Spring Park Quarterly Newsletter
   Quarterly Newsletter
Green Leaf
From Your Mayor
City Hall Fall door

Each year local governments go through a budget process to determine what services they will provide, how much these will cost and where they will get the money. The primary source of revenue for a city is the taxes levied on taxable properties within a city. The tax rate is determined by the county auditor by dividing this levy amount by the taxable value of property in our taxing district.

 

Property tax calculations are complicated and impacted by many factors outside of a city's control. Much has been reported in the news media recently about decisions made during the state legislative session that could have an impact on our final property tax bills. For example, changes to the Market Value Homestead Credit Program, changes in tax rates, and increases or decreases in market value of other residential and commercial properties in the city all have a potential impact on our property taxes.


The city is working diligently on understanding how these changes will affect Spring Park property owners for the upcoming year. Responsible, financial planning has continued to positively position Spring Park to accommodate a slower economic recovery, as well as state political uncertainties.

Recently the Spring Park City Council set our preliminary tax levy for 2012 at $950,000. This is the same amount we levied for in 2011. It is a $30,000 reduction from 2009 and 2010 levels, where the levy was set at $980,000. We are proud that our tax levy has not increased during the last 4 years.


As always, the city of Spring Park will continue to provide the excellent services our residents and businesses have come to expect, and at a reasonable price, both in 2012 and into the future. If you would like to learn more about what how city tax dollars are spent, I encourage you to attend our annual budget hearing. It will be held on December 5 at 7:30p.m. at City Hall. The city council welcomes your input.

 

Your Mayor,

 


Sarah Reinhardt
Spring Park fall lakeshore
Spring Park  Lake Minnetonka Fall colors
From the City DeskGreen Leaf 2
vote button

Vote ~ On Nov 8, Westonka residents will be asked to vote for school board members and three ballot questions to provide additional funding from local property taxes for Westonka Schools: an operating levy and two maintenance bonds.  For more info visit the district's website: www.westonka.k12.mn.us 

 

SP residents vote at Mount Olive Church, 5218 Bartlett Blvd, Mound, 7am - 8 pm.  


Candidate Forum ~
The League of Women Voters
of Wayzata/Plymouth is hosting a candidate forum for Westonka School Board candidates Tuesday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. in the Mound Westonka High School Little Theater. Residents are invited to submit questions for the candidates to the league prior to the forum at [email protected]

   

Spring Park  trail in the fall

Dakota Trail ~ 
Winter will be here soon enough and as a reminder, the trail is not maintained. The trail can still be used by people at their own risk but the trail will not be plowed or swept of snow and no salt or sand will be applied. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail. This includes ATV's and snowmobiles.

 

Re-Use it Coupon Books ~ Coupon books are now available at City Hall. Coupons are good from 10-1 thru 11-30-2011!     

 

Volunteer(s) Needed ~ The City is looking for volunteer(s) who may be interested in assisting with putting together historical Spring Park data collected throughout the years. We will provide the materials; you provide the time and the creativity! Call Wendy or Sharon if you're interested.

 

Green Leaf 2
From the Police Department   

City Hall Flag in the Fall 

Over the last several weeks, the Orono Police Department has taken several reports from residents who have had items taken from their vehicles. The Orono Police Department emphasizes the importance of removing valuable items from your vehicles and boats (cell phones, laptops, cameras, purses, etc) and locking your vehicles as a matter of routine. 

 

Other crime prevention tips would include careful use of debit and credit cards and check bank statements often for fraudulent transactions. It is important to write down the serial numbers, take photos of jewelry and other valuables and keep the information in a safe place. If items are lost or stolen this information is vital to the police and the insurance companies.

 

Correy Farniok

Police Chief

Orono Police Department

 
Spring Park water tower in the fallFrom the Utility Green Leaf 2Department 

Annual fire hydrant flushing takes place during the month of October.   


Road sweeping
takes place sometime in November for problem areas.   

 

Prohibited waste is the law. Please be reminded that it shall be unlawful to discharge or cause to be discharged any of the following described waters or wastes into the municipal sewer, either directly or indirectly: Any ashes, cinders, sand, mud, straw, shavings, glass, rags, feathers, plastic, wood, animal dung or any other solid or viscous substance (leaves) capable of causing obstruction to the flow in sewers or other interference with the proper operation of the sewer system.

 
FiretruckReminders

Dates to Remember 
Sat, Nov 5 - Fall Clean Up Day

Tues, Nov 8 - Westonka School Referendum

Mon, Dec 5 - Truth in Taxation, 7:30 pm

 

Fall Clean Up Day:

Saturday, November 5!

Spring Park Residents Only

 

 

Recycling Info:  New Gadgets this Year? 

The holidays often mean gift-giving, and gift-giving often means new gadgets. If you're upgrading this holiday season, consider the responsible way to get rid of the old cell phones, game consoles, and media players that you won't be using anymore.

            

Electronic products containing a cathode ray tube (such as TVs and computer monitors) may not be placed in the garbage (Minnesota State Statute 115A.9565). Other items with circuit boards in them contain metals that should be recycled rather than thrown in the trash. There are many options for these unwanted electronics (termed "e-waste.")

 

Reduce: To reduce the amount of e-waste you create, consider the impact of the item you intend to buy. Perhaps there is a different, less-wasteful gift option. Or, choose items with a long product life in order to create less waste in the long-term.  

 

Reuse: If you are finished using a product, whether you've replaced it with a newer version or simply don't use it anymore, try to find someone who would use it. You could re-gift the item or donate it to a local organization.  

 

Recycle: There are many local recycling options for unwanted and unusable electronics. Many electronics retailers and manufacturers will collect them for recycling. Other options include recycling companies, city recycling events, and some county household hazardous waste (HHW) drop-off sites. Before choosing a recycler, ask about fees, hours, and types of electronics accepted.   


To find electronics recycling options, visit  RethinkRecycling.com, your go-to-guide for waste and recycling in the Twin Cities.

 

 
Spring Park
City of Spring Park, Minnesota
4349 Warren Ave
Spring Park, MN  55384

 www.ci.spring-park.mn.us 

Spring Park City Hall
Fall 2011
Spring Park
In This Issue
From your Mayor
From City Hall
From the Police Dept
From the Utility Dept
Reminders
Mark Your Calendar
Mark Your Calendar 
Council Meetings:
Mondays 7:30 p.m.

Oct - 3, 17

Nov - 7, 21

Dec - 5, 19

Jan - 3 (Tues)

Council Study Sessions:

Mondays 7 p.m.

Oct - 24

Nov - 28

Dec - pending

Planning Commission:
Wednesdays 7 p.m.

Oct - 12

Nov - 9

Dec - 14

No Sort Recycling:
Fridays

Oct - 14, 28

Nov - 11, 26 (Sat)

Dec - 9, 23   
First Day of Winter:
 

Dec 22
Office Closed:

Nov - 11, 24, 25

Dec - 26

Jan - 2

Reminders:
Tues, Oct 11 Westonka School Board Candidate Forum
Sat, Nov 5 - Fall Clean Up Day 

Tues, Nov 8 - Westonka School Referendum  

 

Quick Links 

Community Links
 Recycling
Permits & Applications
City Codes & Ordinances
More News


City Officials & Staff  

COUNCIL
Mayor Sarah Reinhardt
 Council Members:
Joanna Widmer
Bruce Williamson
Gary Hughes
Jackie Stone

PLANNING COMMISSIONERS
Chair Jeff Hoffman

John Ericson

Steve Erickson

Michael Mason

*VACANCY*

Doug Sippel

Sarah Struck

 
Administrator: Dan Tolsma
Utility Superintendent:
DJ Goman
City Clerk: Wendy Lewin
Office Assistant/Utility Clerk: Sharon Farniok

Watch council meetings online!

 
About Us 

Post Office
City Parks
City Facts
City Water
Contact Us

Spring Park City Hall
4349 Warren Ave
Spring Park, MN  55384
Phone: (952) 471-9051
Fax: (952) 471-9160

Regular Office Hours: 
M-F 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

www.ci.spring-park.mn.us
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