Quad Community Press

Council moves forward with moratorium process

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

Residents who wish to weigh in on whether the city should enter into a temporary moratorium for new residential development within the northwest quadrant of the city should plan to attend the Planning and Zoning Board meeting June 17 and/or the City Council meeting June 24.

“Two concepts that we have seen propose approximately 400 acres of development with potentially 900 or more residential units along that corridor,” said Community Development Director Michael Grochala. “The City Council has discussed the potential need to study that corridor in preparation for further development.”

The city’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan identifies the area of Main Street and Sunset Avenue as a key gateway into the city, and recommends a master plan be completed from Fourth Avenue to Sunset Avenue.

Grochala explained the idea of master planning is not new to the city. The city has previously drafted master plans for Town Center (I-35W/Lake Drive), County Road 49 (Hodgson Road) and County Road J (Ash Street), the I-35E Corridor Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) and, most recently, Otter Lake Road.

“The Main Street corridor has been planned for residential development for the past two decades,” he explained. “Since 2010, we haven’t had a lot of development in this quadrant of the city … We have only seen about 130 homes built in this area, so development has been significantly slower than elsewhere in the city. At the same time, because of this new interest in development and the potential for additional households, it lends itself to having an opportunity to plan more out in that area in preparation for development.”

The proposed moratorium will allow the city time to complete the master planning process for the area. It would address land use, transportation, environmental resources, parks and open spaces, surface water management and utility issues. “It allows us to look at it comprehensively, not only from a single development perspective, but for the whole area,” Grochala explained.

SEE MORATORIUM, PAGE 6

Journey from teacher to foster parent

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

On any given day in Minnesota, over 6,000 children and youth experience out-ofhome (foster) care, according to the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

Children’s Home Society (CHLSS) and Lutheran Social Service (LSS) of Minnesota are affiliated organizations that are always seeking foster parents to care for children and youth in need.

“We are not finding kids

for families, we are finding families for kids,” said Heidi Wiste, CHLSS president and LSS associate vice president. “All of our work is child-centered and through the lens of a child.”

The goal of foster care is to reunite children with their birth parents whenever possible.

“What these kids really need is somebody who can help them in their time of transition. There is so much newness, there is so much adjustment, whether it is school, the smell of a home, the feel of the sheets, the food in a home,” Wiste explained. “We

have some incredibly skilled foster parents who have that flexibility and that patience and a willingness to learn and be a strong support for kids.”

Hugo resident Zoua Vue has been a foster parent for a little over three years. During that time, she has fostered five children ages 5 to 14. She is currently fostering to adopt three siblings, ages 7, 9 and 10. They are from Ramsey County and currently attend White Bear Lake Area Schools.

Blast from the past

Centennial High School seniors, who will graduate later this week, take a trip down memory lane and visit their elementary schools. Centennial High School’s graduation will be Saturday, June 8 at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium.

SEE FOSTER PARENT JOURNEY, PAGE 2

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

FOSTER PARENT JOURNEY: ‘Changes you in ways you can’t imagine’

She says her 16 years of teaching for St. Paul Public Schools inspired her to become a foster parent. “I’ve had quite a few students that were in foster care. That really inspired me to take some action and be a part of it,” she said.

Vue explained that she was a single woman but always knew she wanted children. She started exploring various adoption options and decided on foster care due to the huge need within the Twin Cities. “It just felt like the right thing to do,” she said.

The timeline to become a foster parent can vary greatly. In addition to required education courses, several steps must be completed like a physical, a background check, visits with a case worker, etc. “The whole process from start to finish for me was less than a year,” she said.

“We don’t want children to be in foster care longer than they need to,” Wiste said, adding that some children may be in foster care for a short time, less than a year, while other children may stay in the system for five to 10 years. Most of the youth who are ready to be adopted are ages 12 and up.

As a foster mom, Vue has been able to experience several firsts with the children, like a first birthday, a first Christmas and even a first trip to a restaurant and pool.

“When I first got them, I told them I was taking them to the pool to swim and they just could not comprehend what a pool was … I took them to Shoreview Community Center, and their mind was just blown. They had never seen anything like that.”

As a single person who had never had any kids of her own, Vue said she was surprised by how much time was needed to navigate all the medical, dental

COUNTY BRIEFS

4-H receives award

Anoka County 4-H has received a 2024 Community Leadership Award from the Association of Minnesota Counties for its “Green Superheroes of Science” initiative. The program engages teen leaders to teach elementary-aged children science concepts that inspire and engage them as change-makers to help solve the urgent environmental issue of plastic pollution in our environment.

and therapy appointments. “I have become extra organized,” she said.

She said it was also a challenge in the beginning to try to get the children used to a new routine and new schedule while not knowing what that looked like for them before.

Despite the challenges, it has been a rewarding “job.”

“You see the kids transform and change into a different person,” she said. “They adapt so quickly … I can’t even imagine being 6 years old and my whole life is different with a total stranger.”

She added, “I think it changes you in a way that you can’t even imagine.” In addition to developing a higher level of empathy for other people, especially children, Vue said it gives you perspective.

“I would say if you have the place in your heart to love children, then you should try it. It’s definitely not going to be a walk in the park, but just take small steps. In my experience, it does get better. There are going to be hard times, but it gets better,” she said.

Because she likes consistency and has developed a strong bond with the children, she is going through the process of adopting them. She expects the adoption process, which has been in the works for about two years, to be finalized sometime this year.

Although she has her hands full with three children on her own, she said fostering another child or another adoption is not out of the question. “I always tell myself that the door is never closed to foster care or adoption,” she said.

For more information about CHLSS, visit chlss. org or contact 651-646-7771. For more information about LSS, visit lssmn.org.

Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.

Grant agreement set for analysis of overdose data

The county board now has an agreement in place with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) for grant funding that will assist in funding toxicology testing on potential overdoserelated deaths.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (SUDORS) is an important data source that enables analysis of overdose data in Minnesota to support prevention and policy efforts statewide and on local/ community levels.

The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office (MMEO) has utilized this grant in the past. The grant will fund the MMEO with $58,456 annually for toxicology spending for five years ($292,280).

Property tax assistance dates scheduled

The Anoka County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program will provide inperson property tax assistance at the following sites June 11 to July 17:

BY THE NUMBERS

On any given day, 6,150 children experienced out-of-home care in 2023

11,235 children in Minnesota experienced foster care in 2022.

65% of children in foster care in 2023 were living in Greater Minnesota (outside seven-county metro area)

22% of children in foster care in 2023 were under 3 years old

The majority of youth in foster care who are ready to be adopted are 12 (and up)

Steps to become a foster parent:

Step 1: Contact Foster Adopt Minnesota

Step 2: Select an agency

Step 3: Complete the application and fact sheet

Step 4: Initiate a background study

Step 5: Open home for visit and study

Step 6: Receive foster care license

Step 7: Participate in training

1. Mary Ann Young Center, 9150 Central Ave. NE, Blaine, June 11 and July 17, 9 a.m. to noon.

2. Coon Rapids Senior Center, 11155 Robinson Drive, Coon Rapids, June 12 and July 8, 8 a.m. to noon.

3. Murzyn Hall, 530 Mill St., Columbia Heights, June 20,  2 to 4 p.m.

4. Ham Lake Senior Center, 15544 Central Ave. NE, Ham Lake, June 27, 10 a.m. to noon.

5. Fridley Community Center, 6085 Seventh St. NE, Fridley, July 16, 9 a.m. to noon.

The property tax refund assistance program is designed to help senior citizens and people with disabilities who qualify for a state refund apply for their homeowners/renters’ Minnesota property tax refund. Volunteer tax preparers will answer property tax questions and assist attendees in filling out their M1PR forms, which the attendees then mail to the Minnesota Department of Revenue.

Limited virtual appointments will be available for individuals unable to attend in-person locations. These appointments will be held June 18, July 23 and July 24. Clients may schedule

their virtual appointment and/or ask questions of a team member by leaving a message on the appointment line at 763-324-1480. Income tax preparation is provided by AARP. Use the tax locator to find a location near you by visiting www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_ taxaide/locations/.  If all locations are booked, call 651-287-0187.

Traffic control system planned at Lexington, 122nd Avenues

The Anoka County Board has entered into a joint powers agreement with the city of Blaine for intersection improvements at Lexington and 122nd Avenues in Blaine. The plans include construction of a traffic control signal system, updated pedestrian accommodations and an improved intersection level of service for current and future traffic demands. At the next board meeting, the board is expected to approve a construction contract with Forest Lake Contracting for $922,414.25. The project is funded through a combination of County State Aid Highway (CSAH) funds and city funds.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

ONGOING EVENTS

HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’

When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday, June 6; and the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday of every month

Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th Street N. Details: Games begin at 12:45 p.m. Refreshments and coffee served. All senior citizens from the area invited.

Contact: 651-592-0369 or barbconnolly1958@yahoo. com

MARKETFEST

When: 6-9 p.m. Thursdays, June 13 through July 25

Where: Downtown White Bear Lake

Details: Community summer festival with 200+ food and vendor booths, live music, car show, kids activities, specials at local merchants. Theme weeks include: Avenue of the Arts on June 13; History Night June 20, and White Bear Lake Area Schools June 27.

Contact: marketfestwbl.com

BALD EAGLE WATERSKI SHOWS

When: 7 p.m. Thursdays, June 13 through end of August

Where: Trailside Park, Centerville

Details: Volunteer team of waterskiers performs weekly throughout the summer, and travels throughout Minnesota to perform weekend shows. Contact: baldeaglewaterskishows.net

CURRENT EVENTS

‘19TH ANNUAL 10-MINUTE PLAY FESTIVAL’

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays, through June 9

Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake Details: See 10 never-before-seen plays from around the world performed by Lakeshore Players actors. Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers

LUNCH WITH A NATURALIST

When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, June 5

Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes

Details: Free naturalist-led program for ages 16+. May include trail hike. Registration not required; equipment provided. Contact: 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com

GOOD NEIGHBOR DAYS

When: Friday June 7 through Sunday, June 9

Where: Lions Volunteer Park, 5524 Upper 146th St N, Hugo

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  www.stgens.org 651‐429‐7937

Details: Annual city celebration will feature carnival rides, vendor craft fair, parade, fireworks, food, music and more.

Contact: www.goodneighbordays.com

KIDS BIKE RODEO

When: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, June 8

Where: White Bear Lake Public Works facility, 3950 Hoffman Rd.

Details: Kids can get bikes tuned up, helmets fitted, rider safety information, demonstrations, prizes and ride through courses. Registration required. Contact: whitebearlake.org/publicsafety/webform/ kids-bike-rodeo

Music in the Park

When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 11

Where: Hidden Spring Park, Centerville Details: Now in its 16th year, Centerville’s Music in the Park series will kick off with B+ Brass. Contact: www.facebook.com/ CentervilleMusicInThePark

SIZZLING SUMMER KICKOFF

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Tom Ryan Park, 10802 Town Square Drive NE, Blaine

Details: The event will include activities for the whole family, like a craft fair, Touch a Truck, kids’ garage sale, food trucks and music.

Contact: https://blainemn.gov/3752/SizzlingSummer

MOVIE IN THE PARK

When: Dusk, June 8

Where: Polar Lakes Park,1280 Hammond Rd., White Bear Township

Details: Bring a lawn chair or banket and bug spray and watch a free family-friendly movie outdoors. “Super Mario Brothers” shows on June 8. See weather updates on Facebook.

Contact: facebook.com/ WhiteBearTownshipMNOfficialSite

BASICS OF SQUARE DANCING

When: 6-7:45 p.m. Monday, June 10

Where: White Bear Lake Library, 2150 2nd St.

Details: All are welcome to learn square dancing, including solos, couples, and families. Casual attire; partners provided. Contact: 651-208-5807

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF

Lino Lakes man remains missing after canoe goes over waterfall

As of press deadline, the search continues for a Lino Lakes man who went missing after going over a waterfall in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, Reis Melvin Grams, 40, of Lino Lakes is still missing, while the body of other man he was with, Jesse Melvin Haugen, 40, of Cambridge has been recovered.

The incident occurred on the evening of Saturday, May 18, at Curtain Falls, which is located on Iron Lake in St. Louis County. According to a press release from the local sheriff, two canoes went over the falls shortly before 7:21 p.m. One person was badly injured and two were still missing as of press time.

The wounded person and another individual who was uninjured were airlifted from the scene by a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources helicopter around 12:30 a.m. The sheriff’s office said the injured party was flown to a hospital in Duluth with serious but not life-threatening injuries. A variety of equipment and crews have been utilized in the search so far, including the Minnesota National Guard.

7330 Lake Drive | 651-784-7667 admin@linolakescommunitychurch.com & directions (1 mile south of

Upcoming Games

June 4 - 9 vs. Syracuse Mets June 11 - 16 vs. Louisville Bats

Summer Internships

TPublisher’s View

he Press staff is excited to be working with three interns this summer, two in our newsroom and one in our production department. The college students hail from University of Wisconsin-Madison, Bethel University and University of Wisconsin-River Falls. We try to assign our interns a variety of tasks that will give them insight into the journalism business in their short time with us, from covering feature stories and city council meetings, to learning about marketing and advertising, to touring our printing plant.

Carter Johnson

We have noticed an eagerness for young people to pick up jobs here at Press. We had nearly 20 new youth carriers start this spring. There aren’t many jobs available to younger kids that offer a once-a-week commitment and some flexibility. It’s encouraging when young people are anxious to get jobs. It can be a lot of extra work for parents to drive them and otherwise provide support to a kid who wants to work. The benefit of learning discipline and entrepreneurial skills at a young age can make it all worthwhile. If your son or daughter is 11 or older and interested in becoming a newspaper carrier, give us a call at 651-4071200 or email ppcirc@presspubs.com. To get you on the waiting list for a rout in your neighborhood to open up.

Wildlife

We have recently noticed sandhill cranes living among us. They look similar to a blue heron but more unform gray and the adults cranes have a red crown. They live along wetlands and can be quite loud in the morning. The squeaking sounds almost prehistoric. According to the University of Minnesota Season Watch, they can be heard up to 2 ½ miles away, and are one of Minnesota’s largest birds, standing 4-5 feet tall. Recently a neighbor mentioned they had babies and after a few days of watching I was able to snap a photo of the two colts.

Those interested in getting immersed into nature can take in a state park for free on Saturday, June 8. Entrance to all 75 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas is free - vehicle permits are not needed on this day. The parks offer four free days annually, one for each season.

Security, privacy

Last fall North Oaks residents met regarding proposals for improved safety that included cameras and license plate readers to combat crime. A story available online at presspubs.com covers why the city of Dellwood recently installed license plate readers. The technology sounds amazing in that it could identify drivers down to what color shirt they’re wearing.

The question that has been brought up is whether it’s necessary. Will cameras or license plate readers be enough of a deterrent to reduce or prevent crime? Video recordings are typically reviewed after a crime has occurred. How will a timestamp license plate recording be of use in preventing crime? Is it realistic to think the sheriff can follow up on every report of suspicious vehicles traveling between Stillwater and White Bear Lake on Highway 96?

It seems most of the incidents in Dellwood are traffic violations, along with an occasional minor theft and reports of phone and email scams. I understand people move to a community such as Dellwood because they enjoy privacy and want to feel safe and secure. Maybe even because they desire to live in a community where they don’t have to lock their doors. It’s sadly not the reality we live in. Crime is and always has been around us. With license plate readers up, residents need to continue to ask questions about how data will be used. Could a private investigator access the footage to bust a cheating spouse, or could tickets be issued for speeding? What level of privacy was given up for perceived security and what community will be installing cameras next?

Carter Johnson is the Publisher of Press Publications

Launch a summer reading adventure

Summer means different things to different people. For some, it’s a long break from school while for others, it’s a chance to travel, catch concerts and enjoy our 10,000 lakes. For librarians though, this time of year means one thing: summer reading!

Movers & Shakers

Matt Youngbauer

Escape to other worlds and discover the universe from your own backyard with books, movies, magazines, newspapers and music. Let your summer soar to infinity and beyond with Summer Adventures - Blast Off! at Anoka County Library. From June 1 through Aug. 17, people of all ages can participate by reading, sharing book reviews, attending events, submitting art or voting in our tiny art contest, and discovering the library system by getting the secret code at each of our eight branches. Register online at anokacounty.beanstack.com or by downloading the free Beanstack

• Limited to 350 words. Submissions must Include a full name, address and daytime phone number for verification.

• Letter writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area.

Letter writers are limited to six letters per year and at

Tracker app from the app store. After logging five hours of reading, youth (under 18) will earn a book prize and adults will get a book coupon. Both youth and adults can earn virtual tickets in Beanstack to enter prize drawings for things like Twins, Bunker Beach and Bell Planetarium passes.

Youth can read down their fines during summer reading. For every 15 minutes read and recorded in Beanstack, $1 of fines or fees can be removed from a youth account. Remember to contact your local library by the end of summer reading to have your account adjusted. Join our third annual Tiny Art Show. Pick up a bookmark template from your library starting June 1 (while supplies last). Design your own bookmark using the template and whatever medium you prefer and submit it to the library by June 29. Then get out the vote! Stop by and vote for your favorite design through July 31. Winners at each branch will have their design made into bookmarks to be shared with the community. Last year there was a very close race at Centennial Library, so be sure to share your design with friends and

family so they can vote! Finally, there will be free programs galore at all the libraries this summer. From classes to concerts, magic shows to book clubs, the library has something for everyone. Some programs require registration, so check the calendar at anokacounty. libcal.com to plan out your summer at the library now. One you may want to put on your calendar is FENtastical Blaine Wetland, held at Centennial Library Wednesday, July 31 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Come learn about the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary and its rare fen wetland. Participants will play games, explore interconnected systems and get a free activity book for future adventures at the sanctuary. Minnesota summers are short but full as we all try to squeeze every last drop of the quickly passing days. Whether it’s to fill up with reading, programs, activities or your community, the Centennial Library is here with you and for you this summer. Enjoy!

Matt Youngbauer is an associate librarian at the Centennial Library located in Circle Pines.

QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES

least four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters. Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication. Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be published.

• Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published. Submissions containing facts not previously published in the Press must be accompanied by factual verification. All letters are subject to editing.

• Deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesday of the week prior to publication. To submit a letter, e-mail it to quadnews@presspubs. com, fax it to 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver it to: Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

Slow the Grow

As an avid reader of all things print, I know the power of words. Word choice resonates with the reader and creates a perception based on the words.

I find it harmful and disingenuous that some news reports are claiming that Lino Lakes residents are opposed to a mosque. The opposition to the Madinah Lakes development in Lino Lakes is due to the density of the project.

CENTERVILLE TIDBITS

No one representing Slow the Grow has ever voiced opposition to a mosque. It is misleading claims like this that are fueling the mistaken idea that the citizens of Lino Lakes are racist. Many speakers at the Lino Lakes City Council meeting have stated their opposition is due to density, the effect it will have on schools, roads, the environment and overall infrastructure. Not one speaker has spoken against a mosque.

• The city of Centerville is going to match up Fairview Street and Center Street sometime within the next 10 years, so be warned — especially if you’re the Amazon facility. The Centerville City Council voted unanimously to let Amazon know of the city’s plans by June 1, as required in the conditional use permit (CUP) and developer’s agreement. In the agreement with Amazon, the city agreed to give the easement back to Amazon if a traffic study were to conclude that alignment of the streets wasn’t needed.

• Within that space, Amazon would have been able to construct more parking. However, a corridor study conducted by TC2 and consultants concluded that Fairview Street on the east side of CSAH 54 (20th Avenue) and Center Street on the west side are misaligned by 250 feet and need to be aligned. The distance of 250 feet is too far apart to be comfortable and too close to install a standard turn lane, said Matt Pacyna of TC2. The city has enough funding to realign the streets and install a left turn lane on 20th Avenue. After City Engineer Mark Statz noted that construction costs tend to outpace inflation, council decided the work should be done within 10 years, rather than wait the entire 15 years allowed.

• The owners of two unplatted parcels on Mound Trail can now divide their land into four parts, after council unanimously approved a preliminary plat and final plat for the two existing parcels on 7185 and 7193 Mound Trail. The couple owning the two plots wanted to plat their property to revise the common lot line between them to more evenly distribute shoreline footage and improve the ability of both parcels to be sold. The two adjacent properties both straddle Centerville and Lino Lakes, but the existing structures are all in Lino Lakes, which made for a straightforward decision for Centerville. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval.

• Prior to the regularly scheduled meeting, council conducted a work session to discuss three items that could appear on the council meeting agenda very soon. The first item for future action is cannabis zoning. Staff recently received its first inquiry about zoning for a retail cannabis shop. The sale of

Plato’s Closet coming to Blaine

Plato’s Closet is coming to Blaine. The business is set to open soon in the Village of Blaine Shopping Center, located at 4355 Pheasant Ridge Drive NE, Suite 124. Plato’s Closet sells affordable and gently used clothes, shoes and accessories. For more information, visit platoscloseet.com/ locations/blaine-mn or call 952-3957741.

The citizens of Lino Lakes in opposition to this project are not Islamophobic, but are against a city within a city as proposed. Please correct the misconception that this grassroots movement is about the mosque. It is not, it is about rapid population growth without planning. Slow the Grow.

Bonnie Hermann Lino Lakes

cannabis will be legal as soon as the state has a functioning office of cannabis management. The city is required to allow a minimum of one cannabis shop in the city, based on its population. Cities may regulate cannabis sales in the same manner as any other product, such as tobacco or alcohol. For example, it may prohibit cannabis sales within 300 feet from a school or day care facility. Council will give city staff direction on how intensive the regulations of these potential shops should be.

• Since the completion of the major renovation of City Hall that began in 2020, staff has been working on a list of items to be touched up. These small projects in and around City Hall have included repaving the parking lot, installing security cameras, adding parking lot lighting, repainting restrooms, adding concrete pads for trash containers and the picnic bench, landscaping around the generator and replacing the heater, bulletin board and brochure rack in the vestibule. Staff would like to explore adding a few more items, including a handrail up the front walk and an irrigation system to maintain a grass boulevard. Council will provide guidance on these improvements and on any others of council’s choosing.

• Staff sought council input on whether a bus tour of city projects would be of use. Many council members from other cities take an annual or biannual tour of recently completed or upcoming project sites to gain a better understanding of the issues surrounding each development or public works item. Some cities plan the tour as a joint event with city council members and planning commissioners. If council were to think this is a good idea, staff would arrange for transportation and schedule stops and other activities.

Staff is interested in looking at the July 24 council work session as an opportunity to hold a tour.

• The community is just a couple of short weeks away from the 16th annual Music in the Park, which kicks off June 11 at Hidden Spring Park. This free event is held on Tuesday nights from June through July. The city will host a total of eight local musicians and bands playing a wide variety of music.

Loretta Harding

• Mayor Dave Bartholomay said the council and city staff are proud of City Administrator Patrick Antonen for achieving his doctoral degree. “It’s a very rigorous and challenging program,” he said. “About one-third of the people who enter the program actually finish,” Bartholomay said.

• The city will have to wait another year to see if it can secure funding for the missing trail link. This past legislative session, Anoka County requested $6.75 million to construct the 1.75-mile trail gap in the Rice Creek North Regional Trail. The bonding bill was not passed.

• The Quad community is mourning the loss of Centennial High School junior Gabriella (Gabby) Sipe, who passed away May 17 at the age of 17. A visitation was held May 25. Sipe was well known for her determination and talent on the soccer field.

• Liberty Comfort Systems Inc, Action Heating & Air, Pronto Heating & Air Conditioning Inc., Riccar Heating & Air Conditioning and Northland Fence can all do business within the city throughout 2024, now that their annual licenses have been approved by the council.

• Resident Barbara Caliendo can now expand her home’s main floor dining and living room footprint, after the council granted a variance for her property at 14 Ridge Road. The variance is to allow for an 8-foot side yard setback, where 10 feet is required by City Code. The Planning Commission recommended the council approve the variance, which it did.

“This doesn’t negatively affect aesthetics of the neighborhood,” Antonen explained.

• The council has selected Inspec to be the engineering firm for the roof replacements at the public works

building and fire station. “The roofs are in need of replacement. They both have 25-year lifespan, and they are closer to 30 years,” Antonen said. “We have done a lot of extensive patching over the years to get by so we could get to this replacement.”

Back in April, the council requested qualifications from six firms and received four responses. Antonen said Inspec was “the best of the four.”

“They have extensive experience and a very well-written proposal,” he said, adding that the company had great references.

Council Member Steve McChesney wanted to know why the company needed to hire a company to oversee the project, and not just hire a roofer. “Why do we need a middleman?”

Antonen explained that the flat roofs on both buildings are more complicated than, say, the angled roof on City Hall or a regular residential roof. “This is a lot more complex that just hiring guys to put shingles on your roof,” Antonen said. “It takes engineering, materials specs … There is a lot more to it than just slapping on roofing tiles.”

• Since 2020, the city has had an electronic funds transfer policy in place that designates who is allowed to make transfers. That list includes Antonen, Bartholomay and the city’s finance director. Going forward, Antonen explained that going forward, the designees will be made along with all of the other annual appointments.

The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 11, at City Hall.

Shannon Granholm

CIRCLE PINES CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS

Plato’s Closet will soon open its doors in Blaine

MORATORIUM: Planning commission, council will consider for northwest quadrant

In addition to the moratorium, city staff is also recommending the council consider an AUAR, which would take the place of a required environmental assessment worksheet (EAW). “The AUAR would take it to a little higher level,” Grochala said. Whereas an EAW is project-specific, an AUAR looks at the entire study area, which would be Fourth Avenue on the east, Sunset Avenue on the west, Pine Street on the north and Carl Street/ Century Trail on the south, totaling approximately 900 acres.

Council Member Tony Cavegn said when the idea of a moratorium was initially brought up, the reason was to address water supply issues. “That is no longer a part of our plan; now it is for master planning,” Cavegn said. “I’m wondering where we switched?”

Council Member Michael Ruhland, who proposed the moratorium, said master planning was always intended to be involved as well.

“The water issue is still a part of this. One of the things that we will be studying is water and sanitary sewer,” Grochala clarified.

Council Member Dale Stoesz wanted to know if the moratorium would impact existing homeowners in that area who want to do upgrades to their home, for example, adding a deck. Grochala explained the moratorium would not impact any permit-related items and only affect the subdivision of land. There would also be exemptions for minor subdivisions.

Council Member Christopher Lyden wanted to know whether the study would include transportation. Grochala said it would.

“Ultimately, we are trying to come up with a plan that is going to provide some certainty for the property owners, for any developers looking at developing out in that area as well as abutting properties that are out in that area,” he said. “We will finalize a number of items as part of that master planning process.”

Grochala added that the city needs to take a leadership role. “The city is going to have to take more of a leadership role in making sure that (transportation) network can actually be developed going forward,” he said.

Ruhland said he was in favor of moving forward with the moratorium

schedule city staff had proposed. Lyden agreed. “I’m all for doing the study and giving the staff the latitude in looking at everything.”

Stoesz and Mayor Rob Rafferty said they would also be in favor of enacting a moratorium while the city goes through the master planning process. Cavegn said he was also in favor of continuing the discussion on the topic. Ultimately, the council was supportive of starting the process of considering the interim ordinance that would enact the moratorium. A public hearing will be held at the Planning and Zoning Board June 17. The board will then make a recommendation to the council for consideration at its June 24 meeting, where it will consider the first reading of the ordinance and hold another public hearing. The second reading of the ordinance is scheduled for July 8. If approved, a one-year moratorium would go into effect Aug. 15.

Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-4071227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.

Madinah Lakes project continues to receive support, opposition

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

While the Lino Lakes Planning and Zoning Board and City Council consider a moratorium, community members continue to weigh in on the proposed Madinah Lakes development and whether a moratorium is necessary.

Madinah Lakes is proposed by Zikar Holdings on land located on the south side of Main Street (County Road 14) near the city’s border with Blaine. The 156-acre development would include a $15 million, 40,000-squarefoot masjid, or mosque.

Paul Moore, pastor of Chain of Lakes Church in Blaine, and Mike Anderson, pastor of St. Joseph of the Lakes Catholic Church in Lino Lakes, both shared their support for the project.

“Our congregation has a relationship with the Blaine Islamic Center, and it has just been wonderful. The benefits for the community is marvelous. This is a tremendous opportunity for this community to develop new relationships,” Moore said. “Our Muslim community, they are already part of this community. They live here, they go to work, they pay taxes and I think they are a really valuable part of the community.” “Religious freedom is absolutely essential,” Anderson said. “If anything holds back from the building of that mosque, it also will affect all the other religious communities … As a Catholic who has spent many years dealing with Catholic prejudice in America, I just find it to be a very important thing for us to stand together and allow our brothers and sisters who worship differently to have their ability to worship and expression just as

the Roman Catholics do.”

Beth Gendler, executive director of Jewish Community Action, also spoke in support of the project. “Treat this project the same way that you would treat other projects, go through the review and ultimately decide it on its merits,” she said. “Having benefited from culturally specific religious institutions for myself and my family, these are the types of institutions and organizations that make communities safe. They bring people together … “

Faraaz Yussuf, president of Zikar Holdings, urged the council to let the normal process happen. “There is an established process that is in place; it is an EAW (environmental assessment worksheet). As the only developer that would be affected today in this northwest quadrant, it feels highly targeted and it feels frankly unfair as a developer,” he said. “There have been three previous developers on this specific land since 2008 … They have all followed that same process, and we are simply asking to follow that same process.”

Architect Dean Dovolis also told the council to follow the process. “Don’t judge (the project) on a rumor, but judge it on its actual development,” he said. “We believe the moratorium is unnecessary … What I’m asking is to not rush to judgement.”

Jeremy Rector said he is the third generation of his family to live in Lino Lakes. He brought up existing runoff issues in the area and urges the council to look at the big picture.

“You guys have to look at the larger picture beyond the development and what it is going to go on once it is in,” he said. “I don’t think (this project) is right for the city. As someone who has been here for 50 years, you should listen to the people who have been here the longest.”

Watermark resident Dr. Abdi Rashid Shire said the Madinah Lakes project should be treated the same way the Watermark development was treated. “The area I live in is much bigger than the proposal we are discussing tonight. I believe the way we treated that project should be treated also this way. We are setting a precedent for our city,” he said. “If I were you, leaders of a city, I would hope that you take every concern, hope with a fair mind.”

Resident Luke Walter spoke on behalf of the “Love Lino Lakes” group. “I am an immigrant myself. I’m delighted to be a part of the melting pot that we are and I strongly believe that diverse neighborhoods and organic integration is key to community cohesion,” he said. “There has never been any objection to the mosque at any time. Every single thing we have said or done relates to the actual either nature of the neighborhood or the infrastructure or the change to the city. There is no objection to building the mosque. It’s that simple, as long as it meets all planning codes, and the infrastructure supports it.”

Resident Randy Rennaker, who spoke on behalf of himself and other Carl Street residents, pointed out that many of the residents in the area are still served by private wells. “What is going to happen if our aquifer is depleted? Who is going to pay for our wells to be restructured?” he asked. “Our concerns our valid. They

are not made up. We have to investigate it at some point.”

Resident Angella Coil said she was concerned the city infrastructure would not be able to handle the proposed developments and had concerns about the developer.

“Your duty as our City Council members is to do what is best for the residents of Lino Lakes,” she said. “So, if that means imposing a moratorium, that is what you need to do … Moratoriums are not racist, nor are they Islamophobic. That is a requirement to figure these projects out. You should not be bullied into approving any development, and that is exactly what is happening.”

Resident Jason Sonnett said he was against highdensity development in the city. “The surrounding infrastructure is not designed to support that.”

He said that he would be thrilled to see only the proposed mosque on the land. “Build a mosque on that land, and I would be so excited that I would make a donation to your cause. Our fear is not of Muslims, it is of overbuilding and excess population density that will destroy the character of the community that we love.”

Patty Miller shared some concerns for the proposed development and said the city needed to be given time to do its “due diligence” before moving forward.

“I think if this had been a project that had been presented quietly and under the radar and maybe just the mosque, there wouldn’t be this confrontation that we are having right now,” she said. “I’ve struggled with the labels that have been slung about. I’d like to see a peaceful resolution to this, but I think that has to come from both sides. And when you come in with your guns loaded and attack a community, this is what has set it off.”

Blaine resident Mohamud Hassan encouraged the City Council to contact the Blaine City Council, as they are considering a proposal for the East Blaine Mosque and Academy that would occupy the defunct Minnesota School of Business.

“I think it is a good idea for you to maybe communicate with your co-members from the city of Blaine of how the Muslim community has changed their city,” he said.

Resident Justin Reynolds explained the “Slow the Grow” phrase many have seen on signs.

“It is more than just a catchy phrase. It embodies the essence of Lino Lakes, a city that embraces slow growth as a way of life,” he said. “It isn’t a concept or something that just came about in spring of 2024. Lino Lakes has a longstanding tradition of measured growth.”

He added, “We know and understand that growth is going to happen, but it should be the right kind of growth: growth that preserves the rural feature of the city, growth that alleviates some of the tax burden on homeowners, growth that will not cause hardship on the infrastructure, growth that is inclusive of all people regardless of their background.”

Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.

The City Council has started the process to enact a moratorium on new residential development in the northwest quadrant of the city for the purpose of developing a master plan for the area.

COPS&COURTS

The Lino Lakes Police Department reports the following incidents:

• An officer responded to a business to assist another law enforcement agency in the 2000 block of Main Stret May 21. The officer assisted the agency until the situation was under

• An officer took a report of two adult males soliciting without a permit in the 500 block of Myrtle Lane May 21. The officer contacted one of the males and advised them of the city ordinance.

• Officers responded to a report of a power line on fire in the area of Sunset Avenue and Lilac Street May 21. Officers arrived to find the fire was already out, and alerted the utility company.

• An officer was dispatched to a retail store regarding a theft in the 700 block of Apollo Drive May 22. The officer issued a citation for theft.

• An officer responded to a report of a theft from vehicle in the 7700 block of Main Street May 22. The incident is under investigation.

• An officer conducted a traffic stop in the 1200 block of Birch Street May 22 and after roadside tests suspected the driver to be under the influence. The driver was arrested and later cited for fourth-degree DWI.

• An officer was dispatched on a phone call report regarding damage to property in the 6700 block of Teal Court May 23. The caller requested the incident be documented.

• An officer conducted a traffic stop for a traffic violation in the 1400 block of Birch Street May 23. The male driver was arrested for fourth-degree DWI.

• An officer responded to a park in the 6900 block of Sunrise Drive regarding damage to city property May 23. The incident was documented, and the investigation is ongoing.

• An officer responded to a property damage report in the 7600 block of Mustang Lane May 23. The officer located the damage and advised the correct department of the damage so repairs could take place.

• An officer responded to a report of an oven fire in the 7700 block of Nottingham Lane May 23. Upon arrival, the fire was contained, and fire personnel handled the incident.

• An officer responded to a report of damage to private property in the 700 block of Town Center Parkway May 23. The suspect was identified as a juvenile who admitted to causing the damage. The juvenile was referred to a diversion program.

• An officer attempted to stop a motorcycle for speeding on I-35W

Waiting Child

Bible, and enjoys going to church. Taj says that he “loves building relationships, but hates losing them”. He is a fun kid to be around with a great sense of humor. He enjoys trying different foods such as African and Chinese food but reports he would choose pizza as his favorite. Taj has a variety of interests including boxing, swimming, Pokemon, videogames, gardening, and going to Valleyfair! He is a very good writer and is very insightful! When Taj gets to spend quality time with the adults in his life, he feels very special and values these moments. He is sweet, helpful, and caring.

Only Minnesota families are being considered at this time.

near Main Street May 24, but the motorcycle fled from the officer. The case is under investigation.

• An officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for multiple traffic violations in the 900 block of Main Street May 25. After an investigation, the male driver was arrested and later charged with fourth-degree DWI.

• An officer responded to a residence in the 600 block of Highland Trail May 25 for a male with an outstanding warrant. He was trespassing, and was arrested and booked into jail.

• An officer responded to a fireworks complaint in the 7100 block of Whippoorwill Lane May 26. The officer located the origin of the fireworks and educated the homeowners on state laws and city ordinances.

• Officers were requested to assist a neighboring law enforcement agency with a perimeter after a pursuit in the 500 block of Northtown Drive NE May 27. Officers assisted until the suspect was taken into custody.

The Centennial Lakes Police Department reports the following:

• Police responded to a suspicious person in the 1900 block of 73rd Street in Centerville May 22.

• A resident in the 4100 block of Edgewood Road in Lexington reported fraud May 22.

• An officer observed a traffic violation near the intersection of Lake Drive and Albert Avenue in Lexington May

23. Upon stopping the vehicle, the driver was found to have a revoked driver’s license and no insurance, and was suspected of being impaired. The driver was arrested for thirddegree DWI.

• Police responded to a motor vehicle accident in the 6900 block of 21st Avenue South in Centerville May 23. A report was completed.

• Police responded to a domestic assault in Lexington May 23.

• Officers responded to a domestic situation in Circle Pines May 24.

• Police responded to the 9300 block of Lexington Avenue in Lexington May 24 for a two-vehicle property damage accident.

• An officer conducted a traffic stop near Lake Drive and Lexington Avenue in Lexington May 26. The vehicle was stolen, and the juvenile driver was a runaway. The family did not wish to pursue charges, and the juvenile was picked up by a relative.

• Officers were dispatched to the 3800 block of Liberty Lane in Lexington May 26 for a harassment report.

• Officers responded to the 8900 block of Hamline Avenue in Lexington on a report of a possible burglary May 27.

• An officer took a report of a license plate being cloned in the 8900 block of North Highway Drive in Lexington May 27. A Blaine incident captured images of the vehicle.

• Extra patrol was requested along Park Drive in Circle Pines May 27.

Registration opens for Anoka County Recycling Ambassador Program

Anoka County Recycling and Resource Solutions is kicking off its Recycling Ambassador program, and registration is now open for the upcoming course. The free six-week program is held virtually from 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday evenings, June 11 to July 23. The program is led by industry experts covering waste reduction, recycling and composting. Once the course is completed, participants can educate and inspire others to reduce, reuse and recycle.  Class topics will include an introduction to the Recycling Ambassador Program and overview of solid waste management; the recycling process and residential waste; food and organic waste; recycling beyond the curb; recycling in public spaces; and motivating behavior change and graduation. For more information, visit https://www.anokacountymn.gov/2104/ Recycling-Ambassadors. Anyone interested in becoming a Recycling Ambassador can contact Anoka County Recycling and Resource Solutions at 763-324-3400 or fill out the online form.

consultations

CLPD swears in new officer

The Centennial Lakes Police Department (CLPD) has a new officer in field training, his name is Brock Baker (left). He was officially sworn in by CLPD Chief James Mork.

COUNTY BRIEF

New updates revealed on I-35E reconstruction project

BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER

Ramsey County Public Works recently unveiled updates to its ongoing County Road J & I-35E Interchange reconstruction planning at an house event. The event, which was hosted at the Ramsey County Public Works Office from 4 to 6 p.m., is the second open house related to the project. The first open house, held last summer, introduced some initial concepts.

The project was first introduced in late 2021. Project members identified several traffic congestion and access issues affecting pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. The proposed solutions included creating access from southbound I-35E to County Road J, creating access from County Road J to northbound I-35E, and improving County Road J between Centerville Road and Otter Lake Road.

One new change concerns a roundabout at Centerville Road and County Road J. “We considered an option to make it potentially bigger,” said Project Consultant Chris Hiniker. “We backed off on doing that to reduce costs and right-of-way impact.” Hiniker also highlighted potentially higher traffic congestion as a reason why plans did not move forward.

Anoka County Assistant County Engineer Jerry Auge further emphasized the changes during the open house. “We’re working to improve the intersection at Otter Lake Road,” said Auge. “Right now, it’s a T-intersection that will turn into

WEEKLY WAG

a roundabout. It’ll connect into the east side ramps, both the northbound off-ramp and the northbound on-ramp to I-35E.” Auge said this would give greater access to motorists coming from the road to I-35E.

Auge also spotlighted other CONTRIBUTED improvements, specifically the fourway intersection of 20th Avenue South and County Road J in White Bear Township. “We’re going to turn that into a roundabout as well,” said Auge. “We’ll also add an off-ramp going southbound in that location. It’ll improve the safety and speed of the vehicles in the area.”

After the first open house, Lino Lakes resident Amy Donlen said she was happy with the changes in plans for County Road J. “I think they made some good changes to the first several plans,” said Donlen, who lives on Centerville Road. One initial plan involved extending County Road J through a conservation easement on a neighbor’s property. This was scrapped after significant pushback arose at the first open house.

Despite this, Donlen still voiced concerns she had regarding traffic congestion. “I live in an already busy area,” said Donlen. “An access ramp to the northbound freeway and southbound exit from I-35E to County Road J will bring more traffic. I’m worried that this will make it harder for people who want to exit their driveways.”

More concerns were echoed by White Bear Township residents. Jean Cook, who lives on Otter Lake Road, expressed similar concerns about traffic. “I’m worried about

POLITICAL BRIEF

the commercial and manufacturing companies off Centerville Road,” said Cook. She said her biggest fear was that more access from these businesses to I-35E would bring traffic closer to Otter Lake Road.

“If there’s more freeway access from different directions, that’s going to bring that traffic closer to our residential area,” explained Cook. “There could be a greater chance of someone taking Otter Lake Road as a shortcut to get onto I-35 E.”

Elise Raburn, who lives next door to Cook, also voiced her concerns. “I don’t know what the environmental

impact on this will be,” said Raburn. “From what I heard, they aren’t going to install any noise barriers along I-35E. That bothers me.”

When asked about these concerns, Project Manager Joey Lindquist said that through future open houses, new changes will be made to the project before its scheduled 2025 construction start date.

Erik Suchy is a writer at Press Publications. To reach him, contact him at 651-407-1229, or email at whitebearnews@presspubs.com

Meet Dasher, a big guy who will be your best friend and will love you forever. Dasher is a Labrador retriever/ Great Dane mix. He arrived at Ruff Start Rescue from a local shelter. He is 4 years old and weighs 85 pounds. Dasher is loyal and enjoys the company of others. He is housetrained and likes the ability to roam the house at will. He is not a fan of being in a kennel. Dasher would do best in a home with an adult who is home more often than not. Dasher has basic obedience training. He is intelligent, obedient and eager to please. He is also affectionate, gentle and playful, and he is social with both dogs and cats. Dasher enjoys playing with his toys and playing fetch. He is a wonderful and loyal dog who will make a great addition to your family. If you are interested in learning more about Dasher or adopting him, please fill out an application at www.ruffstartrescue.org. Once your application is received, Ruff Start Rescue will contact you as soon as possible.

Matt Norris files for reelection

CONTRIBUTED

Norris files for reelection

Rep. Matt Norris, who represents Blaine and Lexington in the Minnesota House of Representatives, has filed to run for reelection in November.

During his first term, Rep. Norris led the effort to secure $102.75 million to fully fund the redesign of Highway 65 in Blaine. He also authored the increase in per-student funding for public schools that passed in 2023 and $300 million in public safety aid. He authored and passed two bills to cut property taxes at the state level, and also

Nicole L Olson Daniel Babbitt

carried the 2024 Veterans and Military Affairs Policy Bill on behalf of the Minnesota House. In a potential second term representing District 32B, Rep. Norris plans to focus on making life more affordable for Minnesotans. In particular, he is aiming to respond to concerns about the cost of child care, health care and senior care. More information about Rep. Norris and his campaign is available at www.votefornorris. com.

CONTRIBUTED

The Ramsey County Public Works department has been updating planned changes to connect Centerville Road and Otter Lake Road to I-35E.

• The Rookery Activity Center (RAC) continues to hire part-time staff. Most recently, three lifeguards and one child watch attendant were hired.

• On Saturday, June 8, the Minnesota Wheels of Honor will visit town for a motorcycle ride to visit the Shawn Silvera Memorial located at 699 Town Center Parkway and honor Lino Lakes Officer Shawn Silvera, who was killed in the line of duty in 2005.

• St. Joseph of the Lakes Catholic Church summer festival is scheduled for Aug. 10-11. The event will include games, live music, fundraising activities and a bar. The church is located at 171 Elm St.

• The city has received a land use application and site building plan for a Fiji Cube project to be located at 455 Park Court. The 3.76-acre site is currently vacant commercial land. The plans include a 32,644-square-foot building office/warehouse building.

• This week, May Vang started as the new building permit technician, filling

a vacancy that was created back in March. Her hourly rate of pay is $31.22, step five of a six-step wage schedule. Vang has over 20 years of experience and previously worked for the town of Oro Valley, Arizona. The city also has a new custodial worker, Alison Gronning. The part-time position has an hourly rate of pay of $20, which is the starting rate for custodial workers.

• The City Council will hold the second reading of an ordinance Monday, June 10, to vacate a trail easement on the shores of Marshan Lake. The trail easement is located on Lots 1-14, Block 5 with property addresses ranging from 7200 to 7290 Stagecoach Trail. Public Services Director

Rick DeGardner explained that the boardwalk was built in 1995 with the original intent of encircling the entire lake, but the concept was abandoned. In 2017, the existing boardwalk started to deteriorate and in 2020, it was removed. “We can’t foresee any possible scenario in the future where

the city would want to utilize this trail easement,” he said. He added that just replacing the 700 feet of existing boardwalk would likely cost well over $100,000.

Resident Brett Shroyer explained that he used to live in the area and utilized that portion of the trail. “It was really kind of awkward. It was in the middle of people’s backyards,” he said. “I hated it. I always felt like it was an intrusion into people’s yards.”

• John Grattan III, owner of 202 Elm St., can construct a 16-by-20-foot building on his property now that a drainage and utility easement has been vacated. City Engineer Diane Hankee explained that the city does not allow structures larger than 120 square feet within drainage and utility easements.

The city will also vacate a drainage and utility easement located at 6590 12th Avenue, the location of the proposed water treatment plant. Hankee said the drainage and utility easement was dedicated to the city of Lino Lakes in 1991 for the purpose of extending sanitary sewer and watermain to serve development to the east. Because of the water treatment plant project, the sanitary sewer and watermain will be rerouted and the plant building will be constructed in the center of the site. Therefore, the easement will no longer be needed.

• The city will go out for bids, again, for its 2024 rejuvenator project.

(Rejuvenators are a product many cities are now using in lieu of seal coating.) The council previously accepted the low bid and awarded a construction contract to Allied Blacktop Company for $110,464.

“After bids were accepted and the construction contract was awarded, it was determined that the low bidder’s materials did not meet the

specifications,” Hankee said. Ultimately, the council chose to go out for bids and use new MnDOT specifications to ensure that more contractors can bid on the project. The project is still on track to be completed this year, Hankee said.

• The low bid for the decorative lighting project for the new CSAH 49/County Road J roundabout has been submitted by Killmer Electric Company Inc. for $127,776. The project is funded through a combination of developer contributions and municipal state aid street funds. The project is expected to be completed by the end of September. The city will contract with WSB for $12,660 to provide construction services for the project.

• The city will grant easements to Anoka County, the public and the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) as part of the water treatment plant project. Community Development Director Michael Grochala explained that the minor subdivision of the water treatment plant parcel required the dedication of public right-of-way (ROW) along both Birch Street and 12th Avenue. The Birch Street ROW, included in Anoka County ROW Plat No. 11, will be provided in the form of an easement to Anoka County. The 12th Avenue ROW will be granted by easement to the public. The city is also required to provide a wetland buffer along with a wetland easement over the existing wetland on site to the RCWD.

The next City Council work session will be at 6 p.m. Monday, June 3. The next regular meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 10.

Shannon Granholm

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Centennial High School’s A and B Honor Rolls were published in the May 14 issue of the Quad Community Press. After publication, it was brought to the school district’s attention that some names were missing from the list. Those names are included below:

Grade 12

Will Aga, Marina Allen, Michael Aska, Aidan Ballard, Sydney Berens, Amelia Bjerketvedt, Jacob Brewster, Alyssa Carlson, Megan Cheney, Kylie Crotty, Kylee Deluney, Katelyn Dorough, Keaten Frase, Ruth Gale, Jonas Gienger, Harrison Grant, Luke Gunderman, Aubrey Harris, Noelle Hemr, Gabrielle Hinds, Brody Johnson, Taylor Keenan, Jaiden Kingsbury, Jagger LaRue, Jordis Linke, Malena Madland, Maia McKane, Anthony Miller, Avarie Mondry, Cody Nelson, Bailey Ottosen, Kate Pilarski, Lauryn Pumper, Jo Reinertson, Jacob Robinson, Isabella Sabby, Brooke Schmidt, Sidney Shirley, Ava Sobolik, Peyton Streit, Elysia Thurmes, Emilie Tran, Addison Van Zee, Phenix Whitlow, Charles Wills,Julia Zalewski

A HONOR ROLL

Grade 11

Omar Ahmed, Charles Augustin, Kayla Berkland, Caleb Bordewyk, Brooke Bugos, Brock Burggraff, Ashley Carlson, Elias Christensen, Gabriella Cunningham, Alexandra Desnoyers, Joseph Dowdle, Rebecca Evans, Will Fuenffinger, Sierra Giese, Heyven Grehn, Kyle Healy, Clara Herman, Clara Hofheinz, Lindsay Ivory, Kai Johnson, Ander Julson, Mason Knox, Ryan Koslowski, Matthew Kufner, Declan Langdon, Thi Le, Teagan Leibke, Zoey Lick, Emma Little, Anya Madland, Mariam Mansou, Anasuya McDaniel, Chloe Mensen, Harper Miller, Hailey Moran, Eleanor Mundale, Anja Norman, Annelise Offerdahl, Abigail Pass, Clare Pullman, Mario

Rivera Quinones, Mary Ryan, Anthony Schermerhorn, Nadia Schuhbauer, Anand Seemakurthy, Elizabeth Slipka, Sydney Sosinski, Levi Struve, Sophia Thao, Emma Thompson, Ana Uzelac, Lisa Vang, Gabrielle Verke, Abigail Wallraff, Kathryn Woelfel, Alexander Yang, Kenny Zheng

A HONOR ROLL

Grade 10

Jacob Arseneault, Isaac Belinske-Strauss, Noah Berg, Henry Brazier, Alayna Brozek, Nicholas Carls, Reid Cline, Madison Daigle, Levi Derksen, Justin Driver, Karley Ellis, Grace Ferguson, Kaitlyn Frank, Amelya Gannon, Wada Gemeda, Tristan Hanson, Erin Hobday, Ellie Innes, Camdyn Janacek, Reese Johnson, Frances Jung, Joshua Ketchum, Svea King, Alexis Larson, Owen Leiter, Delaney Linser, McKenna Manthey, Caleb Melser, Kylie Moore, Andrew Narwid, Isaac Nguyen, Hamzah Odeh, Macy Osborn, Myles Pacyga, Ronnie Pelton, Crow Pinsonnault, Ashley Pouliot, Joshua Ramirez, Brielle Reynolds, Kimberly Rosas, Lily Sang, Sydney Schmitz, Kaylee Schumacher, Isabella Skinner, Alyssa Stevenson, Kayden Thalhuber, Boyd Vonderharr, Reese Whitney, Hannah Worm, Sky Xiong, Claira Zebell

A HONOR ROLL

Grade 9

Amelia Anderson, Sarah Aska, Holly Beck, Anaya Belknap, Jacob Black, Julius Bouchard, Robert Busby, Natalie Carlson, Isaac Cavegn, Madeline Cisewski, Britta Coon, Addison Cramer, Adele Erickson, Lillian Fernandez, Kyle Fuenffinger, Heather Goodfellow, Chase Groshong, Charly Hayes, Morgan Herschman, Ellie Hoverman, Gilbert Joly, Mariam Kashif, Payton Klun, Wesley Kukkonen, Yangzen Lama, Natalie Lauinger, Warren Le, Phoebe Li, Brooke Livingston, Sadie Mahal, Aubrey Mattson, Ava Meyer, Maxtan Miller, Alexis Moris, Anabelle Moua, Lien Ngo, Grant Page, Andrew Parent, Keegan Prigge, Melanie Ramos Garcia, Abigail Rice, Jack Ruhberg, Delainey Schmitt, Benno Schuhbauer, Elma Semic, Talulah Sharlo,

McKenna Stone, Mary Timko, Brooke Ueland, Kaitlyn Vail, Brynna Villalobos, Damien Weakly, Kayla Yang, Xyorose Yang

B HONOR ROLL

Grade 12

Caden Anderson, Easton Bauer, Anthony Berryman, Jayden Brecto, Kyle Brownlee, Savannah Campos, Aliya Chastek, Edin Didovic, Sophia Engler, Eden Frederickson, Addison Gilgenbach, Talen Greeson, Lily Gulaid, Alison Harville, Dionisio Herrera, Aaron Jolly, Maddie Keran, Shea Krumwiede, Jacob LaCroix, Joshua Lee, Gabriella Mayrand, Kade Mortenson, Gabrielle Nelson, Leah Nohrenberg, Rudra Pandey, Carter Peterson, Ruby Reisdorfer, Julia Rundle, Blake Scheierl, Isaac Siler, Carson Snell, Ella Stanley, Michael Streff, Christian Struebing, Charlie Thelen, Emma Trusty, Marrah Van Uden, Annalie VanTassel, Melvin Wallace, Tanner Wettstein, Kassity Williams, Henley Zierden

B HONOR ROLL

Grade 11

Sumaya Ahmed, AnnaMae Anderson, Lindsey Baker, Scott Blackledge, Austin Brang, Andrew Callahan, Easton Cody, Caleb Cregan, Miles Dahlager, Kaden Dietrich, Cole Eberspacher, Katelyn Erickson, Alaina Franco, Paola Funez Galdamez, James Gemlo, Landon Gnadke, Maxwell Graf, Wesley Hamlin, Olivia Hartmann, Easton Hoelle, Griffin Houfek, Mia Jarombek, Eli Johnson, Haseeb Kashif, Jaramiah Knopik, Emilie LaBonne, Kenji Lee, Aria Lowther, Solomon Marshall, Avery McNamara, Meghan Michalicek, Joseph Murray, Melanie Nelson, Madeline Orsburne, Joseph Perzichilli, Sofia Ramirez, Melania Rotella, Tanner Ryan, Kendall Seidenkranz, Greta Stoks, Henry Sykora, Georden Tschida, Christian Vang, Samuel Ward, Lilian Werdel, Finn Wold, Isabelle Yang, Fnan Zeresenay

B HONOR ROLL

Grade 10

Ace Ashmore, Kathryn Ball, Sadie Bass, Wyatt Becker, Lukin Berg, Charlie Bryant, Rachael Bushnell, Myah Carver, Caden Clarys, Jackson Cook, Gavin Cunningham, River Donaldson, Hannah Draheim, Shawn Eline, Ethan Fogal, Zander Gentry, Safina Gira, Quinn Gould, Oumalkaire Hachim, Chloe Hatfield, Abigail Hentges, Marissa Hirdler, Ellamae Homicke, Nora Huseth, Marisa Johnson, Brooke Kajer, Kali Kingsbury, Madelyn Klinkhammer, Calvin Kuester, Colton Lange, Eva-Maria Lee, Kailyn Lindstrom, Sianna Matheson, Addison Melstrom, Molly Monson, Skylar Mortenson, Louie Munoz, Kaitlin Nash, Willem Nibbelink, Oluwatobi Oke, Addison Paasch, Anjali Patel, Catalina Pizarro Neira, Alexander Quesnell, Robert Raymond, Ethan Robinson, Alonso Romero, Wyatt Schroeder, Matthew Siegler, Maria Skeeben, Aiden Stegora, Garrett Taddeo, March Towey, Faayee Tufaa, Madison Vanden Broeke, Cameron Wigen, Happie Yang, Jazlyn Zelaya

B HONOR ROLL

Grade 9

Halley Anderson, Tyler Bahr, Serene Battikhi, Kylie Bertozzi, Benjamin Boothby, Liam Bowe, Mackenzie Buescher, Henry Cadotte, Logan Collette, Matthew Dexter, Samantha Dougherty, Isabell Freimuth, Brooke Gould, Jayson Harmon, Abigail Heath, Hayu Hinika, Ashley Hoyhtya, Jack Ison, Kaden Johnson, Marshall Johnson, Adelina Kith, Timothy Knott, Lena Krause, Benjamin Larkin, Jay Lasley, Olivia Lilly, Kiera Luedke, Olivia Martin, Tristan Melquist, Sydney Messerli, Stella Minion, Noah Morell, Barrett Nelson, Noah Olson, Sawyer Peterson, Cody Ramey, Maxwell Rome, Jack Ruegsegger, Nikhil Samaroo, Artem Sandulyak, Garrett Schneider, Brooklyn Segner, Shelby Sibbet, Abigail Smith, Linden Sombrio, Garrett Stoks, Trevor Szala, Abigail Thill, Madeline Uelmen, Jaylean Vang, Connor Vig, Khloe Waldemar, Hudson Westlund, Peyton Wicklund, Jack Wiste, Angella Xiong, Oleksii Zuiev

Cougars have 2 throwers, 2 sprinters in state

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Centennial throwers Timothy Ball and Logan Huss, and sprinters Trystan Green and Gavin Moore, earned state berths at the Section 7AAA track meet Wednesday and Friday at Forest Lake.

Ball, a senior, won discus with a heave of 162-7. He placed third in shot put, and qualified for state by standard, with 56-7.75. (Normally just the top two advance). Ball has broken long-standing team records in both throws.

Huss, a senior, was second in discus with 150-1. Green ran second in the 100 dash (11.04) and Moore was second in the 200 dash (22.53). Both are juniors. The Cougar foursome will compete at state

Thursday and Saturday at St. Michael-Albertville.

The Cougars placed seventh of eight teams, with most of  points in running events. Noah Berg was third in the 800 (1:59.49), Jacob Podratz fifth in the 400 (51.18) with Cody Nelson seventh (51.93), and Ty Burgoon seventh in the 200 (23.42) and eighth in the 100 (11.41). Finn Wold was ninth in high jump (5-6).

The top relay finish was the 4x200 team placing fourth.

In the Northwest Suburban meet, the Cougars placed seventh among 13 teams May 21 and 23 at Elk River. Blaine was champion in both conference and section.

Ball won discus with a 1750 heave and placed second in shot with 55-6.75. He broke the Cougar record of 172-9 set by

Jason Thompson in 1997. Ball also holds the Cougar shot put record, breaking a 57-year old standard. He surpassed Bob Lovegren’s record of 52-4, set in 1967, earlier in the season. His section throw (above) is now the record.

Also scoring conference points were Moore, third, 200 (22.40); Wold, third, high jump (6-0); Podratz, sixth, 400 (50.68); Berg, 800 (1:59.63);  and Nicolas Jaen, sixth, triple jump (42-6.5).

The best relay finish was the 4x400 team in fourth place (3:25.88) with Podratz, Cody Nelson, Maxwell Johnson and Liban Ahmed. The 4x800 team was sixth (8:23.90) with Berg, Talen Green, Ahmed and Alexander Persing.

Cougars will run in 3 events at state

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Centennial has three state qualifiers — Lauren Klein, Kylie Nelson and a relay team — after the Section 7AAA meet Wednesday and Friday at Forest Lake.

The Cougars placed seventh of 14 teams in the conference meet a week earlier, where Nelson broke two school records.

At the sectional, Klein, a sophomore, was 800 meter

CONTRIBUTED

BASEBALL

The Centennial Cougars lost their Section 7AAA opener to Blaine 2-1 on Wednesday but stayed alive with wins over Coon Rapids 3-0 on Thursday and Andover 4-3 on Saturday. Andover had beaten them 9-1 in a conference game. Blaine’s Ethan Pettis fired a one-hitter to outduel Aiden Lieser (four-hitter, six strikeouts). Jacob Hosfield had the lone hit. Against Coon Rapids, Josh Lee threw 6 2/3 shutout innings with six strikeouts. Lieser belted a solo homer and walked three times. Against Andover, Tyler Gruye pitched six innings (three runs) for the win. Luke Gunderman threw the last inning, giving up two hits but holding the lead. Ben Clauson had two RBI’s on a single and sac fly. Next for the Cougars (12-11) was a rematch with Blaine (9-14) on Monday with the winner then facing

champion in 2:16.38, while Nelson, a junior, was second in the 1600 with 5:05.00.

The Cougars won the 4x800 relay in 9:20.15 with Julia Zalewski, Miranda Sawvel, Klein and Nelson, breaking the school record of 9:27.9 set by a 2015 quartet.

State Class 3A will be Thursday and Saturday at St. Michael-Albertville.

Centennial placed seventh of eight teams, with no points in field events. Blaine was champion.

Also scoring were Madeline Wood, fourth in 100 hurdles (16.50) and seventh in the 300 (49.88); Sawvel, fifth in the 800 (2:26.10); Abby Wood, sixth in the 3200 (11:49); Regina Tandoh, seventh in the 200 (27.21) and ninth in the 100 (13.34); and Aspen Gray, eighth in the 400 (1:02.03).

Relays placing third were the 4x100 with Jenna Simso, Kate Woelfel, Alexis Larson and Tandoh (50.75), and  the 4x400 in 4:03.30 with Gray, Zalewski, Nelson and Klein (4:03.30).

Nelson set school records while winning in the 1600 with 5:01.60 and placing second in the 3200 with 10:56.76 at the Northwest Suburban meet May 21 and 23 in Elk River. The previous records were 5:05.01 and 11:14.84, both held by Kaylea Brase since 2008.

Klein was champion in the 800 with 2:18.37 and Zalewski placed third in 2:29.95. The 4x800 team was champion in 9:36.20 with Zalewski, Abigail Smith, Klein and Miranda Sawvel.

Their 4x400 team placed third in 4:04.75 with Gray, Zalewski, Smith and Klein. Also earning conference points were Wood, sixth, 100 hurdles (16.79); Gray, seventh, 400 (1:01.64); and Kyra Fjeld, eighth, high jump (4-10).

Anoka. Forest Lake, the tournament host, has reached the finals, slated for Tuesday, unbeaten.

SOFTBALL

Centennial’s season ended with a 4-3 loss to Maple Grove in eight innings last Tuesday in the elimination bracket of the Section 5AAAA tournament in Champlin Park. The Cougars lost to Maple Grove 3-0 in the first round and beat Spring Lake Park 2-0. Riley O’Connell pitched all three games, including a two-hit shutout with eight strikeouts against SLP. The Cougars (11-11) managed only 14 hits in the three games.  Lily Gilmore had a two-run single in the 4-3 loss.

Girl golfers place 3rd in section; Thor, Allen gain state

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Taylor Thor and Marina Allen qualified for the state tournament while leading Centennial to third place among 13 teams in Section 5AAA girls golf Thursday.

Thor, a freshman, placed fifth with 75-83-158, and Allen, a senior, placed eighth with 83-76-159, in the two-day event at The Links at Northfork in Ramsey. Allen qualified for state last year, too.

The Cougars also had seventh-grader Tayler Nelsen in 13th place with 87-84-167. Next was senior Lily Rupert with 101-110-211.

“We made it as a team to day two, which I don’t believe has ever happened before,” said Nicole Christensen, first-year head coach. “I’m super proud of where we finished as a team, both in conference and in sections. and that two golfers will get to continue on to state.”

Maple Grove senior Amelia Morton was medalist with 74-72-146. Maple Grove won with 303-296-599. Rogers had 345-347-692, Centennial 348-352-698, and Mounds View 355-344-699.

The state tournament will be held June 11-12 at Bunker Hills in Coon Rapids.

The Cougars placed sixth of 13 teams in the Northwest Suburban with Thor and Nelson earning all-conference honors and Allen honorable mention.

“These finishes made the team realize that we can compete and be seen near the top of a leader board,” Christensen said. “We hope to build on that eagerness and competitiveness for next year.”

Lauren Klein, Centennial sophomore runner, won the 800 meters at both conference (2:18.37) and section (2:16.38), while also helping the 4x800 team win at both conference and section. Klein is within one second of the school 800 record, and helped the 4x400 and 4x800 teams break school records. The 5-foot-10 athlete also plays No. 1 singles on the tennis team. “Lauren is a very dedicated and driven young lady,” coach John Kretschmer said. “She gives everything she has to gain an edge … She has great range, from the 400 to the 1600, which makes her a very valuable athlete.”

CONTRIBUTED

From left, coach Nicole Christensen, state qualifiers Marina Allen and Taylor Thor, and assistant coach Jacob Vevee.

The Cougars’ section champion 4x800 team beamed on the medal podium while pelted with rain. Front: Lauren Klein, Kylie Nelson. Back: Miranda Sawvel, Julia Zalewski.

CITY OF LEXINGTON 2023 DRINKING WATER REPORT

Making Safe Drinking Water

Your drinking water comes from the following groundwater sources:

- 309-foot-deep well that draws water from the Quaternary Buried Artesian aquifer;

- Lexington also receives water from Blaine for part of the year through an interconnected system. Lexington works hard to provide you with safe and reliable drinking water that meets federal and state water quality requirements. The purpose of this report is to provide you with information on your drinking water and how to protect our precious water resources.

Contact City of Lexington, Administration, at (763) 231-9443 or ap@cityoflexingtonmn.org if you have questions about Lexington’s drinking water. You can also ask for information about how you can take part in decisions that may affect water quality.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sets safe drinking water standards. These standards limit the amounts of specific contaminants allowed in drinking water. This ensures that tap water is safe to drink for most people. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates the amount of certain contaminants in bottled water. Bottled water must provide the same public health protection as public tap water.

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Lexington Monitoring Results

This report contains our monitoring results from January 1 to December 31, 2023.

We work with the Minnesota Department of Health to test drinking water for more than 100 contaminants. It is not unusual to detect contaminants in small amounts. No water supply is ever completely free of contaminants. Drinking water standards protect Minnesotans from substances that may be harmful to their health. Learn more by visiting the Minnesota Department of Health’s webpage ‘Basics of Monitoring and testing of Drinking Water in Minnesota’ (https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/factsheet/sampling.html).

How to Read the Water Quality Data Tables

The tables below show the contaminants we found last year or the most recent time we sampled for that contaminant.

They also show the levels of those contaminants and the Environmental Protection Agency’s limits. Substances that we tested for but did not find are not included in the tables.

We sample for some contaminants less than once a year because their levels in water are not expected to change from year to year. If we found any of these contaminants the last time we sampled for them, we included them in the tables below with the detection date.

We may have done additional monitoring for contaminants that are not included in the Safe Drinking Water Act. To request a copy of these results, call the Minnesota Department of Health at 651-201-4700 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Some contaminants are monitored regularly throughout the year, and rolling (or moving) annual averages are used to manage compliance. Because of this averaging, there are times where the Range of Detected Test Results for the calendar year is lower than the Highest Average or Highest Single Test Result, because it occurred in the previous calendar year.

Definitions

• AL (Action Level): The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.

• EPA: Environmental Protection Agency

• MCL (Maximum contaminant level): The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.

• MCLG (Maximum contaminant level goal): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.

• MRDL (Maximum residual disinfectant level): The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.

• MRDLG (Maximum residual disinfectant level goal): The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.

• N/A (Not applicable): Does not apply.

• pCi/l (picocuries per liter): A measure of radioactivity.

• ppb (parts per billion): One part per billion in water is like one drop in one billion drops of water, or about one drop in a swimming pool. ppb is the same as micrograms per liter (μg/l).

• ppm (parts per million): One part per million is like one drop in one million drops of water, or about one cup in a swimming pool. ppm is the same as milligrams per liter (mg/l).

• PWSID: Public water system identification.

Potential Health Effects and Corrective Actions (If Applicable)

Gross Alpha: Previous testing results show that the average level of gross alpha was above the maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 15.4 pCi/L, putting this system in violation of the MCL. Testing will continue until the violation is resolved. This is not an emergency. You do not need an alternative source of water such as bottled water. However, if you have specific health concerns consult your doctor. Home water treatment units are available to reduce gross alpha, which include water softening, reverse osmosis, and distillation. It is recommended that these home water treatment units be certified to ensure gross alpha removal. The use of carbon filters is not recommended for removal of gross alpha, as it may accumulate in the filter over time. Your public water system is exploring methods to reduce the level of gross alpha, which may include an alternative water source or water treatment. You will be informed when the public water system has reduced the level of gross alpha and meets the standard. Please share this information with all other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, hospitals, schools, prisons, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

removal. The use of carbon filters is not recommended for removal of gross alpha, as it may accumulate in the filter over time. Your public wa ter system is exploring methods to reduce the level of gross alpha, which may include an alternative water source or water treatment. You will be informed when the

removal. The use of carbon filters is not recommended for removal of gross alpha, as it may accumulate in the filter over time. Your public wa ter system is exploring methods to reduce the level of gross alpha, which may include an alternative water source or water treatment. You will be informed when the public water system has reduced the level of gross alpha and meets the standard. Please shar e this information with all other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, hospitals, schools, prisons, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

CONTAMINANTS RELATED TO DISINFECTION – Tested in drinking water

Substance

Potential Health Effects and Corrective Actions (If Applicable)

Potential Health Effects and Corrective Actions (If Applicable)

Potential Health Effects and Corrective Actions (If Applicable)

in

the MCL. Testing will continue until the violation is resolved. This is not an emergency. You do not need an alternative source of water such as bottled water. However, if you have specific health concerns consult your doctor. Home water treatment units are available to reduce gross alpha, which include water softening, reverse osmo sis, and distillation. It is recommended that these home water treatment units be certified to ensure gross alpha

Fluoride: Fluoride is nature's cavity fighter, with small amounts present naturally in many drinking water sources. There is an overwhelming weight of credible, peer -reviewed, scientific evidence that fluoridation reduces tooth decay and cavities in child ren and adults, Total HAA refers to HAA5

Fluoride: Fluoride is nature’s cavity fighter, with small amounts present naturally in many drinking water sources. There is an overwhelming weight of credible, peer-reviewed, scientific evidence that fluoridation reduces tooth decay and cavities in children and adults, even when there is availability of fluoride from other sources, such as fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinses. Since studies show that optimal fluoride levels in drinking water benefit public health, municipal community water systems adjust the level of fluoride in the water to an optimal concentration between 0.5 to 0.9 parts per million (ppm) to protect your teeth. Fluoride levels below 2.0 ppm are not expected to increase the risk of a cosmetic condition known as enamel fluorosis.

Fluoride: Fluoride is nature's cavity fighter, with small amounts present naturally in many drinking water sources. There is an overwhelming weight of credible, peer -reviewed, scientific evidence that fluoridation reduces tooth decay and cavities in child ren and adults,

Some People Are More Vulnerable to Contaminants in Drinking Water

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. The developing fetus and therefore pregnant women may also be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water. These people or their caregivers should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER

Drinking Water Sources

Groundwater supplies 75 percent of Minnesota’s drinking water, and found in aquifers beneath the surface of the land. Surface water supplies 25 percent of Minnesota’s drinking water, and is the water in lakes, rivers, and streams above the surface of the land..

Contaminants can get in drinking water sources from the natural environment and from people’s daily activities. There are five main types of contaminants in drinking water sources.

Microbial contaminants, such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Sources include sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, pets, and wildlife.

• Inorganic contaminants include salts and metals from natural sources (e.g. rock and soil), oil and gas production, mining and farming operations, urban stormwater runoff, and wastewater discharges.

Pesticides and herbicides are chemicals used to reduce or kill unwanted plants and pests. Sources include agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and commercial and residential properties.

Organic chemical contaminants include synthetic and volatile organic compounds. Sources include industrial processes and petroleum production, gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems.

Radioactive contaminants such as radium, thorium, and uranium isotopes come from natural sources (e.g. radon gas from soils and rock), mining operations, and oil and gas production.

The Minnesota Department of Health provides information about your drinking water source(s) in a source water assessment, including:

How Lexington is protecting your drinking water source(s);

Nearby threats to your drinking water sources;

How easily water and pollution can move from the surface of the land into drinking water sources, based on natural geology and the way wells are constructed.

Find your source water assessment at ‘Source Water Assessments’ (https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/swp/swa) or call 651-201-4700 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Lead in Drinking Water

You may be in contact with lead through paint, water, dust, soil, food, hobbies, or your job. Coming in contact with lead can cause serious health problems for everyone. There is no safe level of lead. Babies, children under six years, and pregnant women are at the highest risk.

Lead is rarely in a drinking water source, but it can get in your drinking water as it passes through lead service lines and your household plumbing system. Lexington is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but it cannot control the plumbing materials used in private buildings.

Read below to learn how you can protect yourself from lead in drinking water.

1. Let the water run for 30-60 seconds before using it for drinking or cooking if the water has not been turned on in over six hours. If you have a lead service line, you may need to let the water run longer. A service line is the underground pipe that brings water from the main water pipe under the street to your home.

• You can find out if you have a lead service line by contacting your public water system, or you can check by following the steps at: https://www.mprnews.org/story/2016/06/24/npr-find-lead-pipes-in-your-home

• The only way to know if lead has been reduced by letting it run is to check with a test. If letting the water run does not reduce lead, consider other options to reduce your exposure.

2. Use cold water for drinking, making food, and making baby formula. Hot water releases more lead from pipes than cold water.

3. Test your water. In most cases, letting the water run and using cold water for drinking and cooking should keep lead levels low in your drinking water. If you are still concerned about lead, arrange with a laboratory to test your tap water. Testing your water is important if young children or pregnant women drink your tap water.

• Contact a Minnesota Department of Health accredited laboratory to get a sample container and instructions on how to submit a sample: ‘Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program’ (https://eldo.web.health.state.mn.us/public/ accreditedlabs/labsearch.seam) The Minnesota Department of Health can help you understand your test results.

4. Treat your water if a test shows your water has high levels of lead after you let the water run.

Read about water treatment units: ‘Point-of-Use Water Treatment Units for Lead Reduction’ (https://www.health.state. mn.us/communities/environment/water/factsheet/poulead.html)

Learn more:

• Visit ‘Lead in Drinking Water’ (https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/contaminants/lead. html)

• Visit ‘Basic Information about Lead in Drinking Water’ (http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead)

• Call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.To learn about how to reduce your contact with lead from sources other than your drinking water, visit ‘Common Sources’ (https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/ environment/lead/fs/common.html).

Water systems have ongoing infrastructure, operations and maintenance costs in supplying safe drinking water, and many are implementing additional efforts to help insure health equity and manageable water bills with:

• Turn the faucet off while brushing teeth.

• Shower instead of bathing to reduce water use.

• Fix running toilets by replacing flapper valves.

• Run full loads of laundry and use a minimal water use setting.

• Our water system partners with others to help consumers with limited resources make payments to their water bills.

• Contact us to learn more. Published one time in the Quad Community Press on June 4, 2023.

Centerville Planning Commission tables action on LaLonde property

LORETTA HARDING

WRITER

CONTRIBUTING

About city meetings, it has been said that nothing good happens after 10 p.m. It was approaching 10:30 p.m. when the Centerville Planning and Zoning Commission tabled action at its May 7 meeting and public hearing on whether to approve a preliminary plat and conditional use permit (CUP) for a planned unit development (PUD) on the William J. LaLonde property, 1687 Westview Street.

Ten Nineteen Development LLC, affiliated with construction company Markus Ebert of Corcoran, has proposed a 104-unit market-rate apartment complex for the 2.9-acre LaLonde property.

The LaLonde First Addition is proposed to be built on land just north of Main Street, adjacent to Centerville Elementary School, on Centerville Road (CR 21) and Westview Street.

In their presentations, representatives from Ten Nineteen Development and Markus Ebert gave a brief overview of the new development. The three-story single building housing Centerville Apartments will consist of 104 luxury market-rate apartments over a one-level heated underground parking garage. Parking will consist of 110 parking stalls in the underground garage and 56 surface parking stalls on the east side of the building, for a parking density of 1.6 stalls per unit.

The unit mix may contain alcove/ studios and one- and two-bedroom units. Many of the units will have a great view of Centerville Lake, and the apartment units will be “highly amenitized.”

The exterior design will pay homage to one of the most important structures in Centerville history: the Centerville Schoolhouse.

City Engineer Mark Statz said the proposed development would occur in the mixed-use M2 Downtown Neighborhood district and meet density requirements for the district and zoning codes of 12 to 45 units per acre. The commission’s task was to determine whether the applications for a preliminary plat and CUP met city code, with reference to the city’s Master Plan and Comprehensive Plan. Commission members could then table, deny or approve the applications contingent on conditions imposed.

In his presentation, Phil Carlson, a planner at Stantec, said that it had long been a dream of the city to develop the northwest corner of Main Street and Centerville to create a critical mass of housing and commercial uses to become

a commercial destination. There has also been a critical need for housing at all times, he said. Traffic will increase, as with any development, he noted, but congestion and safety concerns would not be at a significant level.

In his presentation of the traffic study, Matt Pacyna, principal at Transportation Collaborative & Consultants LLC, noted that there were four rear-end crashes at the intersection of Main Street and Centerville Road and that none were fatal. “Regardless of the proposed development phase, the overall intersections will operate within acceptable industry standards from a level of service perspective, although westbound queuing is a potential issue,” his written report said. The report suggested that discussions take place with area agencies on whether short periods of travel delays would be acceptable.

In other words, there could be infrastructure changes such as roundabouts, multiple lanes and turn lanes, but the project is not going to go down because of traffic.

Commissioners and citizens in the standing-room-only community space at St. Genevieve’s Parish Community Center weren’t so sure.

Commissioners wondered whether there would be a population analysis of people living in apartments and to a commitment to the high-end type of materials to be furnished in those apartments. They questioned the developer’s stated goals of keeping the small-town feel and whether construction safety would be an issue. Other topics addressed soil tests, whether the apartment building would dominate the skyline in all directions, screening and sight lines, tree loss, the need for a buffer from the apartment parking lot to Centerville Elementary, school traffic versus apartment traffic, and what developers would do if they didn’t get TIF money.

Citizens stepping to the podium challenged the developers about pedestrian safety, especially children walking to and from school, the loss of a beautiful piece of land to an oversized project towering over the lake, difficulty in getting around due to traffic, adequate fire and police coverage, whether fire ladders were high enough to reach and whether fire trucks would have to back up to get into the complex.

Comments addressed whether the complex would become a low-rent facility when luxury vacancies aren’t filled, the possible onset of drug use, snow removal and overall density.

Not all citizens spoke against the

CENTENNIAL

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 12

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

MEDICAL HITA RFP

Centennial Independent School District No 12 is requesting self-funded proposals for Group Medical Insurance. The RFP (with submission instructions, general information and all pertinent underwriting details) can be obtained by contacting Jen Butz at Gallagher Benefit Services -- Phone: 952356-3862; E-mail: Jen_Butz@ajg.com -- 3600 American Blvd W, Suite 500, Bloomington, MN 55431. All questions regarding the RFP should be directed to Jen Butz at Gallagher. All proposals must be submitted electronically to Gallagher Benefit Services no later than 2:00 pm on June 18, 2024. Proposals received after the deadline will be considered late and ineligible for consideration.

Published two times in the Quad Community Press on May 28 and June 4, 2024.

CITY OF LINO LAKES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning & Zoning Board of the City of Lino Lakes, Minnesota will hold a public hearing on Monday, June 17, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Lino Lakes City Hall, 600 Town Center Parkway, Lino Lakes, Minnesota, to consider the following: • Interim Ordinance creating a moratorium on the subdivision of lands for residential uses in that part of the City of Lino Lakes bounded by Sunset Avenue on the west, 4th Avenue on the east, Pine Street on the north and Century Trail and Carl Street on the south. For further information regarding the above item, please contact Community Development Director, Michael Grochala, at 651-982-2427.

Anyone wishing to be heard regarding these items will be given the opportunity at the time of the hearing. If you have any questions or need special accommodations, please call 651-982-2400.

Hannah Lynch, City Clerk

Published one time in the Quad Community Press on June 4, 2024.

development. Wendy Brilowski, whose property is directly south of the LaLonde property, spoke of being harassed with misinformation about the survey, the development and her intentions to potentially sell her own property. She said she supported the development.

Former mayor Tom Wilharber thanked commission members for their efforts and said that property owners have a right to sell what they owned. “Maybe we should have stopped everything when WE came out here,” he said.

Commissioners emphasized that after hearing four hours of testimony, they couldn’t be expected to render a decision in 15 minutes. Commissioners are allowed to table a decision to request more information or to direct staff to draft findings for or against approval or to modify or expand conditions for approval.

However, tabling an action cannot legally be used as a stall tactic to ultimately deny the project, Statz said. A violation of city code could be a reason to deny a proposed development from the city’s standpoint. Otherwise, there is a high probability for litigation. It is rare to deny a plat, but findings must be solid and defensible in court, he said.

“A city must make its decision based on the law today,” added City Attorney Kurt Glaser.

A CUP is a permitted use, Glaser said. However, the city is allowed to attach reasonable conditions to a CUP, based on factual findings. The most legitimate use brought about by the commission’s action of tabling would be to hammer

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

out the conditions imposed on a CUP and give clear direction to city staff to write the conditions, Glaser said. There were already 13 tentative conditions listed at the time of the May 7 meeting. The commission voted 6-1 to table the application.

If approved, construction is anticipated to start in October 2024, and leasing is anticipated to begin during the summer of 2025. The building is expected to be completed in February 2026 to welcome residents.

As the application was submitted on April 5, the deadline for final action by the city is June 5, unless the city extends the deadline by an additional 60 days for more time, as permitted under Minnesota Statute 15.99. The commission next meets at 6:30 p.m. June 4 at City Hall.

Council can make up its own collective mind about the application at an upcoming meeting. City staff is recommending that its June 24 meeting be the decision date.

The tax increment financing public hearing will take place regardless of the Planning Commission’s recommendation and will be held at the June 12 regular council meeting at 6:30 p.m. Due to the large turnout expected, that meeting will take place at St. Genevieve’s Parish Community Center, 6995 Centerville Road, one of the larger public spaces in town.

Loretta Harding is a contributing writer for Press Publications. She can be reached at news@presspubs.com  or 651-407-1200.

Lexington Fire & Rescue hosts garage sale

The Lexington Fire & Rescue Auxiliary will host a garage sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 8, at the fire station, 9055 South Highway Drive. All proceeds will support the fire department.

AFS seeks host families

American Field Service (AFS) Intercultural Programs is seeking area families to host foreign exchange students for the coming school year. Visiting students will be between the ages of 16-19 and live as a member of the family while attending classes at Centennial High School. Orientations, cross-cultural counseling, social activities and more are available to AFS participants. To become a host family or receive more information, call Sue Davis at 763-784-9318 or Centennial High School at 763-792-5000.

Career Force hosts job seeker open house

Career Force, in coordination with the Anoka County Job Training Center, will host a job seeker open house from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 12, at Career Force, located at 1201 89th Ave. NE, Suite 2300, Blaine. The event will include career training breakout sessions, one-on-one walk-in job search assistance and job search in the career lab as well as mini workshops. There will also be video interview guides, door prize drawings and refreshments. For more information, email careerforce.blaine@state.mn.us.

CITY OF LINO LAKES, MINNESOTA

SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 04-24

ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY CODE CHAPTER 1007: ZONING CODE

The City Council of Lino Lakes ordains: Section 1. The Lino Lakes City Code Chapter 1007: Zoning Code has been amended to permit by conditional use sacred communities and microunit dwellings accessory to religious uses in compliance with Minnesota Statute 327.30.

Passed by the Lino Lakes City Council on May 28, 2024.

This is a summary of the adopted ordinance. A full printed copy of the ordinance is available at City Hall or on the City’s website at https://linolakes. us/163/City-Code-Zoning-Ordinances

Published one time in the Quad Community Press on June 4, 2024.

CITY OF LINO LAKES, MINNESOTA

SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 05-24

ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY CODE CHAPTER 1007: ZONING CODE

The City Council of Lino Lakes ordains:

Section 1. The Lino Lakes City Code Section 1007.043 has been amended to clarify exterior wall requirements and reclassify masonry stucco from a Class 2 to Class 3 Primary Material.

Passed by the Lino Lakes City Council on May 28, 2024.

This is a summary of the adopted ordinance. A full printed copy of the ordinance is available at City Hall or on the City’s website at https://linolakes. us/163/City-Code-Zoning-Ordinances

Published one time in the Quad Community Press on June 4, 2024.

CITY OF LINO LAKES

SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 06-24

AN ORDINANCE VACATING DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENT

Section 1: Findings

The City Council of Lino Lakes has determined to vacate a portion of the drainage and utility easement dedicated over, under, and across Lot 1, Block 1, Bald Eagle Addition; and

A public hearing was held on May 13, 2024 before the City Council in the City Hall Council Chambers after due published and posted notice had been given and a reasonable attempts were made to give personal notice to all affected property owners, and all persons interested were given an opportunity to be heard; and Section 3: Effect

This ordinance shall be in force and effect from and after its passage and publication according to the Lino Lakes City Charter and upon recording of the Drainage and Utility Easement Vacation.

Passed

FROM PAGE 13

BOYS LACROSSE

Centennial (8-7) have cruised through the first two rounds of Section 7 and will face top-seeded Andover (11-3) there Tuesday, 7 p.m., in the semifinals. The No. 5 seed Cougars won 17-2 over Grand Rapids/Greenway (2-12) at home Tuesday,

led by Logan Adams with five goals, and 16-8 over Cloquet-Esko-Carlton (10-3) there Thursday, with Adams notching four goals and three assists, and goalie Trenton Kramer stopping 12 of 20 shots. In the two games, Adams totaled nine goals and three assists, Brol Scherman six goals and four assists, Kellen Krumweide five goals and two assists, and Gavin Cunningham

five goals and six assists. David Moran led with 14 ground balls.

GIRLS LACROSSE

Centennial routed its first two opponents in the Section 7 tournament last week, Coon Rapids 15-5 at home Tuesday and Duluth Marshall 17-5 there Thursday. The Cougars (8-7), seeded No. 5, now face top-seeded Chisago Lakes in the semifinals there Tuesday,  6 p.m.

BOYS GOLF

Centennial sophomore Cooper Daikawa qualified for the state tournament, grabbing the last slot with 75-77-152 for 10th place in Section 5AAA Tuesday and Thursday at Bunker Hills. Tanner Youngblood (84-80-164) and Charlie Thelen (85-79-164) tied for 32nd. The Cougars placed sixth among 12 teams with a 634 score. State will be June 11-12 at Bunker Hills.

Bruce Strand