Large levy increase accompanies debt service decrease
BY LORETTA B. HARDING CONTRIBUTING WRITER
CENTERVILLE — Citizens will see a large levy increase for 2025 but have been promised a major debt service decrease for next year and the elimination of debt service altogether within five years.
The total 2025 levy of $3.2 million increased by 7.7%, compared with the 2024 levy of $3 million. The general fund budget of $3.4 million increased 2.8%, compared with the 2024 general fund budget of $3 million.
The reasons for the increases are twofold. The city’s expenditures increased by some $93,000, and its revenues decreased by some $192,000, Finance Director Bruce DeJong said.
Not only does the city have to match that $93,000 in additional expenses with an equal amount of revenues to balance the budget, but it must also do so with revenues that come from somewhere else, such as increased levy dollars.
Some reasons for expenditure increases for 2025 include $44,900 in employee cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) and step increases; $29,456 in Centennial Lakes Police Department (CLPD) budget increases; and $17,633 in the fire contract, park maintenance and other increases.
At the same time, the city lost a substantial amount of non-tax revenue that it relied on in 2024, such as the one-time state public safety grant and other state grant monies totaling $171,186. Due to its growth, the city is now excluded from the Local Government Aid (LGA) formula and will not receive the $25,315 it relied on in the past.
With the absence of $192,601 in non-tax revenue and the $93,637 increase in expenditures amounting to 2.8% of the total budget, a $286,238 levy is needed to balance the budget for 2025.
The city’s expenditures pay for public safety (police, fire and building inspections) at 48.4% of the spending pie. Running the government takes up 21% of the spending pie; public works, transfers out to fund equipment replacements, and street improvements make up the rest.
Property tax money makes up 87.8% of the revenue pie; licenses and fees contribute 5.65% and fines and forfeitures bring in less than 3%.
SEE BUDGET, PAGE 3
Concept plan proposes 149 single-family homes, 113 townhomes
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
LINO LAKES — One hundred and forty-nine single-family homes and 113 townhomes have been proposed to be built in Lino Lakes, just north of Centerville.
The planned unit development (PUD) concept plan for Peltier Ponds is being proposed by U.S. Home LLC, also known as Lennar. Lennar is responsible
for the Watermark development located directly across from the proposed development site on County Road 54.
Currently, the property where Peltier Ponds is proposed to be built is owned by Hal and Pam Liebel, who reside at 7566 Peltier Lake Drive. According to City Planner Katie Larsen, their property, and a second property located at 7542 Peltier Lake Drive, will be exceptions within the proposed development.
“One thing we are hoping to accomplish with this project would be to take Peltier Lake Drive and somewhat realign it. We would still keep the road right of way, but remove the physical street and put a trail there,” Larsen added. “So, then we would be creating a public value trail along the lake.” SEE PELTIER PONDS, PAGE 13
Centennial student joins 1st-ever teen council
Six high schoolers from around the Twin Cities will spend the next eight months learning about museum work through the Cafesjian Art Trust (CAT) Museum Teen Council. This is the first year of the council’s existence.
“This is an initiative that has been really important to Kathie Cafesjian Baradaran,” said Laura Steefel-Moore, the museum’s director of education and community engagement. “From day one, it was really important for her that we serve and engaged young adults, but particularly teenagers.”
Steefel-Moore also oversees the council. She added that the group meets once a month at the museum. Beginning in November, group members will begin to learn more about the different careers in museum work and discuss which pieces from the museum’s collection will be featured in an exhibition of their own creation. Another goal of the council is to help implement a public program in the future.
SEE TEEN COUNCIL , PAGE 2
The Cafesjian Art Trust Teen Council consists of students from six high schools from around the North Metro area.
TEEN COUNCIL: Council member gains experience, learns about possible careers
FROM PAGE 1
The council’s exhibition will be showcased in May in the museum’s Focus Gallery. Recently, Press Publications sat down with Kiera Cottle from Centennial High School to learn more about her.
Q. Tell me about yourself.
A. I’m a member of the Class of 2026 at Centennial High School. I’m a peer leader, I swim, I do throw, and I’m in DECA.
Q. How did you hear about the CAT Teen Council?
A. Through the museum’s Instagram. I saw one of their posts, and when I visited the page I learned more about the council and decided to apply.
Q. What made you want to join/apply?
A. I like art, I like museums and I like learning and working with other people, so it all seemed to perfectly fit together.
“Chris was amazing to work with. Every
Q. What are you hoping to gain from this experience?
A. Working with other people in museums. I want to work in a museum in the future, so this will give me an idea of what it’s like.
Q. What are you most looking forward to while on the council?
A. I’m looking forward to looking through all the artwork and writing about it — I’m really excited about writing about the art!
Q. How do you think being on the council will benefit you in the future?
A. I want to work at a museum, and curating sounds like the most interesting thing you can do at a museum. This is giving me a good idea and good experience of what it’s actually like to be a curator.
Other council members include Alyssa Frazier and Rediat Tekabe from Irondale High School, Claira Curwick from the Area Learning Center in Mounds View and Sophia Tranberry and Penelope Figueroa-Ray from Central High School in St. Paul.
The CAT is located at 4600 Churchill St., Shoreview. It is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday
through Saturday. For more information on the Cafesjian Art Trust Museum Teen Council, go to cafesjianarttrust.org.
CHRIS JAROMBEK REALTOR®
Happy Holidays
The businesses of Downtown White Bear Lake would like to thank you for all your support for 2024.
Compiled by Madeline Dolby.
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Members practice conditioning an object and writing up a condition report.
For eight months, group members will meet to learn more about different careers in museum work and to discuss an exhibition they plan to hold in May.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Forest Bathing
When: 5-7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3
Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino
Lakes
Details: Connect with nature through an immersive, meditative session of the Japenise practice of shinrin-yoku, with a certified guide. Registration information online.
Contact: anokacountyparks.com
ONGOING EVENTS:
HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’
When: 12:45 p.m. on Jan. 2; 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
LIVE TRIVIA
When: 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays
Where: Lino Lakes American Legion Post 566, 7731 Lake Drive
Details: General knowledge trivia. No limit on team sizes. Every player will receive a raffle ticket for a drawing to win a free drink. The top three teams will earn a gift card, and the last place team wins a “mini trophy.”
Contact: (651) 783-0055
CURRENT EVENTS:
ST. PAUL HIKING CLUB
When: 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29
Where: Patriots Tavern, 145 New England Place, Stillwater
Details: Hike through Liberty Village. Contact: stpaulhike.com
BUDGET: Median home value will increase 3.36%
The good news for property owners is that debt service has decreased by $53,488. The city will pay $254,850 in debt service for 2025, compared with $308,338 in 2024. The last year the city will pay for debt service will be 2028, with the bond being entirely paid off in 2029, DeJong said. The levy increase of 7.7% is substantially higher than the five-year average annual increase of 3.7%. However, the levy increase for 2026 is expected to return to numbers the city enjoyed for the past five years, DeJong said. The 2024 median home value of $351,550 increased by 3.36% to $363,350 for 2025. The estimated city taxes for this median property increased by 1.41% from $1,388 in 2024 to $1,407 for 2025. DeJong called it a modest increase, thanks to all the commercial properties added to the city’s tax rolls. He did caution property owners that their “mileage may vary” because not every home enjoys the exact median home value scenario due to all the variables, such as home additions/remodels, where not all homes increase
by the same amount. Home valuation uses a formula that is based on home sales in 2022-2023.
Starting in October 2022 with the start of the home sales period, until property owners pay their taxes in May 2025, the property tax evaluation cycle is a long process, DeJong said. The cycle includes homes being valued by the city assessor in January 2024; followed by hearings before the Board of Equalization and Appeal in May 2024; submission of the preliminary budget in September 2024; the scheduled truth-in-taxation hearings and adoption of the final budget and levy in December 2024; and, finally, property taxes due in May 2025.
After no members of the public spoke at the public hearing Dec. 11, council unanimously adopted the 2025 general fund budget and levy.
Loretta Harding is a contributing writer for Press Publications. She can be reached at news@presspubs. com or 651-407-1200.
WINTER RECREATION ADVENTURE
When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30
Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino
Lakes
Details: Explore the wintery world of Wargo. A funfilled day of outdoor activities such as snowshoeing, kicksledding and more. Suitable for kids ages 10-13. Registration required.
Contact: www.anokacountyparks.com/classes-camps
NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY
When: 5-8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 31
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: Bring the whole family to ring in the new year at the community center. Registration required. Register through the Shoreview Parks and Recreation catalog till Dec. 31.
Contact: 651-490-4700
LAKE LINKS ASSOCIATION WINTER STROLL AND OPEN HOUSE
When: 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3
Where: Mahtomedi District Education Center
Details: Enjoy hot cider, treats, displays and hear about the progress on the trail and the Streetcar Park renovation, then take a stroll along the newly lighted trail segment and the decorated covered bridge. Drawing and door prizes.
Contact: lakelinks.net/post/january-3-winter-strolland-open-house
CITY BRIEFS
Circle Pines holiday pickup schedule
Due to the holidays, garbage and recycling in Circle Pines will be picked up on Saturday, Dec. 28, and Saturday, Jan. 4. If you have extra cardboard from the holidays and it does not fit in your recycling cart, cut the cardboard into bundles and set them on top of your recycling cart or stand up them up alongside the cart.
City Council approves 2025 schedule of pay
The Circle Pines City Council adopted the 2025 schedule of pay and compensation for city staff. This mirrors the 2025 union contract of a 3% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase effective Jan. 1, and an increase of health benefits of $50 per month.
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 761757
OPINION
The stars told the story
More than 2,000 years ago the stars pointed to a revolution that was about to take place on earth. Astrologers, though we don’t know their names, followed the stars to see the newborn king in Bethlehem. They went to Herod, the king, and he didn’t know about it so they continued following the bright star until they found Jesus in Bethlehem. Herod went about sending a decree that male babies up to two years old should be killed. From my youth until this day, I feel it is important to celebrate the birthday of Jesus. However, today it is so woven with commercialism we hardly grasp the meaning. We need to know more about the life of Jesus.
About the Town
Today we celebrate in many different ways. Dinners with family and friends, gift exchanges, and for some it’s travel time.
Since the ‘70s, we have taken our family to the Festival of Christmas concert at Bethel University. We did that again this year. Bethel was celebrating the 68th festival in the Great Hall at the Arden Hills campus. It’s a wonderful way to begin the Christmas season. Following the concert was a beautifully prepared Scandinavian buffet.
Throughout the concert my eyes got a little teary having 20 of our family members surround us. I think of the memories of Kathy teaching in the Bethel music department and the opportunity I had to serve on the Board of Regents for more than a decade.
Christmas memories
Memories are wonderful to reflect on. The first memorable Christmas gift was a farm set from my Uncle Ed and Aunt Myrtle Olson, my mom’s sister. I must have been three or four years old.
Another memorable gift was an American Flyer passenger train with the introduction of the S gauge two-rail toy train. That prompted building a large layout in the basement in 1946 at the age of 10. Over the years memories continued, being married at the age of 18 to Joan Ostrom, building our own home in White Bear Township, and losing our first child at birth. Thankfully, Julie was born in good health a year later.
I worked at the Press above the Getty building at the age of 16 and continued until the age of 20 when the opportunity came to buy our first newspaper in Atwater in west central Minnesota. Then we purchased the paper in Olivia and I eventually came back to buy the White Bear Press and other newspapers in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Making up wonderful memories are the many friendships, a growing family, and opportunities to serve community organizations as well as National Newspaper Association work. Another big highlight was serving on board leadership at Bethel University. We have had 28 foreign visitors live with us and have been able to travel to over 75 countries in the world and consult in several under-developed countries in Europe, South America and the South Pacific.
Merry Christmas, readers
Kathy and I hope you have cherished memories that will be with you for years to come. Enjoy the special traditions that you have come to enjoy. Find ways to help to those less fortunate. Take time to be with those you love and be charitable with your resources. Don’t forget our heritage, our democracy, and pray for our nation and world leaders.
Gene Johnson is publisher emeritus of Press Publications.
Truly stronger together, happy holidays
TMovers & Shakers
he holiday season offers an opportunity to reflect and give thanks. Thanks for the numerous blessings we enjoy as citizens of the United States of America. We have the freedom of choice. The freedom to share our voice. The freedom to choose our religion and celebrate Christmas. I am thankful to our founding fathers for establishing these freedoms and to the men and women who have sacrificed so we can maintain them. We also have the freedom to serve. When we hear the word serve, certain images may come to mind; those who serve in the armed forces, those who serve in public safety
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capacities, we may even think of those who choose to work in the service industry. I am grateful for each and every person who applies their trade in one of those categories. I want to recognize those who choose to serve in other capacities. I am inspired by those who have a passion for serving our youth, Sunday School teachers, schoolteachers, scout leaders and coaches. Generation after generation individuals’ step into these critical roles and make a lasting impact on our society. Being involved in local politics, I notice and want to thank those who step forward to serve on boards, committees and commissions. These individuals give countless hours behind the scenes collaborating, planning and working towards the common good of their individual cities. Here in Centerville, we have a Lions Club whose very mission is to serve. Every person
is a volunteer and throughout the year they have an immeasurable impact on our city, for that I offer a deep and sincere thanks. I want to thank our elected officials, especially at the local level, these individuals step forward to serve their fellow citizens in an effort to provide safety and community. I feel so humbled and honored for the opportunity to serve my community for the past 20 years. Serving the City of Centerville as a Planning and Zoning Commissioner, a City Council Member and as Mayor has been an experience I will always treasure. I thank you for your trust and your support throughout my time in office. Please know my gratitude runs deep! Prayers for a festive holiday season and a very Merry Christmas. We are truly Stronger Together!
D. Love is the outgoing mayor of Centerville
QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES
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.
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Gene Johnson
D. Love
Letters received Hello, children!
Thank you for sending your letters to old Santa! It was great fun reading them! But a “fart gun?” Seriously? Well … maybe.
I read all the letters. Thank you for sending them to the Quad Community Press, they’re great helpers for old Santa.
I enjoyed reading your requests and be assured that I will talk to my helpers and we’ll see what we can do. Thank you for all the well wishes to Mrs. Claus and the elves, too! They all said, “thank you!” Santa, Mrs. Claus and all the elves wish all of you a very Merry Christmas! With warmest wishes,
Santa Claus North Pole Workshop North Pole
Pastor’s Ponderings
WEEKLY WAG
Novalee is a smart, confident and energetic young lady who is ready to join a loving and active family. She is a Great Pyrenees/ border collie mix and weighs 31 pounds. Novelee is approximately four months old. She arrived at Ruff Start Rescue from Texas, where she was found abandoned with her mother and littermates. All are doing well and are ready to go to loving forever homes.
Novelee loves attention and she is very playful. She really enjoys being outside where she can roam and explore. So, a home with a securely fenced yard would suit
her well. She would also do well as an addition with another friendly, playful dog, who could help acclimate her to the house routine and help expel her boundless energy. Novalee is friendly to everyone she meets, and she has a lot of potential. With patience and loving guidance, she will make a wonderful addition and companion to an active person or family. If you are interested in learning more about Novalee or adopting her, please fill out an application at www.ruffstartrescue.org. Once your application is received, Ruff Start Rescue will contact you as soon as possible.
Do not be afraid, Merry Christmas dear community
Turn on the news and each story we hear tells of destruction and death. Another person has succumbed to despair and taken destructive action on the community. Another mass shooting destroying the dreams of innocents. Another violent conflict erupting across the globe and enflaming neighborhoods. Another natural disaster changing the landscapes of people’s lives and scaring creation. Another day of heartache, suffering and pain. Another reason to be fearful and worry about our lives and livelihoods.
This fear and worry wash over us and can take up residence in our hearts, finding fertile soil amongst our fractured relationships, addiction driven minds and divided families. All these and many more make us a jumpy and anxious people who
succumb to fear’s story about not having enough and about needing to fortify our positions in order to remain safe and secure. Fear tells us to hunker down and hoard supplies so that we are protected. Fear tells us to stay put or else something even worse will happen. Once fear takes up residence in our hearts, its incredibly difficult to change direction. Fear keeps us stuck and frozen in place.
On a hillside many generations ago, in the middle of an ordinary night, the shepherds encountered a reason to fear as the horizon filled with the heavenly hosts. They were prepared to battle the wolf and protect the lambs but were unprepared for a declaration of the long-awaited Messiah’s birth. The shear sight of the divine would have been enough to freeze them in their tracks.
Our human inclination to freeze in fear has been well documented throughout the generations and so it’s no surprise that the first words out the mouth of the divine messenger were ones that would
help create space for the shepherds to hear God’s plan. These first words were meant to impart peace and push aside the initial state of human fear so that their ears could be opened to the good news of great joy. Do not be afraid!
Do not be frightened by the existence of what you are seeing because God wants to share with you a fulfillment of the promise that will change you, your world and how you navigate life. Do not be afraid but tune your ears to hear of the Messiah’s birth. Do not be afraid but hear the story and go and see.
Throughout the scriptures and within the greatest story ever told, God reminds our fragile human hearts that we are not to fear what is next but to hear and go. We are called to be people unafraid- people open to God’s direction and immersing ourselves in God’s everlasting love that we witness in the birth of the Christ child. We are called to let go of our fear and hear. We are called to not tremble but to stand tall and see. We are called to not be afraid but
to lean into and abide in God’s love.
The angels were sent with a powerful message to the humble shepherds, first to resist the power of fear and lean into God’s promise to heal the world through Jesus. And with this message, beyond fear, they were called out into the world to boldly go and proclaim that God is with us, Emmanuel.
What would happen if we trusted the first words of the angels, to not be afraid but instead to lean into the message of God being with us, Emmanuel? How are we called beyond our fortified lives into the world to boldly proclaim Christ’s love? May the birth of Christ shine hope and joy into your lives helping to dispel the darkness of fear, enabling us to go and serve the Lord.
Merry Christmas dear community.
Ivy Huston is a pastor at Living Waters Lutheran Church in Lino Lakes.
CUSTOMER
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Ivy Huston
The Centennial Lakes Police Department reports the following selected incidents:
• Police were dispatched Dec. 12 for a theft at a store located in the 9200 block of South Highway Drive in Lexington. Staff observed that the suspect had taken unknown products. The suspect was not located.
• Police responded to a delayed property damage report Dec. 12 in the 7100 block of 21st Avenue N. in Centerville.
• Police conducted a traffic stop Dec. 13 in the intersection of Lake Drive and Woodland Road in Lexington.
• Police took an assault report Dec. 13 that had occurred in the intersection of Lake Drive and Restwood Road in Lexington.
• Police fielded a phone call theft report Dec. 15 in the 9000 block of South Highway Drive in Lexington.
• Officers were dispatched for a trespass on Dec. 15 in the 30 block of Central Avenue in Circle Pines.
• Police responded Dec. 16 to a report of vandalism in the 30 block of Village Parkway in Circle Pines. A police report was completed.
• Officers responded to a report of theftno-pay Dec. 17 in the 1900 block of Main Street in Centerville.
• Officers were dispatched Dec. 17 to a delayed city property damage report in the 9100 block of Hamline Avenue in Lexington. The investigation is ongoing.
The Lino Lakes Police Department reports the following selected incidents:
• An officer stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation Dec. 10 in the 1500 block of LaMotte Drive. The driver showed signs of impairment and was ultimately arrested for DWI. The driver completed a test and
was released. Charges are pending the results of lab tests.
• A caller reported suspicious activity Dec. 10 in the 1900 block of Rosewood Street. An officer responded and found a crime had occurred. An investigation is ongoing.
• An officer took a report of a dog bite Dec. 10 in the 6900 block of West Shadow Lake Drive. The incident is under investigation.
• An officer was dispatched to a motor vehicle property damage accident Dec. 10 in the 6600 block of Heritage Avenue. The officer documented the incident and the parties involved were provided with a case number.
• An officer took a theft report of a stolen purse Dec. 10 in the 600 block of Apollo Drive. The case is under investigation.
• An officer received a delayed report of a burglary Dec. 10 in the 6200 block of Hodgson Road. The investigation is ongoing.
• An officer responded to an animal complaint regarding two dogs loose in a neighborhood in the 6400 block of Totem Trail Dec. 10. The area was checked, and the dogs were not located.
• An officer responded to a report of a driving complaint Dec. 11 at the intersection of Birch Street and Kingfisher Court. The incident was documented.
• An officer responded to a report of a driving complaint Dec. 11 in the 600 block of Arlo Lane. The officer spoke with the involved parties and documented the incident.
• A resident reported having seen two large drones flying in the area of Birch Street and Tomahawk Trail Dec. 11.
• Officers responded to a two-vehicle property damage crash Dec.12 that occurred at the intersection of 21st Avenue and
Main Street. The incident was documented.
• Officers responded to a barking dog complaint Dec. 12 in the 2200 block of Tele Drive. The incident was documented.
• An officer took a report of a delayed theft Dec. 12 from a business in the 700 block of Apollo Drive. The officer identified the suspect and will be charging them for theft.
• Another agency requested that officers check with a Lino Lakes resident Dec. 12 in the 200 block of Baldwin Circle to confirm if their trailer was stolen or not. The owner was contacted and confirmed the trailer had been stolen. The investigation is ongoing.
• An officer took report of a possible criminal sexual conduct that occurred Dec. 13. The incident is under investigation.
• An officer responded to a residence in the 7700 block of Clydesdale Circle Dec. 14 for a report of a dog wandering in public. The officer contacted the owner and informed them of city ordinances.
• Officers responded to a driving complaint Dec. 14 in the intersection of Sunset Avenue and Lilac Street that resulted in a vehicle striking a mailbox. The officers located the driver and issued a citation.
• Officers responded to a report of suspicious people outside a home in the 6900 block of Lake Drive Dec. 14. Officers investigated and did not find any problems.
• Officers responded to a noise complaint Dec. 14 in the 1100 block of South Trappers Crossing. Officers investigated and determined there were no problems.
PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF
Lino Lakes Police Department hosts youth snowmobile certification
Officers with the Lino Lakes Police Department will be conducting a Department of Natural Resources youth snowmobile certification course. This course is being offered to youth ages 11-15.
The course is at an introductory level and is designed to help snowmobile riders become familiar with laws and safety information related to snowmobile operation. Participants
• Officers responded to a report of a group of people walking outside a closed business Dec. 15 in the 7100 block of Otter Lake Road. Officers investigated and did not find any problems.
• Officers responded to a call of a dog at large Dec. 15 in the 7600 block of 24th Avenue. The officers checked the area but were unable to locate the dog.
• A resident discovered several credit cards on a roadway in the 7500 block of Woods Edge Boulevard Dec. 16 and turned them over to the police department. An officer is working to identify the owners.
• An officer responded to a report of a package that had been stolen from the front steps of a home in the 6300 block of Painter Turtle Road Dec. 16. The investigation is ongoing.
• Officers responded to a suspicious activity report Dec. 16 in the 6400 block of Stella Circle. The investigation is ongoing.
• Officers responded to a report of a male panhandling at a business Dec. 16 in the 6500 block of Ware Road. The male was subsequently trespassed from the property.
• An officer was dispatched to a call regarding a suspicious vehicle Dec.16 in the 2100 block of Northern Lights Boulevard. The officer investigated and did not locate anything suspicious.
• An officer responded to a call involving a disabled vehicle Dec. 16 in the intersection of I-35W and Main Street. The officers permitted the driver to leave the vehicle on the roadside.
who successfully complete this course will be eligible for certification through the Minnesota DNR. The certification becomes valid at age 12.
The course takes place in two sessions. One course will be introductory with a requirement to complete online training at home.
The second course will be held for participants to complete a driving test. Both sessions will be in person at the Lino Lakes Public Safety Department, 640 Town Center Pwky.
The first session will be held from 5-5:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13. During
this session, the instructors will distribute course materials, discuss the course outline and answer related questions. Parents or guardians are strongly encouraged to attend. The driving test is scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 8. This date is subject to change based on snow and ice conditions and may be rescheduled, if necessary. For additional information regarding the class, or to sign up, contact the Lino Lakes Public Safety Department at 651-982-2300.
nizational and co mmunication skills required Backg round in festival and event planning required Send in quiries and resu mes to Dan Perry at da n.perry@edwardjone s.com
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• In November 2023, staff proposed to transfer $300,000 from each of the water and sewer funds for a total cash infusion into the equipment fund of $600,000. Due to project changes in the past year, the city can make the equipment fund solvent with a $250,000 transfer and annual transfers of $60,000. The water and sewer funds will each contribute $100,000, and the stormwater fund will contribute $50,000. Starting in 2025, the water and sewer funds will contribute $25,000 each annually, and the stormwater fund will contribute $10,000. Council unanimously approved this transfer schedule.
• Council approved the 2025 pay and benefits plan contract for nonunion employees. Changes in the contract mirror the 3% increase to the pay schedule, ranges and steps approved for IUOE Local 49 union members. The benefits contribution will remain the same as 2024 at up to $1,200 per month, which covers health insurance, HSA contributions, short- and long-term disability, dental, vision and AFLAC plans. The resolution also includes separate compensation for part-time and seasonal employees. The changes take place in January.
• The last meeting of the year is the usual time to renew tobacco and liquor licenses for businesses in the city. However, two of the businesses failed tobacco and/or liquor compliance checks. Main Street Liquor Barrel at 1874 Main St. failed both tobacco and alcohol compliance checks and sold tobacco and
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alcohol products to an undercover minor. Centerville Tobacco at 1869 Main St. failed the tobacco compliance check and sold tobacco to an undercover minor. City staff deemed it important to alert council of these violations prior to consideration of the tobacco and liquor license renewals.
When the violation cases and penalties have been resolved, Main Street Liquor Barrel and Centerville Tobacco Plus LLC will have their tobacco and liquor licenses renewed. Liquor and tobacco licenses have also been renewed for NY Liquor (off-sale and tobacco); Wiseguys Pizza & Pub (on-sale & Sunday liquor) and CenterMarket (tobacco and 3.2 liquor), subject to successful background checks.
• Council held the first reading of the cannabis ordinance at its Dec. 5 meeting, as well as a discussion. Cities must accept cannabis sales but can set the ground rules in advance of the expected statewide rollout in January. The draft ordinance would establish a framework for licensing, registering and regulating adult-use cannabis businesses in Centerville. Council has now passed the second series ordinance on cannabis sales, along with summary publication by conducting the second reading. On publication, the ordinance officially takes effect.
• After council approved the light display policy, the city has received several requests to add days and cele-
brations to the policy. Therefore, some revisions were made to the policy, to which council gave approval. The policy sets a standard of procedure for requesting decorative lighting of municipal facilities and reserves to the city the sole right to refuse any external decorative lighting requests. For example, the city has added Trunk or Treat with a purple and orange color scheme; Halloween with the same color scheme; Thanksgiving week with brown, orange and red; and Christmas with green and red. The default colors are those in the city’s logo: white or blue and green.
• At recent work sessions, various options were explored to enhance the aesthetics of the City Hall campus. Due to the high costs of most projects, staff revisited the idea of a stormwater reuse system that added environmental components and ultimately decided on an irrigation system utilizing a stormwater reuse system. Grant funding for up to 50% of the costs may be available from the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD), and city staff sought authorization to apply for these funds. Council gave staff the go-ahead to apply to the RCWD for a stormwater reuse system at City Hall Campus. The cost of such a system is approximately $90,000, to be financed with $45,000 in grant money and $45,000 in city funds taken from the stormwater utility fund.
• The council has approved a rezoning request and comprehensive plan
amendment to re-guide the LaLonde property at 1687 Westview Street from Central Business/Mixed Use to Public/ Semi-Public Use. A comprehensive land use amendment requires a signed resolution from the council to be submitted to the Metropolitan Council, so council took care of that housekeeping item by approving the signed resolution.
• When Head Election Judge Shirley Sundquist turned over the ballots and voting equipment to Anoka County late Nov. 5, her duties in that capacity ended for good after 24 years. Council unanimously issued a proclamation recognizing her service after she retired to give eager election judges that opportunity.
• Public Works Foreman Tedd Peterson has been serving the city for 25 years and was recognized for it. Council unanimously issued a proclamation honoring his service. Peterson has been heavily involved in stormwater pond maintenance, street construction and drinking water compliance, and has been winning awards for the quality of the city’s water.
The council next meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, at City Hall, 1880 Main St.
Loretta Harding
CENTERVILLE TIDBITS
PELTIER PONDS: Walking trail to replace Peltier
Lake Drive, realignment possible
FROM PAGE 1
This means that Peltier Lake Drive would be realigned to turn directly into the development. It would continue to run north-south. Gordon Avenue would be used as a connection point and access to the development.
An 11-acre public park, trails, sidewalks, open space and stormwater ponds are intcluded throughout the development, creating a multifunctional greenway corridor. The Park Board will review the plan in January 2025.
A trail is proposed to be constructed along 20th Ave. N. Staff recommended that additional trails be added south of the wetlands if possible.
The total site is 125 acres. Larsen explained that the site consists of three land uses: low, medium and high. The preliminary range of allowed housing units for the entire
PUBLIC NOTICES
CITY OF CIRCLE PINES, MINNESOTA
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an aeration system is in use on Golden Lake in the City of Circle Pines. The possibility of open water or thin ice exists on Golden Lake throughout the winter.
Patrick Antonen, City Administrator
Dated: December 17, 2024
Published two times in the Quad Community Press on December 24 and 31, 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 January 8, 2025 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:
• Shuda Farms Earth Moving Project
- Property Address: 8196 20th Avenue
- PID #01-31-22-31-0002
- Interim Use Permit for earth moving and stockpiling
For further information regarding the above items, please contact City Planner, Katie Larsen, at 651-982-2426.
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.
Roberta Colotti, CMC, City Clerk
Published one time in the Quad Community Press on December 24, 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 Wednesday, January 8, 2025 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:
• BRF Enterprises LLC
- Property Address: 416 Lilac Street
- PID #17-31-22-22-0006
- Conditional Use Permit and Site & Building Plan Review for automotive repair and outdoor storage.
For further information regarding the above items, please contact City Planner, Katie Larsen, at 651-982-2426.
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.
Roberta Colotti, CMC, City Clerk
Published one time in the Quad Community Press on December 24, 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 Wednesday, January 8, 2025 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:
• BRF Enterprises LLC
- Property Address: 416 Lilac Street
- PID #17-31-22-22-0006
- Conditional Use Permit and Site & Building Plan Review for automotive repair and outdoor storage.
For further information regarding the above items, please contact City Planner, Katie Larsen, at 651-982-2426.
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.
Roberta Colotti, CMC, City Clerk Published one time in the Quad Community Press on December 24, 2024.
site is 212 to 342.
“We have a plan,” Larsen said. “It’s our Comprehensive Plan, and it lays out everything from land use down to community facilities. When we review plans, even at a concept plan level, we look at each of those chapters and how this plan is consistent with them.”
Peltier Ponds is proposed to consist of 262 total housing units. The overall number of housing units meet the allowed density range. It does not meet the low- or medium-density range, however. The development’s overall net density is 3.74 units per acre.
The low density of Peltier Ponds is 3.15 units per acre. The city of Lino Lakes classifies a low-density land use to have 1.6-3 units per acre. For medium-density land use, the development proposes 3.65 units per acre, while the city requires 4-6 units per acre.
Larsen said this means that the Metropolitan Council will require a formal comprehensive plan amendment to adjust the land use boundaries.
“It’s always been staffs understanding that we could be fluid with those lines,” she explained. “At a staff level, we are not requiring a comprehensive plan amendment. We have learned since going through this process that they (MET Council) would formally require an amendment because our numbers didn’t quite fit within the boxes appropriately.”
Lots would range in width and depth. Properties would range between 50 and 100 feet wide. Single-family lots would range between 125 to 150 feet deep. Larsen said that staff is suggesting that the proposed
55-foot-wide lots be at least 130 feet deep, which would be consistent with the lots in Watermark.
According to Larsen, the Liebel’s house will need to be incorporated into the plat. The Salo property, located at 7482 Peltier Lake Drive, would also need to be included.
A traffic study will be performed by Anoka County to evaluate the need for a roundabout or traffic signal at County Road 54 and Watermark Way. The city of Centerville supported the study.
The city also asked that there be clarification to what happens to Peltier Lake Drive in the interim. Centerville was also in support of the trail along the west side of County Road 54, along with the trail connection.
Based on the water supply capacity and the well trigger analysis completed in April 2024, the city may need to add an additional well to accommodate the development. The city is currently working through this process with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Larsen said that the water supply issue needs to be address prior to the PUD preliminary plan/preliminary plat submittal.
Construction would be completed in four phases. No formal action was taken by the Planning and Zoning Board. It was discussion only.
Madeline Dolby is editor of the Quad Community Press. She can be reached at 651-431-1226 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
Centerville recognizes outgoing members
BY LORETTA HARDING CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Going into 2025, Centerville City Council and staff are recognizing the service of outgoing Mayor D. Love, Council Member Terry Sweeney and Junior Council Member Avery Sauber.
Love served as commissioner on the Planning and Zoning Commission from 2005 to 2009, and on City Council from 2020 to 2019. He was ultimately appointed mayor in 2020 amid the global pandemic, following the resignation of Mayor Jeff Paar. Love was elected mayor in 2022 and served through 2024. He was known for leading the city with professionalism, leadership, compassion and positivity.
During his tenure on council and as mayor, he enhanced the city’s collaboration with the Centennial School District by creating an award-winning junior council member program, which seats a high school student at the dais with the rest of council to provide their unique youthful perspective on issues facing the city.
Love also spearheaded the Centerville Cares initiative, which provides information for citizens on a variety of topics to ensure the community is aware of programs and opportuni-
ties designed to help those in need. He also promoted and advocated on behalf of the city through his involvement with the League of Minnesota Cities, holding various positions, including a year-long stint as the League’s president. Whenever asked to offer comments at various events, Love was known to close his remarks with his motto, “Stronger Together.”
After thanking all who had a part in his years of service to the city, Love said, “If there’s one thing I’ve learned in these 20 years in council chambers, is that we’re stronger together.”
Council also recognized the service of outgoing Council Member Sweeney, who was first appointed to a vacant seat in 1999. He then filed an Affidavit of Candidacy for the office of mayor and won the 2002 election, serving through 2004. Most recently, Sweeney was appointed to fill the remaining term vacated by the death of Council Member Steve King in 2023. Sweeney filled various other roles, such as Centennial Fire District firefighter and member of the Centerville Lions.
Council Member Raye Taylor said she enjoyed the banter she shared with Sweeney and called him her main competitor to call out motions and seconds. “Though we were far
away from each other on the dais, I feel like we were sitting right next to each other,” she said.
Junior Council Member Sauber is also retiring from council, as her one-year term is up. She was appointed to council in January 2024 and has served with council since then. As council recognized her service, she was praised for going above and beyond her duties and for exceeding program expectations by participating in council’s retreat earlier in the year and by attending training sessions. She also met the governor and state legislators in St. Paul. Sauber is the third junior council member, as part of a growing program between the city and school district.
City Administrator Mark Statz told Sauber she and her two predecessors had “stomped on my original skepticism about this program.” Taylor said it was a joy to have Sauber as a “dais-mate” and that she enjoyed Sauber’s perspective and willingness to ask questions.
“Being a junior council member is probably the best opportunity I ever took part in,” Sauber said. “I’ve grown a lot since January, and the big contributor to that has been this program.”
Alpine: Centennial/Spring Lake Park girls win opener
SPORTS BRIEF
Centennial dancers host senior show
The Centennial dance team will put on a senior show from noon- 2 p.m. on Saturday Dec. 28. Routines will be performed by the current dance team, including a performance by dance team alumni.
The show will take place in the Centennial High School west gymnasium.
Cougars lose to Maple Grove 4-1, first conference loss
Maple Grove handed Centennial a 4-1 conference loss on Tuesday evening at Centennial. Gavin Cunningham had the single goal for the Cougars. Centennial is 4-5 overall and
1-1 in the Northwest Suburban Conference. Maple Grove is 504 overall and 3-0 in the conference
Strand
for the Cougars.
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
The Centennial/Spring Lake Park (CLSP) girls alpine team won the first Northwest Suburban Conference meet of the season on Tuesday at Wild Mountain, with Blaine second and Northwest Alpine third.
The CSLP boys placed fourth out of four teams behind Northwest Alpine, Blaine and Chisago Lakes.
“This is our girls first win since I started the head coach position in 2021, and perhaps their first win for a
few years prior to that,” Coach Derrick Taylor said. Last season, the girls placed second behind Blaine in all five conference meets. On Tuesday, they outscored the Bengals 600 to 584. Taylor credited the team’s depth and hard work. Hailey Peterson placed sixth, Gwen Halverson 11th, Anna Crandall 14th, Eleanor Nelson 15th, Simaya Anderson 21st and Vivian Struve 22nd. Leading the CSLP boys were Calen Nelson in 14th place, Ryden Quinn 27th and Griffen Lofgren 29th.
Leather & Laces kicks off competition season
Leather & Laces adult synchronized skating team’s season is officially underway.
The team recently competed at the Maplewood Synchro Classic at Ridder Arena in Minneapolis, placing first in it the open adult vision.
Leather & Laces practices at Polar Arena in North St. Paul and is coached by Andrea Hall. Team members range
in age from 19 to 46.
Skaters hail from Hugo, Lino Lakes, Lexington, Roseville, Minneapolis, Lakeville, Bloomington, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Woodbury and Moose Lake, among other cities.
The team is now preparing for the Midwestern Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships in Kalamazoo, Michigan Jan.29 through Feb. 1. The team will host
a beer bash fundraiser from 2 to 5 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 25 at Roddy’s Bar, located at 2543 7th Ave. E, North St. Paul. There will be raffles for two grand prizes, a pair of Gopher football tickets for the home opening game and a one-night stay at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel.
Looking ahead in SPORTS
GIRLS HOCKEY
Thursday, Dec. 26—vs. multiple schools
Friday, Dec. 27—vs. multiple schools Saturday, Dec. 28—vs. multiple schools
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Friday, Dec. 27—vs. multiple schools
Saturday, Dec. 28—vs. multiple schools
GIRLS WRESTLING
9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 27—at Champlin
2:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30—at Chisago Lakes High School
The Centennial/Spring Lake Park girls grab a photo after winning their season opener at Wild Mountain.
Gavin Cunningham scored a goal
CONTRIBUTED
Leather & Laces adult synchronized skating team placed first at the Maplewood Synchro Classic at Ridder Arena in Minneapolis Dec. 14.
