01-12-1987 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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A MaintenanoeMemo ---- ------ ----- ---- Cold weather brags its share of problems. Listed )w are some helpful sugges- tions from Oper- ations and Main- tenance Dept. personnel on how to avoid or lessen some of those problems. If you have questions or want more information, please call 938-1431. • A problem many homeowners experience during the coldest months is that of a frozen water meter or frozen water pipes. The damage caused can be serious, yet the problem can easily be avoided. Examine the point where the water line enters your house and where the meter is located. For most homes this wilt be somewhere in the basement area. If in an enclosed space, leave the enclosure open and clear for the rest of the winter, removing any items which may restrict heat from getting to the line or meter. Should the line or meter be located in an old well pit or under the stairs, open up that area to heat for the balance of the winter months. • Now is the time to be certain water to your outside faucets is turned off. It would also be a good idea if the adults in your household, as well as any youngsters old enough to be left home alone, know how to shut off the water coming into the house. If they don't, get them together and show them. If you don't know, call 938- 1431 and we'll send someone out to show you. Having this knowledge just might lessen a problem if a pipe breaks, a toilet overflows, or a water heater bursts. • Parents, please don't allow your children to build a snow fort or snow house out of that snow piled at the end of your driveway. If youngsters happen to be playing inside that fort or house when 3 snowplow drives by, it could be disastrous. • Lastly, it's a good idea to keep a blanket, cap and pair of warm winter boots in your car during the coldest months. Having them could be extremely important if your ca:- stalls in extra cold weather and you have to wait for help to arrive. Homestead forms require new information Homestead affidavits for 1987, recently mailed to all property owners, will require additional in- formation this year: a social security number for each person who signs the homestead form. The 1986 State Legislature has specified that a homestead classification cannot be granted without the social security number of each of 11 -arsons sign- ing the applicatior - additional information will enaurc the state to find cases of multiple homesteads which might be listed under the same name. As in past years, th- homestead card shows the current 1987 market value estimate. If the property has been subject to recent construc- tion, which has not as yet been entered on Assessing Department r;,cords, the 1987 value could be changed, and a second value notice will be sent in March. Completed homestead applica- tions should be returned to the Assessor's office by January 16, 1987. The local Roard of Review, which meets to hear appeals on specific assessments, convenes in early May. Questions about individual market values or homestead classi- fications are welcomed by Assess- ing personnel. Please call 933-2511. Highway 7 safety improvements recommended The City of Minnetonka has been participating in an improvement study for Highway 7 west of Highway 101 for the past year along with the Metropolitan Council, Minnesota Department of Transportation and 5 neighboring communities. The study sought to identify safety and capacity problems on Highway 7, establish goals and policies for improving the road and develop a long-range irnprovemont program. It was determined that Highway 7 could be most Improved by limiting the number of entrances to the highway and by incorporating safety improvements at the remaining intersections Goats also all for minimizing impacts of r,.,.dway improvements on adjacent properties and the natural Pnvironment After extensive study and 3, public hearings, the report has been completed and i waiting action by the city councils of participating communities The study recommends a number of improvements of interest to Minnetonka residents. Upgrading of the existing Vine Hill Road iniersectinn is proposed as a first priority. A design has been prepared which avoids removing any existing structure while providing safe stacking distances and turning improvements. A new intersection previously proposed by Shorewood has been eliminated Second priority improvements call for closing the slip -off lanes from Highway 7 at Minnetonka High School and at Sparrow Road along with widening of Delton Avenue The Lynwood Terrace access point to Highway 7 would remain open Third prr,>rity improvements which may be studied at sortie point in the future call f,)r completion c .orth fiuntage road betwee iiii �4nsd and Highway 101 r,,ici cio%ure o! the slip-on lane to Highway 7 near Minnetonka High School. The north frontage road would only be considered in conjunction with a redevelopment of 7-Hi Shopping Center. It may not be feasible due to impacts upon a wetland and adjacent residential neighborhoods. The City Council will be reviewing the study this month. If you would like additional information, please contact the Planning Department, 933-2L11. The Minnetonka Fire Department recently received and placed into service three new fire engines, nictured at right, designed and engineered by members of the department. Many new and in- novative features were built into the units. The three new engines have state-of-the-art features that enhance crew safety, waterdel,very and ease of operation