, and volunteers consider it a privilege to serve our community and will continue to work in partnership with our residents to make our city an even better place in 2014. 6 Fridley Community Report By-Gone Era Gas Station to be Demolished Sitting now quietly on the site at 6101 University Avenue is a little gas station of a by-gone era. Its history is rich, its posture today is poor. Remember when gas stations were just that –a place where you would buy gas. You would pull in, a service person would pop out of the building, greet you with a smile, and ask how much and what type of gas you would prefer. They would ask if they can check your oil. And if they did check that oil, they would pull the rag out of their back pocket, check the oil and finish up by washing your windshield. In exchange, you’d give them something around 23 cents a gallon and be on your way. When the car needed service, this would be a place you could stop as well, since two service bays and technicians were available on this site. The station was built by Shell Oil Company in 1960, when the land and surrounding properties were zoned C-2-S, General Shopping. In 1983, the designation was changed to C-3, General Shopping. During the 25 years between when the building was first built and 1985, many things also happened to reshape this site. The State Highway Department redesigned University Avenue, eliminating all direct access from sites and put in frontage roads instead. A short time after the installation of the frontage roads, it became clear that It was too difficult to enter and exit in those locations directly adjacent to University Avenue. As a solution, teardrop-shaped parcels were created by pulling back the frontage roads at key intersections. Through this reconstruction of the roadway, the CITGO site gained a frontage road so close that the southeast building corner needed to be cut off to avoid extending over the right-of-way line. It was about the time MDW, LLC, bought this site that the Fridley Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) began purchasing properties on the east side of University Avenue for redevelopment. The HRA had an appraisal on the property completed. This property at that time came back too high priced for the HRA to consider an offer. The City later attempted to obtain clean-up grant funds through the Metropolitan Council’s Livable Communities Brownfield Clean-up Grant Program to allow the City to purchase and clean up the property. The City’s grant application received a fair score; however, it did not receive enough points to compete against other clean-up projects in the State and consequently, the request was not funded and the City did not pursue purchase of the site. The offices of MDW, LLC, are in Florida and though they hired a local mowing contractor to mow the property regularly, they, too, found it difficult to maintain the property from afar. Beyond mowing, the building was being tagged with graffiti regularly, it was being vandalized often, and for a short time, someone had even taken up living in the shed next to the building. From the time that MDW purchased the site in 2005, the City's code enforcement staff has had on-going notifications to the owners about conditions on the site that kept the site less than presentable. MDW, LLC, was always responsive and sent local contractors immediately to address the issues noted, but at a point realized too that trying to stay ahead of the site issues from Florida was simply too difficult. Unfortunately, as a C-3 General Shopping Site, the property was now zoned improperly. The site that was created by moving the frontage road back was just over 20,000 sq. ft. A 35,000 sq. ft. site is required in a C-3 district. In late 2005, MDW, LLC, purchased the property. Their purchase included a package of several stores, only one of which was in Fridley. Their purpose for making the purchase was as an investment. In sales quarters prior to their purchase, facilities such as these were still selling at attractive prices to the investors. Soon after, the market fell dramatically. Since this owner bought the site as part of a package, they may not have done as much individual site analysis or due diligence. As a result, they may not have realized that this site was non-conforming. As such, it could not develop until it was rezoned to C-2, General Business, which allows a 20,000 sq. ft. site. This change was approved in October, 2012. Fridley Police Department’s 2013 Year in Review By-Gone Era, continued on page 7 www.FridleyMN.gov 7 Police and Walmart Team Up to Provide Shop with a Cop! On the afternoon of December 17, 2013, 28 kids from Fridley’s four elementary schools went shopping with a police officer at the Fridley Walmart. This was the 8th year that Walmart has very generously sponsored this event by donating $2,500 which gives each child a $75 gift card to purchase items for their family members. Four children were unable to participate on that day, but did go later in the week. Additionally, Walmart provided gift wrapping tables and Fridley School District employees (active and retired) showed up to wrap the childrens’ presents. The Subway, located inside Walmart, provided a free meal to each shopper. This year's young shoppers ranged in age between six and ten, and were selected by either the school social worker, counselor, or teachers based on their perception of the child's need. The group included several kindergarteners as well as students who are in the fourth grade. The police officer participants in "Shop with a Cop" are volunteers who responded to a departmental memo. This year's participating officers included Public Safety Director Don Abbott; Captain Brian Weierke, Lieutenant Mike Monsrud; Sergeants Steve Monsrud and Jim Mork; School Resource Officers Kevin Titus and Nick Knaeble; and Police Officers Mike Keeley, Ginny Foxx, Kota Patton, and Nick Kaufer. Other Police Department personnel who helped with the shopping included Administrative Assistant Jill Koss, Special Projects Coordinator Myra Harris-Johnson, Crime Prevention Specialist Ginny Helseth-Miller, Police Tech Nicole Neis, Community Service Officer Andy Benson, Reserve Officer Jim Pflipsen, Retired Office Supervisor Laurel Anderson, and former Reserve Heather Henning. Other volunteer helpers included Hayes School Social Worker Jackie Virnig and Fridley School District employees (active and retired) Jeanette Grant, Bobbie Johnson, Dorothy Gargaro, Kathy Peacock, Marjorie Locke, Brenna Balkus, and Sara Rutledge, who wrapped the gifts. The officers and other volunteers began the event by picking the kids up from Hayes Elementary, Stevenson Elementary, North Park Elementary, and Woodcrest Spanish Immersion Elementary Schools. Some began arriving at Walmart at 2:00 p.m. and the rest arrived around 3:45 p.m. where they were greeted by Santa Claus (played by Fridley Mayor Scott Lund). They then were given the option of having a Subway meal (courtesy of Subway) first, or shopping with their $75 gift card. The gifts were then wrapped by the school employee volunteers. The officers then transported the children back to their homes. Generally, the event lasts about two hours for each child. Each year, there are some interesting stories that emerge from these shopping events. A Walmart shopper approached police personnel and offered to donate money. Also, one young shopper was terrified of police and by the time the shopping experience had ended, there was laughter and hugs for the officer from his little shopper! Thanks to Walmart and to the representatives of the Fridley Police Department who made this event possible. Thanks also to the children who shared their lives with the City’s police officers and other Police Department and school district personnel at this joyous occasion. As in past events, this year's shopping experience clearly demonstrated that all of those involved gain from the sharing of the Holiday spirit. The many smiles and hugs at the end of the day, attest to the joy of this event! Tired of the appearance of the site and anxious to finally resolve all the ongoing code enforcement issues, staff worked with MDW, LLC, staff to reach agreement on a solution that would allow the City to remove their building, remove the tanks, and clean up the soil around the tanks. The agreement was brought to the City Council on December 9, 2013. Council approved a deal to have the City coordinate demolition and site clean-up and initiate a structured payback of the $83,000 clean-up costs. With interest, the project will cost MDW, LLC, approximately $120,000, and will be paid back over a 10-year period. The site remains under the ownership of MDW, LLC, and will now be ready for development. Properly zoned, environmentally cleansed, groomed, and looking sharp, this site will not only vastly improve the image of the City on this portion of University Avenue, it will also be a better neighbor to the new development planned for Gateway NE (south of 61st Avenue). Thank you to the citizens of Fridley for their patience as a final resolution worked its way forward for clean-up of this site. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this project, please contact Scott Hickok at 763-572-3590, or Scott.Hickok@FridleyMN.gov. By-Gone Era, continued from page 6 Recycling in Fridley 2014 Residential Drop-Off Events Dates are May 3 and October 11 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. at 400 71st Avenue, (Public Works Garage). New this year, mattresses and box springs are accepted for a minimal fee. A city-wide postcard will be mailed out with more information and pricing prior to each event. Apartment Managers and Renters Need Recycling Improvements; New Program Can Help Minnesota State Law requires that all residents have access to recycling. We reported in August last year that we were having challenges with recycling in apartments. State-mandated tonnage for recycling has not been met in Fridley for the last three years because most apartment recycling is uncollectable. When recycling ends up in garbage dumpsters instead of recycling carts, it gets taxed at 9.75% for residences and 17% for commercial establishments. Recycling materials are not taxed. What does this mean? Garbage dumpsters that need to be larger or emptied more frequently cost apartment owners more money, which they need to pass on to tenants. Higher rental cost can be the result. How we can help: •The site manager can call and request new 6- gallon blue mini-recycling containers for use in apartments. Residents need to express a willingness to use them, call 763-572-3594 for details. These containers stay with the apartment which should be verified on a move-out check list. •Refrigerator magnets are now available to help identify which household items are recyclable. •If your complex has small recycling carts or too few, call Republic at 952-941-5174 to get free upgrades. This makes it easier to recycle cardboard. Benefits of Free Up-sizing Your Recycling Containers to 96 gallon Every time our residents place a recyclable item in the recycling cart instead of the garbage bin, they have the potential to save money AND landfill space because they could be using a smaller garbage cart! Call 952-941-5174 and give your Fridley address to get yours today! Can’t Find Your Postcard with Your Recycling Dates? The zone map with 2014 recycling dates can be found at www.FridleyMN.gov/recycling under the “Utilities & Streets/Recycling” tab. Your property information online also has the designation (blue or gray zone and day of the week). Fridley Women of Today to Make Blankets Who are the Fridley Women of Today? You are invited to come and find out. The Fridley Women of Today will be sponsoring a blanket-making event on Thursday, February 27, at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center (6085 7th Street). No experience or materials required. They will be making “tie blankets” which are simple to make and will be donated to Children’s Hospital. The Fridley Women of Today is a nonprofit, volunteer organization which endeavors to provide Fridley with a wealth of internal and external programs, fundraisers, events, educational services and more. The Chapter meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Fridley Community Center. Neighborhood Feature: Hyde Park In our last newsletter, we started a new series highlighting Fridley’s individual neighborhoods. Each of our 40+ neighborhoods has a unique story to tell. We continue the series with a spotlight on the Hyde Park neighborhood, located between University Avenue and Main Street, and bordered by 61st Avenue and 57th Place to the north and south. In hearing the name of this neighborhood, you might think of some other notable Hyde Parks across the globe. London’s Hyde Park, now one of the City’s Royal Parks, was first opened to the public by King Charles I in 1637. Chicago’s was established in 1853, and has been home to various notable residents from Mary Todd Lincoln to the Obamas. A Hyde Park address is a fashionable one to have in many parts of the world. And with its rich history and exciting potential, Fridley’s Hyde Park is appealing in its own right. A distinctive name is not the only thing that sets Fridley’s Hyde Park neighborhood apart. It also holds the status of being one of the first plats ever created in Fridley in November of 1886. Traces of evidence that point back to this fact are still visible today, just by looking at the gridded layout of the streets. When landowner P. Henry Rogers decided to have his 100.7 acres carved up into Hyde Park, he followed the formal style that was customary in the inner city of Minneapolis at the time; namely, straight streets and narrow lots. He arranged 800 lots, either 40’ or 44’ wide, neatly into 32 blocks. Compare this to the design of the adjacent neighborhood to the north, Sylvan Hills, where you will see whimsically-named streets laid out in arcs and curves, creating a much more suburban feel. Though they align seamlessly today, Hyde Park and Sylvan Hills have a 60-year age gap between them that accounts for their markedly different designs. It is a fun reminder of the history right beneath your feet as you stroll from neighborhood to neighborhood throughout the City. Of course, looking at Hyde Park now, you do not find the original 800 lots and 32 alleyways. Over the years since 1886, these lots have been combined, rezoned, renamed, and redeveloped in different ways. One of the first big changes came as a result of University Avenue being built through Fridley. The State of Minnesota acquired 100 lots right through the middle of the original Hyde Park. This resulted in the splitting of the plat. The 350 lots west of University (plus one tier of lots on the east) remained Hyde Park. East of University eventually became known as the Bonny neighborhood. A second notable era of change for the neighborhood came in the 1970s. Pat Gabel, longtime resident, remembers it well. She moved into the neighborhood in 1969 after scoping out area school systems and hearing good things about Fridley’s. Just three months after moving in Pat says she was informed that the neighborhood had been placed in a commercial zoning district. “It immediately caught my attention because that meant we wouldn’t be able to rebuild our home if it burned down or a tornado came through,” she says. She decided to become involved in the Hyde Park Neighborhood Committee and to challenge the City’s zoning decision. A solution to the issue was put into law in 1976. Hyde Park got its own special zoning classification, which is listed in Fridley’s City Code right along with the regular residential, commercial, and industrial classifications. The creation of the S-1 Hyde Park Neighborhood Zoning District called for three things: to recognize the smaller lot sizes of the neighborhood by offering an exception to the City’s standard minimum lot width of 75 feet; to support the residential character of the neighborhood; and to protect the property rights of all landowners, while promoting reinvestment and development in the neighborhood. The City made a commitment to bring the neighborhood back to residential by buying up the commercial properties and bringing the land back to residential uses once the commercial entities ceased their operations. Since 1976, millions of dollars have been invested in the Hyde Park Neighborhood to remove blighted houses and closed commercial buildings, and to ready the land for new and modern residential entities. “Other people notice the improvements going on and start to keep their own homes up better. Redevelopment is a catalyst for improvement of the entire neighborhood,” says Pat, now a member of the Fridley Housing and Redevelopment Authority. Situated next to the Northstar Station, Hyde Park today falls under the City’s Transportation Oriented Development District. Development of this area is ongoing and is exciting for professionals, families, seniors, and generally those who will enjoy proximity and easy access to alternate forms of transportation. Pat is optimistic about her neighborhood and says she’s come full circle—from pushing back against the City to working with it. “And that’s because of time. Things change with time. The current kinds of changes that are happening are good for the neighborhood. There is a lot of potential,” she says. And so she’s sticking around. “This was going to be a ‘starter’ house for me. But after all these years I’m still here.” City Completes Raingarden Demonstration Project A highly visible raingarden demonstration project was constructed last fall at the junction of Comet Lane, Jupiter Road and Rainbow Drive in Fridley. Raingardens (also known as infiltration basins) capture stormwater from streets after rain or snow melt in order to help that water percolate into the soil. The goal is to keep water moving through land, instead of pushing it down the drain into the Mississippi. Project Components Colorful native plants and a special sediment filtering device called a Rain Guardian are the main components of this specialized landscaped area. The Rain Guardian filter can be cleaned after storms to keep debris and sediment out of storm water, lakes and rivers. Red Twig Dogwood shrubs will provide winter interest. White Turtlehead (photo above) is one of the few native perennials to produce showy flowers in fall. Another shrub in the demonstration garden, Black Chokeberry, tolerates a variety of soil conditions, making it work for a raingarden, which holds water after rains, but is dry in summer. Not Just New Landscaping The project will produce more than pretty blossoms for the Sylvan Hills neighborhood! The combination of native plants and filtration design will absorb storm water and collect runoff debris leaving the streets, and work toward resolving a drainage issue. This project was made possible by a Stewardship Fund Grant from the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization. Other Raingardens Around Town You may have noticed similar modified landscapes popping up in other neighborhoods like Meadowmoor Terrace, Flanery Park and Melody Manor, often above a storm drain or sometimes in a low-lying area. Fridley Loves the Mississippi! To find out more about raingardens, shoreline restoration and other ways to keep our lakes and streams clean, contact Environmental Planning at the City 763-572-3594, or watch for links on the City’s website. The City of Fridley works in conjunction with the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) to improve water quality for the Mississippi River. City Councilmember Jim Saefke represents the City on the MWMO Board of Directors. The MWMO’s Fridley area is in the south/southwest portions of the city, approximately bounded by Mississippi Street, Seventh Street and West Moore Lake Drive. Fridley has two other water management organizations: Rice Creek and Coon Creek Watershed Districts. Photo courtesy Washington Conservation District 8 Fridley Community Report Think about your own neighborhood. What changes have you seen over the years? What kind of future would you like to help shape? If you would like to have your neighborhood featured in an article, let us know! You can also take a look at a map of all Fridley neighborhoods at www.FridleyMN.gov/maps/general.