OtsegoNewsletter_Fall_2012As in years’ past the event
will be a fun filled day for the
whole family. There will be
many attractions offered
from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
at prairie park.
The Otsego Festival is a
private, non-profit organization
operated by a volunteer
committee. People interested
in volunteering to help with
the Otsego Festival, either
Friday before the event or
during the event are encour-
aged to contact Rose
Cassady at 763.441.8769.
For more information
about the 11th Annual Otsego
Festival visit their website at
www.otsegofestival.org.
NEwSLETTER • FALL 2012
vieW
2012
ELECTIONS
otsego
festival
iN this issue:
NeW!
Parks and Recreation Insert
McDonald House
Compost Options
City Hall Has Moved!
Otseg o
preciNct 1-a
Prairie Center
(former City Hall building);
8899 Nashua Avenue NE
Please use the main entrance
preciNct 2-a
Otsego Elementary;
8125 River Road NE
Please use Door 1
preciNct 3
Otsego Elementary;
8125 River Road NE
Please use Door 1
Otsego residents will head to the polls again on November 6, 2012 for
general elections for Federal, State and local offices. The polls open at 7:00
a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m.
Voters need to be aware that the City is changing its process for conducting elections this
year by dividing the City into three precincts that will vote at two polling places. The need
to establish precincts is based on the continued growth in number of possible voters since
the last election and also the decision by the State to divide Otsego into two legislative
districts. The polling places are listed below.
To determine which precinct you are in visit the Minnesota
Secretary of State’s website at http://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/.
A map showing the precinct boundaries and polling places
is also available on the City’s website.
Polling Locations:
Otsego Rod & Custom will host a classic car show from 10 a.m.
to 3 p.m. with 14 trophy classes and door prizes offered along
with t-shirts and dash plaques for the first 150 entrants. The
entry fee for the classic car show is $10.
Save
septeMber
15, 2012
for the 11th
aNNual
otsego Festival!
activities
The vFW color guard will start
the Otsego Festival at 10 a.m.
with a flag raising ceremony.
A new attraction this year
will be the Wright county
sheriff’s k-9 unit doing
demonstrations.
The teddy bear band will again
perform at 10:30 and kids are
encouraged to bring their stuffed
animals to dance along. There will
also be a clinic for kids to have
their stuffed animals check up.
little Free libraries will be
accepting book donations for
the program.
The kid’s bike parade returns
for 2012 at 10:15 a.m.
lowe’s will offer a workshop for
children to build wood projects
free of charge.
There will be also be wacky
hair fix-ups, marital arts dem-
onstrations, huge inflatables
and many other things for the
whole family to do.
Food and beverages will be
available as always including
one new vendor for 2012.
goods vendors and area
clubs will also be present with
products and information.
city hall has Moved!
City administrative offices have moved across the street to the public Works
building located at 13400 90th street Ne, which is now designated as City
Hall, within the City Campus that also includes Prairie Park. Administration,
Community Development, Building Safety, Utilities, Finance, Public works and
Parks and Recreation departments are all now located in this one facility to
provide better space utilization, increased coordination between City staff
and, most importantly, improved customer service. City Council meetings,
advisory commission meetings and other community activities will continue
be held at the former City Hall building, which has been renamed Prairie Center.
The wright County Sheriff’s Office will also utilize space at Prairie Center for
its Otsego District Office as a base of operations for Deputies patrolling
the community.
• Speed limits on all streets within the
City are established by State Statute.
• The speed limit on rural unposted road-
ways is 55 mph and 30 mph on urban
streets in accordance with State law.
• The City cannot legally post a speed
limit of less than 30 mph on local
residential streets.
• Yellow signs posted with curve and
speed information are advisory signs;
enforcement of the speed displayed
on the advisory sign is discretionary
based on the Deputy’s interpretation of
appropriate vehicle speed and roadway
conditions.
• The City may request Mn/DoT to
evaluate the speed limit on roadways
allowed to be posted between 30 mph
and 55 mph. The determination of the
speed limit that is to be posted is based
on a study of existing traffic and set at
the speed at which 80 percent of the
vehicles are found to be traveling. This
means that a request by the City to lower
the speed limit on a given roadway may
have the opposite effect of a higher
speed limit being posted. There is also
a significant cost to the City associated
with completing the study.
• The City has a speed radar trailer that it
uses to gather documentation on both
vehicle numbers and traffic speeds. This
equipment has been an effective tool for
the City to respond to complaints regarding
vehicle speed and can also be used for
passive enforcement to make drivers more
aware of speed limits and safe driving.
The speed radar trailer is placed alongside
streets throughout the City on a rotating
schedule or at specific locations where City
staff and the wright County Sheriff’s Office
have identified a potential speeding issue.
otsego voluNteers
Longtime resident Arthur “Mick” Racker is a
master gardener who enjoys cultivating many type
of plants and flowers in his rural Otsego yard and
specializes in hybridizing daylilies. Mick has shared
his enjoyment of gardening with the City by donating
many plants used in the City’s parks such as the
planters at Prairie Park entrance sign and drop off
and the landscape beds surrounding the splash pad
as well as Frankfort Park. Mick’s generous donations
have allowed the City to add beauty to the City’s
parks at minimal cost and the City Council extends
it thanks and appreciation to Mick for his contributions.
If you are interested in volunteer opportunities to
benefit the community, please visit the City’s
website or call City Hall.
Notes from the Mayorspeed limit info
One of the most frequent concerns the City Council hears from residents
is regarding the safety of our streets.
All residents need to give their full attention to careful driving especially
during the month of September when children are going back to school
and there is an increase of activity in residential areas and near our
schools. Drive slowly and keep your eyes on the street for other vehicles,
pedestrians, bicycles and be always prepared for people or objects
that may enter the street suddenly from an adjacent driveway or yard.
Pedestrians and bicyclists also need to practice safe behavior by using
the sidewalk or trail wherever available, crossing streets only at inter-
sections or designated crossings, wearing bright clothing and being
aware of approaching vehicles. Children should not be allowed to play
or ride bicycles in the street and equipment such as basketball hoops
are prohibited from being placed in the City street (or in the boulevard
adjacent to the curb) and are subject to immediate removal.
More often than not concerns about speeding or traffic safety within
residential areas are being caused by our own neighbors. The City
urges neighbors to talk about traffic safety issues with one another
but if there is a specific issue that cannot be resolved at the neighbor-
hood level, then please do not hesitate to contact the wright County
Sheriff’s Office. By providing the wright County Sheriff’s Office with
a description of the problem including the name and address of the
driver (if known), the make, model and color of the vehicle and/or the
time of day when the issue occurs, Deputies will be able to respond
as part of their regular patrol duties of our City.
On behalf of the City Council, thank you to all residents for making
our neighborhoods safe.
Otsego Fact
There are currently 7,018 registered voters
in the City of Otsego.
hydraNt FlushiNg
The Utility Operations Department will be flushing
fire hydrants throughout the City in October. Flushing
the hydrants removes sediment and mineral build up
within the City’s water lines to maintain water quality
and also tests the system for adequate flows. Note
that the cap may be left off of some hydrants after
the water is turned off to allow the fixture to drain
completely but City staff will return to replace the
cap. The schedule for flushing is as follows:
riverwood National: October 4
east otsego: October 8-12
West otsego: October 15-19
Otsego Fact
The Parks and Recreation
Commission gave away 700
pumpkins to children as part
of the pumpkin patch day
event last year.
Park Highlights
The City has recently completed several improvements in Prairie
Park. The Park Maintenance Department installed a shade structure
and tables that provide a much needed place to sit in the shade
within view of the splash pad and other play equipment. The cost
for the shade structure is funded by monies paid by developers of
new subdivisions for improvement of the City’s park and trail system.
The City has also replaced a play structure that was one of the
original pieces of equipment in the park with a new rope climber
and separate swing set. Be sure to check out these new features
this fall at Prairie Park!
The City also has installed additional trees and benches along
the trail at waterfront East Park. The community park is being
developed as an amenity to the commercial development planned
in waterfront East and will continue to be improved over time.
waterfront East Park features scenic views of the Mississippi River
along a one-mile trail for pedestrians, bikes, rollerblades, etc. that
are ideal for viewing fall colors. waterfront East Park is located
adjacent to the Mississippi River in the northeast corner of the
City on the east side of TH 101. Parking is available at the adjacent
commercial sites.
Residents interested in composting on their property should be aware of regulations included in the City
Code. Composting is limited to yard or certain food wastes to be contained within a structure not exceeding
300 cubic feet in volume. The compost structure must be located in the rear yard of the property and setback
from property lines in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance and also setback 40 feet from any residence
on an adjacent property. For those needing to dispose of yard waste but that do not want to compost on their
property, the following options are available:
— Otsego residents may dispose of yard waste at the Wright County Recycling Center located at 505 County
Road 37, Buffalo MN 55313. Please check with Wright County regarding days and hours of operation via
their website at www. co.wright.mn.us under Planning & Zoning.
— Otsego residents may purchase a non-resident permit for access to the City of Elk River/Sherburne
County landfill located at 19000 Proctor Road, Elk River MN 55303. The permit may be obtained at
the Elk River City Hall.
— Otsego residents with property west of Nashua Avenue may dispose of yard waste at the Albertville compost
site located at off of MacIver Avenue approximately 1/2mile north of CSAH 37/60th Street. A permit
must be obtained from Otsego City Hall for use of this facility and Otsego residents are not allowed to take
compost. Use of the Albertville compost side by Otsego residents has been allowed by the City of Albertville
on year-to-year basis and will require agreement by the two City Councils for continued access in 2013.
— Private garbage haulers within the City will also provide a separate container for yard waste for an
additional charge.
For more information regarding compost options in
Otsego, please contact City Hall or visit the City’s website.c o M po
s
t
o
p
t
i
o
N s
P
R
E
S
O
R
T
E
D
F
I
R
S
T
C
L
A
S
S
U
.
S
.
P
O
S
T
A
G
E
P
A
I
D
P
E
R
M
I
T
N
O
.
1
7
9
1
T
W
I
N
C
I
T
I
E
S
,
M
N
T
i
m
e
D
a
t
e
d
M
a
t
e
r
i
a
l
McDonald House Archaeological Dig and Architecture Study
The Heritage Preservation Commission planned an archaeological dig and architecture study of the historic McDonald
House in October 2011 prior to the removal of the building and sale of the property. The McDonald House was believed to
have been initially constructed in the 1850s by the first Northern European settler in Wright County, Mr. John McDonald.
The Heritage Preservation Commission worked with Dr. Richard Rothaus of Trefoil Cultural Resources to undertake this
community history event.
Members of the Historic Preservation Commission and more than 25 members of the public participated each day in
archeological digs of the site and assisted in documenting construction methods used in building the McDonald House.
“This project was a unique opportunity for people in Otsego to get involved and help document an important part our
community’s history from a time when the area was first settled” said Heritage Preservation Commissioner Gail Anderson.
The results of the project are detailed in a report prepared by Trefoil received by the Heritage Preservation Commission.
The investigation determined that the house was actually constructed around 1870 and then expanded for the first time
around 1880. There are some hints found in the building’s construction that additional renovations were made in the
19th century. The excavation of the property found material dated primarily from the 20th century, much of which can be
related to the sewing activities of the Peavey sisters who were the last residents of the house before it was acquired by the
City of Otsego in 1990. The geophysical survey also identified a probable outhouse location and preliminary archaeological
testing supports that identification.
The Heritage Preservation Commission is preparing a display for the Otsego Festival to exhibit the findings of the
McDonald House Archaeological Dig and Architecture Study. The display will feature photos of the site
activities from October 2011, examples of the house construction, including floor and wall sections,
and artifacts found as part of the dig.
Additional information about Otsego’s history, including available books published by the
Heritage Preservation Commission, is available on the City’s website.
c
i
t
y
h
a
l
l
:
1
3
4
0
0
9
0
t
h
S
t
r
e
e
t
N
E
O
t
s
e
g
o
,
M
N
5
5
3
3
0
p
h
o
N
e
N
u
M
b
e
r
s
M
a
i
n
:
7
6
3
-
4
4
1
-
4
4
1
4
B
u
i
l
d
i
n
g
D
e
p
t
.
:
7
6
3
-
4
4
1
-
2
5
9
3
U
t
i
l
i
t
y
B
i
l
l
i
n
g
:
7
6
3
-
4
4
1
-
2
3
1
0
F
a
x
:
7
6
3
-
4
4
1
-
8
8
2
3
R
e
c
r
e
a
t
i
o
n
I
n
f
o
L
i
n
e
:
7
6
3
-
2
3
5
-
3
1
5
0
o
F
F
i
c
e
h
o
u
r
s
:
M
o
n
d
a
y
–
t
h
u
r
s
d
a
y
8
a
.
m
.
–
6
p
.
m
.
F
r
i
d
a
y
8
a
.
m
.
–
N
o
o
n
c
i
t
y
c
o
u
N
c
i
l
:
J
e
s
s
i
c
a
S
t
o
c
k
a
m
p
(
M
a
y
o
r
)
T
o
m
D
a
r
k
e
n
w
a
l
d
V
e
r
n
H
e
i
d
n
e
r
D
a
n
S
c
h
a
r
b
e
r
D
o
u
g
S
c
h
r
o
e
d
e
r
c
i
t
y
W
e
b
s
i
t
e
w
w
w
.
c
i
.
o
t
s
e
g
o
.
m
n
.
u
s
&PARKSRecreation
CITY OF OTSEGO
Visit the City’s website to receive the most up-to-date information!
Register online at www.ci.otsego.mn.us
NEW!
FREE!
Movie Night!
Friday Nights at the Movies — prairie park
Otsego Parks and Recreation is premiering “Friday Nights at the Movies”.
Bring your family and friends to Prairie Park and enjoy these favorite family
movies outside. And don’t worry, if it rains or gets too cold we will move
indoors to Prairie Center (former City Hall building).
schedule: 7:00 p.m.
october 5 — The Lorax
october 19 — Puss in Boots
November 2 — Happy Feet 2
otsego parks and recreation is teaming up with anytime Fitness/infit to offer these great classes to
get you in shape at less than $26 per hour for fitness training. All classes will be held at Prairie Center
(formerly City Hall) and Prairie Park. Register online at the City’s website.
OTSEGO
MOVIE NIGH
T
recreatioN
iNFo liNe:
763-235-3150
50/50
tuesdays at 9:00 aM
prairie ceNter — 60 MiNutes
septeMber 25 — october 30
Jumpstart your energy and rev up your
metabolism first thing in the morning
with the 50/50 Class! Get it ALL done
in 60 minutes with 30 minutes of
Cardio and 30 minutes of strength
training to great music for great work-
out! Take care of yourself so you have
more energy to take care of everyone
& everything else! cost – $155/6 weeks
tabata
thursdays at 6:00 pM
prairie ceNter — 55 MiNutes
septeMber 27 — NoveMber 1
Cap off your day with TABATA , a high-
intensity class of intermittent exercises!
TABATA is specific interval training with
maximum repetitions for 20 seconds,
and resting for 10 seconds – for a total
of 8 cycles, lasting 4 minutes per exercise.
This class is great to break through
stubborn plateaus and bring your fitness
to a whole new level! cost – $155/6 weeks
outdoor boot caMp
saturdays at 9:00 aM
prairie ceNter — 55 MiNutes
septeMber 29 — NoveMber 3
Get in the best shape of your life as you
breathe in the fresh air outdoors! These
55 minute boot camp classes are offered
once a week at Prairie Park. Be prepared
for push-ups, resistance runs, step-ups
and more! The environment is positive,
motivating, and encouraging and you
will be challenged. Getting you fit is the
bottom line! cost – $155/6 weeks
NEW!
&PARKSRecreation
CITY OF OTSEGO
Visit www.ci.otsego.mn.us for more programs and information and to register online.
5 oN 5 NFl Flag Football league
Otsego Parks and Recreation NFL Flag Football League
is the premier youth football league for boys and girls
in kindergarten to fifth grade. This program provides
young players a fun and exciting opportunity to engage
in non-contact, continuous action while learning lessons
in teamwork. The NFL Flag Football program is designed
to educate young people about football while emphasizing
participation and sportsmanship. Players learn skills and
lessons that help them succeed both on and off the field.
Kids will be grouped in teams K/1st grade, 2nd/3rd
grade and 4th/5th grade. Games will be 60 minutes for
K/1st grade and 2nd/3rd grade teams and 90 minutes
for the 4th/5th grade teams. All games/practices will
be held at the Prairie Park fields and will be officiated
by trained football referees and coached by volunteer
parent coaches.
tuesday, september 25 — saturday, November 10 at
prairie park Fields
Tuesdays are practice from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturdays* are games; between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
*Saturday, September 25 will be a practice day
Fee — $49; Includes an Official NFL reversible Vikings
jersey, NFL flag belt, and a mouth guard.
appropriate for boys and girls grades k–5
The game is 5 on 5 flag football that teaches the basic skills
of football running, passing, receiving and defending with non-
contact rules that eliminate all forms of blocking and tackling.
The program is played on a 50-yard field where participants
may run or pass the ball. Teams start at their 5-yard line and
have three downs to move the ball past midfield. Once a team
has crossed midfield they receive a new set of three downs to
score. No standings will be kept as the main purpose of this
league is to promote players having fun while learning the
basic skills of football.
puMpkiN patch 5k
october 20 — 8 a.M. at prairie park
entry Fee: $18 Pre-registered by October 10th
$24 after October including race day registration
$10 Kids 1K
start location: Prairie Center (former City Hall building)
8899 Nashua Ave NE
Otsego, MN 55330
course: 5K (3.2 mile) course on City streets and
trails in and surrounding Prairie Park
race day: Registration opens at 7 a.m.
All pre-registered 5K participants will be guaranteed a race
T-shirt. There will be refreshments and a chance to win
attendance prizes after the race. Awards will be given for
the overall men’s and women’s winners.
couples Fall colors caNoe trip
The City of Otsego is once again pairing with riverwood inn
and conference center to offer a fall colors canoe trip down
the Mississippi River. Couples will park at the beautiful
Riverwood Inn and Conference Center and be taxied up
to launch their canoes and they will begin their guided trip
down the Mississippi River ending at Norin landing. After
landing, couples will be shuttled to Riverwood for dinner, the
cost of which is included with the trip.
saturday, september 29th at 10 a.m.
cost: $49 per couple
(includes canoe trip and dinner)
kids puMpkiN patch
saturday, october 20 — 11:00 a.M. to 1:00 p.M.
at prairie park.
The Parks and Recreation Commission is planning its annual
Pumpkin Patch event. The event is free with each child able
to choose a pumpkin to take home. There are games, treats
and inflatables at the event as well as a contest to guess the
weight of one of three giant pumpkins that will be delivered
to the person with the closest estimate. People are also
encouraged to bring donations to CAER food shelf. More
information regarding the Pumpkin Patch will be posted
on the City’s website as date of the event approaches.