Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018 Edition 207 WinterIT'S MORE THAN A STREET BANNER It's an opportunity to highlight the beauty within our inclusive community Over the next year, those living, working or visiting the Brooklyn Center community will notice an increase in the City’s community engagement projects and an enhancement in our image. The City recently wrapped up the first part of a four-phase street banner project. The City has 230 street banners due for replacement. It was important to involve/engage the Brooklyn Center community in the replacement process. The goal was to incorporate authentic imagery that also reflects the beauty of the inclusive community we serve in the new street banner signs. We chose to capture imagery through photography. The City will host several citywide photo shoots in the coming months to take pictures of Brooklyn Center community members. Phase 1: Children Our Hope Phase 2: Adults Our Heart Phase 3: Seniors Our Wisdom Phase 4: Community In October, we completed the photo shoots for Phase 1. This included taking photos of all interested children and youth living in Brooklyn Center or attending a school in Brooklyn Center. Photo shoots were held at Brooklyn Center Community Schools, Evergreen Park World Culture Community School and Northport Elementary School. We selected 14 images from photos taken. These photos were duplicated four times covering 56 light poles across the city. Any images not used for the banner project will be used somewhere else in our community. Photo shoots for Phases 2-4 will take place this Winter. We will hang images selected for those banners in Spring/ Summer 2019. This project falls under the City’s new Beautification and Public Art Program. A huge thank you to our partners and everyone who helped make Phase 1 of this project a success. If Brooklyn Center residents have an interest in participating in upcoming photo shoots connect with us through social media at cityofbrooklyncenter. org/socialmedia or visit our website at cityofbrooklyncenter.org for details and announcements. IN THIS ISSUE Mock Election for Kids 3 Join a Commission 4 Journalist Breakfast 4 Random Acts of Kindness 5 Award Winners Homebuyer Education Workshop 5 Community Development 6 ADA Transition Plan Meeting 6 Census 2020 Meeting 7 Shop with a Cop Event 8 Gift Card Scams 9 Prevent Frozen Pipes 10 Winter Tree Trimming 11 Storm Water Prevention 12 Meeting NEWSCi t y City of Brooklyn Center Celebrating the news, events & cultures that connect us DECEMBER 2018, Edition 207 NEW PARKING RESTRICTION CHANGES EFFECTIVE: November 4 NO on-street parking during a snow event of 2 ½ inches or more until the roads are plowed curb to curb. Enforcement of the ordinance can include issuance of a citation as well as towing the vehicle to allow for snow plowing. This provision is in effect whenever snow fall meets or surpasses 2 ½ inches. 2 DECEMBER 2018, Edition 207 NEWS Ci t y Community Engagement BROOKLYN CENTER MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTION RESULTS The November 6, Municipal General Election had a record breaking turnout. Turnout overall was 64%, which comprised of 48% Election Day and 16 % absentee voting. Mike Elliot was elected Mayor; April Graves and Dan Ryan were re-elected to the City Council. For a complete list of election results by precinct go to cityofbrooklyncenter.org. A big thank you to Brooklyn Center voters, election team and staff for your involvement. Together we increased participation in the election process in comparison to 2014. On September 7, City of Brooklyn Center’s Mayor, City Manager and staff met with the Deputy Speaker Republic of Liberia, delegation from Liberia and local members of the Liberian community. During the meeting, the Deputy Speaker thanked the City for supporting the Liberian community. Additionally, the group discussed current challenges of the Liberian immigrant community and opportunities to strengthen the current relationship. Pictured above, Brooklyn Center Mayor, City staff, Liberian lawmakers and local community members. Mayor Mike Elliott 5253 Tim Willson 4297 Council Member April Graves 4989 Don Bumgarner 2704 Dan Ryan 5039 Alois Bilek 1526 In August, Brooklyn Center Brooklynk Interns participated in Youth in Government Day after gaining experience working for the City. Interns got a behind-the-scenes look at city facilities and operations. Additionally, they had the opportunity to lead a mock council meeting where they explored research and later voted on the Tobacco 21 issue. Pictured above, Brooklyn Center Brooklynk Interns, Mayor, Council and City staff. On November 13, Brooklyn Center's city council voted to up the minimum age for buying tobacco products. The newly revised ordinance raises the age from 18 to 21 and takes effect January 1. 3 www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org BROOKLYN CENTER BUSINESS ASSOCIATION HOST RIBBON- CUTTING EVENT The Brooklyn Center Business Association hosted a ribbon-cutting and open house event on Tuesday, October 30 from 3:30 – 6:00 PM. The event was held at the Brooklyn Innovation Group office building, located at 2800 Freeway Boulevard, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 and included two ribbon- cutting ceremonies. The first ribbon- cutting event celebrated the opening of the renovated office space for Brooklyn Innovation Group. The second ribbon cutting celebrated the BCBA move into the building. The event included giveaways, food and beverages. Brooklyn Innovation Group staff.CLOSE TO 200 KIDS PARTICIPATE IN CITY’S SECOND MOCK ELECTION On Friday, October 26, princesses, superheroes and other characters from across Brooklyn Center cast their vote in the City’s second mock election for kids. The City of Brooklyn Center Administration Voting booth was one of several registered at the Recreation‎ Annual Halloween Party. This year’s list of Halloween election candidates included Bride of Frankenstein, Dracula, Casper the Friendly Ghost, Frankenstein, the Good Witch and Werewolf. Before voting, each participant had to visit the City of Brooklyn Center’s registration desk. Voters received voting instructions, signed for their ballots and then entered the private booths to fill out their ballots. Some requested special assistance from their “mummy” or daddy. After voting and leaving the booth, the ballot was then placed into a secure box. Each voter received an “I voted” sticker and candy before leaving. “Voting is an important process in our country through which leaders are selected to make laws and solve problems. This helps raise a future voter by teaching children about the importance of making their voices heard. Surprisingly a number of elections are determined by small margins, so it’s important for all eligible voters to participate at the local and national level,” said City Clerk Barb Suciu. Close to 200 of the 225 kids attending the Halloween event also voted. This year the Good Witch had the most votes followed by Werewolf. For event photos, please visit us on facebook@ BrooklynCenterMN and facebook@BrooklynCenterRec. 4 DECEMBER 2018, Edition 207 NEWS Ci t y JOIN A BROOKLYN CENTER COMMISSION The City of Brooklyn Center has several commission opportunities available. Check out these volunteer positions. Financial Commission The Brooklyn Center Financial Commission is seeking two individuals to serve on this commission. One of these seats is a three year term and the other is a one year term. The commission meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, as well as in joint session with the City Council during the budget planning process. These positions are voluntary and members must be a Brooklyn Center resident while serving on the commission. Park and Recreation Commission The Brooklyn Center Park and Recreation Commission is seeking two individuals to serve on this commission. These are three year terms. The commission meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center. The position is voluntary, members must be a Brooklyn Center resident while serving on the commission, and members need to represent a broad range of interest in the conservation, park and recreation functions. Planning Commission The Brooklyn Center Planning Commission is seeking one individual to serve on this commission. This is a two year term. The commission meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. The position is voluntary, members must be a Brooklyn Center resident while serving on the commission, and members act in an advisory capacity to the City Council on issues related to planning, zoning, sign and sub division matters . Sister City Commission The Brooklyn Center Sister City Commission is seeking one individual to serve on this commission. This is a five year term. The commission at City Hall at the call of the Chair. The position is voluntary, members must be a Brooklyn Center resident while serving on the commission, and members will foster and perpetuate the continuation of successful international exchanges and partners of the relationships. For more information on any of these volunteer opportunities or to obtain an application packet: Visit City website: cityofbrooklyncenter.org Visit City Hall: 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center Call City Clerk: (763) 569-3306 Community Engagement CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER HOST JOURNALIST BREAKFAST IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE AFRICA INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL REPORTING On Friday, October 5 from 8:30-10:30am, the City of Brooklyn Center hosted a Journalist Breakfast in partnership with the Africa Institute for International Reporting (AIIR). AIIR is a nonprofit and nonpartisan media organization that supports journalists, press freedom and media education in US local communities, and across Africa. This particular event served as the kick-off to a two-day conference for the Association of Liberian Journalists in the Americas. Mayor Tim Willson kicked-off the event with a welcome to more than 30 Liberian journalist visiting from various parts of the U.S., Africa, Europe, and China. Followed by introductions from event partners. This years’ conference theme, “Improved Media & Government Relationship: Recipe for a peaceful and stable Liberia” presented attendees the opportunity to dialogue with one another. In the coming months, the city will begin hosting quarterly Journalist Breakfasts (more information to come). Pictured above: City of Brooklyn Center staff, Members of Africa Institute for Independent Reporting (AIIR) and Members of Association of Liberian Journalists in the Americas (ALJA) SAVE THE DATE HOMEBUYER EDUCATION WORKSHOP The City of Brooklyn Center will offer our first Home buyer Education Workshop Thursday, January 10, 2019. Residents are encouraged to attend this free event. Come learn from professionals in the industry what to expect when going through the home buying process and resources that are available for potential homebuyers. Additional information regarding the seminar will be posted on the City’s website and social media pages in December. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity. We look forward to seeing you there! 5 www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org MARK YOUR CALENDARS Brooklyn Center City Hall will be closed in observance of the following upcoming holidays: CHRISTMAS Monday, December 24 Tuesday, December 25 NEW YEAR'S DAY Tuesday, January 1 Upcoming Heritage Celebrations 2019 Take time to learn more about the history of ethnic populations and how they have contributed to the culture and heritage of our community. Here are upcoming Heritage Celebrations. FEBRUARY AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH MARCH IRISH-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH MARCH 25 GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY CITY COUNCIL RECOGNIZES RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS On October 22, the Brooklyn Center City Council recognized the individuals that were nominated for a Random Acts of Kindness award. This year there were 7 nominations received. Random Acts submitted included: coordinating a penny fundraiser for a charity in India, providing medical services to the uninsured and underserved; providing eye consultations and routine checkups, giving students the opportunity to provide valuable practical experience for nurses training, and free mobile dental clinics. The City Council extended its appreciation to all who participated in this year's Random Acts of Kindness recognition, to those making nominations, and especially to those who have contributed to the quality of life here in Brooklyn Center. Nominees Bao Cha New Millennium Academy Heidi Pendroy New Millennium Academy Stephanie Short New Millennium Academy Dr. John Goeppinger Hadi Medical Clinic Dr. Anoshirvan Mazhari Hadi Medical Clinic Dr. Amir Monzavi Hadi Medical Clinic Photos of award recipients can be found on the City’s website at cityofbrooklyncenter.org. 6 DECEMBER 2018, Edition 207 NEWS Ci t y Community Development DRAFT 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT The City of Brooklyn Center has completed its Draft 2040 Comprehensive Plan, and it is now available for public comment. The Draft Plan can be found here: www.brooklyncenterplan2040.com The City is looking for feedback on the Draft Plan, and input on how it will be implemented over the next ten years. In order to help provide feedback, the City has a survey that asks questions related to the plan. Residents are invited to take the survey, and use the questions to provide input on the Draft Plan. The survey can be found on the City’s Comprehensive Plan website at: www.brooklyncenterplan2040.com In addition to getting feedback from the community, neighboring cities, along with Hennepin County and the school districts are also invited to comment on the Draft Plan. The period for public comment will close at the end of January. At that time the City will incorporate the comments that were received into a Final Plan, and once the Final Plan is approved by the City Council, will submit it to the Metropolitan Council for final approval and adoption. It is anticipated that this will happen in May 2019. SAVE THE DATE: ADA TRANSITION PLAN MEETING In early 2019, the City of Brooklyn Center will be seeking public comments in regards to the City’s draft ADA Transition Plan. The draft plan address facilities within the City’s public rights of way like pedestrian ramps, sidewalks and signalized crossings at intersections as it relates to the American’s with Disabilities Act. For information on ways you can participate connect with us through social media at cityofbrooklyncenter.org/socialmedia, visit our website at cityofbrooklyncenter.org or contact Public Works at publicworks@ci.brooklyn-center. mn.us with questions. Under Construction • Bank of America (2545 County Rd 10) – Winter 2018 • HOM Furniture /Two-story Addition (2501 County Rd 10) – Winter 2018/2019 • Hennepin County Service Center—Courtroom Addition (6125 Shingle Creek Pkwy) – Winter 2018/2019 • Medtronic—Addition (6800 Shingle Creek Pkwy) – Spring 2019 • Indoor Commercial Storage Facility (1950 57th Ave N) – Winter 2018/2019 • Lux Apartments (6100 Summit Dr N)— Winter 2018 • BT Nails (1480 Shingle Creek Crossing) – Winter 2018/2019 • Lee Carlson Center/Clinic-Based Therapy (5540 Brooklyn Blvd) – Spring 2019 • Milavetz, Gallop, & Milavetz—Addition (1915 57th Ave N) – Spring 2019 • Fairfield Inn and Suites (6250 Earle Brown Dr) – Summer 2019 • Luther Mazda/Mitsubishi Dealership (4435 68th Ave N) – Summer 2019 Approved Plans • Casey’s Gas Station and Convenience Store (2101 Freeway Blvd) – Anticipated Construction Start: Fall 2018 • Brooklyn Center Secondary School (6500 Humboldt Ave N) – Anticipated Construction Start: Winter 2019 • Unity Place (7256 Unity Ave N) – Anticipated Construction Start: Winter/Spring 2019 • Earle Brown Elementary School (1500 59th Ave N) – Anticipated Construction Start: Summer 2019 Now Open • Bizzy Coffee-Headquarters (2700 Freeway Blvd, Suite 200) – Opened September 2018 • Nompeng Academy (6201 Noble Ave N) – Opened September 2018 • TopGolf (6420 Camden Ave N) – Opened September 2018 UPDATES 7 www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org SHARE YOUR COMMUNITY EVENTS ONLINE Need a place to share your public event with the community? The City of Brooklyn Center’s online Community Bulletin Board might be what you are looking for. The Community Bulletin Board is offered as a free public service. For more information regarding eligibility or to see latest updates visit www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org/ BulletinBoard. CHANGING DEMOGRAPHICS IMPORTANCE OF THE 2020 CENSUS On Tuesday, September 18 the cities of Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park participated in a joint 2020 Census forum with Think Again Brooklyns - Think Again MN. The forum focused on the state’s changing demographics, the importance of the census, why it is important for everyone to participate and how young people can prepare to participate. During the next year, residents from both communities will notice shared outreach strategies and messaging to ensure a complete count of the Brooklyns in 2020. In order to be successful, we need your help. Mark your calendar and attend our next Census 2020 Community Meeting. Census 2020 Community Meeting Wednesday, December 5 6:00pm - 8:00pm Northport Elementary School (Cafeteria) 5421 Brooklyn Blvd Brooklyn Center, MN 55429 *Join the Cities of Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park for a joint discussion. Pictured: Susan Bower, Minnesota State Demographer presenting to more than 50 senior leadership employees from the cities of Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park. Topics include population growth in the State of Minnesota and regional growth patterns. COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: NEW NEIGHBORHOOD BAGS Local business owners, are you interested in attracting more business and connecting with your community? Participating in the New Neighborhood initiative is a great way to help welcome new residents, as well as introduce your local business or services to your community members. It’s as simple as completing the form available at cityofbrooklyncenter.org/newneighborprogram and offer a free gift, service, or item with no strings attached. We will take care of the rest by creating a graphic card with your business information and your offer to the resident. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact Jesse Anderson at (763) 569-3420 or janderson@ ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us. The New Neighborhood initiative is an exciting program that enlists in volunteers to welcome new homeowners to the City of Brooklyn Center. Volunteers from the Housing Commission fill welcome bags with helpful community information, as well as free gifts, coupons, or services from local businesses. The New Neighborhood initiative aims to engage residents, new homeowners, the community, and local businesses to connect with one another and encourages new residents to eat, shop, and play in the City of Brooklyn Center. This past summer approximately 500 bags were delivered to new homeowners with this goal in mind. 8 DECEMBER 2018, Edition 207 NEWS Ci t y Community Safety HOLIDAY SAFETY FOR A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON! If you’re traveling... • Set an automatic timer for your lights. • Ask your neighbor to watch your home, shovel the walk, pick up newspapers, collect mail, and park in the driveway from time to time to make the house look lived in. • Be sure to keep any gifts in the house out of sight while you're gone. If you’re Out for the Evening... • Turn on lights and a radio or television so that it appears that someone is home. • Lock all doors and windows while you're out, even if just a few minutes. • Do not place packages or gifts near windows or in other high-visibility areas. If You’re Shopping... • Don't let your guard down just because you are rushing. • Stay alert and be aware of everything around you at all times. Report suspicious activity by calling 911. The police need your eyes and ears to assist them. • Park in well-lighted spaces and as close to the store as possible, lock your car doors, and hide packages in the trunk or under the seat. • Don’t carry large amounts of cash, pay with a check or credit card if possible. Don’t discard your receipts until you get home. Thieves like to collect receipts and use them to return stolen items. • Carry your purse close to your body. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket. Don’t leave your purse in cart and walk away. • If you take your children shopping, teach them to go to a police officer or a store security guard if they get separated or lost. If you’re at Home... • Turn on outside lights to deter burglars. • Report any suspicious behavior to the police or local community watch groups. • Make sure your homeowners (or renters) insurance is up-to-date and everything is inventoried properly. • Get to know your neighbors, join or start your own neighborhood watch. If a Stranger comes to the Door... • Stay alert to suspicious-looking couriers delivering packages to you or your neighbors. • Many con artists take advantage of holiday generosity by going door- to-door. Ask for identification and get specifics to how and where the donations will be spent/used. • If you feel uncomfortable, just say "no thank you" and shut the door. SHOP WITH A COP This year the Brooklyn Center Police Department and the Brooklyn Center Crime Prevention Association are partnering to host two ‘Shop with a Cop’ events. The first event will be held at the Brooklyn Center Walmart and will take place on Thursday, December 6. The second event will be held at the Brooklyn Center Target on Thursday, December 13. This is a great event that is supported by both of the local stores. The selection process for the children that attend is conducted by Brooklyn Center school counselors. This is the first year we will be hosting two ‘Shop with a Cop’ programs. The Brooklyn Center Police Department is proud of these events as it provides holiday gifts for several underprivileged families and is part of the department’s ongoing efforts to interact with the community we serve. We would like to thank our local schools, Target, and Walmart for partnering with law enforcement in order to make these events possible. In addition to our two events, the National Latino Peace Officers Association is also hosting a ‘Shop with a Cop’ event at our local Walmart, which will take place on Sunday, December 2. 9 www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org SCAMMERS DEMAND GIFT CARDS by Cristina Miranda: Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC Gift cards are a great way to give a gift. But did you know they are also a scammer’s favorite way to steal money? According to the FTC’s new Data Spotlight, more scammers are demanding payment with a gift card than ever before – a whopping 270 percent increase since 2015. Gift cards are for gifts, not for payments. If someone calls with urgent news or a convincing story and then pressures you to pay them by buying a gift card, like an iTunes or Google Play card, and then giving them the codes on the back of the card – stop. It’s a scam. Gift cards are the number one payment method that imposters demand. They might pose as IRS officials and say you’re in trouble for not paying taxes; or a family member with an emergency; or a public utility company threatening to shut off your water; or even a service member selling something before deployment. Or they might call with great news – you’ve won a contest or a prize! But to get it, you need to pay fees with a gift card. Scammers will say anything to get your money. And they know how to play into your fears, hopes, or sympathies. They like gift cards because, once they’ve got the code on the back, the money is gone and almost impossible to trace. But knowing how these scams work can help you avoid them, and you can help even more by passing on the information to people you know. If you paid a scammer with a gift card, report it as soon as possible. Call the card company and tell them the gift card was used in a scam. Here is contact information for some of the gift card companies that scammers use most often. Then, tell the FTC about it – or any other scam – at ftc.gov/complaint. Your reports may help law enforcement agencies launch investigations that could stop imposters and other fraudsters in their tracks. To report scams: Amazon Google Play Call 1 (888) 280-4331 Call 1 (855) 466-443 iTunes Steam Call 1 (800) 275-2273 then press “6” for other, then say “operator” to be connected to a live representative. If you have a Steam account, you can report gift card scams online. MoneyPak Call 1 (866) 795-7969 WINTER DRIVING – TIPS TO KEEP YOU SAFE If you must drive in snowy and icy road conditions, be sure to allow extra time for travel. The following safe driving techniques will help you safely arrive at your destination: • Check local news for weather and traffic reports and watch electronic highway signs for up-to-date information. Watch for icy surfaces on bridges, even when the rest of the road seems to be in good condition. Bridge decks tend to ice up first. • Clear snow and ice from all windows, lights and even the hood and roof before driving. • Drive with your headlights on. • Drive slower than the posted speed limits, which are speeds intended for dry pavement. Maintain control of your vehicle and don’t use cruise control which automatically accelerates at times. • Look farther ahead in traffic. Leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you, including snow plows. Stay back at least 10 car lengths (200-feet) and don't pass on the right. • Don't pump anti-lock brakes if your car is equipped with anti-lock brakes. The right way is to "stomp and steer." • Use your blinkers and do not cut in front of large vehicles and trucks, which take longer to stop. • Don't get overconfident with four-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive helps you get going quicker but it won't help you stop any faster. • Concentrate on driving and your surroundings. Put your phone down. Many drivers are nervous about driving in winter weather conditions. Being patient with other drivers will promote safer driving habits, as well as improve your mental health while driving. 10 DECEMBER 2018, Edition 207 NEWS Ci t y Winter Living PREVENT FROZEN PIPES AND PLUMBING Look for Cold Drafts Check around your home for areas where water supply lines are in unheated areas and take measures to prevent the flow of cold air in these areas. Common locations include: basement, crawl space, attic, garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Don’t forget both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated. A hot water supply line can freeze just like a cold water supply line if water is not running through the pipe and the water temperatures become cold. Insulate Pipes Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a pipe sleeve or installing UL-listed heat tape, heat cable or similar materials on exposed pipes. Find Water Shut-off Valve Determine where your water shut-off valve is in your house and learn how to use it. For most homes the shut-off valve is located near the water meter at the point where the water line comes into your home, usually in your basement. Protect Garage Pipes If you have plumbing in your garage, keep your garage door closed when it is very cold. Insulate pipes in unheated garages or basements. Seal Home for Winter Repair broken windows, check doors and insulate areas that allow cold exterior air to enter. Be Prepared When Traveling Leaving during the winter? Keep your thermostat set at 60 degrees or higher and have someone check your house regularly. Running one faucet at a trickle can also help prevent a frozen service and give peace of mind while you are away. Winterize Outside Faucets Make sure the water line to the outside faucets (such as your garden hose) is turned off, the hoses are disconnected and the line is drained. A LOW SALT DIET FOR SHINGLE CREEK Most of us who live and work in Brooklyn Center are familiar with Shingle Creek. It is an 11-mile long creek that winds through our City and many others throughout the area. It collects drainage from 43 square- miles in nine cities throughout Hennepin County. Shingle Creek has been designated as an Impaired Water by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Environmental Protection Agency because of high levels of chloride contamination. Most of the contamination comes from winter de- icing salt. Winter de-icing salt is used throughout the winter months to control ice buildup on roads, parking lots, sidewalks and driveways. About 85 percent of the chloride in Shingle Creek is estimated to come from the salt used to keep roads clear. The remaining amount of chloride comes from the salt used to keep parking lots, walkways, driveways and private roads clear. This de-icing adds up to a lot of salt being used in the community, much of which ends up in our lakes, streams and wetlands. Municipalities are required to manage the amount of salt used for snow and ice removal activities. Many organizations are also researching and investing in new technology and materials that allow less salt to be used without compromising public safety. You can help reduce chloride pollution by: • Shovel or plow first - Less snow build-up means less ice. • Only use salt when necessary and where needed - Such as on steep slopes or high traffic areas. • Use alternative products - Such as calcium magnesium acetate (CMA). • Read labels - Know what you are applying and the effects of exposure. Some chemicals damage metal and concrete, kill lawns and harm pets. • Temperature matters - Salt is less effective in low temperatures. When the temperature falls below 15ºF consider using sand as an alternative to salt. 11 www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org LET IT SNOW – BUT HELP US KEEP THE STREETS CLEAR AND SAFE The City of Brooklyn Center typically receives high marks for snow clearing activities. Cooperation of residents and businesses is key to the timely and safe clearing of streets and sidewalks. Street snow removal operations typically begin when there is more than 2.5 inches of snowfall or if other conditions warrant plowing. Sidewalk snow removal begins with one-inch or more of snowfall. Crews begin plowing as soon as the storm subsides. The City streets are divided into ten districts with plows assigned to each district. The arterial streets will be cleared first followed by the residential streets. The snow plow must make several passes up and down the street to remove the snow: two to clear the center and two or more to widen the street from gutter to gutter. Because plowing routes are long, it may be one hour or more between the clearing pass and the final widening pass. Please keep all cars out of the street until the plow has finished plowing both sides of the roadway. Please remember that the City Council recently adopted a snow emergency parking ordinance that prohibits parking on the street when there is more than 2.5 inches of snow. Vehicles cannot be parked in the street until the streets are plowed curb-to-curb. Violators of this restriction could be cited and towed. We apologize in advance for plugged driveways, which are unavoidable side effects of well-plowed streets and sidewalks. To reduce the frustration of shoveling out the end of your driveway twice, we suggest you wait until the street is plowed to its full width. Please do not place the snow from the end of your driveway back into the street. Help keep fire hydrants clear of snow. In the event of a fire, valuable time may be lost if the Fire Department has to locate or remove snow from a hydrant. Please remind your children not to build snow forts or play in the snow piles made by the plows. The plow operators often cannot see children in the snow banks and they could be buried in the snow or seriously hurt. The City will repair or replace properly installed mailboxes that are damaged by direct contact with snow removal equipment. The City will not assume responsibility for damage simply caused from snow pressure or improper installation or maintenance. Also, in the spring City crews will repair any snow plow damage to your lawn that occurred by City plows over the winter. The boulevard area, generally 10-15 feet from the edge of the street, is reserved for snow storage and utilities. The City will not repair or replace items damaged in the boulevard during snowplowing operations. To report an unsafe icy road condition, please call the Public Works Maintenance Facility at 763-585-7100 Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For after-hour emergencies, please call 911. BOULEVARD TREES NEED A TRIM - CREWS TRIMMING THIS WINTER Throughout this winter, City crews will be trimming boulevard trees in parts of the City. The purpose of this trimming is to remove tree branches that are obstructing City streets, sidewalks, street signs or street lights. City crews may also prune dead or dangerous limbs. The primary objective of City tree trimming is to trim the street side of the tree to allow movement of the tallest pieces of street maintenance equipment on the streets. Property owners are responsible for aesthetic trimming, which they may do at any time. City Ordinances Chapters 20 and 25 explain the City’s tree trimming policies and are available for viewing on the City Website. If you have questions about the City’s boulevard tree maintenance program or procedures please contact: Public Works Department 763-585-7100 Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. City CONTACTS Council Members Mayor Tim Willson Voicemail: (763) 569-3450 mayorwillson@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us Councilmember Marquita Butler Voicemail: (763) 569-3446 councilmemberbutler@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us Councilmember April Graves Voicemail: (763) 569-3448 councilmembergraves@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us Councilmember Kris Lawrence-Anderson Voicemail: (763) 569-3444 councilmemberlawrence-anderson@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us Councilmember Dan Ryan Voicemail: (763) 569-3445 councilmemberryan@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us City Manager Curt Boganey (763) 569-3300 Printed on recycled paper City PHONE NUMBERS Administration ..............................................(763) 569-3300 Community Development ............................(763) 569-3330 Inspections, Code Enforcement, Ownership Services Public Works/Engineering ............................(763) 569-3340 Parks, Streets, Utilities ...............................(763) 569-7100 Finance .......................................................... (763) 569-3320 Utility Billing .............................................(763) 569-3390 Community Center .......................................(763) 569-3400 Activity Weather Line ...............................(763) 569-3442 Earle Brown Heritage Center .......................(763) 569-6300 Centerbrook Golf Course ..............................(763) 549-3750 Fire ................................................................(763) 549-3600 Police (General Info) .....................................(763) 569-3333 Emergency & Non-Emergency Officer Assistance ......911 City COUNCIL MEETINGS City Council Regular Session meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at 7 pm. Informal Open Forum is held at 6:45 pm before Council meetings for persons who wish to address the City Council about issues not scheduled on the agenda. City Council Work Sessions are held immediately following the Regular Session City Council meetings. City Council Meetings are broadcast live on cable Channel 16. Replays shown Tuesdays at 6:30 pm and Wednesdays at 2:30 am and 10:30 am. You may also watch City Council meetings on-line, on demand at your convenience through a link on the City website. Call City Hall to verify meeting dates or visit the City’s website at www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org. 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway Brooklyn Center, MN 55430-2199 www.cityofbrooklyncenter.org e-mail: info@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us City Hall (763) 569-3300 Job Information Line (763) 569-3307 STORM WATER POLLUTION PREVENTION PROGRAM MEETING Please join City staff to learn about the City’s Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program on Thursday, January 17, 2019, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Commission Conference Room at City Hall, 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway. In accordance with the General Permit for the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System/State Disposal System Permit Program, City staff will present an overview of the City’s program and report on the status of implementing storm water best management practices. Following the presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions and provide public comment. The Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program documents are available for public review in the Engineering Division at City Hall between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.