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City of Saint Louis Park
 
May 09, 2008
 
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News & Events
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Active Living, Sidewalks and Trails

Draft Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Transit Improvement Plans
The draft plans are available for your review. The draft plans show potential future improvements that the City could implement incrementally over many years.

If you would like to comment on the plans, please contact:
Sean Walther, Senior Planner
City Hall
5005 Minnetonka Boulevard
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
(952) 924-2574
swalther@stlouispark.org

Community Open House Comments
Forty citizens attended the Open House on October 24, 2007.

Questionnaire Results
Over 200 people completed an online questionnaire posted from May-June 2007. Check out the responses.
Summary

Full list of responses to open-ended questions:

Community Workshop Comments
Here is what residents told us during a Community Workshop held in May 2007.

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CAPSH Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Hotline

Community Action Partnership of Suburban Hennepin is now offering a Foreclosure Prevention Hotline to help homeowners who are in danger of losing their homes. The Hotline number is (952) 933-1993.

"CAPSH is acting aggressively to help reduce the growing number of foreclosures in suburban Hennepin County," said CAPSH Operations Director Scott Zemke. "Our agency has more than quadrupled its capacity to help those in crisis."

The CAPSH Foreclosure Prevention Program provides information, advocacy, referrals to additional resources and other assistance to homeowners who are having trouble paying their mortgage.

The new Foreclosure Prevention Hotline will directly connect homeowners with professionals who can help them through the process.

CAPSH is a nonprofit agency dedicated to improving the lives of low-income individuals and families and suburban Hennepin County. For more information on CAPSH programs and services, visit

www.capsh.org

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Caring Youth Recognition
Community members and organizations are invited to attend the 19th Annual St. Louis Park Caring Youth Recognition on

  • Thursday, May 15 from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
  • St. Louis Park Rec Center, 3700 Monterey Drive
  • Dessert and beverages served
  • $7 admission

The Caring Youth Recognition was started in 1989 by Roland and Doris Larson as members of Westwood Lutheran Church. They wanted to recognize young people for their spirit of caring and concern for others. Today, the Caring Youth Recognition is planned by representatives from several community organizations. To date, 352 youth have been recognized through St. Louis Park's Caring Youth Recognition.

Each participating organization selects a young person who has involved herself/himself unselfishly in a cause or situation, which benefits others. The award honors young persons who demonstrate caring by reaching out, or whose day-to-day lifestyle reflects uncommon concern for others. It encourages an attitude of recognizing someone’s need and responding to it in a personal, caring way. Further definition of caring and the selection process used is determined by each organization.

2007 Participation organizations include:
St. Louis Park Senior High Children First
Perspectives Inc.STEP Emergency Program
Torah Academy Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital
Westwood Lutheran Church St, Louis Park Rotary Club
St. Louis Park Police Explorers Benilde-St. Margaret's High School
Bais Yaakov High School City of St. Louis Park, Westwood Nature Center

If your organization has a St. Louis Park caring youth who should be recognized or you would like to reserve a ticket please call Kim Fisher at (952) 928-6325.

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Eating Disorder Institute
In mid-November, a contractor will begin preparing the Bass Lake Preserve site for a new Eating Disorder Institute. To prepare, the interim off-leash dog park and tennis courts will be removed.

The city currently has an off-leash dog park at Dakota Park, 2643 Dakota Avenue, and is researching locations for a second site. Tennis courts have been added at Aquila Park, 3110 Xylon Avenue South.

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Highway 7 & Wooddale Ave. Vapor Study
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency MPCA), Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) have begun a study to determine the extent and any potential risks from underground chemical vapors in St. Louis Park.

The study involves an estimated 270 properties near the intersection of Highway 7 and Wooddale Avenue. About 20 percent of these are municipal, commercial or industrial properties and include St. Louis Park High School, 6425 W. 33rd Street and Park Spanish Immersion School in the Central Community Center, 6300 Walker St. A letter from the EPA explaining the study has been sent to homes and businesses in the area, and the city has also contacted affected residents. If you did not receive a letter, you are not in an affected area.

Informational meeting was held to discuss the study:

Meeting is available with Video on Demand and replays on Channel 17:
Replays of the program began Friday, Dec. 14 on cable channel 17 and are available online at Video on Demand video on demand Please contact Civic TV Coordinator Reg Dunlap at (952) 924-2660 or rdunlap@stlouispark.org if you have any questions.

Vapor Intrusion Study Update
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Public Meeting
Date: Wednesday, March 19
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: St. Louis Park Rec Center
3700 Monterey Drive, St. Louis Park

The purpose of this meeting is to update the community about the results of the vapor intrusion study being conducted in the vicinity of Highway 7 and Wooddale Avenue. The investigation is being done because vapors from volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, have been found in some area ground water and could get into people's homes. The meeting is being sponsored by EPA, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota Department of Public Health, Hennepin County and the city of St. Louis Park.

For more information, or for special accommodations at the meeting
Contact: Cheryl Allen
EPA Community Involvement Coordinator
800-621-8431, Ext. 36196, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., weekdays
allen.cheryl@epa.gov

February 20, 2008 Update
To get a more complete picture of potential sub-slab chemical vapor contamination, EPA has expanded the St. Louis Park study area. Area A has been expanded one block east to Zarthan Avenue South (between 35th and 39th Streets) as well as buildings along Highway 7 in between Area A and Area B. There are approximately 50 properties in the expanded study, bringing the total to more than 300. EPA and St. Louis Park officials are currently contacting property owners in the expanded area for permission to install sub-slab soil probes. Installation work will begin the week of March 17.

REVISED MAP for the Highway 7 & Wooddale Ave. Vapor Study Map pdf icon
More information visit the EPA website at: www.epa.gov/region5/sites/stlouispark/

January 15, 2008 Update
The U.S. EPA staff has established a St. Louis Park base office at 6528 Lake Street W, Suite F. The offices will be open between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Local office phone numbers are (952) 922-2035 and (952) 922-2375. Between the EPA staff and their contractors, this office will be staffed to coordinate activities throughout the study and be available for our residents.
EPA staff is currently contacting all property owners in the study areas who have not yet signed access agreements. As of January 2, nearly 150 agreements had been signed. They will continue to contact all property owners explaining the study and offering access agreements with the EPA. Property owners declining to be part of the study at this time will only be contacted again if the study results indicate that there is the potential for vapor intrusion in those specific areas.
Initial Sampling
The five properties which the EPA did initial sub-slab soil vapor sampling on December 11, 2007 included three residential and two commercial buildings. Three of the properties are being used for day-care or classroom uses. Of the five samples, two exceeded the sub-slab screening levels for either PCE (200 ug/m³) or TCE (30 ug/m³) as set by the Minnesota Department of Health.
The results from one sample exceeded the screening value for both PCE and TCE, and one additional sample exceeded the level for TCE.
Following the elevated sub-slab levels of PCE and TCE, the EPA arranged for indoor air quality testing of those two building. Indoor air tests results indicated that the levels were below screening concentration for indoor air quality. At this time no further action is necessary, however, the EPA has indicated that they will sample these properties again when the mobile laboratory is available later this month.
Source Location and Cleanup
All of the involved agencies have met to discuss how the study will progress into source identification and cleanup of soil or groundwater contamination as needed. The MPCA and EPA are working closely together in developing the specifics of this phase. Dependent on the magnitude, either the MPCA or the US EPA may take the lead in going forward in any cleanup operation. Both agencies clearly have the goal of eliminating the source of any soil vapor contamination.
EPA website
For more information, visit the EPA website at http://www.epa.gov/region5/sites/stlouispark/.

Dec. 5, 2007 Update:
High School and Central Community Center show no vapor intrusion risk
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) have received preliminary results on sampling done to determine the presence of volatile organic compound (VOC) vapors below the St. Louis Park High School and Central Community Center – which includes Park Spanish Immersion School. The testing shows that no vapors were present in the soil beneath either structure that would negatively affect indoor air quality. Of the 12 samples analyzed, 6 were free of the chemicals of concern and the remaining samples were well below levels of concern.

The two properties were tested on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 by MPCA contractors, as part of an ongoing investigation to determine the extent and any potential risks from underground chemical vapors. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will begin testing private properties in the identified study area in mid-January.

"The MPCA and MDH recognized the importance of testing the school and community center early and expedited the test results in an effort to ease concerns regarding the health and well-being of students," said MPCA Commissioner Brad Moore.

Links to related information:
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
12/5/2007 Star Tribune Article
12/5/2007 Pioneer Press Article


Questions & Answers
What prompted the study?
The study was prompted by the discovery of vapors from volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, in area ground water samples.

What are VOCs?
VOCs are commonly used in industrial degreasers, metal cleaners and dry cleaning fluids. On a separate track from the environmental study, the agencies are working to identify possible sources of the ground water pollution.

Is our drinking water safe?
Yes. The VOCs to be studied do not compromise our drinking water. The city’s drinking water is drawn from deep aquifers, is tested on a regular basis and it remains safe from the threat of these types of VOCs.

Are there any immediate health concerns?
Although the vapors could rise through soil into buildings through basements and foundation cracks, the government partners have seen no evidence that the vapors are getting into buildings at this time. The purpose of the study is to thoroughly investigate the situation and confirm that there is no immediate health concern. Some VOCs have no detectable odor at low levels. Breathing low levels of VOCs for long periods of time may increase some people’s risk of health problems.

Is there a known source of the contamination?
The source of the ground water contamination releasing the soil vapors is yet unknown, however, it has been determined that the contamination does not result from the former Reilly Tar and Chemical site. The EPA will be conducting further investigation of the source(s) during its study

What will the study consist of?
The study will require permission from property owners for EPA to conduct air and soil-vapor sampling to see whether vapors are seeping into indoor air. Over the next few weeks, project teams will visit homes and buildings seeking access to collect samples. Those who attend the Dec. 13 and 15 meetings will be able to arrange for the sampling. There will be no cost to residents or businesses for the testing.

What can I do if I’m an affected property owner?
Attend one of the scheduled meetings listed on the back of this letter and learn directly from these agencies about the soil vapor study., and allow the EPA to test your property to ensure that your home is safe from these vapors. It is imperative that if your building shows elevated levels of VOCs that you mitigate it. The EPA will cover the cost of this remediation for homeowners, so it’s important that you allow the testing at this time.

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Home Remodeling Tour is May 4
If you’re looking for remodeling ideas or having trouble envisioning your home’s potential, join your neighbors and friends for one of the city’s most popular annual events, the St. Louis Park Home Remodeling Tour. The event is set for Sunday, May 4 from noon to 4 p.m., and it’s FREE.

Begin the self-guided tour at any of the following homes:
  • 4111 Brookside Ave. S.
  • 3371 Brownlow Ave. S.
  • 8400 Cedar Lake Road
  • 2248 Drew Ave. S.
  • 3912 Monterey Ave. S.
  • 4104 Salem Ave. S.
This year’s selection of homes includes ideas for a variety of home styles plus “green” remodeling tips. City staff, homeowners and their contractors, and representatives from the Center for Energy and Environment will all be available to answer questions about the homes and city assistance programs.
For more details about the tour call (952) 924-2196.
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CenterPoint Energy inspecting gas lines
In an effort to ensure the safety and reliability of the natural gas distribution system, federal regulations require that natural gas utilities periodically inspect their above ground and indoor meters and piping leading to them. CenterPoint Energy has been contacting residential and business customers with inside natural gas meters to arrange a convenient time for this required inspection. For more details on the program, contact CenterPoint Energy directly at (612) 399-1448.
CenterPoint Energy Letter

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Nondegradation Report
In accordance with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Permit No. MN R 040000, the City of St. Louis Park is requesting comments regarding the city's Nondegradation Report. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency requires the City of St. Louis Park to prepare and submit the Report by January 1, 2008. However, comments will be considered and submitted after that date.

The Nondegradation Report summarizes the results of the Loading Assessment which assesses the quality of stormwater runoff from the City of St. Louis Park. The Loading Assessment compares the water quality in 1988 to current and projected water quality in 2020. The Nondegradation Report discusses the effectiveness of the stormwater best management practices required by the city.

If you have questions, please contact Laura Adler, Engineering Program Coordinator, at (952) 924-2555.

Comments are requested by February 11, 2008. Please submit comments to Public Works - Nondegradation Comments, 5005 Minnetonka Boulevard, St. Louis Park, MN 55416, or electronically to pworks@stlouispark.org, subject line "Nondegradation Comments".

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Preventing foreclosures in St. Louis Park
Mortgage foreclosures are surfacing as an important housing issue in many communities. Fortunately the rate of foreclosures experienced in St. Louis Park is lower than other parts of the metro area.

However, if you need assistance from a foreclosure prevention specialist, contact Bettie Foster-Crowe at the Community Action Partnership for Hennepin County at (952) 697-1364. For budget counseling, contact Lutheran Social Services at (888) 577-2227.

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Garage burglaries
Recently there have been several garage burglaries in St. Louis Park. In order to reduce the chances that you will become a target of a burglary, please exercise the following important precautions.

Reevaluate the security of your home:

  • Do not leave your garage door open.
  • Do not leave valuables unsecured.
  • Do not leave doors or windows unsecured or unattended.
  • Update your doors and locks. Replace single cylinder locks with double deadbolts. Be sure door hinges are exposed from the inside only.
  • Improve exterior elements, such as lighting. Keep trees and shrubs trimmed.
  • If leaving town, please notify your neighbors so they can watch your property.
  • Home Security Tips

The police department will conduct a security survey of your property. To arrange for a survey, please contact the St. Louis Park Police Department at (952) 924-2661.

REMEMBER: ALWAYS LOCK YOUR DOORS ON YOUR VEHICLES AND DO NOT LEAVE ANY VALUABLES IN UNATTENDED VEHICLES
Please report all suspicious activity in your neighborhood:

  • Trust your instincts! If someone or something looks suspicious, report it!
  • Call 911 or (952) 924-2618 (non-emergency.)
  • Talk with your neighbors regarding all suspicious activity.
  • If you would like to start a Neighborhood Watch group, please contact the Community Outreach Officer at (952) 924-2661.
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Spring Load Restrictions
Spring load restrictions go into effect this Friday (March 14th) at 12:01 AM. St. Louis Park follows Mn/DOT's lead on dates and durations of load restrictions. These restrictions are implemented by Mn/DOT when deemed necessary. They are put into place to protect the asphalt from damage due to vehicle weight when the frost is going out in the sub-surface and base. For more information check the follow web sites

Seasonal Load Limits
Spring Load Restrictions

Remember the limits are as follows unless posted otherwise

6 ton per axle residential streets
9 ton per axle MSA routes

Permits will be given ONLY to vehicles that can not break their loads down to the 6 tons per axle limit. All others deliveries will either have divide or split their loads to be legal. For more information call (952) 924-2563.

Restrictions are usually in place for 5 to 8 weeks and are removed by Mn/DOT.

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St. Louis Park’s University of Park receives Local Government Innovation (LGI) Award
St. Louis Park, Minn. – The Humphrey Institute’s Public and Nonprofit Leadership Center (PNLC)—in partnership with the Association of Minnesota Counties, the league of Minnesota Cities and the Minnesota School Boards Association—has named St. Louis Park’s, University of Park as one of its Local Government Innovation (LGI) Award members for 2007. Sixteen projects were recognized April 21in downtown Minneapolis for their inventive practices to improve local services in government. University of Park was recognized in the management process improvement category, for its innovated and progressive leadership program.
 
University of Park is a comprehensive training and development program, created by the city of St. Louis Park, designed to prepare new and emerging leaders for formal leadership positions. This unique program is designed to raise the overall standards for training and leadership development in the government sector. University of Park is open to all St. Louis Park supervisors and other emerging leaders in government.
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