Greetings Neighbors,
We are all no doubt looking forward to any sign of Spring after what has seemed like an endless winter! As Spring approaches home improvement projects are often on the to-do list. Please remember and help your new neighbors out by informing them that most improvement projects require a building permit. Please see the SFL website for information.
Two recent cost reductions benefiting all residents are noteworthy accomplishments for the SFL Council when the cost of all else seems to be rising. Over the last year the Council heard from both contractors and residents that SFL building permit fees for major projects were quite high. After extensive investigation and research, we have finalized an agreement with the West St. Paul building inspection team whereby they will now conduct all SFL inspection services. As a result of this change, building permit fees for major projects will be reduced to nearly half of what they were prior. Please see the SFL website for information on how to contact the West St. Paul Building Inspection Department. Also, in my last message, I indicated the Council voted to lower property taxes in December 2022. By now most residents have received notice from Dakota County indicating your property taxes have been lowered from the proposed tax statement you received in the fall.
Mark your calendars for these May events!
Tuesday, May 2nd at 6:00 PM prior to the City Council meeting at the First Calvary Baptist Church, 5495 S. Robert Trail, a lifesaving training in CPR will be presented by the Mendota Heights Fire Dept. There is no cost and all are welcome to attend to learn this critical skill that could result in a life being saved because you knew what to do in an emergency.
Saturday, May 6th our annual SFL Arbor Day activities will be helmed by our Forester, Jim Nayes beginning at 9:00 AM at Musser Park. Please call Jim Nayes at 612-803-9033 to schedule a specific time for your family or group tree plantings. This planting event is a fun, eco-friendly (rain or shine) activity that offers children of all ages an important nature and community service experience to beautify our community and watch their plantings grow over the years. Please see the SFL website for more information.
Additionally, on Saturday, May 6, in the later afternoon the SFL Spring social event, “The Kentucky Derby Party” will take place. This event was such fun last year that the committee is continuing the theme again this year! Roger and Shari Wilsey have graciously offered their home at 300 Salem Church Road for the event. You will soon be receiving an invitation in the mail with all of the details and deadlines. Please come and catch up with old friends and meet new neighbors.
I attended an excellent presentation given to local mayors on March 17 by Karla Peterson, P.E., Community Public Water Supply Unit Supervisor for the Minnesota Department of Health regarding safe drinking water and wells. There is a separate article on this important topic which you can find next to the mayor’s message on the SFL website. (Note: On March 17th the only liquid I was focused on was water!)
Wishing you a fun and safe summer!
Dan O’Leary