Loading...
FN February 2013At their November 19 meeting, the Fridley City Council approved the appointment of Darin Nelson as Interim City Manager of Fridley. Darin said he is honored to be selected and looks forward to addressing the challenges of local government during his interim tenure. Prior to his appointment as Fridley’s Finance Director on November 15, 2010, Darin worked for nearly six years as Assistant Finance Director for the City of Minnetonka. Before that, he worked for eight years as an auditor in the State Auditor’s Office. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Moorhead State University, and a Master’s Degree in Public and Non- Profit Administration from Metropolitan State University in Minneapolis. He is also a Certified Public Accountant. While Darin is uncertain at this point as to whether he will be a candidate for the City Manager position being vacated through the retirement of Bill Burns, he does report that he is eager to face the challenges of the Interim City Manager position. These challenges include assuring that City business will continue to operate smoothly and that the 2014 budgeting process moves forward expeditiously. He also sees it as important to February 2013 No. 180 A report to the citizens of Fridley 6431 University Avenue NE Fridley, MN 55432 phone: 763-571-3450 www.ci.fridley.mn.us e-mail: Fridley@ci.fridley.mn.us 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 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 Interim City Manager – Darin Nelson ensure that the 2013 capital improvement projects, including the 2013 street improvement project and the Locke Park water treatment project, begin in a timely manner. Additionally, he reports that he is committed to continuing the publication of the City’s newsletter on a bimonthly basis. Finally, Darin points out that he has a true passion for his career in local government and looks forward to the challenges of balancing the delivery of services while maintaining affordability for Fridley residents during his Interim City Manager tenure. Darin Nelson Named Interim City Manager Bill Burns was recognized at the December 10, 2012, Council meeting for his 24 years of service as the Fridley City Manager. An open house was held prior to the start of the meeting, and during the meeting, several local dignitaries presented Bill with accolades recognizing his achievements. One of those accolades included Mayor Scott Lund presenting Bill with a resolution proclaiming December 20, 2012, as Bill Burns Appreciation Day within the City of Fridley. Bill is leaving behind a legacy of leadership and commitment to the City of Fridley that will continue to influence policy decisions well beyond his tenure. Bill’s last official day was on December 31, 2012. Congratulations and best wishes, Bill, on your retirement. Fridley JOIN US AT THE 15TH ANNUAL NORTH METRO HOME AND GARDEN SHOW Saturday, February 23, 2013 at the Schwan Center 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. 1750 105th Ave NE, Blaine, MN This community event is designed to benefit both the citizens and businesses who participate, while helping inspire, encourage and support homeowners in our communities who want to improve their homes and yards. Sponsored by the Cities of Blaine, Fridley and Mounds View 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. Purchase your tickets in advance (for $5 each) Springbrook Nature Center 763-572-3588 •100 85th Ave –Fridley www.springbrooknaturecenter.org Saturday, March 30 from 12 - 4 pm Fee: $6 ($5 advance tickets) Springbrook Nature Center Spring Fling Bill Burns Recognized at Council Meeting page 2 F r i d l e y C o m m u n i t y R e p o r t Commercial/Industrial Valuation Challenges Down Periodically we write about tax valuation challenges raised by commercial and industrial property owners. These challenges can have a significant impact on both City revenues and on residential taxes. While it has not been unusual to have as many as eighty cases raised in a single year and a cumulative number of cases as high as 150, it is important to point out that there were sixty-two commercial/ industrial tax valuation cases raised in 2012 and that the cumulative number of all outstanding cases is now at 107. About half of the cases generated this year have been resolved through negotiations with City Assessor Mary Smith. Generally, the petitioners in these cases ask for 20- 25% reduction in property values over multiple years. While one case did go as far as the Minnesota Tax Court last year, none of the cases reached that level in 2012. In general, settlements reached through negotiations typically resulted in a 13-15% reduction in valuation. The three largest unsettled cases include a case brought forward by Medtronic Corporation more than two years ago. The appeal asks for a $248,974,000 reduction in property value over a five- year period (2009 to 2013). They also include an appeal by Target Corporation for the Target Superstore that amounts to $65,820,100 spread over four years (2009-2012). The last of the big three appeals is raised by Shamrock Investments for three Murphy Warehouse locations in Fridley. The contested value amounts to $59,481,500 spread over two years (2011 and 2012). If you have questions, please contact City Assessor Mary Smith at 572- 3537. Each year, we research a number of variables to test the strength of Fridley’s economic environment. There are some signs that the economy in Fridley is improving. Although construction is about where it was last year and assessed values are lower than last year, more recent housing sales are showing some improvement in the housing portion of the Fridley economy. At the same time, the number of people on food stamps and cash assistance has decreased for the first time in five years and unemployment levels have fallen for the second year in a row. The number of manufacturing jobs in Fridley has also grown modestly and levels of crime in Fridley during 2012 are virtually unchanged. Here are a few of the particulars. New Construction - The value of all new construction for the first ten months of 2012 was $25,958,602. This compares with $27,878,505 for the first ten months of 2011. Major projects for 2012 included the remodeling of Sam’s Club valued at $2,485,636, the Cub Foods remodeling valued at $4,190,098, and the remodeling of space adjacent to Cub Foods valued at $1,263,000. Other large projects included the remodeling of the second floor of the Fairview Clinic at 6401 University Avenue valued at $1,000,000, the addition of fire truck bays at the Minneapolis emergency operations center valued at $1,700,000 and the construction of a new gas station at Sam’s Club valued at $800,000. Employment - Fridley’s unemployment rate dropped from 6.6% at the end of September, 2011, to 5.5% at the end of September, 2012. This compares with a seasonally adjusted state unemployment rate of 5.8%, and a seasonally adjusted national unemployment rate of 7.8% at the end of September, 2012. Anoka County’s unemployment rate at the end of September, 2012 was 5.5%. The decrease in unemployment was accompanied by a .7% increase in the number of jobs in Fridley. As of the end of March, 2012, the overall number of full-time jobs (including public sector jobs) in Fridley was 21,778. This compares with 21,615 at the end of March, 2011. The same database (provided by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development) reveals that the number of manufacturing jobs in Fridley increased by 2.5% from 8,193 at the end of March, 2011, to 8,395 at the end of March, 2012. Property Values - Property values used for calculating levels of property taxation in Fridley have generally continued to decline. The estimated value of all Fridley property decreased from $2,293,790,500 in 2011 to $2,064,647,800 in 2012. The 10% decrease compares with a 3% decrease in 2011. The 15.8% decrease for single family homes was highest. The decline in property values for apartment buildings having four or more units was lowest at 1.7%. Decreases in residential property values have been accompanied by a 9.8% decrease in commercial values and an 11% decrease in industrial values. These values are assessed values rather than current, fair market values. The assessment process, as defined by state law, usually leaves us with values that are about eighteen months behind current fair market values. More recent statistics indicate that the housing market in Fridley is improving. The September report from the St. Paul Association of Realtors indicates that the median sales price for Fridley homes during the first nine months of 2012 increased by 4.6%. It also indicates that the number of closed housing sales during the same time period increased by 12.6%, and the number of Fridley homes on the market decreased by 9.9%. Data from the Minneapolis Association of Realtors also indicates that through the end of October, the percentage of distressed sales (short sales or foreclosures) decreased to 41.6% of all housing sales in Fridley. As late as the end of May, the distressed sale percentage was at 55.3%. Public Assistance - Anoka County reports the number of Fridley households receiving cash assistance and/or food stamps has decreased from 1,703 in September of 2011 to 1,636 in September of 2012. This represents a 3.9% decrease since last year at this time. The 3.9% decrease for 2012 compares with a 9.7% increase in 2011 and a 16.9% increase in 2010. Our report from School District #14 indicates the number of students receiving free or reduced lunches rose from 1,631 on October 1, 2011, to 1,638 on October 1, 2012. This .4% increase compares with a 3.8% increase in 2011 and a 2.5% increase in 2010. Altogether, 56.7% of District #14 students are receiving this benefit. Crime - The 2,928 crimes reported to Fridley Police during the first nine months of 2012 are virtually unchanged in number from the 2,929 crimes reported during the same time last year. The number of reported crimes (Part I and Part II combined) in 2012 represents the fourth year in a row that overall crime has decreased from the five- year high of 3,852 reported crimes in 2008. While overall crime numbers are virtually unchanged, those for Part I, or more serious crimes increased slightly from 1,039 to 1,052 representing a 1.25% increase. Fridley’s Economic Environment: The 2012 Picture Anoka Conservation District Offers Trees for Sale The Anoka Conservation District offers a wide variety of trees and other native planting stock, including black cherry trees, mixed oak trees, red maple trees, and white pine trees. The trees are approximately 18" to 24" in height and take the form of bare root seedlings. They may be purchased in bundles of ten for $17, or twenty-five for $30. If you are interested, go online and check out the Anoka Conservation District website at www.AnokaSWCD.org. Once there, you can go to the tree sale products section of the website and click on the species title which contains links to detailed descriptions and photographs of each of the varieties being offered. The website also contains information about the kinds of trees and shrubs to plant in your particular situation along with planting directions. If you prefer, you may talk directly to Anoka Conservation District staff by calling 763-434-2030. You may purchase trees and shrubs by going to the Anoka Conservation District website and using the online ordering option. You may also print a form from the website and mail in a payment. Alternatively, call the Anoka Conservation District office and have a form sent to you. Orders will be accepted until Thursday, April 11, and will be available for pickup April 27 at the Anoka County Fairgrounds between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. Please order early to guarantee availability. On November 6, 14,356 Fridley voters cast ballots for national state and local candidates. The 79% voter turnout was 3% higher than the statewide voter turnout. Mayor Scott Lund, whose seat was uncontested, captured 9,972 (69.5 %) of those votes. There were also 258 (1.7%) write-in votes and 4,126 (28.7%) individuals who chose not to vote for a mayoral candidate. Councilmember-At-Large Bob Barnette was re- elected over his opponent Rick Wolfe by a vote of 5,717 (53.4%) to 4,981 (46.6%). There were also 91 votes for write-in candidates and 3,566 voters who chose not to vote for any Councilmember- At-Large candidate. Fridley voters also selected President Barack Obama over challenger Mitt Romney by a vote of 8,748 (62.7%) to 5,205 (37.3%). The attached map shows the distribution of the presidential vote among Fridley’s twelve precincts. Other candidates selected by Fridley voters on November 6 included Amy Klobuchar over Kurt Bills by a vote of 9,825 (75.9%) to 3,113 (24.1%) in the U.S. Senate race and Keith Ellison over Chris Fields by a vote of 8,424 (65.2%) to 4,491 (34.8%) in the 5th District Congressional race. Voting for state legislative races in Fridley included contests between incumbent Barb Goodwin in Senate District 41 and her opponent Gina Bauman. Fridley voters chose Goodwin over Bauman by a vote of 8,527 (66.1%) to 4,377 (33.9%). In the race for State Representative from District 41A, Connie Bernardy beat her opponent Dale Helm by a vote of 8,574 (66.5%) to 4,326 (33.5%). As was the situation statewide, Fridley voters voted down both of the proposed constitutional amendments. In the case of the marriage amendment (recognition of marriage as being solely between a man and a woman) voters rejected this proposal by a vote of 7,689 (53.6%) to 6,473 (45.1%). Another 194 voters (1.3%) chose not to vote on this issue. w w w .c i .f r i d l e y .m n .u s page 3 Commons Park Water Quality Report Fridley’s Water Division Supervisor Kory Jorgenson recently commissioned the testing of Wells 6 through 9 at the Commons Park Water Treatment Plant. Results of the testing completed by Pace Analytical Field Services on November 15 indicate all water sources tested were well within acceptable drinking water standards for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Samples from Wells 6, 7, and 8 and the Fridley Municipal Center had no detectable VOCs. Well 9 had a very small detection of “cis-1,2-Dichloroethene;” but the amount detected was well below the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) standard set by the EPA National Primary Drinking Water Standard, as well as the Health Risk Limit standard set by the Minnesota Department of Health. While the Treatment Plant Discharge had very small detections of Trihalomethanes, these compounds, which are considered by-products of the breakdown of disinfectants used in the treatment process, were also well below the Maximum Contaminant Levels and Health Risk Limit Standards. The results have been forwarded to the Minnesota Department of Health. Residents who have questions about Fridley’s water quality testing may email Kory at jorgensonk@ci.fridley.mn.us. Movable Radar Signs to Be Installed Public Safety Director Don Abbott reports the Police and Public Works Departments have purchased a mobile radar sign that will be placed on streets throughout the City as priorities warrant. A sign, similar to the one pictured, will provide real time feedback on vehicle speed to drivers. The speed is detected by a radar module mounted within the sign. In addition to providing driver feedback, the sign will be used to collect traffic data which will be used in prioritizing the Police Department’s traffic enforcement efforts. The reports will include hourly summaries of traffic volumes, violator count, and minimum and maximum speeds. The computer software and equipment used in the signs will also generate charts and graphs for all data. The sign was purchased at a cost of $5,000 from Public Works funds and should be in use by mid- to late December. As we learn more about the results from this sign, we will update our readers in future newsletter articles. Based on the effectiveness of the first radar sign, the City will consider purchasing additional signs. Mayor Lund and Councilmember Barnette Re-Elected Fridley Community Calendar February 4 Charter Commission Parks & Recreation Commission 7 HRA 11 City Council 18 City Offices Closed in observance of President’s Day 20 Planning Commission 25 City Council March 4 Charter Commission Parks & Recreation Commission 6 Appeals Commission 7 Housing & Redevelopment Authority 11 City Council 12 Environmental Quality & Energy Commission 20 Planning Commission 25 City Council NOTE:City Council Meetings start at 7:30 p.m., all other meetings at 7:00 p.m. All 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 572-3500 at least one week in advance. 2012 Presidental Election Results Percent Vote Obama 55 to 60% Obama 60 to 65% Obama Greater than 65% Fridley voters also mirrored statewide voters in voting for or against the “Voter ID” amendment. Among those voting on this issue, 7,863 (54.8%) voted “no,” 6,245 (43.5%) voted “yes,” and 248 (1.7%) did not vote on this issue. While there were some long lines and a few people with little patience at several voting precincts, the election process in Fridley generally went smoothly. There were also no issues with vote counting in Fridley, and Fridley’s hard-working election judges were able to close the voting precincts at 8:00 p.m. as planned. After reconciling the reports within each precinct, the election process in the City was completed by 10:45 p.m. Congratulations to City Clerk Deb Skogen and her staff in the City Clerk’s office for successfully orchestrating the 2012 electoral process in Fridley. Each year, the President of the United States issues a proclamation declaring February as American Heart Month. This February, we would like to remind our readers that more than 935,000 Americans have a heart attack each year and all Americans ultimately face heart failure. What are the signs of a heart attack?If you experience chest pain that radiates into the neck, back, jaw, or arms, you may be having a heart attack. At the same time, you are probably experiencing difficulty breathing and may be experiencing nausea, cold sweats and light- headedness. You may also be experiencing heart palpitations where your heart feels like it is skipping a beat. What should you do if you have these symptoms? Don’t wait! Call 911 immediately. If you do not have allergies, you should also take an aspirin. While heart attacks are sudden events, heart failure is a chronic, progressive condition in which the heart muscle is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs for blood and oxygen. Generally, these conditions apply to people who are sixty-five or older. The main symptoms of heart failure are fatigue and shortness of breath, especially after strenuous activity, or in many cases, after doing something as simple as walking or climbing stairs. What can I do to prevent heart failure and prolong life?While vitamins may help, regular cardiovascular exercise at all ages, combined with page 4 F r i d l e y C o m m u n i t y R e p o r t Unity Hospital to Build Transitional Care Unit Last August we reported that Unity Hospital was joining with the Benedictine Health System (BHS) and the Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute to build a 75,000 square foot structure on the Unity Hospital campus. The structure was to have accommodated a fifty-bed transitional care unit and a twenty-bed inpatient rehab unit. The building was tentatively planned for either the south or east side of the Unity campus. Since then, Unity Hospital has modified its plan slightly. Current plans have the inpatient rehab unit housed within the hospital and completed by 2014 or later. It also will continue to partner with BHS to build a 50,000 square foot transitional care unit on the south side of the Unity campus. Architectural drawings for the project are expected to be completed by April 1 of this year. The estimated cost for the structure is $15 million. Pat Belland, Vice President of Operations for Unity Hospital, expects to submit a project-related land use application for consideration by the City’s Planning Commission and Council during the first quarter of the year. Construction would start sometime during the second quarter of 2013. Although the North Suburban Hospital District will issue bonds for the project, Belland reports that the Benedictine Health System will be the primary owner. Additionally, he reports that the new transitional care unit will enable Unity Hospital to greatly improve the coordination of acute care patient services with transitional care services and that Unity is proud to be building this model of care for the future. Springbrook Nature Center to Benefit From Habitat Improvement Grant At their December 10 meeting, the Fridley City Council approved an agreement with Great River Greening, a non-profit organization in St. Paul, that helps communities restore, manage, and learn about their natural environments. The agreement provides that Great River Greening, the recipient of a multiyear, $198,500 grant from the State of Minnesota, will prepare and implement a resources management plan for the Nature Center. The implementation of the plan will include the enhancement of sixty-six acres of oak woodland, savanna, and prairie through invasive species management and controlled burns of specific prairie and woodlands areas. The target date for the completion of the work is June 30, 2015. The agreement also provides that the City will provide $11,000 in local matching funds. This amount will be equally divided between a contribution from the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation and Springbrook Nature Center reserve funds. According to Springbrook Nature Center Executive Director, Siah St. Clair, the grant will bring tremendous improvement and allow the community to enjoy much improved upland habitat at the Nature Center for years to come. ACCAP Project Delayed In the December newsletter, we reported the City Council approved a master plan for a new thirteen- unit structure to be built by the Anoka County Community Action Program (ACCAP) later in 2013. At the same meeting, Council approved the vacation of an alley between Main Street and Second Street in the block bounded by 61st Avenue on the north and 60th Avenue on the south to accommodate this structure. ACCAP expected to use the units as rental housing for families whose median income fell below 50% of the area’s median income. Unfortunately for ACCAP, the project did not receive funding from the Minnesota Housing Finance Administration (MHFA) during the last quarter of 2012. Additionally, the Federal Home Loan Bank turned down a request for additional funding for the project due primarily to the fact that at the time of the latter application, ACCAP had not yet acquired ownership of a neighboring parcel owned by the Fridley Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA). According to ACCAP’s Executive Director, JoAnn Wright, because of steep competition for the money it is the “kiss of death for a project like this, if you do not have control of the land.” JoAnn also offers that ACCAP expects to apply for both the MHFA and the Federal Home Loan program money again this winter/spring. Assuming the second try at funding is successful; ACCAP expects to demolish its existing four unit structure at this location in fall 2013 and to have the new building ready for occupancy by mid-2014. As we hear more, we will provide updates on this topic in future newsletters. healthy eating and other healthy living choices is a much better way to prevent heart failure. What about social relationships?While positive social relationships are a very important source of stress relief and healthy living, negative social relationships that involve the use of tobacco or the excessive use of alcohol may increase the risk of heart failure. Speaking of alcohol, isn’t there evidence that red wine may be a positive force that helps reduce heart failure?Yes, there is some evidence that the flavonoids and antioxidants in red wine may reduce the risk of heart disease. These nutrients, however, may also be found in red grapes and red grape juice. In any event, those who go the red wine route are advised that use of red wine in moderation (no more than two glasses a day) is a key to its positive benefit. Overindulgence of any alcoholic beverage can increase the risks for high blood pressure, obesity, stroke, breast cancer, and suicide. What should do if I feel the fatigue that is associated with heart failure?It is very important that you talk to your doctor and evaluate your individual risks and needs. The internet is also a great source of information about managing your life under conditions of heart failure. The Center for Disease Control (a federal agency under the Department of Health and Human Services), the American Heart Association, and Mayo Clinic all have very useful websites that can help you control heart disease. Whatever you do, taking a positive, mindful approach to the dangers of heart disease can help you to achieve a very long and happy life. If you are interested in helping others, you may also want to consider learning CPR and how to use an AED. These tools will drastically improve the chances of survival for a victim of sudden cardiac arrest. If you are interested in these tools, contact Captain Renee Hamdorf in the Fridley Fire Department by calling 572-2612. February is American Heart Month w w w .c i .f r i d l e y .m n .u s page 5 Main Street Bikeway/ Walkway Update Last February, we reported the City had been awarded $110,000 in federal grant funding that together with $32,000 in local funding would be used to build a six-foot pedestrian walkway on the west side of Main Street between 61st Avenue on the north and 57th Avenue on the south. We also reported that we had applied for additional federal grant money to continue a combination bikeway and walkway on the west side of Main Street from 57th Avenue over I-694 to 43rd Avenue. Last February, we reported that Anoka County had hired Zayo Bandwidth to construct fiber optic cable throughout Anoka County with the help of federal funding and the use of $2.9 million in county funding. One year later, we are happy to report that as of mid-November, 271 miles of the 277 miles of fiber optic cable installation had been completed. The fiber optic cable connections to Fridley’s anchor locations have also been completed. These include the Fridley Municipal Center, the Public Works garage, the fire stations, the Commons Park Water Treatment Plant, the Springbrook Nature Center, and the Fridley Community Center (FCC). The connections to the Municipal Center and the Springbrook Nature Center are 1 gigabit connections. Connections to the fire stations and the FCC are 100 megabit connections. The settings for the connections to the Public Works garage and the Commons Park Water Treatment plant will be determined at such time as the City decides to activate them. With the installation of fiber optic cable, the County will turn next to installation of equipment that will allow the connection of the internal networks in each of the 145 anchor locations throughout the county. We have been told that these connections are likely to be completed by May 1, 2013. Once all of the connections are made, the system will be activated for all users simultaneously. As the connections are activated the City of Fridley and other units of local government will pay fees to Anoka County to help reimburse it for the $2.9 million in upfront costs. While the new fiber optic system serves to connect anchor locations, it does not automatically connect these locations to the internet. In the future, the City will need to decide whether to stay with Comcast internet service, switch to internet service provided by the State of Minnesota, or contract with some future non-governmental internet provider. At this point none of these providers, including CenturyLink and Comcast, have requested access to the new fiber optic network. As we indicated in prior articles, the supervision of the County-wide broadband program has been assigned to a multi-jurisdictional Governance Group that meets bi-monthly to develop policy for the use, maintenance and expansion of the network, as well as to address any other issues that may arise. Fridley’s IT Manager sits as Fridley’s representative to this group. Activation of this new system will save Fridley about $500 per month for telephone line connections to the Springbrook Nature Center and approximately $8,000 in future costs for file servers and other IT equipment. For more information, visit their website at www.ConnectAnokaCounty.com. Connect Anoka County Nears Completion Unfortunately, neither project unfolded as planned. The project over I-694 was not funded and the City’s engineering staff was unable to find time to design the northern most project due to competing priorities and the loss of an engineering technician. A similar thing happened to the City’s “Safe Routes to School” program. Competing priorities also kept engineering staff from designing safety improvement projects, such as sidewalk extensions and pedestrian pavement markings near Fridley’s schools. As we approach the 2013 construction season, Assistant Public Works Director Layne Otteson reports that the design for the Main Street walkway between 61st Avenue and 57th Avenue has been completed and is awaiting MnDOT review. Assuming no major problems with MnDOT, Layne reports the project should begin this spring and be completed by mid-July. Design work for the Safe Routes to School projects is about half completed. The City has turned over the remainder of the design work to a consulting firm and expects to have completed designs by late February. Layne expects these projects to begin in May and to be completed by early August. The City will provide updates in future newsletter articles. CSOs Provide Important Services The Fridley Police Department currently has four Community Service Officers (CSOs) who respond to many non-emergency and more routine service calls in Fridley. These calls include animal control calls, found property calls, abandoned and stalled vehicle calls, traffic accidents, and numerous other calls. They also provide traffic control at community events such as Pumpkin Night in the Park, ‘49er Days, and Winterfest, and assist police officers with crowd control and crime scene control. Additionally, they often assist the City’s Community Development staff with code enforcement cases, and they assist the Police Department by providing house and business checks. Finally, they assist police officers with many other public relations events, such as “Shop with a Cop,” “Safety Camp,” and Police Department tours. In general, the CSO role has been expanding and has become more complex. This is particularly true of animal control cases which have increasingly been governed by much stricter state laws that require much more inclusive paperwork. The CSO role has also grown in the sense that they have been expanding their traffic and crime scene control roles and have been increasingly called to assist the City’s Community Development staff with abatements related to code enforcement violations. In order to qualify as a CSO, an individual must be eighteen years of age, a high school graduate, possess a valid driver’s license and have a pristine driving record. Ideally, they should also have post- secondary course work in criminal justice, and have had some experience as a community volunteer. Once aboard, they are required to have basic medical training, records and data privacy training, several types of computer training, taser and defensive tactics training, defensive driving training, and ongoing general training. While not required, they are offered use of force training in which all of them participate. Left to right: Kong Vang, Mary Thell, Jeff Lambrecht Not Pictured: Jesse Cutler page 6 F r i d l e y C o m m u n i t y R e p o r t Inflow and Infiltration Study Moves Smoothly Sanitary Sewer Maintenance Supervisor, Greg Kottsick reports his flow metering and smoke testing of sanitary sewers went very well. Both processes occurred between mid-September and the end of October, in an area bound by Stinson Boulevard on the west, Old Central Avenue on the east, Osborne Road on the north and 73rd Avenue on the south. Altogether, there were 396 homes in the area. Of these, twenty-six or 6.5% of the total failed the initial test. Problems included smoke entering basements through dry floor drains, uncapped sewer disconnects, improper venting and missing caps in the front yard. Residents were very cooperative and very interested throughout the process. While improper venting issues required a visit from a plumber, all other issues were quickly resolved. In no case, did the problems found require extensive work or an assessment for serious costs. The smoke testing did, however, generate one 911 call from a residence on McKinley Street where an uncapped drain in a locked cabinet resulted in the filling of the basement with smoke. City crews assisted in locating the issue and quickly called off the Fire Department. The next inflow and infiltration study will begin in April in the Riverview Heights neighborhood. Greg Kottsick indicates he hopes to have the other areas completed by the end of 2013. Residents impacted by smoke testing will be notified by door hangers and letters sent prior to the testing in the area. Pawn Detective Continues to Pay Dividends The Fridley Police Department has had a very active Pawn Detective program since it’s initiation in 2007. The value of stolen items recovered has increased from $146,080 in 2007 to $284,350 in 2011, and to $348,140 through the first week of December, 2012. According to Public Safety Director Don Abbott, the work of the current Pawn Detective Jason Cardinal has also contributed significantly toward the resolution of seven Fridley burglaries, and one Coon Rapids burglary in 2012. Additionally, he has provided numerous valuable leads to other communities. There is also evidence to support the notion that the activities of the Pawn Detective program have served as deterrence to theft in Fridley. A large part of the increasing impact of the Pawn Detective program is no doubt related to the changing role of the Pawn Detective. In the initial years of the program, much of the Pawn Detective’s time was spent assuring compliance with the requirements of the Automated Pawn System (APS) maintained by the City of Minneapolis. Under this system which Fridley uses through a contract with Minneapolis, pawn shop personnel are required to maintain careful records of pawned items and those doing the pawning. As pawn shop personnel became more familiar with APS requirements, the Pawn Detective has spent much less time working to insure compliance by the pawn shop personnel and much more time working with victims locating stolen property. The Pawn Detective has also had more time to monitor the comings and goings of pawn shop customers, often sitting outside pawn shops in unmarked vehicles. The Pawn Detective’s aggressive work has continued to be cost effective. Expenses for the APS reporting program have been reduced by Minneapolis from $1 per transaction to $.60 per transaction and are expected to cost Fridley about $25,000 for 2012. Altogether, the Pawn Detective budget for 2012 was about $120,000. This includes the APS fee and the salary and fringe benefit costs for the Pawn Detective. These costs are offset by $121,800 in revenues from a $3 transaction fee the City charges pawn shops for each transaction. As we leave this topic, Pawn Detective Jason Cardinal asks that residents consider the importance of preparing inventories of all property in homes, garages and storage lockers, together with serial numbers for these goods. Having serial numbers for valuables will greatly increase the prospects for recovery if they are stolen. If you have questions about this process, please contact Jason at 572-3642 or by email at cardinalj@ci.fridley.mn.us. Readers may recall that in our October newsletter article, we explained that the inflow and infiltration studies, including smoke testing of sanitary sewers, is being done as a means of avoiding very expensive inflow and infiltration surcharges that are being levied for the first time in 2013 by the Metropolitan Council’s Environmental Services Division (MCES). By eliminating improper connections to the sanitary sewer system, the City hopes to reduce these charges for all Fridley property owners. If you have questions, contact the City’s Sewer Maintenance Supervisor, Greg Kottsick at 572- 3566 or by email at kottsickg@ci.fridley.mn.us. These are the words of Public Safety Director Don Abbott who believes it is extremely important to have Fridley police officers available to the schools and those who attend Fridley’s public schools. The importance of these officers to District #14 officials is evidenced by the fact that in 2011 after the City had cut funding for one of two School Resources Officers (SRO), the District found funding to replace this position. As of January 1, 2013, Officer Kevin Titus (R) is serving as the Fridley High School SRO, and Officer Nick Knable (L), who replaced Officer Mike Williams, is serving as the SRO at the Fridley Middle School. Both officers have offices at their respective schools and both teach drug and internet safety components of social studies classes. While they also spend some time patrolling the hallways, much of their remaining work consists of investigating criminal activity that takes place on school property or buses. They also follow up on child protection reports involving abuse or neglect as well as investigate criminal cases involving juveniles that take place outside of school. Many of their cases involve theft from lockers and internet harassment. SRO Program is of Vital Importance to Fridley Schools and the Police Department When school is out for school vacations or for the summer, the officers often follow-up on school- related investigations or attend departmental training. They also fill police patrol shortages, or help out with the Police Department’s Investigative Unit. When school is not in session, the officers’ salaries and fringe benefit costs are paid for by the City. If you have questions about the role of Fridley’s School Resources Officers, please direct your questions to Lieutenant Mike Monsrud at monsrudm@ci.fridley.mn.us. If you want to report an incident involving a juvenile or juvenile neglect, please call 911 or call Lieutenant Monsrud at 572-3640. 2012/2013 Inflow/Infiltration Program Focus Areas Focus Areas w w w .c i .f r i d l e y .m n .u s page 7 Oak Glen Creek Project Approved The Fridley City Council granted its approval to prepare final plans and order advertisement for bids for the Oak Glen Creek project at its meeting on December 3, 2012. The formal initiation of the project coincided with the completion of rights of entry and permanent easement agreements with the twenty-one property owners being impacted by the project. The project consists of a wide variety of corrective actions aimed at eliminating severe erosion along Glen Creek between East River Road and the Mississippi River. To date, the corrective actions have included removal of selected trees and the preparation of brush bundles to be used as stream revetments (structures placed on stream banks to absorb the energy of water). Other corrective actions will include the installation of rock check dams in the stream, installation of rip rap along stream banks, and erosion control blanketing and seeding. Shop With a Cop Was Superb It happened again! The Fridley Walmart, for the seventh year in a row, sponsored a shopping spree with Fridley police officers and other Police Department personnel on Tuesday, December 11. As in the past, each of the thirty-two elementary kids who were chosen for the shopping spree received a $75 gift card and a free meal at Subway. Altogether, the Fridley Walmart contributed $2,500 in gift cards and provided a place, wrapping paper, and bows for gift wrapping. The shopping spree begins when Fridley police officers pick the kids up at their schools. They are transported in shifts to the Fridley Walmart where they meet Santa (played by Lieutenant Mike Monsrud) and are given a choice of eating or shopping first. In both cases, they are accompanied by officers and other police personnel. Officer help includes assisting in picking out and wrapping gifts. Following the shopping at Walmart, the officers drive the kids home in police squads. Altogether, the shopping event lasts from about 2:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and about two hours for each kid. The children selected for this adventure included kids from kindergarten through 5th grade who are referred by a teacher, or selected by a school social worker, or nurse’s aide. The kids are from Fridley’s four elementary schools. Each year there are some interesting and some special shopping stories. Officer Kevin Titus, for example was so impressed with the polite manners of his little shopper, that he rewarded him with a special toy at his expense. Sergeant Steve Monsrud’s young shopper wanted to buy his “cop” a cup of coffee and a donut. In yet another unexpected incident, a shopper handed Public Safety Director Don Abbott an additional $25 for his young charge. And, for the fifth year in a row, a Walmart employee donated $100 of his own money to the event. The police personnel involved in this year’s “Shop with a Cop” included Public Safety Director Don Abbott, Captain Brian Weierke, Lieutenant Mike Monsrud, Sergeant Jim Mork, Sergeant Steve Monsrud, Officers Kevin Titus, Todd DesJardin, Joe Magaña, Mike Williams, Mike Keeley, and Bridget McBride. Other staff participants included Jill Koss, Michelle Zwicky, Laurel Anderson, Myra Harris Johnson, Ginny Helseth-Miller, and Community Service Officer Mary Thell. Several members of the Police Reserve also helped out. They included Officers Andy Benson, Patty Sarazin, Jim Pflipsen, Tom Stranik, and Bob Loso. Additionally, Jeanette Grant from Hayes School not only helped with gift wrapping, but recruited a number of other Hayes and Stevenson Elementary Schools staff to assist with the gift wrapping. They included Amy Stokes, Kathy Peacock, Dorothy Gargaro, Retha Aune, Reann Flood-Dargis, Alicia Bryan, Sara Rutledge, and Bobbie Johnson. As in past years, Crime Prevention Specialist Liz Chevalier did an outstanding job organizing the event. Will there be another “Shop with a Cop” in 2013? The answer is “yes.” Liz Graeser, Manager of the Fridley Walmart has already begun filing the paperwork to make it happen again. Many thanks to Walmart and to all of those involved in making this fun-filled event happen. The project cost is estimated at $422,500 including engineering and administrative costs. Of this amount, $379,800 will be paid for through a state Clean Water Legacy grant that was received earlier this year by the Anoka Conservation District. Of the remaining cost, 50% will be provided from the City’s Storm Water Fund and an equal share will be assessed to the twenty-one benefiting property owners. The project was advertised in December. Council is scheduled to consider awarding the bid for the project this spring. Most of the project work would be completed prior to the end of summer. If bids are not favorable, the project construction may be deferred until late in 2013. Many thanks are in order to the Anoka Conservation District for securing the grant and to the Conservation Corps of Minnesota for completion of the tree removal portion of the project in October. Thanks also to the property owners who have supported this project and provided easements needed to complete this project. During the second week in December, representatives of the federal EPA in Chicago hosted interviews with Fridley residents in order to better understand the community and its concerns regarding Fridley’s Superfund sites. The objective of the December interviews was to create a Community Involvement Plan or roadmap for the EPA’s involvement with these sites. In the interviews, residents were asked about how they get their information about Fridley’s Superfund sites and the length of time they had been aware of the sites. They were also asked whether they felt adequately informed about the sites and where they thought future public meetings regarding the sites should be held. On January 30, the EPA sponsored two Community Advisory Group (CAG) informational meetings where EPA staff worked with citizens who are interested in forming a CAG. Once the CAGs are established, the members will develop their own procedures, elect their own officers, choose their own ground rules and prepare their own mission statements. These groups are described in EPA literature as informal advisory groups which interact with MPCA and EPA in matters regarding the cleanup of Superfund sites by the EPA. While EPA and presumably MPCA staff will attend these meetings, the direction of these meetings will be the responsibility of local citizenry. For more information about the CAGs or Fridley’s Superfund sites, the EPA suggests you visit their website at www.epa.gov/region5/cleanup/fridley/ index.html. EPA to Establish Community Advisory Groups(s) Seniors Tour Nearby Housing In October, Fridley’s Senior Coordinator, Connie Thompson, organized two tours of senior housing facilities in Fridley and nearby locations. In each case, ten seniors traveled in a van to five different senior housing locations. These included the Landmark of Fridley (located on the former Sandees Restaurant site), White Pines Senior Living (located along Old Central Avenue), Meadowood Shores (near the New Brighton Cub Foods), River Village East (in Northeast Minneapolis), and Crestview Senior Communities (Highway 65 and 42nd Avenue in Columbia Heights). Upon arrival at each location, staff from these facilities conducted tours of common areas and a variety of apartments. After answering questions about cost and amenities available at the various types of lodging (independent living, housing with services, assisted living, and memory care), staff escorted each group to dining areas where they had a chance to sample food available at each location. Seniors who took the tours found a wide variety of accommodations, amenities, appearances and food, and in general, found the tours to be very interesting and helpful. While cost was a concern to all of them, they will each have future access to counselors who will help them work out the details of a financial package which best meets their needs and circumstances. Readers may be happy to learn that Ms. Thompson is planning additional tours of these senior housing options during the week of April 7. She also points out that there are brochures describing the five senior housing locations in the Senior Program office. If you have questions, please direct them to the program office by calling 502-5150. w w w .c i .f r i d l e y .m n .u s page 8 The Fridley Lions Club hosted the 37th Annual Holiday dinner for Fridley seniors at the Fridley Community Center on Tuesday, December 11. About 306 seniors attended a dinner that included roast turkey and cornbread stuffing, cranberries, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, and peach cobbler or sweet potato pie for dessert. Abundant Catering from St. Paul catered the dinner. Tara Brueske played the piano and sang a variety of both contemporary and traditional Holiday songs. Lion Jim Kostick also amazed those present with his magic act. Additionally, participants enjoyed more than 100 door prizes that were collected by the Fridley Lions Club. While the Lions did not cook the meal, they and their wives served the dinner, cleared the tables and washed dishes. According to Pete Borman, who was on dishwashing duty, the Lions thoroughly enjoy this annual event and look forward to its continuation in the coming years. Connie Thompson, Senior Coordinator, says the seniors always look forward to this event and are very grateful for the first-class job the Fridley Lions do on behalf of the Fridley seniors. She is particularly grateful to Lion Jeff Hood who coordinated the event, Homer Melton for collecting the door prizes, and to local merchants who contributed door prizes for the event. Fridley Lions Host Holiday Dinner for Seniors After interviews with representatives from two city management search firms on October 22, the Fridley City Council selected Slavin Management Consultants of Norcross, Georgia, to conduct the search for Fridley’s next City Manager. The selection was made at a special meeting on November 13. Thereafter, the principal consultant, Robert E. Slavin, interviewed each member of the City Council and each of the Fridley department managers individually to assess the ideal qualifications and develop a profile for the person replacing retiring City Manager Bill Burns. Slavin completed the profile during the second week of December and submitted it to Council for its review. He also began advertising and making contacts with potential candidates. At the time of the writing of this article, he expected to have identified a list of twenty to thirty semi-finalists for Council’s consideration by late January, and planned to hold a progress meeting with Council in early February. Depending on conclusions reached at the progress meeting, Slavin hoped to begin scheduling Council interviews with five or six finalists by early to mid-March. Once a finalist has been selected by Council, Slavin will attempt to negotiate the terms of a contract. Upon successful negotiation of an employment contract, Council will be ready to appoint Fridley’s new City Manager. While it is difficult to predict how long the selection process will take, Slavin believes that if all things proceed normally, the Fridley City Council should have identified its next City Manager by late April. We will provide an update on this process in the City’s April newsletter. City Manager Search Update Do you have a case of cabin fever? Get out with Fridley Recreation as we follow travel themes to some spectacular vacation spots this spring! We’ll meet in the ZONE at the Fridley Community Center for this fun-filled week and then head out to a variety of exciting destinations. Sign up for individual days or the whole week. For program details go to www.ci.fridley,mn.us or call 763-572-3570 Fridley Recreation Spring Break Vacations Monday - Friday, March 25 - 29 Fridley 2013 Recycling Drop-off Days Announced The 2013 Recycling Drop-off days are scheduled for Saturday, April 13 and October 12. The event is open to Fridley residents from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Fridley Public Works Garage at 400–71st Ave. NE (behind Columbia Arena). Residents have an opportunity to get rid of old fluorescent tubes, electronics like televisions and DVD players, appliances, scrap metal, car batteries, small engines (ex. lawnmowers) and bicycles. Charges apply for larger items. Old prescription drugs in their original containers are also collected for disposal. Questions about the Fridley drop-off events or recycling? Call (763) 572-3594 or go online to www.ci.fridley.mn.us/recycling-drop-off-days.