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From Your Mayor
 As we ring in the New Year and put 2011 behind us, here are some of the highlights from the past year. - City applied for and received a $10,000 grant from the Hennepin County Youth Sports Program to upgrade our basketball court at Thor Thompson Park.
- The Planning Commission was busy in 2011 reviewing several zoning ordinance changes and amendments. Among those passed include: Ordinance regulating outside sales and storage in the commercial zoning districts, fence permitting and regulation, vertical expansion & non conforming uses, accessory building height and side yard setbacks from public right of way in residential zoning districts.
- The 16 million dollar Presbyterian Homes campus redevelopment project was completed this fall. The "new and improved" Lake Minnetonka Shores campus is a wonderful landmark in our city.
- City Administrator, Jim Brimeyer, was appointed to Metropolitan Council. Incoming city Administrator, Dan Tolsma, was hired in August to replace him.
- The City Council established our city parks as Tobacco Free Parks after a request from Westonka and Orono High school Students.
- City Ash Trees were treated with soil saturation or trunk injections to protect them from Emerald Ash borer disease.
- Council Chambers were remodeled for more efficient meeting use and technology upgrades for presentations.
- City signed a three city (Mound, Minnetrista and Spring Park) contract with Gillespie Center to provide Senior Services for our community.
- City council appointed Jackie Stone as Councilmember to replace Tom Scanlon who resigned after 15 years of service to Spring Park.
- Our city tax levy was held flat at $950,000 for 2012, for the 4th consecutive year.
Whew, 2011 was a productive year! Hopefully by the time this newsletter reaches you, it will look and feel like winter. Enjoy the balmy winter (so far) and Happy New Year! Your Mayor, 
Sarah Reinhardt
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From the City Desk
Planning Commission ~
 The City is taking applications to fill a vacancy on the Planning Commission. The commission assists and advises the city council in administration of the city zoning ordinance, conducting public hearings on matters as required by provisions of the zoning/subdivision ordinances, and any other matters referred by the council. The commission meets the second Wednesday of every month. Applicants are interviewed by the city council previous to appointment. Please call City Hall for more information and an application.
Third Annual Moonlight Trail Night~
 Join in the fun on Feb. 4 , 6 - 9 p.m. on the Dakota Regional Trail. Set to coincide with a full moon, the event will unfold along the trail between Sunset Drive in Spring Park and Gale Woods Farm in Minnetrista. Participants will gather at the Transit Parking Deck in Mound where some sponsors will have booths with information and refreshments. Cross country skiers, snowshoers (snowshoes rental available with $5 donation) and hikers will find bonfires and refreshments along the trail staffed by Celebrate Greater Mound members.
Winter Trail Use ~ 
Winter is here and, as a reminder, the Dakota Rail Trail through Spring Park is not maintained in the winter. 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 put on the trails if ice forms. Use Caution. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the Dakota Rail Trail. This includes ATV's and snowmobiles. |
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From the Fire Department
With the warmer winter weather, ice conditions are more unpredictable this year. The Mound Fire Department encourages Spring Park residents to utilize ice safety tips recommended by the DNR.
For current speed regulations and to see an ice thickness chart visit our website
Follow these recommendations from the DNR:
- Check for thin ice areas at a local resort or bait shop
- Refrain from driving on the ice wherever possible
- Don't overdrive your snowmobile's headlight
- Wear a life vest under your winter gear or wear one of the new flotation snowmobile suits
For more information on ice safety and current snowmobile and ATV regulations visit the Minnesota DNR website at www.mndnr.gov
 The Mound Fire department asks that you please take time to clear fire hydrants in your neighborhood of snow and keep them accessible throughout the winter. This will help us be much more efficient and timely in the event of an emergency!
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 From the Utility Department
Snow Removal
It's that time of year again. Please make a note of the following:
♦ Move your car off the street or from public parking during or immediately after a snowfall of two or more inches. You may return your vehicle to the street or parking lot after they have been completely plowed. If you are in doubt about how much snow has fallen, we encourage you to move your vehicle regardless to assist our plowing efforts.
Snow Plow Safety
♦ When driving behind a snowplow, stay back at least four car lengths. Overspray from a snowplow can obstruct your vision while driving, creating a hazardous situation.
Snow Safety
♦ Do not allow children to play on snow banks next to the street.
Waste Disposal
♦ Please do not flush Swiffer-type cleaning pads down the toilet.
Dispose of them in your trash.
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 Reminders
Recycling Info:  More Items Accepted for Recycling in 2012 Spring Park residents will now be able to recycle more types of plastic. Plastic containers like yogurt cups, margarine/whipped cream tubs and deli containers (except Styrofoam™) will be some of the new materials accepted. When in doubt, look for the number inside the chasing arrows on the item. If it's a number 3 through 7 and the container is no larger than eight inches in diameter, it can be recycled. Plastic shopping bags are also accepted for recycling. Stuff several into one bag, then tie that bag shut.
Recycling & Trash Containers at curbside When you wheel your trash and recycling container curbside for pickup where do you park it? Is it away from mailboxes? If not, please think about placing the containers away from mailboxes. The mail delivery person must maneuver around these containers in order to deliver mail. They appreciate allowances being given to get the mail truck up next to the mailboxes. De-clutter after the Holidays Consider these easy, no or low-cost reuse options as an alternative to the trash can: Sell it: Visit Hennepin County's Choose to Reuse Online Directory (www.hennepin.us ) keyword search "choose to Reuse") for a list of businesses that buy used items. Donate it: Make sure the organization accepts the items. Each organization has a different list of acceptable items, so be sure to call first. For a list of donation opportunities visit www.hennepin.us keyword search "Donation Opportunities." Give it away: Try the Twin Cities Free Market (www.twincitiesfreemarket.org) a free online exchange bulletin board. Best Buy now accepts for recycling, free of charge, televisions, computer monitors, DVD players, audio and video cables, cell phones and more. |
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| City of Spring Park Minnesota 4349 Warren Ave
Spring Park, MN 55384
www.ci.spring-park.mn.us |
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Council Meetings:
Mondays 7:30 p.m.
Jan 17 (Tues); Feb 6, 21 (Tues) TBD; Mar 5, 19
Planning Commission:
Wednesdays 7 p.m.
Jan 11
Feb 8
Mar 14
Work Sessions:
Mondays 7 p.m.
Jan 23
Feb 27
Mar 26
No Sort Recycling
Fridays
Jan - 6, 20
Feb - 3, 17
Mar - 2, 16, 30
Daylight Savings Time Resumes:
March 11
First Day of Spring:
March 20
Office Closed:
Martin Luther King Jr: Jan 16
Presidents Day: Feb 20
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COUNCIL
Mayor Sarah Reinhardt
Council Members:
Gary Hughes
Jackie Stone
Joanna Widmer
Bruce Williamson
PLANNING COMMISSIONERS
Chair Jeff HoffmanJohn 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! |
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