Mayor Katy Anttila's Message - Sept. 2011
YOUR CITY GOVERNMENT AT WORK Message from Mayor Katy Anttila
2012 BUDGET
Despite reductions in state aid, the Council intends to control spending so that the property tax reductions we've achieved in the past two years are maintained. Two special situations, however, concern the Council:
- 1. The Fire Department rescue truck is vital to the health and safety of our community. It stores all medical supplies needed to support our first responders. It is on site at every accident, fire or emergency to which the Fire Department is called. The rescue truck was purchased used over seven years ago. Multiple repairs have been costly. Due to its age and undependability, the City and three townships which share our fire department intend to replace the rescue truck next year. The new vehicle will keep victims out of the elements until an ambulance arrives. It will also serve as a command center for the fire department and provide respite for personnel in extreme heat or cold conditions. We have accumulated savings for part of our share of the cost. With help from lawful gambling and other donations, we will be able to pay for the rescue truck within five years. The truck's usefulness is expected to be 25-30 years.
- 2. Capital Improvement Plan. The City Engineer has proposed a multi-year improvement plan to storm sewer, water and sewer mains, and street surfaces primarily for the older portion of Elysian between Lake Francis and Hwy 60 and between 5th Street NW and 1st Street. This part of town has little storm sewer protection (as was apparent with last fall and spring's heavy rains) and also has the oldest piping and most deteriorated streets.
The public is invited to a hearing at 6 pm Monday, October 10, at City Hall where the engineer will present more details and answer questions. How much we can afford to tackle next year will depend upon the cost of construction. We hope, of course, that bids will come in under the engineering estimates, allowing us to do more improvements with the amount budgeted.
The blacktop on the west end of Maple Avenue was removed last spring and gravel was added to improve the base. Tile will be added this fall to each side of the street to improve drainage. An overlay with or without concrete curb and gutter is being considered. Residents are encouraged to share their thoughts on improving the condition of Maple Avenue with council members.
The Council approved a 5.5 percent increase in the 2012 preliminary levy to allow us to proceed with a portion of these capital improvements to our streets and infrastructure and the rescue truck. The final level cannot exceed that amount; however, it can be lowered. We will be analyzing the budget very carefully in the next three months-especially after the second half property tax payments are received-to determine a) cuts which represent "wish list items" not absolutely necessary; b) purchases which could be postponed or made with accumulated savings; and c) changes in procedures which could save taxpayer dollars.
Your participation in the budget process is encouraged and appreciated. A special Council meeting has been scheduled for Monday, Nov. 28, at 6 pm for public comment on next year's budget. Taxpayers are also welcome to attend the Budget and Finance Committee meetings on Oct. 7 and Nov. 4 at 2 pm at City Hall. Of course, you can also contact your mayor and council members directly.
FIVE-YEAR GARBAGE CONTRACT WITH WASTE MANAGEMENT
A new agreement with Waste Management freezes residential garbage rates for the next two years and increases recycling just 39 cents per month. Beginning October 18, recycling collection will be every other Tuesday. This will reduce heavy garbage truck traffic on our streets. If you recycle more, you may be able to use a smaller, cheaper container for trash.
Please leave your 18-gallon recycling box at the curb October 4. They will be collected that day after the garbage pickup. Residents will receive a 64-gallon cart for recycling on October 5. Look for a brochure inside the newly-delivered cart. It will list all items that can be recycled as well as a calendar of all pickups for the remainder of 2011. The next recycling pickup will be October 18, then Nov. 1 and every other Tuesday thereafter. Waste Management asks that we use these 64-gallon carts for three months. If you then would like a larger or smaller container, they will be exchanged at no cost.
Monthly rates for commercial garbage collection have been substantially reduced effective October 1. Mr. Rick Rud of WM will be contacting each commercial account personally to explain the new rates.
Our next city-wide cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, October 15 from 7 am to 12 noon. The City has been conducting a city-wide cleanup only in alternate years because the high cost. We have now negotiated two city-wide clean-up collections each year at a very nominal fee. City residents may deliver trash (household junk, furniture, small amounts of remodeling rubbish) to the usual collection site in front of the Learning Center (former elementary school) on 5th Street NW. Be prepared to pay an extra fee for electronics and appliances. You will be asked for identification to show you are an Elysian resident. A detailed list of eligible items and charges for electronics and appliances can be found on the Elysian website: elysianmn.com
CURFEW ORDINANCE
A new curfew ordinance is now in effect which restricts persons under age 16 from the public streets, alleys, parks, playgrounds or other public grounds, public places, public buildings, vacant lots, public beaches; . . . places of amusement, entertainment or refreshment between 10:30 pm and 5 am. Persons aged 16 or 17 are restricted between midnight and 5 am. Exceptions to these provisions are if a minor is accompanied by his/her parent or guardian; is on an emergency errand at the direction of his parent or guardian; is engaged in lawful work or traveling directly between work and to his/her residence; or participating in an official civic, school or religious event with the parent's permission.
ELYSIANMN.COM
Our city's website contains so much useful information, we encourage you to make elysianmn.com your internet homepage! Then every time you access the internet you will know the current weather conditions and have immediate access to what is happening in Elysian. Meeting minutes, the city calendar, the weekly trivia contest question, and useful business contact information are all just a click away.
Mayor Katy Anttila