OtsegoNewsletter_Winter2014-15REPORTING
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 contact City Hall
at 763.441.4414 or go to 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.
– 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 or pushed across the traveled portion of any
public street, sidewalk or trail.
– Property owners are responsible for removal of
snow, ice and other debris from concrete side-
walks 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 the 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.
NEWSLETTER • WINTER 2014/15
VIEW
what you need to know for WINTER
IN THIS ISSUE:
CodeRED® Alert System
Advisory Committee Openings
Snowmobiling Regulations
Parks and Recreation Insert
Winter and Holiday Events
Otseg o
PROPERTY TAX
INFORMATION
The City Council will hold an
information meeting at 7:00 p.m.
on December 8, 2014 at Prairie
Center to review the proposed
2015 City Budget and property
tax levy.
The public is invited to attend
the information 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.
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:
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 Mayor
Greetings Neighbors!
The City Council approved remodeling and renovation of
Prairie Center that has been completed this past Spring.
The updates to the building, constructed in 1993, include expanded community
rooms, expanded kitchen facilities and offices for the Parks and Recreation
Department, as well as improvements to the City Council Chambers for regular
meetings of the City Council, Planning Commission, and Parks and Recreation
Commission. The Heritage Preservation Commission and Public Safety Commission
also hold their regular meetings at Prairie Center. The updated facility has already
seen a lot of use for a wide range of activities including meetings for community
organizations, rental space for the public and recreation programing.
One of the goals the City Council had at the start of the Prairie Center project
was to provide space within the facility for adults 55+ to gather. Otsego is a unique
community with an older population of established, long-time residents and
families moving to new neighborhoods. As the Parks and Recreation Department
continues to develop its programing, the City Council believed it was important
to provide an opportunity for seniors. The Fireside Room at Prairie Center was
specifically envisioned as a space within the building that could be utilized for
programs and activities for adults 55+.
The Parks and Recreation Department’s Fall Program Guide,
attached to this Otsego View and available on the City website,
includes the first offerings planned for adults 55+.
The Adults 55+ program at Prairie Center will include activities, health and
wellness programs and speakers. Day trips from Prairie Center in partnership
with the Senior Centers in Elk River and Monticello are also being planned for
Tuesday, February 17, 2015.
The Parks and Recreation Department is hosting an open house for adults 55+
at Prairie Center on Monday, January 5, 2015 between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
The City Council encourages Otsego residents 55+ to come see what programs
and activities are being offered specifically for you by the Parks and Recreation
Department. More information regarding the Parks and Recreation Department’s
programs and activities for adults 55+ in our community is also available on the
City website or by calling 763.235.3148.
Best wishes to all Otsego families for a happy and safe winter season!
Advisory
Commission
Openings
Residents interested in becoming involved
in their community may consider applying
for appointment to one of the City Council’s
following advisory committees:
PLANNING COMMISSION
The Planning Commission advises the
City Council on land use issues including
comprehensive planning, zoning and
subdivision ordinances and reviews
development proposals.
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION
The Public Safety Commission advises
the City Council on police and fire protection
issues working with meeting with the Wright
County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Departments
serving Otsego.
HERITAGE PRESERVATION
COMMISSION
The Heritage Preservation Commission is
responsible within the community for locating,
preserving, interpreting and communicating
our shared stories about Otsego’s history.
For more information about each of these
advisory committees’ roles and responsibilities
and to obtain an application, please contact
the City Clerk at 763.441.4414 or visit the
City’s website.
The Lily Pond townsite was established in the area of Kadler Avenue and CSAH 39.
Kadler Avenue was known as Lily Pond Lane prior to establishment of the current
County wide grid naming pattern. The 1870 US Census identifies Lily Pond as the Post
Office for this part of Otsego. A school building was built on the northwest corner in
1870 and known as the Lily Pond School, District 11.
After that building burned in 1913, it was replaced with a stucco building that still
stands and has been remodeled as a single family home. A Methodist church stood
on the northeast corner. The first service at the Church was held in 1906 and the
building was torn down in the mid-1930s.
Source: Otsego Heritage Preservation Commission, 2002
Lily Pond Park, located in
the northwest corner of
Otsego at the corner of
Kadler Avenue and 101st
Street, is named after the
townsite that developed in
the area in the late 1800s.
OTSEGO TIDBITS
Funding for CodeRED® is provided by the Wright County Sheriff’s Office, the Public Health Emergency Preparedness program and the Nuclear Office.
The Otsego River Riders snowmobile club annually hosts 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 held on December 4 and 6 at Prairie Center. Registration may be completed online
through the Parks and Recreation Department on the City’s website or by calling 763.235.3148.
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:
– Persons under 14 years of age may ride on City streets only when accompanied by an adult. Minors age
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 upon public sidewalks and paved trails or within City parks
or other 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.
– 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.
– 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 statewide snowmobile trails and regulations can be found at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/
snowmobiling/index.html.
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Wright County CodeRED® Alert System
Wright County has a new rapid emergency notification service called CodeRED®. The new system will
distribute emergency messages via telephone to targeted areas or the entire county at a rate of 1,000 calls per
minute. CodeRED® employs a one-of-a-kind Internet mapping capability for geographic targeting of calls, coupled
with a high speed telephone calling system capable of delivering customized emergency messages directly to
homes and businesses.
This service can be used in case of fires, flooding, train
derailment, chemical spills, nuclear incidents, evacuation,
downed power lines, lost individuals, natural disasters,
abductions, water system problems, bomb threats, disease
outbreaks, or other emergencies. Calls can be geographically
targeted for local incidents. If widespread, the entire county
with 31,000 households can be called within 30 MINUTES.
Wright County residents are welcome and encouraged to
enter their contact information for home, business, and
mobile phones so they may be contacted by the system in
the event of an emergency. Most landlines are automatically
part of the system but mobile phones are not. It is important
for county residents and business customers to register,
especially if they use unlisted numbers, cell phones, or VoIP
(Voice Over Internet Protocol). Those who do not register
their address and phone number may not be notified with
CodeRED® in case of an emergency.
Registration is confidential, free, and easy. TO REGISTER,
go to the Wright County website at www.co.wright.mn.us
and click on the CodeRED® Emergency Notification link
on the lower left side of the page.
Citizens may also sign up for notifications from individual
county departments by clicking on the “Notify Me” button near
the top of the Wright County homepage. This past summer
many people received timely notices when flooding caused
road closures. You can sign up for alerts from the Sheriff’s
Office and Emergency Management, the Highway Department,
Public Health, and many other county departments.
More information about Wright County’s CodeRED
Emergency Alert System, including frequently asked
questions, is available on the City’s website.
PRSRTD STDU.S. POSTAGEPAID
PERMIT NO. 1791
TWIN CITIES, MN
Time Dated Material
CITY HALL:
13400 90th Street NE
Otsego, MN 55330
PHONE NUMBERS
Main: 763.441.4414
Building Dept.: 763.441.2593
Utility Billing: 763.441.2310
Fax: 763.441.9163
RECREATION INFO LINE:
763-235-3155
OFFICE HOURS:
Monday–Thursday
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday
8 a.m. – Noon
CITY COUNCIL:
Jessica Stockamp (Mayor)
Tom Darkenwald
Vern Heidner
Doug Schroeder
Jason Warehime
CITY WEBSITE*
www.ci.otsego.mn.us
* Information listed herein as being available
on the City website will also be mailed upon
request by calling City Hall.
ICE SKATING
at prairie park
SANTA DAY
Santa Claus is coming to town on Saturday, December 13
from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Prairie Center!
This annual event hosted by the Parks and Recreation
Commission is in its eleventh 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
food shelf in the spirit of the season. The Little Free
Library is always accepting childrens book donations
as well.
The Parks and Recreation Department is again this year
providing an opportunity for outdoor ice skating for pleasure
and sport. A hockey rink with boards and a separate
pleasure skating rink will be located at Prairie Park. The
rinks are located at the corner of Nashua Avenue and 90th
Street, east of City Hall. There is parking and benches
available. The rinks are lighted until 10:00 p.m. but there
is no shelter and no attendant present. The ice rink is
anticipated to be ready for use on December 22, 2014
with a targeted end date of February 16, 2015
(weather permitting) – check the Parks
and Recreation page on the City’s
website for any announcements.
WINTER 2014/15 – PROGRAM GUIDE
&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.
ALL CLASSES/EVENTS HELD AT PRAIRIE CENTER WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THOSE NOTED.
CHILDRENS PAINT CLASS – “FROZEN”
This is your child’s chance to paint on a real canvas board.
During this guided painting lesson, your child will create a
scene inspired by the Disney movie Frozen.
– TUESDAY, JANUARY 20 (Registration Deadline Jan 13)
– 6:00-7:30 p.m.
– Ages 5-8 years
– $20
TUMBLING FOR 2- AND 3-YEAR-OLDS
In this class children will learn the basic skills of gymnastics
in a safe environment and will develop coordination using
a variety of mat exercises, low balance beam, tumbling
and games. Students should wear leotards or shorts and
t-shirts. Please tie back long hair. Parents will participate
with their child.
– THURSDAYS, 6:00–6:35 p.m.
– December 11, 18; January 8, 15, 22, 29; February 5, 12
– Ages 2-3 years with a parent
– $30
PRESCHOOL TUMBLING
In this class children will learn the basic skills of gymnastics
in a safe environment and will develop coordination using a
variety of mat exercises, low balance beam, tumbling and
games. Students should wear leotards or shorts and t-shirts.
Please tie back long hair.
– THURSDAYS, 6:45-7:30 p.m.
– 8 Sessions: Dec 11, 18 Jan 8, 15, 22, 29 & Feb 5, 12
– Ages 4-5 years
– $30
SAFE ON MY OWN
This safety class will teach children how to prevent and
prepare for emergencies. Topics covered will be safety
when home alone, phone safety, and basic first aid to
help build confidence to empower our children to keep
themselves safe.
– FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20
– 6:00–8:00 p.m.
– Ages 7 – 10
– $15
BEGINNER ARCHERY CLASS
Archery Country of Rogers is partnering up again with
the Otsego Parks and Recreation department to offer a
fun and exciting opportunity to kids 8 years and older.
Future archers will spend 1/2 hour in the classroom as
instructors show them the basics of archery equipment
and safety. From the classroom, kids will head to the range
and learn proper shooting techniques. As part of this
program, participants will be given a free range pass and
equipment rental to gain more experience and confidence
for the future!
– SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7
8:00 a.m–12:00 p.m.
– Class held at
Archery Country
21135 S. Diamond Lake Rd,
Rogers
– $18
HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW
Save the date for a fun day out last minute shopping! Jewelry, purses,
cooking products and samples, home cleaning products, body wraps,
local handmade crafts, doll clothes, scrapbooking supplies, stamping
tools, clothing boutiques, spices, cooking products, holiday decorations,
blankets, thermal bags, candles, crochet items, hair accessories, rock it
anywhere, Tupperware, baby blankets and hats, hot/cold aromatherapy
packs, essential oils, skin care, health & fitness, and more! Support local
artisans, crafters and small business owners.
– SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20
– 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
– Free!
SANTA'S WORKSHOP
Come on down to Santa's Workshop during
the Holiday Craft Show! At the workshop you
will be able to pick out your present for mom
and/or dad and one of our elves will help you
wrap it without your parents knowing what it is.
Santa's Workshop will be open the same time
as the Holiday Craft Show.
– SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20
– 10:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.
– $25
Visit www.ci.otsego.mn.us for more programs and information and to register online.
ALL CLASSES/EVENTS HELD AT PRAIRIE CENTER WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THOSE NOTED.
ZUMBA
Ditch the workout and join the party. Come dance your way
to a firmer, better body with motivating music with unique
moves and fun dance moves. It is a ‘feel happy’ workout and
you’ll love the results.
– WEDNESDAYS, 5:45 – 6:30 p.m.
– Session 1: January 7, 14, 21 and 28
– Session 2: February 4, 11, 18 and 25
– $15
FULL BODY BARRE FUSION
Come experience a total body sculpting workout that fuses
ballet, yoga, Pilates, core conditioning & interval strength
training. All fitness levels welcome. If you have light weights
we encourage you to bring them.
– WEDNESDAYS, 6:30–7:15 p.m.
– Session 1: January 7, 14, 21 and 28
– Session 2: February 4, 11, 18 and 25
– $15
TINY TOT OPEN PLAY TIME
AGES NEWBORN-5 WITH PARENTS
Kids bring your parents or daycare providers to this super
fun time together. There will be time to play, make a craft,
read a story and have a snack with Miss Amy.
– WEDNESDAYS, 10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. (starting Jan. 5)
– THURSDAYS, 10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Class will not meet:
November 26/27, December 24/25 and December 31/January 1.
– Please check the website for days that Prairie Center
is closed.
– $2 a time per child
CHEER AMERICA
Cheer America is a cheerleading and dance program for
children ages 4 to 16. Students learn popular cheers, chants,
jumps, leaps and choreographed pom pom/dance routines.
For more info, please visit their website:
www.cheer-america-minnesota.com.
– TUESDAYS, February 3-April 7 (10 sessions)
– Ages 4-7 years: 6-6:45 p.m.
– Ages 8-16 years: 7-7:45 p.m.
– $70
AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
CPR/FIRST AID/AED CERTIFCATION
This class will give participants their America Heart
Association CPR Certification Child-Adult and First Aid and
AED certifications. The class will be two hours each day on
Monday & Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. Steve Dittbenner
has been a local CPR instructor for over 35 years
– MONDAY, DECEMBER 1 AND
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2
– 6:00–8:00 p.m.
– Prairie Center
– $40
WINE/CANVAS NIGHT
Come for a fun, social night with a local artist who will guide
you step by step in creating a fabulous piece of artwork.
(16x24) No painting experience necessary.
Cost includes all art supplies. Beverages are separate.
– TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9 (Registration Deadline December 2)
– 6:00–8:00 p.m.
– Held at POUR! (15704 90th St., Otsego)
– $40
FRIDAY NIGHTS
AT THE MOVIES – FREE!
Bring your family and friends to Prairie Center and enjoy
these favorite family movies on a large movie screen.
Don’t forget to bring your favorite blanket and treats!
– FRIDAYS, 7:00 p.m.
January 16 – Planes Fire & Rescue (PG)
February 13 – The Muppets Most Wanted (PG)
March 13 – Earth to Echo (PG)
YOUTH SNOWMOBILE TRAINING
Students can register if they will be 12 years of age or
older by January 1, 2014. Students 16 years or older are
encouraged to order and complete an adult CD from the
Minnesota DNR. For the December 6th class there will be
an outdoor driving course. Students need to dress for the
weather and bring a helmet. The driving test will be held
with or without snow on the parking lot. 2-Day Class.
Student’s birth certificate is required.
Must Pre-Register by December 2.
– THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4 6:00–9:00 p.m.
– SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6 9:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
– $5
ACTIVITIES FOR 55+ AT OTSEGO PRAIRIE CENTER
Hours: Monday & Wednesday 10:00 – 2:00 p.m.
OPEN HOUSE MONDAY, JANUARY 5!
Mark your calendars and join us in celebrating our Otsego Open House for adults 55+.
Come meet City staff, volunteers and others in our community. We will have schedules and
information on all the activities being offered and will be serving refreshments throughout the day.
You won’t want to miss it!
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