VACANCY: Council member sought

process would encourage applications from citizens who might be interested in local government, but have avoided it due to the complicated nature of running an election campaign.

City Administrator Mark Statz explained that there is no immediate rush to appoint a candidate. The city could even ride out the next four years with a four-member council, but that would not be the ideal scenario, he said. The plan for now is to appoint a candidate to fill in for two years until the next general election. This option will save the city from having to organize a costly special election at an odd time of year when there is typically low turnout.

Two candidates have already been interviewed for the position, but the City Council chose to keep the application process open to extend the opportunity to more members of the community.

Cocoa is a gentle sweetheart and she loves to cuddle. She is a pit bull terrier/ Staffordshire terrier mix and is just over a year old. Cocoa was rescued from a breeding operation and is still learning how to live in a home as part of a family, but she is adapting quickly and comfortably.

Cocoa is crate-trained and does well while her foster is away, but she is always happy when her foster comes home so she can be out and be part of the family.

Cocoa’s foster says she loves everyone she meets and likes to give lots of kisses. She is quickly learning her house manners and basic commands. Cocoa is social with everyone she meets, and she is social with other dogs.

Statz said that the City Council would also like to see more representation of women on the council, but the council will select the best candidate for the job regardless of gender.

“The council members are just hoping to have just a larger slate of candidates, female or male,” Statz said. “We’re happy with the candidates we had, but want to make sure we’re not rushing through it.”

The board will hear candidates again from 5 to 6:30 p.m. immediately prior to its Feb. 8 meeting. Eligible Centerville residents interested in serving their community in this way are invited to contact City Hall at 651-429-3232. They can also find an application form on the Centerville city website.

Circle Pines City Council Snippets

• Several businesses in town now have their business and individual licenses for 2023. These include Marissa’s Massage Garage, Barbara Lynn Bergman of Body and Wisdom Wellness, Personal Touch Pet Grooming, Waste Management, Total Comfort, Standard Heating and Air Conditioning Inc., Forced Air Inc., C.W. Houle Inc., Apollo Heating and Air, Hugo Tree Care, BJ Haines Tree Service, Joel Smith Heating & Air Conditioning Inc., Hearth & Home Technologies, Northern Heating and Air Conditioning Inc., Tim’s Quality Plumbing, Elk Mechanical HVAC Inc., Majestic Custom Heating and Air, McQuillan Brothers and K&S Heating Air Conditioning Plumbing Inc.

• Employees of the city will now contribute an extra $100 every other week to their retirement health care savings plan under a new policy. This increase to $200 every other week required City Council approval, but will have no financial impact on the city, as it is purely an employee contribution.

The Circle Pines City Council will hold its next meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, at City Hall.

Lino Lakes City Council Snippets

The city of Lino Lakes is keeping business quick and to the point in 2023.

• A massage license has recently been granted to Allure Salon and Spa, and an individual license was granted to Alicea White of the same business.

T he city has reached an agreement with the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local No. 49 for a two-year service contract. The agreement includes a 3% general wage increase and 0.75% market adjustment for 2023 and then again in 2024, as well as updates to insurance premiums, revised policy for overtime and standby hours, and several other adjustments. The next meeting of the Lino Lakes City Council will take place at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13, at City Hall. The meeting will be preceded by a work session at 6 p.m.

Jackie Bussjaeger

Keep your pets safe this winter

When it comes to winter and your pets, one key safety tip is often overlooked, and it can often be found right on your garage floor. Keep your pets clear of leaked antifreeze!

Frigid cold temperatures

CONTRIBUTED

She is affectionate, eager to please, eventempered and gentle, and identifies as a lap dog. If you are interested in learning more about Cocoa or adopting her, please fill out an application at www. ruffstartrescue.org. Once your application is received, Ruff Start Rescue will contact you as soon as possible.

Dr. Caroline Wilde, staff veterinary for Trupanion — a leader in medical insurance for cats and dogs — offers the following five tips to keep your furry friend warm and protected all winter long.

Antifreeze

A common chemical for our vehicles, antifreeze, is toxic to your pet. Make sure to monitor your garage floors for any possible leaks that your pet might find tempting (antifreeze is sweet tasting to pets).

Many people may see their pet’s fur coat and assume that it’s perfect protection from the winter weather. But given the severe drop in temperature and windy conditions, your pet may be in danger of hypothermia if their body temperature falls below normal at this time. This drop in body temperature has the potential to lead to frostbite to your pet’s ears, paws and tail. Consider a sweater for your pet, especially if they are small or have short hair.

Blizzard conditions

Your pet should not be left outside alone if your area is experiencing blizzard conditions. Blizzards can be scary and dangerous for pets, as their senses can be overwhelmed — leading to disorientation.

Make sure your pet has proper ID (tags or microchip) in case they become lost.

Shelter

If possible, keep your pets indoors during extreme winter weather. If they are in an outside shelter, make sure that it is free of drafts. Also, keep the shelter well insulated with thick blankets and bedding for the comfort and safety of your pet.

Undernourishment/ dehydration

Colder weather means your pet expends more energy to keep warm. Make sure to keep your pet on a balanced and healthy diet. Also provide plenty of water for proper hydration.

From press release

Saturday at 4:30 pm Parish Community Center

6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville

Sunday at 8:30 am St. John’s Site

14383 Forest Blvd N, Hugo

Sunday at 10:30 am Parish Community Center

6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville