Hot Topics: February 5, 2010
Coming Up…
Caring Youth Award nominations due today, Feb. 5
If you know a young person in grades 7 through 12 who shows an ongoing awareness of others through volunteering or other activities, consider nominating him or her for a 2010 Caring Youth Award. Learn more
State of the City: Defining a new normal
Mayor Terry Schneider will give the annual State of the City presentation Wednesday, February 10, at 7:30 a.m. at the Minnetonka Community Center. Please read a message from Mayor Schneider. Learn more
State of the City event is Feb. 10
You’re invited to the 2010 State of the City Address by Mayor Terry Schneider Wednesday, Feb. 10. Learn more
Visit Minnetonka Kids’ Fest Sunday, February 14
Don’t miss out on the free fun at Kids’ Fest Sunday, February 14, 1–5 p.m.! Learn more
Enjoy tennis demo day February 20
Enjoy a free tennis demo and clinic Saturday, February 20, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Williston Fitness Center. Learn more
Home Remodeling Fair is February 28
A free Home Remodeling Fair featuring more than 75 contractor exhibits, seminars, and an “Ask the Pro” booth is set for Sunday, February 28. Learn more
Police Citizen’s Academy applications due February 28
Beginning in April, the Minnetonka Police Department will offer the first-ever Police Citizen’s Academy, an eight-week program that will provide Minnetonka residents with an in-depth look at the workings of the police department. Learn more
Tree pruning drop-off opens in March
To assist residents who conduct proper winter pruning, the drop-off site at the Minnetonka Public Works facility will be open Saturdays in March. Learn more
City tree sale orders due by March 15
The city of Minnetonka tree sale is back for a fourth year to help you celebrate spring and Arbor Day. Learn more
Attend a winter MAM concert
The Music Association of Minnetonka presents the following concerts in February and March. Learn more
Outdoor ice rinks remain open
Outdoor ice rinks will be open through Monday, February 15, weather permitting. Learn more
Ski Glen Lake Golf Course
The city of Minnetonka is partnering once again with Three Rivers Park District and Hennepin County to provide a cross country ski trail for the 2009–10 season at Glen Lake Golf Course. Learn more
Upcoming events for Minnetonka seniors
Don’t miss out on the fun and friendship at Minnetonka Senior Services with these upcoming events! Learn more
News You Can Use
Looking for Eco Fair?
The Minnetonka Eco Fair is being replaced this year by a new environmental event, to be held outdoors in early June. Learn more
Use caution on frozen lakes and ponds
Any time you venture onto a frozen body of water to ice skate, ice fish or walk, you are accepting the risk of falling through the ice. Learn more
Innovations: Leadership training for police department staff
This month, the Minnetonka Police Department hosts its third leadership academy for police officers in partnership with the Plymouth and Maple Grove police departments. Learn more
Apply now for a 2010 Gray’s Bay Marina boat slip
In February, the city of Minnetonka will hold a lottery drawing for 2010 Gray’s Bay Marina boat slip vacancies and for the waiting list. Only Minnetonka residents are eligible for these slips. Learn more
Transit Link replaces Minnetonka Dial-a-Ride
In early February, the Minnetonka Dial-a-Ride system becomes Transit Link and, during certain hours, will expand its ride offerings to anywhere within Hennepin County—not just Minnetonka. Learn more
Share your photos of Shady Oak Beach!
Recreation Services is in need of photos of Shady Oak Beach to use in publications and promotional materials for the beach. Learn more
2010 U.S. Census starts in March
In March, United States Census forms will be delivered to every residence in the United States and Puerto Rico. Learn more
Building neighborhoods block by block
The Minnetonka Community Commission wants to help residents organize to strengthen existing neighborhoods or to build connections where neighborhoods aren’t already in place or easily identified. Learn more
Remember to renew your alarm registration
The city of Minnetonka requires all businesses and homeowners to register their intrusion alarm system, at an annual cost of $10. Learn more
Testing for radon
While radon levels may vary from home to home, as part of January National Radon Awareness Month, the Minnetonka Environmental Health division encourages Minnetonka homeowners to test their homes for radon, since that is the only way to find out if a home has dangerous levels of radon. Learn more
Follow these winter safety tips
While walkers, runners and bikers should obey traffic regulations year-round in order to be safe when using roadways and trails, winter brings special considerations. Learn more
Know the laws for newly licensed teen drivers
New laws limiting teen passengers and nighttime driving are designed to help teens hone driving skills during the first year of licensure and reduce exposure to high-risk situations. Learn more
A reminder about barking dogs, trash bins
Barking dogs and trash or recycling containers left in public view—those are two of the most common complaints expressed by Minnetonka residents about their neighbors. While they may seem like minor issues to you, please be considerate of your neighbor’s environment by complying with these city ordinances. Learn more
The ABCs of city snow removal
Here are some reminders about snow removal in Minnetonka, as well as a few tips for enjoying the winter weather safely! Learn more
Residents invited to provide contact information for CodeRED
The city of Minnetonka has implemented CodeRED, a “reverse 9-1-1” notification system for use during emergencies, which gives city officials the ability to deliver urgent pre-recorded emergency telephone messages to targeted areas or to the entire city at a rate of 1,000 calls per minute. Learn how you can ensure your contact information will be included in the emergency call database. Learn more.
Living Green
Remember winter water quality
When you are out on your favorite lake or pond this winter, remember that your actions can affect our water quality. Learn more
Prune oak trees now
If your oak trees need pruning, now is the time! Oak trees should only be pruned between November and March, as pruning outside this time makes oak trees susceptible to oak wilt disease, which usually kills them. Learn more
Senior Services
HOME program: helping older adults
Household & Outside Maintenance for Elderly (HOME) is a program offered by Senior Community Services (SCS), a 59-year-old nonprofit agency dedicated to helping meet the special needs of older adults and their caregivers through a variety of outreach and support services. Learn more
Project Center
Curious about city construction?
If you have questions about construction projects in the city—from roads, to sewer and water utilities, to drainage and storm sewer—visit our City Projects page to find out everything you want to know. Learn more.
Public Safety
ReadyMinnetonka: Winter what-ifs
Conquer the winter what-ifs by following these tips. Learn more
History Fact
Why did families enjoy fish for supper on an evening in July 1908?
Taken from the oral history of Edwin (Ed) Swanson, who lived and worked in a store owned by his uncle, J.C. Nelson. The store had formerly belonged to S.H. Smith and stood where the The Mills Church, formerly Minnetonka Community Church, now stands. The mill pond Swanson refers to was located near the site of the Charles H. Burwell House on Minnetonka Boulevard.
“I remember the millpond as being there on July 4, 1908, but just a few days later the dam was torn out and the millpond disappeared, leaving hundreds of pickerels stranded. All the men and boys rushed about killing fish with sticks and bats and most of the families in the area had fish for supper that night.”
Have a question or concern about the city?
Contact Minnetonka Mike online or call 952.939.8586.
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