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2000 Winter City of Fridley • CollUp Winter 2000 ate No. 103 The 'T'ruth About the Franchise Fee On December 14th, Fridley voters will be and youth programs, we have also cut nearly asked whether or not they support a 3% fran- $1 million from our budget in 1996. In each chise fee that will cost the average Minnegasco year before and after that, budgets have been and NSP customer about $3 per month. As carefully screened and, in general, we have we approach this referendum we believe that maintained prior levels of spending. Where it is important to address some of the mis- costs were increased, it has been to accom- leading statements that have been made by modate higher costs of goods and services. A the committee that is opposing the fee. police car, for example, that cost $13,762 in 1992, costs $20,768 in 1999. The cost of a They say that they are opposed to the fee dump truck with plow has increased from "because high taxes hurt people." $58,417 in 1990 to $79,000 in 1999. The cost Yet taxes and fees for the City of Fridley of reconstructing a lineal foot of street has are the lowest around! As they say this, they increased from $61 in 1993 to $100 in 1999. ignore the fact that Fridley City taxes and fees Not only are City expenditures reasonable, are the lowest in this area. We recently com- but more than two-thirds of this year's citizen pared Fridley's property taxes,water and sewer survey respondents rate the spending of tax rates, recycling fees and storm water fees with money by the City as either excellent or good. city taxes and fees in the nine neighboring communities. Fridley's taxes and fees were the Those opposed to the franchise fee have lowest of the ten cities at $43.08 per month said that the City has raised taxes to build for the person having the average value home "a government health club." and average water consumption. Moreover, if The truth is that the City has not raised the franchise fee is approved, they will remain taxes and it has not built a health club. The the lowest. City worked cooperatively with School District The statement also ignores the fact that #14 to add on to an existing building to pro- Fridley's property taxes, which are the lowest vide a Fridley Community Center. The cost of in this area, could be nearly$1,000,000 higher the construction and furnishing of the build- if the Fridley City Council had, since 1991, ing was paid for from a combination of fund chosen to raise them by 3% per year to keep balances, donations from the community and pace with inflation. a State grant. No new taxes were raised to pay for this facility or to operate it. At the same Those opposed to the franchise fee say that time, the building provides badly needed space Fridley spending is out of control. for the City's senior citizen and youth program- But Fridley spending is not out of ming as well as space for the whole commu- control. The truth is that Fridley's increases nity for events like Fridley's 50t1 birthday party in costs since 1990 have averaged about 3.3% that was held in September. The building a year, or not a whole lot more than the rate of includes meeting rooms, an audio/visual inflation. While we have added police officers room, lounges, game rooms and storage (continued on page 2) E i Election/Special (continued from page 1) The opponents of the franchise fee have accused the City of taxing churches to build a facilities. There is absolutely no resemblance third liquor store. between it and the Northwest Athletic Club or any The truth is that no taxes of any kind have other "health club." been used to build any liquor store. The third liquor store on 57th Avenue has been funded The opponents of the franchise fee offer the entirely from the profits of our liquor operations. following information: "As property values grow, Moreover, revenue from our liquor operations is the City automatically charges you more money. transferred annually to support the police, fire, New commercial properties, such as Medtronic recreation and other General Fund services. Next headquarters and the Onan warehouse, also year, $200,000 will be transferred to the General generate more tax money for the City to spend. Fund to help maintain low property taxes for They are collecting plenty of taxes." everyone. The truth is that the City does not automatically get additional taxes as property Many of you have asked how the franchise values grow. Increases in property values do fee will benefit them. Here are some not automatically generate more taxes for the City answers. or any other taxing jurisdiction. Under Minnesota In general, it will enable the City to main- law, the City gets only the amount that it levies tain the high quality City services that and not a penny more. If the City does levy addi- prompted 80% of this year's citizen survey tional taxes, the levy is spread over all property respondents to rate the value of Fridley City value based on the class rates that are defined by services as "excellent" or "good". State law. While the City has the option of raising . It will help to keep property taxes down. property taxes, our City Council has been very . It will help the City to maintain the 6 police reluctant to raise them. The truth of the matter is officers that were hired since 1994. j that property taxes have been raised by an aver- . It will insure that money set aside for street j age of only a half percent a year since 1992. and parks improvements is not used up for annual operating expenses. The opponents of the franchise fee also say that . It will help to preserve "Project Safety Net" the City is buying a $40,000 mower for mowing and the City's after school youth program- University Avenue. They also point out that the ming. County already mows this right-of-way. • It will help to pay for the City's share of Yes, the City plans to buy a large tractor/ operating the Fridley Community Center. mower to mow the University Avenue right-of • It will help to maintain safe and attractive way and other City property. The truth is that rental property in Fridley through the the City has budgeted $65,000 for next.year to continuation of the City's rental property purchase a large tractor/mower that will be used inspection program. to mow the University Avenue right-of-way. While And yes, it will insure that the main trans- the State will mow this right-of-way, it does so portation artery through Fridley will be only twice a year. The question becomes, should attractive— at least more attractive than it the City buy this equipment and spend$20,000 a would be with weeds growing everywhere. year for labor to keep its principal traffic artery mowed and attractive? Our recent citizens' And that's the truth. As you read these survey indicates that 57% of our residents think answers, we are not asking you to vote for or we should.Another 15%didn't know and 29%said against the franchise fee. We hope, though, that it shouldn't. what we are saying will help to clear the air on misleading statements and that it helps you to make your decision on December 14tH 2 City of Fridley Community Special Election Information Residents may vote at their normal city polling locations. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Ward 1 Precinct 1 Ward 2 Precinct 1 Ward 3 Precinct 1 Grace Evangelical Church Woodcrest Elementary School Springbrook Nature Center 755 73 Ave NE 880 Osborne Road NE 10085 1h Ave NE Ward 1 Precinct 2 Ward 2 Precinct 2 Ward 3 Precinct 2 Hayes Elementary School Knights of Columbus Hall Redeemer Lutheran Church 615 Mississippi St NE 6831 Highway 65 NE 61 Mississippi St NE Ward 1 Precinct 3 Ward 2 Precinct 3 Ward 3 Precinct 3 Fridley Municipal Center St. Philips Lutheran Church Stevenson Elementary School 6431 University Ave NE 6180 Highway 65 NE 6080 East River Road NE Ward I Precinct 4 Ward 2 Precinct 4 Ward 3 Precinct 4 Fridley Senior High School North Park Elementary School Fridley Covenant Church 6000 W Moore Lake Dr NE 5575 Fillmore St NE 6390 University Ave NE For additional voting information, contact the City Clerk at 572-3523. Last Drop-off Day of the Year is Huge Success On Saturday, November 13, 1999, Fridley residents turned out by the hundreds to do something they had never been given the chance to do in Fridley before - recycle old electronic items. Many residents waited in line for over 30 minutes for the chance to recycle up to three electronic items at no charge, as well as recycle a lot of other problem-waste materials. Julie Jones, Fridley Recycling Coordi- nator, stated that "problem waste items collected at our drop-off days were items that were recyclable but were just too bulky or hazardous to collect through the curbside recycling service". The amount of material collected on November 13 was astounding. Here are the totals: Appliances 165 units or 11.14 tons Fluorescent Lamps 1395 lamps or .44 tons Furniture 1.21 tons Scrap Metal 3.49 tons Goodwill Donations 2.82 tons Electronics 11.32 tons Total 30.42 Besides being able to boost Fridley's chance of achieving County recycling goals, Jones is thrilled to see so many electronic items recycled rather than disposed of in the garbage. Electronic items, like televisions and computer monitors, contain many hazardous materials. There is lead and mercury in the glass and circuitry. "The company we worked with to recycle the electronics collects, removes and properly disposes of hazardous materials, reclaims the precious metals, and grinds the plastic parts to be sold as alternative fuel," Jones said. The City is planning on holding more problem waste drop-off days in 2000 with the next scheduled day to be held in April. If you have materials that need to be recycled before then, contact Julie Jones at 572-3594 for options. You can also check out information on the City's web site. City of Fridley 3 Y2K Readiness Efforts City Finalizes Year 2000 Plans All of our service providers three fire stations are: What Our Service have stated publicly that they do Station #1 - 6431 University not expect any problems associ- Avenue (Mississippi Street 8v Providers are ated with the "Millennium Bug" University Avenue) or Y2K (see accompanying Station #2 - 6381 Old Central Saying about Y2K article). Still, if there are prob- (one block south of Sandee's lems on January 1, 2000, and Restaurant) NSP has publicly stated that the entire City is without power Station#3- 110 77th Way (inter- there is no greater risk to be Y and/or telephone service, the section of East River Road&,77th without power on January 1, City will take precautions to Avenue) 2000, than on any other day. assist our community. Unlike other emergencies, such as ice From 1:00 a.m. until MNDOT has stated that if there storms, blizzards or tornadoes, telephone communication is is electrical power,the traffic sig- we know when potential Y2K restored, Police personnel will be nals will work. Without power, r problems could occur, so, it available in school parking lots. each traffic light is considered a makes good business sense to be All emergencies should be stop sign. prepared "just in case." reported to the following parking Residents should keep the lots: Gas companies continue to following things in mind in case remind us that their service does of a Y2K-related emergency. Fridley High School not rely on computer chips. Gas 6100 Moore Lake Drive is pressure fed through pipes Communication from City powered by gas engines that are Only critical information will be Hayes Elementary School fueled by the gas in the pipes. J communicated to the public 615 Mississippi Street The only role of a computer is to j through members of our Police monitor gas flow. Department. Neighborhood North Park Elementary School Block Captains and other vol- 5575 Fillmore Phone companies have added unteers will play a critical role capacity and are confident they in the flow of information to your Stevenson Elementary School are ready for the millennium. As neighborhood. Get to know your 6080 East River Road always, the potential exists that Block Captain, if you haven't an overload to the system could already. If possible, we will also Woodcrest Elementary School cause a delay in getting a dial communicate by radio (WCCO 880 Osborne Road tone (much like what occurs on 830), so keep a battery-operated Mother's Day). An overload radio handy. This is good prac- Emergency Shelter/ could occur if many curious cus- tice for any emergency situation. Congregate Care tomers pick up their telephones If necessary - and only if at midnight on January 1, 2000. Emergencies/Problems necessary- we will open up the Call 911 to report emergencies. Fridley Community Center(FCC) water and sewer service If the phones do not work, report as an emergency shelter. The provided by the City is expected emergencies this way: Community Center is located at to be unaffected on January 1, From midnight to 1:00 a.m. on 6085 7th Street NE and would 2000. All systems were tested in January 1, 2000, go to any one be opened at 4 p.m. on Sunday, September and worked fine. of our three fire stations. These January 2nd, 2000. The FCC Generators have been acquired fire stations will be open and will only be opened if the entire and are in place as a back-up for staffed by Fire Department per- City is without electric power and power outages. sonnel. The locations of our telephone service. 4 City of Fridley Y2K Readiness Efforts So Why Be Concerned No Problems Anticipated, with Y2K if We Are but Residents Can Prepare Assured There Will Be a Y2K Checklist No Problems? Being prepared for any potential emergency makes sense. Power ■ Stock a supply of water, food and necessities to last up to can be lost at any time for any one week reason. Y2K is different from ■ Obtain an AM/FM battery-operated radio other emergency situations ■ Obtain a flashlight because we know when it will ■ Stock batteries happen. We do not know what ■ Stock first-aid supplies the impact will be, but our ■ Schedule physical and dental checkups before January planning efforts will not be 1, 2000 wasted as they can apply to any ■ Refill prescription drugs emergency. ■ Assess status of home heating system ■ Evaluate whether or not you need to obtain an alterna- tive heat and/or light source ■ Purchase a non-electric carbon monoxide detector if using a fireplace, generator or non-electric space heater ■ Test fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide detectors ■ Top off gasoline tank ■ Renew licenses ahead of time ■ Review insurance policies and warranties for Y2K exclu- sions ■ Know how to drain water pipes ■ Know how to protect water traps and toilets ■ Know where to report emergencies ■ Know the location of an emergency shelter if you need to The Y2K Problem evacuate your home The millennium bug, or ■ Keep hard copies of all financial transactions and assets Year 2000 problem (Y2K), springs from computer pro- "Citizens should prepare as they would for a grams that store dates in a Minnesota blizzard." two-digit field: for instance, "1989" is stored as "89." When 2000 rolls around, --- Year 2000 Readiness programs that haven't been s Disclosure updated might interpret The latest Y2K information Information contained in this com- "00" as "1900" instead of will be available on Cable munication relates to the City of "2000". Channel 35, on the City of Fridley's Year2000 efforts. The Because many programs Fridley's web site disclosure of this information is use and store dates for (w,w,ci.fridley.mn.us)and on intended to serve as a Year 2000 many reasons,the effects of WCCO radio (830 AM on Readiness Disclosure under the the problem are unpredict- your radio dial). Year 2000 Information and able. Readiness Disclosure Act, Public Law 105-271. City of Fridley 5 Citizen Survey Results 1999 Citizen Survey Results Reported The 1999 citizen survey results are in! This telephone survey included 500 randomly Called 911 for Police selected Fridley residents and was conducted by Decision 1999 City of Fridley Residential Study Resources Limited between ' September 7 and October 6, No 1999. Each survey lasted an _ 6 average of 22 minutes per call. The purpose of the survey was to measure citizen satisfaction No Yes with City services as well as to 76- - 24 get citizen opinion on a variety of current City issues. The surveys _ have been conducted every two ------ Yes years since 1993.The results are 94 used as a tool to improve our ser- Called in Past Twelve Months Satisfied with vices, as well as a barometer for Response Decision Resources,Ltd. City Council in making policy decisions. Since there is no way to describe all of the results of the middle school after-school pro- expressed a strong approval rat- survey,here are some highlights. grams to 11% for programs ing of our police and fire services. Our average respondent has offered at the Springbrook Nature Of those who called 911, 94% lived here 14.3 years, was 48.8 Center. were satisfied with the response years old and had a household Public works programs also they received from our police income of$43,250. Forty-six per- faired very well. Positive response officers and 95%were happy with cent of these respondents said for these services ranged between the response from our firefighters. that they always vote in city and the 68% approval rating for the Respondents seemed to be school district elections, with maintenance of playground fairly comfortable in their percep- another 19% reported voting equipment in City parks to the tions of crime in their neighbor- often. Their homes were spread 93%approval rating for the main- hoods. Although 19% of our nearly evenly among Fridley's tenance of traffic control signs. respondents believe that neigh- three wards.Women respondents While 82% of the respondents borhood crime has increased, outnumbered men respondents agreed that Fridley streets were 63% of them believe that it has by 6%. smooth and easy to ride on, 84% remained about the same. And, of them agreed that City crews did another 11% believe that it has Satisfaction Generally High a good job of snow and ice decreased. Satisfaction with City recre- removal. 88% told us that pave- In other areas of City service, ation programs, for example, ment markings on City streets citizen evaluations were also very ranged between 91% approval were easy to see. Where approval positive. Among those who rating for senior programs to a ratings on any of these items fell reported a code enforcement 98% approval rating for summer below 80%, there were a large problem, 75% reported that the playground programs.While sat- number of respondents who said problem was handled. Among isfaction levels among program they simply "didn't know". those who had taken out a build- participants were very high, ing permit, 73% were satisfied participation rates in Fridley's Police/Fire Services Receive with the service they received recreation programs ranged Strong Approval from our City inspectors. Another between 6% for elementary and Fridley residents also 72% of the respondents who 6 City of Fridley Citizen Survey Results owned rental property told us that Other Citizen Survey Responses they were satisfied with the ser- vices of our rental property 13% of the respondents 69% of the respondents inspectors.And 93%of them were said that the City should would build a double gym- happy with the services of our petition MNDOT to take nasium on the Fridley recycling hauler. When we asked down the University Community Center site if those who had called the Munici- Avenue fences; 56% said no new taxes were imposed pal Center within the last twelve don't take them down. to pay for it; 17% said they months whether they were satis- 22% of the respondents would not build a double fied with the responses they got, indicated that they used gymnasium. Another 14% 78% expressed satisfaction with the Sand Dunes Nature did not know or refused to the effectiveness of the staff mem- Area near Fridley High answer. ber in handling their request. School, but only 25%of the While 30% of the respon- These same respondents (about respondents felt that the dents said they watch 22% of the sample) gave positive City should spend an esti- public access cable pro- responses for promptness in han- mated $60,000 to replace gramming frequently or dling requests, listening and the fence and board walk occasionally, only 4%have understanding requests and in this area. ever produced a program, courtesy that ranged between In general, respondents borrowed equipment or in 84%for promptness and 92%for ranked rehabilitation of some other way used the courtesy. apartment buildings and services of public access dilapidated single family television. Notwithstand- Spending of Tax Dollars homes, the elimination of ing low use of public access In addition to asking about junk yards and the reha- facilities and programming, satisfaction with specific City ser- bilitation of properties on however, 58% of the re- vices, respondents were also either side of University spondents believe that it is asked to rate the spending of tax Avenue just north of I-694, a very important or some- payers' money. While 67% as equally important rede- what important service. rated spending of tax money in velopment priorities. An overwhelming 83% of Fridley as excellent or good, 21% Only 35% of the respon- the respondents believe said fair or poor, and 13% didn't dents felt that the City that it is a good idea for the know or refused to answer. should adopt legislation City to spend $500,000 to According to our consultant, that allows non-motorized $600,000 per year to Decision Resources, the positive boats and campers in the upgrade neighborhood response to this question places front yard, including the streets. Only 9% of the Fridley in the top 25% of all driveway. Another 54% respondents disagreed. communities in the metropolitan believe the City should not A smaller majority of 57% area where this question has allow these items in the believe that the expendi- been asked. front yard, including the ture of $20,000 a year to driveway. mow the University Avenue We want to thank those who When asked about passing right-of-way is a wise use gave their time to respond to this legislation that would pro- of money. This compares survey. For a complete copy of the hibit travel trailers and with 29% who say it is not results, visit the City of Fridley's large RVs in the front a wise use of money. web site at www.ci.fridley.mn.us. yards,however, 36%would While 44% of the respon- Copies of the survey will also be prohibit them and 53% dents would expand the available at the Municipal would not prohibit them. City's mowing efforts to the Center, Anoka County Library - Highway 65 corridor, 37% Mississippi Branch, and at the would not use City money Fridley Community Center. in this manner. City of Fridley 7 Community News New Liquor Store Opens in Cub Foods Building Grand Opening Continues at All Stores A third municipal liquor store opened on November 18th in the Cub Foods Store on 571h Avenue. Shoppers can access this store either through Cub Foods or through a separate entrance on the east side of the building. A grand opening, e � e featuring many sale-priced items, continues through " January 31 at all municipal liquor stores. This is the third store to complement Fridley's municipal liquor business. The other stores are N located in the Holly Shopping Center and on the east side of Highway 65, just north of Moore Lake a Shopping Center. m Fridley's municipal liquor operations are self-suf- ficient. Now Open for Business! No tax dollars are used to fund these stores. Fridley announces the grand opening of a third In fact, net income from liquor sales was nearly municipal liquor store in the Cub Foods building $267,000 in 1998. It is estimated that the addition on 57th Avenue. To celebrate this grand opening, of a third store in the Cub Foods building will only all three stores are featuring sale-priced items boost these profits which will be used to support through January 31, 2000. police, fire, recreation, and other City services. New Ordinances Should Help Improve Snow Removal Efforts Citizens' Cooperation is Critical This past summer, the City improve safety and enhance capacity during the winter Council approved a change to our traffic movement within the City months. This prohibition carries parking ordinance. The new lan- during the winter months. While with it a misdemeanor penalty to guage restricts parking on City the restrictions may inconve- the owner of the property,regard- streets, roads and highways from nience some residents, the over- less of who moves the snow. 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. during the all benefits should outweigh the Penalties start at $50.00 and period from November 1St to May invonvenience. continue to increase per reoccur- 1S1.This addition to the ordinance A second ordinance was also rence up to $700.00, plus court is enforceable,regardless of snow. passed that restricts vehicles from costs. Accordingly, if you have The change compliments the pushing snow across the street your driveway or parking lot existing criteria in the ordinance and placing it on boulevards. This plowed, you are responsible for restricting parking on the streets restriction should eliminate the ensuring that the snow remains during snow plowing activities for placement of additional snow on on your property and is not the period of November 1St City streets after they have been placed on any private or public through May 1St of each year. No plowed, which causes consider- property. vehicle is to be parked on our able damage to vehicles and snow These changes will greatly streets until they have been plowing equipment once the improve the effectiveness and cleared curb-to-curb and inter- residual snow has hardened and efficiency of snow plowing efforts sections and boulevards have turned to ice. It will also limit and provide for a safer road been winged back. These two the placement of snow on boule- system for the residents of parking restrictions should vards and improve snow storage Fridley. Coorperation from every citizen is appreciated. 8 City of Fridley Public Safety Update— What Ever Happened to Crime Alerts? Watch Your Car Auto Theft Prevention Are you wondering why you We know the program works, Program Comes to aren't receiving crime alerts? as evidenced by the declining Fridley Are you concerned that the burglary rate (another reason for Neighborhood Crime Watch pro- fewer crime alerts being sent) as "Watch Your Car", a nation- gram is no longer in effect? well as an increase in arrests due ally recognized auto theft preven- Are you interested in making a to observant residents. Now is not tion program sponsored by the difference in your neighborhood? the time to lower our defenses. It Bureau of Justice Assistance, is is more important than ever to now available at the Fridley If any of these questions peak keep the extra eyes and ears of Police Department. your curiosity, read on. The the community watching, listen- Here is how this voluntary Neighborhood Crime Watch pro- ing and reporting. program works: a vehicle owner gram began in 1980 in response Being a block captain is not a signs an agreement stating that to a high frequency of burglaries difficult job nor does it require his/her vehicle is not normally in the Benj amin/Briardale neigh- attending a lot of meetings. Block used between the hours of 1:00 borhood. Since that time the Captains are asked to: a.m. and 5:00 a.m. If a peace entire city was organized so that ■ introduce themselves to officer observes the vehicle each resident was represented by new residents being operated on a public road a block captain who, in turn, ■ deliver crime alerts anywhere in the U.S. during became the communication link ■ attend the Annual Block these hours, they may stop the with the police department. The Captain meeting vehicle and verify that it is being block captains had the responsi- ■ host or encourage someone operated by the vehicle's owner bility of delivering crime alerts as on the block to host or a person designated by the serious crimes occurred. National Night Out owner. Since that time, block cap- ■ report suspicious activity The decals provide a uniform tains have resigned, moved, and ■ contact the Neighborhood symbol that is an instantly sad to say, passed on. We find Resource Officer to discuss recognizable icon by police that we have reached a critical issues, schedule a meeting nationwide and facilitates intra/ point in the program and look to or address other concerns. interstate apprehension of you, as Fridley residents, to pro- stolen motor vehicles. vide the answer. At the height of If being a Block Captain There is no charge to partici- program operations, there were sounds like a job for you, please pate in the "Watch Your Car" more than 450 block captains. contact the Fridley Police program. For more information, Our most recent count indicates Department at 572-3634. contact the Fridley Police Depart- 261 and declining. This could be Become the eyes and ears of ment at 572-3638. one of the reasons you are not Fridley. Help to make your neigh- receiving crime alerts. borhood safer. Some Public Safety Tips for the Holidays... • While shopping, avoid carrying large amounts of cash. • Don't leave valuables visible in your vehicle; lock them in your trunk. • Park in well-lighted parking spaces and lock your vehicle. • At home, always lock your doors and windows. • Don't place gifts where they can be seen from the outside. City of Fridley 9 Community Involvement in 200o Rin in the Millennium with a Bonfire Volunteers Sought g a Commissions Play Party at Springbrook Nature Center Key Role in Fridley 50th Anniversary Celebration Goes Out with a Bang The City Council is always It has been a memorable interested in hearing from resi- year in Fridley as we have dents who are willing to serve on celebrated our 501'' anni- City advisory commissions as versary as a city. There is �I n` vacancies arise. Advisory one final event to celebrate commissions are a vital part of our community. On New our City's governing process. In Year's Eve, residents can the year 2000, there could be celebrate the old and bring " '� = several vacancies for these in the new in a fun, fam- volunteer positions.The Charter ily-oriented atmosphere at Commission currently has one Springbrook Nature Cen- opening. ter. Enjoy guided or self-guided hikes down candlelit nature trails, In total, there are eight advi- indoor and outdoor family games, and tasty hot drinks and snacks sory commissions that support in preparation for the lighting of a gigantic bonfire. At midnight the City Council: cast a"resolution" torch into the bonfire as you make your resolu- tions for the coming year, century and millennium. The celebra- ♦ Appeals tion begins at 10:00 p.m. and lasts until 12:30 a.m. Cost is $3 per ♦ Cable Television 8v Telecom- person. No pre-registration is required. For more information about the Millennium Bonfire Party or the New Year's Eve celebration munications { ♦ Charter that begins earlier in the evening at Springbrook, call 572-3588. i I ♦ Environmental Quality & ! Energy Planbook Receives Four Awards! j ♦ HRA (Housing 8v Redevelop- 3 ment Authority) "Cape Cods and Ramblers: A The Planbook serves as an ♦ Human Resources Planbook for Post World-War II ongoing guide in each of the ♦ Parks 8a Recreation Houses" has won four awards cities to provide residents with ♦ Planning since last spring. The City of usable design options to remain Fridley Housing and Redevelop- in their houses as opposed to There are two requirements to ment Authority jointly produced moving out to outlying suburbs. become a member of a commis- the Planbook in conjunction with Further, by reinvesting in their sion: you must be eighteen (18) 14 other cities in the metropoli- homes, residents will ultimately years of age or older, and you tan area. The Planbook has won reinvest in their neighborhoods. must be a resident of the City of the following awards: Other participating cities • National League of Cities included Blaine, Brooklyn Park, Fridley. "Investing in Community" Columbia Heights, Coon Rapids, For an application or for Award Crystal, Golden Valley, Hopkins, , further information about cur- 0 Minnesota Chapter of the Mounds View,New Brighton,New rent openings, duties and American Planning Associa- Hope, Robbinsdale, Richfield, responsibilities, meeting dates tion"Public Education"Award Roseville and St. Louis Park. and times of the commission 0 Minneapolis Heritage Preser- Copies of the Planbook are meetings, please contact the vation Commission"Commu- available to Fridley residents at Secretary to the City Manager at nity Education" Award the Municipal Center. Cost is 572-3500. Applications will be 0 Minnesota Society of the $10. reviewed as commission open- American Institute of Archi- ings arise in 2000. tects "Special Award" 10 City of Fridley Community Program Reaches Out to Students in Need There is a program in Fridley Weekly meetings are sched- made the STRIVE covenant that is built on strong positive uled with Rotary members and improved their grade point aver- partnerships between the Rotary volunteers,who work individually age. They achieved a 91% atten- Club,City,schools,parents,busi- with students to help raise their dance average and many of these ness leaders and our children. grade point averages. Rotary students have gone on to college The program is called STRIVE and members also serve as mentors. or technical school after gradua- was developed to assist students In addition, professionals from tion. With the most recent report in the lower one-third of their our community are invited to talk cards, one student raised his class. Sponsored by Fridley's to the students and share posi- grade point average from 1.7 at Rotary Club, STRIVE attempts to tive, real world experiences. the end of last year to a 4.0 this reach students who have found Occasionally,field trips are taken quarter. little success in the classroom. to expose students to various Students are challenged to professions. Contributions Appreciated improve their coursework, gain If you would like to contrib- self-confidence and discover the STRIVE has a Proven Track ute to the STRIVE program as a satisfaction of achievement. Each Record business, organization or student begins by signing the At the end of each school year, individual, contact the Fridley STRIVE covenant to: the two students with the most Rotary Club, 7860 Alden Way NE, improvement in their grade point Fridley, MN 55432. ✓ Be regular in attendance. average are recognized with ✓ Work and study to the best community college scholarships of their ability. and other awards. Statistically, ✓ Develop a positive attitude. 75% of the students who have Volunteers Show 'Their City Pride Fire Hydrant Project Nears Completion A two-year fire hydrant Company donated a paint painting project is nearly P g P J Y sprayer to use on the hydrants. complete in Fridley. With A special thanks to all of the brushes and yellow paint fur- volunteers! Not only will the nished by the City, more than efforts of these residents make 50 volunteers have painted fire hydrants more visible for nearly every fire hydrant in our public safety reasons, but they city. The final five hydrants should also add to the curb should be painted in the spring. appeal of our neighborhoods. n Bob Schroer of Bob's l Produce Ranch spearheaded IM this painting project. George Dean was also very instrumen- More than 50 volunteers, tal in motivating volunteers of including Bob Schroer, scraped all ages. Members of Fridley and painted nearly every fire hydrant in Fridley. This two-year + r High School's cross-country prject will be completed in the team volunteered their time spring- and talent while Graco City of Fridley 11 f i DECEMBER FEBRUARY 13 City Council 1 New Years Day 2 Planning Commission 14 Special Election - Referendum 3 City Council 3 Housing & Redevelopment on Franchise Fee *Parks &s Recreation Comm. Authority 20 Special City Council Meeting - 5 Planning Commission 7 City Council Receive Statement of Canvass 6 Housing& Redevelopment *Parks & Recreation Comm. from Special Election Authority 9 Appeals Commission 24 Christmas Holiday - City Hall 12 Appeals Commission 14 City Council Closed 17 Martin Luther King, Jr. 16 Planning Commission 25 Christmas Day Holiday - City Hall Closed 21 President's Day Holiday - City 31 New Years Holiday - City Hall 18 Environmental Quality & Hall Closed Closed Energy Commission 23 Appeals Commission 19 Planning Commission 28 Council Conference Meeting 24 City Council *Charter Commission 31 Council Conference Meeting 29 *Cable TV Commission NOTE: Cable, Charter, Human *Charter Commission Resources and Parks & 1 Planning Commission Recreation Commissions meet at 2 Housing & Redevelopment Authority 7 p.m. All other commissions and 6 City Council the City Council meet at 7:30 p.m. All meetings are held at the Parks &, Recreation Commission Municipal Center,6431 University 8 Appeals Commission Avenue, NE. The public is 15 Planning Commission welcome. 20 City Council WINTER NEWSLETTER 2000 City of Fridley BULK RATE 6431 University Avenue NE U.S. POSTAGE MAYOR Fridley, MN 55432 PAID Nancy J. Jorgenson MINNEAPOLIS, MN COUNCILMEMBER-AT-LARGE PERMIT No. 2886 Robert L. Barnette COUNCILMEMBER 1ST WARD Steven E. Billings COUNCILMEMBER 2ND WARD Richard P. Wolfe COUNCILMEMBER 3RD WARD Ann R. Bolkcom CITY MANAGER William W. Burns EDITOR William Champa **ECRWSS** FRIDLEY SERVICE DIRECTORY Postal Customer ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES 571-3450 OFFICE HOURS: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. M-F; 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Tues. e-mail address: fridleyCaci firidleymn.us Web Site: www.ci.fridley.mn.us 24 HR. FRIDLEY INFO LINE 572-3600 24 HR. RECREATION HOTLINE 572-3578 24 HR. RECYCLING HOTLINE 572-3607 FRIDLEY LIQUOR STORE 571-3480 TDD 572-3534 POLICE(non-emergency) 572-3629 FIRE&POLICE EMERGENCY 911 FRIDLEY SENIOR CENTER 502-5150 SPRINGBROOK NATURE CNTR 572-3588