May 2002

Check clock, calendar before sprinkling
Hering takes charge of Public Safety Department
Council Perspective: Some seasonal reminders about safety and pets
Open garage door: an invitation to a burglar
Annual photo contest puts 'Focus on Woodbury'
Buy a paver and leave your mark at Central Park

Check clock, calendar before sprinkling

Are you odd or even?
That's not a question about personality traits, just addresses. And in order to comply with city code, you need to know the answer before you turn on your sprinkler.

You're "odd" if your address ends in 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9; you're "even" if your address ends in 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8. Woodbury city ordinance limits lawn sprinkling to odd-numbered calendar days for residents and businesses with addresses that end in an odd number. Likewise, you may water only on even-numbered calendar days if your address ends in an even number.

In addition to understanding the odd/even restrictions, it's important to know that lawn watering is permitted only before noon and after 5 p.m. No one - whether odd or even - is allowed to water between noon and 5 p.m.

So what happens if you water your lawn on the "wrong day" or during the hours when sprinkling is prohibited? You risk receiving a citation and having to pay an administrative fine.

Remember that:

• Watering regulations are strictly enforced and no warnings are issued.
• The restrictions are in effect year-round, not just in the summer.
• Automatic sprinkling systems must be set to comply with both the odd/even schedule and the hours of the day when watering is allowed.

"The City Council adopted these lawn watering regulations to encourage conservation, maintain adequate water pressure, and ensure fire-fighting reserves," said Mayor Bill Hargis. "We appreciate everyone's cooperation."

Special watering permits can be obtained for newly-placed sod and seed. Call Public Works at (651) 714-3720 for information.

(Back to Top)

Hering takes charge of Public Safety Department

Bill Hering has been named Woodbury's new public safety director, effective June 1. A 27-year veteran of the department, Hering succeeds Greg Orth, who is retiring May 31.

Hering said his number one goal is "to maintain the strong customer service orientation of the department," which he credits Orth for establishing.

"I have already spoken to the police and the fire divisions about this," he said. "I want them to know what's important to me."

Hering said he is fortunate to take over a department with "excellent people and facilities and an excellent reputation within the community." He doesn't anticipate many changes in the Public Safety Department's operations, although he's been contemplating ways the City Council and citizens can "get to see our people more."

"We have many capable employees within the department and - borrowing a line from the Minnesota Twins - I'd like our residents to get to know 'em," Hering said. "This might involve having staff make some of the presentations at Council meetings, rather than the Council always hearing from me."

An experienced leader
Hering came to Woodbury in 1975 from the Oakdale Police Department. He was promoted to sergeant in 1977 and to lieutenant in 1989. When the police and fire departments were combined into a single Public Safety Department in 1996, Hering was named the deputy director.

As deputy director, Hering worked closely with the Fire Services Division. Prior to joining the Oakdale Police Department, he worked as a firefighter in Coon Rapids. The experience served him well in acting as liaison between the police and fire departments.

Most recently, Hering has been responsible for the Public Safety building projects, including two new fire stations, which opened in January, and the major addition to the Public Safety Building on Radio Drive, also completed this year. He holds an associate's degree in law enforcement from the former Lakewood Community College, and will graduate in August with a bachelor's degree in organizational management and communication from Concordia University.

In recommending Hering's appointment to the City Council, City Administrator Barry Johnson said, "Bill brings a firm commitment to maintaining the strong service orientation of the department. We both believe this is a high priority. In addition, Bill's background in the fire as well as the police service uniquely qualifies him to lead a department of this type."

Hering and his wife Carol have been Woodbury residents since 1976. They have three adult children.

(Back to Top)

Council Perspective: Some seasonal reminders about safety and pets

It's that time of the year again! The weather is warming, people are getting outside again, and the seasonal complaints are starting to arrive at City Hall and the Police Department.

Most of the complaints we receive come with requests that the city enforce various ordinances governing activities that resume - or become more noticeable - as warm weather brings people outdoors again. While complaints sometimes do involve a violation of city code, much of the behavior that people complain about really comes down to being a good neighbor.

All of us can do the things that make life more pleasant and enjoyable for others who live in the community. We can clean up after our pets so others don't encounter unsightly messes in the parks and on the trails. We can practice "trail etiquette" by sharing Woodbury's extensive trails with other users, whether they are walkers, runners, bicyclists or in-line skaters. We can teach our children about safety and courtesy for others on the trails and in our neighborhoods.

So here's a friendly reminder about activities that are often the source of complaints, and a plea not only to comply with city code but also to show consideration for others.

Be a responsible pet owner
This time of year, many residents call to say they've had it up to their shoelaces with folks who don't pick up after their pets in public places. City ordinance requires pet owners to clean up after their pet and to carry supplies for excrement removal when walking a pet off their property. All messes on public property or on the private property of others must be removed.

The city code also prohibits dogs, cats or other domestic animals from running at large beyond the land limits of the pet owner. This means pets must be leashed and under your control when off your property. The city receives complaints not only about dogs being at large, but also about cats that soil children's sandboxes.

The city also regulates excessive barking, so dog owners are cautioned to keep their pets quiet and prevent them from annoying neighbors. Copies of the animal control ordinance are available at the Woodbury Police Department, 2100 Radio Drive. If you have questions, call (651) 714-3600.

Persons who do not comply with the city's animal control ordinance may be cited for violating city code and fined. For a first offense, an administrative citation carrying a fine of $25 typically is issued. Subsequent offenses, however, may be treated as a misdemeanor, which typically results in a $100 fine. If there are further violations, fines continue to increase.

Playing safe
The Police Department has received a few calls and the officers on patrol are noticing more problems with children playing in the streets. As one resident recently wrote: "Residential streets are not playgrounds for pre-school age children. Parents should be cautioned that allowing three to six-year-olds to ride their bikes and drive their electric-powered cars all over the street just might be dangerous."

I'm sure motorists watch for children in our residential neighborhoods. But small children can be difficult to see, and they sometimes dart into traffic rather quickly unless they have been warned about the dangers of doing so.

Our police officers also are seeing increasing numbers of older kids who are rollerblading and skateboarding in the streets. This is unsafe and could result in serious injury if they collide with a motor vehicle. The in-line skaters should use the trails, not the streets. Parents should remind their children that hikers, walkers and runners have the right-of-way over in-line skaters on the trails. Skaters should slow down to pass walkers safely on the trails.

The city is still studying the feasibility of creating a skate park in Woodbury. Meantime, both rollerbladers and skateboarders can use the paved rinks at Ojibway and Shawnee Parks to practice their tricks. In addition, our neighboring community of Oakdale has an unsupervised skate park that is free of charge, and the White Bear Lake YMCA has a larger, supervised park where skateboarders can flip a few Nollies for a small user fee. These are good alternatives to skateboarding in city neighborhoods.

When we insist that our children follow these common sense safety guidelines, the children will be less likely to get injured and drivers less likely to get frustrated. In addition, our children will learn that community life requires consideration for others; it's all part of being a good neighbor.

(Back to Top)

Open garage door: an invitation to a burglar

Want to know the best way to prevent a burglary at your home? It's as simple as closing your garage door!

The Woodbury Police Department has been studying burglaries that have occurred in the city in an effort to help prevent them. What the department has discovered may surprise you.

"Garage burglaries are the most common type of burglary in Woodbury," said Sgt. Mike Pepin, "In the overwhelming majority of these crimes, the burglar entered the garage easily since the large garage door was left open!"

Of the 145 burglaries reported in 2001, 61 occurred in garages that were open. By comparison, only 16 burglaries took place in secured garages.

"Think of all the neat stuff you have in your garage that a burglar might like," Pepin said. "An open door presents an irresistible opportunity. Simply closing your door removes the opportunity and the temptation for the would-be burglar."

Pepin's work to minimize burglaries is part of a more comprehensive program within the Police Department to address some common public safety problems. The department also is studying traffic, accidents, parks, underage alcohol consumption, arson, drugs, retail crime, hotels, theft from motor vehicles, winter parking, and school facility issues.

According to Capt. Todd Johnson, the work includes collection of detailed statistics, called crime mapping, to reveal trends such as the connection between the open garage doors and the burglaries.

If you want to help prevent a burglary, make it your routine to check your garage door before you retire each night. If you would like more information on crime prevention, call the Woodbury Police Department at (651) 739-4141.

(Back to Top)

Annual photo contest puts 'Focus on Woodbury'

What makes Woodbury a special place? For the fourth year, the city invites you to answer that question with your personal photographs that showcase Woodbury scenes and Woodbury residents.

Select your best three images and enter them in the fourth annual "Focus on Woodbury" photo contest. There are three categories for standard photography: nature; people and personalities; and event/feature. In addition, there is a separate category for digital or digitally-enhanced images.

The nature category could include plants, animals, parks or natural settings in Woodbury. People and personalities could depict expressions, moods and an "up close and personal" look at Woodbury people. Public events and places in Woodbury such as cityscapes, sports, community events or buildings are some of the possibilities for the event/feature category. All digital and digitally enhanced photos should be placed in the category for digital images.

Contest prizes
Prizes to be awarded in each category are $100 for first place, $50 for second place, and $25 for third. First place entries will be published in the city newsletter. Judges will also award a number of honorable mentions in each category.

The contest is open to Woodbury residents and employees of Woodbury businesses. There is a limit of three entries per person. The deadline for entering is Friday, July 26, at 4:30 p.m. An entry form (below) must be attached to each photo submitted. Additional forms are available at Woodbury City Hall.

The photo contest has proven to be a popular annual event. Last year, 135 entries were submitted by 83 individuals. Winning entries will be displayed at Woodbury Days, August 23-25, and at other city events during the year.

Completed entries can be dropped off at City Hall or mailed to: Photo Contest, City of Woodbury, 8301 Valley Creek Rd., Woodbury, MN, 55125. Mailed entries must be postmarked by July 26. Contestants must follow all rules or their entry will be disqualified.

Questions? Need an entry blank? Contact the Administration Department at (651) 714-3523.

Photo Contest Rules

• You must be a Woodbury resident or an employee of a Woodbury business to enter.
• Photographs may be black & white or color prints, digital images or digitally enhanced photos. They must be enlarged to 5 by 7 inches. Digital images must be submitted as prints. Slides are not eligible.
• All photographs must be mounted on matte board or foam board no larger than one-quarter inch thick (not poster board) and without frames. Window matting is optional; however, the finished size may be no larger than 8 by 10 inches.
• Maximum of 3 entries per person.
• You may enter only photographs that you personally have taken.
• No personal identification is allowed on the front of the photograph.
• A completed entry form must be attached to the back of each entry.
• Contest is open to everyone, regardless of age, except professional photographers (one who makes over half his/her income from photography).
• City employees, City Council members and their families may enter, but are not eligible to win.
• All photo entries become the property of the City of Woodbury and will not be returned.
• Entry deadline is July 26, 2002, at 4:30 p.m. No exceptions.

Contestants must follow all rules or their entry will be disqualified.

Photo contest entry form (in PDF)

(Back to Top)

Buy a paver and leave your mark at Central Park

Bielenberg, Middleton, Bailey - they're names that are part of Woodbury history. And now, you have an opportunity to add your name to the city's history on a specially engraved brick at the new Central Park.

The engraved bricks, known as "pavers," will be incorporated into the outdoor patio area to form a dedication plaza. By purchasing a paver, you can honor an important person in your life or inscribe your family's name in a message for the entire community to see.

"The project is a way to invite community involvement and to recognize local residents and business donors," said Parks and Recreation Director Bob Klatt. "A paver project at Harriet Island in St. Paul was a huge success, and many of our residents have requested a similar opportunity here in Woodbury."

A limited number of pavers will be available, and will be sold on a first-come, first served basis. The pavers are eight-inch concrete squares. The engraved message is limited to 13 characters per line, with a maximum of four lines per paver.

To add your personal message to this public tablet of history, fill out the attached order form and mail with your check for $75, payable to the City of Woodbury, to: Leave Your Mark at Central Park, Woodbury Parks & Recreation Department, 8301 Valley Creek Road, Woodbury, MN 55125. The price of the pavers reflects the city's costs for creating and installing the bricks.

According to Klatt, the Central Park project is proceeding on schedule and a late summer opening is expected. A multi-use, year-round facility consisting of about 20,000 square feet, the park includes a play area, meeting rooms, a 200-seat amphitheater, coffee shop, extensive landscaping, and space for the Early Childhood Family Education program.

The enclosed park will serve as the central space linking a new Washington County branch library on one end and the existing Southeast Area YMCA on the other end. The park and library are under construction south of Kowalski's Market, on the east side of Radio Drive.

Questions about the park project or the paver program can be directed to Klatt at (651) 714-3583.

Paver order form (in PDF)

(Back to Top)