1998 Fall City of Fridley
C0 1 ..I�ty
dateFall1998
All Ages Invited To Fridley
Com uniCenter O
1:15 p.m.in the upstairs community
room. Special recognition will be
given to the many donors who
helped make the Community Cen-
ter a reality. The lower level will be
a special attraction for the teen
population with the game room
E.. E open for use and dancing in the
new dance/exercise area.
6 �p�•` Entertainment and most of the
activities are free. Everyone is in-
vited to attend.
Election Day is
November 3
All Fridley residents are cordially invited to participate in thegrand opening ceremony A Reminder To All
celebrating the completion of the 4,500 sq.ft. lower level of the Fridley Community
Center. The Center is located at 6085 7th Street N.E. Our celebration,planned for Fridley Citizens
Sunday, October 25, 1998, will include activities for all ages. Pictured above are The State General Election will be
Fridley residents enjoying the Center's patio earlier this year. -
held on Tuesday,November 3, 1998.
To vote in this election, a person
A Grand Opening to celebrate the fast from 7 a.m.until noon and con- must be at least 18 years of age and
new facilities at the Fridley Commu- tinues into the afternoon hours with a resident of the State for 20 days
nity Center is being planned for Sun- a hot dog/bratwurst cookout on the prior to the election.Registration is
day, October 25th from 11 a.m.until patio. allowed up to 20 days prior to the
3 p.m.Activities for all ages will take A Vikings' football party will election or on election day.It is best
place throughout the building to take place in the Audio-Visual room to register prior to election day to
showcase the new and renovated with the Vikes-Lions game shown avoid additional time at the polls.
rooms. on the two large projection screens. For more information or to find out
The day begins with the Fridley A Grand Opening Program and where you vote, call the City Clerk
Lions Club hosting a pancake break- Ribbon Cutting is scheduled for at 572-3523.
Public Safety
Fire Training Center Opens Open House
A modern,well-equipped training laddering to rescue people and hose lay- To Highlight
facility has been established in Frid- ing techniques. 1998 Fire
ley by three area fire departments— According to Fridley firefighter,Ron
Fridley, Brooklyn Center and SBM Larson,this new facility is an important re V e n t I o n Week
(Spring Lake Park, Blaine and addition to public safety efforts in Fridof
-
Mounds View). The cost of the fa- ley and for those communities that have i Fire Prevention Week is Oc-
cility has been split among the vari- partnered with us to build it. He tober 4 through October 10,
ous municipalities. pointed out that it will be widely used 1998. During this week many
The facility, known as the Fire by the three fire departments,for train- schools and daycare organiza-
Training Center, is located at 300 ing new personnel and for strength- tions will tour the Fridley Fire
71st Avenue,on about two acres be- ening current firefighters' techniques Department and its vehicles.
hind Columbia Arena on University and knowledge. The week prior to Fire Pre-
Avenue. He added that the Fire Training Cen- - vention Week, Fridley fire-
The center will have five main com- ter will be available for rent to other cit- + fighters will take the Safe Es-
portents when it is completed later this ies and corporate or institutional enti- cape House to all elementary
year: an onsite classroom; a "burn ties,such as vocational schools. i- schools to teach third, fourth
room"to simulate fires; a test station "I hope that Fridley citizens will visit i and fifth grade students what to
to test"pumper"fire engines; a con- the center when Fridley holds its annual do if their house is on fire and
fined space entry"prop room"where Fire Department Open House this Octo- how to safely exit their home.
firefighters will practice building en- ber," he said. "We'll be performing a 1 This year the Fire Department
try and exit with full equipment and, number of interesting demonstrations Open House will be held on Sat-
most importantly, a four-story struc- and there's a lot to see." urday, October 3 from 1 p.m. to
ture where firefighters can practice 5 p.m. at the new Fire Training
Center at 300 71st Avenue, lo-
cated behind Columbia Arena.
Amonthehighlights oftheSafet Cam Another Huge Success Open Houseare:
• Tours of the Fire Training I
Fridley's fourth annual Safety travaganza enjoyed by all campers, Center facilities
Camp was a huge success as 112 third staff, 25 senior volunteers and many 1 . Fire Extinguishing Demon-
and fourth grade children listened to other volunteers. 1
Oleum
strations on Liquified Petro-
a variety of safety messages presented A big thank you is extended to the Gas Tanks
by several local and state experts.The many businesses that donated sup- . Inspection of Fire Fighting,
"campers"had a chance to go through plies,food or money for Fridley's 1998 Emergency Medical and Po-
the Safe Escape House, hose down a Safety Camp. lice Equipment
pretend fire on a miniature house and
• Vehicle Extrications
watch"Buddy"the fire dog sniff • Air National Guard helicop-
out accelerants. Campers also e
learned about animal, firearms, ter landing (weather permit-
railroad and electrical safety „� * ting) on Columbia Arena
To increase senior citizen Parking Lot
All October 3 activities are
awareness, campers maneu- �'
free to the public and will take
vered a wheelchair through an
P
obstacle course.Other topics m- ��- place at the Training Site.
cluded bicycle safety, conflict
resolution and lake and trail
safety.
The 1998 Safety Camp was
held in Commons Park, June
23-24,and proved to be an ex-
-filled two-day ex-
citing, fun `
2 City of Fridley
Public
r 1Oth
Fri eCelebates
y
National opt
t
On Tuesday,August 4,over 6,000
Fridley residents joined their neigh- "
hors and came out against crime. A ri
total of 65 parties were visited by Left, residents of
the Craig Way
Mayor Jorgenson and three council
' neighborhood,in the
members, eight firefighters, and 26
representatives from the Police De- northwest corner of
partment including Neighborhood the City,enjoy their
Resource Officers,Explorers and Re- block party.
P Below,three young
serves. McGruff visited numerous Fridley citizens
parties but, unfortunately, couldn't proudly show off
make it to every party. their Night Out
+ Parties ranged in size from 20 to balloons.
F
t 200 people with food playing a major
part in all the activities. Barbecues,
potluck dinners and dessert parties
were organized to entice neighbors to participate.Kids paraded on bicycles,
had their faces painted,listened to a singer,enjoyed pony rides and eagerly e
tt awaited their name to be called for prizes.
Eighty youth participated in the National Night Out Splash which was
held at Commons Park. There they participated in multiple water-relateda,�,
g activities and tasted an abundance of food.
All participants were invited to continue their efforts to make a differ- e
ence in their neighborhoods by reporting suspicious activity throughout
the year. As part of the National Night Out Program, the elimination of �'
graffiti was chosen for special attention and designated as "Project 365." A
Whenever residents see graffiti being applied to property,they are encour-
aged to call 911.To have it removed,they should call 572-3638.
e
e
Above,Officer Greg Salo,Fridley Neighborhood Resource Officer,visits a a
neighborhood block party.At right,Police Reserve Officer Jo Petry introduces
McGruff the Crime Dog to kids at the Fridley Terrace Mobile Home Park.
City of Fridley 3
Community Involvement
Fridley Citizens Dream
OfCity's Future
e ,
Over 150 citizens gathered on sion statement and a set of guiding : �
May 28 and June 25, 1998 at the principles in several topic areas
Fridley Community Center to begin identified by the citizens, such as
visioning the Fridley of the future. schools, economic issues, city im- jr
,;
Two meetings were moderated by age, neighborhood quality, and
Mark Koegler, a land planning and parks and recreation. i
urban design consultant from Before assembling the plan,
Hoisington Koegler Group,Inc., the the Planning Commission and
firm hired by the City to coordinate the City Council will review the
Fridley's 20-year comprehensive plan. framework in September. Fi-
According to Barbara Dacy, nally, all Fridley citizens will be
Fridley's Community Development given another chance to test the
Director, citizen input is one of the vision and guiding principles
most important parts of the process framework by reviewing them in a
and she was pleased to see a broad special section of the Focus News. All
cross section of the community rep- interested citizens are encouraged to
resented at both meetings. "We at- offer comment.
tracted a lot of very objective think- For more information call Barbara
ers to the meetings," she said. "I Dacy at 572-3590.
think all Fridley residents, busi-
nesses and organizations will be
pleased to know how seriously the What�S Most Important
participants addressed the various
issues affecting our City's future." Fo r O u r Future Fridley?
Ms. Dacy noted that, during the
first session, participants were led
through a series of exercises to de-
In an important exercise at the May 28, 1998
termine what they thought made visioning meeting, participants ranked fourteen
Fridley what it is: favorite and least characteristics that they believe are most important
favorite places;characteristics that de- in realizing a collective vision for Fridley. The top
fine our City;and vision elements for
future improvements. flue vote getters, in order, are:
During the second session,partici- • Safe Neighborhoods and Community
pants reviewed findings from the
• High Quality Education
first meeting. Then they focused on 00
High Quality an analysis of Fridley's strengths • Hi g y Public Services
and weaknesses and identified spe- • Expand and Maintain Housing Stock
cific action steps to achieve the vi- • Commercial Development
sion elements. The action steps were
grouped by priority among three Additionally, two other characteristics placed
time alloted categories—0-5 years; very high'
5-10 years; and 10+ years.
Currently Hoisington Koegler • Upgrade Image
Group is developing a framework • Improve Transportation
for the comprehensive plan based on
the two meetings and their outcome.
The firm is preparing a written vi-
4 City of Fridley
Community •
An invitation for you to become part of this anniversary celebration
Fridley Prepares For Next Year's
50th Birthday Celebration
Next year Fridley will be 50 mittee has identified about 20
years old. Various individuals, projects so far.
civic organizations, churches, Additionally,the 50th Anniver-
schools, large and small busi- sary celebration will include a
nesses, and City departments are 0 Chamberof • video presentation of Fridley's
planning a series of events that Picnic or • " last 25 years of growth, improve-
will celebrate our City and evoke early May. ments and accomplishments; an
pride — in how far we've come; 0 All-High School anniversary theme song; and a
in appreciation for what we've ac- Reunion near 49ers Days commemorative historical booklet.
complished;and in enthusiasm for in mid-June. While the City will provide
k a vision of where we're going. • ' Beautification some money and staff support,the
The group that is planning the Contest. magnitude of this project requires
festivities is composed of 25 indi- 0 Ecumenical Service and financial support from community
viduals representing about 20 dif- Community Hymn Sing individuals, organizations and
ferent Fridley organizations...so far. with singers • • ' businesses. The committee hopes
Ann Bolkcom, a city council mem- from variousthat groups will sponsor an event
ber and member of the 50th Anni- congregations. or make a cash contribution. "Ei-
versary Task Force, said the group Closing Ceremoniesther way," said Mr. Lund, "we re-
`t
is always looking for more people in Septemberally need your help."
to be involved in the planning ef- a huge birthday For more information or to sug-
r forts. "Everyone is invited to at- cake donated ' gest an idea, sponsor an event, or
tend our meetings, either to be- make a donation, please call
come involved or to just check us Fridley's 24-Hour Info Line("FIL")
i out before committing to anything," at 572-3600,extension 332, or call
she said. Scott Lund at 571-0214.
The planning meetings are held pretty much lined up by this Fall."
on the second Thursday of each Mr. Lund said the planning com-
month at City Hall from 5:30 p.m.
to 7 p.m. Ms. Bolkcom assures
that all visitors are welcome. "If
people don't want to become ac-
tively involved, we still need con- m A
tributions, which are tax deduct-
�� aim
ible," she explained. "There are ■��� e7m
all kinds of ways to help to make AWMM.
this a successful celebration.
Task Force Chairman Scott
e
Lund,a Fridley resident and small
business owner, said that the com-
mittee is looking for a number of
events, with emphasis on "qual-
ity"rather than quantity. "At this
point we have events scheduled
from May through September
1999," Mr. Lund said. "We have
to have the schedule of events
r City of Fridley 5
w
i
Home • •
City Offers Monthly Low Interest Home
Improvement Loans
RemodelingForums With the heating season fast
ap-
proaching,
proaching,
now is a good time to
think about replacing that old fur-
The City of Fridley will offer 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., beginning Oc- nace or boiler. The Fridley HRA has
monthly forums on home remodel- tober 13, 1998 at the Municipal Cen- low-interest financing to help you
ing to Fridley residents.Each month ter. Enter the front door and you will with your home improvement
a different topic will be presented be directed to the meeting room. project. You can borrow up to
on home maintenance, repair or re- These meetings are an opportunity for $25,000 with repayment terms of up
modeling. Topics will include room you to bring in your remodeling ques- to 20 years at rates as low as 5%.To
additions, kitchen remodeling, bath tions and ideas. The forums are FREE qualify, you need to meet these
remodeling, garages, roofing, siding, and open to all residents of Fridley simple guidelines:
windows,and other areas of interest. CaII Dave Mayer at 572-3515 to con- 1.Income must be less than$58,650.
Dave Mayer,Remodeling Advisor,will sult on your remodeling ideas or ask 2. Acceptable credit.
moderate the discussion and present questions.Dave even makes house calls! 3. Owner-occupied property(up to
information relative to the chosen 4 units).
topic in conjunction with occasional The improvements must be per-
invited experts.Following the presen- manent.Eligible repairs include new
tation,questions relating to the topic roofing, furnace replacement, win-
will be answered along with an open dow replacement, kitchen and bath
forum on any remodeling topics. p remodeling, basement finishes,
The forums will be held on the driveways and garages.
second Tuesday of the month from - Because of our flexible under-
writing guidelines, loans can be
made even if you have little equity
in your home.To apply,all you have
America Recycles Day is to do is fill out an application form,
attach proof of income and esti-
November
sti-
November 15 mates for the work you want done.
It's that simple! For more informa-
tion or an application call the Frid-
On November 15, thousands of your name goes into a drawing to win ley Home Improvement Hotline at
Americans will take part several prizes. The grand ley H 51.
in "buy recycled" ac- prize is a three-bedroom
1.�
tivities across the American Green Dream
q
country and right L _Wl House, a home con- ;�
here in Fridley as - structed from recycled-
part of America Re-
content buildingmateri- •:+.► ••" ��
�� ► . •.
� I�
cycles Day. The 1998als and containing en- ':�� � ��� ' ��=4464.
theme, if you're ergy-eff fficient features.•! •�� 4 4. �•��.� i
not buying recycled, Pledge cards and draw-
you re
raw-you're not really recy- ing boxes will be available •;: 'w� 3
cling," underscores the at the Fridley Municipal '
importance of purchasing re- Center, the Fridley Recycling
cycled-content products and pack- Center, and at the Mississippi Branch
aging. Anoka County Library.
In an effort to encourage residents If you want to learn more about #
to buy more recycled-content prod- recycled-content products avail- >j
ucts,the City of Fridley will be host- able in Fridley stores, watch for a
ing sign up boxes for residents to program on Fridley Municipal Chan-
pledge to buy more recycled prod- nel 35. Call 572-3501 for scheduled
ucts. When you sign a pledge card, air times.
6
City of Fridley
HRA ANNUAL UPDATE
Medtronic Proposes Office ECONOMIC
Development At Fridley DEVELOPMENT
Executive Center PROJECTS:
Cintas
�b
Cintas is the name of a uniform
rental company based in Cincinnati,
aF
Ohio,which has recently decided to
purchase a five-acre site at 8234
• Main Street in the City's northern
e�� O �' w industrial area(vacant site just west
of Sam's Club and the new
Bachman's site).
Cardiovascular Business Carter The facility in Fridley will be re-
sponsible for washing and servicing
uniforms for its clients. The com-
pany owns 129 uniform locations in
36 states and Canada and employs
12,000 people.A 51,000 square foot
building that could be expanded to
s .
f 65,000 square feet is proposed for
- the Fridley site. Seventy-five em-
ployees will be employed by the end
of the first year of operation and
The Fridley City Council and ley Executive Center site is also well 130 employees are projected in three
i
Housing and Redevelopment Au- located for Medtronic with easy ac- years.
thority are very pleased to announce cess to the Shoreview and Columbia Total project cost is$4.9 million
S the completion of a conceptual Heights offices. Although it is not including $2.5 million for con-
agreement with Medtronic, Inc. for known what specific types of offices struction costs and $2 million for
construction of additional office and will be built on the site, research and equipment. The HRA will be pro-
corporate facilities on the 41-acre development facilities as well as cor- viding approximately $250,000 of
Fridley Exective Center site (for- porate offices and training facilities tax increment financing assistance
merly known as the Lake Pointe site are under discussion. for soil correction. The assistance
and 100 Twin Drive-In). In order to In order to consider the will be provided as property taxes
keep pace with the company's Medtronic proposal, the Housing are paid during the first seven years
growth, Medtronic is proposing to and Redevelopment Authority of the project.
begin construction of a 150,000 passed a resolution revoking its ap-
square foot multi-story office build- proval of a development contract
ing as soon as the summer of 1999, with Duke Realty Investments Inc.
with additional development to fol- (formerly known as MEPC American ){
low. The ultimate size of the devel- Properties) for construction of a
opment will be defined in the next one-story 100,000 square foot facil-
two to three months. ity. The Housing and Redevelopment
Medtronic wants to pursue a Authority will be considering the is- _ i W
"dual campus"approach and create sues concerning the Medtronic pro- W, ACE C
co. W o
a corporate office campus at the I- posal at their regular meetings this fall
694 site in close proximity to the ex- on the first Thursday of each month
isting Rice Creek campus. The Frid- at 7:30 p.m. at the Municipal Center.
City of Fridley
r
f
i
H RA AN N UAL U PDATE
REDEVELOPMENT PROJECTS:
Christenson Crossing
Nearing Completion:
Time is running out! Only ten
lots remain vacant in the Christenson °
Crossing townhouse developmentA i
at the southwest corner of Missis-
sippi Street and University Avenue.
Of the 118 units approved, 108 are
under construction and 103 have
r ,
been sold. W
The development will have two
y e
townhouse associations. One asso-
ciation has been formed for the
"Gable" townhomes, the three
story units on the east side of
Third Street and west of Univer-
sity Avenue.
The second homeowner's associa- responsible for maintenance of com- have been sold, 47 of the Village
tion will be formed for the 54"Vil- mon areas. Homes are either sold or are under
lage Homes" that are located west Intrest in the "Gable Townhomes" construction. Rottlund expects to
of Third Street. Among other and the "Village Homes" has been sell the remaining lots by the end
things, these associations will be strong.While all of the 54 Gable Units of the year.
A 13,000 square foot Walgreens Walgreens Open For Business
facility opened for business on
Monday, August 17.
Development of this site com- ® E
pletes the redevelopment of all
four corners of the University Av-
enue and Mississippi Street inter- �
section in the Center City Redevel- `_ - m
opment Project area.The HRA did
not provide tax increment assis-
tance for this project; all expenses '
associated with land assembly and
demolition were paid for by
Walgreens.
The City Council's approval of
the project, however, did require
construction of the brick and alu-
�, wz
minum decorative fence to
con-
tinue the theme created by the
Christenson Crossing development
located across the street.
8 City of Fridley
H RA AN N UAL U PDATE ;1
HOME IMPROVEMENT CORNER: longer the owner's principal residence.
Income qualifications are based on
Home Improvement Grants Ava i l a b l a household size(see chart).In addition,
To Lower-income Families applicants cannot have more than
$25,000 in assets,excluding the value
This year, the City of Fridley has of the home. Eligible properties in-
Income
grant funds available to lower incomeSize clude owner-occupied 1 or 2 unit
families who need financial help mak- 1 $21.300 homes.
ing basic repairs to their homes. Quali- 2 $24,700 If approved for assistance, an in-
feed families can receive up to $15,000 3 $27,350 spection will be done on the home to
in financial assistance to improve their 4 $30,400 determine qualified repairs. A scope
homes. The funds are provided in the 5 $32,850 of work will then be given to the ho-
form of a zero-interest loan which is 6 $35,250 meowner for collecting estimates and
partially forgiven depending on how selecting a contractor.
long the owner resides in the property pleted)for five years.After the fifth year, For more information or an appli-
In fact,ten percent of the money is for- the remaining balance must be paid cation call the Fridley Home improve-
given each year(after the work is com- whenever the home is sold or is no ment Hotline at 335-2651.
MORE DEVELOPMENTS: Maximum Price Limit
57th Avenue Project Raised On First-Time
The HRA agreed to con- Homebuyer Program
tribute 50% of the costs for If you're a first-time homebuyer,
the streetscape improve- you may be eligible for low-interest
ments now being installed on mortgage financing to help you buy
57th Avenue. The improve- your first home.And now,the maxi-
ments include decorative mum mortgage has been raised to
street-lights, a three foot $112,500.
decorative brick pillar and All mortgages under this special
aluminum fence (similar toprogram are issued at a fixed rate
but shorter than the decora- of 6.05% with a 30-year term.
tive fence at Christenson To qualify you need to meet these
Crossing), extensive land-
guidelines:
scaping,and concrete pavers. 1.Must be a first-time homebuyer.
The project is funded by ��� 2.Maximum annual household
many sources including as- income is$45,650.
sessments to abutting property owners, the HRA, Anoka County, the City, 3. Maximum home price is $112,500.
and MnDOT. 4.Good credit and the ability to meet
normal bank underwriting
Goodyear On 57th Avenue standards.
y FHA, VA and conventional loans
Renovation was completed on the Goodyear store spanning to the end are eligible.You must apply directly
Goodyear store last fall completing of the block at Main Street. The de- at one of the participating lenders.
the first part of a redevelopment veloper, Steve Linn of Linn Proper- This is a limited opportunity,so call
project approved by the HRA in ties, reports that negotiations are un- now.
1997. derway with potential tenants. Once For more information and a list
The second phase of the project 80% of the building is pre-leased, of lenders call 572-3591.
envisions an 8,000 square foot retail construction will begin. Linn hopes
facility immediately west of the to be underway in the spring of 1999.
City of Fridley 9
City Management
Living Within Our Means; Moving Ahead
Presenting The 1999 CityBudget
by Bill Burns, City Manager i
Fire Reserve
When most of us think about 8% 2% Police
budgeting we think of a very dry 32%
and confusing array of numbers.In
this article I will provide only the Public Works
highlights of the 1999 City budget. 26%'
This includes a brief description of
how the budget is structured as well
as identification of new services and _
projects that are being considered in
this year's budgeting process. Finance
We are currently putting the fin- 9%
ishing touches on the City's budget City Management/ Legislature
for 1999. It covers not only operat- Legal Recreation Non- Community 1%
ing expenses for things like police 6% 9% Department Development
and fire services, but also the City's 1% 6%
capital improvement projects. Alto-
gether we are projecting expendi-
tures of $15,005,250. Of this The other components of the City Among other things, the 1999
amount, $12,015,250, or 80.07% is budget, special revenue funds and budget provides for two additional
projected for operating expenses.The capital improvements also have sev- police officers (subject to grant
remainder, $2,990,000, or 19.93%, is eral subdivisions. Special revenue funding), the operation of a newly
designated for various capital im- funds are allocated among four areas: established youth center, the pur-
provement projects. chase of a new fire engine,and play-
The services that you receive are ground equipment upgrades at
funded from two budgets.More than Craig, Ed Wilmes, Hackmann,
80% of all operating expenditures You will be happy to know Madsen, Plaza and Skyline Parks.
are funded from the General Fund. that the City Council has We have also budgeted funding for
The remaining 20%of the City's op- a major street improvement project
erating expenditures are funded chosen not to raise property in the Riverview Heights section of
from four Special Revenue Funds. taxes for 1999 Fridley. All of these items and
These are established to account sepa- projects are subject to further citi-
rately for the expenditure of things zen and Council review.
like grant revenue,cable franchise fees, You will be happy to know that
and solid waste abatement fees. cable television, grants, solid waste the City Council has chosen not to
General Fund expenditures are al-
abatement,and housing revitalization. raise property taxes for these and
located among eight types of local The capital improvements component other budgeted expenditures for
services. We also budget money for of the budget provides for general 1999.
an emergency reserve that is dedi- capital improvements (usually build- If you would like to discuss the
cated to unexpected expenditures. ing improvements and fire trucks), budget in more detail,please call the
Additionally we budget a small streets and parks. In 1999 the vast Fridley City Manager's Office at
amount of money for expenditures majority-df this money is to be de- 572-3506.We also encourage you to
that are not, for one reason or an- voted to street improvements. attend the 1999 budget hearing that
other, allocated to a particular ser- will be held by the Mayor and Coun-
vice area. The pie chart above de- cil on Monday, December 7, 1998 in
picts how this money is allocated the Fridley City Council Chambers at
among these categories for 1999. 7:30 p.m.
10 City of Fridley
City Management
Summer Storms Teach WARNING:
Fridley A Hard Lesson 'Snow Birds,
Targeted
The rain and hail storm of May the street's drainage system,resulting We know winter is coming but
15, 1998 provided us another op- in flooding of the streets and the non- those first few snowfalls always
portunity to re-learn the effects of use of the storm drainage pipes. Ev- come as a surprise. Vehicles parked
debris in our City streets. ery resident must help in eliminating in the street during the winter snow
As a result of the spring storm, the accumulation of debris in the and ice removal activities are affec-
many properties and homes suf- streets and along the boulevards. tionately called"snow birds."Own-
' fered water damage from street Grass clippings, paper, cans, sticks, ers of these vehicles may have gone
flooding and surface water.backup. stones, all contribute to the blocking to warmer climates and have left
Most of the flooding problems of the flow of water and reduce the their vehicles in the street. Ulti-
could have been avoided if the efficiency of our storm water system. mately, this affects the efficiency of
j catch basins along the street curbs During major rain or snow melt snow removal from Fridley streets.
would have remained clear. events,your individual efforts to clear A declaration of a snow emergency
} While much of the leaves and the gutters and especially the catch isnot required in Fridley to tag or tow
twigs on the street were a result of basins can reduce water damage to a vehicle. When sufficient snow ac-
the storm, deposits of grass clip- properties and homes. cumulates—whether it continues to
pings, sticks and debris assisted in Let's make the May storm a lesson snow or stops—City Code Chapter 506
blocking the grates and openings of we will always remember. allows for the tagging and towing of
any vehicle parked on a street.
Even after the snow plowing has
been completed, the Public Works
crews return the next work day to
push back the boulevards to make
room for the next snow event.Since
snow events and plowing are not pre-
dictable, the best measure is to keep
e e e
cars off the street until the streets and
boulevards have been cleared.
�m
Protect yourself...
Keep hydrants clear
Many of the City's fire hydrants
get covered with snow and at times
become unrecognizable. This cre-
ates a safety issue if fire department
crews have to respond to a fire.You
can help yourself and your neigh-
bor by clearing a path to the fire hy-
drant on your property or in your
neighborhood. A.few minutes in a
fire can mean the difference be-
tween life and death.You can make
Residents should try to keep catch basins clear to that difference.
As our winter white season ap-
reduce the liklihood of run-off water damage. proaches,be prepared to move your
vehicle from the street and keep a
clear path to all fire hydrants.
i
f
City of Fridley 11
3
• . . - , 9;6mber December
1 HRA and Human 2 * Parks &Rec. Comm. 2 Planning Commission
Resources Comm. 4 Planning Commission 3 HRA and Human
5 City Council and 5 HRA and Human Resources Comm.
* Parks &Rec. Comm. Resources Comm. 7 City Council and
7 Planning Commission 9 City Council Meeting * Parks & Rec. Comm.
12 Columbus Day 10 Appeals Commission 9 Appeals Commission
Holiday 16 Council Conference 15 Environmental
14 Appeals Commission Meeting Quality&Energy Comm.
19 City Council Meeting 17 Environmental 16 Planning Commission
20 Environmental Quality Quality &Energy 23 Appeals Commission
& Energy Comm. and *Cable TV Comm. 25 Christmas Holiday
21 Planning Commission 18 Planning Commission
26 * Charter Commission 23 City Council *NOTE: Cable, Charter and Park
Recreation Commissions meet at
28 Appeals Commission 26-27 Thanksgiving 7 p.m. All other commissions and
Holiday the City Council meet at 7:30 p.m.
* All meetings are held at the Munici-
30 Charter Commission pal Center, 6431 University Avenue,
N.E. The public is welcome.
I
FALL NEWSLETTER 1998 City of Fridley ECR
_ 6431 University Avenue N.E. Buuc RATE
MAYOR Fridley, MN 55432
U.S.AIDA°E
Nancy J. Jorgenson
COUNCILMEMBER-AT-LARGE Minneapolis,
Permit No. 28888
6
Robert L. Barnette
COUNCILMEMBER IST WARD
Steven E. Billings
COUNCILMEMBER 2ND WARD
Dennis L. Schneider
COUNCILMEMBER 3RD WARD
Ann R. Bolkcom
CITY MANAGER
William W,Burns **ECRWSS**
3
3 + Customer FRIDLEY SERVICE DIRECTORY Postal Customer
ADMIN. OFFICES/MUNICIPA7,CTR. 571-3450
OFFICE HOURS:
8 a.m.-5 p.m. M-F (8 a.m.-7 p.m.Tues.)
24 HR.FRIDLEY INFO LINE(FIL) 572.3600
24 HR. RECREATION HOTLINE 571-9397'1
TDD 572-3534
LIQUOR STORE 571-3480..
POLICE(24 Hr.non-emergency) 572-.3629
FIRE&POLICE EMERGENCY 911