City Of Clarissa Newsletter
from City Hall …
Update on the Water & Sewer Improvement Project
The water and sewer improvement project is now in the post-construction phase. The streets affected will receive the second layer of tar soon, boulevards and landscaping clean-up will be completed as needed. If you have questions on the project, please contact city hall. We ask for your patience and cooperation throughout the project.
New water meters have been installed or will be installed to all properties. Thank you for your cooperation in this part of the project.
In other matters of concern…
In an effort to maintain an inviting community image, the city requests property owners to renew efforts to improve the care of yards and buildings within the city. The city receives numerous complaints from residents and non-residents on various properties.
As per Ordinance 91.22 Building Maintenance and Appearance, it is stated the “buildings, fences and other structures that have been so poorly maintained that their physical condition and appearance detract from the surrounding neighborhood are declared to be a public nuisance because they are unsightly, decrease adjoining landowners’ and occupants enjoyment of their property and neighborhood, and adversely affect property values and neighborhood patterns”.
As per Ordinance 91.18 Public Nuisances regarding “accumulations in the open of discarded or disused machinery, household appliances, automobile bodies or other material conducive to the harboring of rats, mice, snakes or vermin, or the rank growth of vegetation among the items so accumulated, or in a manner creating fire, health or safety hazards from accumulation”.
Also lawns need to be mowed on a regular basis and weeds controlled.
Reminder, the city council may take action against non-compliant properties which can include legal action, abatement and/or fines.
Do you have a pet? If you are not aware, the City of Clarissa has a PET ORDINANCE which applies to ALL residents and property owners. Animals must be licensed and vaccinated as required by the ordinance and controlled by their owners or caregivers. Animals must not be allowed to run freely (they need to be on a leash, tied out, or fenced in).
Police Protection: The Todd County Sheriff’s Office is providing deputies who regularly patrol the city and respond to resident calls. If you wish to contact the police department, please call the sheriff’s office at 800-794-5733.
Water & Sewer items of concern…
The 2018 Consumer Confidence Report concerning your drinking water was published in the June 5th issue of the local newspaper. It is not being directly mailed to customers but is available upon request.
Sump pumps…
Do you have a sump pump? If so, it cannot pump the water into the city sewer. State law requires sump pumps, roof drains, and foundation drains to be discharged onto the ground (or directly into a storm sewer if available) but not into the sanitary sewer. The City Ordinance also prohibits the discharge to the sanitary sewer system.
Natural Gas Safety –
Remember to call Gopher One Call BEFORE you dig holes, trenches, install signs or fences, etc. Natural gas service lines, electric lines, cable and telephone wires may be only a foot or so below ground, so it is imperative that caution be exercised by everyone to ensure safety of all.
Please call Gopher One Call at least 48 hours before planning on digging to allow time for locating of utilities that may be in the dig area.
Call 811 … IT IS THE LAW!
If you suspect a leak as may be evident by any of the following signs: the unusual odor, hissing noise, bubbles in puddles, dead or discolored vegetation near an underground gas line, dirt being blown into the air, or explosion, take the following steps:
1. Evacuate the area immediately. Do not light a match, operate light switches, appliances, engines or any other potential source of ignition.
2. When a safe distance away, call the gas emergency phone number.
3. Do not re-enter the “leak” area until told it is safe to do so.
After hours or emergency: call 911 or 800-620-1748
Also for safety, please be sure to not allow shrubs or other vegetation to block clear access to the gas meter.
Have a safe and great summer!
Also as a reminder of the City’s Phosphorous Management Plan,
following is information on the issue of phosphorus and how each resident has a role in its management.
SIMPLE WAYS TO REDUCE PHOSPHORUS POLLUTION
THE PROBLEM
Phosphorus is an essential element for all living things, but phosphorus is also the primary nutrient polluting Minnesota surface waters. Too much phosphorus contributes to excessive growth of algae. As the excessive algae growth dies, the decay process uses up oxygen in the water, which can lead to fish kills.
It is a concern because the MPCA is establishing new limits and new mandates on systems to control phosphorus. Additional treatment means higher costs and higher sewer rates for all residents and businesses. Therefore, reducing the amount of phosphorus being sent to the wastewater ponds is in everyone’s best interest.
Two significant sources of phosphorus in wastewater are dishwater detergents and food waste (garbage disposal waste).
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Choose low and non-phosphate detergents. Most popular dishwasher detergent brands contain anywhere from 4 to 9 percent phosphorus, which is as much phosphate as common garden fertilizers. Check the label and choose a brand with a lower phosphorus content (usually expressed as “phosphate” on the label). The best option is to choose a phosphate-free brand available in natural food stores and the natural foods sections of supermarkets. For a
phosphate-free detergent alternative, mix 1 cup of borax with ½ cup of baking soda.
Reduce detergent use. Most people use too much dishwasher detergent. The amount of detergent needed depends on the water hardness. Most dishwasher manuals include a detergent guide. In general, the dispenser cup only needs to be filled full for heavy loads washed in hard water. Running full loads will reduce detergent use as well.
Place food waste in the garbage. Before washing, scrape food from dishes into the garbage. Also, minimize garbage disposal use in the kitchen. Most food wastes are quite high in phosphorus and the ground up particles increase wastewater treatment costs.
Update on the Water & Sewer Improvement Project
The water and sewer improvement project is now in the post-construction phase. The streets affected will receive the second layer of tar soon, boulevards and landscaping clean-up will be completed as needed. If you have questions on the project, please contact city hall. We ask for your patience and cooperation throughout the project.
New water meters have been installed or will be installed to all properties. Thank you for your cooperation in this part of the project.
In other matters of concern…
In an effort to maintain an inviting community image, the city requests property owners to renew efforts to improve the care of yards and buildings within the city. The city receives numerous complaints from residents and non-residents on various properties.
As per Ordinance 91.22 Building Maintenance and Appearance, it is stated the “buildings, fences and other structures that have been so poorly maintained that their physical condition and appearance detract from the surrounding neighborhood are declared to be a public nuisance because they are unsightly, decrease adjoining landowners’ and occupants enjoyment of their property and neighborhood, and adversely affect property values and neighborhood patterns”.
As per Ordinance 91.18 Public Nuisances regarding “accumulations in the open of discarded or disused machinery, household appliances, automobile bodies or other material conducive to the harboring of rats, mice, snakes or vermin, or the rank growth of vegetation among the items so accumulated, or in a manner creating fire, health or safety hazards from accumulation”.
Also lawns need to be mowed on a regular basis and weeds controlled.
Reminder, the city council may take action against non-compliant properties which can include legal action, abatement and/or fines.
Do you have a pet? If you are not aware, the City of Clarissa has a PET ORDINANCE which applies to ALL residents and property owners. Animals must be licensed and vaccinated as required by the ordinance and controlled by their owners or caregivers. Animals must not be allowed to run freely (they need to be on a leash, tied out, or fenced in).
Police Protection: The Todd County Sheriff’s Office is providing deputies who regularly patrol the city and respond to resident calls. If you wish to contact the police department, please call the sheriff’s office at 800-794-5733.
Water & Sewer items of concern…
The 2018 Consumer Confidence Report concerning your drinking water was published in the June 5th issue of the local newspaper. It is not being directly mailed to customers but is available upon request.
Sump pumps…
Do you have a sump pump? If so, it cannot pump the water into the city sewer. State law requires sump pumps, roof drains, and foundation drains to be discharged onto the ground (or directly into a storm sewer if available) but not into the sanitary sewer. The City Ordinance also prohibits the discharge to the sanitary sewer system.
Natural Gas Safety –
Remember to call Gopher One Call BEFORE you dig holes, trenches, install signs or fences, etc. Natural gas service lines, electric lines, cable and telephone wires may be only a foot or so below ground, so it is imperative that caution be exercised by everyone to ensure safety of all.
Please call Gopher One Call at least 48 hours before planning on digging to allow time for locating of utilities that may be in the dig area.
Call 811 … IT IS THE LAW!
If you suspect a leak as may be evident by any of the following signs: the unusual odor, hissing noise, bubbles in puddles, dead or discolored vegetation near an underground gas line, dirt being blown into the air, or explosion, take the following steps:
1. Evacuate the area immediately. Do not light a match, operate light switches, appliances, engines or any other potential source of ignition.
2. When a safe distance away, call the gas emergency phone number.
3. Do not re-enter the “leak” area until told it is safe to do so.
After hours or emergency: call 911 or 800-620-1748
Also for safety, please be sure to not allow shrubs or other vegetation to block clear access to the gas meter.
Have a safe and great summer!
Also as a reminder of the City’s Phosphorous Management Plan,
following is information on the issue of phosphorus and how each resident has a role in its management.
SIMPLE WAYS TO REDUCE PHOSPHORUS POLLUTION
THE PROBLEM
Phosphorus is an essential element for all living things, but phosphorus is also the primary nutrient polluting Minnesota surface waters. Too much phosphorus contributes to excessive growth of algae. As the excessive algae growth dies, the decay process uses up oxygen in the water, which can lead to fish kills.
It is a concern because the MPCA is establishing new limits and new mandates on systems to control phosphorus. Additional treatment means higher costs and higher sewer rates for all residents and businesses. Therefore, reducing the amount of phosphorus being sent to the wastewater ponds is in everyone’s best interest.
Two significant sources of phosphorus in wastewater are dishwater detergents and food waste (garbage disposal waste).
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Choose low and non-phosphate detergents. Most popular dishwasher detergent brands contain anywhere from 4 to 9 percent phosphorus, which is as much phosphate as common garden fertilizers. Check the label and choose a brand with a lower phosphorus content (usually expressed as “phosphate” on the label). The best option is to choose a phosphate-free brand available in natural food stores and the natural foods sections of supermarkets. For a
phosphate-free detergent alternative, mix 1 cup of borax with ½ cup of baking soda.
Reduce detergent use. Most people use too much dishwasher detergent. The amount of detergent needed depends on the water hardness. Most dishwasher manuals include a detergent guide. In general, the dispenser cup only needs to be filled full for heavy loads washed in hard water. Running full loads will reduce detergent use as well.
Place food waste in the garbage. Before washing, scrape food from dishes into the garbage. Also, minimize garbage disposal use in the kitchen. Most food wastes are quite high in phosphorus and the ground up particles increase wastewater treatment costs.