WINTER CityNews 2017-2018
SNOW IS COMING!
APPLE VALLEY PARKS & RECREATION WINTER ACTIVITY GUIDE 2017-2018 SNOW PLOW INFORMATION & TIPS FOR A SAFE APPLE VALLEY SEASON PARKS & RECREATION ACTIVITY GUIDE DETAILS MID-WINTER FEST February 3rd Apple Valley Community Center & Hayes Park PAGE 16 ON PAGES 2 & 3 CITY OF APPLE VALLEY, 7100 147TH STREET WEST WINTER 2017-2018 STARTS ON PAGE 11 STREETS
2 CITY OF APPLE VALLEY, 7100 147TH STREET WEST WINTER 2017-2018 PLOWING INFORMATION Check the City website at www.cityofapplevalley.org for news on snow property owner. This includes, but is not limited to, trees, shrubs, bushes, and ice control operations. At your convenience, you can access current landscaping materials, decorative rock, and lawn/landscaping irrigation operations, plowing procedures, and related topics. Updates on snow systems. plowing operations are posted under Timely Topics on the home page. To sign up to receive email and text messages when an update is posted, go Tips For A Safe Plowing Season to Email Updates on the home page. Removing snow and ice is a time-consuming and intense job. Residents can help minimize plowing-related problems and ensure city crews do the Plowing or anti-icing operations begin when driving becomes difficult. most effective job possible. Here are some tips for the winter plowing First priority is given to primary streets. Residential streets and cul-de- season: sacs are cleared next. City crews strive to clear all 177 miles of City streets • Do not park your vehicle on the street between the hours of 3:00 and 330 cul-de-sacs within 8 to 10 hours after the snow stops to ensure a.m. and 6:00 a.m., or after a 2-inch snowfall. safe passage on public streets. County roads are maintained by the • Keep garbage and recycling containers clear of the plow’s path by Dakota County highway department. See map on adjacent page for placing them at least 3 feet behind the curb. This distance can still be City primary streets, County roads and State highway. reached by the automated arm of garbage trucks. • Pushing or placing snow back into or across the street is prohibited Sod Damage by state and local laws. Doing so creates hazards for drivers and could The City will repair/replace sod damaged by City snowplows. Damage lead to a citation. from the current plowing season must be reported to the Public Works • Clear snow from the mailbox area after each plow event. This Department by May 1. The City will not repair/replace sod damaged due prevents compaction by postal vehicles and ensures subsequent plowing to the application of sand, salt, or other deicing chemicals. is effective. Postal carriers can refuse to deliver mail if the mailbox is not Curb Markers easily accessible. Residents can place markers directly behind the curb line to define the • Don’t allow children to play in the snow banks near the curb or edge of the street. The City provides lathe markers which may be picked snow piles in the middle of the cul-de-sacs. This can create a dangerous up beginning October 1 at the Central Maintenance Facility located at situation when additional snow removal operations are required. 6442 140th Street West. • Help clear snow from fire hydrants and keep them accessible in case of an emergency. Quick access to the hydrant could save a home in Mailbox Damage your neighborhood. The City makes temporary repairs to mailboxes damaged by snowplow • During snow plow operations, plows make at least two passes, wait operations within 48 hours of notification. If the mailbox cannot be repaired, until the street is plowed curb to curb before cleaning out your driveway. a portable mailbox structure will be placed so mail service may continue. If • To reduce the amount of snow deposited in your driveway from the mailbox is damaged as a result of direct contact by City snow removal the plow, clear the boulevard area to the right of the drive (viewed from equipment it will be replaced with a standard No. 1 mailbox or reimbursed the street) to create a “pocket”. (See diagram) Keep this pocket cleared up to $75. Mailbox damage must be reported to Public Works by May 1 all winter to avoid having a snow pile at the end of your driveway after the of the current year. plow goes through.
Other Damage For more information or to report sod and mailbox damage, please contact All other damage within the public right-of-way is the responsibility of the Public Works at [email protected] or 952-953-2400.
STREET LIGHT BURNED OUT OR FLICKERING? Note the identification number found at eye level on the pole, or the closest address or cross streets. Contact Dakota Electric at 651-463-6287 or https://www.dakotaelectric.com/member- services/streetlight-repair/. In addition to replacing burned out bulbs, Dakota Electric repairs broken globes and adjusts the sensitivity of the light sensors.
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY, 7100 147TH STREET WEST WINTER 2017-2018 952-953-2500 • www.cityofapplevalley.org 3 BUILDING INSPECTIONS
TIPS TO KEEP MOISTURE OUT OF YOUR HOME Whether you own a new or older home, maintenance is key when it Excessive moisture can wreak comes to protecting your investment. It is crucial to keep moisture havoc on a bathroom. Warping out of your home. Moisture can seep into improperly caulked areas paint, buckling doors and mold and cause rot or mold. Over time it can even lead to structural can all occur when the exhaust fan damage. doesn’t work properly or is clogged with lint or other debris. Make sure Window problems can go unnoticed in your home. Check to make your exhaust fan is clean, working sure windows open and close correctly, and check the seal. Any of properly, and turned on when the these can make your home heat or cool less efficiently throughout bathroom is in use. Operating the the year. Windows are not a completely maintenance free item bathroom fan for 10 to 30 minutes after showering for continued within your home. ventilation is a common suggestion.
Grading around the foundation of a home can certainly erode over time due to natural elements. Having the correct grading and proper slope can prevent basement leaks by directing water away from the house.
Weather stripping around and at the bottom of doors can wear out or become damaged over time. Replacing damaged weather stripping or thresholds can make a difference in your home’s energy efficiency. There are several different types and sizes of weather stripping for doors. Newer doors have weather stripping that is simply cut to length and pushed into a groove around the door. Older doors can be sealed using self-adhesive foam or rigid strips that are nailed in place around the door.
COMING SOON! The City of Apple Valley is transitioning to electronic plan review software in early 2018. Contractors and homeowners will no longer need to print two copies of plans to submit. Instead, simply upload the plans electronically to a website along with your permit data. More information will be coming in the future. In the meantime, please contact Building Inspections with any questions at [email protected] or 952-953-2588.
4 CITY OF APPLE VALLEY, 7100 147TH STREET WEST WINTER 2017-2018 UTILITIES
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - WATER METER REPLACEMENT PROGRAM Q. Why is my water meter being replaced? time. The new water meter will accurately measure the water that you use. A. Water meters are necessary to determine how much water is used All new meters are tested prior to delivery by the manufacturer to ensure by residents/businesses. The existing meters are at the end of their life that they register properly. If you see a higher bill immediately following the (most are over 20 years old). Meters tend to slow down and become new meter installation, and you have not changed your water use pattern, less accurate as they age. Existing meters are also not compatible with it is likely the old meter was running slow or you have a minor leak that was the City’s new meter reading system, which uses Advanced Metering not registering correctly through the old meter. Infrastructure (AMI). Q. What if there is a leak at the meter or problems after the meter is Q. What is Advanced Metering Infrastructure? replaced? A. Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is a system of transmitters, A. Please call the Public Works Department at 952-953-2400. In an towers and receivers that allow your water usage data to be sent after-hours, holiday or weekend EMERGENCY, please dial 9-1-1, and using a radio frequency signal. This will allow for two-way electronic dispatchers will contact the department on your behalf. communication between your meter and utility staff. Many old meters used similar technology to transmit data to a utility worker who drives by Q. Will the electronic device on the meter interfere with other your home or business. electronic equipment? A. No. The radio transmission operates in full compliance with Federal Q. When will my meter be replaced? Communications Commission (FCC) regulations to avoid interference with A. Residential/business meter replacement is expected to take place in other electronic devices. Many of the existing meters use similar radio- 2018 and 2019. You will receive a postcard, phone call, in-person visit or read technology to transmit data. door-hanger asking you to set up an appointment. No appointments are currently being scheduled. Q. Is the data being transmitted secured? A. Yes. Data transmitted from the meter through the system is encrypted Q. What exactly is being replaced? through the entire process. A. Your existing water meter will be replaced with a new water meter and a new radio-read device. The City will continue to maintain the meter and Q. Where is my water meter? Will I need to do anything? radio-read device. A. The meter is typically located in the lower level, mechanical or laundry room of each property. To replace the meter, the water will need to be shut Q. What are the benefits of the new meters? off at the valves located on either side of the water meter. These valves A. New meters will save time, prevent recording errors, encourage and all plumbing inside the home or business are the responsibility of the conservation, provide better leak detection and allow for more accurate property owner. In preparation for the water meter replacement program, and faster collection of water usage readings than the current drive-by it may be advantageous to verify that the valves are operational. The technology. meter will also need to be accessible. Please locate your meter and clear the area to provide space for the installer to work. Q. Will my water service be interrupted during the installation? A. Yes, but only briefly – typically 15 to 30 minutes while the meter is being replaced. When your water service is restored, you may experience a brief period of air or discolored water. In most cases, briefly running your cold water will clear this situation. Q. How much will the new meter cost? A. There is no cost to residents/businesses for the new meter and radio- read device. Q. Will my water bill increase? A. Possibly. As meters age they tend to run slower and lose accuracy over
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY, 7100 147TH STREET WEST WINTER 2017-2018 952-953-2500 • www.cityofapplevalley.org 5 PREVENT WATER PIPE FREEZE-UP WATER SERVICE QUESTIONS… • Turn your water supply off to outside hose bibs. Should I have the City turn off my water when I go out of town? • Check heat tapes to ensure they are plugged in and working That depends on your preference. There is always a chance of a hose or properly. pipe leaking in the house while you are gone. During winter months, pipes • Check the cold air intake for your furnace to ensure cold air does could freeze if water is not turned off. not come into direct contact with the concrete floor, water meter, or pipes. Is there a charge to have the City turn the water off? • When leaving on vacation, avoid turning your thermostat down as There is no charge to turn your water off. However, there is a charge to far as it will go. The temperature could fall too low in some areas have water service restored. The fee will appear on the first utility bill of the home. received following your return. Please note that you will continue to be • Turn off the water valves for the supply line and water heater when billed for base services while your water is off. going on extended vacations. You may also want to consider What is involved in having the water service turned off by the City? temporarily discontinuing your water service. The City will turn your water on or off Monday through Friday between • If you have or are in the process of remodeling your home, make 8:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Property owners are required to sign a form sure water pipes and the water meter are accessible and not relieving the City of any responsibility if a line was left open in the house isolated behind walls where they may be susceptible to freeze-up. or the service does not get turned off. The form can be picked up or If you are aware of a vacant or foreclosed property in your neighborhood, mailed to you from Utility Billing or can be printed from the City website, please contact Public Works at 952-953-2400 so we can investigate and www.cityofapplevalley.org. To schedule a turn on/off, please contact Utility determine if the water should be shut off to prevent water damage if the Billing at 952-953-2522, 24-hours in advance. pipes freeze. How will I get my utility bill when I am gone? The City will send your utility bill to the address currently set up on your utility account, or to a temporary address you provide by calling Utility Billing at 952-953-2522. If a forwarding address is given to the post office, the utility bill should automatically forward to that address. Online services are another option for residents. Residents can have access to their account online, make payments, receive an e-bill reminder by email, and sign up for automatic deduction. Simply go to the City’s website, www. cityofapplevalley.org, and navigate to “eUtilityBilling”. How can I pay my utility bill when I am away? You can view or pay your bill online anytime, anywhere, and there is no registration required. You can pay by e-check or credit/debit card (at no cost), or by text! Also, you are able to schedule one-time, automatic or TRAP THE GREASE: AVOID COSTLY HOME PLUMBING BILLS recurring payments online, Go green! Go paperless and receive bills via Fats, oils, and grease aren’t just bad for your arteries; they are bad for email or text. All these options are available on the City’s website, www. the sewers, too. When food scraps are washed down the drain, the cityofapplevalley.org and navigate to “eUtility Billing” on our home page. fat and grease from the food can build-up in your sewer lines causing Why do I receive notices about a problem with my meter every year raw sewage to backup into homes, businesses, and the environment. while I am gone? Anything with a fat content, including dairy products, salad dressings, Public Works tracks water meters showing unusual usage patterns and and cooking oils, can contribute to grease clogged pipes. Avoid costly sends notices when it appears the meter could be malfunctioning. No use home plumbing bills by following these three simple steps: of water is an unusual pattern. If you have your water turned off by the 1. TRAP bacon grease or meat drippings in a City, we know the reason for no usage. If you do not have the City turn sealable container and toss in the trash. off your water when you are gone for an extended time and want to avoid 2. SCRAPE all food scraps in the compost or trash. receiving a notice, please notify Public Works at 952-953-2400. 3. WIPE all greasy, oily, creamy, or buttery food residues from dishes before you wash them. SEWER AND WATER EMERGENCIES Running hot water and soap down the drain does In the event of a sewer or water emergency, not prevent grease build up and blockages. please use the following contact numbers. Despite these preventive measures, if you see, 952-953-2400 / Public Works hear or smell something you think might be a Monday – Friday During Regular Business Hours, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. sewer backup, report it immediately by calling 952-953-2400 or 9-1-1. 952-322-2323 / Dakota Communication Center After hours, weekends and holidays.
6 CITY OF APPLE VALLEY, 7100 147TH STREET WEST WINTER 2017-2018 NATURAL RESOURCES
LET’S GET TO THE ROOT OF WHY NATIVE CAUTION! THIN ICE ON LOCAL LAKES PLANTS ARE SO GREAT FOR YOUR Lake aeration systems will be operated this winter in Alimagnet, Farquar, SHORELINE and Scout (Briar Oaks Park) Lakes to prevent winter fish kill. Aeration systems create an area of open water on the lakes, and ice near the What makes native plants so great at preventing erosion along your aeration systems is thin and unsafe. Warning signs are posted and shoreline? Why, the roots of course. Native plants growing along the maintained around the perimeter of the aerated area to alert lake users shoreline grow extensive and interwoven root systems that serve to of unsafe conditions. anchor soil in place, reducing damage from wave and ice action. Typical lawn grass just doesn’t hold up with its 4-inch deep root system. Lake aeration systems are regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. You can learn more about the DNR lake aeration Winter is a great time to start planning your summer shoreline planting. program here http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/eco/lakeaeration/index.html. Would you like some help getting started? Check out the Free Gardening Workshops article for opportunities to get you on the right path this spring.
FREE GARDENING WORKSHOPS If you are looking for more environmentally (and wallet) friendly solutions to some of your landscape problems, we have the workshop for you. In Landscaping for Clean Water, you will learn about gardening projects that beautify your yard and help local waterbodies. The workshop is free to Dakota County residents and will be offered in Apple Valley the evenings of February 28 and April 11, 2018. Check www. cityofapplevalley.org or www.DakotaSWCD.org for additional locations and times. Attendees will be invited to design workshops where they will learn more about available grants, design their gardens, and receive technical assistance. To register, call the Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District at 651-480-7777. Learn more about gardening projects that help local lakes by visiting www. DakotaSWCD.org/CleanWater.html
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY, 7100 147TH STREET WEST WINTER 2017-2018 952-953-2500 • www.cityofapplevalley.org 7 2018 CITY BUDGET PRESERVES THE PUBLIC’S INVESTMENT IN OUR INFRASTRUCTURE The Apple Valley City Council has approved a preliminary property tax levy that continues significant funding for the maintenance of the city’s infrastructure. Street surfaces require significant maintenance investment over time to maintain their condition The City of Apple and prevent significant deterioration. Eventually, streets reach an age at which reconstruction is necessary. In 2013, the City Council considered a number of options Valley will be to fund these upcoming street reconstruction projects. A common practice in many other Metro area communities is to levy special assessments on the abutting benefiting conducting the City’s property owners, often resulting in charges exceeding $5,000 to the property owner. The Truth in Taxation City Council chose a policy that would avoid special assessments for street maintenance by funding these annual street maintenance costs through an ongoing annual property tax hearing on December levy, avoiding the need to levy additional special assessments for these costs. For 2018, 14th, 2017 at 7 p.m. 13.2% of the property tax levy is directed to the Street Maintenance Program.
BUDGET PRINCIPLES Our budget process is built on five core fiscal principles that The table below shows a comparison of the property tax levy for serve us well and continue to guide our work: the past two years. Note that the levy for the Municipal Building funding increases by $200,000 to $381,000 in 2018. In addition, the 1) Focus on the provision of basic City services and fund their levy related to the Street Maintenance Program represents 13.2% provision at adequate levels. of the 2018 property tax levy or $3,417,000. The tax impact of the 2) Estimate anticipated revenues at realistic levels. annual Street Maintenance Program levy is approximately $115 for 3) Retain adequate reserves to protect against fiscal uncertainty. the median value home. 4) Anticipate continued community growth and program capital improvements to serve our growing community. Breakdown of Property Tax Levy 2017 2018 Change % Change 5) Demonstrate strong stewardship of existing infrastructure and General Fund $19,812,070 $20,441,125 $ 629,055 3.2% plan for its repair/replacement in a proactive manner. Street Maintenance Program 3,332,100 3,417,000 84,900 2.6% Municipal Building Fund 181,000 381,000 200,000 110.5% State Aids Ice Arena Support 121,000 121,000 -0- 0.0% The State’s Local Government Aid (LGA) distribution formula to Debt Service 1,393,830 1,432,875 39,045 2.8% cities was increased for 2018. Under current law, the State will Total $ 24,840,000 $ 25,793,000 $ 953,000 3.8% distribute to Minnesota cities over $534 Million in 2018. Again this coming year the City of Apple Valley will receive no LGA from the State. The LGA distribution formula penalizes suburban Tax Dollars Paid in City Taxes Maintains Reasonable Growth communities such as Apple Valley and our realized revenue from The median valued home of $239,100 experiencing the median the LGA program remains zero. 6.7% increase in value would pay approximately $24, or about Proposed Property Tax Levy 2.4%, more in 2018, or an increase of $2 per month. The City taxes To support the proposed 2018 budget requires a total levy of on this median value home are $990 and this amount includes $25,793,000, an increase of $953,000 or 3.8%. Within the levy, the $115 in taxes to support the Street Maintenance Program. Again, General Fund portion includes an additional $208,000 of spending the objective in including the annual Street Maintenance Program in for capital outlay and equipment. Another significant portion of the the levy was to avoid the burden of special assessments for street levy increase is related to the additional support directed to the improvements on the property owners. The trade-off for funding Municipal Building Fund which includes an additional $200,000 in the program through the property tax levy and not using special funding to address aging City-owned buildings. assessments is that the City of Apple Valley’s property tax rate will be higher than other communities.
Everyone is invited to attend the City’s Truth in Taxation Hearing that will be held December 14, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the City of Apple Valley City Hall. For more information visit the City’s website at www.ci.apple-valley.mn.us
8 CITY OF APPLE VALLEY, 7100 147TH STREET WEST WINTER 2017-2018 How are the City Tax Dollars Used? The City of Apple Valley makes up 35% of your property tax bill The median valued home has a total monthly city tax bill of $82.50 While the City of Apple Valley strives to lessen the impacts on for 2018. Of that total, $68.89 (83%) is for general city operations, property owners, the City has no control over levy decisions by $9.59 (12%) is for the support of the Annual Street Maintenance other government entities serving Apple Valley. So while the City’s Program, and $4.02 (5%) is for the total debt service needs of the portion of the taxes may go up slightly, Apple Valley officials cannot City. The checkbook image below shows the breakdown of the guarantee the same will be true for a property owner’s overall tax $68.89 city operations portion by department function. Of the total, bill. $24.75 covers the operations of the Police Department, $5.97 covers the operations of the Fire Department, $9.78 is for the Public Works Department which includes snow plowing, road maintenance and vehicle/equipment maintenance, and $13.04 supports the Parks and Recreation Department. The remaining $15.35 represents the remaining department budgets and other unallocated costs. The services the City of Apple Valley provides are necessary, essential, and quite diverse. In Apple Valley, resources are leveraged, services are efficient and economical, and we stand accountable for the product we deliver at the low-cost prices we have come to expect, typically take for granted, and rely on daily.
Monthly Application of Tax Payment Description % of total $ of Levy Police 30.0% $ 24.75 Park and Recreation 15.8% 13.04 Public Works 11.9% 9.78 Fire 7.2% 5.97 City Council, Administration & Human Resources 6.4% 5.31 Community Development & Code Enforcement 3.2% 2.66 Information Technology 2.9% 2.35 Finance 2.5% 2.06 Insurance / Contingency 2.7% 2.25 Legal Services 0.9% 0.72 Subtotal General City Operations 83.5% 68.89 Annual Street Maintenance Program 11.6% 9.59 Debt Service 4.9% 4.02 Total per Month 100.0% $ 82.50
LEBANON CEMETERY OF APPLE VALLEY Established in 1863, the picturesque setting of the cemetery is a place family and friends can come to remember their loved ones. Lebanon is a non-denominational cemetery located on the southeast corner of County Road 42 and Pilot Knob Road. For more information on available spaces, internment pricing or general research, please contact Public Works at 952-953-2400 or [email protected] .
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY, 7100 147TH STREET WEST WINTER 2017-2018 952-953-2500 • www.cityofapplevalley.org 9 EVENT & MEETING SPACE
Valleywood Golf Course is a Premier Place to Host your Next Special Event or Golf Outing.
A beautiful 18 hole golf course that can Host Tournaments as large as 144 players with rolling hills, over ten ponds and playability for a range of golf ability. Inside our new clubhouse you will find an inviting and comfortable bar & grill, as well as a banquet room with floor to-ceiling windows over looking the 18th green. With a maximum capacity of 175 seated guests in our banquet room, you can host anything from an intimate gathering for 40 to a grand wedding for 175. The banquet room boasts floor to ceiling windows and advanced audio visual systems. Our professional staff and culinary team customize your event to ensure it is truly personalized and memorable.
Valleywood is centrally located on the northeast side of Apple Valley, just 20 minutes from St. Paul, 25 minutes from Minneapolis, and 10 minutes from the Mall of America and Airport.
To Book Your Next Event, Contact Us Today! [email protected]
• Birthday Parties • Wedding Receptions • Anniversary Celebrations • Bridal & Baby Showers • Business Meetings & Trainings • Home Owners Association Meetings • Athletic Banquets • Church services, meetings and events • Scouting meetings and events
REASONABLE HOURLY RATES APPLE VALLEY SENIOR CENTER CATERED & NON-CATERED 14601 HAYES ROAD FOOD OPTIONS APPLE VALLEY, MN 55124 RENTABLE 7-DAYS A WEEK
For more information or to arrange a tour of rentable spaces, call 952-953-2345.
10 CITY OF APPLE VALLEY, 7100 147TH STREET WEST WINTER 2017-2018