The Crystal Connection

City of Crystal 4141 Douglas Drive N Crystal, MN 55422

CRYSTAL CONNECTION

PRST STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 30308 Twin Cities, MN

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Turn Over for Recreation Brochure

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N O I T C E N N O C L A ST

Spring 2015

2015 Utility Rates �������������������������������������������������������� 4

COMMUNICATIONS CORNER

2015 Budget and Sewer Utility Rebates ������������������������ 5

Visit our website at

In This Issue Meet Your New City Council Members ������������������������� 3

www.crystalmn.gov

Chief’s Corner and Home Safety Survey Program ��������� 6 Public Input Opportunities for Citizens ������������������������ 7

City Manager: Anne Norris

Crystal’s Official Legal Newspaper ������������������������������� 7

CITY HALL AND POLICE DEPARTMENT RECORDS UNIT OFFICE HOURS

Volunteer Opportunities ���������������������������������������������� 7 Focus on Enforcement ������������������������������������������������ 8

Open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

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Neighborhood Watch �������������������������������������������������� 8 Recycling News and Tech Dump Event ������������������������ 9

FREQUENTLY-CALLED NUMBERS

Spring Street Sweeping ����������������������������������������������10

Main Switchboard ������������������������������������763-531-1000 Animal Control ����������������������������������������� 763-531-5161 Assessing ��������������������������������������������������763-531-1118 Code Enforcement ������������������������������������ 763-531-1143 Community Center/Recreation ������������������763-531-0052 Crime Tip Hotline ������������������������������������� 763-531-1020 Elections/Voting ��������������������������������������� 763-531-1145 Engineering ���������������������������������������������� 763-531-1161 Fire (West Metro Fire-Rescue District) ������ 763-230-7000 Forester ���������������������������������������������������� 763-531-1162 Parks ������������������������������������������������������� 763-531-1158 Police Records ������������������������������������������ 763-531-1014 Police/Fire Emergency ���������������������������������������������911 Recycling (Hennepin Recycling Group) ����� 763-493-8006 Rental Properties �������������������������������������� 763-531-1144 Streets ������������������������������������������������������ 763-531-1164 Utilities ���������������������������������������������������� 763-531-1166 Utility Billing ���������������������������������������������763-531-1114 Zoning and Development �������������������������� 763-531-1142

Ask the Utilities Department ��������������������������������������10 2015 Notice of Value and Classification �����������������������10 Human Rights Commission Initiatives ������������������������10 Economic Development Authority Update �������������������11 Home Improvement Assistance ����������������������������������11 Public Works Facility and The Cavanagh Updates ������ 12 Solicitors and Peddlers ���������������������������������������������� 12

CITY CALENDAR CITIZEN INPUT TIME

Time: ������������������������������������������������������� 6:00-6:30 p.m.

Dates: ������������������������������������������ March 17 and April 21

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS

Time: �������������������������������������������������������������� 7:00 p.m.

Dates: ���������������������������������������������������� March 3 and 17 April 7 and 21 May 5 and 19

Deaf and hard-of-hearing callers should contact the MN Relay Service at 711 or 1-800-627-3529 V/TTY.

All City meetings are open to the public and are broadcast live on channel 16. Meetings are rebroadcast the following Sunday at 6:30 p.m. and on Monday at 10:30 a.m. Live meeting webstreaming and past meetings can also be viewed from your computer at www.crystalmn.gov, under Online Services, go to OnDemand Council/EDA Meeting Videos

www.crystalmn.gov

CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS Jim Adams (Mayor) ���������������������������������� 612-805-5101 jim.adams@crystalmn.gov Laura Libby (Section I) �����������������������������763-670-2721 laura.libby@crystalmn.gov Olga Parsons (Section II) ���������������������������612-217-2337 olga.parsons@crystalmn.gov Elizabeth Dahl (Ward 1) ���������������������������612-567-3353 elizabeth.dahl@crystalmn.gov Jeff Kolb (Ward 2) ������������������������������������612-314-5652 jeff.kolb@crystalmn.gov Casey Peak (Ward 3) ��������������������������������612-666-9470 casey.peak@crystalmn.gov Julie Deshler (Ward 4) ������������������������������612-306-5808 uuijad@aol.com

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City of Crystal 763-531-1000

MEET YOUR NEW CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS On November 4, 2014, Crystal residents elected three new members to the City Council. Each four-year term began on January 6 and expires on December 31, 2018. Their contact information is listed on page 2.

Council Member Olga Parsons Section II (Wards 3 & 4)

What does Elizabeth like best about Crystal? “We have supportive and friendly neighbors, beautiful parks, unique businesses, and family-friendly community events. Crystal is a great place to live!”

What does Olga like best about Crystal? “My family and I love the small-town community atmosphere of Crystal! Everything we need is within a few miles of our home. Crystal residents are also friendly and respectful. They take pride in their neighborhoods and value their community. I am proud to call Crystal home!”

Council Member Jeff Kolb Ward 2 Jeff Kolb is married and has a son named James. His wife, Erin, is the chair of Crystal’s Parks and Recreation Commission. Jeff is a small business owner in the technology industry. Formerly, he served on Crystal’s Planning Commission and was a board member of the Crystal Business Association.

Council Member Elizabeth Dahl Ward 1 Elizabeth Dahl has been happily married to her husband, Caleb, for 7 years. They have three children ages 6, 3, and 1.

She is the “lead” for her neighborhood on Nextdoor.com and enjoys organizing and participating in neighborhood and community events. Elizabeth is a full-time, stay-at-home mom and a part-time small business owner. Previously, she was a birth photogra-

www.crystalmn.gov

What does Jeff like best about Crystal? “My neighbors!

We live in a great community conveniently located close to the city but with a wonderful small town feel. I love the parks in Crystal. They are an amazing asset. I also enjoy being close to so many great local businesses.”

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City of Crystal 763-531-1000

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Olga Parsons and her husband, John, have two boys: Josiah, age 10, and Judah, age 5. Olga is a homemaker. Her past volunteer work included assisting families through the adoption process. She currently plays the flute with the Medalist Concert Band and participates in local service projects. Olga loves classical music, spinning yarn, knitting, nature, gardening, and reading.

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pher for five years. She founded Minnesota Birth Photographers in 2011. Elizabeth served first as vice-president (2010-2011) and then as president (2012-2013) of Minnesota Families for Midwifery. Minnesota Families for Midwifery is a grass-roots citizen’s organization promoting midwife-attended births in Minnesota, as well as the mother’s right to make informed decisions regarding her birth experience. She continues to volunteer and be active within the local birth community. Elizabeth’s hobbies include photography, gardening, browsing Pinterest, and enjoying time with her kids.

City of Crystal 2015 Utility Rates On November 6, 2014, the City Council approved the 2015 utility rates. These went into effect for billings after January 1, 2015.

then there will be no water use charge. The service charge and the Minnesota Safe Water testing fee will still be charged.

Water rates include both service charges and a water use charge. The service charges cover fixed costs such as capital improvements, the Minnesota Safe Water testing fee, and utility billing costs that the utility has even if a customer uses no water at all.

Higher water rates take effect as water use progresses through tiers. Water is measured in units of 1,000 gallons. Commercial, industrial, and institutional customers have larger diameter water meters and use more water due to the size of their operations. They pay the same charge per unit, but they have a larger number of units in Tiers 1 and 2, depending on the size of their water meter. They also pay a higher service charge, depending on the size of their water meter.

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The water use charge is based on the volume of water consumed and is meant to cover operation and maintenance costs. There is no minimum use of water on the bill. If a customer uses no water during a billing cycle, 2014

2015

Percent Change

Dollar Change

Water rate per 1,000 gallons, Tier #1

$4.30

$4.50

4.65%

$0.20

Water rate per 1,000 gallons, Tier #2

$4.70

$4.90

4.26%

$0.20

Water rate per 1,000 gallons, Tier #3

$5.10

$5.30

3.92%

$0.20

Sanitary Sewer residential

$48.60

$50.00

2.88%

$1.40

Sanitary Sewer senior residential

$39.37

$40.50

2.87%

$1.13

Sanitary Sewer commercial (per 1,000 gallons of water used)

$2.15

$2.21

2.79%

$0.06

Storm Drainage residential

$11.70

$12.60

7.69%

$0.90

Storm Drainage commercial (per acre)

$292.50

$315.00

7.69%

$22.50

Street Lights residential or commercial

$4.65

$4.80

3.23%

$0.15

Street Lights multi-family residential

$3.49

$3.60

3.15%

$0.11

Recycling residential

$10.65

$10.65

0.00%

$0.00

For more information about utility rates, contact Utilities Superintendent Randy Kloepper at 763-531-1166 or Finance Director Charles Hansen at 763-531-1110.

www.crystalmn.gov

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City of Crystal 763-531-1000

The City of Crystal 2015 Budget

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funds, capital project funds, and utility funds. Most of the services that people normally associate with cities are included in the General Fund. The two graphs illustrate how the City’s General Fund raises money and the services provided.

he City adopted the 2015 budget and tax levy at the regular City Council meeting on December 16, 2014. The adopted 2015 property tax levy is $9,313,153 which is a $96,000 or 1.04% increase from the 2014 tax levy.

Property taxes and state aid are the largest sources of revenue.

Together, these two sources represent about four out of every five dollars of General Fund revenues.

Charges for Services 6.7%

State Aid 15.3%

Property Taxes 65.1%

Public Safety is the highest priority of the City and commands the largest part of the budget. Public Works is responsible for maintaining the city’s streets, parks, and buildings. Significant parts of the Recreation and Community Development budgets are funded by user fees.

The City Council’s focus is on maintaining quality, cost-effective services to its residents.

GENERAL FUND 2015 BUDGET EXPENDITURES

Holding the line on expenditures and maintaining what we have are priorities in the 2015 budget. The City’s budget includes the General Fund, debt service

Public Works 19.9%

Community Development Recreation 6.0% 10.9%

Police & Fire 46.5%

Sewer Utility Rebates

General Government 16.7%

The mailing address is City of Crystal, Attn.: Utility Billing, 4141 Douglas Dr N, Crystal, MN 55422. For those in condominiums, your name must be listed as owner of the condominium on Hennepin County’s website in order to qualify you for the rebate.

For those who are age 65 or older or receiving Social Security disability benefits and who live in rental/condo property, the City offers an annual sewer utility rebate up to a maximum of $36.92 per year. The rebate compensates renters/condo owners with the same discounted rates that are available to qualifying owners of homesteaded properties on their quarterly bills. (Qualifying owners include those who are age 65 or older or those receiving Social Security disability benefits. More information on this program can be found on your quarterly bill.)

For those renters/condo owners who have not previously participated in the rebate program, please stop at City Hall to complete an application form. You will be required to show proof of your age (driver’s license, Minnesota ID, etc.) or your Social Security disability letter. Renters will also be required to provide a copy of their CRP form.

To be eligible for a rebate, the required forms for both existing and new participants must be received at City Hall by the end of the day on April 1, 2015.

For those renters who have previously applied for the rebate program, please remember to send a copy of your 2014 Certificate of Rent Paid (CRP) form to City Hall.

www.crystalmn.gov

If you have budget questions, contact the finance director at charles.hansen@crystalmn.gov or 763-531-1110.

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City of Crystal 763-531-1000

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Crystal’s 2015 General Fund budget increases by $186,510 or 1.48% compared to the adopted 2014 budget.

Licenses & Permits 6.6% Other non-tax 6.3%

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The property tax increase was held down by using an increase in state aid to pay for capital funds in place of part of the General Fund transfers to the capital funds. The City’s capital funds account for outlays for buildings, equipment, vehicles, and park improvements.

GENERAL FUND 2015 BUDGET REVENUES

CHIEF’S CORNER

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By City of Crystal Police Chief Stephanie K. Revering stephanie.revering@crystalmn.gov • 763-531-1010 2015 promises to be a great year for the City of Crystal.

New personnel and technologies coupled with professional crime prevention strategies will keep your Police Department on the cutting edge of law enforcement.

sets so early, burglars often target homes whose interior lights are off between the hours of 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. They conclude that no one is home if the house is dark during those times. If you are planning to be away from your home during the early evening hours, it is a good idea to leave at least one interior light on before you leave. Light timers are helpful as well.

Working together, we can continue to combat crime in our community. Our success is dependent on a strong working relationship with you. Your community awareness of suspicious activity is a critical part of our efforts.

Please don’t hesitate to call 911 if you see something unusual in your neighborhood.

If you ever have questions, please contact me. You can also follow the Police Department on Facebook (City of Crystal Police Department) or Twitter (twitter.com/CrystalMNPolice).

Thank you for making the City of Crystal a great place in which to work. Happy New Year!

Spring is a time to be especially vigilant regarding home burglaries in the early evening hours. Because the sun

West Metro Fire-Rescue District’s Home Safety Survey Program The safety checklist includes:

Imagine seeing your home filling with black smoke and flames destroying your possessions and blocking your escape. Taking action now can prevent this scenario from happening to you and your family.

q kitchen – cooking safety q space heater safety q fireplace safety q furnace safety q electrical safety q smoking safety q candle safety q smoke and CO alarms q escape plans q what to do in a fire q what to do if your clothes catch on fire q making your home safer for everyone q teaching children about fire danger q fall safety q fire extinguishers q other lifesaving information

The Home Safety Survey Program was developed to educate residents of potential hazards in their homes and to teach them how to fix the hazards to prevent fires. The program is voluntary and free of charge.

To schedule an appointment, contact Deputy Fire Marshal Shelby Wolf at 763-230-7006. The home survey takes approximately one hour to complete. Fire personnel will use a checklist while walking through your home with you to point out any potential dangers. Prior to leaving your home, all smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms will be checked for proper location and to verify that they are working. If the alarms are not positioned in the correct location, the inspector will install them correctly.

Prevention and the availability of various alarms, devices, and emergency procedures can dramatically enhance your chances of survival.

At the end of the Home Safety Survey, additional gifts will be given to you in an effort to help keep your home safe.

www.crystalmn.gov

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City of Crystal 763-531-1000

Public input opportunities for citizens Respectful public input is welcomed and encouraged by the Crystal City Council. The Council has designated the times listed below as opportunities to hear from citizens.

Citizens are invited to address the Council during Open Forum at regular City Council meetings. Regular Council meetings are generally held on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Speakers are allowed three minutes to make comments and no items may be addressed for longer than 10 minutes. The Council will not take action on items discussed during Open Forum or discuss matters under pending or threatened litigation; however, the Council may add the item to a future meeting agenda and ask City staff for follow-up. No appointment is necessary.

Residents and business owners are invited to participate in Citizen Input Time. This is an opportunity to address the mayor and city manager in an informal session about a city-related topic. Council members may also be present, as their schedules allow. No appointment is necessary. Citizen Input Time is held in Conference Room A at City Hall from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. on the 2nd Tuesday of the month.

There is no Citizen Input Time during the months of May, June, July, August, or December; however, the mayor and council members are available via email or telephone.

Their contact information is listed on page 2. In addition, several council members have their own web pages and/ or Facebook pages, which can be found by Googling their respective names.

Volunteer Opportunities If you would like to become more involved with your local government, the City has the following volunteer positions open. For more information on these opportunities or for an application, visit the City’s website and click on City Government, then Commissions Corner, or call 763-531-1131.

Crystal’s official legal newspaper The Crystal/­ Robbinsdale ­edition of the SunPost continues to be Crystal’s official newspaper for 2015. It publishes the City’s legal notices, ordinances, and other official information, as well as general news about the city. This newspaper is distributed each Thursday. If you are not receiving this free weekly publication, please call 763-424-7396, email sun.distribution@ecm-inc.com, or visit their website at http://post.mnsun.com/tag/crystal. A limited supply of issues is located in the entryway at City Hall (through the doors marked “Administration”), at the Crystal Community Center, and at the Rockford Road Library.

Employee Review Board – 1 alternate vacancy (Meets the 1st Thursday in April at 7:00 p.m. and as needed at the call of the chair.)

Environmental Quality Commission – 2 vacancies (Meetings are held monthly on the 3rd Thursday at 7:00 p.m.)

Human Rights Commission – 4 vacancies (Meetings are held monthly on the 4th Monday at 7:00 p.m.)

Parks & Recreation Commission – 2 at-large vacancies (Meetings are held monthly on the 1st Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.)

Bassett Creek Watershed Management Organization – 1 alternate vacancy (Meetings are held monthly on the 3rd Thursday at 11:30 a.m. at Golden Valley City Hall, 7800 Golden Valley Rd. Visit www.bassettcreekwmo.org for more information.)

Shingle Creek Watershed Management Organization – 1 alternate vacancy (Meetings are held monthly on the 2nd Thursday at 12:45 p.m. at Clubhouse at Edinburgh USA, 8700 Edinbrook Crossing, Brooklyn Park. Visit www.shinglecreek.org for more information.).

www.crystalmn.gov

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City of Crystal 763-531-1000

CRYSTAL CONNECTION

Citizen Input Time

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Open Forum

FOCUS ON ENFORCEMENT Property maintenance

hard-surfaced driveways, meaning bituminous or concrete pavement in accordance with standards approved by the City’s engineer. Alternative hard surfacing such as pavers or permeable pavement will be considered by the City’s engineer on a case-by-case basis. Existing rock, gravel, or dirt driveways and parking spaces must be hard surfaced within 180 days of the sale of the property or issuance of a rental license.

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Crystal’s Property Maintenance Code is part of the City’s strategy to preserve the stability and livability of our neighborhoods for the long term by protecting the life, health, and safety of building occupants, preventing the emergence of blighted and deteriorated property and structures, and maintaining property values in the city.

Permits are required prior to commencing work on a new driveway or reconstructing an existing driveway.

More information is available on the City’s website under I WANT TO…find/view…construction/informational handouts or by calling 763-531-1000

An important component in property maintenance is ensuring that a structure’s protective exterior surface is kept in good repair and provides sufficient coverage and protection from the elements. This standard also applies to garages, sheds, fences, and other accessory structures. Proper upkeep also includes maintaining exterior walls, chimneys, foundations, and roofs in a professional state of repair.

Rental licensing The City requires the annual licensing and inspection of any dwelling unit in the city occupied by someone other than the property owner. This is required even if no cash rent is exchanged. For example, relative homesteads and “rent-to-own” properties must also secure a rental license. The property owner must apply for the rental license and complete the inspection process before the property may be occupied. The fee is doubled for properties that are renteroccupied prior to issuance of a license.

It is also important to keep properties free of litter.

Whether it is old appliances, tires, or excess materials from a project, it does not take much for an unsightly accumulation of materials to build up. City Code requires that all litter be stored in an approved garbage container, garage, or storage building. In addition to household garbage, appliances, furniture, and miscellaneous junk, “litter” also refers to motor vehicles, trailers, recreational vehicles, and equipment that are inoperable, unlicensed, partially dismantled, or abandoned.

If you have code enforcement-related questions, contact the code enforcement specialist at jason.zimmermann@crystalmn.gov or 763-531-1143.

Answers to most of your questions about rental licensing requirements can be found on the City’s website under City Departments/Community Development/Rental Licensing. For additional information, contact the rental licensing specialist at corinne.elfelt@crystalmn.gov or 763-531-1144.

Driveways Spring is a good time to think about installing or replacing a driveway or parking space. Crystal requires

Neighborhood Watch Springtime is a great opportunity to work with your neighbors to strengthen an existing neighborhood watch or to establish a new one. It is also a great time to update neighborhood watch rosters and contact lists.

A neighborhood watch allows neighbors to get to know one another, builds neighborhood involvement by bringing police and communities together, and brings awareness to crime prevention and local law enforcement efforts.

The Police Department strives to be community centered, meaning your input and help is vital to our success. Please contact Police Officer Sean Kwiatkowski at 763-531-1094 or sean.kwiatkowski@crystalmn.gov with any criminal activity information or neighborhood-related concerns.

www.crystalmn.gov

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City of Crystal 763-531-1000

RECYCLING NE WS YOU CAN USE…AND REUSE! Spring Special Material Drop-Off Day

New Recycling Calendar

A 2015 Recycling Calendar was mailed to all residents at the end of December; however, there was an error on the calendar. The Tuesdays in March were shaded blue rather than the correct color, yellow. To obtain a corrected calendar, stop by City Hall or call Hennepin Recycling Group at 763-493-8006 to have one mailed to you.

Saturday, April 25 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Operations & Maintenance Facility 8300 Noble Ave N, Brooklyn Park Phone: 763-493-8006

No Charge: electronics such as TVs, VCRs, DVDs/

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MP3 players, stereos, printers, computers, monitors, cell phones, etc.; antifreeze, motor oil & oil filters; household & vehicle batteries; bicycles (for reuse); scrap metal (remove non-metal parts); paper shredding ditioners ($15/each), tires ($2 to $15/each, based on size), mattresses & box springs ($15/each), carpet & carpet padding ($10/load)

Vietnam Vets of America accepting ­working items at no charge clothing, shoes, jewelry, holiday decorations & artificial trees, cooking utensils, small appliances, dishware, books, National Geographic magazines, towels, bedding, sewing & office equipment & supplies, camping gear, eyeglasses, computer software, electronics, clothes irons & ironing boards, games, home decorations, luggage, musical instruments, telephones, and tools

Yard Waste Site opens April 1 The Yard Waste Site located at 14796 101st Ave N in Maple Grove opens on April 1. Residents can bring grass clippings, leaves, brush, and tree branches up to 10” in diameter to the site for free. Hours are MondaySaturday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 7:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.mgyardwaste.com or call 763-420-4886.

Items NOT accepted by VVA: furniture, carpet, mattresses, garbage, wheelchairs, hospital beds, walkers, child car seats, cribs, strollers, high chairs, baby walkers, glass windows, commercial or gas air conditioners or refrigerators, window treatments, pianos, bathtubs, sinks, vanities, paint, chemicals, auto parts, car-top carriers, and construction debris

*Note – Many usable household items can be disposed of or exchanged for free through an online bulletin board at www.twincitiesfreemarket.org.

Tech Dump Event Already thinking about spring cleaning? Crystal’s Environmental Quality Commission invites you to a great opportunity to help de-clutter your space, safeguard the environment, and support a local nonprofit. Bring your unwanted electronics (tube/CRT TVs and monitors have a fee) to Crystal Cove Aquatic Center at 4848 Douglas Drive North in Crystal on Saturday, April 11, between 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Tech Dump will collect anything with a cable, cord, or battery, as long as it isn’t a large home appliance. Learn more about Tech Dump and the Crystal event at www.techdump.org/Crystal.

www.crystalmn.gov

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City of Crystal 763-531-1000

CRYSTAL CONNECTION

Charge: appliances ($10/each), residential air con-

Spring street sweeping

the Ask Utilities Department

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Every spring, the Streets Department sweeps the streets, alleys, and cul-de-sacs to remove litter, leaves, and dirt in order to prevent the debris from washing into the storm sewer and eventually ending up in ponds and lakes. Residents are reminded that when raking their yards, to not rake the debris onto the street. On average, 800 yards (600 tons) of material are removed from the streets. By eliminating the sand that used to be mixed with salt, the City has reduced the amount of debris picked up by 250 tons.

Who do I call if water comes up the floor drain?

Unlike in the fall when leaves can be hauled to the Maple Grove Yard Waste Site, spring debris must be handled differently. The cost of hauling this material is considerable.

The Streets Department has designed a process to reduce/ re-use most of this material into a compost that can be used in overlay at parks and demolition sites. This process reduces the amount hauled to the landfill to 30-40 tons of material. A bonus is that the City does not have to pay for black dirt for its projects.

If the problem is in your own line, the water will not rise unless you use it; therefore, do not use any water or flush any toilets. This will prevent the water from rising at the floor drain or from overflowing.

However, if the problem is in the city’s main line, the water will continue to rise regardless if you use the water or not. This is why it is so important to call the Utilities Department first and as soon as possible at 763-531-1166. After hours, please dial 911.

For questions regarding street sweeping, contact the streets superintendent at mark.gaulke@crystalmn.gov or 763-531-1164.

When does the Utilities Department clean the main sewer lines?

Every main sewer line is cleaned at least once every two years.

2015 Notice of Value and Classification The Hennepin County Assessor’s office is in the process of setting the values and classifications for the 2015 assessment, which is the basis for taxes payable in 2016. The 2015 assessment is based on sales that occurred from October 2013 through September 2014.

What should I do if my sewer line was cleaned?

After you have had your sewer line cleaned, call the Utilities Department at 763-531-1166. The city’s main line will be checked for any roots or debris.

The 2015 Notice of Value and Classification will be mailed around March 1. Please review this statement.

If you have questions regarding your property’s estimated market value, please call 763-531-1117 prior to the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting on April 7, 2015. Many property owners’ concerns can be explained or resolved simply by making a phone call or with an appointment for an assessor to walk through the property.

I’m experiencing a sewer gas odor in my home. What should I do?

Pour at least a gallon of water down your basement floor drain. The water in the drain’s trap will act as a barrier to block the sewer gas from entering your home.

The Crystal Human Rights Commission invites you to join them in their 2015 initiatives: • Black History Month – February • Genocide Awareness and Prevention Month – April • Bullying Prevention Month – October • Indigenous People’s Day (also known as Native American Day) – October 12 • and more The HRC meets monthly on the 4th Monday at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. Anyone is welcome to attend!

www.crystalmn.gov

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City of Crystal 763-531-1000

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ­AUTHORITY (EDA) UPDATE Scattered Site Redevelopment – Lots for Sale

5715 Regent ������������������������������������������������������������� $50,000 6526 4th ������������������������������������������������������������������$60,000 More lots will be available in the spring.

For many years, the City’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) has been buying blighted houses from willing sellers, clearing the lots and making them available to builders for construction of new single-family homes. The EDA sold 50 lots in 2010-2014. Many of the new homes have been built for specific buyers but some may be available and listed for sale by the builder on the MLS. As of February, the EDA had the following lots available:

For more information about the available lots, visit the City’s website and click on What’s Happening, then EDA Lots for Sale. To receive the lot list by mail or email, leave your name, phone number, postal address, and/or email address with John Sutter at john.sutter@crystalmn.gov or 763-531-1142.

LOT FOR SALE

D L SO

5824 Regent

HOME IMPROVEMENT ASSISTANCE Interest Rate Buy-Down for Community Fix-Up Fund Loans

HousingResource Center 2148 44th Ave N, Minneapolis

Crystal homeowners may also take advantage of a discounted interest rate for home improvement loans made through the Community Fix-Up Fund which is administered by the HousingResource Center. Maximum household income is approximately $99,000. Minimum loan is $2,000; maximum loan is $50,000. Maximum loan-to-value ratio is 110% of the after-rehab value. Maximum term is 10 years for loans up to $10,000; 20 years for loans over $10,000. For more information, contact the HousingResource Center.

www.housingresourcecenter.org 612-588-3033 Do you have technical questions about a potential home repair or remodeling project? Are you looking for financial assistance, incentives, or rebates for home improvements?

The HousingResource Center is available to help! Office hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on the 4th Saturday of each month. Services are free of charge to residents of Crystal and some adjacent communities.

Deferred Home Repair Loans

Home Improvement Incentive Rebates

This program is administered by Hennepin County and offers deferred, no-interest home repair loans to homeowners below 50% of metro area median income (approximately $41,000). These loans are forgiven after 15 years unless the homeowner sells or moves out of the property. Also available are deferred loans with a modest interest charge for homeowners between 50% and 80% of AMI (approximately $41,000-$66,000). For more information, contact Jim Graham at 612-348-2235 or james.graham@hennepin.us.

Most Crystal homeowners are eligible for an EDA-funded rebate for a percentage of home improvement project costs.

• To qualify, the property must be owner occupied and the project must have a total cost of at least $2,000.

• Rebate percentages are on a sliding scale depending on household income, with a maximum income of approximately $99,000.

• A property may not receive more than $10,000 from the program per year.

• To receive the rebate, you must submit an application and receive approval from the HousingResource Center before you start your project.

For more information, contact the HousingResource Center.

www.crystalmn.gov

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City of Crystal 763-531-1000

CRYSTAL CONNECTION

5255 Edgewood

NEW HOUSE

THE

3533 Lee ����������������������������������������������������������������� $40,000 4553 Yates ��������������������������������������������������������������� $45,000 4901 Vera Cruz �������������������������������������������������������� $50,000 5255 Edgewood ������������������������������������������������������� $50,000 5924 Elmhurst ��������������������������������������������������������� $50,000 6601 62nd ��������������������������������������������������������������� $50,000 5626 Vera Cruz ������������������������������������������������������� $50,000

PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY

THE

CRYSTAL CONNECTION

The City is building a new facility at 5001 West Broadway to house its street, utility and park maintenance functions.

It will replace aging, obsolete buildings and consolidate these functions for greater efficiency and a better work environment. The crews and their equipment will begin operating out of the new facility in fall 2015.

Cavanagh Update The Cavanagh is a 130-unit senior citizen apartment building under construction at 5401 51st Ave N, near the intersection of Bottineau Blvd and Corvallis Ave. The first units will be available in the west half of the building during summer 2015, followed by units in the east half of the building and completion of the whole project by fall 2015. For more information, visit www.the-cavanagh.com or call 763-452-3188.

Who’s that knocking on your door?

With the approach of spring comes the approach of peddlers and solicitors at your door, selling products or services or asking for donations. Please note that peddlers and solicitors must be licensed by the City of Crystal before they are allowed to knock on your door. All peddlers and solicitors must carry this license with them, so if someone knocks on your door and cannot show you this license, immediately dial 911 to report the violation.

Please note that non-profit and charitable organizations are NOT required to be licensed with the City.

CALL 911 IF A SOLICITOR OR PEDDLER: • makes you feel threatened or unsafe • ignores your “No Solicitation” sign • rings your doorbell before 9:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m.

• cannot provide a City-issued solicitor license (unless they are a non-profit or charitable organization) A list of currently-licensed solicitors and peddlers is available on the City’s website (go to I WANT TO… apply for…a license then scroll down to Solicitor License List) or by calling 763-531-1000.

In order to receive a City license, all peddler and solicitor applicants must first pass a criminal history check conducted by the Police Department, and they must be approved by the City Council to go door-to-door. The City does not license the distribution of flyers or door hangers as long as there is no door knocking or talking to residents.

OTHER RESOURCES

If you have questions regarding the reputation of a business, please contact the following agencies (MondayFriday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.): • Better Business Bureau (651-699-1111 or ask@thefirstbbb.org; website: www.bbb.org/minnesota)

To prevent solicitation at your home, post a “No Solicitation” sign by your door.

www.crystalmn.gov

• Minnesota Attorney General’s Office (651-296-3353; website: www.ag.state.mn.us)

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City of Crystal 763-531-1000