Volume 26 • Number 1 WiNter 2016

Mayor’s Winter 2016 Newsletter

By Mark Korin

I thought since this is my first newsletter of 2016, that as your Mayor, I would share some insights from a leadership position. No matter what I do, I cannot please everyone. I do try. I look at the position, not as a politician, but as a job like in the private sector or my company as the CEO, to utilize lifelong skillsets to lead and direct the staff to carry out governmental duties within our city. Over the years, we elect people for various reasons, but ultimately to be representatives for the citizens responsible for all governmental decisions, spending, oversee operations and to make policies that shape our city within the guidelines of this state and the foundation of this country. Oak Grove has evolved over the years encompassing two towns to form the city that we now know as Oak Grove, Minnesota. Some of you have a Cedar mailing zip code, leftover from what was the old town of Cedar. Becoming a city in

1993, Oak Grove has evolved or developed slowly focused mainly on short term growth challenges, but at the same time we must prepare for reasonable long term changes and potential growth. I frequently run into longtime third and fourth generation family members that remember what this city used to be like in the “good old days”; large wooded areas, farm land and a destination summer lake with seasonal cabins and a small rural tavern. Over the recent years with the large lot developments, residents that just moved in see the city through a different neighborhood lens with a focus on rambling yards and room to do things independently and on their own property. I’ve dealt with residents who get notified of a change, a new business, another housing subdivision, home occupation, Interim use permits and so on. Some understand that accepting these types of changes are all a part of life while others struggle with the rights of the adjacent land owners to make changes within the current laws set forth by the leadership for our city. Being involved early on in most every aspect for the creation of ordinances, laws, policies and city operations, we try, as the city council, to treat everyone the same; fairly with the understanding of what the previous city leaders put in place,

State and Federal mandates and the foundation of the current consensus of what council believes is important to maintain the character of city. Inevitably though, I know we will anger or frustrate some with the desires of other resident’s to grow and make changes that they want. Again, I try very hard to find a balance, but I understand change is difficult for many, but yet a certainty at the same time. I’ve also heard some residents say, “It’s a done deal!” As your Mayor, I’m telling you nothing is done until we all vote to make it complete. However, there is a system that guides us, a process to all changes of growth and planning within our city. This process is well defined in the policies called our ordinances, guided by the Comprehensive plan. We have to follow current ordinances, good or in some eyes bad, for everyone, equally. I truly wish I had a magic wand that would make everyone happy when something comes up and impacts their home, neighborhood, or the city, maybe someday I’ll get around to inventing that also! TO BE CONTINUED…………..

City ofOak GroveNewsletter

PAGe 2 Oak Grove Newsletter WiNter 2016

City Administrator’s UpdateBy Rick JubaOak GrOve city administratOr

Lake George Boulevard/Viking Boulevard intersectionThe Anoka County Highway Department and the City of Oak Grove are finalizing a joint powers agreement for the signalization of the Lake George Boulevard/Viking Boulevard Intersection. Work is expected to commence this summer and expected to take around 60 days to complete. The City will contribute an estimated $160,000 to the project. As plans progress, they will be available at the Anoka County Highway Department’s web page.

residential Subdivision returnsIn January the Planning Commission held a public hearing for Rum River Ridge, a 180 acre/60 lot residential subdivision. The preliminary plat has

since been conditionally approved by the City Council. The project will be done in three phases averaging 20 lots per phase. The first phase is expected to make lots available early this summer. The site is located south of Viking Boulevard and just east of the Rum River. This is the City’s first significant residential development activity in nearly a decade.

Met Council thrive 2040 MSP PlanWithin the seven county metro area, the Metropolitan Council develops long range plans that cities are then required to implement into their own comprehensive plans. These plans are required to be updated every ten years. In their 2030 Regional Development Framework, the Metropolitan Council designated most of Oak Grove Rural Residential which allows for the typical 2.5 acre density residential development

we are all familiar with here. However, they did also designate the southeastern corner of the city Diversified Rural which only allows for one home per ten acres in that area. This designation in the southeast corner of the City was made to reserve space for future urban development. The City does not agree with this designation and has now asked that it be designated to Rural Residential in the Metropolitan Councils plan. The City continues to meet with Metropolitan Council representatives on the community designations. The City’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan is due to be completed by the end of 2018 and we will continue to pursue the Rural Residential designation across the entire City. Your representative on the Metropolitan Council is Edward Reynoso, his contact information is available at www.metrocouncil.org. If you have questions about the City’s Comprehensive Plan, please feel free to contact City Hall.

Anoka County Sheriff’s Office new 3D, cutting-edge laser scannerSubmitted by Sheriff James Stuart

Real life crime scene technology is quickly catching up with what you see happening on TV shows like CSI, and the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office is leading the way. The Sheriff’s Office recently purchased a new crime scene mapping tool. The FARO Focus 3D Laser Scanner can put jurors in the middle of a crime scene without actually being there. Normally it would be impossible to bring them to a real crime scene, but with this new technology law enforcement can invite jurors into a “Virtual” re-creation of the scene.

By putting themselves directly into a scene, jurors will be able to see exactly what first responders saw at the time they arrived on a scene and be able to better understand the details of the incident—all in 3D! This laser scanner is placed in the crime scene and shoots

a 360 degree, 3-dimensional photo. It is able to capture not only the room’s dimensions, but all the items inside the room such as weapons, bodies, clothing, blood spatters, and any other objects that may be important in understanding what happened.

After the scene is scanned a 3D model is available within minutes. This model allows the Crime Scene Unit to measure the scene with a few clicks of a mouse. Just by touching items on the screen it can calculate the distance between points and is accurate +/-2mm at a distance of 50 meters. With this technology one deputy can scan average size home in 3 hours or less. Prior to this 3D technology, Crime Scene Deputies had to measure everything manually in order to calculate distance and recreate everything to scale which could take many hours or even days.

Since it only requires one Crime Scene Deputy to operate the machine, it not only cuts down on risks of scene contamination, but it is more efficient, saves staff time and reduces the time it takes to measure and re-create scenes. For example, on a recent high profile case in Andover, Crime Scene Unit deputies spent about six hours diagramming and measuring the scene and nearly 20 hours in the following days working on a computer diagram. With this new technology a deputy would have been able to scan the home in about half the time. The Sheriff’s Office plans on using this new technology at serious crime scenes and also on some fatal traffic crashes depending on the circumstances.

With the purchase of this new technology, the Sheriff’s Office has found an efficient and cost effective way to bring crime scene processing in Anoka County to the next level.

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Spring recycle DaySaturday, April 23, 2016

9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.Public Works Garage815 Viking Boulevard

With Spring in mind, please take time to dig into your garages, closets, accessory buildings and yards to prepare items for the “Pride in Oak Grove” Spring Recycle Day. Recycle day is held at the Public Works garage which is located at 815 Viking Blvd. Recycle tires, appliances, electronics, scrap metal and fluorescent bulbs. Shred-N-Go will be available to shred your confidential or miscellaneous documents. Please NOTE: a vendor for household goods/clothing will not be present this spring. The recycling drop off center is located just a short distance away so you can conveniently continue on to the drop-off center to recycle the other regularly recycled items. Watch for a brightly colored flyer that will come with your Anoka Shopper in early April. Weather permitting; tree seedlings will be available for all recyclers. For more information, call Sherry at 763-404-7006.

If you would be interested in helping out at recycle day, unloading/stacking/counting the items brought for recycling please contact Sherry at 763-404-7006.

Pet ClinicSaturday, April 16, 2016

9:00 a.m.-noonOak Grove Fire Station #1

19900 Nightingale Street NW

Mark your calendars! The Annual Oak Grove Pet Clinic is offered as an opportunity for residents of Oak Grove and surrounding communities to vaccinate their pets at a nominal fee. According to the City Code dogs must be properly vaccinated for rabies. Watch your ADS box in early April for a brightly colored flyer that will include prices of the vaccinations.

This is an annual event that is hosted by the City of Oak Grove as well as the Fire Department. The first pet clinic was held in April of 1992 when Oak Grove was still a Township. A township staff member, along with a town board member urged the township to offer this service to the community. This event has proven successful as it not

only serves many Oak Grove residents but is also an opportunity for residents from surrounding communities to vaccinate their pets at a nominal fee.

State law requires that all pets must be examined by a veterinarian prior to being vaccinated so along with vaccinations all pets are examined by a licensed veterinarian. Many pets would not get the required vaccinations if it wasn’t for the community pet clinic events.

top recycling ContaminantsWhile many items can be recycled, some of the things you may be tempted to place in your recycling cart or tempted to drop off at the recycling drop-off center may contaminate other materials or cause issues at the recycling facility. Please keep the following items out of your curbside carts and out of the City’s recycling drop-off center: plastic bags and wrap, extension cords, holiday lights, wire, chains, garden hoses (all things that can clog machinery at recycling facilities); needles/syringes; fuel tanks; batteries; food; diapers; pet waste and polystyrene (foam or peanuts). Those items are the top contaminants found at the Material Recovery Facilities.

Contact your hauler for a list of items accepted in their curbside program. Most Anoka County haulers accept beverage/soup cartons, glass bottles/jars, metal food/beverage cans, plastic bottles and jugs, clean paper, boxes, and cardboard. Plastic bags can be recycled by bringing them to designated drop-off locations at most grocery stores and large retailers, including Cub, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart as long as they are clean and dry. Look for kiosks or recycling bins at the front of the store.

For questions about Oak Grove’s Recycling Drop-off Center, please contact Sherry at 763-404-7006.

election JudgesDuties of an Election Judge include: set up the polling place; operate voting equipment; direct voters to the correct line; register individuals to vote; ensure all qualified voters are permitted to vote; demonstrate how to vote; distribute ballots to voters; assist voters; close down polling place following voting; determine results after polls close; certify the polling place results.

State Statute 204B.195 provides that an individual selected to serve as an election judge may, after giving their employer written notice at least 20 days in advance of an election, be absent from work for the purpose of serving as an election judge without penalty. Election judges are paid by the city for training time as well as the day(s) they work at the polls. Time commitment includes two hours for training and a full eight hour day or more at the polls. If you are interested in becoming an election judge for the 2016 elections (primary and general) and would like more information or have questions, please call Sherry Fiskewold, City Clerk, at 763-404-7006.

PAGe 4 Oak Grove Newsletter WiNter 2016

rum river Watershed gets checkup; mixed resultsThe Rum River runs from Lake Mille Lacs through Mille Lacs, Isanti, and Anoka Counties before it drains into the Mississippi River. Thousands of people enjoy this river for fishing and canoeing every year. It is one of only seven State Scenic and Recreational Waterways, and part of the State’s water trails system. Recently, the soil and water conservation districts and county departments joined with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to learn about the health of the river and the surrounding watershed.

The diagnosis was mixed with some areas being in good shape and others not so good.

In order to determine the health of a river, the State has developed limits for a variety of different pollutants. Some of these limits include the concentration of certain nutrients, the presence of harmful bacteria like E. coli, the presence of soil sediment, and the amount of life-supporting

oxygen found within the water. Area lakes and rivers were tested.

Several lakes and streams within the Rum River watershed exceed these limits and are classified as impaired. Within the north metro, lakes with excessive nutrients that cause algae blooms include: Rogers (Anoka County); Skogman, Fannie, Little Stanchfield, Long, Francis, Tennyson, Baxter, Green, North and South Stanchfield (Isanti County). High E.coli bacteria was found in the West Branch of the Rum River, Cedar Creek and Seeyle Brook. Crooked Brook (tributary to Cedar Creek in north central Anoka County) and Trott Brook (City of Ramsey) had too little oxygen for fish. There are studies underway to gather more information on these impaired lakes to determine the amount of nutrient reductions needed and strategies.

On the positive side, several lakes and streams are below these limits and meet the State’s water quality

standards. Overall the Rum River and other lakes are in good shape. Still, there is reason to be cautious. For example, the Rum River in Isanti County and Anoka County is almost at state standards for nutrients. Lake George in Oak Grove has a declining water quality trend. By finding ways to protect these waters before they become impaired, a lot of money can be saved because it is easier to protect water quality than it is to restore it.

Within NW Anoka County, the Upper Rum River Watershed Management Organization (URRWMO) is monitoring these studies and management planning. The URRWMO is a joint organization of six cities (Bethel, East Bethel, Ham Lake, Nowthen, Oak Grove and St. Francis). The group will be updating its comprehensive plan in the next 18 months, and will be looking closely at the water quality needs in the watershed during that process. To learn more about the URRWMO and their upcoming planning process visit www.URRWMO.org.

Oak WiltOak Wilt is a fungus that kills hundreds of mature oak trees annually. New infection sites occur when oaks are damaged, cut or pruned during the months of April, May, June and July. Once a new infection site is established, the fungus can spread to neighboring trees through their root systems. It is important to remember not to cut/prune oak trees during these months. Infected trees should be removed the following winter and chipped, burned, or sealed with plastic to limit the number of fungal spores available during the spring months. Infected wood should not be moved offsite. If you do need to prune or cut down an oak tree make sure you do it by the end of March or during the winter months.

Upper rum river Watershed Organization Member WANteDThe City of Oak Grove is currently accepting applications for an open position on the Upper Rum River Watershed Organization (URRWO). Responsibilities include attend quarterly meetings, become familiar with city processes and contribute to items related to the watershed in Oak Grove. The City Council will appoint a resident to fill the open position. This is essentially a volunteer position. Applications are available at City Hall, 19900 Nightingale Street NW and due back by Friday, April 29, 2016.

Start Planning For Spring CleaningSometimes the loss of snow cover reveals those fall cleanup projects you just didn’t get to. The Oak Grove City Code prohibits the exterior storage of junk motor vehicles and accumulation of debris. Early spring is a great time to evaluate the exterior of your property and get rid of items that may constitute a code violation. Remember Pride in Oak Grove recycle day April 23, 2016. This is a great opportunity to dispose of old appliances, car batteries, scrap metal, electronics and tires.

Another common spring time issue is dogs running at large. Allowing your dog to run at large is a violation of the City Code and could result in the dog owner being charged with a misdemeanor. Please be mindful of where your dog is at all times if not on a leash or under direct control make sure they stay on your property.

As spring approaches, please plan on correcting any of these code violations that may exist on your property. The items you have stored or parked may be out of your sight and mind but not your neighbors. Voluntary compliance with the City Code helps keep peace in our neighborhoods and preserve property values.

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2016 City of Oak Grove Summary Budget DataThe purpose of this report is to provide summary 2016 budget information concerning the City of Oak Grove to interested citizens. The budget is published in accordance with Minnesota Statutes Section 471.6965. This budget is in summary form: the complete budget may be examined at Oak Grove City Hall, 19900 Nightingale Street Northwest, Oak Grove, MN 55011. The city council approved this budget on November 30, 2015.

Governmental Funds 2016 Adopted BudgetBudgeted Governmental Funds (General and eDA) Budget Budget 2015 2016

Revenues

Property Taxes 1,975,412 1,970,989

Special Assessments 15,000 13,000

Licenses and Permits 123,250 114,500

Intergovernmental Revenues 264,298 263,336

Charges for Services 22,400 20,575

Fines and Forfeits 37,000 35,000

Interest on Investments 10,000 9,000

Miscellaneous 17,000 9,000

Other Financing Sources - -

total revenues 2,464,360 2,435,400

Expenditures

General Government 734,098 754,695

Public Safety 869,350 869,790

Public Works 520,100 514,100

Culture and Recreation 51,050 52,550

Conservation of Natural Resources 3,645 8,911

Economic Development 13,519 13,519

Streets and Highway Construction 110,000 115,000

Capital Outlay 48,300 29,600

Transfers to Other Funds 200,000 200,000

Miscellaneous 5,000 5,000

total Current expenditures 2,555,062 2,563,165

Document shredding being offered againWith the positive feedback received from residents regarding offering document shredding at last Fall’s Recycle Day the City decided to offer this service this spring and again next fall. A shredding truck will once again be at the Oak Grove Spring “Pride in Oak Grove” Recycle Day on Saturday, April 23 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Document shredding is an environmentally aware process. All shredded documents are sent to pulping mills where they are recycled into paper which not only ensures complete destruction of materials, but also saves trees. Each ton of paper saves 17 trees and 7000 gallons of water.

What can you bring to be shredded: bank account information, cancelled or blank checks, billing invoices, credit and debit card information, health records, insurance data, legal documents, medical records, tax information, receipts, payroll information any documents that you would like shredded – confidential or not.

A recent national survey conducted by the Better Business Bureau reported that within a 12 month period 9.3 million Americans were victims of Identity Theft, resulting in losses of $52.6 billion. Through the survey it was discovered that most thieves still obtain personal information through traditional, rather than electronic, channels. In cases where the method could be determined, 68.2% of information was obtained off-line versus only 11.6% obtained on-line.

The Oak Grove Newsletter is a publication of the City of Oak Grove. Articles are provided by elected officials, staff, and residents of Oak Grove. Your suggestions and comments are welcome! As a cost-saving measure, the newsletter will be delivered via the ADS box.

Partially funded by the Anoka County Board of Commissioners and State SCORE funds.

Printed on recycled paper with soy-based ink.

Save the date: Saturday, August 13Bring your family to Oak Grove Acorn Day, Saturday, August 13, for a full day of fun with games, vendors, silent auction, food, beer garden, car show and music to name a few activities.

We are looking for volunteers to help make this event great. If you would like to help or have questions please contact Lion Cheryl at 763-753-4602 or e-mail bluesage51@gmail.com.

Oak Grove SeniorsThe Oak Grove Seniors meet the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at noon for a potluck or coffee/cakes and sometimes a catered meal. Following lunch there is a short business meeting then bingo. If you are 55 years young or older consider becoming a member of this group- new members always welcome. For information about the club and events, please call Marion Schulz at 763-444-5652.

Oak Grove Lions French Toast Breakfast The 11th Annual French Toast Breakfast will be held on Sunday, April 17, 2016 at the Oak Grove Senior Center, 19900 Nightingale St NW, from 8:00 a.m. until Noon. This event is sponsored by the Oak Grove Lions Club. Proceeds from ticket sales will go to helping area youth groups. Ticket prices are: Adults $6; Children (12 & under) $4; and Family $20. The Oak Grove Seniors will also host a bake sale as part of this event. If your youth group is interested in participating or you are interested in finding out more about the Lions or becoming a member please contact Lion Mark S. at 763-753-2215 or email Lion Cheryl at bluesage51@gmail.com.

Volunteers Wanted!The Oak Grove Park Commission is looking for volunteers to help plant native grasses/plants in Diane Grabow Park. Work is expected to commence this spring. Contact City Hall at 763- 404-7075 if you are interested in helping!

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CitY StAFF DireCtOrYCity Administrator/City Planner Rick Juba 763-404-7075City Clerk Sherry Fiskewold 763-404-7006Building Inspection Nick Schmitz/East Bethel 763-367-7844Account Tech/Office Support Lisa Hart 763-404-7022Public Works Director Tim Smith 763-434-1441

CitY COUNCiLMayor Mark Korin 763-753-7389Council Member Scott Lawrence 763-753-8069Council Member Mike Wylie 612-845-5103Council Member Dan Denno 763-443-4729Council Member Sean Sullivan 763-807-0010

MONtHLY MeetiNG SCHeDULeCity Council Second and last Mondays 7:00 p.m.Planning Commission Third Thursday 7:00 p.m.Parks Commission Third Wednesday 6:30 p.m.Economic Development Authority Last Monday, after City Council meeting

Websitewww.ci.oak-grove.mn.us

City Hall General information19900 Nightingale Street NWOak Grove, MN 55011

Phone: 763-404-7000Fax: 763-404-7001

Monday-Friday except holidays8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Anoka County Sheriff’s Office(Police non-emergency)763-427-1212

Fire & Police emergency911