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2018-01 Experience EaganMEET OUR PLOW PROS TIPS FROM THE TEAM JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 ESTABLISHED 1860 EAGAN, MINNESOTA If snow is predicted, move cars off of the street when possible. Navigating around cars takes us more time. If you have to park in the street, ALWAYS adhere to the City’s permanent odd/even daytime parking program (6 a.m. to 6 p.m., November 15-April 15) This allows at least one side of the street to be fully cleared. Overnight, avoid parking across the street from another vehicle so plows can fit down the road. Keep your garbage containers, shoveled snow and other obstacles out of the street. Garbage/recycling containers are required to be placed at least three feet behind the curb. Garbage truck arms can reach this distance. If crews have to plow around containers, it takes longer and neither you nor the plow driver wants to pick up garbage if the con- tainer is hit. Shovel driveway and sidewalk snow onto your property, NOT into the street. Shoveled snow is denser and often icy and can divert the plow blade when it hits this type of pile. Give our trucks lots of room on the road. Allow at least five car lengths between your vehicle and a plow. If you can see the face of the driver in their mirror, they can see you. Eagan’s talented team of ten pros plow through winter to get you on the road safely. Left to right: Rick, Bill, Joe, Jeff, Andy, Joel, Emmett, Jason, Mitch and Scott. Leave yourself and the plow plenty of space as they cannot stop quickly. Remember to leave room behind the truck for salt and de- icer to spray. When you are at an intersection, leave plows extra space to turn in. You may need to back up to help them get through. Work with us to avoid frustration. You may find it less frustrating to wait until the plows have cleared your street before shoveling the end of your driveway. City plows are designed to discharge snow to the road- sides and are not capable of skipping drive- ways. If plows have caused sod or other damage in the past, you may want to mark your yard line with stakes. This will help avoid future dam- age. Want to learn more about snow plowing in Eagan? We’ve created new interactive maps with slideshows about street and trail plowing. They’ll give you an in-depth look at our equipment and operations. www.cityofeagan.com/snow Here are a few of our plow team’s best tips that will help them do their job effectively and quickly to get you on the road safely: *A lane mile equals one pass in one direction on the road. Each mile of road can have between two and six lane miles. For instance, most of Wescott Road has one eastbound lane, one westbound lane and a center turn lane. Therefore, each mile of Wescott equates to three lane-miles plowed. Eagan’s plow drivers are a dedicated bunch. The team of ten loves to plow and looks forward to snow. Even with long shifts, unpredictable weather and fluctuating schedules, each still hopes for a good-old-fashioned winter. They enjoy clearing the roads and trails, making them safe for the rest of us to get around quickly and easily. Joel, Emmett and Bill have been at it the longest with roughly 30 winters apiece driving an Eagan plow. They can tell the newer guys legendary tales of the 1991 Halloween blizzard and near-record 90-inches of snow that same year. The team hasn’t grown in number through the years but the number of roads has increased dramatically. Emmett recalls his original plowing route was 25 lane-miles.* It has now grown to 98. “There weren’t as many roads then,” he says. “And there sure weren’t as many parked cars or people out on the roads.” The crew begins loading trucks, pretreating or plowing as soon as the all-call goes out (though pretreatment often starts earlier). “We don’t have a ‘second shift,’” says Supervisor Jeff Brooker. “So we work 12-hours and call it a day (or night).” They work hard through all conditions to clear their route, and try to go back for a clean-up pass before shift-end. When they finish with Eagan’s nearly 250-miles of City streets, they move on to clear 80-miles of trails. Retirements have opened up spots. Joe and Jeff joined the team about a dozen years ago. Jeff was just promoted to Supervisor when the previous lead retired in 2017; Scott (6 years), Rick (4 years on Streets team, 29 with the City) and Andy (3 years) now each have several snow seasons under their belts. The new guys—Jason and Mitch— started just before the first snow fell this season. Although the number of drivers and trucks hasn’t changed in his 30-years, Bill says the equipment and technology have improved a lot. “We now have interior defrosters!” he laughs. “Things like hydraulic controls, halogen headlights, liquid de- icer and other technology have made it easier to get the job done. But I’m not sure one more con- trol could fit in the cab.” Eagan’s hilly terrain, curving roads and numerous cul-de-sacs create unique challenges. Andy says sometimes, maneuvering a plow is like “riding an elephant on roller skates over a bed of marbles.” But they all seem to rise to that challenge. restaurant to its property near the new Vikings headquarters in northeast Eagan. Future plans for the Viking Lakes development include a potential conference center hotel. To keep up-to-date on these projects, as well as other development happening in town, visit www. cityofeagan.com/development. GET TO KNOW E-TV THIS YEAR GREEN IN THE NEW YEAR The New Year is a time for resolutions that help us bring about positive change. This new year, make a difference in your community and add some easy green resolutions to your list. Here are three ideas to get you started: 1. Reduce your food waste. 40% of food is cur- rently being wasted in the United States. That means wasted resources, time, energy, and money. In fact, an average family of four throws out approximately $1,500 every year in edible food. Reducing your food waste might be as easy as making smaller trips to the store with a clear list in mind, or just storing your food properly to make it last as long as possible. Visit savethefood.com for more tips and tricks. 2. Reuse with ease. Why buy something new when you can fix something you have for free? This year, resolve to attend a Dakota County Fix-It Clinic when you have something in need of repair. Clinics are offered every month in cities around Dakota County and you can bring up to five small household items such as torn clothing, broken vacuum cleaners, and more, to be fixed for free. 3. Reuse with ease. This year, recycle everything you can by using the hauler specific guides found on www.dakotavalleyrecycling.org/curbside. While you’re at it, make sure to recycle the things that can’t go in your curbside bin such as elec- tronics and plastic bags by taking them to the Recycling Zone! For other green living ideas including how to make green cleaners, tips for backyard compost- ing, and winter energy saving tips, visit www. dakotavalleyrecycling.org. Your source for local programming Make a resolution this year to watch more local TV on the City of Eagan’s three television chan- nels. You can watch shows submitted by Eagan residents and find blocks of shows on top- ics like health, lifestyle, home & garden on Eagan Television Public Access. Tune in Comcast channel 15 or CenturyLink TV 8334 (ETVPUB). City Council and Advisory Commission meet- ings are on Eagan Television Government: Comcast channel 16 or CenturyLink 8835 (ETVGOV). Eagan Television Community is where you’ll find shows produced right here in Eagan, like high school sports, local plays, concerts and City events. Check out Comcast channel 20 or CenturyLink 8333 (ETVCOM). No cable? Stream us live, anytime, by going to www.Eagan-TV.com, and click “Live Stream”. Want video skills? E-TV can help! You make videos for social media; maybe you’ve dreamed of making your own movie. You could even learn to make a program about that thing you’re so passionate about, and get it on the City’s E-TV channels. Let us teach you the skills to get you started or take your uploads and pro- grams to the next level. VISIT THE INDOOR MARKET Find your favorite farmer’s market vendors indoors! The market is open every other Saturday until February 24. Twenty vendors will be featured weekly with free samples and time to visit one-on- one. Products available for purchase include: eggs, canned goods, BBQ sauce, bread, frozen meat, produce and more. Also, the American Red Cross will be onsite (in the upper parking lot) at every Indoor Market Fest for donations from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Appointments can be made at www.redcross- blood.org by entering sponsor code “Eagan Market Fest” or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS. Every other Saturday January 13, January 27, February 10, February 24 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Oasis Room at Eagan Community Center 1501 Central Parkway Eagan has become a hub of activity—as a shop- ping destination, an employment center, and as a home for sporting events and outdoor activities. As the community continues to grow and attract more visitors, so does the need for hotel rooms. Eagan is now home to sixteen hotels, with more to come soon. The 123-room Hilton Home2 Suites is projected to open in April 2018 near the Twin Cities Premium Outlets. In December, the City Council approved a 107-room Fairfield Inn & Suites to be built on an adjacent lot. “Investment goes where investment is already occurring. With so much development in Eagan, the market is making a clear statement that Eagan is a great bet,” says Jill Hutmacher, the City’s Director of Community Development. Cedar Grove is not the only part of town attract- ing new hotels. The new Quarry Road Addition development, along Yankee Doodle Road, will soon be the site of a 128-room Residence Inn by Marriott. In addition, the Country Inn & Suites is adding 55 rooms, an 87-seat conference space and a Know the code: Does Eagan allow vacation rental by owner? With the Big Game coming to the Twin Cities in February, some residents may be wondering if they can rent their home or a room in their house during the event. Be aware that the Eagan City Code does not allow short term rentals (defined as any- thing less than 30 days at a time) in residen- tial zones. This would include listing your property for rent on websites like Airbnb, VRBO, etc. Eagan is currently home to 16 hotels with several more properties approved or under consideration. Add to that more rooms and conference space at some existing hotels, and it all points to the fact that Eagan is a prime destination for shoppers, business clients, airport travelers and others. EAGAN IS A GREAT BET FOR HOTELS AND MORE E-TV offers training for just $30 per class. Try “E-TV Intro to Moviemaking”, “E-TV Intro to Video Editing” and “E-TV Television Studio Production”. After training, Eagan residents can get involved in our productions or can use the E-TV video equip- ment for free to create their own non-commercial programs. As long as they meet community stan- dards, we’ll air them first on E-TV. Visit www.Eagan-TV.com for class details and to register. Can you take The Heat? E-TV’s newest program The Heat is hosted by Officer Aaron Machtemes of the Eagan Police Department and is all about talking cop things while eating hot wings. Watch on E-TV Community, on social media and at www.youtube.com/cityofeagan. @EaganPD on Facebook Follow the new Eagan Police Department Facebook page for safety tips, the latest Eagan Police news and some insight to the people behind the EPD badge. Find us at at www.facebook.com/EaganPD Play features for almost every age and interest are on the docket in Eagan Parks & Recreation’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for 2018. Creating a place for little ones to splash, adding sport courts and fields, enhancing the skateboard park and more are all slated for attention this year. The CIP is a five-year plan that looks at larger equipment and facilities. In the case of the Parks & Recreation department, projects are paid through a combination of Parks Dedication funds NEW YEAR BRINGS NEW PARK AMENITIES GET OUTSIDE. GO FISHING. SPLASH PAD AT CENTRAL PARK A bubbling, spraying water play area will take shape next to the pavilion in the Central Park Festival Grounds. This amenity was the num- ber one community request to emerge from the Eagan Forward family amenities team. “Splash pads are the popular way for families with younger children to play in the water, cool off and enjoy another fun activity throughout the summer months,” says Andrew Pimental, Director of Eagan Parks and Recreation. “The addition of this recre- ation amenity will compliment both Central Park and also the entire City park inventory.” You’re already at the Eagan Community Center for workouts, meetings, the indoor playground or senior activities; why not do all of your Parks & Recreation registration here too? The staff from City Hall Parks & Recreation coun- ter will be moving to the Community Center (1501 Central Parkway) beginning February 12, 2018. “We needed to relocate during City Hall remodel- ing this spring,” says Jared Flewellen, Assistant Parks & Recreation Director. “Rather than moving temporarily, we realized we could create a more convenient, permanent, one-stop opportunity for the public at the ECC.” All in-person rentals, activity registration, season passes, dog licenses and more can be coordi- nated at this one facility. Registrations will still be accepted online at www.cityofeagan.com/regis- ter or by calling (651) 675-5500. WE’RE ON THE MOVE REGISTRATION STAFF MOVES TO COMMUNITY CENTER POLICE MOVE CAUSES CHANGES TOO For 22 years, the Eagan Police Department has provided a look inside the law enforcement world through its annual Citizen’s Academy. More than 650 Eaganites have gotten to know more about the job of the people who keep our town safe. In 2018, however, construction will prevent us from hosting this perennial favorite. The police facility (3830 Pilot Knob Road) will undergo much needed upgrades and expansion begin- ning this spring. Police employees will be moving into temporary office space until the construc- tion is complete, meaning training spaces will be unavailable. Please watch www.cityofeagan.com/on-the-move and/or future Experience Eagan for updates on facility construction and staff relocations as plans are finalized. GEORGE OHMANN PARK EXPANSION Four acres adjoining the east side of the park have been acquired. This will make room for addi- tional grass fields to be constructed for use by soccer, lacrosse and other turfgrass sports. “It also allows us to rotate field use,” says Paul Graham, Park Maintenance Superintendent, “giving turf an opportunity to rest and recover periodically so we can keep it in better play quality.” Additional trails will also be constructed for access from the east and potentially connecting up with the Lebanon Hills Park trail system. and the City’s General fund. The 2017 CIP included the renovation of the Bridle Ridge Park building, several public art projects, the nature play area at Patrick Eagan Park and a new pavilion at Thomas Lake Park. To follow key meeting and construction dates for 2018 projects plus see details in our new ‘story- map”, visit www.cityofeagan.com/parkprojects. PICKLEBALL COURTS AT QUARRY PARK Described by some as a cross between tennis and ping-pong, pickleball is especially hot in the retir- ee community. “Ten years ago, this sport emerged in sunnier climates. Enthusiasts are bringing that love back home and looking for courts here,” Andrew says. An eight-court pickleball-specific complex will be built at Quarry Park to replace an underutilized hockey rink. Walking paths and other park amenities will be a part of this project in central Eagan, next to a large residential and retail mixed development being constructed (pri- vately) next door. OTHER PARK PROJECTS COMING IN 2018 Unique playground features will be added through the park system including parent/child facing swings, global motion spheres (see photo), plus more park benches and bike racks. Also slated in 2018 is the replacement concrete skateboard park at the Lexington/Diffley Athletic Complex in east/central Eagan. This project (origi- nally slated for 2017) was modified based on user- input from the community. “We think we’ve land- ed on a much better design that will see greater use by our skateboarders,” says Pimental. PHOTO BY AL KIECKER Come try your hand at ice fishing on Blackhawk Lake on Saturday, January 27. Minnesota residents can fish for free at this event when accompanied by a child, age 15 or under. We’ll provide equip- ment and bait (while supplies last) or bring your own. A bonfire, hot cocoa, a sheltered area, and porta- ble toilet will be available at the pavilion. Register under your main family contact (in the Parks reg- istration system) and indicate how many family members will attend. Instructors from City staff and the Minnesota Valley Fisherman’s Club will give free, hands-on demonstrations and tips to attendees from pre- schoolers to adult. No experience necessary. Saturday, January 27 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Blackhawk Lake 1629 Murphy Parkway PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGEPAIDTWIN CITIES MNPERMIT NO. 4902 * ECRWSS * Residential Postal CustomerCITY OF EAGAN3830 PILOT KNOB ROAD EAGAN, MN 55122-1810COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Want to find a place to volunteer? Come to Community Connections. Does your group need members or a higher community profile? Come to Community Connections. Are you new to Eagan or just won- dering what there is to do in town? You guessed it. The Eagan Community Center will be filled with groups of every variety and lots of great ways to get involved on Saturday, March 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the Community Connections event. “We invite local service organizations, groups with volunteer opportunities, churches, non-profits and community clubs,” says Tanya Mozingo, Recreation Supervisor and event coordinator. “With all of these groups in one place, I may be biased, but I think it’s a fun event where everyone can find something new and many ways to connect.” The free event includes: NEW COMMISSION MEMBER ENCOURAGES INVOLVEMENT Tag @CityofEagan for a chance to be featured Photo by @forslundphotos“Every month is something new and fascinating,” says Aileen Hough, a very enthusiastic first term member of Eagan’s Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission. After participating in Eagan Forward, Aileen and her husband recognized they wanted to be involved in other facets of the community they have lived in for years. After spotting a Commission recruitment notice, she applied. “I didn’t know which of the Commissions to apply for but Parks and Recreation sounded like fun,” she says. “I thought we’d be talking about all of the events, programs, classes... Instead, I’ve become versed in Park Dedication Funds, Capital Improvement Projects, Tree Preservation and pickleball!” she laughs. “I’m totally out of my field of knowledge. It’s nothing like I do for work [at a publishing firm], but I feel like I’m doing some- thing important for the community I love. The experience has been amazing.” Aileen encourages others to take the same chance she did and apply for a position on one of Eagan’s four Advisory Commissions or the local watershed management organization. Apply by March 23 for appointments the City Council will make in April. Applications and more infor- mation can be found at www.cityofeagan.com/ commissions. “I have nothing but high praise for the staff and City Council for wrapping this level of citizen input into their decision-making,” Aileen says. “Eagan is at a really interesting place in its devel- opment and it’s an exciting time to be involved.” Exhibit hall featuring local non-profit and ser- vice organizations Free admission to The Blast! indoor playground Entertainment Art Experience project Selfie station with special guests Family activities and demonstrations @CityofEaganCOME SOCIALIZE WITH US facebook.com/CityofEagan Mayor: Mike Maguire Council Members: Paul Bakken, Cyndee Fields, Gary Hansen, Meg Tilley City Administrator: Dave Osberg (651) 675-5000 | (651) 454-8535 TTY | www.cityofeagan.com nextdoor.com instagram.com/CityofEagan Saturday, March 3 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Eagan Community Center 1501 Central Parkway Organizations can find event details and register at www.cityofeagan.com/ communityconnections.