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1997 Fall SEPTEMBER FALL 1997 OCTOBER No. 96 NOVEMBER FALL HOME MAINTENANCE TIPS by Margaret Metzdorff HRA Remodeling Advisor It seems like summer just arrived and now it's time to get -For central air conditioning systems,cover the outside ready for sub-zero winter days alongside with the gas compressor unit with plastic. company.. The follow items may ease the shock. Since •For hot water heating systems(boilers),bleed radiators. some of these are time consuming or require assistance from a trained professional,start now and beat the rush. Insulation Windows and Doors *Roof and attic spaces are major sources of heat loss which can contribute to higher heating bills,melt snow Check •weather-stripping for damage and a snug fit, and cause ice damning. -caulking between the trim and siding, •Check to see if you have adequate amount of insulation in *storm doors and windows for proper fit and your attic. operaton. Repair any damaged or missing glass.' Insulate hot water pipes andwarm air heating duitshin°the basement. Heating System 4 14 *Have your heating system inspected and cleaned every 2 ` 'Outside to 3 years by a qualified professional. *Rake and/or recycle your leaves. •Check your fire and CO detectors. Change your batteries .Clean gutters and down-spouts after all the leaves are off once a year. the trees. A.%,;r tr •Replace the filter on your furnace every month during the .Shut off outside waterlines and drain outside faucets. . heating season.if you have a built-in humidifier,clean or replace the filter as recommended by the manufac' a •Clean window wells and storm drains of debris. Iw � a„ •Prune branches of trees growing near or over your house •Cleats y6 :ductwork eveiy two d _ and garage.Don't prune oak trees until after Novem- �`�` ber V`,or later than April P •If possible,check chimney and flue pipes for any obstruc- � tions or debris(bird nests). If you would like assistance with home improvement o ' •Have your wood burning stove or fireplace chimney remodeling projects,or if you would like more information cleaned every year. If you use it infrequently,have it about fall maintenance,please feel free to call 572-3515. clean every 3 to 4 years. Both week day and evening appointments are available. -Remove window air conditioners. This is a free service provided by the Fridley HRA. F A L L 1 9 9 7 O 1 FRIDLEY AT THE CROSSROADS--MILEPOST4 by Dennis L.Schneider Councilmember, Ward 2 About one year ago, I reported on our efforts to maintain this year,we began pumping up to 1.5 million gallons per Fridley's housing stock. In this article,I would like to day of newly filtered water from our new filter plant on expand my comments to cover a number of other efforts Highway 65. As a result of this improvement,more than 95 that the City is making to improve liveability in Fridley. percent of our peak demand for water can now be met with filtered well water. As you travel down University Avenue, you no doubt And what about the housing rehabilitation program that I have noticed the new townhome project being built by reported on last fall? While demand for our loan programs Rottlund Homes near the intersection of Mississippi Street. has dropped below last year's record level of 144 loans,our As we begin the second year of construction,we can loans are still in big demand. As of mid-August,we had report that 63 of the 118 units are now either completed or processed 49 loans and continue to provide one of the under construction and 53 units have been sold. This is most successful housing rehabilitation programs in the about where we planned to be by this time. metropolitan area. Unfortunately,we have not yet con- vinced the State to assume more of the funding responsi- You may have also noticed the construction at what was bility for what we regard as a metropolitan-wide problem. once the Park View Elementary School,located at the intersection of 61 st Avenue and 7th Street in Fridley. The While we have experienced many successes since I last City has partnered with School District 14 to create a new reported to you, I must also regrettably point out that we Fridley Community Center that will provide badly needed have not seen any new construction on the drive-in movie space for senior and youth programs,as well as meeting theater site. We had hoped, by now,to have attracted new room space for all age groups. While the City is spending corporate office facilities to this location. While we have about$1.5 million for its share of this project and the not given up on corporate office facilities,we are asking construction of a new full-sized gymnasium at Hayes ourselves whether or not the original vision for the site Elementary School,we are nearing our goal of more than should be altered to allow for the construction of one story, $200,000 in contributions from individuals,community high technology office/production facilities. In the organizations and businesses for furnishing and equipping meantime,we are using Federal ISTEA money to upgrade the Community Center. We have also acquired a$280,000 the"Lake Pointe"intersection with Highway 65. This,and Youth Initiatives Grant for finishing the lower level of the the improvement of the I-694/Highway 65 intersection,are new Community Center addition. We expect all but the scheduled for construction in 1998. lower level of these new facilities to be open by October 1, 1997. And that is my story for this year. If you would like to talk with me about these or other issues, I would like to hear In addition to upgrading the City's recreational facilities, from you. You can reach me at my home by dialing we have also been improving our water system. In June of 571-7059 or by e-mail at dennyls@aol.com. A F A L L 1 9 9 7 NEW MATERIALS ACCEPTED AT RECYCLING CENTER by Julie Jones Recycling Coordinator ' In response to a strong need for more convenient accepted at no charge to Fridley residents. However, disposal options for certain materials,the Fridley residents of other cites will be charged posted fees. Recycling and Aluminum Redemption Center is Please bring your drivers license or recent NSP bill to accepting three new items. verify city of residence. Lamps that are broken or taped together will not be accepted. Appliances Appliances will be accepted every day the Recycling Scrap Metal Center is open for a fee of$10.00 per appliance. Air Scrap metal will be accepted at no charge. This conditioners cost extra. Appliances that must be includes old lawn mowers(make sure gasoline,oil, recycled,according to State law,include: refrigera- and tires are removed), swing sets, lawn chairs( tors,freezers,washers,dryers,dehumidifiers,garbage webbing removed),clothes line poles,auto parts, disposals,trash compactors,microwaves,water metal pots and pans(non-metal handles removed), heaters, furnaces, stoves, dishwashers, and air metal trash cans, etc. Make sure all non-metal parts conditioners.Proper handling includes removal of and fluids are removed. Clean out your garage for hazardous materials(like PCB's and freon)and winter! recycling of scrap metal. People will be required to unload their appliance without assistance. This new service option is a replacement for annual clean up days. It allows residents to dispose of these O materials all year round instead of waiting in line only one day per year to recycle these materials. Many other materials can already be recycled locally. If you want more information regarding your disposal Fluorescent Lamps options,call the City Recycling Coordinator at 572- Fluorescent lamps of all types and shapes will be 3594. F A L L 1 9 9 7 AN INVITATION TO FRIDLEY RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES by Nancy J. Jorgenson Mayor The City's 50t1 anniversary in 1999 will celebrate all ings are as follows: that we have achieved as a community. As we prepare to celebrate our past,we will also be taking Area 4: October 15, 1997 time to chart our future in a new Comprehensive Areas 5 & 6: November 19, 1997 Plan. Your participation will be a key part of this Area 7: December 17 process. All of the meetings begin at 7:30 p.m.and are held in A Comprehensive Plan is a document which interre- the Council Chambers. If you cannot attend these lates several different aspects of the City's social and meetings,make sure you complete and return the built environment toward an overriding set of goals or survey.. principles for the future(usually a ten year C'co-none-pensive Plan Survey Issue Areas, Planning Area 1 timeframe). The plan contains goal statements about Once the initial set of meetings are complete, a new issues each_a .nei tabcrbQ9.dvitality,housi aarks_____-Plan-will.-he,writt-enthe infonnationgathercd and recreation,safety,transportation,natural re- during Ithe meeting process. The second set of sources, aid how different areas of the City should meetings for each of the Planning',Areas will occur in be developed. fihp pity's mist recent plan was 1119?98 to review the Plan prior to adoption by the Qity adopted)iq 19,82. Th roceSs,,to crOalte the pl*ri should be a careful It Is i6portant fbi your ideas be heard. What do -- -, - one. InvoiW meat} m res��r is and businesses is y1op*alnt Fridleyjo be? Wh ideas do you ihave to extt�meiy iroportah and anIiit�nsive paqjcipat ion chiange=gri improv ei Fridley fo he fu re? . process haS [l gravlcea le oppQr- tunitiesfonnede_ t h' �ssirs s HE ide_ lheir �ults_of Ve tle st_thtde Plan- goals,an i ung mtoa me rt ory a e and p _._ __...; N W N a, ° T N Ikelpful The rqults of-these Vrveys an be obtained °' ca a � °' (n The City has°been divided ii4o sever"Planziing � By calls*the C�mmuatty De�lopment Department Areas". The Plannii,*Com�pission is hosts g a at 572-1, 92. S J "Planning Area"meeting felt each area. Iu�additwe Ar"- ❑Like About Fridley ■Dislike About Fridley each resident and business receives a written survey I strongly encour "NCW �s prior to the meeting. Three Planning Area meetings which will map out the City's future in the 2151 have already been held. The remaining area meet- Century. Q F A L L 1 9 9 7 1 Thinking o a New Home but Want to STAY in Fridley.? Have you ever thought of building a new home in Fridley? Like many people you probably think that there are very few vacant residential lots left in the 7 City. Building a new home in Fridley has many advantages:excellent location,good schools,great fl 3 o a employment opportunities,low property taxes and 1 2 mature neighborhoods. 1 � 1 Since 1995,the Fridley Housing and Redevelop- s 4 ment Authority(HRA)has administered a special program to acquire and remove older,substandard j housing stock and sell the vacant lots for construc- tion of new homes. This Fall,the HRA will again sell lots it has acquired. Lots are sold on a first- 15 come,first-serve basis,but can only be reserved by a buyer-builder team. All homes must be new d D construction and comply with the HRA's design guidelines. The homes must be constructed within four months of acceptance of your offer. Fridley Neighborhood Boundaries For a list of the sites currently available or to learn g pP ty more about this exciting o ortuni please call �� ...: Grant Fernelius,Housing Coordinator at 572-3591, r for a buyer information packet. F A L L 1 9 9 7 1 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday I Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 Holiday PL HR ' t 7 8 CC 9 10 11 12 13 PR 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 EQE PL e n a r � 21 22 23 24 2.5 26 27 CC A 28 29 30 CH 1997 Fall Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 PL HR 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 PR A HRA Calendar Codes 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 V CC PL 19 20 Council 21 22 23 24 25 A Appeals Commission Conf. EQE A 26 27 CH 28 29 30 31 CC City Council CC CH Charter Commission Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday I Thursday Friday Saturday CTV Cable TV & Telecommunications Comm. 1 EQE Environ. Quality& Energy Committee 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 HR Human Resources Commission PR PL HR y 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 HRA Housing& Redevelopment Authority OCC Holiday A HRA 16 17 Council 18 19 PL 20 21 22 PL Planning Commission Con. EQE CTV 23 24 CH 25 26 27 28 29 PR Parks & Recreation Commission 30 CC A Holiday Holiday The City Council meets at 7:30pm in the Municipal Center located at 6431 University Avenue NE. The public is welcome. The Cable, ' Charter,and Park& Recreation Commissions meet at 7pm. Other Commissions meet at 7:30pm. Hearing impaired persons planning to attend public meetings who need an interpreter,or others with disabilities who require auxiliary aids,should contact the City Manager's Office at 572- 3500 ten days before the meeting. The Municipal Center is accessible to persons with disabilities. 0 F A L L 1 9 9 7 • ASSESSORS UPDATE LEAF DROP OFF by Julie Jones by Ed Hervin Recycling Coordinator City Assessor As Fall nears,the Fridley's leaf and grass transfer site will open for the fall season on Tuesday, regular viewing of properties September 16,1997. It will remain open until mid-November,weather ends and the inspection of new permitting. The site is located in the Fridley Recycling Center lot on construction begins. New construction 7 P Avenue NE,behind Columbia Arena. No brush or tree limbs are includes recently built townhouses, a few accepted at the site. individual residences and some commercial properties. The largest amount of new construction m6t,'i and fees are as follows: for this year has been in residential remodeling. Hours: Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays 9:00 am to 5:00 pm The most recent legislative session made many changes in our property tax rate system. There will be a 20%refund Fees: $2.00 for up to 10 bags of this years'payable tax included with next years' income tax. $3.50 for a loose load Commercial and apartment tax rates were reduced for seasonal and permanent residential properties. At this point, it is not Residents must debag leaves and take their bags with them, known what effect the reduced tax rates will have on the total as they leave the site. taxes payable. The state will also be giving additional funds to the schools to lighten the tax burden. There will be an amount If you need to get rid of leaves or grass before September 16 listed on the tax statements stating how much the state is adding or on the days our site is not open,remember that Anoka to the school funding. The intent of the reduction in residential County's Bunker Hills Compost Site is open all summer and rates was to have the total residential property tax remain at close is free of charge. The Bunker Hills site is located in Coon to the same as much as possible. Due to the reduction in Rapids on Hanson Blvd.,one mile north of Main Street. commercial and apartment rates,more of the tax will be shifted to the residential class. Since Fridley has a rather high amount of The Bunker Hills Site is open: both apartment and commercial value,a greater shift may Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays occur in comparison to many other cities. 7:00 am to 7:30 pm(or sunset,if earlier) Saturdays 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Anoka County is currently trying to recalculate the values Sundays Noon until 5:00 pm based on the new class rates to see what effect this will have on all the taxes. Budgets haven't been submitted by the cities or school districts as of yet;therefore, there won't be an exact calculation of the new taxes,rather,it will be a mere estimate based on the new tax rates. The Truth-in-Taxation hearings will be held later in the Fall when all budgets have been submitted. =` F A L L 1 9 9 7 • NATIONAL NIGHT CUT 1997 by Julie Swanson Crime Prevention Specialist against crime. In the past several years, Fridley's partici- Each year the celebration grows bigger and bigger and this pation has been nationally recognized by the National year Fridley celebrated it's most successful National Night Association of Town Watch for it's celebrations! In 1996 Out ever. Despite the rain,National Night Out 1997 was a the City of Fridley placed 2"d nationally for it's population huge success! This year over 120 block captains hosted 75 category. NNO originated in Pennsylvania in 1983 and has parties. Many of the parties had over 50 people participat- continued to grow since that time. 1997 marked our 91 ing. Although the number of parties hasn't increased over year of participation! the years, the number of people participating has grown tremendously! Since most police contact with the community during the rest of the year is not always positive,National Night Out 11 of the Neighborhood Resource Officers,along with 9 gives the Police Department the opportunity to"socialize" other Police Department representatives visited all of the with the residents. Through programs like National Night parties. For the past several years the Fridley Fire Depart- Out and Neighborhood Crime Watch,residents and the ment joined in the celebration with 18 firefighters attending police department can work together to heighten crime the parties in their Fire Trucks and Rescue Squads. prevention awareness and reduce criminal activity within National Night Out is a nation-wide effort to unite citizens the neighborhoods. e Vw A ECR 1 1tCy J w BULK RATE � ob�rt U.S.POSTAGE C PAID � `�' • Minneapolis, MN Coucilrtt e- 2nd wart} Permit No. 2886 Cauncihtiember 3rd Ward Aer R. xtlr am z `- City Manager liam .-urns > ¢ kn � Idltar. sir;irtrteCl yz ECRWSS Aditttstr�#tces„�Mttt�tl�`[�r 37� 4S`t1 - p ittiL ePi � .. Postal Customer3600 24 otatr iec rtt Im l�iitFn e =9397 l DI7 �H��'+lti: rrme �y� FIRE Anka Q F A L L 1 9 9 7 DECEMBER WINTER 1997-1998 JANUARY NO. 97 FEBRUARY LANDSCAPING THE FRIDLEY COMMUNITY CENTER by Michele McPherson Planning Assistant On September 20, 1997,50 volunteers,under the direction of Fridley stafffers Dave Linquist,Park Maintenance ' Supervisor,and Michele McPherson, Planning Assistant, assembled to plant trees and shrubs and to lay sod. The sun was shining,the sky was blue, and as the day pro- ,s gressed,fluffy white clouds drifted lazily across the sky as the Community Center was transformed from bare earth to a e, green and lush landscape. Volunteers of all ages,from middle-schoolers to seniors participated in the effort. Dave Lindquist moves a blue spruce The volunteers, including Mayor Nancy J.Jorgenson,and into position. Councilmembers Steve Billings and Ann Bolkcom, in- stalled approximately$6,000 worth of landscape materials-- 17 crabapple trees,680 yards of sod,and 16 yards of rock. The materials were paid for from donations made to the Middle schoolers and seniors install a Community Center. hedge along 61st Avenue. `x 1 Councilmember Billings assists Jack Kirk and William Burns in planting crabapple trees. sae b a MINE �' �d Thanks to all who volunteered! W I N T E R 1 9 9 7 O THE FRIDLEY COMMUNITY CENTER IS OPEN by Ann Bolkcom Ward 3 Councilmember The grand opening of the Fridley Community Center was City hired an architect who in turn is working with youth, held on Sunday,November 23, 1997,between 2:00p.m.and seniors,representatives from the school district,and 4:00p.m. It marked an important milestone for a project that representatives from City staff. The group met recently began last year when the Fridley City Council and the and prepared a list of more than 25 design ideas. Fridley School Board agreed on the terms for its construc- tion. Since the school district was providing renovation for The product that has grown out of all of these efforts is a their portion of what was then the Community Education significant one that will provide a great return on our Center,the City pledged approximately$1.5 million for the community investment. The newly remodeled gymnasium renovation of four classrooms and the construction of the will be available for youth basketball,congregate dining, new 10,000 square foot addition. and adult recreation events. This area together with a remodeled kitchen can also be used for pancake breakfasts, This cooperation has continued through a community receptions,and holiday dinners. When the lower level of fund-raising campaign that has raised more than$248,000 the building has been completed,there will be two lounges, from individuals,community organizations and Fridley each with a fireplace,which will serve as an attractive place businesses. The contributions will be used to provide for drop-in activities for seniors,youth and anyone else furnishings for the Community Center and to support the who cares to visit. landscaping that was done in the area around the newly established patio and parking lot. In addition to the lounge areas,there is flexible space on both levels that can be divided into meeting rooms,or Not only has the community contributed generously to the opened up for receptions,dinners,and other social project,but on Saturday,September 20,a group of approxi- functions. There is also a new audio visual room that was mately 45 individuals including youth,adults,members of created by combining two classrooms. It has been the City Council,and City employees,landscaped the equipped with state of the art projection cameras, large project. The group started at 8:00a.m.and worked until screens and a new sound system. This audio visual area 4:00p.m. They planted trees,hauled rock and laid sod, can become a virtual theater and be used for entertainment, among other things. What was really impressive about the instruction,and public meeting space. A very attractive whole operation was that everyone was willing to help outdoor patio can also be used for receptions, dinners, where needed and appeared to be having a great time. dances,and a variety of other social events. A games area in the lower level will include pool tables,fooseball tables, Now that the upper level of the Community Center is etc.,and will be available for seniors during the day and nearing completion,work has begun on the lower level. youth in the evenings. There is also a room for health The City has received a Youth Initiatives Grant from the screening and new offices for senior center staff. State of Minnesota,that will provide for finishing the 4,400 square foot basement area. In order to plan the area,the We hope you will enjoy this new facility. AW I N T E R I 9 9 7 1998 BUDGET IN BRIEF by William W. Burns City Manager The 1998 budget for the City of Fridley will be explained in a supports a number of important capital improvement projects special"Truth-in-Taxation"hearing that is scheduled for 10:00 including the reconstruction of Hackmann Avenue,the a.m.on Saturday,November 29, 1997. The time and date are the improvement of 571h Ave.between University Ave.and Main St. results of State mandates and not be choice of the Fridley City and major playground equipment upgrades for Briardale, Council. Edgewater Gardens,Plymouth Square,Ruth Circle and Sylvan Hills Parks.We will also be completing the lower level of the The budget for next year for all funds will decrease by 7.4% FCC with the help of a$250,000 Youth Initiatives Grant from due to the absence of funding for Community the State of Minnesota. Center construction. The General Fund budget will increase by 2.6%.Most of "��' �iN4 �' �' � k A common questions that we hear as this increase will go toward cost of living budget time approaches is: How much adjustments for employees and toward by Ed Hervin will all of this be costing me in addi- the operating costs of the new Fridley City Assessor tional taxes?The short answer is that Community Center(FCC).The budget The Truth-in-Taxation hearings will be there is a small levy increase that will also provides for an increase in the add about$7 to the taxes on a$90,000 held near the end of November. Notices cost of the City's recycling programs. home.We are also proposing a$2 per will be sent showing the market value for Costs for water and sewer services, quater increase in the City's solid however,will remain much as the the taxes payable in 1998 and the taxes Y waste abatement fee.There will, were in 1997. based on budget estimates by all taxing however,be no increases for water authorities. This will include the changes sewer services. In addition to providing for the made by the 1997 Legislature. Estimated tax delivery of police,fire,public works, rates have been put together by Anoka If you have an interest in the recreation and a wide range of County. Budget hearings will be held for all budget, we encourage you to attend governmental service,the 1998 budget taxing authorities at various locations, such the budget hearing. as city hall for Fridley,the county offices for their portion of the taxes and the IT'S SURVEY TIME school districts on their budgets. The City Assessor is still working Once again,the City is conducting on the annual review and the how people feel about their neighbor- surveys. This year,we are doing two new construction is being hoods and how your feelings about all surveys--one for Fridley businesses and inspected. these things may be changing over time. one for residents. The business survey is a mail-out survey that has been sent to 850 If you are a Fridley businessperson or one of businesses. The citizen survey is a telephone survey our telephone survey respondents, we hope you that will be conducted among a sample of 500 Fridley residents. will take the time to give us your feedback. Once the survey has been completed the results will be made available through The two surveys are being done as a means of getting your the Chamber of Commerce,the four school districts and special feedback on the delivery of City services. We are also inter- programming on the City's cable access channel. If you would ested in gathering information that will help the City Council like to receive a copy of the results,give us a call at 572-3500. make future policy decisions.Additionally,we want to know W I N T E R 1 9 9 7 TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND WIRELESS DEVICES by Robert Barnette Councilmember-at-Large One of the first lessons I learned from purpose of these actions is to give the Council cannot promise"not in my back my high school physics class was"for City some control of where the antennas yard", but the recently-adopted every action,there is an equal but and towers would be located. ordinance will permit these facilities in opposite reaction". The action of all of industrial areas and on selected us to enjoy our wireless toys,i.e.,cell What we are looking at realistically is municipally-owned sites. phones, pagers, personal computers, et the placement of poles,towers,and al,has created a reaction throughout the antenna-like structures of 100 to 150 feet The concepts proposed in the ordinance telecommunications industry and the in height that would provide the signals would allow towers and antennas on federal government to provide the necessary to allow the use of wireless "approved sites" as a permitted use and means to sustain these wireless devices. These devices will not go as a special use in industrial areas. appliances. away and will multiply immensely in the Proposals to add sites as a permitted next five years as consumers demand use will require a public hearing process The Federal Communications Commis- more wireless services. similar to a rezoning application and will sion(FCC)was given power by Con- require an affirmative vote of four out of gress with the Federal Telecommunica- I have had several calls and comments five councilmembers. Special use tions Act of 1996 to open up nearly with regard to the placement of the permits in industrial areas will also every communication sector to competi- poles,towers,and antennas in the City. require a public hearing process but a tion,eliminating barriers to entering the Some callers have supported the simple majority vote by the City Council market. Basically,the Act gave cities concept of placing these towers on will be required. The ordinance also jurisdiction in areas such as public specific approved sites,some of them requires specific site development rights-of-way and land use,but the municipally-owned,as long as it is not standards to screen ground equipment cities could not deny access by the "in my back yard". No matter where and to locate these facilities at the industry into the cities. these towers or antennas are placed,the appropriate setback from lot lines. visual landscape will be impacted and The City Council and City staff has you may see the towers from your home The world of communication technology attempted to be proactive by designat- or driving by in your car. The good is changing rapidly. There is no ing specific sites,first on public news is that the technology is evolving question in my mind that the City will be property,i.e.,the water towers,parks quickly,and the result may eventually visiting this issue again in the next five and so on, and just recently by desig- be"boxes"on a telephone pole or street years. nating some industrial sites as well. The light. Until that happens,the City RECYCLING SERVICE FEES INCREASING by Julie Jones Recycling Coordinator Effective January 1, 1998,recycling fees At the curb,the City expanded recycling fee is requried for the drop-off of in the City of Fridley will increase from services by contracting for weekly pick appliances. Customer response to these $4.00 to$6.00 per quarter. Expanded up. Also,plastics can now be placed at changes has been very positive. The recycling services at the curb and the the curb. Some of the improved services Recycling Center is open Tues.-Sat. Recycling Center account for the fee are the acceptance of appliances,scrap 9a.m.to 5p.m.For more information or increase. metal,and fluorescent bulbs. A small location,call 572-3594 with questions. QW I N T E R 1 9 9 7 • LOW COST FINANCING by Grant Fernelius HRA Coordinator The Fridley HRA can help you finance your IHere's how to qualify: home improvement project with a low-interest loan. Loans are issued at 5%and qualified Annual household income of$58,650 or less. homeowners can borrow up to$25,000. Funds Fridley resident and you own and live in the property can be used for a wide variety of improvements to be improved. including roof replacement,new siding,windows Good credit and the ability to pay back the loan. and doors,kitchen or bathroom remodeling, furnace replacement,driveways,room additions To apply,all you have to do is fill out an application form, (excluding porches and decks),even building a attach proof of income,and estimates for the work. Don't garage. Loans cannot be used to refinance miss your opportunity. For more information call the existing debt. Fridley Home Improvement Hotline at 335-2651. HOME IMPROVEMENT GRANTS FAMILY SIZE MAXIMUM INCOME If you can't qualify for a low-interest $20050 $25,000 in assets,excluding the value of loan,there are grants available to help , the home. Eligible properties include lower income families who need help in $22,900 owner-occupied 1 or 2 unit homes. making basic repairs to their homes. Eligible families can get up to$15,000,a $25,800 If approved for assistance, an inspec- portion of which is forgiven each year $ $28,650 tion will be done on the home to for up to 5 years. After the fifth year, 5 $30,950 determine qualified repairs. A scope of the remaining 50%must be repaid when work will then be given to the home- the home is sold or the owner no longer $33,250 owner for obtaining estimates. resides in the property. $35,550 For more information or an application Income qualifications are based on $37,800 call the Fridley Home Improvement household size(see chart). In addition, Hotline at 335-2651. applicants cannot have more than VACANT LOTS AVAILABLE FOR NEW HOMES } The Fridley HRA has several vacant residential lots available for construction of new homes. Fora list ofthe sites,lot prices and program requirements call Grant Femelius at 572-3591. W [ N T E R 1 9 9 7 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday I Thursday Friday Salurday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7•, PR PL City W 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 CC A HRA 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 V EQE PL A 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Calendar Holiday Holiday 28 29 30 31 Winter 1997-98 Sunday Monday Tuesday I Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 Holiday 4 5 CC 6 7 8 9 10 Rt PR PL HR Calendar Codes 11 12 Council 13 14 15 16 17 ,.y iCCS Conf. A HRA 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 A Appeals Commission Holiday EQE PL 25 26 CH 27 28 29 30 31 CC City Council CC A CH Charter Commission Sunday Monday Tuesday I Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday CTV Cable TV & Telecommunications Comm. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 PR EQE Environ. Quality& Energy Committee Council Conf. PL HR 8 9 CC A HRA 10 11 12 13 14 HR Human Resources Commission � �I 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 HRA Housing& Redevelopment Authority Holiday EQE PL fT, 22 23 CC 24 25 26 27 28 PL Planning Commission I�1 CH CTV A PR Parks & Recreation Commission The City Council meets at 7:30pm in the Municipal Center located at 6431 University Avenue NE. The public is welcome. The Cable, Charter,and Park&Recreation Commissions meet at 7pm. Other Commissions meet at 7:30pm. Hearing impaired persons planning to attend public meetings who need an interpreter,or others with disabilities who require auxiliary aids,should contact the City Manager's Office at 572- 3500 ten days before the meeting. The Municipal Center is accessible to persons with disabilities. © W I N T E R 1 9 9 7 REDUCE YOUR GARBAGE BY ZOO LBS. Start recycling all mixed paper! Julie Jones,City of Of course,everyone should first try to reduce their Fridley Recycling Coordinator,has been weighing quantity of mixed paper first. The main way to do her own mixed paper for a few months as an that is to reduce junk mail coming into your home. experiment. Jones said,"I realized one night,when Jones warns residents to be cautious when subscrib- taking out the recycling,that my grocery bag of ing to new magazines or credit cards. "Make it very mixed paper was really heavy. I took the bag back clear to them that you don't want your name sold to in the house and weighed it on the bathroom scale. other companies for mailing lists,"Jones says. An Then I decided to keep track of the weights for a easy way to do this is to call Anoka County at 323- few weeks." 5730 and ask for one of their"Junk Mail Reduction" Kits. The kit contains postcards that you can send She was amazed with the results. "I found I was out to get or keep you name off mass marketing placing about 10 pounds of mixed paper out about mailing lists. every two weeks!" Jones exclaimed. She says that equals 260 pounds a year. "If every Fridley resident Jones is also interested in hearing about your stories recycled their mixed paper,we would have no of successfully reducing garbage by recycling mixed problem meeting our goal of recycling 500 pounds paper. She would like to feature such success per household in 1998." stories in future editions of the City Newsletter. Take the mixed paper recycling challenge,and call If you are not already doing so,start recycling mixed Julie with your results at 572-3594. mail. Mixed mail includes: r any paper that comes in your mail-it r the four"C's,"which includes cereal, doesn't matter what color it is or if it is cake mix,cracker,and chip boxes, glossy, s hard and soft cover books,and 0 window envelopes and brown kraft paper, a telephone books. as magazines and catalogs, Tear out this page for,future reference. W I N T E R 1 9 9 7 0 • VALUES 1 ST by David Sallman Director of Public Safety Values I"is a grassroots initiative based upon the studies Depot,School District 14 and members of the Fridley Police done by Search Institute and Dr.Peter Benson which Department have been working with youth on some identified 40 influential assets for youth in any community. woodworking and craft projects. The Fridley Rotary Club When these are present,it greatly limits the likelihood that has been working at introducing local students to the youth will become involved in high risk behavior such as "Strive"program which is a mentoring and scholarship alcohol use,tobacco use,illicit drugs,sexual activity, program that focuses on the lower one third of the senior depression/suicide, anti-social behavior/violence, school class to motivate the students to improve their class trouble,vehicle recklessness,etc. The Values 151 initiative standing by improving their attendance and work. The involves efforts from the school districts,senior groups, City of Columbia Heights has recently begun efforts in churches, youth groups, service clubs, business, youth developing a"Youth Commission"to provide input to their athletic associations,and other members of Southern City Council. The Springbrook Nature Center,again, Anoka County. The goals of Values I,'are to promote the presented the annual Values 151 Halloween celebration as a seven identified community values(responsibility,integ- family appropriate activity. The school districts have been rity,respect,self-control,citizenship,nonviolence,and providing flyers that assist parents with promoting these caring)and to prevent health compromising behavior of assets in the youth. Look for neighborhood signs which youth by promoting assets of support, control, structured have been placed in the participating communities to time use,educational commitment,social competence and promote the Values 151 initiative. pro-social behavior. There are many citizens and groups that are working to There have been many recent efforts by community groups insure that our youth are raised in a healthy community which work towards making Southern Anoka County a which benefits us all. If you would like more information healthy community. Some of the Senior Citizens,Home on Values 151,please call 502-5105. WINTER NEWSLETTER 1997 w V A ECR Mayor Nancy J. Jorgenson BULK RATE Councilmember-at-large Robert Barnette W U.S.POSTAGE Councilmember 1 st Ward Steven E. Billings O PAID Minneapolis, MN Couciimember2nd Ward Dennis L. Schneider w N Permit No. 2886 Councilmember 3rd Ward Ann R. Bolkcom Z " 6 � W) City Manager William W.Burns > 1n Editor' Lisa McConnell Yz FRMLEY SERVICE DIRECTORY M L **ECRWSS** Admin.Offices/Municipal Ctr571-3450 Office hours.:8am-5pm,M-F;8am-7pm, Tues. > Postal Customer 24Hour Fridley Info Line(FIL)' 572-3600 24 Hour Recreation Hotline 571-9397 TDD 572-3534 Liquor Store 571-3480 Police(24Hour Non-Emergency) 572-3629 `^ Mon —Mixt I® W I N T E R 1 9 9 7 l