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

kkoch@ci.loretto.mn.us

Council Members

Brenda Daniels

bdaniels@ci.loretto.mn.us

Melissa Markham

mmarkham@ci.loretto.mn.us

Eric Riley

eriley@ci.loretto.mn.us

Brian Sevigny

bsevigny@ci.loretto.mn.us

City Clerk Treasurer

Mary Schneider

mschneider@ci.loretto.mn.us

Public Works

Jeff Leuer

jleuer@ci.loretto.mn.us

Utility Clerk

Connie Scheibe

cscheibe@ci.loretto.mn.us

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 cscheibe@ci.loretto.mn.us 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:

cscheibe@ci.loretto.mn.us.

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/