No Increase in the 2014 Property Tax Levy

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1 October, 2013 Levy History $5,000,000 $4,500,000 $4,000,000 $3,500,000 $3,000,000 $2,500,000 $2,000,000 $1,500,000 $1,000,000 $500,000 $0 The Orono City Council adopted its 2014 preliminary property tax levy and budget on September 9, The total tax levy required to fund the preliminary budget is $4,701,760. The preliminary tax levy represents a 0% increase over the 2013 levy. This is the third consecutive budget No Increase in the 2014 Property Tax Levy New Crosswalk Coming To Navarre Hennepin County is completing improvements to the mid-block crosswalk on Shoreline Drive in Navarre to enhance pedestrian safety. The crosswalk will have a raised concrete pedestrian refuge between the eastbound and westbound traffic lanes. Additionally, a pedestrian-activated high-intensity light pulse signage system ( rapid rectangular flashing beacon ) has been installed to gain the attention of drivers and warn them that a pedestrian is crossing. When ready to cross the road, pedestrians simply push the button which will activate the warning lights. A second crosswalk further west at the bus shelter will not have a warning light system, but will provide an additional option for crossing Shoreline Drive Pedestrians and drivers are required to observe the following Minnesota Crosswalk Laws: Drivers must stop for pedestrians at ALL crosswalks and intersections. Pedestrians must obey traffic signs and signals at all intersections. without a tax increase; with the overall 2014 tax levy remaining at the 2011 level. Orono s tax levy increase is consistently below the state average. According to statistics provided by Vehicles stopped for pedestrians can proceed along the roadway once the pedestrian has com- Coming in th Anniversary Orono Golf Course E-Newsletter Option Elections Continued on page 6 Continued on page 6 Mediacom Build Out Orono Golf Course Website Street Lights Replaced in Navarre Orono Amends Wetland Buffer Regulations The Orono City Council earlier this year adopted an ordinance that amends the City s code requirements regarding wetland buffers. The new ordinance establishes regulatory authority for wetland buffers in Orono with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD). All wetlands in Orono are within the boundaries of the MCWD and have been subject to both City and District rules regarding wetland buffers since Orono initiated a 26 wetland setback requirement as early as 1975, which was replaced by a wetland buffer requirement adopted by the City in Shortly thereafter, the MCWD amended their existing buffer requirements Continued on page 6 Donation Garden....2 Disposal Site....2 Hazardous Waste....2 Leaf and Grass Disposal Sump Pumps....3 Local Post Offices Clean Water Tips....3 Carbon Monoxide Alarms....3 Crime Mapping....4 Toys for Tots....4 Veteran s Memorial....4 Navarre Town Meeting....4 Snow Removal Rules....5 Winter Landscape Concerns Photo Contest Results Photo Contest...7 Dakota Rail Trail Parking....7 E-Newsletters....8 Decreased Onsite Septic Fees....8

2 Page 2 Orono Reflections October, 2013 Donation Garden While it may be hard to believe that any individual or family in Orono suffers from a shortage of food, the truth is that these families and individuals do exist. The Orono/Long Lake Donation Garden addresses the needs of these families as well as Meals on Wheels recipients and seniors throughout the community. Though the growing season has been relatively short, the garden produced 2,000 lbs of vegetables as of early September. That s one ton of food! At season s end that number is expected to climb to 3,000 lbs. Fresh vegetables often come with a high price tag and the Orono/Long Lake Donation Garden strives to ensure that cost alone does not prevent families from serving healthy meals. Whether harvesting tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, green beans, spinach, or watermelon, the Donation Garden volunteers are making a difference in our community by supplementing the nutritional needs of local citizens with garden fresh vegetables. If you want to learn more about the garden or to volunteer, please contact April at: (952) Hennepin County Hosting Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event Hennepin County and Orono will be hosting a community collection event for county residents to safely and properly dispose of their unwanted garden and household hazardous wastes. October 3rd 5th from 9 am 4 pm Thursday through Saturday Hennepin County Public Works - Orono Location 3880 Shoreline Drive Orono, MN The county will accept many household hazardous wastes, including: Household, Lawn and Garden Products Mercury-Containing Items Electronics Auto and Fuel Wastes No motor oil. Items are accepted from households only; business waste is not accepted. For more event information, including a complete list of acceptable and non-acceptable items and directions, call Hennepin County Environmental Services at (612) or visit Hennepin County s collection event provides residents with a convenient community location to bring their problem wastes. As a year-round alternative to these collections, Hennepin County provides drop-off facilities located at 1400 W. 96th St., Bloomington and 8100 Jefferson Highway, Brooklyn Park. Visit for more information on drop-off facilities. Disposal Site The wet spring coupled with severe storms in June and July caused considerable tree and brush damage for homeowners throughout Orono. The city s response was to open a disposal site off McCulley Road for residents. Many residents took advantage of this opportunity to safely and efficiently dispose of storm debris. The debris site will close on October 1, Leaf and Grass Disposal Program To assist residents with disposal of leaves and grass clippings, the city offers a spring and fall leaf and grass disposal program. The fall program will be available to Orono residents from Friday, October 7th through Saturday, November 23rd. Leaves and grass clippings must be emptied at the marked site. Bags will not be accepted. No brush will be accepted. Location: Orono Public Works building, 2700 Kelley Parkway Hours of Operation: Mondays Saturdays October 7 November 23 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

3 October, 2013 Orono Reflections Page 3 Local Post Offices Orono is served by several area post offices including Excelsior, Long Lake, Maple Plain, Mound, and Wayzata. There are also post offices located in Orono in the Crystal Bay and Navarre areas. Both the Crystal Bay Post Office and Navarre Post Office offer box rental and service counters, but they do not have any route delivery. Locations and hours of operation are noted below. Crystal Bay Post Office (55323) 1355 Brown Road South (952) Service Counter: Monday - Friday, 7:30 am-12:30 pm; 2:00 pm-4:30 pm Saturday - 9:00 am-10:30 am Navarre Post Office (55392) 3423 Shoreline Drive (952) Service Counter: Monday - Friday, 9:00 am-noon Sump Pump Problems! Not only is it illegal to connect sump pumps to the sanitary sewer system, it also causes significant problems. Sump pumps are designed to discharge groundwater and rainwater to a yard or storm sewer. Sewer pipes are designed to carry sewage to the sewer main. Normal sewage flow keeps the sewer main half-full. If more discharge is sent to the pipe than it can handle, the system will surcharge, meaning the sewer lateral pipes will fill and restrict the flow of sewage. As a halfhorsepower sump pump discharges about 60 gallons of water per minute, homes in an area illegally connected to the sanitary sewer system can cause sewage to back up in a neighbor s basement. It is critical that sump pumps discharge to the yard or storm sewer, and not to the sanitary sewer. Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that can lead to death. It is odorless, tasteless, and invisible. It is often referred to as the silent killer because it is nearly impossible to detect without using detection technology. Carbon monoxide is given off by common appliances in your home or workplace. Any heat producing item can produce CO, even your gas or propane powered hot water heater, clothes dryer, or space heater. Minnesota State Law requires that single family homes have at least one operational CO alarm within 10 feet of every legal room used for sleeping (see Minnesota Statute 299F.50). This is also true for multi-family homes or apartments. All CO alarms should be certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to conform to the latest Underwriters Laboratory (UL) Standards. Follow the manufacturer s instructions for placement of your CO alarm and also note the suggested replacement date. For additional information on CO alarms, call the State Fire Marshal Division at (651) or visit or your questions to firecode@state.mn.us.

4 Page 4 Orono Reflections October, 2013 Crime Mapping The Orono Police Department is proud to announce a new online communication system for keeping citizens informed about crime in our community. This new system uses a crime map called RAIDS Online ( that maps and analyzes crime data, alerts citizens to crimes in their area, and provides the Orono Police Department with the ability to alert citizens about crimes as they occur. Citizens are able to view a map and grid that pinpoints crimes in their area, sign-up for automatic notices, and submit an anonymous tip directly to the Orono Police Department. RAIDS Online also provides basic information about incidents, including the type of crime, location type, block-level address, date and time. The Orono Police Department s participation in RAIDS Online highlights their commitment to proactive communication with the public they serve, said Sean Bair, founder of BAIR Analytics, We re excited to partner with the Orono Police Department to provide this free service for their public. In addition to the online version, RAIDS Online Mobile is also available for mobile devices. Like the online version, the mobile system allows citizens to better understand crime trends and lower crime in their area. Recent crime incidents are displayed on a map or listed in a grid. Users can click on an incident for more information or display a hotspot map based on the crimes that are currently in display. Users can also sign up for automatic neighborhood watch reports that any recent crime activity on a daily, weekly or monthly schedule. The RAIDS Online Mobile app is available for FREE on the App Store. See Orono s crime map at: Toys for Tots Collection The Orono Police Department will be collecting toys for the Toys for Tots program. New unwrapped toys can be brought to the Orono Police Department from November 25, 2013 through December 16, Veteran s Memorial Dedication Monument and Layout Designed By: Thomas Longe, Life Scout Location: Front of Orono City Hall Date: November 12, 2013 Time: Prior to City Council Meeting Details to Follow on City Website Next Navarre Town Meeting Location: Orono Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway Date: October 14, 2013 Time: 5:00 pm Draft Agenda on City Website

5 October, 2013 Orono Reflections Page 5 Is Salt Harming Your Landscape? Keeping ice and snow off your driveway and sidewalks is important for safety, yet using salt to reduce or eliminate ice and snow can damage your landscaping and the environment. Avoid deicing products that contain chlorides (rock salt and calcium chloride) or use them in very small doses. Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA) is a safer alternative, as is sand for traction. Source: Envirocast Newsletter Old Man Winter Is On His Way Snow Removal The Public Works Street Division manages snow removal and ice control of all public city streets and in a number of municipal parking lots, trails and sidewalks. Residents are responsible for removing snow from walkways, driveways, and sidewalks on their property. Private roads are the responsibility of homeowners. Parking on all city streets and municipal parking lots is prohibited from 2:00 am - 6:00 am all year. During winter, parking is also prohibited when there is 2 or more of snow so that plowing can occur swiftly and safely. Any snow or ice removed from walkways, driveways or sidewalks must remain on the property. Snow must not be plowed into City streets or private roads, across roadways, or onto a neighboring property as this is considered a misdemeanor. Homeowners will receive a warning letter for a first offense. A second offense may subject the homeowner to a fine of up to $700. When clearing snow, residents need to be aware of snow accumulation so as to ensure that snow piles do not obstruct traffic. Residents must also clear snow from fire hydrants on their property so that they remain visible and accessible to emergency workers. While many residents hire a contractor to plow, private snow plow contractors must be aware of the City of Orono regulations. If a contractor violates city regulations the property owner is ultimately responsible.

6 Page 6 Orono Reflections October, 2013 Wetland Buffer Regulations from page 1 to be similar but not identical to those of Orono. Since then the concurrent jurisdictions and dual permit process resulted in some confusion and frustration on the part of residents when attempting to obtain permits from each body for construction activities near wetlands. In order to resolve the inconsistencies between the two jurisdictions requirements, the City Council upon recommendation of staff has opted to eliminate the City s wetland buffer requirement, allowing MCWD to have sole authority over when and how wetland buffers will be required. Because MCWD requirements exempt many residential additions, land alterations or accessory structure projects from having to establish buffers, and because MCWD does not have a wetland setback requirement, the Council did establish a City wetland setback requirement of 35 feet for structures and hardcover. Wetland buffer areas are necessary and beneficial to maintain the health of wetlands. Buffer areas protect the edge of wetlands from erosion while filtering sediment, chemicals and other nutrients from runoff that drains into wetlands. Buffer areas can improve the biological diversity and health of a wetland environment while reducing the adverse impacts of human activities. Under the new City requirements, residents proposing construction or land alteration projects on property that contains a wetland are advised to first contact the MCWD to determine whether a wetland buffer is New Crosswalk from page 1 pletely crossed the road. Pedestrians must not enter a crosswalk if an approaching vehicle appears too close to reasonably and safely stop. Please use common sense when entering the crosswalk. required. Work within wetlands such as filling or dredging will still require approvals from both the City and MCWD. The full text of the new ordinance is available on the Orono website at ci.orono.mn.us. If you have any questions, contact the Planning & Zoning Department at (952) Drivers must not pass a vehicle that has stopped to allow pedestrians to cross the roadway. Failure to obey Minnesota s Crosswalk Laws is a misdemeanor. A second violation within one year is a gross misdemeanor. Tax Levy from page 1 the State Department of Revenue, since 2010 Orono s property tax levy has increased by 6.4 percentage points less than the average Minnesota City s levy. In real dollars, if Orono s levy increased at the same rate as the average city, the levy would be $300,000 larger than it currently is. Based on the property values provided by Hennepin County, the City s tax capacity (or tax base) has decreased by approximately 0.9%. Applying the proposed tax levy to the estimated tax capacity results in a tax rate of %; this is an increase from the 2013 rate of %. The following chart compares Orono s 2013 tax rate to our surrounding communities. Orono s 2014 tax rate will continue to be one of the lowest in the County and State. Factoring in a decrease of 1% in property value, the City s share of the property tax bill on residential properties will change as follows: property valued at $250,000 in 2013 will decrease $1.46 in 2014; a property valued at $500,000 for taxes payable in 2013 will decrease by approximately $1.41 in 2014, and a home valued at $1,000,000 will decrease by $5.40. These calculations are estimates only, actual tax amounts will depend on the actual change in value of each property. The City s tax levy accounts for approximately 15% of a property s total tax bill. In addition to the City portion, there are also School District, County, and Watershed portions of the property tax levy. The City Council has no control over the other taxing entities. If you have questions Hennepin County Average concerning the budgets or tax rates of these other entities, please contact them directly. The City will hold its Truth in Taxation Hearing as part of the regular council meeting scheduled for December 9, Tax payers will have an opportunity to comment on the budget and tax levy at this meeting. The hearing will start at 6:30 p.m. For more information contact Finance Director Ron Olson at (952) or visit the website: Orono Medina Wayzata Minnetonka Beach Spring Park Long Lake

7 October, 2013 Orono Reflections Page Annual Photography Contest Results 2014 Photo Contest The following winning entries were selected from the 2013 spring photography contest: Lakes & Wetlands Lattice Works By: Thomas Wilkins The eighth annual photo contest will be held in the spring of Residents, students and business people are invited to save photos taken in Orono in 2013 and 2014 to submit in next spring s photo contest. Categories include Lakes and Wetlands, Nature, and Lifestyle. You may be one of three to win a $50 prize or have your talent framed at City Hall! Watch for details in our spring newsletter. Lifestyle Road Trip By: Tom Palm Nature Sunning in the Garden By: Kim Donaldson The photo, Sunning in the Garden, taken by Kim Donaldson, is framed and on display at City Hall, along with a plaque recognizing her in Stop by during business hours to view winning photos and watch as our walls are filled with more photography from our city artisans. Dakota Rail Trail Parking Nearly 411,000 people biked, hiked or jogged along the Dakota Rail Regional Trail last year. This 13-mile, multi-use trail runs from Wayzata to St. Bonifacius and continues to Mayer in Carver County. It offers spectacular views of Lake Minnetonka and has become a regional destination. People come from all over to use and enjoy the trail. Not all visitors are familiar with local parking options. As a result, parking in unauthorized locations can be a problem in some communities. Three Rivers Park District, which manages and operates the trail, would like to remind users to please be sure to park in designated public parking areas. These parking areas include: Wayzata, 175 Grove Lane Mound, 5515 Lynwood Blvd Minnetrista, Gale Woods Farm St. Bonifacius, 4150 Bell St Mayer, State Highway 25 and First Street Northwest Visit for more information about the Dakota Rail Regional Trail.

8 Page 8 Orono Reflections October, 2013 City of Orono Your City Council Mayor Lili McMillan Kristi Anderson Cynthia Bremer Lizz Levang Aaron Printup Orono City Facilities Public Works After Hours Dispatch Kelley Parkway Mail: P.O. Box 66, Crystal Bay, MN Orono Police Department Kelley Parkway 24-hour/Non Emergency Dispatch Emergency Animal Control Mail: P.O. Box 86, Crystal Bay, MN Web Site: Planning & Zoning Kelley Parkway Mail: P.O. Box 66, Crystal Bay, MN Administration Kelley Parkway Mail: P.O. Box 66, Crystal Bay, MN Council Chambers, 2780 Kelley Parkway Web Site: City of Orono 2750 Kelley Parkway Post Office Box 66 Crystal Bay, MN PRE-SORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 894 Frequently Called Numbers Municipal Golf Course Orono Golf Course Assessing Orono Division Hennepin County Lake Agencies DNR Lake Mtka Conservation District Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Community Groups Long Lake Chamber Orono Donation Garden (contact April) Orono Lions.... oronolions.org Orono Rotary.... oronorotary.org Welcome Neighbor Recycling Missed Pickups-Waste Management Yard Waste-The Mulch Store Hazardous Waste-Hennepin County Schools Orono # Orono Community Ed Westonka # Wayzata # Services Cable-Mediacom Electric-Wright Hennepin (NW Corner) Electric-Xcel (Rest of Orono) Garbage-Homeowner Selects Hauler....See Website Gas-Center Point Energy Gopher One-Call Before You Dig Telephone-Frontier (Western Orono) Telephone-Qwest (Rest of Orono) Decreased Fee for Onsite Septic The City Council has reviewed the direct expenses for the septic program and approved a reduction in the annual septic fee from $60 down to $45 per year. E-Newsletters In an effort to be eco friendly, the City of Orono is moving towards paperless newsletters. If you would prefer to get an electronic copy, please sign up online at: and click on <Stay Connected> and < Updates>. Watch for additional details in 2014.