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Winter 2014 WATER SYSTEM ....... 3
BUDGET/LEVY ............ 3
WINTER REMINDERS .. 5
Minnetrista Messenger The City of Minnetrista will deliver quality services in a cost effective
and innovative manner and provide opportunities for a high quality of
life while protecting natural resources and maintaining a rural character.
Began January 1, 2014
I n December, the City of Minnetrista
through the annual fee schedule update
approved adjusting the sewer and
storm/surface water rates. The City of
Minnetrista also approved changing of the
Water Rate structure from the current struc-
ture to a tiered rate that is more representa-
tive of a standard and water conservation
encouraging structure.
The City Council approved the rate
changes after a Water Rate Study com-
pleted this fall by Ehlers and Associates
found that although water funds are cur-
rently in good financial health, expected
capital and operational costs of the water
infrastructure improvements shown in the
City’s Utility Financial Management Plan
will require additional funds. The new util-
ity rate table can be found at the right. Both
old and new rates can be found on the
City’s website. The tiered system for water
rates was first used in 2010 by the City of
Minnetrista to promote water conservation.
Prior to that there had not been any adjust-
ments of the first tier rate of $2.99 per
1,000 gallons since 2004.
Homeowners using the median amount of
water or lower (28,000 gallons per quarter)
should see their water bill increase by 3%
or less. In an effort to encourage water con-
servation by residents, higher water users
who drive peak demand (defined by Ehler’s
and Associates as 50,000 gallons per quar-
ter or more) will see more significant in-
creases of 10% or more. Water conserva-
tion ideas can be found on page 5 of this
newsletter.
The Sewer rate is increasing from the cur-
rent rate of $95 a quarter to $98 a quarter
for residential properties. The rate for
commercial accounts and schools will be
$98 per quarter up to 25,000 gallons and
$4.38 per 1,000 gallons for usage above
25,000 gallons.
The Storm/Surface water utility fund quar-
terly rate has also been adjusted from the
current rate of $18 a quarter to $18.50 a
quarter. Surface water management is the
goal of this fund and the above increase
will help the City complete projects to help
with the overall water quality of the City
and is not just for culverts but for other
processes that help with cleaning and treat-
ing our water before it reaches our water-
ways, bays, lakes etc.
Utility Rate Changes
Mayor’s Message
I hope everyone has had a good
start to the new year. Hopefully
winter won’t last too much
longer.
During the last quarter of 2013, we
hired four new City staff members to
fill positions left open by employees
that left for other career opportunities.
Nick Rettke was hired as a Public
Works Maintenance Worker, starting
October 1, 2013. Rettke is a Mound-
Westonka HS grad, has a B.S. in Envi-
ronmental Science from Briar Cliff
University in Sioux City, IA..
Dawn Motzko was hired as Utility
Billing Specialist on October 21, 2013.
Motzko is a Watertown-Mayer HS
grad, and has an A.A.S. degree in
Business Management and Accounting
from Rasmussen College.
Michael Bruzek was hired as a Police
Officer on November 18, 2013. Bru-
zek is a Delano HS grad, and has a
B.A. degree in Criminal Justice from
St. Cloud State University, and his
Law Enforcement Skills training certi-
fication at Alexandria Technical
School.
Aaron Rasset was hired as a Public
Works Maintenance Worker, starting
December 2, 2013. Rasset is a Buffalo
HS grad, has an A.A. degree in Heavy
Equipment Operation and Mainte-
nance from Central Lakes College in
Staples, MN.
In December, Finance Director Brian
Grimm gave a 2014 Budget Presenta-
tion and Overview for public comment
and the City Council eventually de-
cided to pass a flat levy for the second
year in a row on December 16th.
The City’s agreement with Mediacom
has been finalized and residents will
soon be able to view recordings of
regular City Council meetings on You-
Tube. Watch our website for details as
this becomes available..
I have been meeting with Rick Weible,
Mayor of St. Bonifacius to look at
ways our two cities could possibly
collaborate on providing services to
our residents in the future beyond our
current partnership for Police and Fire.
One of the options could be a merger
of the two cities; however, to become
a reality, that process would take
about 2—4 years. A committee of
elected officials and other representa-
tives must be created to study the topic
and other opportunities for collabora-
tion in the future. Both cities are look-
ing at branding and marketing efforts
and will apply to the Minnesota De-
sign Team for assistance.
Talks have continued between the City
of Minnetrista and the Westonka
School District regarding the contract
for the School Resource Officer. It
should be finalized in the first few
months of this year.
Three Rivers Park District is looking
at acquiring some land off of County
Road 15 as a link to the Trista Woods
Regional Trail. The City Council sup-
ported this acquisition.
The Roundabout is now operational.
The Kings Point Road project is near-
ing completion and we look forward to
the first part of construction in Wood-
land Cove beginning this spring.
The City Council appointed Alyce
Vogel and returning commissioner
Patti Dykoski to the Minnetrista Parks
Commission and appointed Patricia
Thoele and returning commissioner
Mike Stulberg to the Planning Com-
mission. Please welcome our newly
appointed officials as we thank outgo-
ing commissioners Sylvia Allen and
Bob Pollmann for their service.
As a reminder, the City Council gener-
ally meets the first and third Mondays
of each month. The meeting schedule
can be found on the Calendar page of
the City’s website.
Spring isn’t too far away! I hope to see
you all at our annual Trista Day event
which is being held on Saturday, May
17th from 11:00am until 2:00pm.
Please call the Police Department at
(952)446-1131 if you are interested in
having a vendor booth or would like to
volunteer to help make it a success.
As always, call me with your interests
and concerns,
Cheryl Fischer,
Mayor
CONTACT INFO
Minnetrista City Hall
7701 County Road 110 W
Minnetrista, MN 55364
Phone: 952.446.1660
Hours: M—F 8:00a—4:30p
Email:
Website: www.ci.minnetrista.mn.us
Minnetrista City Council
Mayor Cheryl Fischer 952.472.6510
Anne Hunt 952.472.7034
Mark Vanderlinde 952.446.9341
Bob Christians 612.490.9800
Water System Update
T he City of Minnetrista received the results of the Pilot Plant
Study for each of the water treatment plant sites at its De-
cember 2, 2013 City Council meeting. The study had shown
favorable results in the removal of iron and manganese amongst
other water constituents present in the City’s ground water. Min-
netrista City council unanimously approved staff’s recommendation
to move forward with the design of both water treatment plants.
However, the City Council has recently taken a position where they
want to further evaluate different water technologies. Discussion
occurred at the February 3rd City Council work session and regular
meeting. Further discussion is expected to take place on February
18th at a noon special meeting established by the City Council in
addition to the regular meeting scheduled for 7:00pm on February
18th. Construction of the water treatment plants is anticipated to
begin in the summer of 2014 and be completed in 2015.
In certain areas of Minnetrista, we continue to have iron and man-
ganese oxidizing prior to the water being consumed. Like most
communities without water treatment facilities, polyphosphates are
added to the water system. The polyphosphates are intended to
keep the iron and manganese from oxidizing, which would other-
wise make the water discolored. In certain areas of Minnetrista we
encounter iron and manganese oxidizing and settling out in our wa-
ter main pipe as polyphosphates become less effective with high
levels of iron and manganese. Chlorine and fluoride are also added
to the water system and tested throughout our system weekly to
ensure the proper residual levels are present. These tests occur
weekly and are submitted to the Minnesota Department of Health.
As we encounter water quality problems this winter, Public Works
Staff will make arrangements to flush the water system. Spring
flushing, fall flushing, and routine problem area flushing schedules
will be communicated so property owners are aware of this as
flushing can temporarily stir up iron and manganese sediment.
The City of Minnetrista would like to improve the way we commu-
nicate these flushing activities as well as project updates to our resi-
dents. The City will provide an email blast notifying property own-
ers of these activities (including short notice emergency flushing).
Property owners wishing to receive these notices or updates can go
the City website (www.ci.minnetrista.mn.us) and sign up. The
first item under news and events contains an item entitled “sign up
for email updates”. By clicking on this, property owners can enter
their email address and select a topic you would like to receive an
update on. Periodic updates will be emailed and notices for flush-
ing will be provided with as much notice as possible, with a mini-
mum of two hour notice for emergency flushing.
We greatly appreciate your patience and apologize for any incon-
venience this may cause. If you have any questions, concerns, or
are experiencing discolored water please contact Mark Erichson,
City Engineer/Director of Public Works at 612-360-1278, Gary
Peters, Public Works Supervisor, at 612-799-8107 or Mike Funk,
City Administrator, at 952-446-1660. The lines can be flushed, and
once your taps run clear again, water can again be utilized.
Through these efforts, we anticipate the water quality will be
greatly improved.
Net Tax Levy Trend
Net Tax
Levy $ change % change
2009 $4,517,925 N/A N/A
2010 $ 4,455,565 $ (62,360) -1.4%
2011 $ 4,035,013 $ (420,552) -9.4%
2012 $ 3,777,265 $ (257,748) -6.4%
2013 $ 3,777,265 $ 0.0 -0.0%
FINAL 2014 $ 3,777,265
*
$ 0.0 0%
O n December 16, 2013, the Minnetrista City Council, by a vote
3-2 vote, approved a flat levy for 2014. In the past 5 years
the city council has decreased the levy in three of those years
(in 2010,2011, and 2012) and for 2013 and now 2014 the levy has
remained the same. As a percentage, the overall levy has dropped in
the past 5 years by 17% or $750,000. Please see the graph (right) that
illustrates this historical trend.
Approving the tax levy and annual budget is one of the most signifi-
cant decisions for the city council as it impacts many aspects of the
city’s operations; including services, projects, equipment purchasing,
staffing, fiscal health, municipal bond rating, fund balances, etc. With
the council approving a flat levy it means that most homeowners will
have the same level of city taxes paid in 2014 as 2013. Other factors
out of the city’s control; such as valuation increases/decreases, home-
stead, property classification, taxes from other taxing jurisdictions
(county, school districts, special taxing districts) can also affect your
overall taxes paid as a homeowner.
Each year the city council also approves a long range financial man-
agement plan. The purpose of this effort is to take a proactive look at
the future and to effectively plan for the city’s long-term financial
well-being. Although the city has taken several measures the past five
years to lower taxes, it is recognized this trend cannot be sus-
tained. As a growing city with growing demands, the plan recognizes
that tax levy increases are necessary. However, new homes and the
tax base growth accompanied with it are anticipated to be cap-
tured. Capturing this new revenue should offset a portion of new
taxes needed to sustain our community.
City Council Approves Budget and Levy
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: Please do not permit children to make tunnels in the large mounds of snow that have
accumulated at the edge of the roadways. Snowplows could unintentionally cover or collapse the tunnel while children are inside.
I f you still have not purchased your dog
license for the 2013-2014 two-year li-
censing period, please submit your appli-
cation and rabies certificate to the Police De-
partment. The application can be found on our
website or you can pick one up at the Police
Department. The cost of the license is now $8
per dog since there is only one year remaining
in the two-year licensing period. The license
will be good until December 31, 2014.
We would like to remind you that if your dog
should be found at large and not licensed there
will be additional fees that you will have to
pay along with the impound fee and licensing
fee when you retrieve your dog.
Also, once you receive your dog license,
please make sure the dog is wearing it on it’s
collar. Should your dog become lost, it makes
it much easier for us to identify an owner
when the dog license is actually on the collar.
Dog Licenses
A little salt goes a long way for man-
aging snow and ice. But too much salt
– which may be less than you think –
can cause irreversible damage to
nearby lakes and streams.
The danger of ice and snow on roads
and sidewalks is a fact of life in Min-
nesota, and salt and sand can help re-
duce ice and add traction. When that
snow inevitably melts, however, most
of that salt and sand wash directly into
nearby waters.
Currently, salt use is not regulated, but
it poses a real threat to clean water.
The chloride contained in one teaspoon
of road salt can permanently pollute
five gallons of water. Chloride upsets
aquatic environments and can kill birds
and some plants.
Many people use more salt than they
need. But using more salt does not
melt more ice, or melt it faster. In real-
ity, salt only works when there is
enough snow or ice for it to react with
and excess crystals will eventually
become a pollutant. It’s best to use less
than four pounds of salt per 1,000
square feet. One pound of salt fills up a
12-ounce coffee mug.
Want to protect your local lake or
stream from chloride pollution? Here
are some easy ways you can help:
Apply salt or other de-icers before
snow storms, so you will need less
later.
Shovel regularly (a great form of
winter exercise) to minimize ice
buildup.
Break up ice with an ice scraper
before deciding if sand or a de-icer
is necessary for traction – you may
find that it’s not.
Use sand instead of salt in below
15 degree temperatures
Sweep up any salt that’s visible on
dry pavement and use it elsewhere
or throw it away.
By using salt wisely, you can save
money, time and the environment
without sacrificing safety. Learn more
at www.minnehahacreek.org/salt.
A Low-Salt Diet for Our Lakes
Stay Safe on the Ice
T he Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources has set up
guidelines for the recommended mini-
mum ice thickness for going out onto
the ice. They suggest contacting a local
bait shop or lakeside resort to ask
about ice conditions and checking ice
thickness once you get there. They
point out that temperature, snow cover,
currents, springs and rough fish all
affect the relative safety of the ice and
that ice is seldom the same thickness
over a single body of water. It can be
two feet thick in one place and one
inch thick just a few yards away. As
such, they recommend checking the ice
at least every 150 feet.
The following recommendations are
for new, clear ice only:
2” or less: STAY OFF
4”: Ice fishing on foot
5”: Snowmobile or ATV
8—12”: Car or small pickup
12—15”: Medium truck
Many ice drownings involve chil-
dren. When your child is near the
ice, you should be near your child.
Avoid alcoholic beverages when
you are on the ice. They can make
you feel colder and can slow down
your reaction time in case of an
ice emergency.
Carry two large nails to use as ice
picks to pull yourself out of the
water if you fall through the ice.
Avoid pressure ridges and areas
with currents if you choose to
drive on the ice.
Drive with your windows and
doors partially open to avoid be-
coming trapped if your car breaks
through the ice.
Never drive any vehicle (truck,
car, snowmobile, ATV or other
recreational vehicle) on the ice at
night.
For more information, contact the
MnDNR at [email protected] or
(651) 296-6157.
S tart the new year out right with a resolu-
tion to recycle more! Curbside recycling
offers you a way to lessen the amount of
waste that ends up in our landfills. If you
would like to order additional recycle carts,
you may do so at no charge. Simply call 1-
800.450.9378 to request another cart. Some of
the items that oftentimes get discarded in the
trash that could be recycled are yogurt con-
tainers, soup and wine cartons, deli and take-
out containers and juice boxes. More in your
recycle cart means less in your trash can.
Who knows, maybe you’ll be able to order a
smaller trash can. Any questions, please feel
free to call 952.446.1660.
Recycling Info
$ave Water and Money
Y our utility bill could get
high if you have a
plumbing problem. To
determine this, go to your me-
ter (most meters will be located
in your basement utility room
or outside your home) and
write down the number listed.
If you notice that the small red
circle on the dial face is spin-
ning and you are not know-
ingly using water, you likely
have a plumbing problem. Af-
ter reading the meter, use no
water for at least two hours.
Take a second reading. The
numbers should be the same. If
the reading has changed, some-
thing on the property is pulling
water through the meter.
Finding the problem is the re-
sponsibility of the property
owner; however, our public
works department has sug-
gested some places to look.
For instance, a low-flow toilet
that runs continuously can use
as much as 4,000 gallons of
water per day and a standard
toilet that runs continuously
can use as much as 11,520 gal-
lons of water per day. To check
your toilet for leaks, remove
the lid from the tank, flush to
clear the water in the bowl,
drop in one leak-detecting dye
tablet or a few drops of food
coloring (start with five drops
to see if the water darkens
enough) and then wait 15 min-
utes. If colored water appears
in the toilet bowl without addi-
tional flushing, there is a leak.
This type of leak is typically
associated with the plunger
ball, flapper valve, and/or the
rubber gasket at the bottom of
the tank.
Make sure all faucets are com-
pletely turned off. A slow drip
can use as much as 5,000 gal-
lons per month. A steady
stream can mean a water usage
increase of 21,000 gallons per
month adding a large amount
to your quarterly water bill.
For more ideas, visit the Utili-
ties page of the City website.
For assistance in locating or
repairing a leak, call your fa-
vorite plumber.
PARKING
Winter parking restrictions are in effect through March 31st. As
such, there is no parking on Minnetrista streets between 2am and
6am. The ordinance is in effect even if there is no snow on the
ground and even if the road is not posted for winter parking. We
know the frustration that some may feel when they are issued a
citation for the winter parking restrictions, but please remember
that everyone needs to follow these same restrictions and we are
looking out for the safety of the citizens and for the safety of the
snowplow drivers.
FIRE HYDRANTS
The deep snow piled high around the hydrants makes it very diffi-
cult for fire fighters to locate the buried fire hydrants.
In an emergency, clearly marked and accessible fire hydrants are
of utmost importance. Normally, it takes a fire fighter less than a
minute to connect a large fire hose to a fire hydrant. If a hydrant is
buried under a pile of snow, it can take 5 minutes or more to find
the hydrant, dig through the snow and connect the fire hose.
You can volunteer to help us help you by clearing the snow from
around the fire hydrants in your neighborhood whenever there is a
snowfall. Please help keep the fire hydrants in your neighborhood
accessible throughout the winter so that your fire departments can
be much more efficient and timely in the event of an emergency!
SNOW REMOVAL
When removing snow, please keep in mind that City Code prohib-
its anyone from depositing snow into any public right of way. As
such, you may not blow, shovel or otherwise place snow from
driveways, sidewalks or parking lots into the street, road or cul-de-
sac.
In addition, please keep your recycling and trash receptacles out of
the street. When it snows on garbage pickup day, plowing around
the containers is a challenge that delays snow removal for others
and increases costs for the city.
WINTER TREE PRUNING
Winter is an optimal time to prune dead and damaged branches as
well as branches that block sightlines. Be sure to finish pruning by
April 15th so live wood is not being pruned when foliage is form-
ing. Visit the Minnesota DNR webpage for more information.
Winter Reminders
T rista Day will be held on Saturday, May 17th from
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This annual public safety aware-
ness event is sponsored by the City of Minnetrista and the
Minnetrista & St. Bonifacius Crime Fund. It features events for
all ages including safety education displays, kids’ activities, live
music, product displays, promotional items, and free food! It
takes more than 50 volunteers, vendors and donors to make Trista
Day a success. Trista Day is a great opportunity for your business
or organization to promote itself to area residents through a
booth. It is a great way to serve your community, promote safety
awareness and have fun!
If you are interested in helping make Trista Day a success by
contributing as a vendor, entertainer, booth-holder, and/or volun-
teer, please contact the Police Department at by emailing us at
[email protected] or by calling us at (952)446-1131.
You can also visit our website for information and for the vendor
booth registration form. Booth applications must be received by
April 30, 2014.
We are always in need of volunteers for our event, please con-
sider volunteering your time.
Trista Day Vendors and Volunteers Needed
This newsletter was published in accordance with the City of Minnetrista’s Publication Policy which may be viewed in its entirety on the City’s website at www.ci.minnetrista.mn.us or during regular business hours at Minnetrista City Hall; 7701 Co. Rd 110 W; Minnetrista, MN 55364.
PRESORT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Mound, MN
Permit No. 89
Phone: 952-446-1660 Fax: 952-446-1311
Email: [email protected] Web Page: www.ci.minnetrista.mn.us
7701 County Road 110W Minnetrista, MN 55364
City Calendar
For updated meeting information please visit the city website.
February 2014
15 – Utility Bills Due
4:30pm
17 – City Offices Closed,
President’s Day
18—Special CC meeting
Noon
18—Stretegic Planning
Workshop 2pm
18—City Council 7:00pm
21 – Land Use Apps Due
4:30pm
24 – Planning Comm
7:00pm
25 – Road Committee
3:00pm
March 2014
3 – Special CC 5:30pm
3 – City Council 7:00pm
11 – Park Commission
meeting 7pm
17 – City Council 7:00pm
21 – Land Use Apps Due
4:30pm
24 – Planning Comm
7:00pm
25 – Road Committee
3:00pm
April 2014
7 – Special CC 5:30pm
7 – City Council 7:00pm
8 – Park Commission 7pm
21 – City Council 7:00pm
22 – Road Committee
3:00pm
25 – Land Use Apps Due
4:30pm
28 – Planning Comm
7:00pm
Looking Ahead
May 10– Annual Recycle
Clean-Up Day
May 17—Trista Day
Celebration
Visit the Calendar page of
the City website for more
information.
A re you looking for a meaningful way to volunteer?
Something that is flexible, meaningful, less than 4
hours week? And needed by those who do not have
the freedom of transportation? Do you like to drive and help
people? DRIVERS NEEDED! Do you like to work at
home on the computer? DISPATCHERS NEEDED!
WeCAB is a grassroots non-profit organization designed to
provide safe, affordable, flexible and supplemental transpor-
tation for anyone who needs to go to medical or dental ap-
pointments, the grocery store, church, work or social events
in the Mound, Minnetrista, Navarre, Spring Park, St. Boni-
facius, Maple Plain area. WeCAB NEEDS DRIVERS
AND DISPATCHERS. You can help!!! WE NEED
YOU!
For more information contact LuAnn Fransen, at we-
[email protected] or 952-446-5284. Check out our web site
www.wecab.org and fill out a volunteer application for a
fulfilling volunteer experience.
Submitted by WeCAB
