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Volume XXIIII No. 2
June 2019
The City Newsletter News for Loretto City Residents
City of Loretto 279 N. Medina Street
Suite 260 P.O. Box 207
Loretto, MN 55357
763-479-4305 (phone) 763-479-2685 (fax)
Website: www.ci.loretto.mn.us
City Hall Office Hours: Monday 8:00-1:30
Wednesday 8:00-1:30 3:00-6:00
Friday 8:00-1:30
Mayor
Kent Koch
Council Members
Brenda Daniels
Melissa Markham
Eric Riley
Brian Sevigny
City Clerk Treasurer
Mary Schneider
Public Works
Jeff Leuer
Utility Clerk
Connie Scheibe
20th Annual Loretto Fun Fest September 14th, 2019
Planning is underway for the 2019 Fun Fest, our 20th Anniversary! Our team
is working to make this year’s event the best year ever. We are bringing back
some favorites from years past and adding a few new ones. Please watch the
city’s website for the most current information. The event will be held at the
LORETTO BALLFIELDS from 3:00-7:00 pm, with all kids activities free!
Loretto Market/Business Expo Organizers of the Loretto Fun Fest are looking for vendors to participate in the
Loretto Market/Business Expo, which runs from 3-7 pm as part of the Fun Fest.
Invite your friends and family to participate or sell your own wares at our fun
and family-friendly community celebration! The cost for a 12’ x 12’ booth is $25
or FREE with a $100 or more donation to the Fun Fest.
The Loretto Market/Business Expo Vendor Form has more details and is available
on our website: www.ci.loretto.mn.us. Paper forms are also available at City
Hall. Contact Connie Scheibe at [email protected] or (763) 479-4305 for
more information.
T-shirt Design Contest We are once again holding a T-shirt Design Contest. The 2017 t-shirts were very
well received by the community and sold out in record time. The winner of the
contest will receive a $100 cash prize and a free t-shirt with their design.
Deadline to submit designs is June 28, 2019. See entry form and contest rules
on our website. Contact Connie Scheibe for more information:
FIREWORKS
We will once again be having our spectacular FIREWORKS display at dusk (around
8:30 pm). For the pre-fireworks show this year Don B will be entertaining us with
his unicycle, comedy, magic, and juggling act during his family-friendly show.
Please consider sponsoring our event/Fireworks display. See the donation form
on page 7 or go to our website.
PA GE 2 T HE CIT Y N E W S LE T TE R
Recycling News
CONSUMER CONFIDENCE DRINKING WATER REPORT
Water suppliers that serve the same people year-round must prepare annual water quality reports (consumer
confidence reports) for their customers. The first reports were due in October 1999, and from then on they
come out in June of each year. The reports tell where drinking water comes from, what's in it, and how you
can help protect it.
The 2018 Consumer Confidence Drinking Water Report can be seen in its entirety on the City website at:
http://tinyurl.com/om87l57. You can also go to www.ci.loretto.mn.us, from the “Utility” drop down, click
on “Water” to find CCR’s from 2006 through the current 2018 CCR.
If you would like a hard copy mailed to you, please call Loretto City Hall at 763-479-4305.
Upcoming Recycling Dates
June 4 & 18
July 2, 16 & 30
August 13 & 27
BATTERY DISPOSAL
Minnesota currently recycles about 46 percent of its waste, compared to
about 35 percent nationally. However, the infrastructure that allows it to
happen is being threatened by a growing influx of lithium ion batteries.
There is a membrane in the battery which can short-circuit if it gets
punctured. This can explode and cause massive, devastating damage to
recycling centers. Too many people are tossing old batteries from their
smart phones, video cameras and the like into their recycling bins.
Those lithium ion batteries need to go to an approved drop site, not the
curbside recycle bin or the trash. In Minnesota, it is against the law to
throw rechargeable batteries in the trash. City hall has a free drop off for
used batteries (except vehicle batteries) right inside the door. Home
Depot, Lowe’s and Delano True Value also accept batteries for recycling.
Here are some guidelines:
• Lithium and lithium ion batteries may be reactive. Place each in a
separate plastic bag or place non-conductive (electrical) tape over
the battery terminals.
• Place electrical tape around each button battery.
• Store batteries in a vented plastic bucket or sturdy cardboard box.
Do not place an airtight lid on the container. Gases that vent from
batteries may be trapped and could create a potentially dangerous
situation.
• Wash your hands with soap and water after handling batteries, or use
gloves.
• Older batteries may rust and leak after long periods of storage. If a
battery appears to be dirty or have a white-like substance around the
terminals, use caution when handling the battery, and do not touch the
dirty area. Place it in a bag for recycling or disposal.
ORGANICS RECYCLING SIGN UP
Join the growing number of organics recyclers in Loretto. Since the changes in our organics
program, we have doubled our number of participants. Find out how easy it is to participate
or sign up by contacting city hall.
Loretto organics recyclers are making a positive impact on reducing what goes into our landfills.
Be part of the solution!
VO LU M E XXII I I N O. 2 PA GE 3
Preventing Stormwater Pollution
We all live in a watershed — the area that drains to a common waterway, such as a stream, lake, river, wetland, or even the ocean — and our individual actions directly affect it. In Loretto, our rain and stormwater runoff flow to Lake Independence and Lake Sarah. Each newsletter will include guidelines you can follow to help make a difference in the quality of our local waters.
STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION PLAN SURVEY
1.) I have read articles, brochures, or posters about stormwater pollution prevention in the City’s newsletter, web site or
at City Hall.
____ Yes, in the City newsletter ____ Yes, at City Hall
____ Yes, on the web site ____ No (please skip to question #4)
2.) How informative were these articles, brochures, or posters?
____ Not at all ____ Slightly ____ Moderately ____ Highly
3.) Did your practices around your home or business change as a result of what you read?
____ No, not at all ____ I changed several practices, but I think I could do more
____ Somewhat, but not much ____ Yes, thoroughly
4.) Comments, suggestions, and questions:
Please return to: Loretto City Hall
PO Box 207
Loretto, MN 55357
Public and private spaces contribute to stormwater pollution. The Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
General Permit is mandated by federal regulations and administered by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
(MPCA). In general terms, MS4s are publicly owned or operated stormwater infrastructure, used specifically for
stormwater. Examples of stormwater infrastructure include curbs, ditches, culverts, stormwater ponds and
storm sewer pipes. Cities, townships and public institutions are the most common owners of MS4 permits.
While the MS4 General Permit focuses on reducing the pollution that enters these public systems, it is also in
the hands of private citizens to change the way they do small things that will have a dramatic effect on the
quality of their favorite fishing spot or swimming beach.
Simple Steps You Can Take:
• Fertilize established lawns with phosphorous-free fertilizer and do not overspray fertilizer into the street.
• Rake leaves and sweep grass clippings away from streets and curbs. Clean curbs mean clean water.
• When you wash your car, direct water onto your lawn to soak up soap.
• Find attractive alternatives to large, impervious driveways and sidewalks.
• Direct your home’s gutters onto your lawn. Water that does not make it to the
curb cannot carry pollutants to lakes and streams.
• Do not participate in illicit discharge, such as chemical dumping.
Source: www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/wq-strm4-01.pdf
Illicit Discharge is defined as any direct or indirect discharge
of anything other than storm/rain water into the storm drains.
This is against city code and should be reported immediately to: Jeff Leuer at 612-221-4963. See City Code Section 412:30 for
details and exemptions.
P AGE 4 T HE CIT Y NEWS LETT ER
Miscellaneous News
GARDENING TIP
What is a neonicotinoid? Neonics (for short) are
insecticides which are taken up internally by
seedlings to protect against pests. Unfortunately,
this systemic poison makes the leaves and nectar
toxic to bees and butterflies. The Loretto Garden
Club recommends that when
you go plant shopping, ask or
call in advance about your
garden center’s use of, or
buying of, flowering plants
treated with neonics.
CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING
The Lake Minnetonka Communications Commission
(LMCC) website provides access to one year of Loretto
City Council meetings. The meetings are archived and
available for review at:
http://www.lmcc-tv.org/loretto.html
You may also view other local city council meetings
on the general Video On-Demand page of the LMCC
site.
POLLINATOR PIONEERS
At the April 9th city council meeting, a Prairie Restoration Project was
approved by the city council. Members of the Loretto Garden Club
proposed a plan to create a buffer planting between the Loretto Creek
and the northern edge of the Loretto Athletic and Recreational
Complex parking lot. The 1200 square foot restoration project will be
planted this spring with native prairie flower seeds and grasses. This
restoration is a precursor to a proposed “Adopt-A-Prairie” project, an
on-going endeavor anticipated to start in the spring of 2020. Each year
under this new program a section of unused grassy area at the ballpark
will be planted with native prairie flower seeds. Residents, local
businesses and organizations will be invited to make donations to offset
the cost and “adopt” a section of the project.
Participants will have the opportunity to take an active part in improving our environment, provide education,
a feeling of ownership and partnership with the community. There will also be a sign recognizing the donors.
Also at the April 9th council meeting, the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge was renewed for 2019.
Members of the Loretto Garden Club have committed to hosting a booth at the 2019 Loretto Fun Fest to
provide education about plantings and gardening practices that are beneficial to pollinators and to distribute
milkweed seeds. Residents are encouraged to plant native wildflowers in their own gardens. These plants
include: wild lupine, bee balm, sun flower, calico aster, goldenrod, coneflower, Joe Pye weed, black-eyed
Susan, cardinal flower, autumn joy sedum, wild geranium, phlox, herbs such as thyme and oregano, and of
course, milkweed.
In 2018, the Loretto Garden Club planted and maintained a Pollinator Garden at the Highlands Park and
distributed milkweed seeds at the Loretto Fun Fest. 13-year-old Loretto resident Veronica Shafer (above)
was a leader in creating the Highlands Park garden. Her “How to Raise Monarch Butterflies” 4-H project was
awarded a Grand Champion at the County Fair and a blue ribbon at the State Fair. She also submitted the
Pollinator Garden as a community service project to the State Fair and was awarded a blue ribbon and an
honorable mention. Way to go, Veronica!!
P AGE 5 VO LU M E XXII I I N O. 2 P AGE 6 T HE CIT Y NEWS LETT ER
CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE
Loretto City Council meetings are held at 7 pm on the
second Tuesday of each month at the City Council
Chambers, 279 N. Median St., Suite 260.
Future Dates: June 11, July 9, Aug. 13 & Sept 10, 2019
On occasion Council meetings are rescheduled.
Check the city website or bulletin board for notices
of meeting changes. Contact City Hall to join the
informational alerts email list to receive notices.
NIGHT TO UNITE
The Loretto Fire Department
will be hosting Night to Unite
on Tuesday, August 6th from
5—8 pm. There will be food
along with fire truck rides,
safety tips and other fun
activities.
Night to Unite is designed to:
• Strengthen neighborhood spirits and public safety-community partnerships
• Let criminals know that we are committed to keeping our neighborhoods safe
• Heighten awareness of crime and drug prevention
• Generate support and participation in crime prevention
Bring your family and friends for a fun evening of
visiting with your neighbors.
Dates to Note
RAILROAD CROSSING CONCERNS—WHO TO CALL
The Canadian Pacific (CP) Railway has offered Loretto
a Community Connect phone number which residents
may use to report concerns about the railroad crossing.
The trains blowing their whistle is mandated by law,
CP Rail does not have control over this issue.
Community Connect - 1-800-766-7912
There is also an e-form that
can be submitted:
www.cpr.ca/en/contact-
us/community-connect-form.
If you witness an emergency
situation or a train blocking the
tracks for over 10 minutes, you
may also call the CP emergency
reporting line at 1-800-716-9132
and refer to crossing #689133X.
This information is also posted
on new signs on either side of the tracks.
20th ANNUAL LORETTO FUN FEST
Saturday, September 14th, 3 –7 pm, Fireworks at
dusk. See page 1 for more details.
READING HOUR WITH A TWIST OF ENERGY!
Reading Adventures invites parents/guardians and kids
from preschool up to 4th grade for a week of summer
reading fun July 22-26 at Lions Park in Loretto from
9:30-11 AM. Books can take us places, and at Reading
Adventures we will combine the adventure of books
with games, music, creative crafts, and tasty treats.
Parents, we will provide snacks (and coffee) for you!
This free event is brought to you by Village Church.
To learn more visit www.villagechurch.com/reading
DELANO SENIOR DINING PROGRAM
Join in for lunch at the Delano Senior Center.
Transportation is provided to Loretto seniors on
the following dates: June 5, 7, 14, 18, 25, and 28.
See website below for July and August dates.
Pick up will be at approximately 11:20 AM and
returning to Loretto at approximately 1:15 PM
Transportation fare is $2 round-trip.
Lunch cost is a suggested confidential contribution
of $4.25.
Please call Delano Senior Center at (763) 972-0574
one day in advance to request ride.
Weekly menus are posted in the Delano Herald
Journal or go to: www.delano.mn.us/services/
departments/senior-center
Miscellaneous News
City of Loretto
279 N. Medina Street, Suite 260 P.O. Box 207 Loretto, MN 55357
Phone: 763-479-4305 Fax: 763-479-2685
We’re on the web!
www.ci.loretto.mn.us
FIRST-CLASS MAIL
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 53
LORETTO, MN 55357
LORETTO LARKS HOME GAME SCHEDULE
Come down to the newly renovated ball park and
watch the Loretto Larks!
Sunday June 9 2pm vs. Hutchinson
Wednesday, June 19 7:30pm vs. Dassel-Cokato
Wednesday, June 26 7:30pm vs. Watertown
Friday, June 28 7:30pm vs. Delano
Sunday, June 30 6pm vs. St. Louis Park
Sunday, July 7 2pm vs. Howard Lake
Wednesday, July 10 7:30pm vs. Montrose
Sunday, July 14 2pm vs. Maple Lake
Wednesday, July 17 7:30pm vs. Montrose
Friday, July 19 7:30pm vs. Maple Plain
For more details and schedule updates, visit:
@LorettoLarks on Twitter, Loretto Larks Baseball on
Facebook or http://lorettolarks.teams.mnbaseball.org/