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OtsegoNewsletter_Winter2012newSLetter • winter 2012 view what you need to know for winter ice skating at prairie park in this issue: new! Parks and recreation insert Historic Photos needed! Santa day; december 8th otsego Volunteers Otseg o it’s the time of year when thoughts turn to this outdoor activity for pleasure and sport. the Parks and recreation department will be establishing an ice rink at Prairie Park for pleasure skating this winter. the 100 foot by 200 foot ice rink is located at the corner of nashua avenue and 90th Street, east of City Hall, where there is available parking. Lighting has also been installed to extend skating from sunset to 10:00 p.m. Benches will be provided although there will be no staff attendant and no shelter at the ice rink this season. the ice rink is anticipated to be ready for use on december 14, 2012 with a targeted end date of February 28, 2013 (weather permitting). Come enjoy the great outdoors this winter at Prairie Park! the City of otsego has adopted several regulations as part of the City Code to protect public safety and aid the Public works department in maintaining streets during winter that residents need to be aware of, which include: — there is no parking on any public street between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. between november 1 and april 30. Vehicles parked on public streets during these hours are subject to immediate ticketing and/or towing. — there is no parking on any public street after a snowfall of 2.5 inches or more until after the street has been plowed to its full width. Vehicles parked on public streets during a snow emergency are subject to immediate ticketing and/or towing. — Snow from private property may not be deposited on the traveled portion of any public street, sidewalk or trail. — Property owners are responsible for removal of snow, ice and other debris from concrete sidewalks adjacent to their property within 12 hours after the snowfall has stopped. — Property owners are responsible for clearing snow from around fire hydrants and mailboxes. mailboxes can be especially vulnerable to damage from snow removal operations and the City assumes liability for mailboxes damaged during plowing only if it is determined that the plow made direct contact with a mailbox that was properly placed in accordance with City standards. — the City is not responsible for damage to plantings other than grass within the boulevard portion of yards. the boulevard is the area within the public right-of-way that is approximately 16 feet behind the curb along local urban streets (or between the curb and sidewalk), 10 feet behind the curb for cul-de-sacs and that part of the ditch approximately 18 feet from the edge of pavement or gravel of local rural streets. motorists are also urged to use caution during winter weather conditions and be aware of possible City, County and mn/dot snow plowing operations. Slow down and stay behind the snowplows. drivers should allow at least five car lengths between their vehicles and snowplows. the street behind the plow will be the safest place to drive: stay Back stay alive. the otsego city code is available for review on the City’s website at www.ci.otsego.mn.us. if you have any question regarding this information, please do not hesitate to contact City Hall at 763.441.4414. Your cooperation in following these rules this winter season is greatly appreciated to ensure the safety of otsego residents and motorists within the community. Notes from the MayorComprehensive Plan Greetings Neighbors! Snowmobiling continues to be an enjoyable, safe winter activity in Otsego due to the efforts of the Otsego River Riders. otsego river riders work together with the City and local land owners to answer questions or address concerns related snowmobiling in the community. the otsego river riders also maintain 17 miles of groomed trails within otsego, which includes posting all directional and warning signs. an overland trail extending from odean avenue/CSaH 37 all the way to the waterfront commercial area at tH 101/CSaH 39 was added in 2011 to the trails already available to provide needed and convenient access to gas and local restaurants. education about snowmobiling is also an important part of the otsego river riders activities. the otsego river riders annually host youth safety classes to teach about safe snowmobile operation as well as provide information about local and state laws. this year’s safety training classes will be on nov. 29 and dec. 1 at Prairie Center. Snowmobilers are responsible for informing themselves about local regulations for snowmobiling including areas of otsego where snowmobiling is allowed. a summary of otsego’s City Code regulating snowmobiling follows: — Snowmobiles may only be operated in the City between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Sunday through thursday and between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. — Persons under 14 years of age may ride on City streets only when accompanied by an adult. minors aged 14 years but under 18 years of age may ride on City streets with a valid snowmobile certificate in their possession. — Snowmobiles are prohibited from riding on public sidewalks and paved trails or within City parks or other City properties. — on City streets with curb, snowmobiles must be ridden on the street, single file in the direction of traffic as close as practical to the curb; where no curb exists, snowmobiles may ride off of the paved surface but not more than six feet from the edge of the pavement. — the City has designated residential areas where snowmobiling upon City streets is prohibited except to go to/from your property to a designated trail. Snowmobiles may not exceed 10 mPH within these designated residential areas. a map of the designated areas is available on the City website or from the otsego river riders. — information on statewide snowmobile trails and regulations can be found at www.dnr.state.mn.us/snowmobiling/index.html. — if you have any concerns about snowmobiling in otsego, please do not hesitate to contact City Hall or otsego river riders President Pat Hilden at 763.274.0229. the City Council greatly appreciates the efforts of the otsego river riders and would encourage snowmobilers in the community to support them. information regarding the otsego river riders is available at their website at www.otsegoriverriders.com including details for a club sponsored Vintage Snowmobile ride scheduled for February 16, 2013. the City Council also appreciates that all snowmobilers in the community be safe and respectful of their neighbors while enjoying their rides. the City of otsego has adopted a Comprehensive Plan that establishes community goals and a decision- making framework for all public and private actions related to future development within the City. the City Council initiated an update of the Comprehensive Plan for the community to evaluate the changes that occurred over the last decade and to consider and reprioritize goals and policies in setting a clear direction for moving forward. the Planning Commission has been leading the effort to update the Comprehensive Plan and will hold a public hearing at their meeting on november 19, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at Prairie Center to consider the draft document. the public is invited to attend the public hearing and offer comments or ask questions, or you may also contact the City Planner at 763.441.4414 in advance of the meeting. rePort street lights out with the end of daylight Savings time, more people notice when a street light is not working. if you observe a street light not working please call 763.441.4414 or visit the city website to report it. City staff will contact the appropriate utility to have the street light repaired to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians. Garbage Collection starting January 1, 2013, all solid waste, yard waste and recycling haulers will be scheduled to pick up from residential customers on thursday of each week. if the collection date falls on a holiday agreed to by the City and haulers as part of the schedule, the date will shift to Friday. Construction or project related waste collection is not subject to this schedule. the purpose of this schedule is to: – address public safety concerns caused by the number of days each week that large trucks are moving though residential neighborhoods. – minimize the conflict between street maintenance activities and solid waste/recycling collection particularly during snow removal operations where containers left at the curb (or in the street) delay the clearing of City streets. Collection scheduling for residential customers was developed in cooperation with the City’s existing licensed haulers and in consideration of their services within otsego. this effort does not involve imposing limitations on the number of collectors that will be licensed in otsego allowing residents to continue to decide who will provide their own collection services. residents are also reminded to place your containers at the end of your driveway and not in the public street. Otsego resident Amy Stemler brought the idea of starting the Little Free Library program to the community. Amy, who has a degree in elementary and early childhood education and has taught preschool, said that “when I saw a segment about the Little Free Library on the news in February, I thought this would be a wonderful way to help families enjoy books together.” Amy has organized collection of books and magazines and solicited volunteers to build the Little Free Library boxes for what has proven to be a popular program. There are Little Free Libraries in each of the City’s parks and now local businesses are joining in the program at their locations. Amy will also be volunteering at Prairie Center this winter hosting two Little Free Library programs. The first program is a reading hour and the second program involves a reading hour and related craft project. More information about these programs is included in the Parks and Recreation Program Guide included with this newsletter. The City Council extends its thanks and appreciation to Amy for her efforts related to the Little Free Library program in Otsego. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities to benefit the community, please visit the City’s website or City Hall. o ts e g o v ol u n t e e r s san ta day! deceMBer 8th 10 a.M. – 1 P.M. Santa Claus is coming to town on saturday, december 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Prairie center! this annual event hosted by the Parks and recreation Commission is in its tenth year. Planned activities include children visiting with Santa Claus, cookies and hot chocolate and horse drawn sleigh rides for the whole family. Quality Photo will also be present to take pictures of your children with Santa for purchase or you may bring a camera and take your own. People attending are also encouraged to bring food goods for donation to Caer in the spirit of the season. truth in taxation the City Council will hold a truth in taxation meeting at 7:00 p.m. on december 10, 2012 to review the proposed 2013 City Budget and property tax levy. the public is invited to attend the truth and taxation meeting to offer comments and/or ask questions. if you have any questions or comments regarding the proposed budget and tax levy you may also contact the City administrator at 763.441.4414. winter 2012 – Program guide &PARKSRecreation CITY OF OTSEGO Parks & rec days at the holiday inn water Park Holiday inn and water Park is pairing up with the Parks and rec department and offering Parks and recreation days throughout the winter. Kids and parents will enjoy everything the Holiday inn water Park has to offer including concession stands. Parents are free! all kids must be accompanied by an adult. – Mondays; January 21, February 18, march 11, april 15 – 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. – Holiday inn, otsego 9200 Quaday avenue ne – $5 online (Sign-up online up to 24 hours before the event) – $10 at the door couPles cross country skiing triP Calling all couples! the otsego Parks and recreation department wants to help you lose those winter blues. Couples will meet at Prairie Center at 3:30 p.m. and hop on a bus and head to the elm Creek Chalet. at the chalet couples will get rentals, a ski pass, and an hour group lesson. after the lesson couples will have the chance to try their newly acquired skills on the trails. the bus will leave elm Creek at 6:30 p.m. and get back to Prairie Center by 7:00 p.m. – Saturday, January 19 – 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – meet at Prairie Center, 8899 nashua avenue – $70 per couple Frost “Free” Movies Bring your pillows, blankets, and snacks to Frost “Free” Friday movies at Prairie Center. Prairie Center offers a large screen and a premium sound system for moviegoers to enjoy the full movie experience. sponsored by – movie Schedule: (Fridays) december 7 – the grinch who Stole Christmas January 18 – open Season February 8 – the incredibles March 8 – madagascar – all movies start at 7 p.m. – Prairie Center, 8899 nashua avenue Beginner archery class midwest archery of St. michael is partnering with the Parks & rec department to offer a great opportunity for kids 8 years and older. Future archers will spend 1/2 hour in the classroom as instructors show them the basics of archery. From the classroom, kids will head to the range and learn how to shoot. after the class, kids will be given two free range passes and equipment rental to gain more experience. – monday, december 10 – 6 p.m.– 7:30 p.m. – midwest archery 13045 43rd St. ne, St. michael – $10 gPs: gloBal Positioning in the great outdoors Hand-held gPS receivers are great tools for hunting, fishing, hiking, and other outdoor pursuits. in this class, you’ll learn how to mark a starting point and return to it after a day of wandering the woods or roaming the lake. Cabela’s professionals will bring gPS units for participants to use and will also do a geocaching demo so dress warm! – thursday, February 7 – 7:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m. – Prairie Center, 8899 nashua ave. – $7 turkey calling/ hunting in this class you will learn about the stages in the year of a turkey’s life and how that will affect your hunt. Patterning your shotgun and shot size selection will be demonstrated along with scouting for sign, clothing, blinds, safety practices and the wide selection of calls. Cabela’s has one of the leading turkey hunters in the area who has extensive knowledge on new gear and tactics. – thursday, march 7 – 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Prairie Center, 8899 nashua avenue – $7 t-Ball registration: aPril 1 – May 15 – tuesdays; June 11 – July 30 – 3 and 4 years old: 5:30 – 6:15 p.m. 5 and 6 years old: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. – Prairie Park – $35 nFl Flag FootBall registration: aPril 1 – May 15 – thursdays; June 13 – august 8 – K – 1st grade: 6:00 – 6:45 p.m. 2nd – 3rd grade: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. – Frankfort Park – $49 (includes official nFL replica Jersey) 2013 suMMer PrograMs Visit the City’s website to receive the most up-to-date information! register online at www.ci.otsego.mn.us Fit tots 2-1/2-4 with Parent this program is designed especially for parent(s) and children. Parents help your child discover the joy of fitness through fun activities and self-awareness. Children must be 2-1/2 by the time class begins and accompanied by a parent. Students should wear comfortable clothing and tennis shoes. – tuesdays & thursdays; december 4–20 – 6 Sessions – 12:00 p.m.– 12:40 p.m. – Prairie Center – $25 Fit kids ages 3-1/2 - 6 this class is all about fitness and movement. exciting games and fitness activities that develop a child’s mind and body are all included. this class will focus on fun and fitness while achieving a good sense of self-awareness. Child must be 3-1/2 by the time class begins. Students should wear comfortable clothing and tennis shoes. – tuesdays & thursdays; december 4–20 – 6 Sessions – 12:50 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Prairie Center – $25 tiny tot oPen Play tiMe ages 1-5 with Parents Kids bring your parents to this hour of fun and enjoyment. Come meet up with your future classmates as your parents meet and catch-up with other parents. there will be crafts, games and projects. – thursdays; dec 6, 13, 21; Jan 10, 17, 24, 31; Feb 7, 14, 21, 28 – 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. – Prairie Center – $2 each time indoor soccer clinic this program is designed to teach kids, ages 3 and 4, the fundamentals of soccer in a fun and supportive environment. Skills that will be worked on are dribbling, shooting, passing, and team work. the kids will also have a chance to scrimmage. – wednesdays; november 7 to december 12 – 9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. – Prairie Center, 8899 nashua ave. ne – $25 adult classes held at inFit of albertville 6589 laketowne Place ne albertville sPin exPress enter the world of indoor cycling! Climb hills, go for speed and develop muscular strength and power in your legs. improve your aerobic endurance and push & pull your anaerobic threshold through speed and/or strength intervals. – session i dates: november 26, december 3, 10, 17 – session ii dates: January 7, 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11, 18, 25 – mondays 10:00 a.m.; 45 minutes – session i: $25; session ii: $40 taBata strength taBata is 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. – session i dates: november 27, december 4, 11, 18 – session ii dates: January 8, 15, 22, 29, February 5, 12, 19, 26 – tuesdays 4:30 p.m.; 55 minutes – session i: $25; session ii: $40 kickButt Jump start your energy and rev up your metabolism first thing in the morning with KiCKButt! this 55 minute class combines 30 minutes of punches and kicks from traditional kickboxing and 20 minutes of the total body conditioning class that focuses on the powerhouse of your body...the core! – session i dates: november 29, december 6, 13, 20 – session ii dates: January 10, 17, 24, 31, February 7, 14, 21, 28 – thursdays 7:30 a.m.; 55 minutes – session i: $25; session ii: $40 Need Childcare during your class? Check out the Kid Fitness tab at www.inFITbody.com little Free liBrary/ story tiMe and craFts ages 2-5 with Parents escape the cold while you and your child enjoy one of many fun stories. Come to the Little Free Library story time at Prairie center! For a minimal fee, you and your child come and listen to a story, work on an art project pertaining to the book, do finger plays, sing a song, enjoy a snack and then have playtime together. – tuesdays, 6 Sessions – dec 4, 11, 18; Jan 8, 15, 22 – 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – $10 Visit www.ci.otsego.mn.us for more programs and information and to register online. P R S R T S T D 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 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 - 9 1 6 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 Historic Otsego Photos Sought The Otsego Heritage Preservation Commission is seeking historical pictures of the Otsego area as part of their mission to document community history. If you have pictures you feel might be of interest, please bring them to City Hall to be scanned and returned. When providing your photos, it is most important that the Heritage Preservation Commission have information on locations, dates and any other specific details about the pictures to include with the historical record. As part of this project, the Heritage Preservation Commission will also be selecting photos that are to be enlarged for display on the walls at City Hall and Prairie Center. If you have questions about this project, please contact Commissioner Gail Anderson at 763.295.5426. The pictures should be turned in to the receptionist at City Hall by December 31, 2012. Otsego Facts the Public works and Parks maintenance departments together dispatch seven trucks with plows, wings and sanders to plow 254 lane miles of streets. an average two to four inch snowfall is typically cleared in six hours with additional time needed for widening and ice control. Smaller equipment, such as pickups and tractors, is used to clear snow from 134 cul-de- sacs or dead end streets and 20 miles of trails alongside the streets. although most trails are plowed after the streets, trails that access otsego elementary school will be plowed before 7:00 a.m.