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From Your Mayor
Autumn has ushered summer away ~
Autumn has ushered summer away on Lake Minnetonka. The brightly colored leaves remind us that winter is waiting in the wings. Hopefully you have noticed that the new streetlights have finally been installed along Shoreline Drive. The new lights use energy efficient LED technology that uses less electricity and emit a whiter color that gives the streetscape a brighter feel.
Read more
Projects like the streetlights get paid for by revenue from property taxes. In September the city council set the 2014 preliminary tax levy at $980,000. While this is a slight increase over 2013 (3.1%), this levy amount for 2014 is the same as the levy amount from 2009. We had a small levy decrease in 2011 while the economy experienced a downturn, so this increase returns us to 2009 levels. The city council is hyper aware of our fiduciary responsibility with the tax dollars entrusted to us. We strive to make the best value based decisions on spending in our city.
Enjoy the changing of the seasons~it is truly a beautiful time of year in our fair city on Lake Minnetonka .
Your Mayor~
Sarah Reinhardt
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From the City Desk
 Notice of Proposed Property Taxes/Budget Hearing Spring Park City Council will hold an informational session on its budget and on the amount of property taxes it is proposing to collect to pay for the cost of services the City will provide in 2014. All Spring Park residents are invited to attend this session of the City Council to express their opinions on the budget and on the proposed amount of 2014 property taxes. The hearing will be held on: Monday, December 2, 2013, 7:30 p.m. at City hall.
 Calling All Election Judges and Wannabes
2014 is an election year. The City of Spring Park conducts a primary election (August) and a general election (November). Want to serve your community? Be an election judge! Election judges ensure that the voting process goes smoothly and honestly. Serving as an election judge is a great way to meet your neighbors and protect one of our most cherished freedoms--the right to vote. Judges are needed for both the state primary in August and the general election in November. This is a paid opportunity and two hour training is provided. For more information call Wendy or Sharon at 952-471-9051.
 It's Back to School for Our Students
Students are often times waiting at bus stops in the darkness. Drivers, please be extra watchful of children who may be waiting roadside. No traffic may pass a school bus in either direction when the stop arm is extended and red lights are flashing. Flashing amber lights are a warning that the bus is preparing to stop. Be alert to children crossing the street in front of the bus to board and leave. Please stop at least 20 feet from the bus.Thank you.
New City Street Lights and Ongoing City Beautification
Have you noticed new additions to our streetscape on Shoreline Drive? We hope so! New streetlights have been installed on the north and south sides of Shoreline Drive. The new streetlight fixture is lower to the ground than the older utility street lights and uses LED lighting rather than high pressure sodium. The new streetlights showcase the city's ongoing beautification efforts of our "Main Street" corridor.
Over the years the city has cultivated a tree lined boulevard, flower gardens, large seasonal pots in the medians and now the streetlights.These subtle but progressive beautification projects are meant to show our pride in our community and make Spring Park a place where everyone wants to live.
Pickle Ball Courts
As of this fall, both of our tennis courts located at Thor Thompson Park will be striped for pickle ball. Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. The game is played with a hard paddle and a polymer smaller version of a wiffle ball. The rules of pickleball are simple, and the game can be learned by individuals of all ages and skill levels. Stay tuned for the Spring 2014 newsletter for information about loaning out pickle ball equipment at City Hall.
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 From the Fire Department
 Recreational Fires ~
What are the rules in Spring Park? Based upon the current fire code ordinance, a recreational fire is legal as long as the rules of the ordinance are followed. Residents who want to have a recreational fire on their property should be aware of and must follow the rules of the Recreational Fire Ordinance to insure compliance. What is the ordinance definition of a "Recreational Fire?" A recreational fire is defined as a fire set for cooking or warming or for other recreational purposes. A recreational fire is not to be more than 3 feet in diameter and 3 feet in flame height at any time. An approved fire pit must be used and the fire pit must have a noncombustible (i.e. cement, gravel) separation between the fire area and any adjoining combustible material (i.e., dry grass or leaves).
Read more about recreational fire problems & conditions
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From the Police Department
Back to School ~ Motor Vehicle Safety The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office is urging motorists to use extra caution at the start of the school year. Parents are reminded to review safety tips with their children. Anyone behind the wheel should drive attentively and watch for children on sidewalks, along roadways, and at all crosswalks and intersections. Motorists: * Reduce speeds in and around school zones. * You might consider changing your route in order to avoid school bus traffic. * Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians, and curbs. * Be prepared to stop for the school bus. * Enter and exit driveways, parking lots, and alleys slowly and carefully. * Do not engage in distracted driving. Put down the phone and focus on driving. |
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From the Utility Department
 Clean up Day ~ For Spring Park Residents Saturday, November 2 is
Clean up Day for Spring Park residents only. * Hydrant flushing will take place during the month of October. This is done annually. * Road sweeping sometime in November for problem areas for Spring Park residents only. City Drop Slot There is a drop slot for utility bill payments to the left of the front door at city hall. Get some cardio (and save a stamp!) by walking up the steps! |
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From the Building Inspections Department~ 
Oops! I Forgot to Get a Permit There are a lot of reasons homeowners and/or contractors forget to apply for building, plumbing, and/or mechanical permits. They vary from "I didn't know I needed one" to "I thought I could get away with it." Usually, people aren't so willing to admit to the latter excuse, but it is still a common one. It is important, though, that folks doing work for which a permit is required make application and get one before the work starts. There could be short term and long term consequences. Find out what they are here.
There is not a statute of limitations - "illegal work is always illegal work." The moral of this article: Avoid costly and timely consequences - Get your permits! |
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Reminders ~  Minnesota Cold Quick! - What is the low temperature record for Minneapolis? NEGATIVE 34 degrees! In 1936, we had 36 consecutive days where it was 0 (yes, zero) or below! Imagine if you had to be outside that entire time. How would you feel? Now you understand how your house might feel if you don't get it weatherized. There are some great websites on the internet that provide additional ideas and tips. We don't know how many days it will be below zero. What we do know is that we live in Minnesota and it will get cold! As you are pulling out the boots, scarves, mittens and winter coats, don't forget to get your home ready for winter too! |
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| City of Spring Park, Minnesota
4349 Warren Ave
Spring Park, MN 55384
www.ci.spring-park.mn.us |
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Council Meetings:
7:30 p.m.
Oct 7 & 21; Nov 4 & 18;
Dec 2 (Truth & Taxation) & 16
Planning Commission:
7 p.m. Oct 9; Nov 13; Dec 11
Work Sessions:
7 p.m. Oct 28; Nov 25; Dec 23-TBD
No Sort Recycling:
Fridays Oct 11 & 25; Nov 8 & 22; Dec 7 & 21
Fall Clean-up Day: Saturday, Nov 2
Truth and Taxation:
Monday, Dec 2, 7:30 P.M.
First Day of Winter:
Dec 21
Office Closed:
Nov 11, 28 & 29; Dec 24, 25; Jan 1, 2014
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COUNCIL
Mayor: Sarah Reinhardt
Council Members:
Shirley Bren
Gary Hughes
Doug Sippel
Bruce Williamson
PLANNING COMMISSIONERS
Chair: Jeff HoffmanSteve Erickson Pete Kaczanowski Michael Mason Sarah Struck Administrator: Dan Tolsma
City Clerk: Wendy Lewin
Utility Superintendent:
DJ Goman
Office Assistant/Utility Clerk: Sharon Farniok
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