Hot Topics: February 12, 2010

City offices closed Monday, February 15, for Presidents Day (New!)

Minnetonka city offices will be closed Monday, February 15, in observance of Presidents Day.

Forest Hills water tower removed (New!)

On Wednesday, February 10, workers removed a water tower located south of Highway 7 off Woodhill Road in Minnetonka. Learn more

Adopt a Minnetonka fire hydrant near you (New!)

As the snow depth increases, it’s more important than ever that fire hydrants be cleared of snow. Learn more

State of the City: Defining a new normal (video now available) (New!)

Mayor Terry Schneider hosted 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 and view videostreaming of the event. 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

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.

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

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

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.

ReadyMinnetonka: Winter what-ifs

Conquer the winter what-ifs by following these tips. Learn more

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.”