Quad Community Press

Santawith AN INTERVIEW

Santa Claus is very busy getting ready for Christmas, but he recently took some time out of his busy schedule to sit down with Press Publications and provide a little insight into how the Christmas magic happens.

Q: What do you eat before the big night? A: I eat whatever Mrs. Claus cooks for me! But I get hungry on my rounds, so I eat the cookies and snacks the children leave for me.

Q: How do you stay up all night on Christmas Eve while you’re delivering presents?

A: Lots of Christmas music, hot cocoa and warm cookies!

Q: How many hours of sleep do you get before you ride out on your sleigh? A: Sleep? What’s that?

Q: Why do you fly in a sleigh and not in an airplane?

A: I need my sleigh, which is pulled by my nine reindeer, including Rudolph. Airplanes don’t work with reindeer.

Q: What’s your favorite kind of cookie?

A: All of the cookies!

Q: Do you always wear your suit?

A: I wear my special suit when I’m delivering presents around the world. I don’t wear my suit in the workshop; it’s too hard to keep clean!

Q: How do you tell the elves apart?

A: Have you ever tried herding cats? I don’t tell tell the elves anything, except “Get back to work!”

Q: How do you fit all the toys in one bag?

A: I use a VERY BIG bag!

District Court finds board appointment ‘improper’

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

It’s been three years since the conflict began, but there is now a resolution.

Three courts have weighed in, one of them twice, on whether Anoka County followed state statutes when reappointing a manager to the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) Board of Managers.

“It is worth (waiting three long years) to understand that cities do have representation in this process. The statute is pretty clear about that, that the county should take into account the cities’ feelings and thoughts on board appointments,” said Circle Pines City Administrator Patrick Antonen. “Representation matters; that’s huge.”

The conflict between the city of Circle Pines and Anoka County stems back to 2019 when the county published notice of a vacancy on

Longtime retail manager lauches pop-up boutique

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

Still in need of a unique, last-minute Christmas gift? You may want to stop by the rainbow building on Lake Drive in Lino Lakes. For the rest of December, Hugo resident Stephanie Hauer is renting space at Pat-A-Cake Child Care, located at 7761 Lake Drive. Hauer may end up sticking around in that space beyond December, or she might establish a more permanent home for her business in the Lino Lakes or Hugo area.

Hauer grew up in the Lino Lakes area and attended day care at Pat-a-Cake when it was

Santa was invited to attend an event called Paws and Planes. The organization aims to get young children interested in aviation while helping to spread awareness of dogs and cats in shelters who need adoption. Although he can only deliver presents with his sleigh, Santa enjoyed trying out a Piper Decathlon airplane.

• The polling locations for Nov. 7, 2023, have been set. They include: Lino Lakes Senior Center (Precinct 1), Lino Lakes Fire Station No. 1 (Precinct 2), St. Joseph Catholic Church (Precinct 3), City Hall (Precinct 4), Rice Creek Covenant Church (Precinct 5), Lino Lakes Fire Station No. 2 (Precinct 6) and Living Waters Lutheran Church (Precinct 7).

• The city continues to hire part-time staff for the Rookery Activity Center (RAC). Most recently, the council approved the hiring of three lifeguards, a child watch attendant and an aquatics lead.

• The tax levy and budget for 2023 has been set. (See full story on page 15.)

• A summary publication of two ordinances relating to liquor licensing and tobacco products has been authorized by council. In October, the council approved an ordinance adding language to the city code that regulates the possession and sale of certain cannabinoid (CBD) products. These regulations included a process for compliance checks and violations/penalties. Public Safety Director John Swenson recommended that the same process be adopted related to the city’s liquor and tobacco regulations.

As a part of this update, city staff also recommends that the chapter of the code relating to beer licensing be incorporated into the liquor licensing chapter. The language on beer licensing generally relates to regulations for 3.2 malt liquor and can easily be condensed into the liquor licensing chapter. The tobacco regulations will also be amended to reflect the current law, which prohibits sales to individuals under the age of 21.

• The vacant community service officer position within the public safety department has been filled. Justin O’Brien, who is currently working on his associate’s degree in law enforcement, was appointed to the position and just started this week. His hourly rate of pay is $23.02, the first step of a six-step wage schedule.

• Finance Director Hannah Lynch will serve as the interim city clerk until a permanent replacement can be identified and appointed by council. City Clerk Julie Bartell will retire from the position Dec. 31.

• After three meetings, a labor agreement for Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS), Local No. 260 has been reached for 2023-2024. The agreement includes a 3% wage increase plus a 0.75% market adjustment in both years.

• Beginning Jan. 3, the public works department will have a new mechanic. Patrick Doyle, a Centennial graduate, was recently appointed to the vacant position. His hourly rate of pay will be $33.26, step three of a six-step wage schedule.

• Residents who live in the Watermark development should consider attending a neighborhood meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 4 at Fire Station No. 2 if they want to weigh in on the selection of playground equipment for Watermark Park. The City Council has ordered the advertisement of bids for the 5.39-acre park within the residential community located along 20th Avenue, north of County Road 14.

The bid package includes earthwork and removals, two pickleball courts, half-court basketball court, looped trail, pier, pergola, signage, irrigation, landscaping, seeding, storm sewer utilities and restoration. The estimated bid package amounts to $1.1 million. Additional amenities that the city will coordinate outside of the bid package include playground equipment, fitness circuit, open air park shelter, parking lot and oth-

er site amenities including picnic tables, benches and bike racks.

The council will award a contract for the project in February and construction is anticipated to begin April 15 with final completion in October 2023.

• The city will continue to contract with Rainbow Tree Care for 2023-2024 for the emerald ash borer (EAB) injection program. Environmental Coordinator Andy Nelson explained that the program was initiated in 2021 to ensure that the city was able to hit its treatment goals for boulevard trees while also providing a clear pathway for residents to get private trees treated at a discounted rate. In 2021, 102 city trees and 163 private trees were treated as a part of the program for a total cost of $15,957; In 2022, 100 city trees and 357 private trees were treated for a total cost of $19.161.

The city will contract with another company, YTS Companies LLC, to remove boulevard ash trees for $9,350. Thirty-seven boulevard ash trees are scheduled to be removed this winter; 23 of those will be removed by the city’s parks crew, and the other 14 removals (that require more equipment) will be performed by YTS.

• The council has ordered the advertisement of bids for the 2023 street rehabilitation project. The project includes a full depth reclamation of Black Duck Drive (from 200 feet north of Crystal Court to the cul-de-sac) and a mill and overlay of Black Duck Drive (from 100 feet south of East Shadow Lake Drive to 200 feet north of Crystal Court); Crystal Court, Mallard Lane, East Shadow Lake Drive (from Black Duck Drive to the cul-de-sac, excluding the recently reconstructed intersection of East Shadow Lake Drive at Lantern Lane); Lantern Lane, Lantern Circle and Partridge Place.

The project is estimated to cost $1,219,100. The council will likely award a contract in February and construction will likely begin in April or May 2023. Final completion is scheduled for September 2023.

• The City Council will likely consider the second reading of an ordinance Dec. 27 amending Chapter 1011, dealing with stormwater, erosion and sediment control requirements. Community Development Director Michael Grochala explained that the city is required to adopt an ordinance that is consistent with the requirements of the state’s general permit to operate a municipal stormwater system (MS4). Most of the updates to the ordinance would be to ensure that the city’s rules and requirements are consistent with those of local water management organizations, including the Rice Creek Watershed District and the Vadnais Lakes Water Management Organization.

• The city will send a letter of support to Ramsey County for an upcoming improvement project involving the I-35E/County Road J interchange. Scheduled for construction in late 2024 or early 2025, the project would add freeway ramps to the north side of the interchange and make improvements to County Road J and Centerville Road. Ramsey County intends to use the letter of support for its Corridors of Commerce grant request.

The next City Council meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27, at City Hall. Be sure to check the city website for updates, as in the past the council has decided to cancel the second meeting in December if there is a light agenda.

Public Safety Director John Swenson takes some time to thank longtime County Attorney

Palumbo, who retired after 45 years of service with the County Attorney’s Office, the last 12 of them as county attorney. “Tony has done a great job of looking out for our residents and victims, not only within Lino Lakes, but the entire county.” Since 2011, when Palumbo became county attorney, he has handled a caseload of 1,195 cases.

Shannon Granholm

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

The City Council recently recognized longtime City Clerk Julie Bartell for 17 years of service to the city. Bartell will retire Dec. 31.

Samuel Murillo, a student at Centennial High School, volunteers to present an agenda topic (Watermark Park) at a recent City Council meeting.

Tony

JUST

an in-home day care. When she was 9, her family moved to Hugo. She is a Forest Lake High School graduate.

Back in 2019, right before the COVID-19 pandemic, Hauer’s boyfriend opened up a credit repair business. She looked into purchasing business shirts for him online, and was shocked at the price tag. “I said, ‘That’s insane. I can make you some shirts,’” she recalled. Her boyfriend bought her a Cricut, and she ended up making his business shirts by herself.

Hauer, who was working as a district manager in the retail sector at the time, then lost her job as COVID-19 wreaked havoc on the economy.

Hauer kept experimenting with making different things and, for the first time, ended up marketing her

North metro resident hopes to find storefront

wares at a craft show held in a garage. She sold face masks and 12 different styles of ornaments. It’s there that the idea for her business, Just For You Designs, was born.

“I worked in retail for 20 years, so it has been really nice to use all of my retail knowledge,” she explained.

After November 2020, Hauer attended a variety of craft shows and vendor fairs around Minnesota. Although it fluctuated from month to month, she typically attended about four each month. During the height of her busy season last December, it was very challenging to get to craft fairs because of all of the snow, she said. So, when Pat-A-Cake Child Care owner Patti Beecher offered to rent her space in her building, Hauer thought it was a great opportunity to

try selling from a pop-up location to see how it went.

Hauer has expanded her repertoire from custom ornaments and face masks to include a variety of home décor and memorial items. Customers will also notice apparel and signs that are “sassy and unique.”

“This is not something that you are going to find at every store you go to,” Hauer explained. “I’m very sarcastic. I have a lot of personality in my body, and it comes through on my stuff.”

Ultimately, Hauer wants to open a permanent store location in the Hugo or Lino Lakes area. “I would love to have my beautiful own boutique where I have something for everybody,” she explained. She also plans to bring in other items from other vendors for customers.

“I want to make it a one-stop shop for all the small businesses in the area to help drive awareness to their businesses as well as my own,” she said.

Just For You Designs will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 30. After that, Hauer will need to decide if her business is going to remain in that location or relocate close.

For more information, contact Hauer at hauers@comcast.net or call 651-271-9244.

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

HEROES

First responders join children on holiday shopping spree

PHOTOS BY SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Stephanie Hauer makes custom ornaments. Memorial ornaments are especially popular this time of year.

Stephanie Hauer, who grew up in the Lino Lakes area, currently has a pop-up shop at Pat-A-Cake Child Care located at 7761 Lake Drive for her business Just For You Designs.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

First responders from nine departments recently took 63 local kids on a holiday shopping spree at the Blaine Target. The Heroes and Helpers event is a partnership between local school districts and the Blaine Police Department. Each December, students are paired with a police officer for an afternoon of shopping fun. A $15,000 donation from the Blaine Festival helped expand the event to serve even more students this year. Each student was able to purchase gifts for their entire family plus go home with some household essentials and food to help ease the burden this holiday season. Departments that participated in the shopping tree included: Allina, Anoka County Dispatch, Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, Blaine Police Department, Lino Lakes Police Department, Spring Lake Park, Blaine, Mounds View Fire Department, Spring Lake Park Police Department, Minnesota State Patrol and the US Marshals.

Creative force

Angle of View

Dols

When I think about the White Bear Center for the Arts, I automatically include Suzi Hudson, the longtime director and guiding force behind the organization, which has become a regional destination for creative thinkers and artists. The recent news that she is planning to retire at the end of the year evoked feelings of respect and admiration for what she has been able to accomplish during her tenure. She has led the organization for the majority of the time I’ve worked in the area, so I’ve been able to witness the growth and evolution of this local arts organization from a small office and classroom — with other classes scattered in different venues around the community — to the impressive building and surrounding grounds we see today. As a photographer, I have to admit that I’m somewhat biased and have long appreciated the visually interesting photo opportunities that events and activities at the arts center have provided over the years. I’ve always been curious about what sort of creative and sometimes outlandish happenings the “cool kids” in town were planning, including art car parades, animated bear sculptures, interactive graffiti demonstrations, ceramic “raku” firings and downtown iron pours. On a personal note, the experience of displaying a photographic exhibition of my work at the center — made possible with a grant from an anonymous donor in the community — is certainly one of the highlights of the time I’ve lived and worked in this area. Prior to the opening of that exhibit I was quite nervous. I knew a close circle of friends and family were planning on coming, but what if the event wasn’t well attended? I finally stopped worrying when I drove up to the arts center and saw that the parking lot was almost full. Once inside, I felt that I was in good hands with the support and kindness provided by WBCA staff members and volunteers during this first-time experience of exhibiting photos in a gallery. As a kind of cherry on top, many of the images in the exhibit were sold in a silent auction, with proceeds going back to the arts center. A few years ago I had the opportunity to work with Suzi on a series of videos for the annual Heart 4 Art fundraising events. I recall the experience as being a collaborative and creative way to learn some new skills. It was at a time in the digital evolution of video when cameras and editing software were becoming more accessible, so we were able to create unique videos that previously would have taken an entire production team to make. Demonstrating that she had a plan, before we started working on the first project, Suzi provided me with a guide outlining the fundamentals of making an effective fundraising video. I still recall a quote from a student who was interviewed for one of the videos. Emphasizing the importance of the arts center in the community she said, “We live in a time of clicks, drags, telephone calls, appointments, rush, rush, rush. There has to be a place where the spirit gets to live.”

I realize I’m offering up some personal anecdotes, but I’ve spoken to other artists who share my respect for Suzi Hudson and acknowledge the respect and support she gives to fellow artists. At the root of much of what I’ve witnessed and experienced over the years is the underlying message of the importance of prioritizing creativity and artistic expression in our daily lives. It will be interesting to see what sort of creative endeavors Suzi becomes involved in next, but I believe it’s safe to say that, in a clear demonstration of perseverance and integrity, she has accomplished and surpassed her core mission of growing the number of ways for community members to engage in the arts and recognize their creative potential.

Paul Dols is photojournalist/website editor for Press Publications. He can be reached at 651-4071238 or photos@presspubs.com.

Growing your greens indoors

lighting, visit https://extension. umn.edu/planting-and-growingguides/lighting-indoor-plants. Provide a source of air flow, such as a fan, to mimic outdoor conditions. The plants should just barely move in the breeze. As your plants grow, you may need to adjust the placement of the fan and light. Select containers with drainage holes and a potting medium that allows for adequate drainage to prevent root rot.

Selecting seeds

Gardener’s Grapevine

Ashley Sobczak

The temperatures are low, and the days are short, but it’s still the perfect time to grow fresh herbs and greens. You can choose from a plethora of edible plants that will thrive indoors during our dark and chilly winters, and you don’t need a greenhouse or a high-tech system. Here’s how to set yourself up for a successful season of indoor harvesting.

Prepare your site

You don’t need to spend a lot of money or devote significant space to succeed with indoor gardening. The most important considerations are light, air flow, and drainage.

Minnesota doesn’t get enough winter daylight to keep plants thriving, but you can get great results with supplemental lighting. A grow light or even a shop light can work well. Make sure the light is close enough to plants to keep them from stretching, but not so close that it burns them. For more information about

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Although you might find herb plants at some garden centers during the winter, another great and more economical option is to use leftover seeds from your summer garden. Seeds can also be ordered online.

When selecting herbs, look for varieties that are listed as container friendly. This is especially important for herbs like basil, which can easily outgrow a small container. For making pesto, most Greek varieties work well indoors, while traditional Genovese basil is best left for outdoor summer gardens.

There are many choices for indoor greens. A leafy lettuce variety such as oak leaf, or an Asian green such as tatsoi, will give you a continuous harvest throughout the winter. They will

also use little space compared to head-bearing types like iceberg or romaine.

Planting

and growing

Follow the directions on the package for planting depth. Herbs can be started in individual cell trays or pots, but they will eventually need to be moved to a larger container. Leafy greens can be planted in place provided the container has good drainage.

Plants grown indoors will take longer to dry out than their outdoor counterparts; to prevent root rot, test the soil before watering. An easy way to check dampness is to poke the eraser end of a pencil an inch into the soil. If it comes out clean, it is time to water.

Harvesting is easy – just clip off the leaves as you need them, and let the plant keep growing! Pruning your plants regularly will encourage new growth, too.

With just a little planning and simple care, before you know it, you’ll be harvesting your own fresh herbs and greens during the cold winter months!

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callaspecialist@presspubs.com

Ashley Sobczak is an Anoka County master gardener with the University of Minnesota Extension Office.

Paul

Meet Briella, or Bella for short. Bella is a sweet, friendly, curious, intelligent and playful young lady. She’s approximately 3 years old and arrived at Ruff Start Rescue after being found as a stray in Texas.

It’s obvious Bella was a family pet at one time because she knows her basic commands and is house-trained. She’s not fond of her crate and has done very well being left in the house while her foster runs quick errands. She’s a Carolina dog/shepherd mix and weighs about 40 pounds. Bella loves to play with her squeaky toys and play tug.

Her foster says Bella’s ears are like antennas because they twitch in the “cutest” way as she listens to everything in her surroundings. Bella is good with all family members and she is social with other dogs. She loves to go on walks and go for car rides. Bella would do great with an active family and in a home with a fenced yard where she can run and explore. If you are interested in learning more about Briella or adopting her, please fill out an application at www. ruffstartrescue.org. Once your

Weather Tidbits

application is received, Ruff Start Rescue will contact you as soon as possible.

COPS&COURTS

LINO LAKES POLICE REPORTS

The Lino Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents: Officers stopped a vehicle for a wireless device violation and for unsafe driving conduct in the area of Lake Drive and Park Court Dec. 6. The adult female driver was arrested for fourth-degree DWI.

• An officer responded to a hit-andrun property damage accident in the area of Forest Lane and Crane Drive Dec. 6. The officer was able to identify the driver and issued a citation.

• Officers responded to a call for assistance from a neighboring agency for theft suspects fleeing the 4300 block of Ball Road in Blaine Dec. 6. Officers assisted as needed.

• Officers responded to a theft in progress in the 700 block of Apollo Drive Dec. 6. The suspect was arrested and booked into the Anoka County Jail for felony theft.

• Officers responded to a report of possible sexual abuse of a juvenile Dec. 7. The investigation is ongoing.

• Officers responded to a home in the 6200 block of Otter Lake Road to look for an adult male with two outstanding warrants Dec. 7. Officers arrested the male and booked him into the Anoka County Jail.

• Officers assisted the Centennial Lakes Police Department on a property damage crash in the area of Main Street and Lakeland Circle Dec. 8. An adult female driver was arrested for DWI.

• A community service officer observed a reckless driver on southbound I-35E near County Road J Dec. 9. The State Patrol was advised.

• An officer responded to assist another agency with a reported unconscious driver in the 200 block of I-35W Dec. 9. The officer arrived on scene and determined there was no medical problem; the driver was arrested for suspected DWI.

• An officer attempted to stop a vehicle for speeding in the area of Main Street and Fourth Avenue Dec. 10. The driver initially fled from officers, then later stopped. Police took the adult male driver into custody and determined he was under the influence. The driver refused testing and was booked into the Anoka County Jail.

• Officers responded to a report of a disorderly juvenile at a school in the 7500 block of Fourth Avenue Dec. 12. The juvenile was charged with disorderly conduct and remained at school without further problems.

It was quite a period of snow from December 14 to 16, but let’s not forget the rain on December 13. In all, we totaled over an inch of liquid water and 7-9 inches of snow, some of it very heavy. The only silver lining was temperatures were fairly mild. Now, of course, cold Arctic air has moved in. This week’s snow should be on the lighter and fluffier side as the Christmas weekend features cold and snow.

CENTENNIAL LAKES POLICE REPORTS

• Officers were dispatched to the 300 block of Nottingham Drive in Circle Pines Dec. 7 on a found vehicle that was reported stolen.

• Police were dispatched to the area of West Road in Circle Pines on a report of gunshots. Officers didn’t locate any problems in the area.

• An officer observed a vehicle with several equipment violations on Village Parkway in Circle Pines Dec. 7. Ultimately, one male was arrested.

• Officers responded to a theft report in the 4200 block of Woodland Road in Circle Pines

Dec. 7. A caller advised that an unknown suspect removed a tablet from his unlocked work truck. The estimated loss is $500.

• Officers observed a property damage accident near the intersection of Main Street and Lakeland Circle in Centerville Dec. 8. The driver was found to be intoxicated and arrested for thirddegree DWI.

• An officer observed a person driving with a revoked license in the area of Fairview Street and 20th Avenue in Centerville Dec. 10. The driver was issued a citation and the vehicle was towed from the scene.

The Centennial Lakes Police Department reported the following incidents:

Frank Watson is a local Meteorologist who operates a weather station in White Bear Lake. Weather data and observation are from his weather station and trips around the area. Frank can be found on the internet at WeathermanWatson.com.

Frank Watson

The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) recently promoted two sergeants and welcomed a new detention deputy to the office. The promotions included Sgt. Nicholas Loperfido of the administrative division and Sgt. Ryannaon Ninow of the patrol division. New Detention Deputy Aiden Berthiaume has been assigned to the jail division.

During the swearing-in ceremony, Sheriff James Stuart said, “At ACSO, we take pride in these events because of the unique roles of law enforcement, the unique challenges facing our profession today, and the uniquely honorable individuals who still respond to a calling in their lives to serve something larger than self.”

SCHOOL BRIEF

Middle school seeks 2

Promise Fellows

Centennial Middle School is in need of two Promise Fellows for the remainder of the 2022-2023 school year. Promise fellows assist stu-

dents with academics, behavior and attendance. Promise fellows receive training, school supplies, a Chromebook and more. If you are interested in interviewing or have questions, contact Peter Knoebel at pknoebel@ isd12.org or 763-792-5405.

County engineer to negotiate land purchase

The Anoka County Engineer has been authorized to negotiate the terms of a purchase agreement to acquire property located in the northwest quadrant of County Road J and CR 84 (Otter Lake Road) intersection in the city of Lino Lakes.

Ramsey County, in coordination with MnDOT, Anoka County and the city of Lino Lakes, is currently developing and analyzing several roadway and intersection improvement alternatives for the Ash Street/County Road J and I-35E interchange project. The design team has determined additional right of way, permanent easements and temporary easements will be required to construct the roadway improvements.

The property owner has indicated to Anoka County staff that they are interested in selling. The acquisition of the parcel will provide significant benefits to the proposed project by reducing the impact to developed properties in the other quadrants of the intersection.

The acquisition will be funded by Anoka County transportation tax. As the project continues to develop, the purchase cost will be shared by project partners. Anoka County will be reimbursed by the participating agencies, or the costs will be credited toward Anoka County’s project cost responsibility.

County enters into agreement with R&RS for restoration

Anoka County Public Health and Environmental Services-Recycling & Resource Solutions (R&RS) will enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the restoration of the Rice Creek Compost Site.

The compost site, located at 7701 Main Street in Lino Lakes, was recently relocated and expanded from regional park land adjacent to Wargo Nature Center to a neighboring 27-acre tract of land purchased by the county for the new compost site. R &RS have worked with a contractor for over two years on site design, plans and construction for the new site; however, the contractor’s scope of work and budget did not account for the need to remove Class 5 gravel from the previous compost site and the accompanying restoration of parkland and watershed areas to their original condition.

The county departments will collaborate and complete the restoration work to ensure continued compliance under the Metropolitan Council’s regional master plan as well as state and local watershed regulations. The agreement runs through Dec. 31, 2024.

• The 2023 fee schedule is set, after council conducted a public hearing and approved annual updates to the schedule. This year’s updates include changes in stormwater charges for commercial/industrial/multifamily housing, sewer charges and electrical inspection fees.

• The snow is now covering the new road work completed this past summer, and the city is cleaning up the formalities of the Minnesota Chapter 429 special assessment process. Council must declare the amount to be assessed for the project, which it did at $650 per adjacent lot, and direct the city clerk to prepare the assessment roll, which she has done. The streets involved in the project include those within the Hunter’s Crossing 2nd and 3rd Additions, Pleasant Marsh 1st, 2nd and 3rd Additions, Dupre Road from Partridge Place to a point 200 feet north of Center Street, and Progress Road north of Main Street.

• As part of the above Chapter 429 process, council must hold a second hearing on the 2022 thin overlay program and City Hall parking lot improvement project. This second hearing is known as the assessment hearing, where the public is invited to give input into the amount of proposed assessments on the project. The date of the hearing will be at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 25 at City Hall.

• The city tries to compensate its nonunion staff as well as its union staff by mimicking the labor union’s contract in many respects, Statz said. This year’s cost of living adjustment (COLA) is 3% for union employees, and so it will also be for nonunion staff, after council adopted the 2023 nonunion pay and benefits plan. Included in the plan is a table of hourly rates for seasonal employees.

• Council passed a resolution by a vote of 4-1 (Council Member Steve King was opposed) supporting the extension of the Anoka County Joint Law Enforcement Council ( JLEC) Levy. The JLEC is a group of elected officials and chief law enforcement officers from across Anoka County who meet quarterly to cooperate on countywide projects that impact public safety. In 1970, a state statute was passed that authorized a public safety levy imposed by the Anoka County Board for public safety projects, such as the CAD dispatch system and records system that the JLEC first approves. This statute was set to expire by the end of 2023 and has been extended until Dec. 31, 2033.

• The city renewed its membership in the Rural Water Association at a rate of $300 per year in time for the 2023 renewal deadline. The organization provides technical and professional support, as well as organized equipment sharing and micro-loan programs. Funds for the dues paid will come half from the water utility fund and the sanitary sewer utility fund.

• City administration reports that Assistant City Administrator Athanasia Lewis has successfully completed her annual performance review and will increase her pay grade one step to Grade 8, Step 7, effective on her anniversary date of Jan. 1, 2023.

• The city attorney reports that Statz has also completed a successful job performance review, and his salary will be increased to $129,375, effective Jan. 1, 2023. Because the city administrator is an “at will” employee without a written salary or step structure, the city uses a written employment contract to set forth the terms and conditions of his employment. Funds for the city administrator salary are drawn from the general fund.

• The city approved an encroachment agreement for a 4-foot galvanized chain-link fence through the city’s drainage/utility easement in the rear yard of 6907 Sumac Court.

• Council approved a revised site plan for the Amazon Fulfillment Center to include electric vehicle charging stations. The approval includes recommendations from the fire chief and encouragement to council to work with Amazon to evaluate the benefit of new firefighting equipment specifically designed to put out electric vehicle fires more efficiently.

• It’s the time of year to renew tobacco and liquor licenses. The Kwik Trip was granted new 2022 tobacco and 3.2 off-sale licenses. Kwik Trip also had those new licenses renewed for 2023. Corner Express renewed its tobacco license, and Wiseguy’s Pizza renewed its on-sale and Sunday liquor licenses.

• The 2022 General Election is just over, and now the city must formally designate its polling places for 2023 by Dec. 31. The polling place for Precinct 1 will again be located at St. Genevieve’s Community Parish Center, 6995 Centerville Road for all elections during the 2023 calendar year.

• Council approved pay request No. 3 in the amount of $72,195.16 to Bituminous Roadways Inc. for work on the 2022 thin overlay/City Hall parking lot project.

• The Parks & Recreation Committee and city staff have been discussing the impact of emerald ash borer on city trees for several months. A first step in this endeavor will be to inspect the trees. Council approved a quote from Rainbow Tree Care for $2,230 to inventory the trees in open spaces of city parks. The bill will be paid from the park maintenance fund. The inventory will provide groundwork to determine species, age and health of existing trees.

• The committee hats worn by council members in 2023 will look much like those they wore in 2022, after council discussed committee appointments. Appointments to committees such as chief or deputy weed inspector will be finalized at the first meeting of the new year.

• Council is bringing back the Junior Council Member program for 2023. Following an interview prior to the regular meeting, council appointed Rowan Shaw as 2023 junior council member. Council also voted 4-1 (Council Member Darrin Mosher was opposed) to make the junior council member a normal part of appointment listing and to provide a $50 stipend for each meeting attended, payable at the end of the junior council member’s term. Outgoing Junior Council Member Danny Peterson will be paid at the same rate, retroactively.

• Council canceled the Dec. 28 regular council meeting due to lack of immediate city business.

The council next meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, at City Hall, 1880 Main St.

Loretta Harding

Sheriff’s office promotes 2, welcomes 1

CONTRIBUTED

Pictured (back row, left): Anoka County Sheriff James Stuart and Sgt. Nicholas Loperfido and (front row, left) Sgt. Ryannaon Ninow and Detention Deputy Aiden Berthiaume.

CENTERVILLE TIDBITS

the board because Columbus resident Patricia Preiner’s term was expiring in January 2020. (Preiner has served on the board of managers since 2008.)

In October 2019, the city of Circle Pines submitted a list of three nominees to the county to fill the vacancy. (The cities of Blaine, Lino Lakes, Centerville, Lexington, Spring Lake Park and Fridley also supported the city of Circle Pines’ list of nominees.) The city of Columbus notified the county that it supported Preiner for reappointment. In June 2020, the county reappointed Preiner.

Circle Pines asked the District Court to hold that the county violated the statutory process when it reappointed Preiner, while the county requested that the court uphold the county’s reappointment decision.

The District Court ruled in favor of the county in October 2020, and upheld Preiner’s reappointment. The

court agreed with the county that the statute (Minnesota Statutes section 103D.551) unambiguously allows the county the discretion to appoint a manager from any city that fails to submit a list of nominees. The Court of Appeals affirmed that decision in June 2021.

In July 2022 the Minnesota Supreme Court issued its opinion, which reversed the decision of the Court of Appeals and remanded the case to the District Court for proceedings consistent with the Supreme Court’s opinion.

Last week (Dec. 14), the District Court released its findings of fact, conclusions of law and and judgment. The court found that “no rational trier of fact could find that the county of Anoka truly considered whether Preiner could fairly represent the various hydrologic areas within the watershed district.” Both county appointees resided in the city of Columbus.

The District Court declared that Preiner was improperly appointed and thus her appointment should be void, effective immediately. The county was ordered to fill the vacancy on the board as soon as possible.

RCWD administrator Nick Tomczik confirmed last week that Preiner, who has served on the board since 2008, is no longer on the board, as determined by the court’s decision.

The day prior to the ruling, Dec. 13, the Anoka County Board appointed Jess Robertson, of Blaine, to the board of managers to serve for a three-year term ending on Jan. 17, 2026. Robertson was included on the last two lists of nominees submitted to the county.

“With Jess coming in, we will have a suburban voice that actually under-

stands cities like ours and what our stormwater issues, what our clean water issues are, compared to a rural city like Columbus,” Antonen said. “It is a very complicated issue, so it took some time. We are very pleased with the decision.”

“RCWD accepts the court’s decision as well as county administration of the statutory appointment process,” Tomczik said. “The district’s good work will continue under the combined efforts of its five managers from three counties.”

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

Christmas Eve: Saturday, December 24 4:00 pm & 10:00 pm Mass Christmas Day: Sunday, December 25 10:00 am Mass 171 Elm Street, Lino Lakes www.mystjoes.me 651-784-3015

St. John the Baptist Site 14363 Forest Blvd N, Hugo www.stgens.org 651-429-7937

ONGOING EVENTS

HISTORIC COURTHOUSE GUIDED TOURS

When: 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, through Jan. 31

Where: Washington County Historic Courthouse, Pine and Third Streets, Stillwater

Details: Short introductory video followed by a tour of the courtroom, 1900s county jail, and exhibitions. Hear stories of the building’s construction and the people who worked there. Free; donations accepted. Contact: 651-275-7075 or co.washington.mn.us/hc

WATER STREET INN’S WINTER RIVER-SIDE ICE

SKATING RINK

When: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily through February Where: Water Street Inn, 101 Water St. S. Details: Free skating for all ages in downtown Stillwater. Bring your own skates. Schedule subject to change Contact: 651-439-6000 or discoverstillwater.com

HUGO

SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’

When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday Dec. 29; 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

DROP-IN 55+ FITNESS CLASSES

When: 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays

Where: Rice Lake Centre, east end of Hugo Public Works building, 6900 137th Street N.

Details: Free fitness classes for Hugo-area adults 55+ by Live 2B Healthy. Class designed for seniors to help improve balance, strength, and flexibility in a group setting. Periodic fitness tests so participants can track their progress.

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

CURRENT EVENTS

HOMETOWN FOR THE HOLIDAYS

When: through Dec. 31

Where: Downtown Stillwater

Details: Free family events happening every weekend through Dec. kick-off with Black Friday shopping deals at downtown shops and restaurants; also include Wintertime in Stillwater Lights Show, costumed Victorian carolers, caroling Biercycle

tours, holiday tea events, horse-drawn wagon rides, photos with Santa, New Years Eve ball drop, and more. See schedule and details online.

Contact: DiscoverStillwater.com/events

‘HOLIDAY

INN’

When: 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through Dec. 24 Where: The Zephyr Theatre, 601 N. Main St., Stillwater

Details: Irving Berlin’s classic musical on stage. Reserved seating; tickets $25-$45. Cash bar. Contact: stillwaterzephyrtheatre.org

SANTA’S TRAIN SHOP

When: First three weekends in Dec. Where: Minnesota Transportation Museum, Jackson Street Roundhouse, 193 Pennsylvania Ave., St. Paul

Details: Music, vendors, games, snacks, caboose rides and Santa. Reservations required. Contact: trainride.org

WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION

When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21

Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes Details: Celebrate the longest night of the year with self-guided luminary hike, songs and stories around the fire, art project, and hot mulled cider. $6/person; registration required. Ages 12+. Contact: 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com

‘A CHRISTMASTIDE HOMECOMING’

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22 and Friday, Dec. 23 Where: Marine Village Hall, 121 Judd St., Marine on St. Croix

Details: Holiday concert with Billy McLaughlin and SimpleGifts. Tickets $45/adult; $20/student general admission. $5 more at the door. Contact: simplegiftsmusic.net.

LAKESHORE QUILTERS GUILD

When: 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27

Where: Shepherd of the Hills Church, 3920 Victoria St. N., Shoreview

Details: Socialize with other quilters at the holiday party. $5/guest.

Contact: LakeshoreQuiltGuild@gmail.com

PUBLIC NOTICES

Patrick Antonen, City Administrator

Dated: December 13, 2022

Published one time in the Quad Community Press on December 20, 2022.

CITY OF LINO LAKES

COUNTY OF ANOKA

SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 05-22

AMENDING CHAPTER 701 OF THE CITY CODE

REGARDING LIQUOR LICENSING.

Section 1. Amendments.

Section 701.10, Revocation, Denial or Suspension, is amended by removing language relative to notice of suspension or revocation.

Section 701.11, Compliance Checks, is amended to add a compliance check process.

Section 701.12, Violations and Penalty, is amended to add administrative civil penalties and procedures.

Section 701.02, License Required, is amended to add 3.2 percent malt liquor on-sale and off-sale to required licenses.

Chapter 702, Beer Licensing, is deleted because beer licensing language is added to the liquor licensing chapter.

This ordinance shall be in force and effect from and after its passage and publication according to the Lino Lakes City Charter.

Passed by the Lino Lakes City Council December 12, 2022.

Rob Rafferty, Mayor

ATTEST:

Julianne Bartell, City Clerk.

Published one time in the Quad Community Press on December 20, 2022.

CITY OF LINO LAKES

COUNTY OF ANOKA

SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 06-22

AMENDING CHAPTER 602 OF THE CITY CODE REGARDING TOBACCO PRODUCTS

Section 1. Amendments.

Amending all sections of the chapter to indicate that the legal age for sales to, possession of, use of and procurement of tobacco products is 21 years.

Section 602.10, is amended to add a compliance check process; Section 602.13, is added so as to include administrative civil penalties and procedures.

This ordinance shall be in force and effect from and after its passage and publication according to the Lino Lakes City Charter.

Passed by the Lino Lakes City Council December 12, 2022.

Rob Rafferty, Mayor

ATTEST: Julianne Bartell, City Clerk.

Published one time in the Quad Community Press on December 20, 2022.

CONTRIBUTED

The Wargo Nature Center in Lino Lakes will host a Winter Solstice Celebration from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21. See the calendar listing for more details.

Cougar skiers open at Wild Mountain Invitational

The Centennial Alpine Ski Team opened the season at the 33rd Annual Wild Mountain Invitational on Friday in Taylors Falls.

Centennial freshman Jordin Flohaug put down two second-place runs to finish second overall among 158 girls. Kalli Halatsis placed 45th and Katie Toensing 56th.

Leading the Cougar boys were Daniel Schooley in 78th place and Jackson Copiskey in 82nd among 172 entrants. Their top two seeds were

GIRLS HOCKEY

Centennial had one loss, one win and one tie last week, finishing the busy stretch with an 8-2-1 record. Their seven-game win streak was snapped by Champlin Park/Coon Rapids 4-3 Tuesday at home. The Cougars took a 3-0 lead on goals by Ella O’Hearn, Lauren O’Hara and Noelle Hemr, but CPCR (7-4) pulled even on goals by Lily McKenzie (two) and Kylie Aswegan, and Kylie Scott delivered the gamewinner in overtime. The Cougars won 6-2 at Wayzata on Thursday after connecting on four of seven shots in the first period, by Alexis Larson, O’Hara, Katie Ball and Nicole Hemr. O’Hearn scored short-handed in the second period and O’Hara notched her second power-play goal in the third. The Cougars tied conference rival Rogers 1-1 at home Saturday as they outshot the Royals 47-25 but got only one past goalie Alexa Backman, when Hannah Thompson tied the score early in the third period. Ava Johnson scored for Rogers (4-4-1). Goalie Kaitlin Groess stopped 62 of 69 shots in the three games.

BOYS HOCKEY

Peyton Blair delivered the overtime game-winner as Centennial defeated Roseau 6-5 at home Friday in their only game last week. Six players scored for the Cougars (4-2-1): Brock Carls (power play), Austin Peterson, Heath Nelson, Drake Ramirez (penalty shot), Hayden Frank, and Blair (power play) 6:27 into OT. It was Blair’s team-leading 12th goal of the season. Harper Searles made four assists and Sam Menne two. Tanner George had two goals and an assist for Roseau (4-4). Shots were even, 31 each.

BOYS BASKETBALL

Centennial has a 2-2 record after

disqualified for missing turns in the course.

The girls team placed eighth of 24 teams and the boys placed 21st among 26.

Individual winners were Jackson Reents of Hastings and Grace Horejsi of Benilde-St. Margaret’s. Team winners were the Minneapolis Washburn girls and Hastings boys.

Bruce Strand

splitting two home games last week with a loss to Rogers 65-59 on Tuesday and a win over North St. Paul 72-55 on Friday. Rogers (2-3) was led by Blake Dalluge with 22 points and Jaxon Fuller with 14. Centennial got 23 points from Ty Burgoon. Josh Lee added nine and Jackson Driessen eight. The Cougars were slated to host Osseo on Thursday but it was postponed for an unusual reason: Osseo did not have a bus driver available. Against North, Burgoon pumped in 26 points. Will Quick was next with 14. Luke Gunderman and Kellen Binder added eight points each and Lee seven. Jayden McLaughlin scored 11 for the Polars (1-4).

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Centennial came up one point short against Rogers 53-52 last Tuesday evening and bounced back to defeat Osseo 78-63 on Thursday, both on the road. Katelyn Maciej netted 18 points and Clara Glad 15 for the Royals (3-2). For Centennial, Autumn McCall sank 14 points, Macey Littlefield 13 and Marisa Frost 11. Against Osseo, Frost tallied 17 points, McCall 16 and Jordan Metz 15 for the Cougars (3-4). Emma Walsh added nine points, and Macey Littlefield and KJ Sharp eight each. Aalayah Wilson, senior guard, scored 28 for Osseo (1-6).

GIRLS WRESTLING

Five Centennial girl wrestlers won a combined 11 of 18 matches in the Hopkins Athena Invitational on Saturday. Lucy Drops was 4-1 and placed fifth, losing only to the eventual champion. Nora Akpan was 2-1 and placed second, Peyton Corbin 3-2 and placed sixth, Alaina Franco 1-1 and placed second and Sophie Nurkka 1-2 and placed third.

Bruce Strand

Marisa Frost has been a torrid shooter for Centennial, averaging 19 points through seven games. The 5-foot-8 junior guard is 17-for-43 on three-pointers (39.5 %), 48-for-96 overall (50 %) and 20-for-22 on free shots (91 %), with highs of 30 in a 69-33 win over TotinoGrace and 27 in a 61-59 loss to Lakeville North. She set a team record with 12 steals against T-G and is averaging 5.0 steals, 4.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists. She’s also an all-conference soccer player. “Just a phenomenal talent,” coach Jamie Sobolik. “She has a tendency to be a bit of a perfectionist. When things don’t go her way, she steps up and takes her game to the next level.”

A larger levy this year as opposed to next year

BY LORETTA HARDING CONTRIBUTING WRITER

CENTERVILLE — The City Council has resisted the urge to lower the levy to a more attractive number.

The 2023 levy and budget will be $2,919,880, a 3.7% increase from 2022.

Council was tempted to increase the levy by only 3%. That would have meant an unbalanced budget and one that would have had to be made up in next year’s budget, City Administrator Mark Statz pointed out. For every 0.7% the city cut from the levy now, that’s an extra 0.7% it would have to cover next year, he said.

That would be a daring thing to do in uncertain economic times. ”We really don’t know what the future holds,” said Mayor D. Love.

It would also not be in keeping with the city’s drawing down of debt by paying now and reducing financial burdens for future years.

The city has scheduled levy buy downs until 2025 and plans that 2028 will be the last year of debt service levy, said Financial Director Bruce DeJong. “By Feb. 1, 2029, the city will pay off all our bonds,” he said.

Because the city has more business property in the community, which is more valuable than residential

property, residents will be paying less, DeJong said. More of the tax burden will be taken up by these more valuable properties. “(This year) we have a 3.7% levy increase with a 3.1% impact. But next year it might be a 3.7% increase,” DeJong said. Postponing the 3.7% levy increase also would not be in keeping with the decision by city staff to make 2023 the year to do the financial heavy lifting.

Therefore, the city’s 2023 budget is reasonable and affordable and is very responsible for the long-term health of city finances, DeJong said in his report. “The budget provides all the services the residents have come to expect and a few new ones,” he said.

“With changes in expenditures and revenues, and an increase of $121,000 in the general fund budget, offset partially by an $18,000 decrease in debt levy, we get a net tax increase of $103,000, which is roughly a 3.7% increase,” DeJong said.

What made the levy and budget increase by 3.7%?

On the revenue side, the city is not receiving any Local Government Aid in 2023. That is some $75,000 that will be missing from the city’s coffers. The city will lose revenue from rental/liquor licenses and police state aid. To make up for a part of those losses, the city will receive about $12,000 in gambling revenue, plus

$7,000 in fire relief and $3,000 in other income.

On the expenditure side, costs increased by about $56,000, most of which came from $66,767 in public safety costs for police ($42,537) and fire ($24,230). Other cuts reduced expenses by about $10,000.

Public safety makes up $1.5 million, or 50%, of the city’s expenditures, and property taxes take in $2.6 million, or 88%, of the city’s revenues.

As for the numbers that everyone is waiting to hear – the median home value for 2023 tax purposes is $359,900, up from $286,910 in 2022. Last year, in 2022, that home paid an estimated city tax of $1,418; this year, in 2023, that home will pay $1,462. This is an increase of $44, or 3.11%.

That is the 3.1% tax impact of the 3.7% levy increase. And property owners in Centerville didn’t see the budget can kicked down the road.

Loretta Harding is a contributing writer with Press Publications. She can be reached by emailing news@ presspubs.com or calling 651-407-1200.

The Cougar Alpine Team athletes and coaches posed at Wild Mountain.

1-2. Centennial Community Education hosted over 130 participants at the Breakfast with Santa event at Centennial Elementary. Families enjoyed a light breakfast, festive gym games, crafts, cookie-decorating and, most importantly, a visit by Santa himself. Families were able to visit with Santa and take photos. The Lino Lakes Ambassadors assisted with breakfast items, and students from the Centennial National Honor Society helped facilitate gym games and craft activities. This is the fourth year Community Education has held this event — Contributed

Area photographer LeAnn Michael captures this photo of the snowy landscape in Lino Lakes during last week’s snowstorm. —LeAnn Michael, contributed

Santa accompanied by the Lexington Fire Department (LFD), strolled the streets of Lexington to greet residents and collect donations for the Centennial Community Food Shelf. LFD collected 16 carts full of food and about $550 in cash donations. — Contributed

Cheryl Heilman, of Lino Lakes, recently hid some Christmas/winter themed “kindness rocks” around the Quad area. It’s all a part of an effort to make people smile by leaving behind decorated rocks in random locations for people to stumble upon. — Contributed

Letters to Santa

Alex, 7 years old

Barbies Ken doll Puzzles Mermaids

Bunny Fashion Fidget Doll

Stuffed Animals

Children’s Science Museum

Basketball Stickie Earrings

Weighted Blanket

I love you Santa Clause. You are amazing and nice.

Unicorn Chapter Book and some pop its and a stuff animal and a gift card to target.

From Cora, I am 7 years old Thank you Santa

Dear Santa, I would like Batman imaginex and lego train set.

Love, Jakob, age 6

must be so hard to visit all the children in the world in one night. Also my dad is the best dad in the whole word.

Thank you! Love, Maverick

—

Dear Mrs Claus and Santa, I have been good this year. May I have some presients?

Remote Control Snake

Hot Wheels Monster Truck Tiger Shark RC

Gumball Machine Maker How are you doing? Thanks, Silas Age 6

Dear Santa, My Name is Hayden. I have been a very good girl. I promise to try harder in school next year. I would like a Hello Kitty Computer and Pillow. I would like a Hello Kitty makeup set.

—

To Mrs. Claus and Santa, I have been good every day. Please can I have some presents.

Toy cash register

Lego City Farmer Market Van

Otter Care & Nuture Set

Do you have any kids? Are you a real person?

Thank you, Sylvie Age 4

—

Dear Santa, My names is Maverick. I have been a very good boy. I promise to be nicer to my sister next year. I would like a remote control snowmobile for Christmas. I also like electric bikes and scooters.

Thank you for all you do! It

Love Hayden

Dear Santa, I hope Santa brings me a gel blaster any gel blaster. I hope Santa brings legos. I hope Santa brings me more monopoly games and more game boards. Please don’t forget to give stuff to the home less.

Zavier

Dear Santa, I want a Barbie house, tablet and horse.

I love you Santa.

Love Izzy 5 ½

—

Dear Santa, I would like a pink toy and a snack.

And a puffy thing that goes up in the air!

Happy Christmas! Love! Joy!

Love, June - 3 years

Dear Santa, I would like a tablit. I would like anather pupy.

Love Sloaney -- 6 ½

Dear Santa, I want a Sonic 2 set, 200 toy dogs and one T-Rex toy dinosaur. Can I see you someday?

Love, Lewis 4 ½

Dear Santa, I’d like a remote control car please.

I’d like a soccer cleats and Mbappe Jersey too. And I would love a cure for cancer for my mom.

Love Lachlan – Age 7

Dear Santa, will you come to my house? This year I would like clothes for my doll please Say hi to Rudolph for me

Love, Caroline

THE FOLLOWING LETTERS TO SANTA CAME FROM KIDS UNDER CONSTRUCTION PRE-

SCHOOL IN WBL

Dear Santa, I hope you are doing well! I have been thinking a lot about you and the elves at the North Pole!

I want you to know that I have VERY good this year! I have done these nice things:

1. I play with Charlie! 2. I help Mom with dishes! 3. I color!

My Christmas wishes are: 1. a jet ski 2. a sonic lego set 3. blocks

Thank you and the elves for working so hard this year! I hope you enjoy the cookies and milk!

Love, Hunter – 5 years old

working so hard this year! I hope you enjoy the cookies and milk!

Love, Josie – 4 years old

Dear Santa, I hope you are doing well! I have been thinking a lot about you and the elves at the North Pole!

I want you to know that I have VERY good this year! I have done these nice things:

1. I wash dishes!

2. I put dishes away for Mom!

3. I play with all my friends at school!

My Christmas wishes are: 1. a jet ski

2. a jet pack

3. art supplies

Thank you and the elves for working so hard this year! I hope you enjoy the cookies and milk!

Love, Emmett – 4 years old

Dear Santa, I hope you are doing well! I have been thinking a lot about you and the elves at the North Pole!

I want you to know that I have VERY good this year! I have done these nice things:

1. I wash dishes!

Dear Santa, I hope you are doing well! I have been thinking a lot about you and the elves at the North Pole!

I want you to know that I have VERY good this year! I have done these nice things:

1. I play with my little brother!

2. I play with my dog!

3. I play with my friends at school!

My Christmas wishes are: 1. brush markers

2. a toy Santa

3. light up shoes (like I had when I was little!)

Thank you and the elves for

2. I play with my sister!

3. I play with my brother!

My Christmas wishes are: 1. walkie-talkies

2. a unicorn toy 3. a candy cane

Thank you and the elves for working so hard this year! I hope you enjoy the cookies and milk!

Love, Amelia – 5 years old

Dear Santa,

I hope you are doing well! I have been thinking a lot about you and

—

For: Santa Love, Eileen

hope milk! years old have you and have done Mom! friends at for hope milk! years old have you and have done for hope milk! years old have you and

the elves at the North Pole!

I want you to know that I have VERY good this year! I have done these nice things:

1. I help Mommy and Daddy with chores!

2. I’m super good at school!

3. I help friends at school!

My Christmas wishes are:

1. a watch

2. makeup

3. ice cream maker

Thank you and the elves for working so hard this year! I hope you enjoy the cookies and milk!

Love, Rose – 4 years old

Dear Santa,

I hope you are doing well! I have been thinking a lot about you and the elves at the North Pole!

I want you to know that I have VERY good this year! I have done these nice things:

1. I play with my baby!

2. I play with Roland!

3. I help clean the bathroom!

My Christmas wishes are:

1. a BIG shark, monster truck. A really, really big one!

2. lego Ninjago

3. an army castle

Thank you and the elves for working so hard this year! I hope you enjoy the cookies and milk!

Love, Brekken – 4 years old

Dear Santa,

I hope you are doing well! I have been thinking a lot about you and the elves at the North Pole!

I want you to know that I have been VERY good this year! I have done these nice things?

1. I cleaned my room.

2. I helped my brother.

3. I cleaned up the couch with my dad.

My Christmas wishes are:

1. A stuffed animal

2. A pet fish

3. A toy dog

Thank you and the elves for working so hard this year! I hope you enjoy the cookies and milk!

Love, Payton

Thank you and the elves for working so hard this year! I hope you enjoy the cookies and milk!

Love, Cleo

Dear Santa, I hope you are doing well! I have been thinking a lot about you and the elves at the North Pole!

I want you to know that I have been VERY good this year! I have done these nice things?

the elves at the North Pole!

I want you to know that I have been VERY good this year! I have done these nice things?

1. I help Mom and Dad!

2. I play with my brothers! 3. I share with my friends! My Christmas wishes are:

1. a police set

2. a nerf gun and armor set 3. another batman tower

My Christmas wishes are: 1. Dinosaurs

2. Baby Yoda 3. Pikachu

Thank you and the elves for working so hard this year! I hope you enjoy the cookies and milk!

Love, Atticus – 4 years old

Dear Santa,

I hope you are doing well! I have been thinking a lot about you and the elves at the North Pole!

I want you to know that I have been VERY good this year! I have done these nice things?

1. I share my toys with Will.

2. I like to do the dishes.

3. I cleaned my mom’s mirror.

My Christmas wishes are:

1. A stuffed doll that has wings.

2. A unicorn toy that has wings.

3. Squishmallows

Thank you and the elves for working so hard this year! I hope you enjoy the cookies and milk!

Love, Harlie – 5 years old

Dear Santa, I hope you are doing well! I have been thinking a lot about you and the elves at the North Pole!

I want you to know that I have been VERY good this year! I have done these nice things?

1. I like to help mommy with the laundry.

2. I like to clean my room at my daddy’s house.

3. I like to color pictures for mommy and daddy.

My Christmas wishes are:

1. Toy puppy dog

2. Minnie Mouse kitchen

3. A mermaid Barbie doll

1. Sharing my toys

2. Helping other people learn

3. Playing nicely with others

My Christmas wishes are:

1. Ice cream Playdoh machine

2. Legos – Giant Legos

3. Transformers

Thank you and the elves for working so hard this year! I hope you enjoy the cookies and milk!

Love, Samuel

Dear Santa, I hope you are doing well! I have been thinking a lot about you and the elves at the North Pole!

I want you to know that I have been VERY good this year! I have done these nice things?

1. Made cards

2. Played with my sisters 3. Cleaned my room

My Christmas wishes are: 1. Paw Patrol toy 2. Robot – that cleans my room 3. Stuffed animal

Thank you and the elves for working so hard this year! I hope you enjoy the cookies and milk!

Love, Eileen

Dear Santa, I hope you are doing well! I have been thinking a lot about you and

Thank you and the elves for working so hard this year! I hope you enjoy the cookies and milk!

Love, Ben – 4 years old

Dear Santa, I hope you are doing well! I have been thinking a lot about you and the elves at the North Pole!

I want you to know that I have been VERY good this year! I have done these nice things?

1. I help Mom and Dad!

2. I bake with my Mom!

3. I’m a really good friend at school!

My Christmas wishes are:

1. a Stuffy

2. Barbies

3. Dolls

Thank you and the elves for working so hard this year! I hope you enjoy the cookies and milk!

Love, Vivihn – 5 years old

Dear Santa, I hope you are doing well! I have been thinking a lot about you and the elves at the North Pole!

I want you to know that I have been VERY good this year! I have done these nice things?

1. I play with my friends!

2. I listen to Mommy!

3. I play with kitty!

Dear Santa, I hope you are doing well! I have been thinking a lot about you and the elves at the North Pole!

I want you to know that I have been VERY good this year! I have done these nice things?

1. I play with my sister!

2. I share my toys!

3. I do chores with Mom and Dad! My Christmas wishes are: 1. Surprise me, Santa! Thank you and the elves for working so hard this year! I hope you enjoy the cookies and milk!

Love, Wesley – 5 years old

Dear Santa, I hope you are doing well! I have been thinking a lot about you and the elves at the North Pole!

I want you to know that I have been VERY good this year! I have done these nice things?

1. I share with friends!

2. I tell the teacher when friends are kind!

3. I play with my sister! My Christmas wishes are: 1. Dinosaurs 2. Monster trucks

3. New puppy! Thank you and the elves for working so hard this year! I hope you enjoy the cookies and milk!

Love, Henry – 5 years old

• The Centennial Food Shelf has more food and toy donations this year thanks to the Centennial Fire District Santa parades. The Circle Pines parade collected 2,595 pounds of food and raised $409 in cash donations; The Centerville parade collected 1,437 pounds of food and $361 in cash donations.

• City Administrator Patrick Antonen has received another successful performance evaluation for 2022. Mayor Dave Bartholomay reported, “He is doing wonderfully. His scores were very high on both the Utility Commission and council side.”

• The general fund budget and property tax levy have been set for 2023. (See full story on page 15.)

• Similarly to other cities in Anoka County, the city of Circle Pines supports extending the Anoka County public safety levy through 2033. The levy is set to expire Dec. 31 2023, and the Joint Law Enforcement Council (JLEC) had requested that its members support legislation that would extend the levy authority through 2033.

Centennial Lakes Police Department Chief James Mork John explained that the JLEC was formed in 1970 as a joint powers board to benefit public safety efforts for all residents of Anoka County. JLEC is comprised of 26 voting members, including the Anoka County Attorney, 11 chief law enforcement officers (10 municipal chiefs and one county sheriff), and 14 elected officials (12 representing municipalities within the county and two representing Anoka County). The levy authority granted by Minnesota Statute 383E.21 authorizes the Anoka County board to levy property taxes to fund public safety projects and equipment projects approved by the JLEC.

• As it does every year, Circle Pines has completed one of the many best management practices it is required to meet for its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit through its Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program. Antonen

explained that one of the best management practices put forth in the plan is public participation and involvement, which the city meets by conducting an annual public hearing.

• The city has reached a oneyear agreement with Local 49 Union (public works and parks employees) for 2023. The contract includes a 5% cost of living adjustment (COLA) with an additional $1,500 in retention pay. Health insurance benefits will also increase by $45 per month. “This is consistent with the increases I have seen for public and private sector employees in the metro area,” Antonen said. Antonen explained that typically contracts are for three years, but due to the uncertainty that lies ahead for 2023, the city decided to only approve a one-year agreement. He said the hope is to return to a three-year agreement Council Member Matt Percy said he was happy to see that the city only committed to a one-year contract, since the COLA increase is higher than what the city has historically agreed to.

The city has also approved the salary schedule for nonunion employees for 2023, which mirrors the union contract.

• The dates have been set for City Council, Planning Commission, Utilities Commission and Park Board meetings in 2023. A reminder to residents who may be interested that the city is seeking members to fill vacancies on the Planning Commission, Park Board and Utilities Commission. Applications are available on the city’s website at ci.circlepines.mn.us.

• The precincts and polling locations have been set for 2023. Precinct No. 1 will vote at St. Mark Lutheran Church and Precinct two will vote at City Hall.

• The city has finished paying its bills for the 2022 street and utilities project. Most recently, the council authorized payment of pay voucher No. 7 for $217,490 to Kuechle Underground. Antonen said the project is now complete and the only thing

that remains is work that is covered under warranty.

• The city has, as it does every year, waived its statutory tort liability limits. On an annual basis, cities who obtain liability coverage through the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT) must fill out a waiver form.

If a city does not waive the statutory tort limits, an individual claimant could recover no more than $500,000 on any claim to which the statutory tort limits apply. The total all claimants could recover for a single occurrence would be $1.5 million. If a city waives the statutory tort limits, a single claimant could recover up to $2 million for a single occurrence, and the total all claimants could recover for a single occurrence would also be limited to $2 million.

• The city has filled a position that has remained vacant since September due to a retirement. Circle Pines received 100 resumes and 37 completed applications for the part-time position. The top 17 candidates were interviewed and the top five finalists were brought back in for a second, more comprehensive interview. Ultimately Jacqueline McElroy was selected.

Two individuals who were proposed to be assessed for the 2022 street and utility improvement project have qualified for the hardship deferral program, which allows individuals to defer the assessment if the assessment is greater than 1.5% of their annual income. Antonen explained that the county will be notified, and assessments will be deferred until the individuals’ circumstances change or before the property is sold.

• Zach Short, an Eagle Scout from Troop 65, has donated $95 to the city to be used for parks or shade tree funds.

• The council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 27 has been canceled.

The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10 at City Hall.

Shannon Granholm

Lino Lakes sets budget, levy for 2023

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

LINO LAKES — Although residents will see the city’s budget and tax levy increase in 2023, the tax rate will go down.

The total levy has been set at $12,893,915, an increase of $1,074,628, or 9.09%, from 2022. Finance Director Hannah Lynch explained that the largest slice of that pie ($11,319.531) comes from the city’s operating tax levy, which includes the general fund, equipment replacement, parks and trail improvements, the Rookery Activity Center (RAC) and street maintenance. A smaller portion of that, $1,574,384, is from the city’s debt levy.

A change residents may notice in the 2023 budget is the RAC fund, which is supported partially by the tax levy as well as user fees. Total revenues are projected to be $1,822,821 and total expenditures are projected to be $1,989,805; $325,000 of the operating levy will support the RAC.

Finance Director Hannah Lynch explained that factors contributing to the levy increase include: police/fire services, park and trail maintenance and

employee wages and benefits, as well as economic inflationary impacts to the supply and service expenditures.

Total expenditures in the general fund budget have been set at $12,177,416 for 2023, which represents an increase of $512,654, or 4.39%. Most of the general fund budget is used for public safety followed by public services, administration and community development.

The city’s net tax capacity will increase from $25,481,685 in 2022 to $32,944,731 in 2023, or by 29.29%.

The city’s tax rate will decrease from 40.154% in 2022 to 34.925% in 2023.

Council Member Christopher Lyden inquired about how the total tax rate in 2023 compares to 2022. Lynch explained that the total tax rate, which includes Anoka County, the city of Lino Lakes, the Centennial School District, and other entities, will be 88.194 in 2023, which is a dramatic decrease from 2022, when the tax rate was 100.5.

“This budget represents a successful collaboration between our council and the staff. We recognize that costs have gone up significantly, regardless (whether) you are running your household budget or a city

budget,” Lyden said. “This budget is as conservative as possible, while meeting the needs of our residents.”

Lynch did provide a familiar disclaimer that other cities have been providing residents in their budget presentations. “Values is not something that we have control of at the city or something that we can change … but it is a big story for taxes payable 2023,” she said.

A Lino Lakes residential homestead property that had an estimated market value of $325,514 in 2022 will have an estimated market value of $402,400 in 2023, which represents a 23.62% increase.

Minnesota statutes require cities to adopt and certify a final 2022 tax levy, collectible in 2023, on or before Dec. 28. The council ultimately approved a laundry list of resolutions, all relating to the budget/ levy, including: the final 2022 tax levy, collectible in 2023; the final general fund operating budget; the RAC fund budget; the enterprise fund budget; the capital equipment fund budget; and a resolution committing the general fund balance.

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

Circle Pines approves budget increase for 2023

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

CIRCLE PINES — Although residents will see the city’s budget increase in 2023, the city’s tax rate will decrease.

The 2023 general fund budget has been set at $3,282,251, a 3.5% increase ($109,622) from 2022.

City Finance Director Kate Manson explained that contributing factors that led to increased expenditures include: cost of living, capital projects, park projects, city vehicle

replacements, ongoing street maintenance, increases in personnel costs and insurance, as well as the purchase of capital equipment.

“Even though the city’s needs are increasing, the tax rate is actually going down,” Manson said.

The levy has been set at $3,031,866, which represents a 4.0% increase from $2,914,669 in 2022.

The city’s tax rate will drop from 2022’s rate of 49.99% down to 44.00% in 2023. Manson said the decrease is because taxable property values increased. The median change in

market value in Circle Pines has increased since 2022, like other cities in Anoka County, has increased significantly — by 21%.

“That’s pretty unprecedented. I don’t think we have seen that in any of our lives,” she said.

A $200,000 Circle Pines home appreciated in value by roughly 21%, which would make the home worth $242,000. The taxes on this new valuation will increase the city tax by $5.94 each month.

Mayor Dave Bartholomay said he is pleased that the city will be able to

keep the levy increase (3.94%) close to its average increase (3.44%). “It gives us a little more room, because we are going to have some utility fee increases to cover some of the construction, water and sewer … It’s nice to keep this bill down because we have other things going on, too,” he said.

651-407-

Here is how this year’s expenditures compare to previous budgets since 2017.

The levy has been set at $3,031,866, which represents a 4.0% increase from $2,914,669 in 2022. The city’s tax rate will drop from 2022’s rate of 49.99% down to 44.00% in 2023.

Dangerous driving behaviors on the rise

A new report reveals that unsafe driving behaviors increased from 2020 to 2021. The increase comes after three years of steady declines.

According to the new study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the rise in risky behaviors included speeding, red-light running, drowsy driving and driving impaired due to cannabis or alcohol. The most alarming increase was among drivers admitting to getting behind the wheel after drinking enough that they felt they were over the legal limit — an increase of nearly 24%.

“The reversal in the frequency of U.S. drivers engaging in risky driving behavior is disturbing,” said Meredith Mitts, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “While drivers acknowledge that certain activities like speeding and driving impaired

are not safe, many engage in these activities anyway. This reckless attitude can be life altering.”

Traffic fatalities have increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 42,915 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2021. That’s a 10.5% increase from the 38,824 fatalities in 2020.

According to NHTSA, dangerous driving behaviors such as speeding, alcohol impairment and non-use of seatbelts account for a considerable proportion of the increased fatalities.

“Traffic patterns have largely normalized since the start of the pandemic, yet traffic fatalities are at their highest level in nearly two decades,” Mitts continued. “We can reverse this trend if drivers slow down, avoid

distractions and never drive impaired.”

As dangerous driving behavior becomes more common on the road, AAA recommends that drivers ensure that they are adequately protected against the growing risks.

Tips for drivers:

• Make sure you are protected with adequate insurance coverage

• Be mindful of your own driving habits

• Be prepared in the event of a crash

• Know what to do when a crash occurs

• Move over for stranded motorists and first responders

Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at

1227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.

Managing

The city of Lino Lakes has set the levy at $12,893,915, an increase of $1,074,628, or 9.09%, from 2022.

The city tax rate for 2023 will be 34.925% in 2023. The total tax rate, which includes Anoka County, the city of Lino Lakes, the Centennial School District, and other entities, will be 88.194 in 2023, which is a dramatic decrease from 2022, when the tax rate was 100.5.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

This graph shows how the 2023 taxes from various jurisdictions compare to 2022 for a median residential home.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

This graphic depicts what portion of a resident’s dollar goes to which jurisdiction. Most of a resident’s dollar is given to the Centennial School District, followed by the city of Circle Pines and Anoka County.

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