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1. Am I registered to vote?

You can find out if you are registered to vote via Minnesota Votes. If you are not already registered, you can sign up online.

2. Where can I absentee vote?

You can absentee vote at two different locations:

City Hall
315 West 4th Street
Red Wing, MN 55066

Goodhue County Government Center
509 West 5th Street
Red Wing, MN 55066

3. Why would I want to vote absentee?

There are many different reasons to vote absentee--maybe you’ll be out of town on Election day or maybe you just want to avoid the lines at your polling place. No matter the reason, anyone who is registered to vote can vote absentee.

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1. What is a building permit?

A building permit gives you legal permission to start construction of a building project in accordance with approved drawings and specifications. Building permits are beneficial to you and the community and ensure that construction in Red Wing meets local and state codes. By working with a building inspector, you will benefit from their knowledge of building codes to ensure your construction project is built correctly, will be safe, and will last. Safe construction practices help protect you, your family and friends, and your investment.

 A building permit must be obtained any time a building or structure is built, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, converted, or demolished. For more information, contact the Permits and Inspections Division.

2. Why are fees charged for a building permit?

Permit fees are based on the value of work being done, and are collected to cover the cost of application, the review, and the inspections. A building inspector is available to you should you have any questions concerning your project. Records of your project are maintained to show that code requirements were met, and you will have the personal satisfaction of a job done right.

Find a copy of the building inspection and permit fees on the Planning Applications, Fees & Permits webpage.

3. How long does it take to get a permit?

Roofing, siding, plumbing and mechanical permits can usually be issued at the time they are submitted. If all of the supporting information is complete, it will take up to one week to get a permit for projects that require plan review such as: decks, basements, etc. It will take a minimum of two weeks to get a permit for a new single family home, major additions and commercial permits. If the application is not complete, it will be a longer wait. 

Please factor this approval process time into your projected start date. When in doubt, it is always best to ask before you undertake a project. Building Inspections staff will be happy to assist you. Call 651-385-3623 with any questions.

4. When is a permit required?

• A general building permit is required for all structural residences, garages, carports, decks and similar structures or buildings.
• A building permit must be obtained any time a building or structure is built, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, converted, or demolished.
• A building permit is required for re-roofing, windows and siding.

5. What other building code resources are available?

The Minnesota State Building Code has been adopted into chapter four of Red Wing’s City Code and is enforced and adhered to by the Building Inspection Division. For information pertaining to building standards, codes and rules, visit the the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.

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1. How much do perpetual flowers cost and when is the due date?

The fee for perpetual flowers at the Oakwood and Burnside Cemeteries can be found in the City's fee schedule (PDF).

Nonresident payment of the perpetual flower fund will apply only to lots purchased by nonresidents after January 1, 2008. Payment should be made on or before December 31 of a given year for the planting of flowers to begin the following year.  

For more information please contact the Permits and License Manager at 651.385.5113.

2. Where should payments be made?

Payments can be made in person or by mail to the "City of Red Wing" at:

City Hall
315 W Fourth Street
Red Wing, MN 55066

Hours
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

3. Who provides the stand and urn for cemetery flowers?

The person who buys the perpetual flowers is required to supply the stand and urn in which flowers will be planted. 

If it can be shown that the stand or urn was damaged due to vandalism, once it’s placed in the cemetery, the city of Red Wing will replace it with a standard urn.

In order to purchase perpetual flowers, the following is needed:

• Lot
• Block
• Section of the grave space for the flowers

If the above is unavailable, the name of a person buried on the lot and their approximate year of death may suffice.

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1. What affiliation are the instructors?

The instructors for this course are American Heart Association Certified (AHA).

2. Are there different CPR class options?

Yes, we do offer Hands-Only CPR to members of the public  at no charge. 

For those requesting certification, we do offer American Heart Association Basic Life Support (AHA BLS) provider courses and Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED courses for a nominal fee.  We now offer a hybrid learning option to help meet the needs of more people, which includes on-line instruction, and hands on skills training and testing.

For more information regarding these courses or to register, please call 651-388-7141 or email Sandy Gernentz.

3. Is the Basic Life Support class for people new to CPR or for people needing a refresher?

This class is designed for both people new to CPR and those who are needing a refresher.

4. When are the classes held?

The classes are held on a case by case basis, depending on your needs and level of certification.

For more specific information, please contact Red Wing Fire at 651-388-7141 or view the online registration form.

5. Where are the classes held?

The classes are typically held at the:

Red Wing Fire Department Station 2
4880 Moundview Drive
Red Wing, MN 55066

6. How do I sign up?

To sign up you can either call 651-388-7141 or you can sign up via email by emailing the community CPR class.

You may also register online via the online registration form.

7. Who is eligible?

These classes are open to anyone.

8. What does the Basic Life Support (BLS) course cost?

The course typically costs $50 to $80, depending on the level of certification needed. There is now a hybrid instruction available. The instruction is online and available directly from the American Heart Association. The second step is the hands on skills training and testing, available through the Red Wing Fire Department.

9. How do I get a book?

Books are available to be loaned to students or they may be purchased for $15.

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1. Why should I care about the upcoming local City Council elections and what do I need to know about them?

There’s one main reason why you should care about our local elections: The seven people on our Red Wing City Council are responsible for voting on just about every important decision our City makes. 

They vote on:

• The city budget and how your tax dollars get spent.
• What projects get planned and completed. 
• Steps that guide:
  • Economic development
  • Environmental practices
  • Housing projects
  • Transportation opportunities
  • Hundreds of other big and small decisions

 

In short, the people on the City Council affect people’s daily lives and the community’s long-range future more than you might expect. If you live or work in Red Wing, you should absolutely care about who runs and gets elected to our City Council.

There will be three City Council seats and a Mayor seat open in the General Election for 4-year terms starting in 2021.

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1. Add or Change Street Signs or Traffic Control

The City receives many requests each year to add or change
streets signs or traffic control at intersections or along street segments
within the City. These requests include:

·      Changing yield signs to stop signs

·      Changing two-way stop control to four-way stop control

·      Changing speed limits

·      Adding handicap stalls to on-street parking areas or city parking lots or ramps

·      Adding time restrictions to on-street parking stalls (such as 15 minute parking or 2 hour parking)

·      Restricting parking on one or both sides of the street

When we receive these requests, we do some research and
present them to a group of city staff from many city departments. For those
requests that are deemed reasonable by city staff, staff will bring the item
before City Council for approval. If you have a request involving any of these
items, please contact the City Engineering Department at 651-385-3674. 

Engineering Department webpage

2. Apply for a new address

For addresses within the City of Red Wing, the City Engineering Department handles all addressing-related issues. If you are wanting to apply for an address for a new building, a split of an existing building, suites within a building, or any other type of address, please contact the City Engineering Department at 651-385-3674.

Please note that the US Postal Service and Goodhue County are not authorized to assign addresses within the City of Red Wing. When an address is assigned by the City, the US Postal Service and Goodhue County will be notified, and your property information will be updated in their systems at that time.

Engineering Department webpage

3. Apply for a utility permit

If you are a utility company (for example, Xcel Energy, CenturyLink, HBC, Charter Communications, or another utility) wishing to do work within the city right of way, you will need to fill out a Utility Permit. This permit can be found at the Permits and Licensing page. The fee for a utility permit is $100 for mainline work or $0 for service work from the main lines to a house, business, or other building. Utility permits are required for work on service work within city right of way even though the permit fee is free.

If you are a property owner, business owner, or resident wishing to do work in city right of way, you do not need to submit a Utility Permit. Instead, you need to fill out an Application for Work in City Right of Way, which can be found on the Permits & Licensing page.

Engineering Department webpage

4. Find upcoming projects

Thanks for your interest in projects within the City of Red
Wing! The City Engineering Department is responsible for planning, designing,
and inspecting street construction, reconstruction, and maintenance projects
within the city. The following sections describe some ways to find out what
projects are upcoming within the City of Red Wing.

New Street Construction Projects

Currently, there are no new street construction projects scheduled for construction within the next 5 years. This may change as new subdivisions are added to the city or missing roadway connections are petitioned for by property owners.

Street Reconstruction Projects

In order to adequately plan and prepare for street maintenance and reconstruction projects, the City Engineering Department maintains a 5-Year Street Reconstruction Plan. This 5-Year Street Reconstruction Plan corresponds to the current 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan approved by the City Council each year during the annual budgeting process.

There are a few things you should know as you look at the 5-Year Street Reconstruction Plan map:

• Projects shown in the first year or two of the plan are more likely to occur than projects in the final 3 years of the plan.
• Projects may be modified (lengthened, shortened, eliminated) from what is shown due to budgetary considerations, scheduling conflicts with other projects, staff workload, high/low bid prices, and other factors.
• This map does not show maintenance projects, such as Mill & Overlay, Full Depth Reclamation, or Seal Coat projects.

The City is also currently drafting a new Transportation Plan as a part of the Red Wing 2040 Comprehensive Plan process that will include longer-range planning of street reconstruction projects. When that plan is complete, you will be able to find a link to that plan here.

Please contact the City Engineering Department if you have any questions regarding an upcoming project or want to suggest moving a project up or down on our plan.

 

Street Maintenance Projects

The City of Red Wing currently utilizes three types of street maintenance projects to keep our streets lasting as long as possible before needing reconstruction. Those types of projects are Mill & Overlay projects, Full Depth Reclamation projects, and Seal Coat projects. 

The City is also currently drafting a new Transportation Plan as a part of the Red Wing 2040 Comprehensive Plan process that will include longer-range planning of street maintenance projects. When that plan is complete, you will be able to find a link to that plan here.

Please contact the City Engineering Department if you have any questions regarding an upcoming project or want to suggest moving a project up or down on our plan.

 

Other City Street and Utility Projects

The City also undertakes a number of smaller projects each year to replace deficient utilities, curb/gutter, pavement, and other things. Many of these projects are either emergency projects or so small that they are not budgeted for as standalone projects. If you have any questions about projects not otherwise listed in the links in this section or have suggestions for other small projects, please contact the City Public Works Department at 651-385-3674.

Engineering Department webpage

5. Replace my driveway apron

If you’re looking at replacing your driveway apron (the part of your driveway that meets the curb or street pavement), there are a few things that you’ll need to know before doing the work.

1) Submit an Application for Work in City Right of Way form.

This form, which can be found on the Permits & Licensing page,, needs to be filled out before any work begins on your project. There is no cost to submit the application.

2) Be familiar with city construction standards.

You can find these standards on the City Engineering Department website [insert link here]. You must follow these standards when constructing a driveway apron on city property, even if the driveway apron you are replacing didn’t meet these standards and even if your neighbor’s driveway aprons don’t meet these standards. The City Engineering Department would be happy to answer any questions regarding these standards, and we are willing to stop out to your property to talk through your specific project with you.

3) Arrange for a form inspection at least 24 hours in advance of pouring the driveway apron.

Please call the Engineering Department at 651-385-3674 to arrange an inspection. We request at least 24 hours’ notice to ensure that we can have an inspector available to do the inspection before you pour the concrete.

4) Correct any deficiencies noted by the inspector prior to pouring the driveway apron.

This may require another inspection to confirm that everything is formed up correctly.

5) Pour your concrete!

If we find that a driveway apron within our right of way is installed incorrectly, was installed without a submitted Application for Work in City Right of Way, or was installed without proper inspection, you will be responsible for replacing the driveway apron to the correct standards at your cost. The City reserves the right to decline future Application for Work in City Right of Way applications to property owners and/or contractors if sidewalks are installed incorrectly and have not been corrected to the satisfaction of the City.

We at the City Engineering Department want to help as much as we can to get your driveway apron replaced correctly, so please contact us at 651-385-3674 if you would like our help!

Engineering Department webpage

6. Replace my sidewalk

If you’re looking at replacing sidewalk within the city
right of way, there are a few things that you’ll need to know before doing the
work. 

Confirm that the sidewalk you’re replacing is
within the city right of way.

 
Generally, sidewalk parallel to the street and sidewalk meeting the curb is within city right of way. If you have questions as to exactly what might be within city right of way, the Goodhue County online parcel viewer is a good place to start. You can find the parcel viewer at https://co.goodhue.mn.us/364/Plats-Maps. The parcel viewer isn’t always completely accurate, so please get in contact with the City Engineering Department if you need further assistance. If the sidewalk that you’re replacing is on private property, you will not need to follow the remaining steps on the list, but you need to contact the Building Inspections department at 651-385-3623 to determine whether you will need any additional permits from them for the work that you are proposing to do.

Goodhue County Online Maps Gallery

7. Report a Roadway Safety Issue

The City values the safety and input of its citizens,
business owners, and visitors. If you have a safety issue, please contact us
according to the following list:

·      For any emergency, proceed to a safe location and call 911.

·      If a traffic signal/stoplight is out, please contact the Red Wing Police Department/Goodhue County Sheriff Dispatch at 651-385-3155.

·      For potholes, concerns regarding curbs, and concerns with street trees, please contact the City Public Works Department at 651-385-3674.

·      For drainage problems, please contact the City Engineering Department at 651-385-3674. If these problems are causing ice issues on a sidewalk or street, please contact the City Public Works Department at 651-385-3674.

·      For sidewalk and pedestrian crosswalk safety concerns, please contact the City Engineering Department at 651-385-3674.

·      For intersection safety issues, please contact the City Engineering Department at 651-385-3674.

·      For any other safety issues not otherwise covered in this list, please contact the City Engineering Department at 651-385-3674.

Engineering Department webpage

8. Submit an Application for Work in City Right of Way

 1) This form, which can be found on the Permits & Licensing page , needs to be filled out before any work begins on your project. There is no cost to submit the application.

2) Be familiar with city construction standards.

You can find these standards on the City Engineering Department website [insert link here]. You must follow these standards when constructing sidewalk on city property, even if the sidewalk you are replacing didn’t meet these standards and even if your neighbor’s sidewalk didn’t meet these standards. The City Engineering Department would be happy to answer any questions regarding these standards, and we are willing to stop out to your property to talk through your specific project with you.

3) Arrange for a form inspection at least 24 hours in advance of pouring sidewalk.

Please call the Engineering Department at 651-385-3674 to arrange an inspection. We request at least 24 hours’ notice to ensure that we can have an inspector available to do the inspection before you pour the concrete.

4) Correct any deficiencies noted by the inspector prior to pouring sidewalk.

This may require another inspection to confirm that everything is formed up correctly.

5) Pour your concrete!

If we find that sidewalk within our right of way is installed incorrectly, was installed without a submitted Application for Work in City Right of Way, or was installed without proper inspection, you will be responsible for replacing the sidewalk to the correct standards at your cost. The City reserves the right to decline future Application for Work in City Right of Way applications to property owners and/or contractors if sidewalks are installed incorrectly and have not been corrected to the satisfaction of the City.

We at the City Engineering Department want to help as much as we can to get your sidewalk replaced correctly, so please contact us at 651-385-3674 if you would like our help!

Engineering Department webpage

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1. How many full-time firefighter / paramedics are there and how many paid on call firefighters are there?

By national standards, the Red Wing Fire Department is classified as a combination fire department. Its membership consists of 28 full time firefighter/paramedics and up to 30 paid-on-call firefighter/first responders.      

Most of the department officials work a varying 40-hour work week schedules, Monday through Friday, officials such as the:

• Fire Chief
• Assistant Fire Chief
• Fire Marshal
• Fire Inspector

The remaining personnel are assigned to one of three revolving 48-hour shifts, each consisting of a fire captain and seven firefighter/paramedics. Red Wing Fire Department personnel are available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, to provide an immediate response to the fire protection and emergency medical needs of the community.  

Paid-on-call firefighters are paged on an “on-call” basis simultaneously with full time personnel to reported structure fires or a variety of other large scale or specialized incidents that require mobilization of a large workforce. They respond from work or home as needed to address the emergency response needs of the department. Paid-on-call firefighters also attend regularly scheduled monthly training and scheduled public education events.

2. Many other communities, sizable to Red Wing, have a volunteer Fire Department. Why does Red Wing have a full-time one?

According to national standards, the Red Wing Fire Department is classified as a combination fire department. It is staffed with a combination of full-time and Paid-on-Call personnel. Response time is critical for all types of emergency responses. Combination staffing ensures an immediate response to emergency incidents, 24 hours per day, 7days per week, 365 days per year, not possible with on-call personnel alone.  

The Red Wing Fire Department provides fire protection services within a response area of approximately 65 square miles including the:

• City of Red Wing
• Diamond Bluff, Wisconsin
• Prairie Island Indian Community
• Wacouta Township

Additionally, the Red Wing Fire Department provides Advanced Life Support/Paramedic ambulance services for these areas plus neighboring townships in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The ambulance response area is approximately 260 square miles, roughly the equivalent of the size of Austin, Texas.

All full-time personnel are cross trained and perform fire and emergency medical functions daily. Fees for services fund the ambulance operations, its ongoing expenses and over 50 percent of all full-time personnel expenses.  

Full-time personnel are responsible for the department’s day to day operations and core services.

In addition to performing the fire suppression activities one would expect, the Red Wing Fire Department performs numerous additional fire related functions including: 

• Auto extrication
• Fire code enforcement and interpretation
• Fire inspections
• Fire investigation
• Plan review
• Pre-fire planning
• Public education

The unique character of the Red Wing community also requires the Red Wing Fire Department to respond to:

• Hazardous materials incidents
• Ice rescue incidents
• Marina and boat fires
• Radiological emergencies Rope

Paid-on-Call firefighters respond to structure fires, search and rescue calls, and other labor intensive incidents. They are paged simultaneously with full-time personnel for structure fires and respond to provide the supplemental staffing required to ensure critical tasks and operations can be performed efficiently and safely.  

Through the combined operations of full-time and paid-on-call firefighters, the Red Wing Fire Department is able to provide an immediate response to daily emergency incidents, while maintaining the ability to provide a rapid deployment of supplemental personnel for large scale, specialized or otherwise labor intensive incidents.  

In 2008 the Red Wing Fire Department underwent a Fire Study and Master Planning process. The study recommends that the department continue to operate as a combination fire department. It also recommended adding full-time personnel to adequately address safety and operational needs for initial incident response.  

3. What is the difference between a firefighter and a paramedic?

Firefighters

Firefighters receive specialized training in the tactics, procedures and equipment essential for protecting lives and property from fire and other hazards. Firefighters operate in and around burning structures to extinguish fire, rescue victims, and minimize property loss. Firefighters also receive training in areas such as

• Apparatus operation
• Hazardous materials responses
• Technical rescue
• Wild-land firefighting

Paramedics

Paramedics receive specialized emergency medical training. They provide the highest level of pre-hospital emergency medical care available. Paramedics are trained to administer emergency medications and perform advanced medical procedures in the field. Procedures that would normally only be done by a physician in a hospital are brought to a patient’s side when paramedics arrive, they also administer basic medical care like:

• Bandaging
• CPR
• Oxygen therapy
• Splinting

4. What does it take to be a Red Wing fire fighter / paramedic?

Red Wing's firefighter/paramedics must be Firefighter II/Hazmat Operations certified (120 hours) and be Nationally Registered Paramedics (2,000 plus hours). 

Employees must possess and pass:

• Criminal background check
• High School Diploma or GED
• Pass a written entrance exam
• Physical ability test
• Possess a Minnesota Class D Driver's License
• Psychological screening

In addition to the certifications and tests listed, a firefighter/paramedic should have the following personal attributes to thrive in this varied and challenging profession.

• Be committed to the profession and constantly pursue the highest level of competency in skill and knowledge.
• Be physically and mentally strong to deal with the rigors of emergency work.
• Be able to adapt to constantly-changing methods, locations, conditions and situations.
• Be diligent. Mixed with calls there are many hours of preparation and training, repeated regularly in a never-ending cycle of readiness.
• Be respectful, courteous, kind and deserving of the high regard the community holds for Public Safety personnel.
• Have the compassion and strong desire to care for persons suffering ailments or distress of every kind.

Finally, a firefighter/paramedic must have a sense of humor, be patient and get along well with others. Throughout a career, a firefighter/paramedic will spend more than one-third of his or her entire life working, eating and living in close quarters with their coworkers.

5. How many people are on each shift and why are there that many?

Staffing at the Red Wing Fire Department varies depending on the day of the week and time of day. There are two different shifts such as:

• Three shifts (eight firefighter/paramedics each) are assigned to 48 hour shifts. These employees are responsible for working 2,912 hours per year including holidays and weekends. This schedule requires that shift firefighters work 832 hours more than the typical 40-hour employee annually.

The staffing model utilized is designed to provide adequate staffing levels during time of peak call volume, while minimizing overtime expenses. All employees are cross-trained and perform firefighting and emergency medical responses daily.

Typical minimum staffing at the start of any given day is six firefighter/paramedics. This provides the minimum staffing level for safe fire ground operations as established by the Red Wing Fire Department. 

However, staffing is permitted to drop to five when required due to ambulance call volume. Maintaining five firefighters on duty provides the minimum number of personnel required for response to a major medical call or concurrent minor medical calls. Occupational Safety and Health Administration and National Fire Protection Association standards also require a minimum of four firefighters for “offensive attack” interior fire ground operations.

6. How many calls does Red Wing respond to annually?

In 2012, the Red Wing Fire Department responded to 3,381 calls for service including:

• 1,994 Ambulance calls 
• 510 Ambulance inter-facility transports
• 520 Medical assist calls
•  357 Fire responses

7. What do firefighters do when not responding to a call?

Full-time firefighter/paramedics are responsible for many duties in addition to responding to calls, some of their responsibilities include:

• Emergency vehicles and equipment are inspected and maintained daily to ensure they are ready at all times
• Fire inspections and pre-fire planning are conducted to prevent or prepare for fire responses
• Firefighters also conduct frequent public education sessions and station tours
• Regularly scheduled classes, daily training, and multi-agency drills are conducted to maintain and enhance the firefighting and emergency medical skills of personnel 
• Station cleaning and maintenance of the building and grounds is also performed by firefighters

Full-time firefighter/paramedics live and work at the fire station for 24-hour periods. 

During designated hours once all regularly assigned duties are complete, they are permitted to 

• Cook
• Exercise
• Read
• Relax

 They must, however, be prepared respond to an emergency call at any time.

8. Why do the ambulance and fire truck respond to the same call?

Red Wing’s firefighter/paramedics are cross trained to respond to fire and emergency medical incidents. Emergency medical equipment is carried on all, first response, vehicles so that medical care can be initiated immediately, regardless of what vehicle arrives first.  

The department responds to calls in a tiered system based on the nature of the call.  

Ambulance Only

When responding to a minor medical incident (ex. fracture, back pain, illness), only an ambulance will respond to the scene. Typically there are two firefighter/paramedics on board.

Fire Truck Will Follow

When responding to a major medical incident, (ex. chest pain, cardiac arrest, difficulty breathing, seizure), the fire truck will follow the ambulance to the scene. Typically there are two firefighter/paramedics in each vehicle.  

Minimum Number of Responders

This initial response provides the minimum number of responders required to address the critical needs of these patients. If the patient’s condition requires additional medical personnel during transport to the hospital, one or both of the firefighters arriving on the fire truck will assist with patient care while en-route to the hospital. If the patient is stabilized on scene and no further assistance is needed, the firefighters arriving on the fire truck remain in service and available for subsequent calls.  

Responding to a Motor Vehicle Crash

When responding to a motor vehicle crash, the fire truck will follow the ambulance to the scene. Typically there are two firefighter/paramedics on each vehicle. Firefighters arriving on the ambulance immediately begin assessing the medical needs of the patient(s). Firefighters arriving on the fire truck evaluate and address hazards associated with scene safety (fuel spills, power lines, traffic, etc.) prior to assisting with patient care or extricating patients from vehicles.  

Responding to Fire Incident

When responding to a fire incident, the ambulance follows the fire truck. Firefighter/paramedics arriving in the ambulance typically function as firefighters, performing assigned fire suppression activities. However, when individuals with injuries are found on arrival, the firefighters responding in the ambulance are immediately available to provide emergency medical care.

9. Why does the ambulance stay on the scene of an accident or incident?

There are many reasons an ambulance might remain on a scene:

• Ambulance may remain on scene and provide patient care while awaiting arrival of a medical helicopter to transport critical patients to the most appropriate facility
• Firefighter/paramedics are able treat some medical conditions on scene without requiring the patient to be transported to the hospital
• Patient’s condition may require that advanced medical procedures are performed and medications administered, prior to transport, in order to stabilize a patient’s condition
• Scene safety is a primary concern on every call. At times it may be unsafe for an ambulance to enter or leave a scene until safety concerns are resolved
• Victims of motor vehicle crashes and other accidents may require extrication, specialized rescue or advance medical procedures prior to being transported to the hospital
• Under non-emergency conditions, firefighter/paramedics conduct a thorough examination and gather patient information prior to transporting a patient to the hospital

10. What does the Red Wing Fire Department do for fundraising?

The Red Wing Fire Department is a combination fire department staffed by career and paid-on-call personnel. 

In addition to providing fire suppression, fire prevention, fire investigation, fire code enforcement and public education services, the Red Wing Fire Department also provides Advanced Life Support (ALS) Emergency Medical Services for the City of Red Wing and surrounding communities. In doing so, the department requires adequate and sustainable long term financial stability to ensure that community needs are met and critical missions can be accomplished safely.

Department Funding Support

Departmental funding is supported through a combination of general fund dollars (taxes), fire protection contracts with neighboring communities and ambulance user fees. Grants and similar funding sources are utilized whenever possible. Several local businesses and civic groups also make charitable contributions to the Red Wing Fire Department regularly. These donations are typically applied to public education expenses or used to off-set equipment purchases that would otherwise not be made.

Community Events

In the past, the Red Wing Fire Department has sponsored community events to raise funds. Some may recall the annual Firemen’s Ball or Red Wing Fire Department “Trout Pond” and “Water Wars” sponsored during River City Days. 

Rather than off-setting operational expenses, proceeds from these events were used for expenses associated combined full-time/paid-on-call departmental meetings and to fund charitable donations to local organizations.

Frustration Regarding Donations

Those donating to these functions often expressed frustration in being asked to pay twice, once in taxes and again through a charitable contribution. Fire department members have since elected to fund charitable donations and meeting expenses out of pocket, rather than solicit funds from community members. Additionally, Red Wing firefighters (career and paid-on-call) donate countless hours to charities of their choosing.  

The City of Red Wing’s ongoing commitment and dedication to providing state of the art fire and emergency medical services within our community requires sustainable funding not practical through charitable contributions. The department’s goal is to utilize the resources available efficiently and effectively in accomplishing our mission.

11. Can I burn in Red Wing?

Open burning is done by a permit process only in the City of Red Wing, if a resident wishes to burn on their property they must first apply for an Open Burn permit with the City of Red Wing.

For more information please view the Open Burn page.

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1. What is a full depth reclamation (FDR)?

An FDR consists of removing all of the pavement on a street, correcting any poor soils below the pavement, and replacing with new pavement. This process usually happens in 7 steps as shown below.

• Step 1: Remove the old pavement (reclaiming)
  • During this step, the entire depth of the pavement is ground up by a reclaiming machine. The ground up pavement is either graded and left on the street as new base material or is trucked back to the pavement plant to be recycled and used in future pavement. It generally takes a few hours to complete the reclaiming process (grinding up the pavement and grading the temporary driving surface) unless the street is very wide and/or a long segment of the street is being milled.
  • Generally, the street will remain open to traffic during the reclaiming process, but a flagging crew may be directing traffic around the construction operations. The street surface is safe to drive on when the grading of the reclaimed surface is complete. The finished reclaimed surface will resemble a gravel road but will be made of ground-up pavement instead of gravel.
• Step 2: Replace curbs and drainage inlets that need replacement
  • After the reclaiming process is complete, the city's Public Works Department crews will replace any curbs that have sunk over time and are collecting water and/or any drainage inlets that are damaged or disintegrating. Replacing a drainage inlet takes up to a day to complete, and any concrete curb replacement takes about a week to cure before new pavement can be put down next to it. The street will be open during this work, but parking may be limited to allow for work crews to access the replacement sites.
• Step 3: Replace any affected pedestrian curb ramps with ADA-compliant ramps
  • Due to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the City's ADA Transition Plan, all non-compliant pedestrian ramps that connect to a crosswalk that is affected by a Mill and Overlay project will be replaced with ramps that meet ADA requirements. Generally, pedestrian access to these ramps will be limited for a few days to remove the old ramp, regrade the ramp area, pour a new ramp, and let the concrete harden enough to walk on again. The streets will be open during this work, but flaggers or other traffic control may be present while the ramp construction is occurring.
• Step 4: Regrade the roadway base
  • A day or two before the first layer of pavement is put down, the roadway base will be regraded to the elevation needed to support the new pavement. The streets will be open during this work, but flaggers or other traffic control may be present while the grading work is occurring.
• Step 5: Pave the first layer of pavement
  • The first layer of pavement (about 1 ½" of pavement) will be put down on the graded base layer. The paving machine will be followed closely behind by a few rollers to compact the new pavement to provide a solid surface to drive on.
  • You won't be able to drive on the new pavement until the crews are done rolling the pavement, which can take a half-hour or so from the time the paver goes by. Flaggers will direct traffic around the paving operation until the rollers are finished working on the pavement.
• Step 6: Adjust manhole covers
  • All manhole covers will be adjusted to match the final pavement surface. We will also replace the adjustment rings on all manhole structures. You will probably notice that the manhole covers will be sticking out of the ground at this time. That is on purpose because the manhole covers need to match the final pavement surface, which is about 1 ½" above the first layer of pavement. The streets are generally open to traffic during the adjusting operations, but flaggers or other traffic control may be needed during the adjustment construction activities.
• Step 7: Pave the second layer of pavement
  • The final step of an FDR project is to actually pave the new street surface! Before the new pavement is put down, a layer of glue (called "tack") is applied to the street surface to stick the new pavement to the old pavement. It is ok to drive on the tacked street before paving, but please drive slowly to avoid any splatter of the tack on your car. It is really hard to remove tack from the outside of your car once it gets on there!
  • The paving machine follows a few minutes behind the tack truck and lays down a fresh batch of pavement. Rollers follow closely behind to compact the new pavement to provide a solid surface to drive on.
  • You won't be able to drive on the new pavement until the crews are done rolling the pavement, which can take a half-hour or so from the time the paver goes by. Flaggers will direct traffic around the paving operation until the rollers are finished working on the pavement.

2. Can I get in and out of my driveway while they are reclaiming or paving?

Generally, you will be able to get in and out of your driveway at all times except for the following times:

• Between when the reclaiming machine goes by your driveway and the grader smooths out the reclaimed surface (can be up to a couple hours of delay)
• If there is curb being replaced in front of your driveway, you may not be able to access your driveway for up to a week. This is a very rare occurrence, however, and we will let you know if you are affected by this work.
• During the first and second paving operations, you will not have access to your driveway from the time the paver goes by your driveway until the rollers are finished compacting the new pavement. This process usually takes about a half-hour or so.

3. Why does the city do FDR projects?

FDR projects are one component of the city's comprehensive pavement management program. Pavement surfaces tend to wear out much faster than the other components of a street (such as curbs, sidewalks, and utilities) due to the impacts of heavy vehicles. FDR projects are generally reserved for when a pavement surface degrades to the point where a less costly maintenance project (such as a mill and overlay or a chip seal) will not be effective in preserving the pavement.

4. Why not do these projects more often?

Unfortunately, due to the amount of paving work associated with FDR projects (about 3 times the amount of pavement material as a mill and overlay) FDR projects are much more costly than other types of maintenance projects. Due to the costs of FDR projects, they are generally reserved only for pavement surfaces that are too deteriorated for a Mill and Overlay or a chip seal to be effective.

5. What types of streets are good candidates for FDR projects?

Generally, FDR projects are considered when “alligator” cracking starts showing up, major potholes are consistently forming, and / or the edges of the pavement surface are flaking off. These are signs that the entire depth of the pavement surface is reaching its limit.

6. How is parking affected by FDR projects?

Parking will be limited at times during an FDR project so that the contractor can complete the work effectively. "No Parking" signs will be posted at least 48 hours in advance of parking restrictions going into effect. When the parking restrictions are in effect, vehicles still parked in the construction area may be subjected to ticketing and / or towing. We will try to contact the vehicle owner(s) if we find any vehicles still parked on the street during parking restrictions.

Parking restrictions may be posted for the following work:

• Reclaiming operations (usually in effect for 1 to 2 days)
• Curb or drainage inlet replacement work (usually in effect for 1 to 2 days)
• Manhole cover adjustments (parking restrictions only needed when there is not enough street width for cars to go through with a parked car on the street)
• Paving work (usually in effect for 1 to 2 days for each layer of pavement)

7. How are FDR projects paid for, and am I assessed for them?

FDR projects in the City of Red Wing are usually paid for using dedicated street maintenance funding from city property taxes. For certain higher-volume streets, State Aid funding from the State of Minnesota is used to supplement the regular maintenance funding.

The City of Red Wing currently does not assess for FDR or other pavement surface maintenance projects.

8. Where and when is the city planning FDR projects?

The city generally has an FDR project of varying size and scope every other year (or more frequently depending on the need). Typically, city staff meets in the fall of each year to review pavement management data and budget information and take "field trips" to look at each candidate street. The city usually only plans these projects a year or two in advance, but sometimes with bigger FDR projects the city will plan 3 years or more in the future in order to secure the needed funding to complete the projects.

9. How are seal coat projects paid for and am I assessed for them?

Seal Coat projects in the City of Red Wing are usually paid for using dedicated street maintenance funding from city property taxes. For certain higher-volume streets, State Aid funding from the State of Minnesota is used to supplement the regular maintenance funding.

The City of Red Wing currently does not assess for Seal Coat or other pavement surface maintenance projects.

10. Where and when is the city planning seal coat projects?

Seal coating is relatively new to the City of Red Wing although it has been utilized in other communities for many years. 2018 is the first year in at least 20 years that the city has used Seal Coating on our streets. Because of how new Seal Coating is to the city, we are currently evaluating the effectiveness and construction process for seal coats to determine how widely used seal coats will be in the city. At this time, we anticipate having an annual seal coat project each year for the foreseeable future depending on the results of the 2018 project.

Because Seal Coats are more effective as preventative maintenance, seal coat projects are generally scheduled prior to observable issues on the pavement surface. If the 2018 Seal Coat project is successful, the city will be developing a comprehensive Seal Coat program for future years. At this time, however, the city does not have any specific projects in development beyond 2018.

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1. I missed the deadline for an employment listing. Can I still apply?

Once a closing date for a position has passed, no applications will be accepted or considered. Please continue to visit the website and apply for new jobs as they become available.

2. Do I need to live in the city of Red Wing?

In most cases, you do not need to be a resident of Red Wing to apply or be hired for a current opening. Positions in Public Works and the Fire Department that have a residency requirement will be reflected in the job posting.

3. Is there an application deadline for employment listings?

The closing date for each position is listed on the position description. All application materials (including Veterans’ Preference documentation) must be received by the stated time on the posted close date. Once a position closes, it will be removed from the website and applications will not be accepted. Some job opportunities list “Ongoing” under the closing date. These opportunities remain open until filled.

4. How do I change my address, telephone, or email information?

Contact Human Resources at (651) 385-3698, email human.resources@ci.red-wing.mn.us, or stop by City Hall during regular business hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

5. How do I know if I am qualified for a job?

The minimum qualifications and any supplemental questions are listed in the job posting. Your application will be reviewed, along with any other materials required, to determine whether you meet these qualifications. Your education and experience, licenses, certificates, and special skills will be reviewed. If all required information is not provided, you may be considered unqualified or less qualified than other applicants.

6. How will I be contacted regarding the status of the position I applied for?

You will be contacted by the Human Resources staff by phone and/or email. Be sure to check the email address you provided with your application. Failure to respond may result in removal from consideration.

7. Do I have to submit a separate application for each posting?

Yes.

8. Will I have to take a test?

Testing and assessment vary for each position. Some positions require a written examination, an oral examination, or a skills examination.

9. What if I need an accommodation to apply for or perform a job?

If an accommodation is needed in order to participate in the selection process or to perform work once hired due to a disability, please contact Human Resources at (651) 385-3698 or by email.

10. Is there a background check before hire?

All offers of employment are contingent upon successfully passing a background investigation, including a criminal history check.

For sworn police officer and firefighter positions, felony convictions (and certain other convictions mandated by the state licensing board for police) will automatically disqualify a candidate from further consideration.

For non-police/fire positions, the City will look at the type of conviction and whether it is related to the job for which a candidate is applying. The City will also consider factors such as time elapsed since the conviction and seriousness of the offense.

Candidates for positions working with children or vulnerable adults will not be selected if they have been convicted of any crime listed in the Child Protection Worker Act (Minnesota Statutes 299C.61 & 62). Generally, this includes child abuse crimes, murder, manslaughter, felony level assault or any assault crime committed against a minor, kidnapping, arson, criminal sexual conduct, and prostitution-related crimes.

Before any applicant (other than applicants for positions within the police or fire department) is rejected on the basis of a criminal conviction, he or she will be notified in writing and will be given any rights afforded by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 364. This includes the right to show evidence of rehabilitation.

Additional Requirements

Depending on the position, offers of employment may also be contingent on successfully passing any combination of the following:

-Verification of employment history, education, licenses, and references
-Driving record check
-Physical examination
-Drug test
-Psychological evaluation
-Credit check

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1. Why is walkability important?

The way our city is built affects the health of all its residents. Creating an environment that's safe and pleasant for all people to walk does the following:

• Increases the number of residents who walk for transportation or recreation, which improves their long-term health and well being
• Builds an environment in which current and prospective residents, families, and employers want to live and work, thereby improving Red Wing's vitality and economic development.

2. What is Complete Streets?

Complete Streets are designed and operated so they are safe, comfortable, and convenient for all users-

• Bicyclists
• Motorists
• Pedestrians
• Transit riders of all ages and abilities

For more information on the Complete Streets, please view Complete Streets 101 (PDF).

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1. What is a mill and overlay?

A mill and overlay consists of removing the top layer of pavement, usually 1 to 2," and replacing with new pavement. This process usually happens in 5 steps as follows:

• Step 1: Remove the old pavement (milling)
  • During this step, the top layer of pavement (1-2") is ground off the road by a milling machine. The ground off pavement "millings" are trucked back to the pavement plant to be recycled and used in future pavement. It generally takes only an hour or two to complete the milling process unless the street is very wide and/or a long segment of the street is being milled.
  • Generally, the street will remain open to traffic during the milling process, but a flagging crew may be directing traffic around the construction operations. The street surface is safe to drive on when the milling process is complete, but you will probably notice that the pavement surface is much rougher than before.
• Step 2: Replace curbs and drainage inlets that need replacement
  • After the milling process is complete, the city's Public Works Department crews will replace any curbs that have sunk over time and are collecting water and/or any drainage inlets that are damaged or disintegrating. Replacing a drainage inlet takes up to a day to complete, and any concrete curb replacement takes about a week to cure before new pavement can be put down next to it. The street will be open during this work, but parking may be limited to allow for work crews to access the replacement sites.
• Step 3: Replace any affected pedestrian curb ramps with ADA-compliant ramps
  • Due to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the City's ADA Transition Plan, all non-compliant pedestrian ramps that connect to a crosswalk that is affected by a Mill and Overlay project will be replaced with ramps that meet ADA requirements. Generally, pedestrian access to these ramps will be limited for a few days to remove the old ramp, regrade the ramp area, pour a new ramp, and let the concrete harden enough to walk on again. The streets will be open during this work, but flaggers or other traffic control may be present while the ramp construction is occurring.
• Step 4: Adjust manhole covers
  • Manhole covers that are too far below the pavement surface will be adjusted higher to match the new pavement surface. We will also replace the adjustment rings on manhole structures if they are falling apart. You will probably notice that the manhole covers will be sticking out of the ground at this time. That is on purpose because the manhole covers need to match the final pavement surface, which is about 1-2" above the temporary (milled) surface. The streets are generally open to traffic during the adjusting operations, but flaggers or other traffic control may be needed during the adjustment construction activities.
• Step 5: Replace the pavement (overlay)
  • The final step of a Mill and Overlay project is to actually pave the new street surface! Before the new pavement is put down, a layer of glue (called "tack") is applied to the street surface to stick the new pavement to the old pavement. It is ok to drive on the tacked street before paving, but please drive slowly to avoid any splatter of the tack on your car. It is really hard to remove tack from the outside of your car once it gets on there!
  • The paving machine follows a few minutes behind the tack truck and lays down a fresh batch of pavement. Rollers follow closely behind to compact the new pavement to provide a solid surface to drive on.
  • You won't be able to drive on the new pavement until the crews are done rolling the pavement, which can take a half-hour or so from the time the paver goes by. Flaggers will direct traffic around the paving operation until the rollers are finished working on the pavement.

2. When can I drive on the new pavement?

You can drive on the new pavement once it is finished being rolled, which usually takes about a half hour or so from the time the paver puts the fresh pavement on the road. Flaggers will be directing traffic when you are prohibited from driving on the new pavement, please keep your eyes open for them.

3. Can I get in and out of my driveway while they are milling or paving?

Generally, you will be able to get in and out of your driveway at all times except for the following times:

• While the milling machine is going by your driveway (about 10 minutes of delay)
• If there is curb being replaced in front of your driveway, you may not be able to access your driveway for up to a week. This is a very rare occurrence, however, and we will let you know if you are affected by this work.
• During the paving operation, you will not have access to your driveway from the time the paver goes by your driveway until the rollers are finished compacting the new pavement. This process usually takes about a half-hour or so.
  
  
  

4. Why does the city do mill and overlay projects?

Mill and Overlay projects are one component of the city's comprehensive pavement management program. Pavement surfaces tend to wear out much faster than the other components of a street (such as curbs, sidewalks, and utilities) due to the impacts of heavy vehicles. If a pavement surface is not maintained adequately, the pavement will need much more significant and costly repairs in a short amount of time to avoid deterioration of the roadway surface.

5. Why do some cracks show up again soon after a mill and overlay?

Unfortunately, mill and overlay projects only address the surface of the pavement. If a pavement has cracks which extend down further than the top 1 to 2 inches of the pavement surface, those cracks tend to show up again after the new pavement is put down. These cracks are called "reflective" cracks and are common after mill and overlay projects. When these cracks appear, we will seal up the cracks so that they do not keep growing and ruin the new pavement.

6. Can you mill and overlay any street?

Theoretically yes, but sometimes it is not a good idea to mill and overlay a street. When a street starts showing "alligator" cracking (lots of cracking in the street that looks like alligator scales), that pavement surface is usually too far gone for a mill and overlay to be effective. Also, all of those "alligator" cracks will come back through to the top of the pavement surface after the project is done, and then the mill and overlay project will have been a waste of money. At that point, a Full Depth Reclamation project is probably a better solution for that street.

Sometimes a mill and overlay project is a bigger investment than is necessary to preserve the pavement surface. In those cases, a Chip Seal may be a better choice to preserve the pavement surface at a lower cost.

7. How is parking affected by mill and overlay projects?

Parking will be limited at times during a mill and overlay project so that the contractor can complete the work effectively. "No Parking" signs will be posted at least 48 hours in advance of when parking restrictions will go into effect. When the parking restrictions are in effect, vehicles still parked in the construction area may be subjected to ticketing and/or towing. We will try to contact the vehicle owner(s) if we find any vehicles still parked on the street during parking restrictions.

Parking restrictions may be posted for the following work:

• Curb or drainage inlet replacement work (usually in effect for 1 to 2 days)
• Manhole cover adjustments (parking restrictions only needed when there is not enough street width for cars to go through with a parked car on the street)
• Paving work (usually in effect for 1 to 2 days)
  Milling operations (usually in effect for 1 to 2 days)

8. How are mill and overlay projects paid for, and am I assessed for them?

Mill and overlay projects in the City of Red Wing are usually paid for using dedicated street maintenance funding from city property taxes. For certain higher-volume streets, State Aid funding from the State of Minnesota is used to supplement the regular maintenance funding.

The City of Red Wing currently does not assess for Mill and Overlay or other pavement surface maintenance projects.

9. Where and when is the city panning

The city generally has a Mill and Overlay project of varying size and scope each year. Typically, city staff meets in the fall of each year to review pavement management data and budget information and take "field trips" to look at each candidate street. The city usually only plans these projects a year in advance, but sometimes with bigger Mill and Overlay projects the city will plan 2 years or more in the future in order to secure the needed funding to complete the projects.

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1. What is Night to Unite?

Night to Unite is an opportunity for neighbors to spend the evening together at "block parties," giving them an opportunity to get to know each other better. It also gives residents a chance to meet public servants and promotes local crime prevention efforts.

2. When is Night to Unite?

It's held annually on the first Tuesday in August. 

3. What type of events are held?

Typical events include a potluck dinner or neighborhood barbecue. Simple kids games are often organized. Night to Unite can be anything that gets neighbors out of the house and joining in.

4. Who sponsors Night to Unite?

Night to Unite is sponsored by the Minnesota Crime Prevention Association, AAA of Minnesota, and the Red Wing Police Department/City of Red Wing.

5. What can organizers expect for support?

Each neighborhood participating receives a kit containing giveaway items (e.g. glow necklaces, pencils, other trinkets) as well as T-shirts. On the night of the event, representatives of the Police Department, Fire Department, and Public Works as well as City Council members and other City representatives make the rounds visiting participating neighborhoods.

6. How do I register my neighborhood?

You can register by filling out the form on our Night to Unite webpage or by contacting Community Service Officer Matison Schoeder at 651.267.2609 or matison.schoeder@ci.red-wing.mn.us.

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1. Will it kill all the ash trees?

It might. All species of ash (Fraxinus sp.) are susceptible to EAB and none have any natural resistance. Ash represents 25% of the total tree population in some areas of the city. In addition, ash is one of the most common tree covers in the bottomlands along the Cannon and Mississippi rivers, on the bluffs, and in agricultural areas.

2. What can property owners do about EAB on private property?

• Monitor ash trees for EAB — look for cracks in the bark, excessive woodpecker damage and watch for dying branches near the top of ash trees.
• Establish a relationship with a tree service company that has a Certified Arborist and a Minnesota Certified tree Inspector on staff and carries adequate general liability and worker compensation insurance.
• Remove ash trees now, and replant other species in advance of EAB infestation.

3. What should I do with my ash tree that must be cut down?

Infested cut ash trees can be brought to the City's Solid Waste Campus at 1873 Bench Street.

4. What trees should I plant instead of ash?

Many kinds of trees grow well in Red Wing including varieties of linden, hackberry, honeylocust, and others. To learn about trees recommended for southeast Minnesota, visit University of Minnesota Extension.

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1. How hard is the water in Red Wing?

Red Wing's Water hardness is 16 to 17 grains per gallon.

2. How many gallons of water are in a cubic foot?

Your water is billed to you based on the number of cubic feet of water that passed through your water meter. 1 cubic foot of water is 7.48051 gallons

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1. What is a seal coat?

A seal coat consists of sealing existing cracks in the pavement, adding a layer of asphalt binder, adding a layer of small rock, and covering the rock with an asphalt coat. This process usually happens in 3 steps as shown below.

• Step 1: Seal the existing cracks in the pavement ("crack seal")
  • During this step, all small and large cracks in the existing pavement surface are routed and filled. Routing is the process of sawing a crack so that it is wide enough to fill with the sealing material. Generally, this process is completed in a few hours per block depending on the amount of cracking that needs to be sealed. Flaggers or other traffic control may be present during crack seal activities.
• Step 2: Place asphalt and rock layers ("chip seal")
  • After the crack seal material has set up (generally a few weeks or months after crack sealing), the chip seal process is applied to the pavement surface. The chip seal consists of adding a layer of asphalt binder ("tack") to the pavement surface a few minutes ahead of adding a layer of small rock. The rock is then compacted with rollers following closely behind the seal coat operations. Flaggers and other traffic control will be present to direct traffic around the chip seal operations. Traffic may drive on the new surface immediately after rolling is completed.
  • Excess rock will be swept up with a street sweeper a day or two after the chip seal operations are complete.
• Step 3: Cover rock with an asphalt coat ("fog seal")
  • The final step of a Seal Coat project is to add an asphalt coat called a "fog seal" to seal in any loose rocks to prevent them from coming loose. Prior to the fog seal being applied, the street will be swept again by a street sweeper to pick up any remaining loose rocks. The fog seal generally takes about 30 to 60 minutes to dry before traffic is allowed to drive on it.

2. Can I get in and out of my driveway while they are working?

Generally, you will be able to get in and out of your driveway at all times except for the following times:

• Between when the asphalt binder layer is applied and the rock is compacted (up to 15 minutes of delay)
• After the fog seal is applied, there will be a 30 to 60 minute period where you will not be able to access your driveway until the fog seal has dried

3. Why does the city do seal coat projects?

Seal Coat projects are one component of the city's comprehensive pavement management program. Pavement surfaces tend to wear out much faster than the other components of a street (such as curbs, sidewalks, and utilities) due to the impacts of heavy vehicles. Seal Coat projects are generally reserved for when a pavement surface is in relatively good condition and is intended to keep the pavement in good condition. If a pavement surface has a number of cracks but is otherwise in good condition, a Seal Coat is likely still a good maintenance activity to prolong the life of the street.

4. How long do seal coats last before they need to be done again?

Seal Coats generally last 7 to 10 years or more depending on the condition of the pavement underneath.

5. Why do seal coats when mill and overlays last longer?

There are a few reasons to consider Seal Coats instead of Mill and Overlays:

• Seal Coats cost about a third of what a Mill and Overlay project does or about one-tenth of a Full Depth Reclamation.
• Seal Coats are effective at preserving roads that have many cracks. Cracks typically will reappear on a Mill and Overlay pavement within a year or two and require additional crack sealing at that time.
• Seal Coats are good for preventative maintenance. Mill and overlays and full depth reclamations are typically used reactively to counteract known issues.

6. Aren't seal coats messy, won't rocks get up in my yard or elsewhere on my property?

It is true that seal coats are "messier" than other types of maintenance projects due to the nature of using loose rocks as a pavement surface. However, the loose rocks are generally confined to the pavement surface or the curb area and should not be put in your yard. The loose rocks are swept up twice after the chip seal process is complete, one time a day or two after the chip seal process and another time about a week after the chip seal process is complete. Any loose rock in the street should be picked up during one of those two sweepings.

7. Will the loose rocks chip my windshield?

It is very unlikely that any loose rocks will chip your windshield due to a few different factors. First, we usually only use seal coats on lower-speed streets which will reduce the ability for rocks to become projectiles to be sent toward another car's windshield. Second, the rock used for the seal coats is only about one fourth inches in diameter, which won't cause much damage if it does hit your windshield.

8. What types of streets are good candidates for seal coat projects?

Generally, seal coats are good for streets that are already in good shape that we want to keep in good shape. Seal coats can be used on streets that have a decent amount of cracking already as long as the cracks are sealed with the seal coat project. Pavement that has wide cracks, "alligator" cracking, consistent large potholes, or surface spalling (pavement that is losing its "smoothness") are probably not good candidates for Seal Coats and would instead benefit from a mill and overlay or a full depth reclamation.

9. How is parking affected by seal coat projects?

Parking will be limited at times during a seal coat project so that the contractor can complete the work effectively. "No Parking" signs will be posted at least 48 hours in advance of parking restrictions going into effect. When the parking restrictions are in effect, vehicles still parked in the construction area may be subjected to ticketing and/or towing. We will try to contact the vehicle owner(s) if we find any vehicles still parked on the street during parking restrictions.

Parking restrictions may be posted for the following work:

• Crack sealing (usually in effect for 1 to 2 days)
• Seal coat (usually in effect for 1 to 2 days)
• Fog seal (usually in effect for 1 to 2 days)
  
  

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1. What should I do if my keys are taken?

Change or re-key corresponding locks.

2. What should I do if my checks or credit cards are taken?

Notify your bank immediately and then call the three credit reporting bureaus to report the loss and ask them to put a fraud alert on your record so no new credit will be issued without verification of your identity.

• Experian 
  • Phone: 1-888-397-3742
• Trans Union
  • Phone: 1-800-680-7289
• Equifax
  • Phone: 1-800-525-6285

3. What should I do if my social security card is taken?

Call the Social Security Administration fraud hotline to notify them of the loss and get information on how to get a duplicate card.

• S.S.A. Fraud Hotline
  • Phone: 1-800-269-0271

4. What should I do if my driver's license is taken?

Apply for a new license and “flag” your license as stolen at the Department of Motor Vehicles.

• Identity Theft
  • Website
  • Phone: 651-296-2025

5. What should I do if new checks or cards have been mailed to a different address?

Call the United States Postal Inspector about mail being falsely forwarded at 1-800-372-8347

• Local Postal Inspector
  • Phone: 651-293-3200
  • Fax: 651-293-3384
• US Postal Inspector Website

6. What should I do if stolen checks or cards have been used?

Contact the banks and/or businesses that accepted your checks or cards to notify them of the fraud and offer to sign any affidavits of forgery as needed. Encourage the banks and businesses to pursue charges against any identified suspects.

7. What should I do if someone has stolen my identity to get new credit?

Call the Police Department and make an identity theft report. In Minnesota, Identity Theft becomes a crime only when any victim (person or business) suffers a monetary loss. Also call the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Identity Theft Hotline at 1-877-438-4338 to notify them and get advice on how to proceed.

• For more information please visit Consumer Identity Theft.
• To report fraud other than identity theft to the FTC, call 1-877-382-4357.

8. What other resources and information is available about identity theft?

• Federal Bureau of Investigation 
• Privacy Rights Clearinghouse 
• PRC - Identity Theft Resources