March 2010

Regularly drive I-494/I-694? Upcoming construction will impact you!
Get the latest construction updates via e-mail
Sustainability and Landscape Workshop set for March 20
Council Perspective: Woodbury is a Yellow Ribbon City
Market value notices should hit mailboxes in March
Open Book meetings set for market value appeals
April 1 is Census Day - 10 questions, 10 minutes

Regularly drive I-494/I-694? Upcoming construction will impact you!

Local residents who rely on I-494 or I-694 for commuting to work or regular travel to or from other parts of the metro area should plan on attending an informational open house on Tuesday, March 30, to learn how 2010 construction on the interstate will impact travel.

The open house will take place at Woodbury City Hall from 5 to 8 p.m. There will be no formal presentation; however, project layouts showing planned construction and traffic impacts will be displayed. Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) staff will be available to answer questions and for one-on-one discussions.

The construction projects on I-494/I-694 will affect Woodbury, Oakdale, and Maplewood. The work will span a stretch of the interstate highway, beginning south of Lake Road and ending just south of Highway 36.

The projects are expected to begin in early to mid-April, with substantial completion of the I-494 project by mid-July. The I-694 project is anticipated to be substantially completed by mid-August with total completion of the project by fall. Lane restrictions and ramp closures will be necessary at times.

Project information
A new concrete driving surface will be constructed on I-494 and I-694. To reduce costs, speed construction and provide a long-term new pavement, a 10-inch concrete overlay will be placed over the old roadway. The process is called an unbonded concrete overlay. According to MnDOT, this new concrete pavement section is expected to last 30 to 40 years.

This project will provide a continuous three-lane road in each direction along I-494 from I-94 to south of Lake Road. In the I-94 interchange area, the pavement along I-494/I-694 will be overlaid with asphalt. Shoulders along I-494 and I-694 also will be repaved. Additional lighting will be provided along I-494 and I-694 between Valley Creek Road in Woodbury and 10th Street in Oakdale.

"Median barriers will be provided to reduce the probability of cross median crashes," said Marc Briese, east area manager for MnDOT. "Guardrail, signing, drainage and other roadway items also will be upgraded. Several new storm water ponds will be constructed adjacent to I-494 and I-694."

The MnDOT I-494/I-694 project Web site (www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/i494and694/) and e-mail updates (see item below) will be the primary methods of communication during the project.

If you have questions or concerns, but are unable to attend the open house, please contact Mary McFarland Brooks at (651) 234-7506 or mary.mcfarland@state.mn.us, or Marc Briese at (651) 234-7715 or marc.briese@state.mn.us.

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Get the latest construction updates via e-mail

Receive periodic updates about ramp closures and lane restrictions during the I-494 and I-694 projects by visiting the Mn/DOT Web site at www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/i494and694/ and signing up for e-mail updates. Just click on the "e-mail updates" button on the right side of the page and select I-494/I-694. This will be the primary source of up-to-date information for the project.

Residents also are encouraged to subscribe to the city's InTouch e-mail system to receive e-mail notices about road closures and additional information related to the I-494/I-694 project and other road projects during the upcoming construction season.

Subscribing is quick and easy. On the Woodbury Web site, click on the InTouch icon in the lower left corner of the home page. There are 13 interest lists, so be sure to select the lists that provide information you are interested in.

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Sustainability and Landscape Workshop set for March 20

Are you interested in landscaping with low maintenance plants that are native to Minnesota? Would you like to grow your own food, even if you have only a small area to work with? Have you ever wondered how psychology can influence sustainable behavior?

Learn more about these topics, as well as the impact of the emerald ash borer on our ash trees, at the 12th annual landscape workshop on Saturday, March 20, at Woodbury City Hall. The workshop, now titled the "Sustainability and Landscape Workshop," is free and open to the public. No reservations are necessary.

This year's program will emphasize sustainability, with speakers on native and invasive plants and insects, food production with limited space, and sustainable behavior. It begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends around noon.

The workshop also will be broadcast live in South Washington County on cable television Channel 16 and later replayed. The program also can be viewed on the Internet via Web streaming on the South Washington County Telecommunications Web site at www.swctc.org.

In the first presentation, scheduled for 8:40 a.m., Julia Vanatta will discuss "The Unexpected Joys of Gardening with Natives." The session will provide information regarding the human impact on native plant communities and considerations for designing your perfect garden with natives. She will also share insights on the evolution, both over time and seasonal, of her own small city garden. Vanatta is a gardener and native plant enthusiast.

Maximize your harvest
At 9:30 a.m., Susan Reed will give a presentation on "Superabundant Small Gardens," providing an overview of planting techniques for growing more food in smaller places, and in our climate. Learn how to maximize your harvest with the right varieties and efficient design. Reed's presentation also will include tips for cost-effective gardening -- ways to save money, save seeds and save your harvest.

If you are interested in understanding what circumstances, internal and external, are most likely to support sustainable behavior, be sure to attend Christie Manning's session, "The Psychology of Sustainable Behavior," at 10:30. Environmental problems are the product of millions of daily decisions, some large (e.g., should I insulate my home?) and some small (e.g., paper, plastic, or cloth bags?). Manning will describe the seven recommendations from psychological research that help create situations that encourage sustainable action. Manning is an assistant professor of environmental psychology at Macalester College.

In the final session of the morning, Renae Smith from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture will share information in her presentation titled "Emerald Ash Borer & Other Invasive Insects That Really Bug Us." The emerald ash borer has killed millions of ash trees in the United States, causing significant damage and economic costs. Her presentation will cover the history and background of the ash borer as well as what Minnesota is doing to slow the spread and how individuals can help. The presentation also will include a brief overview of other invasive insects that pose a risk to Minnesota's trees, and will begin around 11:20.

Free non-toxic cleaner
All sessions will be followed by a question and answer period. In addition to the presentations, Washington County staff will be at the event to provide information on the new Environmental Center in Woodbury, and to distribute non-toxic household cleaners. There will also be informational displays and handouts throughout the morning.

The Landscape Workshop is sponsored by the Woodbury Environmental Advisory Commission, a volunteer group that advises the City Council on matters relevant to sustainability including solid waste, air, water, land, energy, and other natural resources.

Woodbury City Hall is located at 8301 Valley Creek Road. Questions about the workshop can be directed to City Hall at (651) 714-3500.

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Council Perspective: Woodbury is a Yellow Ribbon City

By Mayor Bill Hargis

When it comes to supporting our military families, it is sometimes easy to "talk the talk." Now, a group of volunteers in Woodbury has formed a "Yellow Ribbon Network" to assist our military families in an ongoing way and really "walk the walk."

Efforts to establish a Yellow Ribbon Network in the city began in March 2009, when I attended a background meeting at Oak-Land Junior High School. In April, State Sen. Kathy Saltzman and former Washington County Commissioner Dick Stafford came to a City Council meeting to outline the work under way with this initiative. Guided by the Minnesota National Guard's "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon" outreach team, county leaders were working to build an enduring network of support for service members and their families throughout the deployment process.

The City Council quickly endorsed this effort, and Council member Julie Ohs volunteered to serve on a local committee, chaired by resident Darrin Ewing, that was organizing a Yellow Ribbon Network for Woodbury. The group has recruited key community groups, such as schools, churches, law enforcement, veterans groups, social services, and civic organizations, and developed an action plan. The plan was approved and, in January, Woodbury was among the first cities in the state to receive Yellow Ribbon City designation by the governor. Washington County also has achieved Yellow Ribbon County status.

The real work begins
"We're here to help our military families in a variety of ways," explained Stafford, who chairs the veterans group. "Whether they need an attorney, assistance with a tax return, or help with a leaky roof, we want to provide a network of resources for them."

One of the challenges, however, is identifying military families within the community who might be served by the Yellow Ribbon Network, Stafford said. The National Guard keeps the families' identities private, and oftentimes, they do not like to ask for help. That's why it's important for community residents who may know a service family in their neighborhood, church, school, or organization to refer the family to the network.

Woodbury Yellow Ribbon Network recently launched a Web site to help spread the word about its work in the community. Go to woodburyyellowribbon.com to learn more about this new organization and what it does. You also can sign up online to become a volunteer, helping service members reintegrate into civilian life or helping their families during deployment.

To increase awareness of the group and its mission, the Yellow Ribbon Network had a booth at the recent "Taste of South Washington County Extravaganza," sponsored by School District 833. In addition, network volunteers will be participating in the first annual Woodbury Community Expo, scheduled April 24 at Bielenberg Sports Center.

Upcoming plans include working with neighboring cities to organize a picnic for military families this summer. Volunteers also are learning job coaching skills to assist service members seeking employment. Whatever the project, the Yellow Ribbon Network will be striving to ensure that military members and their families will never be expected to face life's daily challenges without the support of their friends, neighbors, and the Woodbury community.

If you'd like to get involved in this effort, sign up via the Yellow Ribbon Web site or contact Patti Bitney-Starke at pbitneystarke@comcast.net.

Be counted in census
As noted in the article on page 4 (below), April 1 is Census Day in the United States. I encourage all residents, both citizens and non-citizens, to complete and mail back the census forms when you receive them later this month. We'd like to get an accurate, fully up-to-date count of our population.

Woodbury receives federal and state funding for numerous programs based on our population. Recycling program grants, housing funds disbursed through the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, and state aid for street projects are just a few examples. In addition, census data determine the number of seats that Minnesota will have in the U.S. House of Representatives.

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Market value notices should hit mailboxes in March

Property valuation notices are expected to be mailed to property owners during the last week of March by Washington County. Again this year, the valuation notices will be mailed with property tax statements for taxes payable in 2010.

The "Notice of Valuation and Classification for Taxes Payable in 2011" will indicate the market value established this year on Jan. 2. This market value is the approximate amount for which a property could sell and is the basis for your 2011 taxes.

Determining market value
Each year, the county assessor's office reviews the assessed market value of all property to determine whether changes in the local real estate market require a change in assessed values. Real estate sales are verified and studied based on the location, age, and style of home and quality of construction to determine these market adjustments.

There are two avenues of appeal for property owners who question the 2010 estimated market value listed on their "Notice of Valuation" form. The first is referred to as the three-step appeal process:

• Contact the assessor's office. Property owners who have questions or concerns regarding the market value set for their property are encouraged to contact the property appraiser assigned to their area by calling (651) 275-8645. The appraiser will review the property data and sales information with you and, if necessary, schedule an interior review of the property. A large majority of concerns can be resolved through this administrative review without the need for a formal appeal.
• Attend the Open Book meeting in your community. If your questions and concerns are not resolved after talking with your appraiser, you may attend the Open Book meeting in Woodbury or any of the Open Book meetings scheduled by the county (see 2010 schedule in item below). Your appeal can be made in person, through a letter, or through a representative authorized by you. The Open Book process offers an informal setting for property owners as well as several scheduling options.
• Appear before the County Board of Appeal and Equalization. Property owners who are not satisfied with the action taken at the Open Book meeting may appear before the County Board of Appeal, consisting of elected county commissioners, the county auditor, and/or appointed officials. You must contact the assessor's office at (651) 275-8759 by Wednesday, May 12, to be placed on the agenda.

The alternative method of appeal is a one-step process bypassing both the community Open Book meetings and the County Board of Appeal. It involves making an appeal directly to the Minnesota Tax Court. The same filing requirements and deadlines apply to all property owners who choose this route. For more information, visit the tax court Web site at www.taxcourt.state.mn.us, or call (651) 296-2806.

If you have any questions regarding the appraisal process or the 2010 market value, contact the Washington County Assessor's Office at (651) 275-8645.

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Open Book meetings set for market value appeals

Woodbury property owners can attend any of the following Open Book meetings to appeal their market value or property classification.

• Thursday, April 8, from 5 to 7 p.m., Cottage Grove City Hall
• Wednesday, April 14, from 5 to 7 p.m., Oakdale City Hall
• Thursday, April 22, from 5 to 7 p.m., Woodbury City Hall
• Wednesday, April 28, from 2 to 7 p.m., Washington County Government Center in Stillwater

Property owners who have questions or concerns are strongly encouraged to contact the property appraiser responsible for their area as a first step. The number to call is (651) 275-8645.

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April 1 is Census Day - 10 questions, 10 minutes

Census forms will be delivered to every residence in the United States and Puerto Rico in mid-March. The census counts every resident -- both citizens and non-citizens -- and is required by the U.S. Constitution to take place every 10 years.

Woodbury residents are encouraged to complete and mail back their form upon receipt. You don't need to wait until April 1, the official Census Day, to respond.

The 2010 form is shorter and easier than ever. It consists of just 10 questions, such as your name, sex, age, date of birth, race, and whether you own or rent, and takes about 10 minutes to complete. The census does not ask about the legal status of respondents or their Social Security numbers. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share an individual's responses with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement.

Why is your response important? In the first place, census data determine the number of seats that Minnesota will have in the U.S. House of Representatives. In addition, information collected through the census will help communities receive more than $400 billion in federal funds for infrastructure and services such as hospitals, job training centers, schools, bridges and other public works projects, senior centers, and emergency services.

"Woodbury has received funding for housing, public safety programs, and federal stimulus projects based on its population," said City Administrator Clint Gridley. "So it's important to have a complete and accurate count of all our residents in the census."

Census takers will visit households that do not return questionnaires to take a count in person. More detailed information previously collected through the census will be asked of a small percentage of the population through the annual American Community Survey.

To learn more about the survey, visit www.census.gov. For more information about the 2010 U.S. Census, go to www.2010census.gov.

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