Park Perspective - July 2017

Park Perspective
July 2017 stlouispark.org

Contents Welcome to the city’s new website!

2 Emerald ash borer treatment Last month a new look debuted for the city’s website at stlouispark.org. Sporting a slimmed-down home page,
3 New utility bill pay service improved navigation and an updated, mobile-friendly design, the new website is the result of months of data
4 Multi-family organics drop-sites collection, user group testing and resident and staff input. Users should find it easy to complete tasks like paying
5 Vision 3.0 wrap up a utility bill, finding permit applications, reporting an issue, learning the latest news from the city and much more.
6 Pedestrian safety Be sure to visit stlouispark.org and take it for a test drive! If you have feedback or questions, contact Jacqueline
7 City council chambers remodel Larson, communications and marketing manager, at [email protected] or 952.924.2632.
8 Voting information

The Park Perspective is printed on 30 percent post-consumer recycled paper
in an effort to meet the city’s environmentally preferable purchasing policy.

5005 Minnetonka Blvd., St. Louis Park, MN 55416-2216 St. Louis Park residents invited to join the PulsePoint community

City Hall (7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) .............................952.924.2500 The St. Louis Park Fire Department is now participating “With hundreds of people of all ages coming to our
Emergency............................................................. 911 in PulsePoint, a smart phone app that allows CPR-trained site each week, it is the responsible thing for us to be
Police (non-emergency)...............................952.924.2618 citizens to provide lifesaving assistance to nearby victims prepared for the unfortunate,” said Derek Reise,
Municipal Service Center...........................952.924.2562 of sudden cardiac arrest. STEP executive director.
Winter Parking Hotline................................952.924.2180
The Rec Center...................................................952.924.2540 App users who have indicated they are trained in CPR and “STEP is a nonprofit organization accustomed to spending
Westwood Hills Nature Center..............952.924.2544 willing to assist in an emergency are notified if someone limited funds on only what is needed right now. Thanks
For city events, activities and news, visit stlouispark.org. nearby requires CPR. If the cardiac emergency is in a to the leadership of our volunteers Barb and George
public place and 9-1-1 has been called, the app alerts Hagemann, who donated to cover the cost of the AED
nextdoor.com trained citizens in the vicinity of the need for bystander and associated training, we are being responsible to our
facebook.com/stlouispark CPR, along with the dispatch of police, fire and EMS community,” said Reise.
twitter.com/stlouispark crews. The app also directs citizen rescuers to the exact
Make service requests or receive city information via the app or visit location of the closest publicly accessible AED (automated The need for AEDs and CPR training is personal to Barb
external defibrillator). Hagemann, who while at a grocery store used an AED to
louispark.org revive a person experiencing cardiac arrest. Both of the
“When minutes matter, the PulsePoint system offers the Hagemanns are CPR trained and anticipate serving as
Park Perspective is published by the City of St. Louis Park to provide residents with city news. opportunity to get a trained person administering CPR responders for PulsePoint in St. Louis Park.
as soon as possible,” said St. Louis Park Fire Department
PRSRT STD Chief Steve Koering. “This will be a powerful tool in our PulsePoint is a free app and can be downloaded from
U.S. Postage efforts to increase cardiac survival rates in St. Louis Park, Apple and from Google Play. For more information,
and we encourage CPR-trained residents to download the visit pulsepoint.org. Residents who would like to arrange
PAID app.” for training or a refresher in hands-only CPR or AED
Twin Cities use may contact Nancy Schmelzle, St. Louis Park Fire
Permit No. 603 In anticipation of the PulsePoint rollout, the St. Louis Park Department community outreach coordinator,
Emergency Program (STEP) a community food shelf and at [email protected] or 952.300.1413.
social service agency, has installed an AED (automatic
external defibrillator) and staff members are undergoing
CPR/AED training.

See page 8
for important
election info!

Swimming pool tips Sprinkling ordinance
conserves water
Summer’s here and it’s time to jump in the pool to beat the heat. Nothing’s more
fun when swimming with the family but please keep in mind when it’s time to drain Permanent restrictions
or backwash your outdoor swimming pool, the following tips will help protect the In an effort to conserve water, St. Louis Park prohibits lawn sprinkling between
environment and our water resources: noon and 6 p.m. In addition, all households and businesses must follow an odd/even
schedule when sprinkling lawns. Properties that end with an odd number sprinkle on
• Don’t add chlorine for a minimum of three days prior to draining pool water. odd-numbered days on the calendar; properties that end with an even number sprinkle
on even-numbered days.
• Don’t drain pool water directly into a surface water like a pond or wetland.
Additional conservation measures may be required during critical water shortages.
• Do direct drainage to green spaces, such as your lawn, and not to hard surfaces These can include limiting watering to once every five days or banning all outdoor
like the street or driveway. sprinkling. Should this situation arise, a public notice will be given.

• Do control drainage to prevent erosion. Exceptions
New sod or seed, and newly planted shrubs, trees and landscaping are exempt from
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) offers Swimming Pool and the odd/even schedule. Flower gardens are also exempt. Even in these circumstances,
Hot Tub Water Discharges Best Management Practices. You may also contact however, sprinkling must be done before noon or after 6 p.m.
Erick Francis, water resources engineer, City of St. Louis Park, at 952.924.2690 or
[email protected]. Enforcement
Currently, failing to follow sprinkling restrictions can result in an initial fine of $25 with
Water your trees wisely subsequent violations rising by $10. For example, the second violation is $35; the third
violation is $45, etc.
All trees, even mature ones, need water.
Significant changes in climate patterns
are impacting entire ecosystems. Our
urban landscapes are not immune to
these changes. In fact, trees in urban
areas are more prone to drought damage
and death than natural stands of trees.
The best solution to help trees through a
drought is to water your trees! Trees that
don’t receive enough water are unable to
create new growth. When this happens,
root development is reduced and wound
formation restricted. As trees reach this
stage, they start to shut down and become
targets for diseases and insects that can
kill them. The best place to apply water
differs for newly planted and established
trees:

Newly planted trees: Immediately after planting, all tree roots are in the original
root ball area. Until new roots grow into the soil of the planting site, water the original
root ball area and just beyond this area. The root ball area may dry out faster than
the surrounding soil, so check the moisture in this area frequently for the first month
or two after planting.

Established trees: Don’t irrigate the area directly adjacent to the trunk - this can
increase the risk of disease. Roots extend far beyond the edge of canopy or drip line.
Water in the drip line area by placing a hose, at trickle speed, in one spot of the drip line
area for 30 minutes and move to another drip line spot and repeat. A mature tree on a
sunny summer/fall day can use more than 150 gallons of water per day. Water deeply
rather than frequently. Because most tree roots are found in the upper 18 – 24 inches
of the soil, this is the zone that should be wetted up in each irrigation cycle. A lawn
sprinkler is insufficient for deep watering purposes; let the water trickle out of the hose
in order for water to penetrate past the turf grass roots.

Emerald ash borer
treatment underway

In preparation for the inevitable arrival of emerald ash borer (EAB), the City of St. Louis Park
has contracted with Rainbow Treecare to treat public ash trees (only the highest quality trees)
growing along boulevards and in parks with a preventive insecticide. A citywide bulk discount
is available and offered through 2017 for St. Louis Park homeowners for trees on private
property that are at least 10 inches in diameter and in good physical condition.

Ash trees rarely show signs of light-to-moderate EAB infestation, making the early infestations
difficult to diagnose. By the time the symptoms are obvious, it may be too late to protect or
save the tree. The cost to treat a large, healthy ash tree on private property for 10-20 years is
substantially less than the price of tree and stump removal and tree replacement.

The injection period runs the entire growing season, so you still have plenty of time to get your
trees injected this year. If you are interested in taking advantage of the city’s injection discount,
contact Rainbow Treecare at 952.767.6920 or rainbowtreecare.com/stlouispark.

22

New & Improved
Bill Pay Service

Now available in HD on Pobrayybpyohntoelinxnete,
Comcast cable system

St. Louis Park hires ParkTV is now available in high definition (HD) on Comcast The City of St. Louis Park has partnered with InvoiceCloud,
new community channel 859! This means that your favorite ParkTV events a web-based, electronic invoice presentment and payment
development director can now be seen on Comcast cable TV in glorious high company, to provide faster, more convenient utility billing
resolution wide screen format as they are on CenturyLink services to our customers. The new online payment
The City of St. Louis Park is pleased to announce that Prism TV or ParkTV’s YouTube channel. and e-bill service will offer residents more flexibility in
Karen Barton will join the city as community development paying their bills (including auto-pay, scheduled recurring
director starting July 17, 2017. Barton is currently assistant Starting with the city council meeting on June 19, the payments, pay by text and pay by phone). The system is
community development director for the City of Richfield, ParkTV HD channel 859 simulcasts live public meeting easy to use and allows residents to pay bills with either a
a position she has held since January 2008. coverage from city hall. Meetings may be seen in the bank account or credit/debit card.
usual standard definition (SD) location on channel 17.
“Throughout the interview process Karen impressed us with Important items to note:
her experience and skills,” said Harmening. “We look forward ParkTV HD channel 859 shows the best of ParkTV
to her taking the helm of the city’s community development productions, while the other ParkTV channels continue Automatic Bill Pay (Checking/Savings) - If you were
department, where one of her first big tasks will be to oversee their existing niches. For example, council meetings previously enrolled for automatic payments through
development of the city’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update, replay five days per week on Civic TV channel 17; On your checking or savings account, your information has
using data gathered in the Vision 3.0 process.” Location channel 16 specializes in sports and concerts; and been transferred to the new system. These payments will
Community TV channels 15 and 96 show a wide variety continue on future due dates. Please register your account
As community development director, Barton will lead the of programs including church services on the weekend; to make any changes.
divisions of planning and zoning, housing and economic and ParkTV14 shows school board meetings, musical
development and redevelopment. She will also be responsible performances and varsity sports. Credit/Debit Card - If you were previously set up for
for developing recommendations to the St. Louis Park City automatic payments with a credit or debit card, your
Council, Economic Development Authority, Planning Commission, Find out what’s playing on ParkTV HD channel 859 on the payments will not continue on future due dates and you
Board of Zoning Appeals and Housing Authority Board on issues, web at parktv.org, along with the schedules for the other will need to register your account to set up and make
initiatives and programs related to land use, zoning, economic ParkTV channels. changes. Under “Services” select “AutoPay” to add your
development and redevelopment, and housing. card information.
ParkTV program information is also available on the
Barton’s experience prior to Richfield includes positions Comcast program guide. Simply press “guide” or “info” on E-Billing - If you were previously enrolled in E-Billing you
with Arden Hills, Crystal and Brooklyn Center and Hennepin your Comcast TV remote control to see the description of will need to re-register your account and go to “Manage
and Anoka counties, as well as in the private sector. She has the current program, and scroll forward to find out about my paperless settings.” You will receive a paper bill rather
a bachelor’s of science degree in housing and community future programming. This makes ParkTV programming than an email for your next billing cycle with your account
development from the University of Minnesota College of easy to record on a DVR. For more information about number.
Architecture and several accreditations from the International ParkTV, contact Jacqueline Larson at 952.924.2632.
Economic Development Council and International Development New format of Account Number: Your account number
Council. On track with Southwest LRT is an 18-digit number, which is a combination of your
customer and account number separated by a dash,
“My 20-plus-year career has provided me with extensive The Southwest LRT will operate on a route from including leading zeros with no spaces.
experience in all facets of community and economic downtown Minneapolis through St. Louis Park, Hopkins,
development,” said Barton. “I am excited about the opportunity Minnetonka and Eden Prairie, passing in close proximity Example:
to apply those skills working for such an innovative and to Edina. The line will include 15 new stations – three in
progressive community.” St. Louis Park – and will be part of an integrated system of Customer Number: 00012345
transitways, including connections to the METRO Blue Line, Account Number: 0012345678
The community development department had been led Northstar Commuter Rail Line, and many bus routes, and
for the past 13 years by Kevin Locke, who began a phased proposed future transitways. The total estimated project Enter your account number as: 00012345-0012345678
retirement program effective May 1, 2017. He has transitioned cost of $1.858 billion will be funded by the Metropolitan
from community development director to part-time Council and project partners through a mix of federal, New format of bill: The new bill format will incorporate
Southwest Light Rail Transit project specialist for the city. state and local sources, with federal funds making up the new account number format as well as increase the
approximately half the total. For more information and to font size and contrast of items to increase readability.
sign up for email updates visit http://bit.ly/2swmejG.

The Southwest Light Rail Transit (LRT) Project is
currently in the engineering phase of the Federal Transit
Administration’s New Starts funding process. All five cities
along the proposed alignment and Hennepin County have
approved preliminary design plans for Southwest LRT.
Heavy construction is scheduled to take place between
2017 and 2021. Southwest LRT is expected to begin
passenger service as an extension of the METRO Green
Line in 2021.

Visit invoicecloud.com/stlouisparkmn to make
a one-time payment or register and manage your account.

3

Holiday garbage, recycling and organics collection Tips for cleaner carts

If a holiday falls on the weekend, there will be no delayed collection. Washing your garbage, recycling and organics carts out is a good practice to keep your carts
If a holiday falls during the week, collection will be delayed by one clean. Washing carts prevents sticky and potentially smelly residue from building up inside your
day all week through Saturday (9 a.m. through 6 p.m.). cart. A dirty cart may attract insects or animals, like squirrels and raccoons. These unwanted
animals are known to chew through carts and lids, causing damage and litter.
Labor Day
Consider these tips for washing your carts and keeping them clean between collections:
Monday, Sept. 4, 2017 • After your carts are emptied for the week, put a little soap, vinegar or baking soda in the cart,
No collection on Monday. Collection delayed one day all week.
lay it on its side and spray out the dirt and residue with a garden hose. Or put a couple of scrub
Thanksgiving Day buckets full of soapy water in the cart, and swish the inside with a long handled broom or mop.
• Leave the cart tilted on its side or propped upside down to dry out. Make sure your cart is
Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017 completely dry before filling it with garbage or recyclables again.
No collection on Thursday. Thursday and Friday collection will be • Remember, garbage must always be bagged and tied closed. Do not throw loose trash items in
delayed by one day. your cart.
• S prinkling a small amount of baking soda in the bottom of your cart after cleaning may help
Christmas Day reduce odors and absorb liquids in between collections.

Monday, Dec. 25, 2017 Save the date – fall cleanup Sept. 23
No collection on Monday. Collection delayed one day all week.
Mark your calendars for the annual fall cleanup day,
New Year's Day Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the
St. Louis Park Municipal Service Center, 7305 Oxford St.
Monday, Jan. 1, 2018 The event is for St. Louis Park residents only; personal
No collection on Monday. Collection delayed one day all week. ID is required.

Contact Public Works at 952.924.2562 for more information. Items collected for a charge
Bulky items (broken, stained, or unusable furniture,
Become a Recycling Champion toys, remodeling supplies, scrap wood, equipment, etc.),
appliances and microwaves, CRT monitors and box/tube
Many people learn best when they hear information from someone they know. TVs, mattresses, box springs and tires.
This can be true when it comes to the topic of recycling as well. The City of Please note: Recycling Box/Tube TVs and CRT monitors
St. Louis Park has launched a new program to train residents who are interested through Hennepin County’s drop-off facilities is
in gaining more knowledge about recycling and organics and serving as significantly cheaper than other options, including the city
citizen-educators. cleanup event.
Items collected for free
Recycling Champions will use the information they learn to be a resource in Bicycles, fluorescent bulbs, household batteries (no lead acid batteries or other types of vehicle
their neighborhood and community groups. This might include giving mini- batteries), computers (desktop towers and laptops) and peripherals (printers, keyboards, etc.),
presentations at block parties or talking one-on-one with a neighbor who wants cell phones, VCR/DVD players, stereos, paper for shredding, scrap metal, shoes and textiles.
more information about what carts different items can go in.
Pricing is available online at www.stlouispark.org/garbage-recycling.html. Click on City Cleanup
The first training for Recycling Champions was held in May, and another is Days. You may also call Waste Management at 763.783.5423. Cash or checks only. If you have
scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 20, from 6:30 – 8 p.m. If you would like to learn items to discard at other times of the year, check out Hennepin County’s Green Disposal Guide
more about becoming a Recycling Champion, email [email protected]. at hennepin.us/green-disposal-guide.
An RSVP is requested for the training.
Help increase parks recycling
Too much recycling for your cart?
Look for the city’s blue recycling carts when you visit city parks this summer. Help keep the
Do you sometimes find yourself with more recyclables than will fit in your recycling recycling clean by emptying bottles and cans before you put them in the cart. If you have items
cart? If so, you can still set the material out for recycling! Place the items in a paper like napkins, juice pouches, diapers, straws and plastic cutlery, please remember to dispose of
grocery bag, cardboard box or your old green recycling tote and set it next to them in the trash. If you notice a solo recycling cart, help us out by rolling it next to the nearest
your recycling cart. Extra cardboard boxes must be broken down flat and cut or green trash cart. Making sure recycling and trash carts are paired helps reduce contamination
folded into pieces that are no more than 3’ by 3’ in size. Bundle the cardboard with and increases recycling.
twine or tape. Cardboard outside the cart that is too large or left loose will not be
collected. More households are collecting food scraps for composting

If you find that your recycling far exceeds the size of your recycling cart or you have Did you know that one in four eligible households in St. Louis Park participates in the organics
extra recyclables on a regular basis, you can also request a second recycling cart by recycling program? These residents separate food scraps for weekly collection through the city’s
contacting Utility Billing at 952.924.2111 or [email protected]. organics recycling program. Participation has grown as residents find out there is no longer an
extra fee to join. Your household may be one of the 1,000+ households that signed up in 2017
Multi-family organics drop-sites or perhaps you’ve been with the program since it started. Either way, you’ve helped us reach a
25 percent participation rate. Thank you!
Did you know that approximately 40 percent of St. Louis Park residents live
in multi-family buildings? While state law and local ordinance require apartments If you haven’t joined and would like to, contact Utility Billing at 952.924.2111 or
and condos to provide recycling collection for their residents, there are no specific [email protected].
rules for organics recycling. On average, 30 percent of trash could be composted,
but for most multi-family households the only option is the garbage. That’s a lot of Save the date:
food, coffee grounds and paper napkins being thrown away. Free clothing swap

To begin to address this issue, a pilot project including three convenient organics Wardrobe in need of an update? Bring clothing
recycling drop-offs is available to multi-family households this summer. Residents items that are no longer right for you and trade
who live in apartments or condos not served by the city’s curbside program can them in for "new" ones. All styles, sizes, and types
sign up to participate. The city will provide a starter kit of compostable bags of clothes, shoes and accessories are welcome.
and a guide so participants know what materials are acceptable. If the program
is well received and contamination is minimal, the city intends to continue the Bring as many clean/washed items as you'd like and take home as many items as you'd like.
program beyond the pilot. If you live in a multi-family building and would like more Worn/torn textiles will also be collected for recycling. Leftover items will be collected for
information or to sign up, contact Emily Barker, solid waste specialist, at charity, reuse or recycling. Event is in partnership with Do It Green! Minnesota.
[email protected] or 952.924.2187.
Event is FREE and open to everyone. All ages and genders welcome!

Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, 2 – 4 p.m.
St. Louis Park Rec Center Banquet Room, 3700 Monterey Drive

24

Freezer boxes not accepted in organics program VISION 3.0

Did you know that items like freezer boxes, grease-resistant/coated paper plates and input process wraps up
most paper drink cups are no longer accepted in organics recycling? These items have
a thin plastic coating that is a problem in composting. The plastic breaks down into tiny After several months of
pieces that can't be removed from the finished compost. For this reason, our composter seeking community input
has asked the city to remove these items from the acceptable materials lists. through facilitator training,
neighborhood meetings,
One of the city’s priorities is making sure that we contribute to clean compost by letting community events, social
program participants know about this change. If you participate in the program, help us media, surveys and more,
keep compost clean by placing frozen food boxes, fast food wrappers, wax paper, paper the Vision 3.0 project is
drink cups and decorative paper plates in the trash! wrapping up! The nine-
person steering committee
The only exceptions are products labeled as BPI Certified Compostable, Cedar Grove meets in July to hear some
Accepted or uncoated. Fortunately, you will find many of these items at restaurants here of the major findings from
in St. Louis Park thanks to the requirements of the Zero Waste Packaging Ordinance; the Vision process, followed
details available at slpmn.us/zerowastepackaging. If you're not sure, don't include it, by a discussion at a city
or call Kala Fisher, solid waste program coordinator, at 952.924.2183 with questions. council study session late this
summer.
Green thinkers, unite! Check out the new Choose to Reuse website.
Looking for a sneak peek at what themes are emerging from the process? As
Keep usable stuff out of the trash and find quality items without buying new with the reported to the city council in May based on data available at the time, respondents
Hennepin County Choose to Reuse website, hennepin.us/choosetoreuse. The website overall love the city and their neighborhood; love police and fire services and feel
is a gathering space for Twin Cities green thinkers that will help you make sustainable safe; are concerned about traffic; would like to see more neighborhood and city
choices for everyday living. activities; and would like to have more affordable housing.

Features of the Choose to Reuse website include: A report to the community will be prepared and presented this fall, with data from
• A listing of more than 600 local places to sell, donate, buy, repair, rent and share items. the Vision 3.0 project used to inform the process for the development of the city’s
• A Google Maps function to locate reuse resources near your zip code. long-range plan – the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update.
• “Spotlight on Reuse” articles that take a deep dive into reuse topics, such as cloth
Thank you to all of the facilitators who assisted in gathering input from their friends
diapering and the negatives of fast fashion. and neighbors, and to the countless community members who provided thoughtful
• Local event highlights to keep you in the loop on area Fix-It Clinics, neighborhood insights into how we can prepare for St. Louis Park’s future!

garage sales, classes and more. Public buildings,
parks offer free Wi-Fi
Choosing to reuse helps us live sustainably by reducing waste, protecting natural
resources, conserving energy, preventing pollution and saving money. Learn more Go wireless in these St. Louis Park facilities:
at hennepin.us/choosetoreuse. • St. Louis Park City Hall
• St. Louis Park Police Department lobby
Curbside collection of clothing, • The Rec Center/Aquatic Park/ROC (Recreation Outdoor Center)
small home goods continues • Municipal Service Center (MSC)
• W estwood Hills Nature Center main building, picnic shelter building and brickhouse
Residents who receive city recycling services can also participate in the clothing recycling • Lenox Community Center
program offered through partnership with Simple Recycling. Over 31,000 lbs. (15.6 tons) • Public areas of Fire Stations 1 and 2
of material were collected in the first three-and-a-half months of the program! • Aquila, Birchwood, Browndale, Fern Hill, Louisiana Oaks, Nelson and Oak Hill park

Materials accepted include: shelters and picnic shelter
• Clothing, linens and fabric in • Wolfe Park Pavilion, playground area and Veterans Memorial Amphitheater
• W est End Community Room and Atrium (located inside the ICON Theater building)
any condition (including stained
and torn) Why Wi-Fi in the parks?
• S mall home goods like Fiber is being extended to several city park buildings to provide security cameras
decorations, cooking utensils and to allow remote locking and unlocking of bathroom facilities at park buildings.
and toys that are unbroken and The security cameras are useful in dealing with issues of vandalism and dumping
still useable while the ability to make park restrooms available in an efficient way makes the
parks more usable.
Many of these items are
commonly disposed in the trash, Wi-Fi is very inexpensive to add once the fiber extension/connection is made, and
even though several reuse and makes our community and our parks more attractive for casual users as well as
recycling options are available those who rent park shelters. Additionally, it fits the city council’s goals of making
in our community. The city St. Louis Park a technology connected community and of advancing racial equity by
encourages residents to make providing free, public Wi-Fi access in as many public locations as possible for all
use of the city’s collection residents and visitors.
program or other donation drop-
off or pick-up options. Residents 35
should be aware that the city’s
program is not a donation
program.

How the program works:
• Residents fill “Simple Recycling” orange bags with clothing, shoes and small home

goods.
• Tie bags shut and set out at the front curb on recycling collection day. Remember:

Put bags at the curb, even if your recycling cart is collected in your alley.
• Bags are collected on your recycling day and replacement bags will be left behind for

you to fill again and set out on your next recycling day.
• Material collected is sorted for reuse in thrift stores in the Midwest or sent overseas.

Stained or ripped clothing is recycled into carpet padding, insulation or absorbent
material for oil or chemical spills.

If you did not receive orange bags or you need more, visit City Hall, The Rec Center
or the Municipal Service Center. Bags may also be requested from Simple Recycling.
For additional questions or to report a missed pick-up, residents should call Simple
Recycling at 866.835.5068 or email [email protected].

Pedestrian safety – Unsignalized intersection safety
The roles of the driver As you are venturing out in our neighborhoods, you will encounter many different types of
and the pedestrian intersection control. Intersections with a low volume of traffic usually do not require a traffic
signal and are controlled by the “YIELD” and “STOP” road signs. They are usually employed
Summertime is when many people are out and about. As Minnesotans, we love getting out for prioritizing directions of travel and to help drivers make quick decisions about who has
and enjoying the outdoors. Many people will want to take a walk, and as those people walk, the right-of-way.
they will eventually need to cross a street. Now is a good time to remind people of their
roles as both drivers and pedestrians. Uncontrolled intersections
An uncontrolled intersection is a road intersection with no signs. This type of intersection
Pedestrian tips: is very common for low volume residential roads. Generally, who has the right-of-way is
1. Although Minnesota State law states that pedestrians have the right-of-way at any determined by the order of arrival to the intersection and relative positions of vehicles on
the road.
marked or unmarked crosswalk, it’s common for drivers to not know to yield for
pedestrians unless there is a clearly marked crosswalk. Use caution when approaching While not required to come to a complete stop at an uncontrolled intersection, you need
an intersection. to slow down and look for cross traffic. Approaching from the right does not automatically
grant you the right of way and does not excuse you from slowing down before entering the
2. Even if a driver sees you, never assume they will stop for you. intersection. When you encounter an uncontrolled intersection, exercise cautions and use
the following simple rules to determine who has the right-of-way:
3. Wave your hand at the approaching driver as you step off he curb to make your intention
to cross the road clear. • The vehicle that arrived to the intersection first has the right-of-way.

4. I f crossing a multi-lane road and a vehicle stops in the closest lane for you, stop at the end • I f two vehicles arrive at the intersection at roughly the same time, the driver of the vehicle
of that vehicle and look to be sure that any approaching vehicles in the other lanes stop for on the left must give way to the driver of the vehicle on the right.
you as well.
• When making a left turn, yield to all oncoming traffic even if you were the first one to
Driver tips: enter the intersection.
1. Yield at any intersection if someone is waiting to cross.
• Look for pedestrians. Yield to pedestrians crossing at any leg of the intersection.
2. Stay alert and look for potential pedestrians that may want to cross the road especially
in areas with schools and parks. Yield signs
A “YIELD” sign is the next level of sign control. They are installed at intersections to assign
3. When turning, look in all directions for pedestrians (or bicyclists). right-of-way. Drivers must always yield to traffic coming from the cross street. If there is no
traffic, drivers do not need to come to a complete stop.
4. W hen yielding to a pedestrian, stop far enough back so the pedestrian has good sight
distance past you and that drivers in other lanes can also see the pedestrian in time to For safety at intersections with a “YIELD” sign drivers should:
stop. • Slow down

5. D o not block crosswalks while stopped or parked, and be aware that a stopped vehicle • Yield to pedestrians at any leg of the intersection
in front of you may be stopped for a pedestrian, so use caution when passing vehicles.
• Yield to approaching cross traffic
For more information on pedestrian and bicycle safety, visit the Minnesota Department
of Transportation website called “Share the Road” at dot.state.mn.us/sharetheroad. A four-way yield intersection has yield signs installed at every entry to the intersection
and is usually marked by the “ALL WAY” sign. The vehicle that arrives at the intersection
first has the right-of-way and must go first. When two vehicles arrive at a four-way yield
intersection at the same time, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.
If traveling in opposite directions, both vehicles can proceed.

Stop signs
A “STOP” sign is the highest level of sign control. Drivers must always come to a complete
stop. By law, a stop is when all tires on a vehicle are not moving. At intersections with a
stop sign a driver should always:

• Stop and look both ways before proceeding. If you cannot see well enough to drive safely,
roll forward slowly to expand your view.

• W ait for your right-of-way and reassure safety for oncoming traffic, bicyclists, and
pedestrians.

• Yield to pedestrians crossing at any leg of the intersection.

A “STOP” sign requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to vehicles and pedestrians
approaching an intersection. The driver must come to a stop before the crosswalk stop
line. If there is no line, the driver must stop before entering the crosswalk. If neither a stop
line nor crosswalk is present, then vehicles must stop prior to entering the intersection
controlled by the stop sign. You have to make sure the intersection is clear and you will
not impede approaching traffic by entering the stop-controlled intersection.

A four-way stop intersection has stop signs installed at every entry to the intersection and is
usually marked by the “ALL WAY” sign. Drivers have to stop before the intersection no matter
what direction you are coming from. The vehicle that arrives at the intersection first has
the right-of-way and must go first. When two vehicles arrive at a four-way stop intersection
at the same time, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right. If traveling in
opposite directions, both vehicles can proceed.

St. Louis Park poised to increase legal age to purchase tobacco

Ordinance will increase legal age to buy tobacco, tobacco products in St. Louis Park from 18 to 21 years old

At a June 26, 2017, special meeting, the St. Louis Park City Council approved by a vote of 6-1 the first reading of an ordinance raising the legal age to purchase tobacco and tobacco products
in St. Louis Park from 18 to 21 years old and increase administrative fines for violation of the ordinance. A second reading of the ordinance is scheduled for July 17, 2017. Should the ordinance
pass it would go into effect October 1, 2017, making St. Louis Park the second city in the state of Minnesota to enact such an ordinance.

“I initiated this discussion because it so well documented that people are more likely to develop a smoking habit if they start as teenagers,” said Councilmember Susan Sanger. “Smoking
contributes significantly to many health issues, both for the smoker and those around them. Raising the minimum age to purchase tobacco to 21 is a very sensible and easy-to-enforce way
to address this serious public health issue.”

The purpose of the ordinance is to limit availability of tobacco products and to help reduce the number of youth who begin using tobacco. The St. Louis Park City Council discussed raising the
legal age for purchasing tobacco products, as well as the sale of flavored tobacco products, at a study session May 15, 2017. That study session was followed in late May by two informational
meetings for the 23 tobacco license holders in St. Louis Park; there were seven attendees at that meeting. In voting against the ordinance, Councilmember Steve Hallfin said, “I abhor tobacco
products, but this ordinance is misguided. An 18 year old is considered an adult and can be a property owner, get married and go to war – I can’t see refusing to sell tobacco to them.”

The proposed ordinance includes an increase in administrative fines for violations by tobacco license holders in the city, from $250 to $500 for a first violation and from $500 to $1,000 for a
second violation. The council also voted 7-0 on an amendment to the ordinance increasing the license suspension from 3 days to 30 days for a third violation within three years. Compliance
checks of tobacco license holders are conducted annually by the St. Louis Park Police Department, and licenses are renewed annually.

City Council also contemplates regulating sale of flavored tobacco products

At a study session immediately following the June 26 special meeting, the council continued its discussion from the May 15 study session about regulating the sale of flavored tobacco
products. The council directed city staff to draft an ordinance amending the Tobacco Licensing section of city code to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products in St. Louis Park.

26

City council discusses ranked choice voting

At a June study session, the city council heard a presentation about ranked choice voting
(RCV) for municipal elections, and directed staff to gather more information to be presented
for discussion at a future study session.

RCV is a method of voting that allows voters to rank multiple candidates in order of
preference. It can only be used for municipal elections, and cannot be used for school
district, state, federal or county elections. Currently, the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul
have introduced RCV for their municipal elections. The City of St. Louis Park could
implement RCV via amendment to the city charter.

For more information contact Melissa Kennedy, city clerk, at [email protected]
or 952.924.2840.

City council chambers undergo remodeling Siar Nadem is Officer of the Year

From July through later this fall, the St. Louis Park City Council, EDA, Planning Congratulations to St. Louis Park Police Officer Siar Nadem, who has been named 2016
Commission and Telecommunications Advisory Commission will hold their regular Robert Linnell Officer of the Year. Presented annually since 1989, the award recognizes
meetings in the Community Room, located on the first floor of St. Louis Park City Hall, St. Louis Park police officers who demonstrate consistent principles of integrity, fairness
5005 Minnetonka Blvd., St. Louis Park. This relocation is necessary due to remodeling and commitment to service in the St. Louis Park community. Officers are nominated by
of the city council chambers. their peers, with officers voting on the nominations to select the award winner. Officer
Nadem has been with the St. Louis Park Police Department for 15 years, starting as a
These meetings will continue to be broadcast live on ParkTV channel 17, and recorded community service officer. He has worked in investigations and as a school liaison
for later playback on ParkTV and YouTube. Should a meeting be expected to draw a officer, and currently works patrol.
large crowd, meetings may be moved to The Rec Center banquet room, 3700 Monterey
Drive, St. Louis Park, where they may also be broadcast live and recorded. Meeting
locations will be provided in advance at stlouispark.org.

The last significant remodeling was in the early 1980s, so the council chambers
is undergoing a transformation to help provide a more inviting, flexible, safe and
technologically updated space for public meetings, workshops, trainings and events.

Construction updates US Internet makes inroads in St. Louis Park

Stay informed by email, website and direct US Internet (USI), based in Minnetonka, has started extending fiber-to-the-premise
mailings. Sign up to receive updates on current (FTTP) service into to St. Louis Park. USI provides internet and telephone service via
and future construction projects happening in Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP). While Cable TV is not among the current offerings
of US Internet, USI’s high-speed broadband Internet service is offered exclusively over
St. Louis Park at slpmn.us/construction. a dedicated fiber optic connection. The result is faster upload and download speeds
compared to other major providers that typically use some combination of copper wire,
Questions? Call 952.924.2656. coaxial cable and fiber. Google’s customer service rating for USI was 4.7 out of 5.0 in
December of 2016. They also require no contracts or setup fees.

“In addition to the fact that US Internet offers another choice for our residents, they
also provide a price-competitive service, which we can see based on what they’ve done
in Minneapolis,” said Clint Pires, chief information officer, City of St. Louis Park. USI
recently surpassed 50,000 homes eligible for its FTTP service in Minneapolis, and
continues to expand its offerings in that city.

“The entrance of USI to the St. Louis Park market advances the city council’s strategic
goal of making St. Louis Park a technology-connected community,” continued Pires.
“We’re happy to work with any provider to facilitate the deployment of broadband
services and choices in our city – USI just happened to be particularly interested at
this time.”

USI began offering service to more than 500 residential units at Era on Excelsior
(formerly Meadowbrook Manor) earlier this summer. USI is also providing services to
a number of St. Louis Park businesses. They plan to continue to expand their network
with the goal to offer service to all homes and businesses in St. Louis Park
over the next few years.

73

Prepare
to vote!

Voting is your opportunity to be heard, hold elected officials Can’t go to the polls on Election Day? Vote absentee.
accountable and have a say in important issues that affect
our community. In St. Louis Park elections for city offices occur If you can’t get to the polls on Election Day you can still vote. Absentee voting
in odd-numbered years. Here is what you need to know for the means voting by mail or in person before Election Day instead of at a polling place.
2017 election cycle: Absentee ballots are available 46 days before an election. Any eligible voter may
choose to vote by absentee ballot for any reason. Here is what you need to know:
In 2017 the following offices will be on the ballot:
• Councilmember Ward 1 • Absentee ballots for the Primary Election will be available until Aug. 7 at 5 p.m.
• Councilmember Ward 2 • City hall is open for absentee voting Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Councilmember Ward 3 • Y ou can request an absentee ballot by completing an application available at
• Councilmember Ward 4
slpmn.us/elections or by calling 952.924.2503.
St. Louis Park voters in ISD 283 will also elect individuals to serve on the
school board and have the opportunity to vote on a referendum. Note: Because there are no State or Federal races on the ballot in 2017, you CANNOT request
an absentee ballot through the Secretary of State’s online portal.
Voters are encouraged to plan ahead to make their trip to the polls as efficient
as possible. Finding your polling place, registering to vote and learning what races Direct balloting available Aug. 1 for the Primary Election
will be on your ballot are all important steps to take when preparing to vote. • All eligible voters in Ward 1 can vote in-person at city hall beginning Aug. 1-7 and place
The City of St. Louis Park is here to help you get ready to vote. Here are some
of the most common questions we are asked during election season: their ballots directly into a ballot counter.
• V otes will be counted immediately, but results will not be reported until the polls
• Am I eligible to vote?
• Am I registered to vote? close on Election Day, Aug. 8.
• How do I register to vote before Election Day? • T he City Clerk’s office will be open extended hours for direct balloting on the
• How do I register to vote on Election Day?
• Where do I vote? following dates:
• What is on my ballot? • Aug. 5, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Aug. 7, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
To find the answers to all these questions and more visit slpmn.us/elections
or call the elections hotline at 952.924.2503. Are campaign signs regulated?
When elections season begins residents and visitors will begin to see campaign signs
Note: The Secretary of State’s Office has many voting materials and forms available in ten popping up throughout the community. Political signs are regulated by MN Statute
languages – Spanish, Hmong, Somali, Vietnamese, Russian, Chinese, Lao, Oromo, Khmer 211B.045 and City Code Section 36-362(h)(5).
and Amharic. Visit slpmn.us/elections or call the elections hotline at 952.924.2503 for
more information on how to access these materials. Keep in mind:
• Political signs of any size are permitted in any number from 46 days before an election.
Primary Election set for Ward 1 Councilmember • Political signs must be removed within 10 days after the General Election has been held.
The St. Louis Park City Charter states that a Primary Election will be held when • P olitical signs should not be placed on the public right-of-way or on any publicly owned
three or more candidates file for one office. The city will hold a Primary Election
on Aug. 8, 2017 for the office of Councilmember in Ward 1. This is the only office property, including boulevard trees and utility poles.
that will appear on the ballot in August and only those precincts located within • P olitical signs must not obstruct the vision at an intersection or otherwise create a
Ward 1 will be open for voting on August 8.
hazard to public safety.

Campaign Signs Help

If you have questions regarding
campaign signs in St. Louis Park, please
contact the Inspections Department at

952.924.2588.

Campaign signs are NOT allowed on:

Publicly owned land
(schools, public buildings,
parks, etc.)

Traffic Islands

Street signs, signals,
fire hydrants

Utility poles

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