www.ci.minntonka-beach.mn.us - 952-471-8878

Matt Sundell

April 2018

Beachcomber

Important Dates & Meetings

Garbage pick-up is every Friday unless noted.

Please have containers out by 7 a.m. Meetings are held at City Hall, 7 p.m.

unless otherwise noted.

Saturday, April 28 Orono Cleanup Day

8 am – 2 pm Info in March Beachcomber

Monday, April 30

Brush Pick Up Begins

Tuesday, May 1 Park Commission meeting

City Hall, 5 pm

Wednesday, May 2 Finance Committee meeting

City Hall, 6:30 pm

Friday, May 4 Garbage & Recycling

out by 7 am

Wednesday, May 9 Civic Committee meeting

Laura Raisbeck’s residence 8 pm

Monday, May 14

City Council meeting City Hall, 6 pm

Friday, May 18

Garbage & Recycling out by 7 am

Saturday, May 19 Progressive Dinner

6 pm

Monday, May 21 Planning Commission meeting

City Hall, 7 pm

Monday, May 28 Memorial Day

City Hall and Post Office Closed

City News and Updates

www.ci.minnetonka-beach.mn.us - 952-471-8878

Minnetonka Beach

City Hall News April 2018

CITY HALL HOURS

8 A.M. T0 4:30 P.M. Monday through Thursday

Closed from Noon – 1 for Lunch

8 A.M. TO NOON

Friday

CITY HALL SERVICES

• Notary Public: Susanne Griffin, City Administrator, and Heidi

Honey, City Clerk, are commissioned notaries.

There is no fee for this service.

• City Drop Box: There is a drop box for utility bill payments, Civic

Committee dues, and correspondence for City offices. The drop box

is located in the Post Office (rear door) to the left of the post office

boxes.

• Post Office: Here to meet most postal needs. There are no waiting

lines at this post office!!

Not getting City email blasts? Sign up online: www.ci.minnetonka-beach.mn.us We promise we won’t spam you!

Council Meeting Actions & Highlights – April 9, 2018 City Council Meeting

o Held Local Board of Appeals meeting April 9, 2018

o Adopted Resolution 2018 – 14 – Approving Dock Applications for 2018 City Dock Permits

o Adopted Resolution 2018 – 15 – Approving Dock Variances

o Adopted Resolution 2018 - 16 – Authorized Distribution of the 2018 Comprehensive Plan to Affected

Jurisdictions

o Heard proposals from Mound Fire Department and Long Lake Fire Department

o Approved Planning Commission Work Plan

YOUR ELECTED

OFFICIALS:

Mayor – Mike Taylor

Council Members:

Jill Bartel, Paul Kozloski,

Jaci Lindstrom and Andrew Myers

Treasurer – Steve Howarth

City News and Updates

www.ci.minnetonka-beach.mn.us - 952-471-8878

Mayor’s Corner April 2018

Welcome to the April City update! Again, there is much to report on this month in each of the areas of focus for the City. IMPROVING THE STATE OF OUR CITY INFRASTRUCTURE:

• Utility and Finance met this month to advance the plans for the next phase of the Water Main project, and other capital investment needs. The Finance Committee is meeting on May 2nd to determine their final bonding recommendations for Council to consider at the May 14th council meeting. As soon as the snow melts and the weather warms up enough to transport hot asphalt, Brian will be working

to fix potholes and repair pavement that has been removed to fix water leaks under the roads. I realize that

the situation is not good on many roads and we need stopgap measures to address the issues as soon as

practical. Meanwhile, for the long term, we will be having a pavement study done this year so we can put a

plan in place to address current and future roadway issues across the City.

KEEPING THE COST OF GOVERNMENT AS LOW AS POSSIBLE:

• As noted above, the Finance Committee will be meeting again to discuss the anticipated bonding for the Water Main and other Council approved Capital projects on May 2nd. The meeting is noticed and anyone who is interested in hearing the discussion is welcome to attend.

• The Council tentatively approved a new Fire contract with the Long Lake Fire Department, following discussions with both Mound and Long Lake Fire departments. The Long Lake proposal appears to offer more savings for the City and we are validating service levels right now to make sure the community will continue to see the same outstanding service levels we have from Mound Fire over the past decades.

• Thanks to Minnetonka Beach staff, along with the Long Range Planning Committee, for creating the final draft Comprehensive Plan that Council recently authorized to be disseminated to the surrounding jurisdictions. The final cost to prepare this update is still being calculated, but the City spent considerably less than when the plan was done in 2008! The Draft Comprehensive Plan document can be found on the City’s website.

As we finally watch the last of the snow disappear, I want to have a call out to Brian, our snow plowing workhorse. For those who don’t know, Brian plowed the streets across the community 4 times in less than 48 hours during the April record breaking blizzard. For those who do not know if that’s good or bad, knowing it was still tough to get around, let me give you some perspective.

• Virtually every county pulled their plows off the roads

• The Minneapolis Airport ground crews and flights were halted

• Many cities did not start plowing their streets until Monday and several only got one plow in over the entire weekend.

• With this as a backdrop, we got plowed 4 times in Minnetonka Beach! When you see Brian please give him hearty thanks for braving the weather not once, not twice, but 4 times, between Saturday and Sunday! (MNDOT recommended everyone, including their plows, stay off the roads) A local snow removal service commented to me that Minnetonka Beach streets were better than any of the others around.

Finally, we have a date set for the cleanup of a resident Vietnam vet’s home (Saturday May 12th) so put it on your calendar if you want to volunteer or contribute. See more on the back cover of the Beachcomber.

Thanks, Mike

City News and Updates

www.ci.minnetonka-beach.mn.us - 952-471-8878

Minnesota’s Original Half Marathon

Since 1980 – May 6, 2018

With a rich history among distance runners and

tremendous support from the community, the Wells

Fargo Lake Minnetonka Half Marathon stands as one of

the premier half marathons in the state of Minnesota!

The Wells Fargo Lake Minnetonka Half Marathon features

a beautiful race route starting in downtown Wayzata,

winding through Minnetonka Beach and ending at

Commons Park in Excelsior.

The runners enter the city on Northview Road,

head south on Lake Road to Shoreline Drive. A

portion of Shoreline Drive will be closed from

approximately 9 am to 11 am for the event.

Message from Public Works

Spring is in full swing. I know many of you will be firing up your lawn irrigations systems shortly. Here are some facts about the water use in Minnetonka Beach and some ways to help conserve water.

The City used 25.3 million gallons of water in 2017. The average daily demand in the third quarter of the year (July, August, September) was almost 112,000 gallons per day. This would be largely due to irrigations systems, pools, and other outdoor uses. To put that in perspective, our water tower has only 50,000 gallons of storage. Here are a few easy ways to use less water, but still accomplish the same results.

• Use a rain sensor on your irrigation system. State statute 103G.298 enacted in 2004 states “All automatic landscape

irrigations systems shall have furnished and installed technology that inhibits or interrupts operations during times of

sufficient moisture.” A rain sensor can save you and the city money. They usually last 3-5 years and only cost less

than $100. The savings will be well beyond the cost.

• Water in the early morning hours. Temps are usually lowest during these times thus less evaporation will occur.

• Try recapturing rain water in water barrels for watering potted plants

• Place mulch around landscaped areas to help hold moisture in the soils

• Use pool covers to help cut down on evaporation

These few tips could save all of us money in the long run. Let’s all do our part to conserve our planets most precious natural resource.

Public Works REMINDER: PLEASE DO NOT FLUSH “flushable” wipes. These cause problems in our sewer lines and lift stations. Other things that should not be flushed down the sewer would be:

swiffers cotton balls

latex gloves/products Feminine products

diapers food

dental floss paper towels

These products should be disposed of in the

trash only. Please pass this along to contractors and cleaners working in your

house.

City News and Updates

www.ci.minnetonka-beach.mn.us - 952-471-8878

Election Judges still needed! Election judges are still needed for the Primary Election on August 14 and the General Election on November 6. There are two shifts available: 6 am – 2 pm, and 2 pm – 9 pm. You will be compensated for your time.

Please consider being a judge to help ensure the rights of voters are protected on Election Day. Training will be held in July.

Please send a completed application to City Hall or stop in and fill one out. http://www.ci.minnetonka-beach.mn.us/vertical/sites/%7B220E6946-C606-408C-96EE-ABCCE24AC6ED%7D/uploads/Election_Judge_Application_2018.pdf

News from City Hall

Annual Consumer Confidence Drinking Water Report

The MN Department of Health tests the drinking water in Minnetonka Beach annually. The 2017 Drinking Water Report was mailed to households with first quarter utility bills and is also available at City Hall and on the city’s website: http://www.ci.minnetonka-

beach.mn.us/vertical/sites/%7B220E6946-C606-408C-96EE-ABCCE24AC6ED%7D/uploads/2017_Consumer_c

onfidence_water_report.pdf

Now is Your Chance to Run for City Office!

This year could be YOUR year to make a difference!

The Minnetonka Beach will have four positions on the ballot during the November General Election. The Mayor (two-year term), two Council Members (four-year term), and Treasurer (two-year term) position. Candidates must decide which seat they are running for when filing for office (Mayor two-year term, Council Member four-year term, Treasurer two-year term). Candidates cannot run for more than one seat.

Filing Period –Persons interested in running for these offices may file at City Hall. Candidate filing is July 31 through August 14. All candidates for municipal office should file an Affidavit of Candidacy with the City Clerk and pay the required $2 filing fee (check or cash only).

Preparing for the 2018 Election Season

The Planning Commission needs YOU! The Planning Commission has an immediate need for new members. The Planning Commission serves as an advisory board to the City Council on land use, planning and zoning issues. They meet on the 4th Monday of every month.

If you are interested, please send an email stating your interest and qualifications to City Administrator Griffin, sgriffin@ci.minnnetonka-beach.mn.us

Notice to Minnetonka Beach Residents:

Peddlers, Solicitors and Transient Merchants

(City Code 402)

With spring often comes an influx of door-to-door sales and soliciting. A city license is required for peddlers and transient merchants. The city ordinance prohibits canvassing, peddling, soliciting or transient merchants where residents have a “No Soliciting” sign on their front door. City Hall still has a small supply of these stickers available if needed. Call 9-1-1 to report suspicious activity. Don’t wait and call City Hall after the fact! For constitutional reasons, canvassers need not be licensed but they still are not allowed to canvass homes with a “No Solicitors” sign.

The Clean Water Fund will be canvassing in our area in May. The Clean Water Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that campaigns for cleaner, safer water, cleaner air, and protection from toxic pollution in homes and neighborhoods.

City News and Updates

www.ci.minnetonka-beach.mn.us - 952-471-8878

Get active with our community! The Step To It Challenge is a fun, lighted-hearted way to connect with

family, friends, and neighbors, and get moving again after a long winter. Twenty-three communities across Hennepin County will compete to see

which one has the most active residents. Participants will have a chance to win awards from Hennepin County

and the Minnesota Twins!

How does it work? Step To It participants keep an ongoing total of the steps they take

during the challenge. Using an activity conversion chart at www.steptoit.org, other activities such as biking, skateboarding, golfing,

Tai Chi, or even just mowing the lawn can count toward overall steps. The Step to It website allows participants to record their steps and

activity online, or the step totals can be called in or faxed.

Register by going to the Step To It Challenge Web site at www.steptoit.org.

Have you registered yet?

The four week challenge runs May 1 –May 28

LMCD Residential Dock Rules – Dock Use Area

The Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (LMCD) manages lake use to protect the lake and promote safety. Following their regulations can minimize the impact to the lake and shoreline while promoting positive neighbor relations. Residents often call City Hall this time of year to find out about rules regulating where their dock can be installed. Docks, structures, and watercraft must be located within an authorized Dock Use Area, determined by setbacks from the extended side property lines and length into the lake. The Dock Use Area Illustration provides an example of a typical dock use area. A neighboring property owner may allow the dock and watercraft to encroach into the side setbacks. As indicated below, some uses are grandfathered if the property/site has not been replated, subdivided, combined or otherwise changed since a certain date. For unusual lots or shoreline, contact the LMCD to determine the Dock Use Area.

For an overview of Dock Use Area rules go to : http://lmcd.org/wp-cms/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Residential-Docks-Structures-Watercraft-Regulations-Rev-11012017.pdf . For a full copy of the rules, please see Chapter 2 of the LMCD Code: http://lmcd.org/rules-regulations/.

City News and Updates

www.ci.minnetonka-beach.mn.us - 952-471-8878

WeCAN invites you to an OPEN HOUSE

Thursday, May 17 4 to 6 p.m.

Enjoy free refreshments! *Tour our expanded facility * Meet our on-site partners

* Visit with our staff * Learn about volunteer opportunities

The WeCAN Office is located at 5213 Shoreline Drive in Mound. For more information about WeCAN, visit: http://www.wecanmn.org

Fun facts that you may not know about the HOME program:

Did you know HOME stands for Household & Outside Maintenance for Elderly?

Did you know 1/3 people over the age of 65 fall every year? Part of the reason is your physical environment – your home.

Did you know we offer Home Health & Safety Assessment with a written report of the practical steps you can take to reduce falls and make you home safer? Our team of handypersons can work with you to complete needed repairs and safety improvements.

Did you know we provide senior homemaking services? – vacuuming, dusting, sweeping/mopping floors, cleaning bathrooms, cleaning kitchens, and changing bed linens and more. This can also be a great relief to family members who find themselves balancing time to keep their own home comfortable.

Did you know we have Handymen available to provide assistance around the home? They can help with changing light bulbs, installing grab bars, fixing leaky faucets, repairing running toilets, installing new faucet and light fixtures, checking carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, changing furnace filters, and hanging wall decorations and mirrors.

For more information on HOME or to schedule a Home Health & Safety Assessment call 952-746-4046 or visit www.seniorcommunity.org

High School Seniors and Parents Send Us Your Senior Photos

Minnetonka Beach wants to celebrate your

student’s accomplishments and honor them in

the Beachcomber.

Please send a short paragraph including where

they graduated from, where they plan to

continue their education or work, and a photo

to: info@ci.minnetonka-beach.mn.us.

Deadline is May 11th.

www.ci.minntonka-beach.mn.us - 952-471-8878

The Beachcomber

Minnetonka Beach Civic Committee

P.O. Box 5

Minnetonka Beach, MN 55361

Neighbors Helping Neighbors—May 12th Project Day We hope you can join us for a great opportunity to get to know your neighbors and provide a hand up to my friend Bob, a combat wounded Vietnam Veteran. On May 12th starting around 8:30 am, volunteer teams from St Martin’s, Trinity Lutheran and Minnetonka Beach will scrape, chip, caulk, sand and paint a Bob’s home here in Minnetonka Beach. We are hoping to raise $3500 (we are at about 40% of the goal today) and have 25-30 volunteers that day. There are prep days before the big event, so we are looking for 6 to 10 volunteers for 3-4 hours on April 28th and May 5th. We have work for all skill levels. Supervised youth are welcome and may qualify for extra pizza. If you are interested in helping out, then please contact Tom Enlow at 612-860-4363. The full schedule of activities is:

-April 28th Work Party– clear home perimeter work area, move shingles and unwanted items to dumpster -May 5th Power Wash—remove old siding on garage, other prep work -May 12th Project Day—Ladders, tools, brushes and paint provided thanks to generous donors.

▪ To donate- https://heartsandhammers.networkforgood.com/projects/46921-donate-today or you can mail a check to

Hearts and Hammers 2599 Fairview Ave North St. Paul MN 55113. Tag ‘Mtka Beach’ ▪ To sign up as a volunteer go here– http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0c4baaaf2ea7fd0-hearts

Hearts and Hammers is a Twin Cities based nonprofit serving the elderly, low income and homeowners with disabilities. To find out more- https://heartsandhammers.org/ Thank you for your volunteer spirit, Tom Enlow