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www.ci.minntonka-beach.mn.us - 952-471-8878
The Beachcomber Matt Sundell
Important Dates & Meetings Garbage pick-up is every Friday unless noted
Meetings are held at City Hall at 7 p.m.
unless otherwise noted.
Tuesday, October 3 Park Commission Meeting, CANCELLED
Friday, October 6 Garbage & Recycling (containers out by 7 am)
Monday, October 9 Columbus Day – City Hall and Post Office
CLOSED
Tuesday, October 10 Leaf pickup begins
Tuesday, October 10 City Council meeting, 7 pm
Closed Session at 6:30 pm to discuss litigation City Hall
Wednesday, October 11 Civic Committee meeting,
Marnie Johnson residence, 8 pm
Sunday, October 15 Spooky Walk and Activities
Ray Peters Park, 3:30-5:30 pm
Friday, October 20 Garbage & Recycling (containers out by 7 am)
Monday, October 23 Planning Commission Meeting
City Hall, 7pm
September 2017
City News and Updates
www.ci.minnetonka-beach.mn.us - 952-471-8878
Minnetonka Beach
City Hall News September 2017
CITY HALL HOURS
8 A.M. T0 4:30 P.M. Monday through Thursday
Closed from Noon – 1 for Lunch
8 A.M. TO NOON
Friday
CITY HALL SERVICES
• Notary Public: Susanne Griffin, City Administrator, and
• Heidi Honey, City Clerk, are commissioned notaries.
There is no fee for this service.
• City Drop Box: There is a drop box for utility bill payments,
• Civic Committee dues, and correspondence for City offices. The
drop box is located in the Post Office (rear door) to the left of the
post office boxes.
• Post Office: Here to meet most postal needs. There are no waiting
lines at this post office!!
YOUR ELECTED
OFFICIALS:
Mayor – Mike Taylor
Council Members:
Jill Bartel, Paul Kozloski,
Jaci Lindstrom & Andrew Myers
Treasurer – Steve Howarth
Not getting City email blasts? Sign up online: www.ci.minnetonka-beach.mn.us We promise we won’t spam you!
Council Meeting Actions & Highlights
September 11, 2017 City Council
Meetings
• Recognized Outgoing Planning Commissioner
Jeff Steinke
• Approved Resolution 2017-38 – Set Truth in
Taxation Hearing to December 4, 2017
• Approved Drug and Alcohol Policies – DOT and
Non-DOT per Personnel Policy
• Approved Resolution 2017 - 36 – Adopting
Ordinance No. 115, 2nd Series, 2018 Fee
Schedule and Authorizing Summary Publication
• Approved Resolution 2017 - 39 – 2018
Preliminary Budget and Proposed Tax Levy
After 23 years of outstanding service to our community, Public Works Superintendent Ben Young has decided to hang up his fluorescent safety vest and enjoy a well-deserved retirement. The City will be recognizing him at the October 10th City Council meeting, as well as hosting an Open House for him on Tuesday, October 24th from 6 to 7 pm at City Hall. Please stop by one of the events to wish him well and say goodbye.
City News and Updates
www.ci.minnetonka-beach.mn.us - 952-471-8878
Mayor’s Corner September 2017
I am pleased to send you an update on the 9th month of my term as Mayor and I am proud of the progress we are making in the “Beach”! In this edition, I will focus on taxes and the cost of running the City as it is budget time and a topic near and dear to all of you. First, a recap in the three main areas of focus for my term: With respect to improving the state of our City infrastructure:
• A preliminary Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) was approved at the September Council meeting with a significant increase over last years. This CIP includes $177,800 (vs $73,000 in 2017) of tax funded improvements including (paving management study, leaf loader, leaf truck and box, Transportation Study, retaining wall repair on Northview Rd., City Hall maintenance, and EAB treatment) with $2,067,290 of bond funded items including (Lafayette Rd storm sewer replacement, Beach Lane storm sewer street reconstruction, replacing remaining 4” water mains, Arcola portion of watermain project, and West End Looping watermain improvements). All items are viewed by Council as essential to maintaining the quality of City services for its residents. Reductions in both are possible before the final budget is approved in December following the Truth in Taxation hearing and resident input.
• Council will review the suggested changes to the new zoning code based on Planning Committee recommendations and significant public input at the October meeting.
• It’s time to update the Comprehensive Plan, as required by the Metropolitan Council (due 2018), and have a planning session to develop our plan for soliciting resident input into the process. Stay tuned for that!
• On the transportation study and, more specifically, the crossing and speed bump requests on Lafayette Road, we have received data and best practices from other Cities and will be considering that input in the next Planning Meeting and how that will impact next steps.
With respect to keeping the cost of government as low as possible:
• At the September meeting, Council approved the preliminary 2018 budget for resident feedback. It includes several areas of significant savings, but the impact of the CIP drove a cost increase of 14% for 2018. If it were to be certified in December, the City portion of the increase would be 14%. I want to note that the last 3 years’ increases have been 3.9%, 5.8%, and 4.1%.
Regarding staffing for the future:
• I am really excited to say Brian Berent started on August 28th and the impact is being felt already. In addition to addressing some deferred maintenance items that Ben could not get done working alone, Brian has brought some new ideas about how to upgrade some of the City systems to increase their efficiency. I hope you have met him or will make a point to say “Hi” when you see Ben and him out on their rounds.
• We will be having a retirement Open House on Tuesday, October 24th from 6:00 - 7:00 pm, pulled together by Jaci, Jill and Susanne so watch for more on that.
Now, let’s talk taxes. I have received a lot of feedback on increases in tax bills over the last few years, and I’m right there with you. I thought it would be valuable to analyze the sources of these increases so we know where to tackle them. Turns out the biggest drivers, in order, are: 1) Orono School district, 2) Increased property valuations, 3) Hennepin County, 4) Other County Services, and 5) City Taxes Surprised? I know I was. Please see the table on the following page showing the impact on your taxes from the various taxing entities.
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
3 Year Average Increase
City News and Updates
www.ci.minnetonka-beach.mn.us - 952-471-8878
Continued from the Mayor’s Corner…. The table below is from the actual Hennepin County tax statement for a
property with a starting value of approximately $1M and shows the impact on your taxes from the various taxing entities. The City historically has the smallest effect on your property taxes. Hope this information is helpful! Thanks and all the best, Mike
Thank You Jeff Steinke & Jody Sperduto!
Jeff Steinke was recently recognized at the City Council meeting for his nine years serving our City on the Planning Commission. Thank you Jeff for your time and commitment to such an important commission. Jody Sperduto recently retired after serving six years on the Park Commission. Thank you Jody for your dedication to beautifying and preserving this wonderful City!
Thank You Volunteers!
2014 2015 2016 2017 3 year avg
Home Assessed Value
$976,000 $1,256,000 $1,300,000 $1,476,000
% change 29% 4% 14% 15%
Total Change $280,000 $44,000 $176,000 $166,667
Orono Schools Tax $4,318 $5,762 $6,197 $7,415 $7,897
% Change 33% 8% 20% 20%
Total Change $1,444 $435 $ 1,218 $1,032
Hennepin County Tax $5,665 $6,968 $7,085 $7,583 $9,100
% Change 23% 2% 7% 11%
Total Change $1,303 $117 $498 $639
Other Special Taxing (Regional Parks, Watershed District, Museums)
$795 $968 $971 $1,086 $ 1,273
% Change 22% 0% 12% 11%
Total Change $173 $3 $115 $97
MET Council Tax $365 $434 $434 $ 485 $573
% Change 19% 0% 12% 10%
Total Change $69 $ - $ 51 $40
Minnetonka Beach Tax
$3,559 $3,872 $4,055 $ 4,463 $5,316
% Change 9% 5% 10% 8%
Total Change $313 $183 $408 $301
The City Needs YOU! The Planning Commission and Park Commission are still in need of new commissioners. Both play an important role in beautifying the City, advising Council and making Minnetonka Beach the best place to live. Now, more than ever, the City needs you to step up and help out. Please send an email expressing your interest to Susanne Griffin at: [email protected]
City News and Updates
www.ci.minnetonka-beach.mn.us - 952-471-8878
Richard A. Skalla Jr. (Rick), Age 50, of Minnetonka Beach, MN died unexpectedly in his sleep on August 25, 2017.
Rick is survived by his wife Cammy and sons Jeremy and Matthew; his parents Richard and Barbara Skalla of Omaha, NE; sister Patty (Gene) Gentrup of Liberty, MO; sister Traci (Don) Kennedy of Wichita, KS; and many other beloved relatives and friends.
Rick was born February 18, 1967 and was raised in Omaha, Nebraska, where he graduated from Millard North High School. Rick attended the University of Kansas, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
Rick was passionate about his family, always putting first his wife and sons, whom he loved dearly. He enjoyed a good debate and liked winning one even more. Such a discussion would often end with a hearty laugh, a hug or slap on the back, and raising a glass in a toast. No matter where Rick went, he made sure to put everyone at ease. Rick worked hard; he had a successful career in food sales, most recently as the vice president for marketing and sales for Finlays Extracts and Ingredients. Rick played even harder, whether actively supporting his sons’ athletic and academic activities, taking the boat out on the lake, or cheering on his Nebraska Cornhusker football and Kansas Jayhawks basketball teams. He also was involved in his community, serving as a mayor of Minnetonka Beach from 2015-2016, council member from 2013-2014, and treasurer from 2011-2012. Visitation and funeral were held on Aug. 30 at Wayzata Community Church. Rick was laid to rest in Omaha, Nebraska. Rick’s wife, Cammy, would like to thank everyone in the community for their heartfelt support during this difficult time. The meals, the hugs, the mowed lawns, and many more things that the community has done for the family are appreciated. Cammy and the boys feel blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful neighbors. Thanks also to those who donated in Rick’s name to the Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Center at Columbia University Medical Center. If you would still like to contribute, you may do so by visiting: https://web.giving.columbia.edu/giveonline/index.jsp?schoolstyle=56437.
Minnetonka Beach says goodbye to neighbor, friend and leader Rick Skalla
City News and Updates
www.ci.minnetonka-beach.mn.us - 952-471-8878
City Council Adopts Preliminary 2018 Budget and Tax Levy
At the September 11th City Council meeting, the Council approved and adopted a 2018 preliminary budget and
tax levy. The approved preliminary budget reflects a 14.3% increase over last year. In the near future you will
receive a notice regarding proposed taxes for 2018 from Hennepin County. The notice will include information
about proposed taxes for all taxing authorities such as County, City, School District, and other special Taxing
Districts. In addition to providing notice about proposed taxes, the notice also provides information about
public meetings where each entity’s budget will be discussed before a final tax levy is set. For Minnetonka
Beach that meeting will take place on Monday, December 4th at 7 p.m. This meeting is also known as the Truth
in Taxation hearing and residents may speak at any of the hearings shown on the notice. Then at the regular
Council meeting on December 11th, Council will adopt a final 2018 budget and tax levy, which cannot be
greater than the preliminary levy.
The breakdown for the expenditure side of the preliminary budget is as follows:
To see the Minnetonka Beach 2018 Preliminary budget and proposed tax levy, go to the City website at:
www.ci.minnetonka-beach.mn.us Click on City Hall, then City Budget.
11.8%Capital Projects
15.3%Debt Service
23.7%General
Government
17.3%Public Safety
10%Streets
5%Refuse/Waste
2.6%Park & Rec
1.5%Insurance
13%Water &
Sewer
Save the Lake
Leaf pickup is scheduled to begin October 10th. Blow leaves off your yard and into the street but keep them away from storm sewers. Leaves accumulate in drainage systems and clog pipes which causes street flooding. Decomposing leaves also go into the lake where their nutrients feed algae growth. Not only is algae unsightly, decomposing algae uses up oxygen that fish and plants need.
City News and Updates
www.ci.minnetonka-beach.mn.us - 952-471-8878
Courtesy of Bartlett Tree Service
FIRE PREVENTION OPEN HOUSE Wednesday, October 4th from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
In recognition of the 2017 Fire Prevention Week, the Mound Fire Department is holding an Open House on Wednesday, October 4th at the Mound Fire Station from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. This is a family event with the following activities planned:
Kids activities and fun
Meet Sparky the Fire Dog CPR and AED Demonstrations
Fire Truck Rides and Photo Opportunities Fire Truck and Equipment Displays
Beverages and snacks provided
If you would like more information, please contact the Mound Fire Department at 952-472-3555 or [email protected]
SPREAD THE WARMTH WeCAN is asking you to share your warmth in their annual Coat Drive by donating new and used coats, for all ages, that are clean and in good condition. Other winter gear such as boots, snow pants, gloves, hats, and scarves are also greatly accepted. Donations can be dropped off at Minnetonka Beach City Hall or at the WeCan office, 5213 Shoreline Drive, Mound, October 2nd through 17th.
In addition, WeCan volunteer and neighbor, Jill Bartel, will be happy to pick up any items you may have and deliver them to WeCan. Please contact her at 612 850 6724 by October 10th to arrange a pick-up time. You do not need to be home, and you may leave things in a bag outside. Thank you for considering donating to the WeCan Coat Drive. For additional information please contact the WeCAN office at 952-472-0742 or visit www.wecan-help.org.
WINEFEST WeCAN invites you to their WineFest on Saturday, October 14 from 6 to 9 pm at the Voyageur Environmental Center in Minnetrista. The event will include wine tasting, both live and silent auctions, food and the opportunity to learn more about WeCAN. Tickets are $50. Contact WeCAN for more information, 952-472-0742
UPCOMING EVENTS
www.ci.minntonka-beach.mn.us - 952-471-8878
The Beachcomber
Minnetonka Beach Civic Committee
P.O. Box 5
Minnetonka Beach, MN 55361
Beach Happenings
The Book: Red Notice: A True Story of High Finance, Murder, and One Man’s Fight for Justice by Bill Browder When: Tuesday, October 10th Social hour from 7 to 8 pm Book discussion begins at 8 pm Where: Robin Zinn’s residence
Please bring a snack or beverage to share, and, if you plan to attend, please RSVP to Jessica via email.
This is a story about an accidental activist. Bill Browder started out his adult life as the Wall Street maverick whose instincts led him to Russia just after the breakup of the Soviet Union.
Along the way he exposed corruption, and he barely escaped with his life. He saw the murderous heart of the Putin regime and has spent the last half decade on a campaign to expose it.
A financial caper, a crime thriller, and a political crusade, Red Notice is the story of one man taking on overpowering odds to change the world, and also the story of how, without intending to, he found meaning in his life.
New people to the group are always welcome! Please contact: Jessica Redmond ([email protected]), 617-354-5057 if you're interested, have questions, or want to get on the email list.
Minnetonka Beach Book Club Swim Beach
Watercraft Rack
If you have a canoe, kayak, or other watercraft
stored on one of the racks at the Beach Park,
please remember to remove it by October 31. Do
not leave watercraft at the park over the winter.
Racks will be available for use again next
Spring
The rack is not meant for over winter storage.
Any craft left on the rack after October 31 will
be considered abandoned and removed by the
City.
If you are occupying rack space but do not
use your watercraft, please remove it so
others can use the rack space.
