The city administrator cautioned to be careful what is said on this blog about the preliminary 2009 budget.

We choose to say nothing, yet. The preliminary budget speaks for itself. Click image for larger print.

Phasing Out of Phase One?

Click on map to bring up larger image.
Last evening the Beard Group addressed phase one. The sections include B, C, D and I.
Ron Mehl of the Beard Group made a presentation to council suggesting increased demand for affordable rental housing. Section D appeared to be the only area being seriously considered at this time.

B 14,000 SF Rental/Office
(This is a hard sell for an anchor tenant. Capra interested in bringing Trader Joe's to town).

C. 48 Multi Family Units/15,000 SF Rental/Office
(Lenders are not financing at this time without 75% pre-sold).

D. 41 Multi Family Units (Affordable)
(Increased funds and demand for this now but purchase agreement must be renewed with Centerville).

I. 40 For Sale Town homes
(There's been a 40% decrease since 2007 and National builders have no interest at any price).

Ron Mehl concluded the meeting by stating to Council, "If you would like to talk with other developers at this time, we are fine with that. We don't want to hold the City up." He also mentioned that he was not interested in "entering a suicide pact."

To view the entire Downtown development plan as outlined last year
Click Here

Process Begins for New Centerville Trails

At its Feb. 25 meeting, the Centerville City Council started the process of making sure the Transportation Enhancement Trail Grant project becomes reality.
“We want to make sure we are poised to take advantage of that money if it comes available to us,” said City (Bonestroo) Engineer Mark Statz. The Minnesota Department of Transportation has said that Centerville is a viable candidate to receive funding, he added.

The first order of business for the council was to approve consideration of a plan and fee proposal from Bonestroo, a St. Paul-based engineering firm, for the Transportation Enhancement Trail Grant project. For its designs and permit submittal work, Bonestroo will receive $128,000 in fees.
The next task for the city is to make offers to purchase right of ways from property owners along the proposed trail.
In other actions, the council:
*Unanimously awarded the contract for the 2009 Pond Dredging Project to the lowest qualified bidder, Dresel Contracting Inc., for $73,525.
*Unanimously approved consideration of Bonestroo's scope and fee proposal of $3,000 for construction services on the 2009 Pond Dredging Project. Work will begin immediately to take advantage of cold temperatures and last approximately three weeks, Statz said.
*Unanimously authorized the city administrator to enter into a contract for soil borings and engineering reports, not to exceed $10,000, for a pedestrian bridge.
*Unanimously authorized the city attorney to begin litigation for delinquent assessment payments against Fairview Street (Royal Oaks Realty).
*Approved special assessment agreements for the 2009 Street Improvement Project.
Quad Press
Full Story Here

Classic Cadillac Diner True to Name

Walking into the Classic Cadillac Diner is literally a step back in time.

Coca Cola memorabilia and classic car posters line the walls. Colorful vinyl booths provide a cozy retro atmosphere. And then there’s the mint 1907 Cadillac, which justifies the diner’s name.
Tucked inside Jason’s Bobby & Steve’s Auto World at the junction of Interstate 35E and Cty. Rd. 14, the diner received a complete makeover recently when Jason Snyder and partner Bobby Williams ended a franchise agreement with Embers.

Centerville Elementary will be getting a $750 grant through Exxon Mobile on behalf of Auto World and Jason’s Bobby & Steve’s contributed to Centerville’s Adopt a Family last year, a benefit for the Jay Hauer family.

Link Here
Quad Press

What's Going on With the State Audit?

This is a question we have received from several Centerville residents. We are expecting the State Auditor to release the investigation results very soon. We are aware that the audit has been completed and is in review.
As soon as we obtain a copy of the audit report, we will post the highlights and link directly to the OSA website where every resident will be able to read the complete findings.
It is our understanding that the report will be delivered to the citizens and the City officials the same day but we have not been given any further information.

Thank you for all your support.

Centerville City Finance Director Posting

The City will be accepting applications for the position of Finance Director in the near future. Please check the Pioneer Press for this posting.
Link Here

Street Project Still Riling Residents

The 2009 Street Improvement Project, the topic that won’t go away, took over the Feb. 11 Centerville City Council meeting.
A dozen residents of Peltier Lake Drive showed up at the meeting to speak their minds about assessments, appeals, attorneys and recent actions of the City Council.
Although City Attorney Kurt Glaser said the public forum was not supposed to be a question and answer session, the bulk of the meeting turned into a dialogue between the council and the residents.
Several residents of Peltier Lake Drive reported that they had met before the council meeting to discuss ways to reduce their assessments short of litigation. “For the most part, people on Peltier Lake Drive want to have a win-win and work with the city. We don’t want to litigate,” said resident Daniel Skoog.
Despite recent public hearings and consultations with Glaser, the residents still had questions for council members. Among them: why the city holds closed-door sessions, why residents can’t get appraisal data, whether it’s worthwhile to obtain a special appraisal to appeal and why residents have to pay for the street project.
As the council moved through its agenda, discussion stemming from bid rejections and the reopening of bidding for the 2009 Street Project consumed the meeting again. William Svetin wondered whether savings from the new bidding process would lower their assessments.
“If the bids come back lower, pass it on to the people,” he said.
Glaser said assessments only represent 20 to 25 percent of the project’s cost, so if the overall project costs drop, it will affect the taxpayers paying for the remaining 75 to 80 percent — not the individual assessment amounts.
If the total cost of the project doesn’t go up, no public hearings will be necessary, and residents appealing their assessments must keep following the same time line as a matter of law, Glaser said.
Quad Press

Grants are Great When You Can Afford Them

BENSON, Minn.—Minnesota cities are struggling in the down economy and in Benson, finances are so tight that it's decided to send back $167,000 in state transportation money.

City Manager Rob Wolfington says they money is going back to the Minnesota Department of Transportation because the city can't afford its share of matching funds.

Wolfington says the city received the grant in 2006 for a trail extension that would cost about $280,000 to build.

With matching funds and the required engineering costs, the city would be on the hook for nearly $115,000 to build the project.

The City Council could have rolled the project back to 2012, but Wolfington says the city doesn't think it will be in any better financial shape in three years.

The council took the action on Monday.

Associated Press

The Hunt for a New Finance Director is On!

The Centerville City Council accepted Finance Director John Meyer's letter of retirement at its Jan. 28 meeting and quickly took steps to find his replacement.
Meyer submitted a short letter on Jan. 23, citing a “deteriorating medical condition and related limitations” as the cause for his retirement, effective Jan. 30.
“It's really with a heavy heart that the City of Centerville accepts Mr. Meyer's retirement letter,” Mayor Mary Capra said. “Meyer was an outstanding employee for the city, leaving big shoes to fill with all the talents that he brought to the council.” The mayor added there would be a potluck for his retirement. “If he is able to come back, we will certainly welcome him,” she said.
Because Meyer leaves an important position open, the council went to work immediately to seek a new financial director. The opening will be posted immediately. City Administrator Dallas Larson expects a new financial director on board within two to three months at the earliest.
Quad Press

Centerville paid Mr Meyer the Finance Director over $80,000 annually. We are currently paying over $90,000 to our City Administrator Dallas Larson. Could these positions be shared with Lexington and Circle Pines? We already share our police with them. Many small cities team together for these larger salaried positions in the interest of saving their citizens tax dollars.

More Bad Press for Centerville...

Pioneer Press 2/1/2009

Centerville residents are finding strength in numbers as they fight what they consider hefty and poorly timed special assessments.

The Peltier Lake Drive Group is made up of dozens of residents who have banded together to contest the assessments for a $4 million road and water project meant to improve streets and hook up homes with private wells to city water. The group is considering several options — from negotiating a smaller bill to a lawsuit, should it come to that.

"The neighbors are very concerned about having to pay for a road for the third time. Everyone is of the same feelings and, therefore, formed a group to find a solution to this problem that would mutually benefit both sides — a win-win situation," said organizer Daniel Skoog, who lives on Peltier Lake Drive.

A battle over the project has been brewing for months. Many of the 250 affected residents are baffled that the city is forging ahead. They say now isn't the time to hit homeowners with special assessments.

This will be the third time in 30 years that many of his neighbors have paid for a new road on Peltier Lake Drive, Skoog said. They were most recently assessed in the late 1980s, he said.

"We're talking about large assessments against the neighbors at a time when the economy is terrible," he said.

Full Story Here

Special Assessment Hearing in the Press

Quad Press 1/27/2009
Some residents briefly questioned the various water fees; the financial burden placed on the community as a whole; how the 5.5 percent interest rate was calculated; why their assessment was higher than the neighbors; how the city went about assessing an odd-shaped lot; why they couldn't find information on the city Website and why the most-traveled part of the street was being assessed the least.
Other residents were more direct in expressing their displeasure.
Resident Daniel Skoog noted that the city reduced the project from $8 million to $4 million, but didn't reduce his assessment by half.
"You haven't done a good job," he said. "I'll bet if I asked everyone in this room who was disappointed, they'd stand up and yell." Loud clapping followed his remark.
Cheers also greeted resident William Svetin's comments. "You place the burden of proof (of property appraisal) on the people," he said. "It shouldn't be that way. You should prove to us." Svetin said he couldn't get a copy of his property appraisal when he went to City Hall.
Skoog and resident Scott Klemann disputed the city's statement that assessments are based on the assumed property value increase due to the street improvements. Klemann said the appraiser his neighbor consulted stated that street improvements "wouldn't raise the value of a home one penny."
Dozens of property owners submitted written protests to city officials, but the time period for oral and written objections is now closed. After the meeting, City Attorney Kurt Glaser met with citizens individually to answer their questions. Citizens will have to hire their own appraiser to provide the numbers to back up their objections, he said.
Full Story Here

Welcome to Centerville!

Centerville Finance Director Abruptly Retires Citing Health Issues

Yes, our finance director John Meyer retired this week. Mr. Meyer was paid at a Grade 12 step 9 which put his annual salary at $81,505.76
Council approved the replacement of his position during the last session 1/28/2009. The general consensus of our elected leaders was that the next finance director would have some very large shoes to fill. Tom Lee even joked that the City might want to add "walk on water" to the job description.
Although we wish John Meyer well and pray his health issues are not grave, we will save our assessment of his job performance until the State Audit is made public.

Exit question:
Does a City of our size need to pay a salary of $81,500 for a finance director?

Special Assessment Updates From the Centerville City Website

2009 Street & Utility Improvement Project

Click here to view the Power Point Presentation from the January 21, 2009 Assessment Hearing. The hearing will also be broadcast daily January 24 to February 24, 2009 from 10 a.m. to noon on Government Channel 16.

One Resident Seeking a New Appraisal Says...

I have done a bit of calling around and actually, quite accidentally, tripped across the company that is doing the appraisals for the City of Centerville.
Nagell Appraisal's St. Paul office is doing the city's side. Being that the Council seemed reluctant to disclose said information so far, I thought it should be made known.
Nagell had to bow out in appraising my property due to conflict of interest. Since the City Council did not state that they were refusing for legal reasons, I assume they chose not to disclose because they didn't want the appraiser to be swamped with angry phone calls.

You can forward this to the e-mail list as you see fit.

Link Here

Special Assessment Hearing Tomorrow Evening

The Council is holding a meeting at St. Genevieve's Community Parish beginning at 6:30 pm. You may make your objection writing or take the opportunity to speak directly to Council at this time.

What a Mess

CIRCLE PINES — Centennial Lakes police officers hoping for quick action after a no-confidence vote against their chief might be in for a long wait.
Last October, the patrol and sergeants’ unions gave Police Chief Bob Makela a unanimous vote of “no confidence” on his “ability to lead the department.” In a letter sent to then-Joint Governing Board Chair Dave Kelso last December, two members of the police force listed several complaints against their boss, and demanded action from the board. Another letter was sent to the board in October, but the union members have not requested that Makela be removed as police chief.
A unanimous vote of “no confidence” and a list of complaints isn’t enough for the board to take dramatic action to address the complaints, according to newly appointed board chair Mary Capra, who is the mayor of Centerville. She says the complaints the board received are too “generalized.”
“We received a written statement Oct. 17 and it didn’t relate to a specific instance or instances, charge, accusation, or complaint against the chief,” Capra said. “Even the one received Dec. 29, that statement from the union stewards, there is no specific accusation.”

Some of the complaints in the Dec. 29 letter were as follows:

• “Is unwilling to make important decisions within his authority.”

• “Does not listen.”

• “Takes matters personally and retaliates.”

• “Degrades employees by screaming at them and has created a hostile work environment.”

In response to the vote and letters to the board, Makela wrote in a prepared statement that some officers are resistant to new changes to the police department that he has been tasked with enforcing by the Joint Governing Board.
“During our recent implementation to problem-oriented policing (POP) there has been resistance by some employees to embrace this change,” he wrote. “Efforts to change for the betterment of the community are difficult when employees perceive that some of their duties and responsibilities will increase or change due to our changing community needs.”
Capra also said police officers wanting the board to take action have bypassed the Labor Management Committee and haven’t submitted a grievance to their unions.

The union stewards wrote in their Dec. 29 letter that the board has refused requested meetings and completely disregarded their vote of “no confidence.”
“We are surprised that the unanimous level of dissatisfaction of your workforce resulting in the vote of no confidence appears to be of so little importance to you,” the letter said.
Quad Press 1/20/2009
Link Here

2009 Street Special Assessment Hearing Scheduled for 1/21/2009

Another resident request today at 10:26 a.m.

Please move this to the top of the blog - our next meeting is next week.

I'm concerned that the city is going to be faced with budget cuts, but just to shove this down the residents throat, they will go ahead, despite the economy and pending city cuts!

Well, if they do go through with this, which is the MOST IDIOTIC THING this city could do, they will just have to cut the City Administrator's, City Attorney and City Clerk's salary to make up for revenue loss!

Bonestroo $35,000 Request Shaved to $16,632

The request made last fall by Bonestroo representative, Mark Statz for an additional $35,000 to oversee work done on CSAH 14 was finally decided this evening.
New Council member Ben Fehrenbacher crunched the numbers and suggested a dollar amount between 0-$16,000. After discussion, it was determined to pay out $16,632 for the additional 189 hours submitted. Significantly less than the original request.
Great job Ben!
Ben Fehrenbacher and Jeff Paar voted against.

Homes Currently For Sale Next Door

Courtesy of the Pioneer Press
1/11/2009
Full Story Here

Police Chief Gets a No Confidence Vote

Centennial Lakes police rank-and-file are going public with gripes about their boss.

The patrol and sergeants unions are demanding action from community leaders after earlier passing a unanimous vote of no confidence in Chief Bob Makela, calling him a poor leader since he took the job three years ago. The department serves Centerville, Circle Pines and Lexington.

"We want change. We want leadership. We want communication," said an officer in the department who asked not to be identified out of fear of retaliation.

"The commission makes directives, and the chief follows those directives. Some ... might not be well-received," Capra said. "Change is hard."

Officers said problem-oriented policing was not a factor in their no-confidence vote.

They spelled out concerns about Makela in a letter to the police board two weeks ago:

He is indecisive.

He does a bad job of communicating.

He delegates his work.

He doesn't instill confidence in others, and union members avoid interacting with himm.

He has created a hostile work environment.

The letter asks the board to address the problems but does not seek the chief's ouster or suggest solutions.

Several members of the department have grown so frustrated that they have begun to look for other jobs. The unions warned the governing board — which includes the mayor and a city council member from each city the department serves — last month it could lose its trained officers.

The governing board shouldn't dismiss the no-confidence vote, suggested Dennis Flaherty, executive director of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association.

"I think it signals in a very loud way to the city's policymakers or elected officials and the community at large that there are problems in the Police Department that bear very close attention," Flaherty said.

The unions notified the board of their no-confidence vote in October and requested a meeting. But the board responded a month later with a closed meeting. The unions were not invited.

Full Story Here
Pioneer Press
1/10/2009
Centennial Lakes Police Governing Board

One Resident Reacts to Recent Council Actions

In watching the recent City Council meeting a couple of disturbing ordinances were approved. First, it is unlawful to discharge a gun in your house unless it is self-defense. What is this? We already have an ordinance that says we cannot discharge a gun within the city limits. Law abiding gun owners are not going to be discharging their guns in their homes unless it is self defense. Why should law abiding citizens be grouped in with a few criminals. No I say. It is an outright attack on the second amendment. Why have an added ordinance about discharging a gun in your house? Why??? Are they trying to pick away at our second amendment rights? Our own City? How ridiculous? Is this to protect them if they feel they need to enter your home and you refuse? What is their definition of self-defense?
Second, the other ordinance that they approved is that they can shut down your private well if there is a natural disaster. They claim they want to do this is so our wells don't contaminate their city well. What is their definition of a natural disaster? Is this a way to pressure people into thinking that their well could be shut down and that they would not have water at a time of a natural disaster and might go ahead now and agree to be hooked up to city water? Is this a scare tactic to get us to accept city water when our wells are fine? What if the city well is contaminated during a natural disaster and not the private wells. How can they claim that we could have contaminated their well. Do they test our water or just shut us down? This is unbelievable.
These two ordinances were passed at the same time. Do they go together? In other words, if they force their way into your home claiming they need to shut down your well because of a natural disaster and you disagree, then you cannot protect your home from this. Would they even test your well or just say we don't have time or even if it is not contaminated now, it could become contaminated, and, therefore, contaminate the city water? They would not consider this self-defense.
As far as we are concerned this is way out of line. We do not need these ordinances. First of all it is none of their business to tell us what to do in our own house when it comes to the second amendment and second they do not need to have an ordinance on the books ready to go regarding shutting down our wells at their whim and their definition of natural disaster.
Do the Centerville residents group still meet? This needs to be addressed immediately and try and overturn these ordinances. I think we could be looking at a real problem in the future if we do not hold their feet to fire on this.
In other Council action...
Amended Chapter 50 of the city Code to require connection to public water and sewer systems if private systems “fall into disrepair,” defined as when the cost of repair exceeds $500.
The Citizen

Who Has the Best Interest of Centerville at Heart?

Council Spurns Engineer's Compensation Request

Louise Edwards The Citizen

At the last Centerville City Council meeting of the year, council members spent considerable time in discussion over a request for $35,000 in additional compensation for construction observation services performed this summer by the city’s consulting engineers, Bonestroo, on Anoka County’s Main Street reconstruction project. Council held a similar discussion at its Sept. 24 meeting and tabled the matter.

City Engineer Mark Statz stated in a letter dated Sept. 16, 2008 that although the total budget for inspection services agreed upon at the beginning of the CSAH 14 project was $55,428, he said that the company provided additional services throughout the summer after city inspectors, who had planned to supplement Bonestroo’s efforts, were unable to assist because of higher-than-expected construction activity related to the hailstorm of May 25. “Our proposal was clear in saying that it was based on a [specific] number of hours per week,” said Statz. “Since our proposal was based on our expectation, and since we were directed to be out there more, I think [our request is] in line.”

“We would have expected them to step up and pick up any slack … because we wouldn’t have wanted the project to go on unsupervised,” agreed Council Member Linda Broussard Vickers. “We overestimated what our staff could do.” “Well, I’m concerned about the communication,” said Council Member Jeff Paar, referring to the delay before council was officially presented with the request in September. A motion to compensate Bonestroo for $21,000—the extra work for this past summer—of the $35,000 requested failed, 3-2. Mayor Capra and Council Member Broussard Vickers both supported the motion.

In reviewing the Council meeting, it is clear that Mr. Statz (City Engineer) working with Bonestroo was requesting additional payment of 12 oversight hours per week times 20 weeks. It was determined by the City that is was necessary to oversee the County on the CSAH 14 project. B-Vickers got out the calculator and determined that 12 hours per week at 20 weeks came to the grand total of $21,600 and not the $35,000 requested. Mr. Statz stated that he would have to look back at the records to see if Bonestroo had worked more than 20 weeks. Mr. Statz was afforded the opportunity to bring in documentation to back the additional work hours, which he declined, stating he wanted to resolve the issue that evening. This motion was not approved and scheduled to be discussed during the 1-7-09 work session which is not taped. For further information, please feel free to contact your City officials.

2009 Street Improvement/Special Assessment Hearing Postponed Again.

The City of Centerville has not updated the website, nor utilized the City Hall sign to make the announcement that the special assessment hearing scheduled for two days from now has been postponed yet again. City officials have opted to inform residents via US mail and will be sending out notices which may not be received in time.
Per Teresa Bender, the special assessment meeting has been rescheduled to January 21st.

Happy New Year! We're Back!!!!

Fee Schedule Changes to Affect Residents

The council also adopted Ordinance No. 22, the city’s 2009 Fee Schedule.

Changes include a 5% increase in water and sewer rates and storm water drainage fees as well as changes to the way drainage fees are calculated for commercial and industrial property.

Taxpayers will also notice the addition of a $21 quarterly water base charge which represents the benefit of accessibility to hydrants for all city residents and business owners whether they have municipal water service or not.

Centerville has been upgraded to a Fire Class 5, effectively lowering fire insurance rates because of hydrant availability, Administrator Larson said.

This charge will appear on municipal April 1 quarterly drainage and/or sewer & water statements.

It's not a tax increase, it's a new water charge... Something we look forward to this New Year!

Link Here

The Citizen 12/24/2008

Update From City Administrator in Response to a Copy and Paste of The Citizen News Article Linked Above

Monday, January 5, 2009 9:21 AM

From: dlarson@centervillemn.com

To: Centervilleblog@yahoo.com

Your blog states that the city water charge of $84 will apply to all residents. The charge at $80 is already on the bill of the majority of residents (all who are connected to city water) and for them only the 5% increase will apply. This fee will be new to those that are not connected to city water, but receive benefits due to the fire insurance rating.

Dallas Larson, Administrator
City of Centerville
651-429-3232

UPDATE
The ISO Fire Protection Rating System
The link above will open a PDF file created by the Minnesota League of Cities.
There appears to be no difference in estimated premiums ranked classifications four through seven, based on a $150,000 residential property. (page 3 of 4)
Class 1-3 average annual premium $653
Class 4-7 average annual premium $662
Class 8-9 average annual premium $667
Class 10 average annual premium $670
Estimated premiums based on insurance companies which recognize the ISO protection rating.

Check you individual policy for any reduction the new lower class five rating may have on your premium.

Centerville Adopt a Family

Thank you to all those in our community that have supported this effort! Especially the local area businesses! We realize how difficult this economy has been for many of you, coupled with the high tax ranking, we appreciate each and every single donation.

Centerville Ranks 14th Highest in City Tax Rate...

BUT STILL RANKS 3rd OVERALL!

Centerville's rank of 14th-highest in city tax rates was good news: The city has been the highest-taxed city in the past. "It's a huge improvement for us," Mayor Mary Capra said. She said the average property owner has seen an increase in city taxes of only $63 in the past seven years. The city is getting creative. Today, the city is sponsoring what Capra calls "our own little economic stimulus package." The event, called Dash for Cash, includes a drawing for $500 in "Cougar Cash" that can be spent only in Centerville businesses. The idea is to promote city businesses and the city overall. "We have a bare-bones staff," Capra said. "This city council is conservative."

HIGHEST OVERALL TAX RATES

1. Carver

2. Victoria

3. Centerville

4. Savage

5. Circle Pines

6. Lexington

9. Dayton

7. Golden Valley

8. Farmington

10. Minneapolis

Pioneer Press-12/9/2008

FULL STORY HERE

Of course, the Mayor neglected to address the special assessments we have in store. Oh, that's right special assessments don't count against the tax rate.

Downtown Lighting Ceremony Update

CENTERVILLE — The City of Centerville will hold a lighting ceremony Dec. 9 to celebrate completion of work and installation of new light fixtures on Main Street.

At the Nov. 24 City Council meeting, Mayor Mary Capra announced that the dedication would take place at 6 p.m. and include a ribbon cutting ceremony. County representatives and other dignitaries will be invited to participate.
According to Capra, Main Street will close briefly while the ceremonial ribbon is strung across and cut. For the first time in months, streetlights will brighten the south side of Main Street. After the ceremony, people will be invited to shop Main Street from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and enjoy promotional give-aways. “A lot of the businesses will stay open; it's a very exciting time for the community,” Capra said.
Before the event, the city plans to distribute informational fliers advertising drawings, rules and promotions to win $400 in “Cougar Cash” and other prizes.

The lighting ceremony celebrates an end to months of darkness and road obstruction in the downtown area.
“We've been patiently waiting for the lights,” Capra said.

Contractors have been busy trying to finish work on at least one side of the ongoing CSAH 14 project before the ground freezes. Work on the north side of Main Street will continue when the ground thaws in the spring, probably around the middle of May, according to consulting city engineer Mark Statz. (Bonestroo, not Centerville employee)

Main Street will continue to look as it does now throughout the winter, Statz said. Therefore, if businesses or citizens have problems with the road or their driveways, now is the time to contact the city, as it would be difficult to make adjustments during the winter. “It looks pretty buttoned up out there; hopefully everything is OK,” he said.

Councilmen Jeff Paar and Tom Lee hinted that more local promotions could be in store for Centerville as local businesses recover from the disruption caused by CSAH 14 road construction.

“We should look at this for 2009 as well,” Paar said. “There's no better way to promote businesses in Centerville than giving the public something they can use in Centerville.”

What?!

Link Here

First Annual Centerville Citizens Adopt a Family!

Centerville Adopt a Family Blog

While Centerville Is Celebrating Numerous New Lights With a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony...

State Turns Off Lights to Save Energy!

If you want to see the Minnesota Capitol lit up at night, go there before 11 p.m. That's when they turn off the lights.

State officials used to illuminate Minnesota's most famous building all night. Commissioner of Administration Dana Badgerow said Monday her department recently reduced the hours of lighting as part of an effort to cut energy consumption in the Capitol complex by 10 percent.

"The TV crews can still do their shots for the 10 o'clock news," Badgerow said.

From July through October — the first four months of the program ordered by Gov. Tim Pawlenty — energy use at "Capitol campus" buildings has decreased by 3.5 percent, said David Fielding, plant management director for the Department of Administration.

The state spent $9.3 million to heat, light and power the 4.7 million square feet of space in those 16 buildings last year. If administration officials meet their conservation goal, they'll save taxpayers nearly $1 million this year.

Asked if they'll reach that goal, Fielding replied, "It won't be for lack of trying. I think we've got a very good chance."

The program started with the simple step of asking state employees to get rid of their space heaters, fans, microwave ovens and other personal appliances. "We deprived them of a few conveniences — maybe," Badgerow said.

By Bill Salisbury
bsalisbury@pioneerpress.com

Link Here

Ribbon cutting celebration to be held on December 9th at 6 p.m. Anyone get an invitation?

In Other News

Pawlenty says state budget will be in deficit within months!
Spending cuts must start this month, he says.
Gov. Tim Pawlenty said Tuesday that Minnesota's budget will start hemorrhaging red ink in the next seven months — much sooner than he and other state officials had anticipated — and he's ready to start cutting spending this month to stop the bleeding.

Link Here

Minnesota's Cities Eye Big Cuts for '09

A city-by-city look...

Communities across Minnesota are being forced to cut back and lay off staff as they prepare for the new year.

The League of Minnesota Cities warned Tuesday that many cities are scrambling to cope with the slumping economy, declining revenue and rising costs.

In addition, the state could experience one of its biggest deficits, and that "could really wreak havoc on city budgets for 2009 and beyond," said Gary Carlson, the League's director of intergovernmental affairs.

The state economic forecast is due out Thursday.

"I think cities are a little bit on edge," Carlson said.

City leaders fear the Legislature may reduce state contributions to local governments to meet its own budget. Many communities rely on Local Government Aid to finance basic services. And cutting state Market Value Homestead Credit reimbursements, which make up for homestead tax breaks, can leave a hole in city coffers.

Lino Lakes faces making midyear budget cuts if it loses its reimbursement, which adds up to about $240,000, said city administrator Gordon Heitke. The Legislature has made such cuts in the past.

"Our greatest concern for 2009 is whether the Legislature will take some action to adversely affect our budget as they deal with their fiscal challenges," he said.

Cities across the east metro are looking for ways to make the painful cuts:

Full Story Here

Pioneer Press

By Brady Gervais and Mary Divine

12/03/2008

Centerville did not make the list...

I’m Just Baffled at How This Stuff Works

"I am the best candidate with the most experience and have proven I can handle difficult issues and make tough decisions. I make all of my decisions based on all of the residents of the city, not just one special interest group. I have been elected twice because I keep my promises, I am honest, and the residents trust me. "

Link Here

In other action, the council:

Agreed to submit a grant application through the Safe Routes to Schools program in the hope that the old adage, “Third time’s a charm” will be true for this particular project. The application for funds to construct a tunnel crossing under CSAH 14 near Centerville Elementary School has been rejected twice previously, but city engineer Mark Statz said the city had been given a “wink, wink, nudge, nudge” from MnDOT that the application would likely succeed this time around. Council members expressed concern that if successful, the project would require the digging-up of a section of the newly relaid Main Street, but agreed that they would make a decision on whether to proceed if the funds were allocated to Centerville. “I’m just baffled at how this stuff works,” said Council Member Jeff Paar, commenting on the news that the application might be successful after the reconstruction of CSAH 14 had occurred.

The Citizen

Link Here

New Fee Structure Examined For Street Project

Water Portion Of Project May Not Be Charged To Homeowners

CENTERVILLE - City officials have announced they are examining a proposal to drop special assessments on the water portion of the 2009 street improvement project.

Instead, a connection fee would be charged to all homeowners as and when they choose to hook up to the municipal water.

In the meantime, the immediate cost of the improvements would be paid for out of the utilities enterprise fund, according to minutes of a Nov. 5 special session.

The possibility was discussed at the Nov. 12 city council meeting. “We had looked at the potential of pulling out of special assessments for the water part of the project,” explained Mayor Mary Capra. “One of the largest assessments in this project is the improvement of the city water.”

It was also announced that the Dec. 1 public hearing on the special assessments to homeowners affected by the project had been postponed to allow city council members more time to investigate options.

The special assessment hearing, at which homeowners will be permitted to challenge the exact amount of their assessments under the project if they wish, is now likely to be scheduled for the first week in January.

Discussion at the special council session convened on Nov. 5 had raised several issues, including the possibility of the connection charge rather than assessment on the water part of the project.

Other areas to be investigated include asking the Rice Creek Watershed District to relax its requirements on rain gardens (accounting for about $250,000 of the project cost), and extending the drop-dead date for water hook-up in the city.

Figures presented at the Nov. 12 meeting indicated that the cost of the city portion of the 2009 street improvement project was $2.8 million, which is an impact to all property owners across the city, amounting to approximately $152 for a home valued at $250,000 or $259 for a commercial property at the same rate.

Louise Edwards

The Citizen 11/26/2008

Downtown Lighting/Business Promotion

The ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on December 9, 2008 at 6 p.m. This will be after the additional lighting on the south side of the street has been installed.
Newspaper ads have been placed in several newspapers and invitations are scheduled to go out by Wednesday (tomorrow) of this week.
The City has updated ALL the council meeting minutes (as of 11/24) but the City still continues to refer to Statz as the "City Engineer" and even lists him as a staff member.
Link Here
Transcribed by Mary Capra, Centerville Mayor...

State Audit Update

We have received several inquiries regarding the status of the Centerville State Audit.
The Office of State Auditor has been met with and the matter is in their hands now.
Regarding what will be investigated:
It is up to the State officials to determine what will be looked into.
Some of the spending concerns raised by many residents may fall under the City's jurisdiction.
At this point we have no further information and do not expect to receive any until the audit is complete. At that time it will become public information.
Thanks again to all the people that supported the effort.

Why Does the City Continue to Call Mark Statz Our City Engineer?

Why indeed, when he works for Bonestroo? He is a hired consultant for this company and IS NOT a paid employee of Centerville. Why in 2006 did we pay $480,000 for engineering costs...
Link Here
October 22, 2008
Council Minutes
Statz is referred to as a Staff Member which is incorrect.
Where do his loyalties lie? With Bonestroo or the City of Centerville? The other City's he works with call him out as a paid Bonestroo employee. Why doesn't Centerville? Why do we pay almost $100,000 for a City Administrator who overlooks such pertinent information?
Link Here
Here
Here

Third Time's a Charm?

In other infrastructure plans, the council unanimously agreed to apply for a grant — for the third time — to fund a tunnel under County Highway 14 along Clearwater Creek. Larson said this may be the last chance for the city to secure such a grant.
The route would be used for bicyclists and students who want a safer way to cross the road on their way to school, Capra said.
City Engineer Mark Statz (Bonestroo Consultant) said the project has a better chance of getting funded this time by the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
“(The safe route) is rising to the top of this next budget cycle,” he said.
One concern about the proposed tunnel is spring flooding of Clearwater Creek, which could submerge the path and render it useless for extended time periods. Partially draining the creek and lowering its level below the proposed path could help alleviate the problem, Statz said.
Another concern was voiced by council member Tom Lee, who believes the added construction will make things worse on Highway 14.
“It will be a nuisance for everyone for more than a day,” he said.
Statz estimated that construction of such a path would take about a month and a half.

Quad Press
Nicholas Backus
Tuesday, 11/18/2008

How much money do you suppose this will cost the citizens of Centerville? Partially draining a creek could be a pretty penny if not completely covered under the proposed grant. The tunnel on Birch Street frequently floods...

Can Small-town Charm Be Built From Scratch?

September 6, 2008

ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS
BY BOB SHAW

Judy Tschumper is chasing a dream.

'It's all right here!' she shouted, over the happy racket of a small-town street party in Lakeville on a hot August night.

Around her was a nostalgic vision of Elvis music, flowerpots, dancing children and food stands -- a throwback to what Lakeville and America used to be. As an old man did the twist beside her, she reveled in the restoration of the everyone-knows-you small-town way of life.

Indeed, that is what most of Minnesota yearns for -- even when it doesn't make sense.

The small towns of yesteryear are gone, yet they grip the imaginations of Minnesotans. From Hudson to St. Paul to Edina, cities fret about losing their small-town charm. Arguments rage and millions of dollars are spent in efforts to preserve or build it.

The rise of the automobile unraveled small towns. When customers could drive to bigger stores, they traded their small-town loyalty for convenience and lower prices.

Meanwhile, air-conditioning and TV kept people indoors. Yards and houses became immense. Neighbors became strangers.

Today, small towns -- like small family farms -- have lost their economic reason for being. Yet Archer said they persist, often with government subsidies.

Full Story Here

Is the time right for Centerville to head in the same direction?

US Home Construction Sinks to New Record Low

Construction of homes falls to lowest on records dating to 1959 as builders cut back.

Construction of new homes plunged last month to the lowest level on records going back nearly 50 years as U.S. builders slashed production while Wall Street nosedived.

Embattled homebuilders, who enjoyed a five-year boom, are now building new homes and apartments at a record-low pace, according to government data released Wednesday. New building permits, a barometer of future activity, also plummeted to the lowest pace on record.

The results were the lowest on government records dating back to January 1959. Previously, the slowest pace had been in January 1991, when the country was in recession and going through a similar housing correction. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters had expected construction to fall even further to a rate of 780,000 units

Wachovia Corp. economist Adam York forecasts that construction will fall to around 650,000 units by next summer. While that's going to be painful for the nation's homebuilders, it will help stabilize the overall U.S. housing market, he said.

"The broader housing market needs fewer homes," York said in an interview. "We built too many homes in the United States and building less is one way to work off the excess inventory."

Story Here

Yet our Merry Band of Leaders have vowed to carry on with the Centerville downtown redevelopment...

Photo above is another vacancy in Circle Pines owned by the Beard Group.

Special Tax Assessment Hearing

Hearing on $2.8 million Street and Utility Improvements Tentatively set for Jan. 7, 2008
A public hearing to discuss the 2009 Street and Utility Improvement Project has to wait until next year, as the Centerville City Council unanimously decided Nov. 12 that it needs more information on the water improvement portion.
The hearing is tentatively set for Jan. 7.
A major issue to consider in the project — estimated to cost $2.8 million — is financing of the initial water main construction, as residents would not pay until they used the water. A city water enterprise fund would pay for initial water main extensions in developed areas, but costs wouldn’t be collected until after hook-up, according to City Administrator Dallas Larson.
The plan is a departure from the 2004 assessments and previous projects in which work was assessed at completion.
“We want to be fair to (those assessed in) 2004 and the others before, because they have already done their part,” said Mayor Mary Capra.

The council will meet Dec. 1 for a workshop to further discuss the project and Capra said further workshops might also be necessary.

“This will have a big impact on taxpayers and we have the responsibility to give it due diligence,” she said.
As for the 2009 Street Project as a whole, tax levy costs for all Centerville residents and commercial properties are estimated as follows, according to Larson.

The pay period would be 15 years per the project’s bond financing.
• Owners of a home with a market value of $250,000 would pay $152.54 annually.
• Owners of home with a market-value of $500,000 would pay $305 annually.
• Owners of a commercial property with a market value of $250,000 would pay $259.32 annually.
• Owners of a commercial property with a market value of $500,000 would pay $564.59 annually.
Projected costs have yet to be finalized, however, and Capra said the city might still pull or add roads to the project.
Full Story Here
Quad Press
Nicholas Backus
Tuesday, 11/18/2008

Decision Still Delayed On Project Monitoring Request

The Citizen
10/01/2008

Centerville City Council members have delayed their decision on a request by the city engineer for a more that 50 percent increase to his bill to oversee work on CSAH 14.
Engineer Mark Statz explained at the city's September 24 meeting that his company's initial cost estimate of $55,428 to oversee Anoka County's work on CSAH 14 through Centerville had fallen short by some way as the 20 weeks of work budgeted in the 2007 and 2008 was insufficient to see the project through completion. "The reality of the situation is that the time has proved to be significantly less than what we really needed so we are asking at this point to increase our bill on this project by $35,000 to continue our efforts through to the end of the project," said Statz.

Statz added that engineering staff had been spending on average 20 hours a week observing and reviewing the work of the Anoka County contractor on CSAH 14. “Our staff was so short this summer it was not able to do it,” added City Administrator Dallas Larson. “There were things that went wrong right away and we did need to have eyes and ears on the project, so there was some justification for having the time on the project.” City council members tabled the decision until their next meeting.

Although our City Council tabled the decision to the next meeting (almost two months ago) as of today, this issue is not reflected in the minutes. Why? Good question!
Why were City officials compelled to spend any amount of money overseeing a County project? Anoka County has an engineer working on CSAH 14 yet our City Administrator felt it necessary to have eyes and ears on the project? To the tune of some $90,000?
FYI
Mark Statz is not the Centerville City Engineer per say, but rather a consultant for Bonestroo. The following links show that other city's have chosen to make that distinction. For some reason Centerville has not.

Link Here
Link Here
Link Here
Link Here
Link Here
Link Here

Hey, What About That 5.5 Million In The Bank?

As stated by Mr. Paar and Ms. Capra during the campaign season, the City of Centerville has 5.5 million in the bank. This statement insinuated there was somehow a savings account.
Apparently the insinuation was incorrect... Go figure!

"Consolidation now would be just as difficult, especially with Centerville's debt," Capra said. It was Centerville's $7.8 million long-term debt that spurred the petition, signed by more than 600 residents, for a state audit of the city's spending. "
"If Lino Lakes absorbs our debt, then that's on the taxpayers of Lino Lakes," Capra said.
Capra is quoted 11/15/2008 in the Pioneer Press
Here

Centerville petition spurs talk of merger with Lino Lakes
The last time around, Lino Lakes officials were concerned about how taking on Centerville would affect its tax base. "They had accumulated a lot of debt per capita," said Sylvia Marier, a Lino Lakes representative on the 1992 consolidation committee. "And we would've absorbed that." Marier doubts enough has changed for another attempt to work.

She's probably right... This blog does not support nor oppose the merger issue. We are dedicated to holding our Centerville City Officials accountable.

Centerville's City Administrator...

Council votes 5-0 to dismiss Larson
The Beacon/Cannon Falls, MN

9/16/2004
Council members comment on resignation request

9/17/2004
Larson confirms: two council members ask him to resign
Dallas Larson, longtime administrator for the city of Cannon Falls, confirmed this week that two members of the city council have requested his resignation. Larson declined to identify the council members, but said he’d give his decision this Thursday, Sept. 16, during the regular council meeting.

9/27/2004
Mediator hired to resolve city issues

10/14/2004
Special meeting to evaulate performance of Dallas Larson

10/14/2004
City council meets in closed session to evaluate Larson

10/21/2004
City, Larson work on separation agreement

10/28/2004
City council meets; no Dallas Larson

11/10/2004
Council votes 5-0 to dismiss Larson

The 2005 sitting Council (Capra, Lee, Lakso, Paar and B-Vickers) was aware of this information during the hiring procedure. Mr. Larson does currently reside in Cannon Falls, not Centerville.
City Council Minutes 3/9/2005
Mayor Mary Capra indicated that after the second round of interviews there was consensus to offer the City Administrator position to Dallas Anderson.
Motion by Council Member Lakso, seconded by B-Vickers to authorize Lynn and Associates to offer the City Administrator position to Dallas Larson.
Council Member Tom Lee indicated that it is his intent to oppose Mr. Larson as City Administrator.
Vote
Ayes 4
Nays 1
Motion carried.

1/13/2005
Larson's future still up in the air

1/13/2005
CF grows, changes during Larson's tenure

1/26/2005
Larson has until Feb. 3 to accept agreement

2/10/2005
Larson agrees to $40,000 settlement

Election Results

It looks as though there was not much changing of the guard in Centerville this election year. However, the residents did speak loud and clear.

The fact that our Mayor received 777 votes while 1,251 were cast against her speaks volumes. Mary Capra was reelected with only 38% of the vote. We hope that she will remember this as she votes on issues that impact our checkbook.

Of the 3,408 votes cast for the seven council candidates, Mr. Paar received the highest count of 706. Had there not been six others on the ballot, the results may have been quite different. A 21% vote is not a vote of confidence. We hope he keeps this in mind.

Congratulations to our newly elected Council Member Ben Ferhenbacher. He beat Mr. Rawlings by just 20 votes. Hopefully Ben will be able to add a fresh new voice to our City.

The residents of Centerville and this group look forward to continuing to follow all the issues in the City and keeping the residents informed. We have some very important tax and assessment meetings coming up.

Endorsements

As you may have noticed, the CCETR has dropped fliers about town endorsing
Laura Powers for Mayor ~Resident 16 Years
Link Here
Tom Fairbrother for City Council ~Resident 12 Years
Link Here
Neal Rawlings for City Council ~Resident 18 Years
Link Here
With so many terrific people on the ballot, it was a difficult decision!
These are the candidates we believe will best represent the will of the people. They did not only talk the talk but they did walk the walk. Each of the above candidates did sign the State Audit Petition, kept their campaigns positive and has been respectful of the voice of the people. They understand the importance of a simple little thing called common courtesy.
We LOVE Stephanie Blomseth and look forward to hearing a lot more about her but unfortunately we can only choose only three of the ten candidates. Hopefully she will give the incumbents a run for their money in 2010!

Good Luck Centerville!
The time for change is upon us... It's up to you who is elected to represent Centerville this day and we promise to be here watching no matter who is left standing!
Thank you to everyone that has worked so hard giving support of this blog, our group and our City!
HAPPY ELECTION DAY!

Reality Check 2

We have been getting comments and phone calls from the press asking the blog representatives about the idea of the consolidation between Lino Lakes and Centerville. We are not involved with this idea or are participating in any such discussion.

Kindest Regards,

Centerville Citizens for Ethitical Taxation

Reality Check

(from a comment under previous article from a citizen)
I have just spoken with the MN Attorney General Office AND the MN Secretary of State Office. (Attorney General: 651-296-6196)
(Secretary of State: 651-296-2551specifically: Tom Karlson, Manager of Standards and Procedures for Secretary of State 651-296-4715)

If the City has not yet had their required audit by the firm they hire for 2008 (Centerville has NOT yet for '08), the City CAN indeed "replace the independent auditing firm with the State's audit" for the year. If you still do not believe this, please take it up with the Secretary of State.

Again, the incumbents can honor their word from the Candidate Forum and get behind the State Audit. The City & incumbents do not need to proceed with hiring their independent firm for '08 at an added cost of $30K.

Centerville Downtown Redevelopment

The City officials are working closely with The Beard Group to bring new business to town. Take a look at what redevelopment has done for downtown Circle Pines.

If you click the photo to the right you will notice that this is one of the empty buildings currently not leased and The Beard Group phone number (952) 930- 0630 is clearly shown. Link Here
Is this what the citizens of Centerville want? Why is the current council forging ahead with a plan that appears to not work in this economy?

See Mary Capra's statement in the Quad Community Press, Voter's Guide 2008.

(Question 5: What is your stand on redevelopment of older neighborhooods? To what extent should their character be maintained at the expense of increased property values and tax revenue?)

5. Keep the comprehensive plan laid out so one area of the city would not compete with another for commercial. Downtown needs to attract one type of commercial while the industrial part attracts another to keep all areas growing, and not just one commercial area of the community.
We need to focus on having a variety of housing options that will serve the various stages of life; singles, couples, young families, senior citizens and those who need nursing care."

(Question 6: Would you be willing to raise taxes to fund improvements to your district, and if so what improvements?)

6. "I plan on following through with current projects, but for future projects, if all other ways of funding had been exhausted, and there was no other way to cut the budget or provide additional funding for health and safety service, within the city, I would be willing to raise taxes. I have always kept a close watch on our budget and in this difficult economy I will continue to watch the national economic problems, and their impact on our community.

So we are curious Mary, is our nation in an economic crisis, and if so, what are you doing about the impact it IS having on our community?

DEAR CITY OFFICIALS,
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WASTE TAXPAYERS MONEY ON FIVE DIFFERENT COLORS OF CONCRETE WHEN YOU KNEW IT WOULD BE STRIPED (PAINTED) FOR CROSSWALKS?

Selective Ordinance Enforcment Part Six

Is The City Harassing Senior Citizens?

Yard work was halted at the home of one of our senior citizens on 10/3/2008 without prior written warning, the City issued an "ORDER TO CEASE AND DESIST FROM CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES" drafted by City Attorney, Kurt Glaser. According to Mr. Glaser one must obtain a building permit when bringing more than 10 yards of fill to a property in Centerville but he did not cite the ordinance or include a copy. The order further indicates that the senior resident has significantly altered the "approved drainage plan" and is somehow in violation of the Rice Creek Watershed District.
Unfortunately, the resident (living on a fixed income) has been forced to retain an attorney because OUR city is also issuing a criminal complaint before the Anoka County District Court.
The order was copied to:
Administrator, City of Centerville
Centennial Lakes police Department
Rice Creek Watershed District
Houston Engineering
The senior citizen obtained the appropriate permits from the Rice Creek Watershed issued 10/22/2008 when no violation was found by their inspectors. Link Here
The resident is still waiting for our City to lift the cease and desist order and hopeful that Centerville will do so before the frost sets in. Until the order is lifted, the dirt can not be moved from the driveway!
Could all this have been avoided if the City had contacted the RCWD in the first place?

The Centerville State Audit Petition Has Been Certified by Anoka County and Sent to the State!

Mayor Mary Capra

In a letter to the Editor of The Quad Press 10/28/2008 the Mayor addressed a couple of her constituents. While doing so, she could not stop herself from taking a swipe at this little blog.

"The City of Centerville does have debt as most cities do and individuals. The "Watch Dog/Blog group always fails to mention the other half of the equation, the assets of the city. All of the indebtedness of the city is for public purpose and has to meet the standards set forth by the State of Minnesota. You cannot consider one without the other. The current balance in the city's fund accounts is in excess of $5 million dollars."

A couple of thoughts quickly come to mind. The amount of debt incurred by a city or individual is a choice. If an individual chooses to go deeply into debt, it is their choice and their money. If a city chooses to go into debt it is the choice of the elected officials and the individuals have no voice. Hardly analogous.
If all the debt is indeed for a public purpose, what was the rational behind spending an additional $500,000 plus on decorating the downtown? This is surely not a standard set forth by the State of Minnesota!
If the City does indeed have an excess of $5 million in the bank, what are they doing with it while we are assessed for road maintenance?

The Citizens of Centerville Have Spoken!

As of this moment we are awaiting certification from the County Auditor. The required number of signatures have been confirmed. Although the citizens only needed 423 registered voters to move forward with the State audit, there were approximately 650 collected. We apologize to those residents who wanted to sign but didn't get the opportunity to do so due to time constraints. Thank you all for your support!

Update! Council Meeting Minutes!

It took long enough but the City has finally updated the council session minutes for September 10th, 17th, 24th and October 8th today!
They are currently only one meeting behind! Good to see they are actually doing their jobs!

Selective Ordinance Enforcement Part Five

Is the City using the selective ordinance enforcement to impact the election?
City ordinance is quite clear, there shall be no more than one political
sign per candidate per residential property. Why have some residents received letters from the City asking to remove signs in opposition of Mary Capra and Jeff Paar while their signs are left standing? What makes this issue particularly disturbing is the fact that Tom Lee is currently in violation and as a sitting council member, he should know better. Does the current council think they are above the ordinance laws?


The City has been removing signs they consider to be in violation of the ordinance and is dropping them behind the Public Works building, near the dumpster. If you are missing any, this might be a good place to look first.

UPDATE! Council Member Tom Lee is in compliance with the sign ordinance as of this evening. (10/27/2008)