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Rogers City NewsNews

Street Repair ...funding methods... page 2

Rogers High School ...wins national award for seat belt challenge... page 3

Recreation ...check out activities in the parks, open skating, page 4-5

Senior Programs ...field trips, classes and more... page 6

Event Space ...plan your next event in one of our Rogers facilities... page 6

Fire Department ... join the Rogers fire department... page 7

Burning Permits...know the rules for burning fires on your property... page 7

Recycling ...single sort recycling is here... back page

SPRING 2015

Inside ...

Clean Up Day

Saturday, May 16, 2015 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Location: City of Rogers Public Works 22350 South Diamond Lake Road

This service is only for Rogers resi-dents. Contractors must find alterna-tive services.

Appliances (White Goods) are $5 each.

Appliances such as Refrigerators, Washers, Dryers, Stoves, Freezers, Dishwashers, Microwaves, Furnaces, Garbage Disposals, Dehumidifiers, Water Heaters, Trash Compactors

No RV or Ammonia refrigerators

Tires (with or without rim) z Automobile, $2 z Light Truck, $3 z Semi-Truck, $10 z Tractor Tire $30

Electronicsz TV’s less than 25” are $10 eachz TV’s larger than 25” are $20 eachz All other electronics are $1 each

Miscellaneous z Window Air Conditioner, $10 z Water Softener, $10 z LP Tank (up to 20 Pound), $5 z Misc. Solid Waste & Demo

Debris per cubic yard, $20 z Hide-a-bed, $20 z Couch, Chair, or Love Seat, $20 z Mattress or Box Spring, $20

Also Accepted at No Chargez Newspapersz Tin/Steel/Aluminumz Cardboardz Plastic Bottles with Necksz Phone Booksz Glass Bottles (unbroken)z Car Batteriesz Fluorescent Bulbsz Drain Oilz Household Batteriesz Anti-Freezez Oil Filtersz Lawnmowers (fuel & oil drained)

7 No copiers or fax machines7 No household hazardous waste7 No paint or yard waste

The City of Rogers Public Works Department will be making curbside pickups for elderly or special needs residents. To arrange for this service, call Public Works at (763) 428-8580 on or before Friday, May 8, 2015. Items will need to be placed curbside for pickup during the week of May 11-15.

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Neighborhood Crime Watch and PreventionThe Rogers Police Department is working to get the community involved in Neighborhood Crime Watch. This program also known as Neighborhood Watch has been used throughout the country.

Neighborhood Watch is in use in Hennepin County and has shown that it reduces crime in neighbor-hoods. This program is a great way to get to know the people in your neighborhood, and to work together to achieve a common goal.

The Rogers Police Department is working toward certifying officers in Crime Prevention through Envi-ronmental Design (CPTED), which looks at how landscaping and light-ing on the outside of your house can prevent crime from occurring on your property.

CPTED’s goal is to prevent crime by designing a physical environment that positively influences human behavior. The theory is based on four principles:

z natural access controlz natural surveillancez territoriality, and maintenance.

NCPC’s course helps participants put the theories behind CPTED into action in their communities by designing a hands-on, interactive, two- or three-day basic or advanced training specifically tailored to their community’s needs.

For more information visit: rogersmn.gov/crime-prevention.

City Considers Options for Funding City Street ImprovementsMuch, but not all, of Rogers existing street system was built during a fairly narrow time period considering the phasing of residential and commercial development. Many of Rogers streets are older, with some nearing the end of usefulness. Like all cities, Rogers faces the need to repair and replace local streets as they deteriorate due to age and use. 

In order to plan and prioritize neces-sary maintenance and reconstruction, Rogers uses a Pavement Management Plan to assign a condition rating to each individual street. While rating road-ways and planning projects is a fairly straightforward engineering exercise, funding the necessary improvements is challenging for all cities. The City of Rogers is currently analyzing funding options as alternatives to the traditional special assessment method. When using special assessments, a city bills abutting/benefiting properties directly for a portion of the improvements, while the city bonds or borrows for the remainder. The combined efforts result in increased debt service payments and a higher debt levy for taxpayers. In

order to extend the life of our streets, it is likely that property owners will pay an assessment every 15-20 years as improvements are completed.

The City Council is exploring the use of franchise fees as an alternative to special assessments bonding for main-tenance and reconstruction of existing paved roadways. This method of fund-ing involves charging utility franchise fees on both gas and electric companies that are operating in Rogers rights of way.  Such fees are then typically passed on by the utility companies to all gas and electric users within the city.

The intent of exploring the franchise fee method is to quantify and take advan-tage of lower overall funding costs and to spread those lower costs for property owners over time as opposed to billing several thousand dollars all at once.

Residents and property owners should watch for additional information over the coming months, potentially includ-ing direct mailings and open house events, as the Council refines its plan during 2015.

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Rogers High School Wins National Seat Belt ChallengeIn October of 2014, the Rogers High School accepted the National Organiza-tion for Youth Safety (NOYS) Seat belt Challenge. The Rogers High School Student Council and the Rogers Police Department teamed up to successfully increase seat belt use among students and staff of the Rogers High School.

The Rogers High School Student Council met and began the seat belt campaign on the morning of October 22, 2014 when an unannounced seat belt check was conducted as staff and students entered the parking lot of Rog-ers High School.

Students compiled the seat belt re-sults and found that 12% of drivers entering the school parking lot were unrestrained. The students found this number to be high, and felt that launch-ing a seat belt campaign could not only educate fellow students and staff to wear seat belts, but also prove that seat belts save lives.

The students met and felt they needed to capture the student’s attention by doing a surprise launch of the seat belt campaign. Students arranged a local crash car to be placed in the front of the high school. The car belonged to a local

student who rolled her vehicle and was saved by the belt. A sign was ordered and placed next to the car reminding students to buckle up.

Local fire, police and paramedics lined up around the car with emergency lights flashing making a very strong statement that the seat belt campaign was about to begin!

After students launched the campaign, they moved right into educating fellow students about how seat belts saves lives, and why they should buckle up every time they get into a vehicle. The students campaigned in several differ-ent ways.

z They hung posters throughout the school building

z They made public service an-nouncements on morning news programs

z They created music videos to reach students, staff and the general public through for various social media websites

z They gave prizes to students who tweeted selfies to #RHSSeatbelt-SELFIE. Prizes included clothing items and gas cards from local gas stations

As the campaign continued, educa-tional presentations were given in partnership with the Minnesota State Patrol. More than 700 students saw a powerful and moving presentation entitled, “Gone Too Soon.” It touched on stories of families who have lost loved ones in unrestrained car crashes. When the presentation and video was over, students were asked to sign the pledge banner in memory of those who lost their lives because of not wearing a seat belt.

On November 12, 2014, an unan-nounced second seat belt check was completed at approximately the same time and same location as the first check. The student council found over-all improvement in seat belt use.

The second seat belt survey revealed a 10% increase in seat belt use with only 2.3% of motorists unrestrained. Students determined that the positive results were a direct reflection of their campaign to educate students, staff, and citizens.

As part of the seat belt challenge, NOYS judged more than 30 schools across the nation in promoting seat belt use. In March of 2015, Rogers High School was selected as the overall winner of the national campaign, the first city in Minnesota to be selected as a national winner. The school received national media attention and a safety grant to be used within the school.

Most importantly, Rogers High School students successfully increased the number of students in the Rogers area buckling up!

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Parks & Recreation Summer Programming

View all programming at www.parkandrec.cityofrogers.org

Entertainment In The Park Enjoy evenings of free family entertain-ment throughout the summer following most of our weekly Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays, June 10 through August 19. Each performing venue has some-thing for everyone and will be held at Triangle Park, 24100 Rouillard Avenue. For weather updates, call 763-428-0975 as some events may be rescheduled or moved. Bring your lawn chairs, as seat-ing may be limited.

2015 Performers:June 10 – The Teddy Bear Band –interactive song and movement for toddlers through mid-elementary kids and their stuffed friends

June 24 – The Wendinger Band – polka band

July 8 – Balloon Art by Mandana – balloon comedy and interactive stories

July 15 – Bob the Beachcomber – family/ kids music and beach party

July 22 – David Walbridge/Big Fun Show! – One man mini circus

July 29 – Greg Michael – country music

Aug. 5 – Andy Calhoun – country music

Aug. 19 – The Castaways – classic rock for all ages

Springtime Drop-N-Play(Ages 5 – 10)

This popular program will be offered on Sunday afternoons from 1:00pm – 4:00pm, once a month throughout the spring. Your child will continue to be entertained with activities, games, arts and crafts, and a snack while parents get some time for themselves. Upcom-ing dates and themes are:

May 17 – Nature’s Walkers.

Reservation form and additional infor-mation are available by visiting: www.rogersmn.gov/rec-programs.

Step To It Challenge (All Ages)

May 3 – May 30, 2015Do you want a fun and easy way to get in shape this spring? Then the four-week Step To It Challenge is for you! This challenge is a fun, lighted-hearted way to connect with family, friends, and neighbors, and get moving again after a long winter. Twenty-four communities will compete to see which one has the most active residents. As a participant, you will record an ongoing total of the steps you take during the challenge by using a either a pedometer or an activ-ity conversion chart available online at www.steptoit.org.

Other activities such as biking, skate-boarding, Tai Chi, mowing the lawn, gardening, or vacuuming can be con-verted and count toward your overall steps. The Step To It website will allow you to record your activity online, or you can call or fax in your counts. Best of all, it’s free!

Register by going to the Step To It Chal-lenge Web site by visiting www.steptoit.org or contact Cherie at 763-428-0975. Registration opens April 1. Participants from each city will have a chance to re-ceive a t-shirt (while supplies last) and/or be honored by Hennepin County and the Minnesota Twins at various Twins home games during the 2015 season.

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Movie in the Park Family Fun Nite After our inaugural season for Movies at Twilight last year, we are happy to announce this new tradition is continuing. Rogers Parks and Recreation will be offering three outdoor movies again at Triangle Park/Veterans Memorial and our annual Movie in the Park Family Fun Nite in August at North Community Park.

Friday, June 12 – Triangle Park at 8:45 p.m. Maleficent

Thursday, August 13 – North Community Park Activities are from 6:50 to 8:30 p.m. Movie starts at 8:45 p.m. The Pirates! Band of Misfits

Saturday, September 12 – Triangle Park at 7:45 p.m. Big Hero 6

Learn To Skate Program (Ages 3 – adult)

Rogers offers a variety of skating lessons for all levels. We focus on developing true skating skills while having fun. Classes are designed and structured through USFSA and USA Hockey techniques, and are geared toward advancing students to higher levels of skating. All classes are six sessions long. Summer sessions, begin June 16, July 7, and August 4. June and July sessions meet Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 5:15 and 6:45 p.m. for two weeks The August sessions meet on Tuesday and Thursday mornings between 10:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. for three weeks. Cost is $69 - $89. Visit www.rogersmn.gov/rec-programs for details or call 763-428-0975.

Open Skate Sundays: Mar 15-May 10, 4-5:30 p.m. May 31-Aug 2, 4-5:00 p.m.

Wednesdays: Mar 18-May 16, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. June 10-July 29, 2-3:30 p.m.

Cost: $4 per skater, ages 5 and un-der are free

Adult and Pond Open HockeyCost: $7 per skater, goalies free for adult hockey only (maximum 2 goalies are free)

Visit www.rogersmn.gov/rac for weekly updates, schedules, changes, and addi-tions.

Special Events Open SkateMom’s the BestSunday, May 10, 4-5:30 p.m. Bring your mom & both skate free

Glow N SkateThursday, June 11, 1:30-3:30 p.m. $5 includes Glow necklace

Father’s DaySunday, June 21, 4-5:30 p.m. Bring your dad & both skate free

Glow N SkateWednesday, July 8, 6-8:00 p.m. $5 includes Glow necklace

Glow N SkateFriday, September 11, 9:15-10:45 p.m. $5 includes Glow

Middle School End of Year PartyInflatable dance party May 27, 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Rogers Activity Center. Enjoy mu-sic, inflatables, and special effects lighting to celebrate the arrival of summer. Brought to you by The Loft programing for teens! Cost is free but bring money for concessions if desired. (Grades 5-8)

The Loft – a place for teens to hang out Join in the fun with our newly de-veloped teen program. This is a fun place to hang out with friends for every 2nd Thursday of the month from September through May. It is free, but bring change if you want to play the coin-operated video games and vending machines. Wi-Fi is available, along with volunteer-led games and other activities. (Grades 6-12)

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Rogers Senior ProgramsThe City of Rogers provides a variety of programs for older adults living in the Rogers area. We offer field trips, classes, social gatherings, volunteer opportunities, holiday celebrations, committees, card playing and much more. Every week you will find something fun and interesting to do. We offer plenty of free events and low-cost activities. Every Tuesday through Thursday, we host Senior Congregate Dining at noon in the Rogers Community Room. The cost is $4 for ages 55+ and $5 for those under age 55. Call 763-428-0976 to reserve a meal.

Every month a senior newsletter is published that includes all of the upcoming se-nior events. Visit www.Seniors.RogersMN.gov to view the monthly senior newslet-ter, dining menu, upcoming events, and more.

Senior Center OpeningAs part of the efforts to improve our senior programs, the City of Rogers is opening a Senior Center. We are preparing a temporary Senior Center on Main Street in Rogers with a grand opening date of May 15, including a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. This dedicated space for senior programming will host an array of events each week. Detailed updates will be published in the monthly senior newsletter. Stay Tuned!

For questions about the senior programs please contact Liz Dirks at 763-428-0939.

Event SpaceThe City of Rogers has two wonder-ful facilities to host meetings, family gatherings, wedding receptions and more. The Rogers Community Room and Activity Room have over 3,000 square feet with a variety of setup styles, and other amenities. The Community Room contains a large banquet room, small meet-ing room, and commercial kitchen. Rental fees for banquets, meetings, and Rogers non-profit organizations are available on the City website. The functional Activity Room overlooks the Ice Arena and can be rented out for $30 an hour to Rogers residents ($150 daily) and $40 an hour for non-residents ($200 daily). Both fa-cilities have convenient locations in Rogers right off of Hwy 101 and 81.

Rogers Community Room 21201 Memorial Drive www.RogersMN.gov/community-room Contact Liz Dirks: 763-428-0939

Rogers Activity Center (overlooks ice arena)21080 141st Ave N www.RogersMN.gov/Activiy-Room Contact Mike Bauer: 763-428-0974

Downtown Rogers Farmers MarketThe Rogers Farmers Market will return this year to the downtown parking lot lo-cated at 12724 Main Street, Rogers. The market will run on Wednesday evenings, June 10 through October 7, from 3:00 to 6:30 p.m. The market features garden plants, flowers and flower baskets, select vegetables throughout the season, and specialty vendor offerings such as sauces, breads, spices, and more. Visit www.rogersmn.gov/farmers-market for updates and vendor applications.

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Burning Permit RequirementsYou can pick up a permit Monday through Friday, 8:00AM to 4:30PM at the Rogers City Hall, 22350 S. Diamond Lake Road. A permit must be obtained 2 business days prior to burning. Burn piles will be inspected for prohibited materials and the permit is subject to revocation if prohibited materials are found.

z There is a $15.00 fee for burning permits and you must be 18 years of age.

z Burning Permit allows burning only between 6:00AM to 7:00PM.

z Anything beyond the definitions of a recreational fire requires a burn permit.

z A burning permit is not required for a recreational fire. Recreation-al fires are allowed to maximum of 3 feet in diameter at the base. In addition, flames should be no higher than 3 feet.

z Piles can be no larger than 10’x10’. If you have multiple piles, they must be 25’ apart.

z No burning if wind speed exceeds 15mph.

z No burning within 25’ of any structure on the permitted prop-erty and conditions that would cause the spread of fire must be eliminated prior to ignition.

z No burning within 50’ of an adja-cent residence.

z Prevailing winds must be away

from occupied buildings and pub-lic roadways.

z The fire must be extinguished if it becomes a nuisance to others or if not under supervision.

z Use a clean burning device to start the fire.

z Recreational and Burn permit fires shall be kept under control and constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. Fire cannot be allowed to smolder unattended.

z Buckets, shovels or garden hoses shall be readily available for use.

z Only natural wood maybe be burned. No burning of prohibited materials allowed.

z Treated or painted wood, plastic, rubber, garbage, leaves and grass are not allowed.

z Must abide by all MN statutes and local ordinances pertaining to open burning.

z A burning permit is not required when there is continuous snow coverage of 3 inches or more.

Permitted party assumes responsibil-ity for all damages and costs that may result from burning done under the permit. Persons found burning prohib-ited materials are subject to fines and/or prosecution.

If you have any additional questions, contact Rogers Fire Department by email at rogersfd@ci.rogers.mn.us or call 763-428-3500.

Rogers Fire & Rescue Seeking Paid on-call FirefightersIn order to establish a hiring eligibil-ity list, the Rogers Fire Department is currently accepting applications for paid-on-call firefighters. Rogers Fire responds to over 600 Fire and EMS calls each year covering the cities of Rogers, Corcoran, and Otsego.

Firefighters are paid for responding to fire calls, training and meeting atten-dance, and are eligible for member-ship in the Rogers Fire Department Relief Pension Fund. Firefighters must be 18 years of age or older, possess a high school diploma or G.E.D. and hold a valid MN driver’s license. No experience is needed. All training is provided. Please contact Chief Feist by email at bfeist@ci.rogers.mn.us or by phone at 763-428-3500.

No Experience Needed

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PRSRT STD

U.S. Postage PAID

Twin Cities, MN

Permit #32324

22350 South Diamond Lake Road Rogers, MN 55374

Take Advantage of your Single Sort Recycling Cart!Is your recycling cart not big enough? Contact Randy’s Environmental Servic-es by calling 763-972-3335 and you can swap your existing 65 gallon cart for a 95 gallon cart.

Accepted items4 Newspaper and magazines4 Mixed mail and office paper4 Boxboard: cereal, shoe boxes4 Fax paper, computer paper4 Envelopes4 Aluminum beverage cans4 Metal food cans4 Glass bottles and jars (all colors)4 Plastic containers and lids (#1-#7):

pop, juice bottles, milk, water4 Aseptic and gable-topped contain-

ers: juice & milk cartons, juice boxes

Items not accepted:6 No plastic bags6 No egg cartons6 No stryofoam6 No pizza boxes6 No window glass6 No mirror or plate glass6 No ceramic or porcelain6 No toys, dishes, hangers6 No motor oil jugs6 No metal car parts6 No flower pots6 No plastic or metal household

items

For more information specific to Rog-ers, visit Randy’s website at: www.randyssanitation.com/residential/rogers-overview/rogers-recycling.html

Organics RecyclingRandy’s Environmental Services also offers Blue Bag Organics recycling. For more information on how to get involved with the Blue Bag Organics program, please contact Randy’s at 763-972-3335, or visit their website and clicking on the Blue Bag Organics link at www.randyssanitation.com.