November 2011
Vol. 13 - No. 4
Prepared and paid for by the City of Chaska
SHIP CITIZEN RESPONSIBILITY
Holiday Merchandise Sa le
All Merchandise is Cle arance Priced
A wide selection of Me en’s apparel, shoes, clun’s and Womand more are available. bs, balls, hats Gift Cards available in person, over the phone or online . Purchase $175 of in-sto ck merchandise before Decem ber 24 and receive a FREE 18 hole pass for 2012 season. Holiday Hours: Dec. 6 - Dec. 23 Tues.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m ., Sat. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 952.443.3748 www.chaskatowncourse .com
RESPECT GENEROSITY
Our
ENVIRONMENTALISM
Community
Values
HUMAN WORTH & DIGNITY
INTEG RITY LEARNING
find us on
A Quality Small Town
More wind energy on its way
Chaska – A Yellow Ribbon Community
T
he Yellow Ribbon Community program unites areas within the Chaska community to create a network that connects and coordinates resources for the purpose of supporting service members and military families. The mission is to offer services such as lawn care, snow removal, medical support and food/clothing assistance. In Chaska, 39 individuals are actively in the Armed Forces with 11 deployed overseas.
B
esides developing the Hometown Wind project that brought a 160 kiloWatt (kW) wind turbine to Chaska in 2010, the Minnesota Municipal Power Agency has been busy developing a much larger wind energy project in Steele County for its members. This summer, 24 Vesta wind turbines with a total capacity of 44,000 kW were erected near Highway 218 about three miles northwest of Blooming Prairie. The project, which was originally announced in 2008, encompasses approximately 3,000 acres of farmland.
These wind turbines will supply clean, renewable electric energy to the eleven MMPA members including Anoka, Arlington, Brownton, Buffalo, East Grand Forks, Le Sueur, North St. Paul, Olivia, Shakopee, Winthrop and Chaska. It will also help the members meet the state requirement for getting 25 percent of electric needs from renewable energy by 2025. The location for this project has much more wind potential than most of the member cities and is located along an existing transmission line which made it an ideal spot. Chaska will be reaping the benefits of this wind farm for many years to come.
The city of Chaska supports this organization. The Chaska Park and Recreation/ Chaska Community Center are offering FREE CCC MEMBERSHIPS to all families who reside in Chaska with military personnel actively serving. This membership will afford family’s free access to the CCC and a discount on most of the leisure program offerings. This membership is an opportunity for families to enjoy themselves and is a small token of thanks for their commitment and contributions for protecting our freedom. For more information on this membership offering you may call 952-227-7749. For more information on the Yellow Ribbon Community program you may call 651-2637041 or e-mail zestforlife1964@chaska.net.
No Increase in Tax Levy Proposed for City Budget
While the City has seen no growth in its tax levy over the past two years due to drops in market values around the community, the City has felt that it has been able to meet its budgeting objectives, the primary driver of Chaska’s budgetary process. Each year, the City of Chaska goes through the process of establishing both a five-year financial forecast for its General Fund, and establishing its annual budget, by first identifying the goals that are most important for the community to meet. In establishing the 2012 budget, the Council identified the following objectives as being most important to achieve: Maintain existing high-quality service levels, making reductions in service levels only when directly associated with decreased need for service
As has been the case for the past several years, accomplishing these budget objectives has been complicated both by issues surrounding the general state of economy, and by drastic changes that have been made at the State level, including the elimination of Local Government Aid. For the second year in a row, we will see a reduction in market values, with the overall drop in market values at a 4.14 percent drop compared to 2011. This is following the close to 7 percent drop we experienced the year before. While we have seen these drops, we have seen some new development in the community. This development is starting to mitigate this issue, although we do expect it to take our entire five-year planning period to get back to total market values equaling what we had in Chaska in 2009.
Market Values Forecast
$3,000,000,000 $2,500,000,000 $2,000,000,000 $1,500,000,000 $1,000,000,000 $500,000,000
Address the implications of levy limits on local governments and the significant reduction in Local Government Aid (LGA), while maintaining current service levels expected Develop a plan that allows City to discon-
20 13 20 15
20 11
$0
20 09
Fund new programs only after existing, necessary programs are funded
20 05 20 07
Fund replacement of the City’s existing capital investments
Continue to fund levy needs of Street Reconstruction Program
20 03
Maintain a policy of keeping a constant tax rate for limiting growth of tax levy, while also planning levy resources that at a minimum remain constant, thus not inhibiting our ability to maintain existing service levels
tinue draw from General Fund reserves
Market Values
While we have experienced issues with market value decreases and the loss of LGA, not all our news has been bad. Over the last two years, Chaska has seen a significant pickup
in activity with Commercial/Industrial development in the community, which $700 has not only created new tax base, but new jobs as well. This has included $600 $500 projects such as United Health Group’s $400 Data Center, the 212 Medical Center $300 and Southwest Christian High School. $200 These projects financially have a posi- $100 $0 tive impact on the community, not only through job creation, but also by helping to keep our taxes low, and through increases in our Electrical Sales in the community. In 2011, the City saw an 8 percent increase in electric load compared to 2010, much of which is a direct result of the job growth we have seen in the community. This helps increase our Electric Department’s Franchise Fee to our General Fund, which helps keeps everyone’s City taxes low. With job creation being one of Chaska’s top two priorities, we continue to expect to see additional job growth in the community over the next several years.
Carver County City Taxes Per Capita
Ha m bu Ne Vi rg c w t G oria er m an M y ay e Ca r rv Co e r lo W gn Ch a co e an n ia No ha s rw se oo n W dY at er A to w Ch n as ka
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or the third straight year, Chaska City Council will be considering the adoption of the upcoming year’s General Fund budget with no increase proposed for the property tax levy, with the 2012 total tax levy proposed to be at $4,880,354, the same number it was in 2010 and 2011.
Taxes Per Capita
City taxes in Chaska one of the lowest in the entire Metro Area. Based on the proposed budget, and the market values for a Median Valued Home in the community, the City tax impact for the median-valued home in Chaska is expected to stay nearly identical from last year, which was approximately $470. At the same time, Chaska will remain very low compared to other citElectric Franchise Fee to General Fund ies in the Twin Cities, with it being third lowest out of all 83 $3,500,000 comparable communities in the Metro Area. It will also remain $3,000,000 the lowest City taxes per capita $2,500,000 in Carver County. $2,000,000 As with the Cities budget pro$1,500,000 cess every year, the City will $1,000,000 be holding its annual Truth in Taxation Budget Hearing at the $500,000 Council Meeting on Monday, $0 December 5 at 7 p.m. in the City 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 Council Chambers. Residents are welcomed to attend. The Franchise Fee final budget will be set at the meeting on Monday, December 19. If there are any questions Based on the work that has been completed by the City in putting together the proposed about the proposed budget, feel free to call budget for 2012, the City feels that it can City Administrator Matt Podhradsky at meet all of the budget objectives it has set 952-227-7523. in the budgeting process, while also keeping
Free Events ®
New Conversations Dialogues Together we can learn to bridge the racial divide in our community! Talking about race and racism can be the first step. Join us for the following free dialogues at the Chaska Community Center: Sat., Jan. 14, 9 a.m. to noon: New Conversations About Race and Racism® Thurs., Feb. 9, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.: New Conversations® About White Privelege Thurs., Mar. 8, 6:30 to 9 p.m.: New Conversations® Uncovering the Five Myths that Support Racism Reserve your space by contacting Chaska Human Rights Commission at (952) 4489200, ext. 7103. Space is limited. The New Conversations ® tools and facillitation a re prov ided by The Saint Paul Foundation’s Facing Race Initiative. Visit www.FacingRace.org for information. Brought to you by the Chaska Human Rights Commission in partnership with Chaska Dunn Bros. Coffee, Chaska Police Dept., Carver County Sheriff’s Dept., Carver County Library and the Beacon Council.
Active Older Adults
Appreciation Day
A special invitation from SouthWest Transit to pick you up and bring you to The Lodge in Chaska for some coffee & treats, holiday music and friendship. Then it’s on to the Arboretum to enjoy their “great hall of trees, land of gingerbread & making spirits bright”.
Thursday, December 8 at The Lodge Schedule of Events 9:35 a.m. Board the bus at River Gables 9:40 a.m. Town Square Apts. 9:45 a.m. Talheim 10:00 a.m. Waybury Apts. 10:15 a.m. Chaska Community Center Lodge - Music & treats 11:45 a.m. Board the bus for the Arboretum - Free admission on Thursdays - Lunch on your own 1:45 p.m. Buses load and depart. THE BUS RIDE IS FREE! To help us have the proper equipment available for our routing, please RSVP by noon on Wed. Dec. 7. Call 952-949-2287 or email customerservice@swtransit.org and let us know how many are going, as well as if there are any mobility related needs.
Hometown Holiday Sat., Dec. 3, 2011 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Visit Chaska’s historic downtown for a day filled with old fashioned holiday spirit Downtown merchants will offer shopping enticements, hospitality & good cheer all day. Enter to win a $375 shopping spree! Free horse drawn wagon rides will tour historic downtown. Santa and other jolly holiday characters will greet visitors and shoppers throughout downtown. Tree lighting ceremony in downtown’s beautiful park will light the night at day’s end. For details visit www.shopdowntownchaska.org
Chaska History Center 112 West 4th St. Open 12-4 p.m. Exhibition of historic Christmas artifacts – dolls, toys and Santas Horse Drawn Wagon Rides 2:30-5:30 p.m. Boarding every 15 minutes Walnut St. at City Square Park Tree Lighting Ceremony City Square Park 4 p.m. Piñata, program, carolers, visit by Santa, tree lighting Multicultural event sponsored by Chaska Human Rights Commission
Other Events
Indoor Winter Farmers Market 207 Chestnut St., 10-2 p.m. Seasonal produce, gourmet oils, cheese, preserves, evergreens Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser American Legion, 4:30 p.m. Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Benefit
CHASKA
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
Chaska Community Center… Your Family Gathering Place
chaskacommunitycenter.com | (952) 448-5633
Celebrate the holidays
SCHOOL’S OUT: NO SCHOOL DAY OUTINGS The CCC has expanded its no school day offerings and now is offering special full-day programming on most nonschool days. Each day will be filled with fun activities and/or an outing. All activity prices include: Chaperones (ratio 1:10), transportation and afternoon snack. Most activities include lunch unless otherwise noted. All activities begin and end at the CCC Extreme Kids classroom.
AT THE CHASK A COMMUNIT Y CENTER Santa’s Mailbox
Santa visits the CCC on Friday, December 2
Santa Claus will have a special mailbox at the CCC. Boys and girls can drop off their letters in Santa’s colorful mailbox November 28–December 2. Santa’s helpers will pick up letters and deliver them straight to the North Pole. Please include the full name and address of each sender, so Santa and his elves can reply to each letter.
A Chaska Fire Truck will deliver Santa to the CCC front door, and Santa will visit from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served and crafts will be available. Don’t forget to bring your camera! Free musical entertainment by Chaska Music Studios and live reindeers provided by The Mustard Seed.
The Lodge Holiday Party Tuesday, Dec. 6 • 9:30 a.m. • The Lodge • Holiday Music • Treats • Gifts
Live Nativity Performance Don’t miss this year’s St. John’s Lutheran Church Live Nativity performance. The birth of Jesus Christ will be celebrated on stage at the Chaska Community Center and outdoors at St. John’s on 4th Street in Chaska. The date of this annual family opportunity is scheduled for Sunday, December 18 at 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Kindergarten to Sixth grade 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 5 ICE SKATING AND OLD LOG THEATER
To start off we will play board games in the Extreme Kids Classroom then we will head to the arena to go ice skating. After an early lunch we will head to the Old Log theater to watch the play “Cinderella.” Please bring a bag lunch for this adventure.
$35 per child
HOMESCHOOL SWIM & GYM:
Tuesday, Dec. 27 BRUNSWICK BOWLING AND SWIMMING AT OAK POINT
A successful program at the Chaska Community Center
Today we will have two hours of fun at Eden Prairie Brunswick Bowl. Each child will get a pizza lunch provided. Then we will head to Oak Point Intermediate School in Eden Prairie to go swimming in their pool and on their waterslide. Make sure to bring a swimsuit and towel.
$40 per child
Wednesday, Dec. 28
E
ach Wednesday afternoon from 1 to 3 p.m., the Chaska Community Center gets a little bit busier because of a group of energetic homeschoolers. The City of Chaska Parks and Recreation Department started a Homeschool Swim & Gym program in September of 2009. The program is currently in its sixth full session. Over the past two years homeschoolers between the ages of 5-12 years old have been taking part in this fun and active program.
JUST FOR
TEENS!
Each week students spend 50 minutes in the gym participating in physical activities, learning basic
sports skills and understanding the importance of sportsmanship and teamwork. Seasonal activities include outdoor football, soccer, track and skating at the Chaska Community Center. Plus, students put on their swimwear and spend 50 minutes in the pool as well. In the water, American Red Cross water safety instructors work on swimming skills, technique and water safety while having fun and playing games.
Dates are:
The Chaska Parks and Recreation Department will be taking registrations starting December 6 for the two upcoming sessions of Homeschool Swim & Gym. Classes fill up, so register right away.
For more information or questions, please contact Tessa Syverson at 952-227-7746.
SNOW TUBING AND CHUCK E. CHEESE
Winter Session: Wednesday, Jan. 11 – Feb. 22 Spring Session: Wednesday, Feb. 29 – April 18 Time: 1-3 p.m. Cost: $70 Member; $88 Non-Member
L
ooking for something fun to do with your friends after school? Look no further! The Chaska Community Center is your headquartersfor having a good time. Once a month, teens ages 11-15 can come and hang out at the CCC after school and take part in exciting programs specifically designed for them. All teen events are free, include tasty snacks and don’t require preregistration. A great part about these events is that teens can walk right over to the CCC after school or ride the activity bus to join in on all the action.
On December 8, teens are invited to a Pizza and Movie Party, featuring the hit holidaycomedy “Elf.” The Pizza and Movie Party will run from 2:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. in the CCC Community Room. Best part is all of this is FREE!
An exciting spring lineup of teen events that are sure to please is also set. The spring events schedule includes Dodge Fest (January), Sing It! (February), March Madness Basketball Tournament (March), Movie Fiesta (April), and Yard Game Olympics(May). More information on these events will be available in the Winter/ Spring program guide, which will be available December 5. For more information on school-year teen events, please contact Meghan at 952-227-7741 or mwall@ chaskamn.com.
We will travel by bus to Three Rivers Park District’s Elm Creek to go on their fully groomed snow tubing hill. Each child will get their own tube and have fun using the magic carpet to bring them back to the top of the hill. We will then head to Chuck E. Cheese in Maple Grove for pizza and arcade fun. We will end our day back and the CCC with an afternoon snack and stories. Be sure to bring outerwear for snow tubing.
$40 per child
Thursday, Dec. 29 MOVIE AND SWIMMING AT CCC
Today we will start our day with games in the gym and then watch a movie on the big screen in the CCC theater. Next we will have a special McDonald’s lunch (please make sure to answer question about which meal you want when registering) and then head to the CCC pool for an afternoon of swimming.
$40 per child
Calendar of Events PRESCHOOL ACTIVITIES
YOUTH ACTIVITIES
Morning Break
Clay Play
1 to 6 years old Do you need a break from your little ones? Let us watch the kids as you enjoy a Tuesday morning break to do whatever you want, finish those errands, clean the house or just have coffee with a friend. We will have arts and crafts time, stories and songs, tot time gym fun, and play in the playroom or at the CCC Park. Snacks will be provided. Date: Dec. 13 - Holiday Hoopla Time: 9 a.m.– Noon Cost: $15 Member per class; $20 Non-Member per class
Ages 5 to 11 A great time to come in from the cold to make various clay projects that reflect the season. We make small pots and sculptures and glaze them each day. Wear old clothes, we get messy! Day: Saturdays, Dec. 3–17 Time: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Cost: $50 Member per session; $60 Non-Member
Tot Time Adventures: Donuts with Santa Ages 2 to 6 years A parent and child class filled with crafts, games, snacks and more! Each theme includes leisure activities for parents and children to share. Programs generally last one hour. Space is limited. Preregistration is strongly encouraged. Santa will be stopping by to visit with all of the little ones at this fun adventure. We will make Christmas crafts and enjoy donut holes and juice as well as singing along with Santa. There will also be time to sit on Santa’s lap and take pictures so be sure to bring along your cameras. Date: Wednesday, Dec. 14 Time: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Cost: $5.00 Member; $6.50 Non-Member Fees are per child, parents free.
Rock on Ice Join us for these fun “themed” recreational skating events. All rock on ice events feature a special theme, a disco ball and great music to guarantee a fun night for all. Rental skates are available. Dates: Saturday, December 3 Time: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Cost: $5 per skater
Kid’s Holiday Bake Ages 4 to 6 years Join us for a holiday cookie baking class. Five different varieties of cookies will be made. Child will go home with approximately 25 cookies! This is a one day workshop, space is limited, preregistration is required. Date: Monday, Dec. 5 (No-school day district 112.) Time: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Place: CCC Sunroom Cost: $20 Member; $25 Non-Member
Safe On My Own
A child’s guide to home alone safety As a parent, would your child be safe and feel confident if they were to be left alone for a minute or hours while you’d be away? The American Red Cross has developed this course to help teach children 8 to 12 years how to be safe when at home alone. Course includes student guide book and a snack! Skills taught: • Home safety skills • How to interact with strangers • Internet safety skills • Basic First Aid • Choking emergencies • and more! Date: Tuesday, Dec. 6 Time: 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Cost: $27 Member; $34 Non-Member
Teen Pizza & Movie Ages 11 to 15 You’re invited to the party! Tell all your friends and join us at the Chaska Community Center for a slice of hot pizza while enjoying the hit holiday movie “Elf.” Date: Thursday, Dec. 8 Time: 2:30–4:15 p.m. Place: CCC Community Room Cost: FREE
Creation Station: Holiday Hoopla Workshop!
AQUATICS
Parent child class, ages 4 to 10 Join us for all kinds of holiday cheer! Join in as we make hand printed, mosaic stepping stones; a great holiday gift. Wobblebobble holiday elves, and snow white angels. Also, create your own hot coca mix to take home for the cold winter and have a little taste! Date: Saturday, Dec. 10 Time: 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Cost: $18 Member; $22 Non-Member
Ages 10 to 15 This fun new program is designed for students who want to improve their swimming skills without committing to a swim team. Prerequisites: Level 5 or swim 50 yards without stopping (1 lap) and familiar with the four main competitive strokes. Session B: Tuesday and Thursdays, Dec. 6–22 Class meets two times per week for three weeks. Time: 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. Cost: $56 Member; $70 Non-Member
HEALTH AND FITNESS
Introduction to Competitive Swimming
American Red Cross Guard Start
Candlelight Yoga Join Christy Rice for special yoga practices on Thursday evenings. December 15: Let it Go. Give yourself this time to practice the yogic principle of Aparigraha as the holiday season approaches. You’ll discover during this candle lit practice how this simple principle can bring even greater joy and peace during this hectic time. Day: Thursday, Dec. 15 Time: 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Cost: $10 per person (Pre-registration is required.)
(Jr. Lifeguarding) This program is available to youth ages 10 to 15 years old who have the desire to learn about the responsibilities and duties of a lifeguard. This program will help your child build a foundation of knowledge, attitudes and skills to become a future lifeguard. Call Tessa Syverson at (952) 227-7746 for more information. Dates: Dec. 27–30 Time: 1:00–3:00 p.m. Cost: $80 Member; $100 Non-Member
AOA EVENTS AOA Movie Matinee: Elf Join us on Friday, December 16 at 1 p.m for a special showing of “Elf.” Popcorn provided.
Bag Lunch Bingo Grab a bag lunch of sandwich, chips, fruit and cookie or bring your own bag lunch for an afternoon of fun. Win prizes and play with friends! Registration and payment is due two days in advance to reserve your lunch. Date: Dec. 21 Time: Lunch–11:30 a.m.; Bingo–Noon Cost: $3 Member; $3.50 Non-Member per lunch; Free Bingo
chaskacommunitycenter.com