system, and posted on the city’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/WoodburyMinnesota) and Twitter (@CityofWoodbury) accounts.

Food vendors neededApplications are being accepted until noon on Wednesday, June 24, from food vendors. For more information or to obtain a vending application, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (651) 714-3583.

The Fourth of July fireworks display will once again bring friends and families out for an evening of fun at Bielenberg Sports Center (BSC) this year.

“Last year’s celebration at BSC was a great success,” said Bob Klatt, Parks and Recreation director. “Bringing the event back to BSC allows us to offer new elements to the event, including open skating and field time inside BSC and the new outdoor splash pad will be open on the south side of the field house.”

The festivities begin at 6 p.m. with outdoor concessions and musi-cal entertainment by FlashMob!, a Minneapolis-based group that covers a wide variety of hits from the 1970s through today.

BSC will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. to host open skating for $4 per person and an additional $3 for skate rental. The field house will be open for free drop-in play and walk/run activities. Concessions will be available

Fun and fireworks planned on Fourth of July

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for purchase. The outdoor splash pad is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The traditional fire-works display kicks off at 10 p.m. and visitors are encour-aged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.

The Fourth of July festivities will take place rain or shine.

ParkingBSC is located south of Bailey Road and east of Radio Drive, adjacent to East Ridge High School. Motorists are encouraged to park in the BSC and East Ridge High School parking lots. No parking will be allowed along Bailey Road and Radio Drive.

The traffic plan for the event will be published on the city’s website at www.ci.woodbury.mn.us, announced via the InTouch email notification

June 2015 • Volume 16, No. 5

www.ci.woodbury.mn.us /WoodburyMinnesota @CityofWoodbury /CityofWoodburyMN

Splash into summer at BSCSplash pad water feature opened June 6The new outdoor splash pad water fea-ture at Bielenberg Sports Center (BSC) opened June 6.

Located on the south side of the expanded BSC field house, the highly anticipated amenity offers two plat-forms of water fun. The larger plat-form offers dumping buckets, nozzles and flower showers. The smaller platform offers features for younger children.

“The splash pad is a unique addition to our extensive parks and recreation system that will serve a segment of our community that may not otherwise use BSC,” said Bob Klatt, Parks and

Recreation director. “It will comple-ment the future 16,000-square-foot Madison’s Place universal playground to be constructed adjacent to the splash pad. Together, the amenities will create a destination place in the east metro area for outdoor activities for children of all ages and abilities.”

The equipment includes special fea-tures that encourage water conserva-tion. Each splash pad sprays water for approximately four minutes before automatically shutting off. This feature helps reduce water use, particularly

2014 Drinking Water Report now onlineWoodbury’s drinking water is monitored regularly for contami-nants, in accordance with federal and state laws.

To advance consumers’ under-standing of drinking water and heighten awareness of the need to protect precious water resources, the monitoring results are pub-

Fourth of July celebration activitiesBielenberg Sports Center 4125 Radio Drive

9 a.m.-9 p.m. Outdoor splash pad water feature open on the south side of BSC field house

11 a.m.-7 p.m. BSC open for indoor concessions, open skating ($4 per person) and free open field house time

6 p.m. Musical entertainment by FlashMob!

6 p.m. Outdoor concessions available

10 p.m. Fireworks display

Ninety-four percent of Woodbury residents say the quality of life in our community is “excellent” or “good,” and 94 percent rate overall feeling of safety in Woodbury as excellent or good. Those are two of the conclusions coming out of the 2015 community survey.

The survey results were presented to the City Council on April 15 by Dr. Thomas Miller of National Research Center Inc., the Boulder, Colo., polling firm that con-ducted the survey in March.

The survey, which has been taken every two years since 1993, also revealed taxes (17 percent), affordable hous-ing (15 percent), traffic congestion (15 percent) and con-dition of roads (15 percent) as the most serious issues facing Woodbury.

Most of these concerns were gleaned from previous surveys, as well. However, unique circumstances likely impacted this year’s results, so I’d like to provide some context.

City taxes increased in 2015 for a majority of our prop-erty owners, partly due to changes in total property value distribution. For example, city taxes on the aver-age value home of $245,000 increased by $47 in 2015. This increase was higher than previous years partly because residential parcels are bearing an increased proportion of the total property value distribution. According to the Washington County Assessor’s Office, 85 percent of Woodbury residential parcels experienced an increase in value more than 10 percent. At the same time, commercial property values for taxes payable 2015 have increased overall by 2.6 percent.

In addition, staff has taken a proactive approach in addressing concerns about road conditions, starting with ramping up monitoring efforts in 2013. Changes that occurred statewide in the blacktop industry two decades ago appear to be having an effect on our roads and their conditions are deteriorating quickly. Due to this unexpected decline in road conditions, the city formed a citizens task force to study the city’s roadway maintenance standards and schedule. The group devel-oped recommendations for the City Council, which were adopted in December 2014. This spring, the city started work on the largest roadway rehabilitation project in its history. The city will continue this aggressive replace-ment schedule over the next five years.

Response to potential projectsIn the survey, residents also were polled regarding sev-eral potential projects at Central Park. The survey tested support for additional programming space for seniors and older adults (81 percent “strongly” or “somewhat” support); adding more youth activity space (80 per-cent); enhancing food services (78 percent), updating Lookout Ridge indoor playground (73 percent); adding

more general seating (72 percent); improving banquet and meeting room spaces (64 percent); and adding more parking (64 percent). The city is evaluating the timing for possible upgrades at Central Park, with consideration to our facility partners: Washington County Library, Woodbury YMCA, School District 833 Community Education and Stonecrest senior living.

City services and economic health viewed favorablyResidents gave “exceptionally high” marks to the over-all quality of city services, with 87 percent awarding “excellent” or “good” ratings. As an example, 98 per-cent rated fire services favorably, and 92 percent said police services are “excellent” or “good.”

In addition, evaluations of the city’s economic health were higher than those given in other communities across the nation, in Minnesota, as well as communi-ties with populations between 55,000 and 75,000. Ninety percent gave “excellent” or “good” ratings.

‘Thank you,’ respondentsThe staff and City Council will continue to analyze the survey data to determine where improvements can be made. We discussed the survey results in greater detail during our June 3 “Next Steps” workshop steered by Dr. Miller. The dialogue will help us identify the main priorities for the community moving forward. Details will be provided in future editions of the City Update newsletter.

We are grateful to the 506 randomly-selected Woodbury residents who took the time to complete and return the five-page mailed questionnaire. Their feedback on how we are doing as a city is very valu-able.

For more information about the survey results, contact the Administration Department, (651) 714-3500. The full survey also is available on the Woodbury website (www.ci.woodbury.mn.us) under “Government” in the top menu.

Residents give high marks to quality of life

By Mayor Mary Giuliani Stephens

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The Woodbury newsletter is published 10 times per year by the City of Woodbury and mailed to all residents and businesses. Send comments to: Woodbury City Hall, 8301 Valley Creek Road, Woodbury, MN 55125-3330. Phone: (651) 714-3500. Email: jegerstrom@ci.woodbury.mn.us.

Mayor: Mary Giuliani Stephens. Council Members: Christopher Burns, Julie Ohs, Paul Rebholz, Amy Scoggins. City Administrator: Clinton Gridley. Communications Coordinator: Jason Egerstrom.

The City of Woodbury is subject to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. In accordance with the act, the Woodbury newsletter is available in other formats. Call Jason Egerstrom, (651) 714-3500; TDD: (651) 714-3568.

Drinking water report...from page 1lished each spring in the city’s annual Drinking Water Report.

The 2014 water quality report, which includes information on the monitor-ing done on Woodbury drinking water between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2014, is now available on the cityís website at: www.ci.woodbury.mn.us/public-works/drinking-water-report.

We are proud to report that no contaminants were detected at levels that violated state and fed-eral drinking water standards.

Please review the report and, if you have questions, contact Dan Hansen, utilities superintendent, at (651) 714-3720.

If you don’t have Internet access, you can obtain a paper copy by calling Public Works at (651) 714-3720.

Keep streets free from obstructionsAs you proceed with summer mainte-nance projects and recreation activi-ties, make sure that rocks, topsoil, and any other materials you are using are kept out of the street. City ordinance prohibits residents and contractors from depositing landscaping materials, dumpsters, basketball hoops, portable storage containers, and other obstruc-tions on city streets.

Materials listed in the ordinance that are considered debris or hazards when left on city streets include, but are not limited to, grass clippings, leaves, garbage, dirt, landscaping products, construction materials, driveway sealer, paint and concrete truck washout.

Citations, which include a fine, will be issued to anyone violating the ordinance by placing materials in the streets. The city also may remove the material and charge the removal costs, which can include labor, equipment and disposal of the material, to the respon-sible party.

Questions about street obstructions should be directed to Public Works at (651) 714-3720 or publicworks@ci.woodbury.mn.us.

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Water use in Woodbury spikes dur-ing summer months, mostly as a result of lawn watering. Due to recent state studies indicating a decline in Woodbury’s water source, it is critical property owners practice smart lawn irrigation practices this summer.

“We are encouraged that public aware-ness about this important topic is increasing,” said Jim Westerman, environmental resources coordina-tor. “Six percent of respondents to the 2015 Community Survey indicated water conservation as the most serious issue facing Woodbury at this time.”

Join your neighbors in helping main-tain Woodbury’s groundwater resource for years to come and minimize or remove the potential for finding a costly alternative water source. When watering this summer, remember: 1 inch of water per week, including rain-fall, is all your lawn needs to remain healthy.

Also, be sure to follow the city’s lawn watering regulations that allow lawn sprinkling on an odd/even schedule (only before noon and after 5 p.m.).

Get to know your irrigation systemWhen the choice is made to water lawns, homeowners should know how to operate their irrigation systems, including how to adjust various sprin-kler settings. Here are a few tips:

1. The city’s lawn watering ordi-nance allows lawn sprinkling on an odd/even schedule (only before noon and after 5 p.m.); however, that doesn’t mean you need to water that frequently. Scale back to a twice-per-week schedule, watering

Water conservation begins with smart irrigation

within the allowed odd/even days and times.

2. Turn the system’s automatic func-tion off. Adjust the controls manu-ally when it needs water.

3. If you notice an area of your yard needs more water, change the setting on that zone or adjust the sprinkler heads watering that spe-cific area.

4. Consider using low-volume, low-angle heads. Adjust heads so the water is delivered as close to the turf as possible. This minimizes water lost to evaporation.

5. Observe your system in action. Adjust nozzles and irrigation dura-tion as needed to ensure most effi-cient use of water possible. Make sure water is not sprinkling imper-vious surfaces such as sidewalks, roadways and driveways.

6. If you are considering installa-tion of an irrigation system or an upgrade to an existing system, look for water-saving irrigation system

technology. It will reduce water use and save you money on your water and sewer bill for years to come.

Rain sensorsHomeowners also should ensure their irrigation system is equipped with a working rain sensor. Rain sensors are now required on all newly installed sprinkler systems per state law. A rain sensor detects when it’s raining and shuts off the irrigation system. When watering is once again needed, the sensor automatically resets, allow-ing automatic irrigation to resume. Minimal homeowner involvement is necessary other than to check the system periodically to ensure the device is clear of debris, has power and is communicating properly. Rain sensors that function appropriately can dramatically reduce water con-sumption. They are sold at most home improvement stores and online.

For more water conservation tips, visit www.smartwateruse.org.

City seeks community groups to adopt-a-parkWoodbury is consistently recognized as a great place to live and raise a family, accolades that are directly attributed to the city’s extensive parks and trails system. Volunteers can help keep these community places looking clean and beautiful by “adopting” them and performing regular maintenance through the Adopt-a-Park program.

The city is currently recruiting orga-nizations, community groups, busi-nesses, places of worship, homeown-ers associations and individuals to maintain parks by picking up litter, mulching trees and flower beds in the fall and summer, and special projects that may arise throughout the season. Other duties include notifying the city of any identifiable safety hazards at their designated park and commu-nicating them to city staff.

“The Adopt-a-Park program allows residents to take pride in their parks and help serve as an extension of Woodbury Parks and Recreation staff,” said Kevin Burshten, assistant parks supervisor. “It keeps the parks clean and provides an alternative form of communication to staff of any safety hazards that need to be addressed.”

Volunteers can sign up for a two-year term and are encouraged to log their time on a city provided time sheet. The city provides all necessary equip-ment for cleanups and maintenance, and will place a recognition sign for the volunteer group at the park site.

Those interested in adopting a park through the Adopt-a-Park program can find more information on the city’s website at www.ci.woodbury.mn.us. On the home page, select “Parks of Woodbury” under “Quick Links,” then select “Parks” and “Adopt-a-Park.” A list of available parks and forms can be viewed and printed.

Questions can be directed to Parks and Recreation at (651) 714-3583 or parks@ci.woodbury.mn.us.

Splash pad...from page 1when it’s not in use. Users can reactivate the system by simply touching a button located near each splash pad.

In addition, excess water from the splash pad drains to a nearby stormwater pond, where it is reused to irrigate the outdoor fields at BSC.

The splash pad operating hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Nearby restrooms are available during these hours. The splash pad will be inoperable during closed hours. Parking is available on the south end of the parking lot located on the west side of BSC.

Visit www.bielenbergsportscenter.com for more information about the splash pad, or call Parks and Recreation at (651) 714-3583.

Get to know your irrigation system and program it appropriately. Remember, 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall, is all your lawn needs to remain healthy.

ECRWSS PRST STD

U.S. Postage

PAID

Twin Cities, MN Permit No. 1573

June 2015 • Volume 16, No. 5

Gridley honored by city managers group Woodbury City Administrator Clint Gridley received the Dr. Robert A. Barrett Award for Management Excellence from the Minnesota City/County Management Association (MCMA) May 14.

Gridley was recognized for enhancing the efficiency and trans-parency of city operations, collaborating with other local gov-ernments, inspiring leadership and development of city staff,

mentoring future local government professionals and managing city finances.

Gridley has been Woodbury city administrator since 2004.

Postal Patron Woodbury, MN

INSIDEFourth of July celebration Page 1

Smart irrigation conserves water Page 3

Take pride in our parks – adopt one! Page 3

8301 Valley Creek Road Woodbury, MN 55125-3330

Woodbury Parks and Recreation is now taking registrations for both clas-sically popular and exciting new pro-grams during the summer months.

Summer campsSummer wouldn’t be the same without Camp Carver at Carver Lake Park. Half or full-day sessions offer all-in-one fun with activities such as swimming and water fun, special events, nature exploration, tons of games, fishing and more. This camp is designed for ages 6-12 and offers eight, week long ses-sions from June-August.

A community favorite, Youth Safety Camp, is in its 22nd year of teaching campers a multitude of everyday safety skills on topics such as water, fire, home, personal and animals. K9 and self-defense demonstrations, canoe-

Swimming, fishing, activities and games galore!Register now for summer recreation camps and programs

ing skills and archery safety are just a few of the activities during this two-day camp. Safety Camp takes place at Carver Lake Park from July 21-22 for youth entering grades 3-5.

Outdoor adventurers can put their skills to the test at Adventure Camp. This three-day camp offers two day sessions followed by an overnight stay. Biking, geocaching, capture-the-flag and kayaking are all part of the outdoor fun. Adventure Camp is June 29-30 for ages 9-14.

Beginner skateboarders can learn proper technique and foot place-ment at SkateStart Mini-shredder Skateboard Camp. SkateStart boards are provided and offer color-coded grip tape for proper foot placement of pushing, rolling and ollying. This camp takes place at Ojibway Skate

Plaza for ages 4-12.

Kids interested in learning the funda-mentals of lacrosse will acquire skills to catch, throw, scoop and cradle at Ripper Lacrosse Camp in the field house at Bielenberg Sports Center. Sessions are offered in June and July for ages 5-8 and 8-12.

Youth programsParks and Recreation also offers pre-school and youth programs during the week including Terrific Tuesdays and Thursdays, Wacky Wednesdays and afternoon, week-long Youth Playgrounds. Each session has a dif-ferent theme and activities to promote the development of friendships and positive peer interaction.

“Woodbury Parks and Recreation youth programs are focused on creat-

ing new experiences for youth that allow youth to be youth,” said Owens. “They get to be a bit silly, a bit loud, run, jump, play, and engage with friends in a safe environment that encourages teamwork, sportsmanship and fun!”

For additional information, to find activity numbers or to register, visit www.WoodburyRecreation.com or call (651) 714-3583.