December - January 2015

BUDGET • FROZEN PIPES • LITTLE FREE LIBRARY • VETERANS MEMORIAL
Le Petit
Canadien
a publication of the
City of Little Canada
LCRA ICE FISHING
CONTEST & RAFFLE
The City of Little Canada wishes you a happy holiday season!
Come and enjoy a day of
family fun with plenty of
opportunity to win prizes,
including a 2014 Polaris
Sportsman 400 ATV. View
more information on this
event on page 5 of this
newsletter.
Mayor Blesener
Steps Down
PERFORMANCE AID
SURVEY RESULTS
His legacy as Mayor can best be
defined as providing reasoned and
effective leadership that fostered a
team environment with the Council
and staff leading to productive
results for the community. He
ensured that Little Canada continued to have a city government that
functioned in a civil and effective
manner where citizens, staff, and
other elected officials treated each
other with dignity and respect
versus the uncivil process that has
become all too common in many
communities today.
Only 10 responses were
received for our 2014
Performance Aid Survey that
consisted of 12 performance
areas. Given the limitations
in space in this issue of the
newsletter, the results will be
available on our website. We
have shown a comparison
between 2014 and 2013
results.
DEC 2014 — JAN 2015
www.ci.little-canada.mn.us
Mayor Bill Blesener chose not to
seek reelection this past fall. Bill
has served the City of Little Canada
as an elected official for 20 years
(Council Member: 1985-1992 &
2003-2004; Mayor: 2005-2014).
Some of the major projects
undertaken with Mayor Blesener’s
leadership include the following:
• Relocation of Viking Drive to
Minnesota Avenue (and away
Mayor Bill Blesener
from the Rice/36 interchange)
• New Rice Street Bridge over
Highway 36
• Burying of the power lines in
a cooperative venture with the
City of Roseville along Rice
Street
• St. Jude Medical Technology
Center Expansion
Mayor, cont. on p. 2
ADMINISTRATION
Construction
Completed on
Veterans Memorial
The Dedication Ceremony for
Veterans Memorial Park was held
on Tuesday, November 11. Even
with the cold weather, there were
over 150 attendees.
A special recognition needs to be
given to the Veterans Memorial
Committee members for their
dedication and time in making
this project a reality. The committee members are: Rockne
Waite, Kathy Hanson, Frank
Costa, Judy Berggren, Dan Ryan,
Greg Schloer, Shelly Boss, and
Rick Montour.
We also want to thank the following companies/individuals for
their generosity! Without their
efforts during construction, this
Veterans Memorial Park Dedication Ceremony.
memorial would not be possible:
Frattalone Companies, Grant
Barrette Company, Elfering &
Associates, Loucks Associates,
Jeff Debace, Cemstone, Master
Electric, Rivard Stone, Fra-Dor,
American Flagpole Company,
Linwood Contracting Inc., Asphalt
Surface Technologies Corp.,
LE PETIT CANADIEN | December 2014 — January 2015
Mayor, cont. from p. 1
2
• Gervais Woods & Pine Tree Ponds using revised R-1 zoning
code regulations that resulted in larger lots
• Skateboard Park by the Old Fire Hall
• Culvers Restaurant
• Three Housing Improvement Areas (Canabury Square,
Canabury Condos, & Fleur Royale)
• New Warming House currently underway at Old Fire Hall
• Dock 86 and coming additions of Hom Furniture & Gabberts
• Little Canada Road Reconstruction with addition of drainage
sidewalk improvements in cooperation with Ramsey County
• Initiation of Quiet Zone Process to quiet train horns
• Recently dedicated Veterans Memorial
• New Public Works facility currently being constructed at the
northeast corner of Labore Road & Centerville Road
In recognizing Mayor Blesener’s outstanding service to the
community, we would be remiss if we did not give credit to his
wife, Grace. She was also instrumental on many occasions
by aiding Bill in his community service role and providing her
support to community activities. Thanks to Bill & Grace for
making Little Canada a better place to live and work.
Advantage Signs & Graphics,
Inc., and Nick Nelson.
Veteran pavers are still being
sold. These pavers would make
a wonderful Christmas gift for
someone special. Paver orders
received now will be installed in
Spring 2015.
Honor Flights for
WWII Veterans
Honor Flight Twin Cities has openings for WWII Veterans who would
be interested and able to make a
flight to Washington, D.C. to see
the WWII memorials. There will be
flights in April, May, and October
of 2015. There is no cost for the
flight for the Veteran. A “guardian”
will accompany and assist each
traveling Veteran for the trip to
ensure each a memorable and
rewarding experience. (People
wishing to act as a “Guardian” can
also register for the trip, but they
are asked to contribute $500 for
trip costs.)
For more information on this
program, please visit the following
website:
http://honorflighttwincities.org
Note: The City of Little Canada is not
involved in the operation of this program.
“Take a Book – Return a Book”
Courtesy of the Little Canada Book Club, we are pleased to
announce the installation of a “Little Free Library” located
next to the Old Fire Hall, 440 Little Canada Road East.
Little Free Library’s mission is to “Promote literacy and the love of
reading by building free book exchanges worldwide.” Visitors of
the library can both borrow and leave books for others to use, all
free of charge.
Members of the Little Canada Book Club have also graciously
offered their assistance to maintain the library. The City of Little
Canada would like to say “Thank You” to those involved with this
program. Little Free Library is a great addition to our community
and we encourage everyone to check it out!
Little Canada Book Club members include: Barbara Anderson, Lorraine Anderson,
Beverly Collova, Susan Hawkinson, Phyllis Kendig, Mary Lou Kostecki, Vivian
LaRock, Vicki Marlowe, Bonnie Pope, and Julie Rindelaub.
Thanks to Council Member
Boss
Shelly Boss was
first elected in
November of 2008
to fill the final
two years of an
unexpired term.
She then won
re-election in 2010
for a four-year
term. During
Shelly’s six plus
years of service as
a Council Member,
she has constantly
Council Member Shelly Boss
demonstrated
great concern for
community betterment without ignoring the
needs of individuals. She has been active on
the Veterans Memorial Committee and the
Northeast Youth & Family Services Board.
She has been a team player and made a
positive difference for Little Canada. As
a person who also works in Little Canada
(Frattalone Companies), Shelly was also a
strong advocate for the business community.
Thanks to Shelly for her excellent service to
Little Canada, and to her family (husband
Todd and children Justin, Jenna, and Joe)
for the sacrifices they endured to make
her service possible. It has been greatly
appreciated.
Keis, Fischer & Torkelson Elected
Congratulations to John Keis on his election as Mayor
and to Tom Fischer and Christian Torkelson on their
election to the City Council.
Keis ran unopposed to replace Mayor Blesener. He
garnered 2,528 votes.
Fischer and Torkelson ran against Kevin Keenan, Jeffrey
Heikke, Rocky Waite, Andrew Henderson, and Jon
Joriman for two open seats on the Council vacated by
John Keis and Shelly Boss. Vote totals were as follows:
Fischer – 1,163, Torkelson – 1,097, Keenan – 907,
Heikke – 753, Waite – 685, Henderson – 320, and
Joriman – 237.
2015 Budget
The City Council will hold their 2015 Budget
Adoption Hearing at 7:30 PM on Monday,
December 15. At their meeting on September
24, a preliminary levy increase of 3.5% was
certified to Ramsey County—that is the maximum
levy for 2015. The Council is hoping to reduce
that amount to around 3.0% prior to the Budget
Adoption Hearing.
If you have comments or questions about the
City’s 2015 Proposed Budget or about information
contained on your Proposed Property Tax Notice
received from Ramsey County, please feel free to
contact the City Administrator at 651-766-4040.
www.ci.little-canada.mn.us
ADMINISTRATION
Little Free Library
3
PARKS & RECREATION
Youth Winter Activities
Registration has started for several children’s winter
activities. Register online via a link on our website
or print a copy of our registration form available
online in order to mail your registration to us. Registrations may also be dropped off at Little Canada
City Center during our business hours or placed in
our after hours drop box. You may even fax your
registration to us at 651-766-4048 if you are paying
by credit card.
BASKETBALL CLINIC
Boys & Girls, Ages 6-8
This instructional clinic is designed to teach children the basics of basketball and to prepare them
for league play that begins at the third grade level.
Sessions held at Little Canada Elementary School.
Registration Rate: $32 residents, $37 non-residents (a $5 late fee will be assessed after Friday,
December 12, 2014).
DAY
DATES
TIME
Saturday
1/10-2/14
12:30-1:30 PM
SKATING LESSONS
FASTPITCH REGISTRATION
This instructional course gives children the opportunity to learn ice skating basics on the outdoor rink
at 430 Little Canada Road East. Classes last a half
hour sometime between the hours of 11 AM and 1
PM.
The Roseville Area Girls’ Fastpitch Association will
be conducting registration at the Rose Room at the
Roseville Skate Center on Monday, February 2, from
6 PM to 9 PM. Players who live in or attend school
in Roseville Area School District #623 are eligible to
play. New players should bring a copy of their birth
certificate to registration. Visit www.rosevillefastpitch.org for more information.
LE PETIT CANADIEN | December 2014 — January 2015
Boys & Girls, Ages 5-12
4
Registration Rate: $32 residents, $37 non-residents (a $5 late fee will be assessed after Friday,
December 12, 2014).
DAY
DATES
TIME
Saturday
1/3-2/14
Varies
WINTER GYMNASTICS
Boys & Girls, Ages 5-12
This instructional class teaches children the basics
of gymnastics, acrobatics, and tumbling. All classes
held at Little Canada Elementary School.
Registration Rate: $32 residents, $37 non-residents (a $5 late fee will be assessed after Friday,
December 12, 2014).
DAY
DATES
TIME
Thursday
1/8-3/5
6:15-7:15 PM
Annual
Children’s Ice
Skating Party
Mark your calendars!
The Little Canada
Recreation Association’s
47th Annual Children’s Ice Ska
ting
Party will be held on Saturday,
February 7, 2015, from 1:3
0 PM
to 3:30 PM at the Fire Barns
Skate
Park, 430 Little Canada Road
East.
Food, beverages, prizes, races,
and
skating are all part of the fun
.
MARKET PLACE MORNING TALKS, a monthly
educational series of interest for seniors, is held at
the Market Place Bingo Hall, 2900 Rice Street, at
9:30 AM on the second Wednesday of each month.
Upcoming topics of discussion are:
December | No Session
January 14 | Yoga Fitness
AARP DRIVER SAFETY CLASSES will be offered
this spring for drivers age 55 and older. Dates will
be known after February 1. Register online on our
website or by calling 651-766-4029. Classes are
held at the Little Canada City Center, 515 Little
Canada Road East.
OPEN CO-ED VOLLEYBALL is being offered on
Friday evenings, from 6:30 PM to 9 PM, at Little
Canada Elementary School, 400 Eli Road. Season
runs from January 9-March 27. This activity is
very informal and fun. The cost is $4 per evening.
Register by calling 651-766-4029.
SUMMER SOFTBALL will be offered again this
year for men’s and women’s leagues with returning team registrations being accepted beginning
Monday, January 12. New team registration begins
on Monday, January 26. This league features
double-headers that are held weeknights. Games
are held at Pioneer Park beginning early May.
Registration materials will be available on our
website closer to the date of registration.
LCRA Ice Fishing Contest &
Winter Raffle
Over $5,000 in fishing prizes!
The Little Canada Recreation Association (LCRA) will
be hosting their 4th Annual Ice Fishing Tournament
on Lake Gervais, Saturday, January 31, 2015,
from noon to 3 PM. Advanced registration tickets
are $15 and are on sale now at various sites in the
area including Little Canada City Center. Tournament
day registration is $20.
Following the fishing contest will be the drawing for
winners of the LCRA’s winter raffle. First prize is a
Polaris Sportsman 400 ATV. Visit our booth at the
St. Paul Ice Fishing Show on December 5-7, 2014 at
St. Paul RiverCenter.
Come and enjoy a day of family fun with plenty of
opportunity to win prizes. For more information
including other ticket locations, tournament rules,
prizes and periodic updates visit the LCRA’s website
at www.lcraonline.org.
2nd Annual Fire Department
Booya
The Little Canada Fire Department will be hosting a
booya on Saturday, January 31, 2015. The Booya
will be held in conjunction with the Little Canada
Recreation Association Ice Fishing Contest. The
event will be held at the Little Canada Fire Station
on Little Canada Road at Centerville Road from 8 AM
until gone. Firefighters will stay up all night cooking
this delicious soup/stew. The booya recipe includes
chicken, turkey, beef, and pork, along with vegetables and spices. Come down to the fire station
and have a bowl, and bring some home for the Super
Bowl on Sunday.
MN Wild Bus
Trip
The Little Canada
Parks & Recreation
Department will be
sponsoring its second
bus trip of the season
to the MN Wild hockey
game (vs. the Florida
Panthers) on Thursday,
February 12. Cost and
other information will be
available after January
15 at Little Canada City
Center.
Help Wanted
We are accepting
applications for parttime seasonal rink
supervision and maintenance help. Starting
hourly rate is $9.75.
Interested people can
apply at Little Canada
City Center or contact
Jim Morelan (651-7664045 or jim.morelan@
ci.little-canada.mn.us)
with questions.
A Little Canada Elementary
School PTA Thank You
Thank you to area businesses and individuals who
generously donated their
time, prizes, funding,
supplies, marketing, and
much more to the 2014
Little Canada Elementary
Pumpkin Carnival.
The Pumpkin Carnival was a great success
and fun was had by all! The funds raised from
the Pumpkin Carnival will be used to pay for
scholarships, student activities, school supplies,
material, equipment, and various enrichment
initiatives.
Our school is very fortunate to be supported by
such a wonderful community. We couldn’t do it
without the support of people like you.
PARKS
www.ci.little-canada.mn.us
& RECREATION
Adult Activities
5
PUBLIC WORKS
Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Last winter’s sustained cold
temperatures caused extreme
frost depth statewide. Little
Canada had seven frozen
water services that staff was
informed of. By comparison,
staff had not heard of any
frozen services in recent
history in the City. By taking
some precautions before
the cold weather really hits,
some unnecessary expenses
associated with frozen water
pipes can be prevented. The
City’s ordinance states that
frozen water service pipes
are the responsibility of the
homeowner from the house to
the curb stop.
•
Remove contents of
vanity cupboards and
leave the doors open.
•
If possible/practical,
leave snow cover over
the area where your
lateral water line runs
from the curb stop to
the house.
•
Put a fresh battery in the thermostat if the thermostat is not
hard wired into the home.
•
Run your cold water closest to
the water line entry point for a
couple minutes and then take the
temperature of the water.
--
LE PETIT CANADIEN | December 2014 — January 2015
Your water lines may be at risk
of freezing during prolonged
periods of bitter cold if you had
issues with frozen water lines last
winter. Here’s what you can do
to prepare:
6
•
Monitor the weather reports for
extended periods of severe cold;
then take action.
•
Allow warm air to circulate in the
area where the water comes in to
the house.
•
Leave utility room doors open
and clear space around the
waterline.
--
--
If it is below 40 degrees
Fahrenheit, it is recommended that you let your
cold water run from this
faucet at a pencil thickness.
You should run it non-stop
when there is no one home,
overnight when temperatures
typically dip lower, or no
water is being used for a
period of time.
Notify the City if this method
is chosen so staff is aware of
the potential for freezing in
the area.
a warm hair dryer on the pipe.
Follow all safety precautions
recommended by Consumer
Product Safety Commission and
Underwriters Laboratory.
•
Watch for unintended consequences of sewer or septic
backups if running water
continuously.
•
If a contractor is needed to thaw
the line, be aware of unintended
consequences of contractors
thawing water lines, particularly
if using an electrical welder.
--
Namely fire, explosion,
damage to appliances and
electronics, and the possibility of damage to other
property owners in the case
of stray electrical current.
--
Determine if the contractor
is using a commercial device
manufactured specifically to
thaw frozen water lines.
--
Determine if the contractor is
insured.
If your water line freezes:
•
Use heat tape, a space heater
(don’t leave it unattended) or
Railroad/Quiet Zone Update
Preliminary engineering estimates for at-grade railroad crossing signal upgrades have been received
from Canadian Pacific Railway. The estimated
costs for the signal components for each of our six,
at-grade crossings is as follows:
Woodlyn Avenue: $270,407.21
South Owasso Boulevard: $212,271.02
Little Canada Road: $210,126.53
Demont Avenue: $211,245.53
County Road B2: $210,126.52
County Road B: $208,945.15
Those amounts total $1,323,122.26 and do not
include any supplemental safety measures (SSM’s)
such as medians and signage that may be required
at some crossings.
The next step in the process is to develop the
cooperative agreement with MnDOT to establish
the project scope, govern its implementation, and
provide for this expenditure of the bond funds
designated this past legislative session. We may
also need to seek some legislative modifications to
ensure the project can be delivered as desired for
both Shoreview and Little Canada. According to
Dave McKenzie, engineer from SEH, establishment
of the Quiet Zones will likely be completed by late
summer/early fall in 2015.
Snow season is upon us and the plow trucks are out
de-icing and plowing the City’s streets, cul-de-sacs,
City-owned parking lots, sidewalks, paths, and trails.
Please follow these tips to help us have a safe plowing season:
DO:
• Become familiar with our snow plowing and
winter parking policies posted within this
newsletter.
• Shovel around fire hydrants and mailboxes.
• Stay back and use caution when driving behind
a plow. Seeing other vehicles is very difficult
for the operators and they can activate the salt
spreader at any time, which could damage a
vehicle driving too close to the truck.
• Be patient. Public Works does its best to plow
our streets in a timely manner and to minimize
snow left in your driveways.
DON’T:
• Plow, shovel or blow snow across the street or
back into the street. This snow hardens and can
cause unsafe driving conditions. All snow should
be kept upon the property from which it was
cleared.
• Allow children to build snow forts near the street.
Snowplows could drive by without seeing children
and could cause serious injury or death.
Snow Plowing Policy
The City’s snow plowing policy is to plow
streets after any snowfall event of two inches
or more. For accumulations less than two
inches, a decision is made based on road
conditions and the weather forecast. On
occasion, the best policy is to plow a one-inch
snowfall if the forecast calls for extremely
cold conditions that could freeze the snow and
cause rough and unsafe driving conditions.
Salt is spread on roads when plowing is not
necessary and also as part of normal plowing
procedures. Salt takes time to activate,
particularly in extremely cold temperatures,
so do not assume it is safe to brake quickly
just because there is salt at an intersection.
Winter Parking Policy
Residents can help plowing operations run
smoothly by not parking in the street after a
snowfall of two inches or more. Cars in the
street hamper the plows and leave pockets
of hardened, unplowed snow after the car
is moved. The Ramsey County Sheriff’s
Department tickets illegally parked cars
during snow emergencies, and failure to move
the vehicle could result in the vehicle being
towed.
Note: Parking is prohibited on city streets
between 2 AM and 6 AM, from November 1
until April 1.
New Public Works Garage
Firefighter
Retires
Firefighter Dan Leibel
retired on September
30, 2014 from the Little
Canada Fire Department
after 33 years of
dedicated service to the
community. Dan was
the Department’s safety
officer from 2003 until
his retirement. Thanks
Dan for your service!
Work has progressed slowly on the new
Public Works Garage located at the
northeast corner of Centerville Road and
Labore Road (former Brings Onion site).
One reason we are behind schedule is
the four-week delay in the delivery of
the tip-up wall panels. They are now
installed and make a dramatic impact
on the site. The early snow and cold
weather has also slowed the project.
The revised completion date is mid-April
for interior work and mid-June for site
work (paving, exterior concrete, and
landscaping). We will continue to update
you on the progress of this project in
future issues of this newsletter.
www.ci.little-canada.mn.us
PUBLIC
WORKS
Winter Reminders
7
City of Little Canada
515 Little Canada Road East
Little Canada, MN 55117-1600
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Twin Cities, MN
Permit No. 5915
Office Hours | M-F 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Ph 651-766-4029 | Fax 651-766-4048
www.ci.little-canada.mn.us
Jessica Jagoe, Editor
[email protected]
ECR WSS
Postal Customer
Season’s Greetings from
Canadian Days!
At the close of 2014, the Canadian Days
Committee wants to take a moment to wish
you a joyful holiday season and peace, love,
and laughter throughout the coming year. We
warmly think of those whose friendship, support,
and goodwill mean so much to us. During this
season’s chilly weather, remember that spring and
summer follow winter, so save the dates for the
2015 Canadian Days festival:
July 31, August 1 & 2, 2015!
HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA!
LE PETIT CANADIEN | December 2014 — January 2015
New Canadian Days t-shirts are available for
purchase at Little Canada City Center in the
following colors and sizes:
8
• Azalea t-shirts are available in missy fit sizes
small-XXL: $15
Le Petit Canadien is published bimonthly and is printed on recycled
paper with agri-based ink. Each issue is paid for in part by the State
of Minnesota S.C.O.R.E. Fund and Ramsey County. Design layout
services for this newsletter are provided by Desktop Impressions
(www.desktopimpressions.com).
New Auditors
Pursuant to the City’s Financial Policies, a
Request for Proposal was conducted for auditing
services. The proposal process required the
selected firm to enter into a three-year contract
with two optional years at the City’s discretion.
Six proposals were received from well-qualified
firms. Based on the prices submitted and
on the references from other communities,
CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP was selected as the City’s
new auditor. They replace Redpath & Company,
LTD (formerly Tautges Redpath, LTD) who had
served as the City’s auditors for over the past 25
years. By making this change, the City will save
over $70,000 during the next five years while
expecting no drop off in service quality. We want
to welcome CliftonLarsonAllen as our new auditing firm and thank Redpath & Company for the
excellent service for these past many years.
• Blue t-shirts are available in adult sizes smallXXL: $15
• Yellow and gray t-shirts are available in various youth and adult sizes. Limited selection.
Clearance: $5!
• Red sweatshirts are available in adult small,
medium, XL and XXL. Clearance: $10!
Happy Holidays from the Canadian Days
Committee! Thanks for your support of our
annual city celebration.
2014 Deer Control Program
Taking of deer by bow and arrow was allowed
again in 2014. Metro Bowhunters Resource Base
conducted two weekend hunts and took three
deer. The Sculley Family at 3001 Labore Road
was also authorized to hunt their property this
fall, subject to the State’s Archery Rules. To
date, they have also taken three deer. (Of the
six deer taken, two are does and four are bucks.)
The Council had set the maximum number of
deer to be taken at 10 and it is doubtful that
number will be reached. If any additional deer
are taken between now and the end of the year,
a final update will occur in our next issue of this
newsletter.
The deer population will be evaluated again in
2015 by an aerial survey conducted by Ramsey
County.

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