www.ci.minnetonka-beach.mn.us - 952-471-8878

Matt Sundell

Important Dates & Meetings Garbage pick-up is every Friday unless noted.

Meetings are held at City Hall at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

Friday, November 1 Garbage & Recycling (containers out by 7 am)

Monday, November 11 VETERANS DAY

City Hall & Post Office Closed

Tuesday, November 12 City Council Meeting - 7 pm, City Hall

Friday, November 15 Garbage & Recycling (containers out by 7am)

Monday, November 18 Planning Commission Meeting – 7 pm, City Hall

Thursday, November 28

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY City Hall & Post Office CLOSED

Friday, November 29

City Hall Closed Mail delivery to PO Boxes

SATURDAY, November 30

Garbage & Recycling (containers out by 7 am)

October 2019

SAVE THE DATE! The annual Resident Holiday Party

(formerly Tea and Toddies) is Friday, December 6.

Look for more information in the next Beachcomber.

Thank you, Civic Committee for Another Awesome

Halloween Party!

Thank you to Robin Gipson and Jennifer Halverson for organizing the fantastic

Halloween party this year. Thank you also to all of the Civic members for their hard work in

setting up and cleaning up after the event!

These events would not happen without the generous support of time from Civic members

and financial support from this community. Thank you very much!

Water Tower iNPUT REQUESTED

The Water Tower Public Information and Input Forum meeting was video recorded. You can watch it on the LMCC website here: http://www.lmcc-tv.org/minnetonka-beach.html

You can also review the presentation from the forum here: https://www.ci.minnetonka-beach.mn.us/index.asp?SEC=512F3B1B-FE26-4452-AB73-

170473EED447&DE=2CB3E376-16AD-4E1F-A7DA-C99A808C7EF7

Comments will be taken up to 11:00 am on Thursday, November 7. Submit comments to City Hall at: info@ci.minnetonka-beach.mn.us

City News and Updates

www.ci.minnetonka-beach.mn.us - 952-471-8878

Minnetonka Beach City Hall News

October 2019

CITY HALL HOURS

8 A.M. T0 4:30 P.M. Monday through Thursday

Closed from Noon – 1 for Lunch

8 A.M. TO NOON Friday

CITY HALL SERVICES

• Notary Public: Susanne Griffin, City Administrator, and

• Heidi Honey, City Clerk, are commissioned notaries.

There is no fee for this service.

• City Drop Box: There is a drop box for utility bill payments,

• Civic Committee dues, and correspondence for City offices. The

drop box is located in the Post Office (rear door) to the left of the

post office boxes.

• Post Office: Here to meet most postal needs. There are no waiting

lines at this post office!!

YOUR ELECTED

OFFICIALS:

Mayor – Jaci Lindstrom

Council Members:

Tracey Breazeale, Susan Enlow,

Steve Howarth & Andrew Myers

Treasurer – Chris Zinn

Get the latest City information, breaking news and updates weekly via email! Sign up online: www.ci.minnetonka-beach.mn.us; click on “CONNECT”

We promise we won’t spam you!

Council Meeting Actions & Highlights October 15, 2019 City Council Meeting

• Received update from Courtney Zinn, President of the newly formed Junior Civic • Received update from Laura Wallander, Orono School Board regarding referendum on November 5 ballot • Adopted Resolution 2019 -39 – approving Average Minimum Lakeshore Setback – 2217 Huntington Pt Rd E • Approved City Administrator Hiring Process • Adopted Resolution 2019 – 43 – Snow Plow Agreements – Arcola Lane • Adopted Resolution 2019 – 44 – Snow Plow Agreements – Crescent Street • Adopted Resolution 2019 – 45 – Snow Plow Agreements – Brooks Lane • Adopted Resolution 2019 – 46 – Water Revenues Used to Pay Part of Tax Levy Certification for Year 2020 • Adopted Resolution 2019 – 47 – Appointment of John Woerner to Finance Committee • Adopted Resolution 2019 – 48 – Appointment of Dan Van Handel to Dock Committee • Adopted Resolution 2019 – 49 – Designation of Polling Place for 2020 • Approved Dock Committee Rules of Procedure • Adopted Resolution 2019 – 50 – Adoption of 2040 Comprehensive Plan • Approved Three Rivers Park District Permit and Maintenance Agreement • Approved Special Event Permit – Spring Parade of Homes – 2315 Old Beach Road • Re-Adopted Donation Policy Post Legal Review

City News and Updates

www.ci.minnetonka-beach.mn.us - 952-471-8878

Mayor’s Corner

October 2019

I hope you are all enjoying the Fall colors and cooler temperatures as much as I am.

Water Tower Information & Public Input Forum Recap Our recent City Water Tower Public Information and Input Forum provided a great opportunity for interaction among the attending residents, Council members and City Engineer Darren Amundson, who provided a comprehensive evaluation of the City water system.

Key points:

• The 2018 water tower inspection photos show compelling evidence of interior corrosion, with separation of the barrel and the roof.

• Repair or replacement of the water tower is recommended within 2-3 years from the 2018 inspection.

• If replaced, the current tower will remain in place during construction. Experts would work at evaluating a location next to the existing tower, as well as another location within the grounds of the public works facility.

• Tower rehab would cost $795,000 and last 10-20 years. Replacement would add another 70-80 years to the tower life span, at an additional cost of $225,000 over the rehab cost.

• 100% of attending residents agreed the tower needs to be replaced, with the majority favoring replacement with a similar design to the existing tower, if possible.

Council will vote on this matter on November 12. Written comments to info@ci.minnetonka-beach.mn.us are encouraged.

2020-2040 Comprehensive Plan Adopted I am pleased to say that Council has formally adopted the 2020-2040 Comprehensive Plan for the City of Minnetonka Beach. This state-mandated document provides a vision for the future of our community and will guide all City decision-making over the next two decades. It was developed in a two-year process involving extensive input and review from our community, as well as from neighboring jurisdictions and regional and state authorities. We can celebrate the conclusion of such a massive collaborative effort, especially since we completed the plan ahead of many other cities and at less than one-third the cost of our previous comprehensive plan ($32,473 vs. $108,158 in 2008).

Junior Civic I am so enthusiastic about the civic engagement of young people in our community who have founded Junior Civic. Junior Civic is open to boys and girls of all ages who want to make a difference and be more involved in the community. The group’s purpose is still evolving, according to President Courtney Zinn, but it will likely include fun activities and community service projects such as helping residents in need.

Winter Plowing on the Dakota Trail At the October meeting, Council reviewed the Three Rivers Park District winter plowing agreement and received input from City Public Works Director Brian Berent on the feasibility of maintaining the 1.3-mile stretch of the Dakota Trail that runs through our community. Although plowing the trail is highly desired, it would require the City to purchase additional equipment and assume responsibility for any damage to the trail or trail property that happens as a result of snow removal. Council reluctantly tabled the issue and will review in future years.

Important! Voter Referendum on Orono School Technology Levy Tuesday, November 5, is election day at the Orono City Hall. Although Minnetonka Beach has no municipal candidates on the ballot, City residents can vote for Orono School Board members and choose whether to support a tax referendum. According to Orono School board member Laura Wallander, the board is now asking voters to replace the current levy with a new one that would provide an additional $1 million in funding to expand and update the effective use of technology. The total levy impact for Minnetonka Beach taxpayers is estimated to be $304 annually on a $1 million property.

In other news At the October meeting, Council directed the Planning Commission to research and initiate amendments to the zoning code to address corner side setback requirements. Updates are needed to clarify the setback ordinances for corner lots, which may not be accurately addressed in the current code.

Another practical infrastructure improvement has been made to our four 1970s-built lift stations, which are used for pumping wastewater or sewage from a lower to a higher elevation. All four lift station cabinets were replaced and equipped with an alarm system that will notify our Public Works Director when there is a problem, rather than requiring nearby residents to call public works when they hear a loud alarm. These changes should meet the City’s needs for the next 25+ years with minor maintenance upgrades. (new lift station pictured to the right)

It has certainly been a busy Fall! Thanks to all who have been engaged in our City improvements and public activities.

Warm wishes, Jaci Lindstrom

City News and Updates

www.ci.minnetonka-beach.mn.us - 952-471-8878

Did You Know?? Storage of Docks and other

Lake Accessory Uses

It’s that time of the year when residents are taking out docks for the winter. Residents should be aware of City Ordinances relating to storage of such items.

The location on your property for seasonal storage of boats, trailers, dock parts and other similar accessory uses, known as lake accessory uses, is governed by Table 3-3 of the Zoning Code.

“Lake and other related accessory uses” are defined as boats, ice boats, other watercraft, related lifts, racks, trailers, riprap, seawalls, docks, irrigation pumps, boathouses, water platforms, snowmobiles, ATV’s and other similar items.

• On all lots, lake accessory uses must be stored at least 5 feet from your rear lot line and at least 8 feet from your neighbor’s lot line.

• On non-lakeshore lots, there is no storage allowed in the front yard.

• On lakeshore lots, the yard abutting the lakeshore is considered the front yard. From now until June 1st of next year, lake accessory uses can be stored within 15 feet of the Ordinary High Water Level (OHW) of Lake Minnetonka. From June 1st through September 15th, lake accessory uses must be stored at least 75 feet from the OHW.

• On double frontage lots (lots which abut a road to the front and rear of the lot), storage of lake accessory uses is allowed within the yard fronting the major street (i.e. County Road 15) following the same rules as lakeshore lots: from now until June 1st of next year, lake accessory uses can be stored within 15 feet of the major street; from June 1st through September 15th, lake accessory uses cannot be stored within the front yard setback. Residents on Shoreline Drive – be careful not to store items in the county right-of-way. Snow plows can hit these items when plowing.

• Lake accessory uses cannot be stored in the city right-of-way. The street right-of-way generally extends at least 10 feet from the edge of the street’s pavement.

The purpose of this article is to educate residents

about the ordinance, and to let residents know the ordinance will be enforced.

Call City Hall if you have questions about this ordinance.

PUBLIC WORKS MESSAGES

Snow Plowing

With snow plowing season just around the corner, Brian wants to remind all of

you that nothing should be in the right of way, which is generally ten feet from the

edge of the road into a property.

All rocks and boulders must be a minimum of two feet from the pavement per City Policy

and for safe plowing.

Whenever doing any work in the City right-of-way, please contact the City

to see if a permit is required.

Fall Clean Up Leaf and Brush

Public Works Director Brian Berent is picking up leaves. Please rake leaves to

the edge of your property.

Yard Waste The In’s and Out’s of Disposal

Are leaves yard waste? Are plants yard waste? What is yard waste and how do we get rid of it? Yard waste is those old tomato plants you pulled from your garden. Yard waste is dead plants from planters that have root balls on the end. It’s all the stuff that can’t be chipped in the chipper and it’s not the leaves that are raked up in the fall! Yard Waste pick-up is not part of our contract with Republic Services. They charge $1.50 per bag to pick up yard waste in a separate truck. Residents may purchase stickers for $1.50 each at City Hall for yard waste. Place these pre-paid stickers on compostable bags available for purchase at hardware stores and call the number on the sticker (Republic Services) to arrange pick up on Fridays.

It’s that easy!

City News and Updates

www.ci.minnetonka-beach.mn.us - 952-471-8878

Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery™! It could save your life!

Day light savings time ends on Sunday, November 3rd and marks 32 years that Energizer® has partnered with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) to keep families safe through the Change Your Clock Change Your Battery™ program.

The National Fire Protection Association reports that 71% of smoke alarms which failed to operate had missing batteries, were disconnected, or had dead batteries. We want to remind you to change your batteries in all smoke alarm and carbon monoxide devices when you change your clocks back for Daylight Saving Time.

Beginning Monday, October 28th, free 9-volt batteries can be picked up City Hall.

Save the Lake:

Fall Leaf Disposal – Info Worth Repeating!

Keep leaves out of lakes and rivers by keeping them away from storm drains.

Although leaves seem “natural” and harmless, excess leaves pose a threat to the health of our surface waters. Leaves in the gutter in front of your house are on the fast track to our lakes and rivers. When it rains, leaves are washed into storm drains and directly into the nearest lake or river. Once they get into the water and begin to decay, leaves release phosphorus, a nutrient that contributes to the green algae you see on the surface of our waters. Excess algae makes recreation unpleasant and decomposing algae uses up oxygen in the water which, in turn, suffocates fish.

Rake leaves into the street, away from the storm drains until Public Works can pick them up. FALL LEAF PICK-UP CONTINUES AS LONG AS POSSIBLE BEFORE THE SNOW COMES.

BRUSH WILL BE PICKED UP IN BETWEEN – BRANCHES MUST BE 1-6” DIAMETER AND AS LONG AS POSSIBLE

Emerald Ash Borer

NOW IS THE TIME TO HAVE YOUR PROPERTY ASSESSED FOR ASH TREES!

What can residents do to prepare for EAB infestation? 1. Inventory your trees. Do you have ash trees? Do you want to treat or remove? 2. Contact a certified arborist to evaluate your trees and suggest a treatment program. 3. Educate yourself on the EAB process.

Check out these websites for more info: www.emeraldashborer.info www.mda.state.mn.us/eab www.myminnesotawoods.umn.edu/eab/eab-q-a/ www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/urban/index.html

Erik Paulsen, certified arborist with Bartlett Tree Experts, and his staff started the ash tree injection process late in the spring of 2014 to suppress EAB infestation. The treatment process is repeated every two years.

The company has offered residents the same treatment cost for ash tree injection treatment as the city cost. Residents can get a free estimate and treatment program recommendation for their own property by calling Bartlett Tree Experts, 763-253-8733, and requesting Erik Paulsen who is the contact person for the area. The City isn’t responsible for work done on private property of course, and residents should consider getting bids from other tree companies to make the best decision on ash tree management.

THE BEST WAY TO GET RID OF YOUR STUFF:

Fall clean up can be frustrating unless you know how to get rid of your unwanted stuff. Hennepin County’s Green Disposal Guide offers a range of disposal options—from recycling to donation to disposal—while also giving tips on shopping smarter, living greener and creating less waste. www.hennepin.us/greendisposalguide.com

Contact City Hall for help scheduling special pick up of large trash items.

WESTONKA HISTORICAL SOCIETY BOUTIQUE

Shop at the Gillespie Boutique for fabulous holiday gifts including books about local history and Lake Minnetonka map puzzles. The boutique will be held Nov. 29 – Dec. 8.

The Gillespie Center 2590 Commerce Blvd.

Mound, MN The WHS is open Saturdays 10-2.

City News and Updates

www.ci.minnetonka-beach.mn.us - 952-471-8878

Snow and Ice Removal Policy Adopted by City Council – May 14, 2018

1. Plow Procedures Plowing will take place during the early morning hours whenever possible. Public Works Staff will determine the start time for plowing snow on a storm by storm basis.

The City will respond with plowing when the snowfall reaches 1.5 inches or more of snow depth. This does not mean that every 1.5 inch of snow will get plowed during a long duration snowstorm. Public Works staff will reserve the right to plow a lesser amount due to weather concerns.

Staff may decide to wait to plow during a long duration snow event due to timing of snow, traffic concerns, or white out conditions where no travel is advised. Roadways that experience heavy snow drifting may be plowed whenever needed. Residents should stay back at least 100 feet from a snowplow.

2. De-icing roadways The City will use multiple ways to remove ice and compacted snow from roadways. De-icing chemicals will be applied after each snow and ice event. This may be salt or a sand/salt mixture. Chemicals will be applied at the discretion of Public Works staff. This will be done with consideration of public safety and environmental impacts.

The de-icing chemical will be dropped on the center of the roadway wherever possible to allow the chemical to work from the crown of the road all the way to the edges.

During a freezing rain or ice storm event, the city will de-ice until road conditions improve. These storms need more de-icing material to make it safe for driving. During cold days, de-icing chemicals do not work as fast. Residents are asked to drive appropriately for the conditions of the road.

3. Damages from snowplowing Mailboxes: Sometimes snowplow operators slide into or hit a mailbox. These accidents are due to the conditions. Residents should report damages to the city as soon as possible so it can be inspected. If it is determined that the city plow or truck hit a resident’s mailbox, it will be replaced. The replacement will be a standard mailbox and post. The city will not replace decorative or ornate mailboxes. The city will reimburse the homeowner up to $75.00 toward the cost of their decorative mailbox if it was determined to be damaged by city staff. The city will get a temporary mailbox out to the affected homeowner to use until springtime if it is determined that the city was at fault.

Mailboxes damaged by snow pressure or snow flying off the plow will not be replaced by the city. Mailboxes determined to be improperly installed will also not be replaced by the city.

Mailboxes should be installed 44-48 inches above the street surface and the base of the post should be 12 inches back from the road edge. This should allow plenty of room for plows to get close to it without damaging it. Resident should not install newspaper boxes under the mailbox and it creates a hazard that could possibly result in further damage to the mailbox.

Lawn: The first 10 feet off the roadway is considered City Right of Way. In the event the snowplow damages a resident’s lawn in this area, it will be repaired in the spring with black dirt and seed upon request by the homeowner. Watering is the responsibility of the property owner.

Landscape: Landscaping damaged in the City Road Right of Way by plowing will not be replaced or paid for by the city. This would include woodchips, rocks, boulders, plants, and decorative features, etc.

Irrigation: The city is not responsible for the repair or replacement of irrigation system components damaged in the City Road Right of Way due to snow removal.

4. Garbage and recycling cans Residents should place garbage and recycling carts in driveways instead of in the streets until emptied. Carts should be removed from the roadways as soon as possible to avoid the plow knocking them over.

PLEASE DO NOT park vehicles on the road during snowy conditions.

City News and Updates

www.ci.minnetonka-beach.mn.us - 952-471-8878

Minnetonka Beach has a new Junior Civic Committee! My name is Courtney Zinn, and I am the President. The committee has boys and girls ages 6-16. The kids want to give back to our community. Our members would like to offer help to any Minnetonka Beach residents. This could be raking leaves, shoveling a driveway, or picking weeds. This could also be whatever you need help with. If you would like help with a project, please reach out to me, Courtney Zinn (612) 600-8088 or courtneyezinn@icloud.com. Please don’t be shy to reach out to us. The members of Junior Civic would love to help out. Our Mission Statement: In Junior Civic in Minnetonka Beach, we learn how to model the behavior of our parents and make a difference in the community. This is achieved through doing service work and planning fun activities. Thank you, Courtney Zinn

2020 Census: What to Expect

How the 2020 Census will invite everyone to respond.

Every household will have the option of responding online, by mail, or by phone. Nearly every household will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census from either a postal worker or a census worker.

• 95% of households will receive their census invitation in the mail.

• Almost 5% of households will receive their census invitation when a

census taker drops it off. This occurs in areas where a majority of

households may not receive mail at their home’s physical location

(like households that use PO boxes or areas recently affected by

natural disasters).

• Less than 1% of households will be counted in person by a census

taker, instead of being invited to respond on their own. This occurs in

very remote areas like remote areas of Alaska.

Note: There are special procedures to count people who don’t live in households, such as students living in university housing or people experiencing homelessness. What to Expect in the Mail

When it’s time to respond, most households will receive an invitation in the mail. Every household will have the option of responding online, by mail, or by phone. Depending on how likely your area is to respond online, you’ll receive either an invitation encouraging you to respond online or an invitation along with a paper questionnaire. Letter Invitation

• Most areas of the country are likely to respond online, so most households will receive a letter asking you to go online to complete the census questionnaire.

• The U.S. Postal Service will stagger the delivery of the invitations over several days to spread out the number of users responding online, and to serve you better if you need help over the phone.

Letter Invitation and Paper Questionnaire

• Areas that are less likely to respond online will receive a paper questionnaire along with their invitation. The invitation will also include information about how to respond online or by phone.

What Will Be Sent in the Mail

If you Miss the Initial Letter in the Mail

Every household that hasn’t responded will receive reminders and eventually receive a paper questionnaire. Each

household will be followed up in person that has not responded.

For more information, go to: https://2020census.gov

Junior Civic

helping residents

Junior Civic COMMITTEE

www.ci.minnetonka-beach.mn.us - 952-471-8878

BEACHCOMBER Minnetonka Beach Civic Committee P.O. Box 5 Minnetonka Beach, MN 55361

Beach Happenings

Is Your Listing Correct in the Village Directory?

Please check your listing in the 2019 Minnetonka

Beach Village Directory and contact City Hall with any changes. The directory will be updated

in the next few weeks.

If you would like your information included in the directory, please fill out the consent form

which is available at City Hall or call City Hall to have it emailed to you.

Reminder!! Parking permits are required on vehicles parked at Ray Peters Park.

Residents may stop by City Hall to get a free Minnetonka Beach parking permit for your

vehicle if you have not already done so. A license plate number is required.

Limit 2 per household.

ELECTION – NOVEMBER 5 Residents of Orono School District can vote in the election on November 5 for three school board members and a referendum question. Voting locations have changed to the School District Office prior to November 5th and to Orono City Hall on November 5th. More information can be found at: https://orono.k12.mn.us/about/communications/election-2019-voting-information/