Around the Clerk’s Corner 

May was a month filled with change.  We said good-bye to Brent Neisinger as our Public Works Superintendent.  He had been with the city for 5 years and will be greatly missed.  He has accepted a position in Cold Springs, MN.  We wish him well as he starts this new chapter in his life.  The city has hired a new Public Works Superintendent.  His name is Guy Wait.  He has worked for 28 years in Public Works in Cloquet.  We are excited to have him join our team and he is excited to be here.  Make sure you welcome him when you see him out and about.

 SPRING – YARD MAINTENANCE

Spring is here and everything is greening up quickly.  Please remember to keep your yards looking good by removing garbage often and mowing as needed.  By doing this you will help to keep Carlton looking great and also stay in compliance with City Ordinances.

 SPRING – HILLSIDE CEMETERY

The City would like to thank the Public Works Department for their tireless efforts in the maintenance and beautification of the cemetery for Memorial Day; the Carlton VFW and Ladies Auxiliary for their efforts marking Veteran’s graves with flags and conducting the annual ceremony; and to the community for attending the ceremony and honoring those who have given their lives for our country, as well as remembering those who are currently serving in our Armed Forces. 

Just a reminder that all temporary floral arrangements placed on graves over the Memorial Day weekend must be removed from the cemetery by June 15^th to accommodate the Public Works Dept. in their perpetual care of the cemetery.  Arrangements that are not removed will be discarded in accordance with City policy. 

SPRING - ANIMAL CONTROL

It seems that “Man’s Best Friend” enjoys the spring and summer months as much as we do; and we have already begun receiving calls about dogs running at large.  Carlton does impose a “leash law”, and the City Council has taken a pro-active approach to this ongoing problem by setting city fines for dog ordinance violations pretty steep.  Please keep your dog on a leash when in public; and confined on your property by a fence or chain when outside.  Also keep in mind that your dog must be licensed by the city.  You may obtain a license at City Hall.  Owners of unlicensed dogs will be subject to a penalty.

SPRING - SIGNAGE AND PARKING IN TOWN CENTER

Spring and summer are seasons for garage sales, rummage sales, graduation parties, and reunions.  While the City realizes that advertising is essential for a successful event, signs promoting these activities are NOT allowed in Town Center (the northwest corner where the city monument is located), and are not to be mounted on city, county or state traffic signs.  Signage appearing in this area will be removed and discarded by city staff.  Signs may be placed on the southwest and northeast corners of the intersection; provided they do not interfere with pedestrian or motor vehicle traffic.  Additionally, the parking of motorized vehicles (motorcycles, ATV’s, etc.) is prohibited in Town Center.  Violators will be ticketed.

 SPRING - TRAFFIC ISSUES

The City would like to remind residents and travelers of the reduced speed in front of Inter-Faith Care Center and Pine View Apartments.  We have many seniors using the crosswalk between the two facilities; and the City has placed pedestrian crossing safety markers in this location, but traffic must still be mindful that the speed limit is 30mph.

Your help in keeping Carlton safe and attractive for our residents and summer visitors would be greatly appreciated!

DNR PARK

The city would like to extend their thanks to all who helped with planting trees at the DNR park on May 12.  There were many city residents that came to help as well as members of the Fire Department.  Leola Rodd also brought over many students from her classes at Carlton High School.  This is an exciting project and it is wonderful to see so many interested in helping to improve our community.  Watch for more activity at this park.

Help Wanted

The city will be hiring for the part-time position of weekend Night Watchman.  For more information about the position and a complete job description, please contact City Hall at 384-4229.

THANK YOU

A big thank you goes to North Country Waste for helping with Carlton Clean Up on May 10.  They volunteered their time to help us with our clean up days.

CAUTION

The water tower area is still a construction zone until all of the painting and cleanup is finished.  Children (and adults) are not to play in or around the water tower construction area or at the site of the apartment fire.  As interesting and exciting as these two areas might be, it is unsafe to be in these areas unsupervised.  We care about your safety.

Building Permits

Given our short Minnesota summers; May through August are busy months for home improvement projects and building projects.  The City would like to remind residents that building permits are required for all building projects, renovations, accessory structures, fences and demolitions.  This is necessary to ensure the proposed project meets the city’s zoning requirements, easement requirements and state building code requirements.  To obtain a building permit; come to City Hall and get a permit application; complete the application and return it to our office.  The City will then review the application for appropriate zoning, setback and easement requirements.  The application will then be forwarded to our Building Official for review and approval or comment.  When the application has been approved, we will notify you and you may pick up your permit and begin your project.  NOTE: Commencing projects prior to obtaining a building permit is in direct violation of City Ordinances and is subject to appropriate fines.  Also, please remember; you MUST call for a “utility locate” prior to commencing ANY digging or excavating.  This is a state requirement and can be accomplished by calling Gopher State One-Call at 1-800-252-1166.  Please allow sufficient time prior to your desired project date for your building permit to be processed and your utilities to be located; usually one week is sufficient.

DRAIN TILES

The City is requiring a building permit for new installation and repair work on drain tiles.  Our Public Works Department will be inspecting all drain tile work to make sure it conforms to the I&I reduction standards required of the city.  This building permit will be free.

SEWER RATES

Just a reminder that your July water bill will reflect the small rate increase that was passed by the City Council.