FAQ's

A. The Avon Police Department is located in the Avon City Hall. The address is 104 Stratford Street East. Our mailing address is P.O. Box 195, Avon, MN 56310. We are two blocks east of the Avon State Bank, or the intersection of Avon Avenue North and Stratford Street East.

Q. How can I volunteer with the Avon Police Department?

A. The Avon Police Department currently uses volunteers, the Police Reserve program. To find out more about this program, call the Avon Police Department at 320-356-7575.

Q. How can I find out about crime prevention programs?

A. The Department of Public Safety sponsors numerous crime prevention programs, including Neighborhood Watch, Crime Free Multi-Housing. For more information, contact the Avon Police Department 320-356-7575 during regular business hours.

Q. What are the curfew laws in the City of Avon?

A. (1) Minors under the age of 16 years. No minor under the age of 16 years shall be in or upon the public streets, alleys, parks, playgrounds, or other public grounds, public places, public buildings; nor in or upon places of amusement, entertainment or refreshment; nor in or upon any vacant lot, between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. the folllowing day, official city time.

(2) Minors ages 16 to 18 years. No minor of the ages of 16 or 17 years shall be in or upon the public streets, alleys, parks, playgrounds or other public grounds, public places, public building; nor in or upon places of amusement, entertainment or refreshment; nor in or upon any vacant lot, between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 5:00 a.m. the following day, official city time.

Q. Do solicitors register with the Avon Police Department?

A. Yes, solicitors must contact the Avon Police Department for a permit to solicit. A background check is performed before permission is given to proceed. If a solicitor has been given a permit by the State of Minnesota a local permit is not required.

Q. What are the City of Avon Winter parking regulations?

A. The Mayor, Police Chief or other designated official may declare a snow emergency in the city. The emergency shall continue in effect for a period of 24 hours or until the snow has been removed from the city's streets or until the snow emergency has been rescinded by action of the Mayor, Police Chief or other designated officer. It shall also be unlawful for any person to park on any city street during any time at which more than 2 inches of fresh snow has accumulated until such time as the snow removal crews have cleared the roadway.

Q. Can you snowmobile in the City of Avon?

A. Yes, snowmobiling is allowed on designated trails. The Lake Wobegon Trail is the main trail in Avon. The trail goes through the middle of the City and connects to St. Cloud and Alexandria. There are also a variety of sub trails that lead to the main trail. Please observe the local rules and regulations on snowmobiling and be courteous to land owners. Snowmobiling is prohibited in city parks.

Q. Is hunting allowed in the City of Avon?

A. No hunting or discharge of firearms is allowed in the corporate limits of the City of Avon. There are numerous hunting areas surrounding the Avon area. You must own the land or have written permission to hunt. Infomration on public hunting ground can be obtained at the Department of Natural Resources.

Q. What is the difference between being arrested and being charged with a crime?

A. There is little difference between being arrested and charged with a crime. In both cases a complaint is made, an investigation is done based on the complaint. In the case of being arrested, a person is taken into custody and placed in jail. In the case of being charged with a crime, a sumons or citation may be issued instead of being placed in jail. Also, in the case of being charged with a crime, the case is sent to the City of County Attorney's Office for a complaint to be written.

Q. How can I get a copy of a police report? How much are reports?

A. You can request reports in person, in writing, via e-mail or by fax. If you wish to have the reports sent to you, a valid address must be provided. Each request will be reviewed and the department will provide the reports within a reasonable amount of time and/or within up to ten days, or an explanation will be provided as to the amount of time needed. The cost for receiving a report(s) is $.25 per page (front and back of one piece of paper is 2 pages) up to 100 pages. If the report exceeds 100 pages, a cost estimate will be provided. If the report is being mailed, postage will be added to the cost of the report.

Q. How can I check on my own criminal history and how much does it cost? How can I obtain a copy of my own criminal history record?

A. The Avon Police Department is not authorized to provide you your criminal history record. You may request a printed copy of your own criminal history record by writing or visiting the bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) office. You will receive both public and private data. Written requests must include: Full name with correct spelling, date of birth, and any other names used, including maiden and former married names. Enclose a personal check, money order, cashier's check, certified or business check, for $8.00 made payable to the BCA. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Response time for mail requests is approximately two weeks. The mailing address is: Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Criminal Justice Information Systems-CHA, 1430 Maryland Avenue East, St. Paul, MN 55106. If you wish to view your criminal history record, the BCA lobby hours in St. Paul are 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, closed on holidays. You will need to provide some acceptable form of identification, e.g. driver's license. Fingerprints may be required to verify your identiy. There is no fee charged to view your records, however there is an $8.00 fee for a printed copy. Call the BCA at 651-793-2400 from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM if you need additional information. And for further information and FAQ via the internet. http://www.dps.state.mn.us/bca/cjis/documents/Page-15-01.html#Public%20and%20Private%20Criminal%20History%20Information

Q. What should I do with found property?

A. The law requires a person to make a reasonable effort to return found property. This is to prevent stolen items from being claimed as "found". It also protects the finder from the possibility of possessing stolen property that was found legitimately. By making a reasonable effort, it eliminates the possibility of a criminal charge against a finder for possessing stolen property. Making a reasonable effort to return found property can be accomplished a couple of different ways.

FAQ's Cash.jpg (1925 bytes) One way a reasonable effort can be made is by running an ad in the local newspaper. This method however could cause aggravation to the finder who may receive false claims for the property. Another way to make a reasonable effort would be to turn the property over to police custody. There are three advantages when turning found property over to the police.

First Advantage! The finder does not have to deal with false claims nor does the finder need to give out personal information such as a phone number or address to a person making a claim to the property.

Second Advantage! Submitting the property to the police gives the rightful owner a chance of regaining their property back. Found property will be held for 90 days. If it is not claimed during that period of time, the police will contact the finder and return the found property to them if they want it. The police watch for recent and incoming theft reports to see if any reported stolen property matches the property you found

Third Advantage! If the property was not matched to a victim and remains unclaimed, after 90 days have passed you will have a legitimate claim to the property. A valid paper trail is on record at the police department showing you made a reasonable effort to get the property returned to its rightful owner. If the found property is unclaimed, you will be contacted by the police and asked if you are still interested in the property. If you do not want the property it is destroyed if damaged or has no significant value (usually less than $5.00) If the property has some significant value and the finder still does not want it, then it is placed in the city auction.

Q. What kind of found property has been turned over to the police?

A. We have handled everything from thousands of dollars in cash to large portable generators. The more common items are purses, wallets, small amounts of cash, drugs, stereos, hand tools, eye glasses, and keys. The most common item reported as "found" are bicycles!

Q. Where do I go to check whether or not my lost/stolen bike has been recovered?

A. Stop in at the police department located one and ½ blocks east of the Avon State Bank on Stratford Street East.

Q. Do officers have a ticket quota?

A. No! Officers are allowed to write as many tickets as they want. (Just a little cop humor here). Actually, a state law exists identified as MN Statute 169.985 that specifically states, "Traffic citation quota prohibited."

Traffic citation quotas probably started in the early days of law enforcement because it was an easy way for supervisors to measure the performance and work level of officers. Traffic was not managed as well on our highways then as it is now and traffic enforcement was considered to be a primary job of the officer. However, over the years the focus of law enforcement has changed radically and traffic enforcement is no longer the only criteria performance is based upon.

Better job understanding and increased supervisory skills allow supervisors to now measure work performance using a wide range of job tasks. They no longer rely on how many tickets an officer writes as a measuring tool of performance.

So..., when an officer issues you a traffic citation, it is most certainly because he/she felt the situation warranted such action. Asking the officer, "are you trying to fill your quota" will only make them smile .

Q. What exactly is an "open bottle"?

A. This is an older question that has been around for years. Many people think if a 6-pack or a case that originally contained 24 cans of beer are missing one or more containers from the pack, this constitutes "open bottle". That idea is not correct! "Open bottle" means that the seal on a can or bottle of an alcoholic beverage has been broken and you are able to access the contents inside the bottle or can. If the seal on liquor bottles has been broken, then it is considered to be an "open bottle" even if the cap is screwed back on and all the contents are present.

The purpose of the law is to discourage drinking and driving. If you do find yourself with an open bottle, make sure you place it in the trunk area of your vehicle prior to leaving private property with the vehicle. If a trunk is not present on the vehicle (example: station wagons and pick-ups), then by law, the driver must ensure that the opened alcoholic beverage is in the rearmost portion of the vehicle that is most inaccessible from the driver and any passengers.

Q. I don't have any prior violations. Why didn't I just get a warning?

A. First of all, if an officer would only give warnings to someone with no prior violations on their record, then nothing but warnings would ever be given. This is because previous warning tickets do not show up on a driving record. Therefore, an officer has no way of knowing whether or not the driver may have received a warning in another town for some offense.

When tickets are issued, it is based upon many different factors. An officer takes all of these factors into consideration when making a determination whether to issue a warning or a citation. These factors include considering the actual violation, the location of the violation, the driver's record, and also the driver's attitude. Let's take a look at each of these areas and see how it may or may not affect a citation being issued. We'll use speeding as an example since it is such a common argued offense.

Actual Violation as a Factor - An officer must consider the actual violation. At what point should the absolute line be drawn? 1mph, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 mph over the posted limit? Each one of these is only one mile per hour more than the previous number. If a violator wants an absolute line drawn, then our job is easy... the line is drawn at the posted speed level. However, luckily for motorists, officers are allowed to exercise discretion when making a decision as to whether or not a ticket should be issued. This leads us into the other factors an officer considers.

Location of the Violation - An officer considers location as a issuing factor also. 5 mph over the posted speed limit around a school or construction zone is obviously more dangerous than a wide street designed to handle large volumes of traffic with little chance of pedestrians being present. Road conditions may be considered also. Ice, packed snow, heavy rain, and a multitude of other road surface conditions are taken into account. Other factors such as daytime or nighttime lighting, visibility, and traffic volume need to be considered.

Driving Record - A person with a lengthy driving record indicates someone who has less respect for our laws and society. This person poses a greater danger to others on the roadway. Giving this type of driver a break only enforces their mentality that violating the law is "no big deal" and actually encourages future driving violations.

Attitude - Now you really would think that attitude has nothing to do with the actual facts and circumstances of the traffic violation. However, it plays an important role in the determination as to whether to cite or warn. Drivers have been pulled over many times only to make statements that the only reason they were speeding is because they "were upset". Current emotional attitude affected their driving. Attitude toward the officer may also make an officer decide to issue a citation rather than warn. Why would an officer warn a driver who swears, loudly argues, or threatens the officer? This type of behavior/attitude only displays a lack of respect for the law that the officer is trying to enforce. Someone who disrespects the law certainly is not going to make future attempts to abide by it. Issuing a warning in these circumstances would be a total waste of time.

The next time you hear two people discussing traffic stops they were involved in or that they "heard about" and they are wondering why one friend got a warning for 10 mph over and the other received a citation please educate them. No two speeding instances have ever been exactly the same. The speed each driver was traveling at might be the same but as you can see, this factor is only a small part of the whole picture

Q. Where do I go to get a handgun permit?

A. Are you talking a permit to purchase/acquire or a permit to carry a handgun in public?

Permit to Purchase/Acquire a Handgun: A permit to purchase/acquire can be obtained by stopping at the Avon Police Department. The application is approximately four pages in length.

You must apply for the permit in the jurisdiction you reside in. This is determined by the address listed on your current drivers license at the time of application. After completing your application return it to the Stearns County Sheriff's Department. It will be reviewed by either the Chief of Police or the Sheriff depending on the jurisdiction of the address listed on the application. If the address on your application does not match the address on your drivers license, your application will be denied.

Processing your application takes approximately 7-10 business days. Processing the application consists of a check for criminal records, outstanding warrants, and a mental health background check. The application process and the permit itself are free and there is no cost to the applicant for this type of permit. This permit is valid for one year.

Permit to Carry a Handgun in Public: A permit to carry a handgun in public can be obtained by stopping at the Stearns County Sheriff's Department

Q. How fast can I drive without getting stopped?

A. This is very similar to asking what kind of stock you should buy in the stock market. It all depends on how much risk you are willing to accept. 1-5 mph over the posted speed limit is considered fairly low risk. Each mile per hour speed increase over that amount increases your risk exponentially. At 10 mph over the posted limit, you are almost begging for a ticket.

Another factor you need to consider is, "how accurate is your speedometer?" You may think you are at a fairly safe risk level for being stopped when traveling at 6 mph over the posted limit. What happens if your speedometer happens to be off by 5 mph reading slower than your real speed? Oh oh, now your trying to figure out why you are getting a ticket for 11 mph over the posted limit!

Trust me, the excuses of "I just put on new oversized tires" or "my speedometer must be off" are about as worn out as officers saying "have a nice day" after they hand you the ticket. Another almost standard line is, "I couldn't have been speeding. I set my cruise at 64 mph". Hmm... now what's wrong with that statement? Unless you enjoy paying fines, please slow down and drive according to law. Don't complain to the officer that stops you. They are not the ones sitting in your car pressing the accelerator.

Q. What type of motorscooter, motorbike, moped, skateboard or other similar device can I use on the road and what are the requirements?

A. New ideas have allowed us to create devices that provide convenience and fun. Unfortunately, this can sometimes get us into trouble. Take for example the new (and wide variety) of power assisted motor scooters, trikes, bikes, skateboards and other miniature motorcycle look-alikes. While very convenient and certainly fun, many of these devices are not legal to use on public roadways and sidewalks.

The State of Minnesota recognizes and defines six different devices that are similar in nature but different in legality. If the device you are considering does not fit under one of the definitions, it definitely cannot be used on roadways and streets. Even if it is defined, it is possible that it still is restricted to private property only. What is legal and what is not? There are four main things to consider. 1. The ability to register or license the device. 2. Insurance requirements. 3. Special operator requirements.? 4. Whether or not the device can it be ridden on a roadway or other public property?

Here is a quick guide to assist you when making a purchasing decision and/or a later mistake riding the device you choose. Key words in the definitions will be highlighted in red. Pictured examples next to each definition will help you identify the device however there are many similarities so please make an informed purchase.

Motorcycle

· Definition: means every motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, including motor scooters and bicycles with motor attached, other than those vehicles defined as motorized bicycles. (MN Statute 169.01 subd. 4).

· Registration Required: Yes (MN Statute 168.011 subd. 26).

· Insurance Needed: Yes (MN Statute 65B.43).

· Operator Requirements: Must have driver’s license with motorcycle endorsement/permit. Subject to additional rules and regulations.

· Operate on Roadway: Yes, when complying with regular motorist driving rules and other motorcycle restrictions.

· Operate on bike path: No.

· Operate on side walk: No.

Motorized Bicycle

· Definition: means a bicycle that is propelled by a motor of a piston displacement capacity of 50 cubic centimeters or less, and a maximum of two brake horsepower, which is capable of a maximum speed of not more than 30 miles per hour on a flat surface with not more than one percent grade in any direction when the motor is engaged. "Motorized bicycle" includes an electric-assisted bicycle. (MN Statute 169.01 subd. 4a).

· Registration Required: Yes (MN Statute 168.011 subd. 27).

· Insurance Needed: Yes (MN Statute 65B.13 and 65B.001 subd. 5).

· Operator Requirements: Must have driver’s license or a motorized bicycle permit which is issued only to persons age 15 or older. Subject to additional rules and regulations.

· Operate on Roadway: Yes, on the far right hand side and when complying with regular motorist driving rules and other motorcycle restrictions.

· Operate on bike path: No.

· Operate on side walk: No.

Motorized Foot Scooter

· Definition: means a device with handlebars designed to be stood or sat upon by the operator, and powered by an internal combustion engine or electric motor that is capable of propelling the device with or without human propulsion, and that has either (1) no more than two ten-inch or smaller diameter wheels or (2) an engine or motor that is capable of a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour on a flat surface with not more than one percent grade in any direction when the motor is engaged. An electric personal assistive mobility device, a motorized bicycle, an electric-assisted bicycle, or a motorcycle is not a motorized foot scooter.

· Registration Required: No

· Insurance Needed: No (MN Statute(s) 65B.13, 65B.001 subd. 5 and 65b.41).

· Operator Requirements: Must be at least 12 years old. Needs to wear a helmet if under age 18.

· Operate on Roadway: Yes, on the far right hand side and while complying with regular motorist driving rules and other motorcycle restrictions. Cannot operate on a sidewalk. Cannot have a passenger.

· Operate on Bike path: No.

· Operate on Side walk: No.

Electric Assisted Bicycle

· Definition: means a motor vehicle with two or three wheels that: (1) has a saddle and fully operable pedals for human propulsion; (2) meets the requirements of Federal motor vehicle safety standards in Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, sections 571.01 et seq.; and (3) has an electric motor that (i) has a power output of not more than 1,000 watts, (ii) is incapable of propelling the vehicle at a speed of more than 20 miles per hour, (iii) is incapable of further increasing the speed of the device when human power alone is used to propel the vehicle at a speed of more than 20 miles per hour, and (iv) disengages or ceases to function when the vehicle's brakes are applied. (MN Statute 169.01 subd. 4b).

· Registration Required: Yes (MN Statute 168.011 subd. 27).

· Insurance Needed: No (MN Statute(s) 65B.13, 65B.001 subd. 5 and 65b.41).

· Operator Requirements: Must have driver’s license or a motorized bicycle permit which is issued only to persons age 15 or older. Subject to additional rules and regulations.

· Operate on Roadway: Yes, on the far right hand side and when complying with regular motorist driving rules and other motorcycle restrictions.

· Operate on Bike path: No.

· Operate on Side walk: No.

Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Device

· Definition: means a self-balancing device with two non-tandem wheels, designed to transport not more than one person, and operated by an electric propulsion system that limits the maximum speed of the device to 15 miles per hour. (MN Statute 169.01 subd. 90).

· Registration Required: No (MN Statute 168.011 subd. 4d).

· Insurance Needed: No (MN Statute(s) 65B.13, 65B.001 subd. 5 and 65b.41).

· Operator Requirements: No license or permit required to operate.

· Operate on Roadway: Only under certain restrictive conditions. See MN Statute 169.212

· Operate on Bike path: No.

· Operate on Side walk: Yes, but must yield to pedestrians..

Wheel Chair

· Definition: includes any manual or motorized wheelchair, scooter, tricycle, or similar device used by a disabled person as a substitute for walking. (MN Statute 169.01 subd. 24a).

· Registration Required: No (MN Statute 168a.03).

· Insurance Needed: No

· Operator Requirements: Must be disabled as defined by MN Statute 169.345

· Operate on Roadway: Only when operated as pedestrian complying with pedestrian laws.

· Operate on Bike path: No.

· Operate on Side walk: Yes.

Bicycle

· Definition: means every device propelled solely by human power upon which any person may ride, having two tandem wheels, except scooters and similar devices, and including any device generally recognized as a bicycle though equipped with two front or rear wheels. (MN Statute 169.01 subd. 51).

· Registration Required: Depends upon political subdivision. See MN Statute 168C.13.

· Insurance Needed: No

· Operator Requirements: None. Safety helmet recommended.

· Operate on Roadway: Yes, but must comply with regular motorist driving rules.

· Operate on Bike path: Yes.

· Operate on Side walk: Yes but must yield to pedestrians. Cannot operate on sidewalk in the Willmar downtown business district.

NOT LEGAL

Examples of devices that are not currently legal to operate on roadways and streets along with common names they are referred to as:


Gas Skateboard	Go-cart	Mini-Motorcycle / Mini-Chopper

Pocket Rocket

We want to help you make an informed purchasing decision and keep the fun in your riding experience while remaining safe and legal.

PUBLIC WORKS FAQ'S

Q. What causes discolored water?

A. Iron and manganese, which occur naturally in well water, can cause a rusty color. It is not harmful. Water can also become discolored from a malfunctioning water softener.

Q. When and why are the fire hydrants flushed?

A. Public Works flushes the hydrants in spring and fall to remove iron and manganese from the system. The operation of each hydrant is also checked at this time.

Q. The valve on the street side of my water meter is leaking. Will the City repair it?

A. The City maintains the water line within the public road right-of-way. The rest of the system is the responsiblity of the homeowner. The City does not provide repair service. The City of Avon Maintenance Department will shut off the water at the curb box if needed for a repair. In an emergency situation, call the Police Department at (320-356-7575) or, if it is an evening or weekend, call 320-356-7575 so a maintenance worker can be dispatched to shut off your water. If your repair is not an emergency, please call the City Hall (320-356-7922) at least 24 hours before the repair is to be made to schedule the water shut off. The curb box will be located ahead of time and checked for operability. A maintenance worker will meet with you or your representative at the scheduled time to shut off the water.

Q. Who is responsible for maintaining the wastewater line to my home?

A. The homeowner is responsible for any service line blockage or repairs between the home and the City wastewater main, including the connection at the wastewater main.

Problems with the sanitary wastewater system (the system conveying wastewater from homes, businesses, and industries) should be reported to the City Public Works Water/Wastewater Department at 320-356-7509.

Property owners should try to determine if the problem is with the public system in the street or the private service from the building to the street. If the problem is only with one fixture (sink or toilet), it is likely that the problem is in the private system and you should contact a plumber. if there is a problem with the entire building or home, you should check with adjacent buildings to see if they are having problems. If more than one building is having problems, the City system is the likely cause.

Call 320-356-7922 for wastewater or water bill questions.

Q. My yard has been painted with different colors. What work is being done?

A. Utility companies have the right to work in the street right-of-way, and the drainage and utility easement, to install or maintain their lines. Before work begins, the company calls Gopher State One Call who notifies other utilities of the work to be done. The other utilities then mark their existing lines in the area. Gas lines are marked in yellow, telephone and cable TV in orange, electric in red, water in blue, and wastewater in green. To find out what work is being done, contact the utility companies.

Q. What is a drainage and utility easement?

A. Typically, there is a five foot wide easement on each side of the property line between properties and a ten foot wide easement adjacent to the right-of-way. It gives the City and the private utility companies the right to install and maintain underground or aboveground utilities (water main, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, telephone lines, gas lines, power lines, CATV lines) and overland drainage ways.

A drainage problem involving public streets, storm water inlets, storm sewers, or drainage ditches should be reported to the Public Works Street Department at 320-356-7922. If the drainage problem is on private property, the home owner will need to determine how to correct the problem. The responsiblility to do the correction is that of the property owner.

Q. Why doesn't the City cut the grass around the storm water ponds?

A. Wherever possible, the City Street/Parks Department maintains a buffer of undisturbed vegetation along the shoreline of ponds. These buffers provide a variety of benefits, including the filtration and absorption of runoff water before it reaches the pond, shoreline stabilization, preventing grass clippings and fertilizer from being blown or spread into the water, and providing wildlife habitat.

Q. If I fertilize my lawn, why should I use a phosphorus-free fertilizer?

A. Phosphorus from fertilizers runs off lawns and ends up in area wetlands, ponds, and lakes where it promotes algae growth. Algae can damage or kill the water body's ecosystem.

The make-up of all fertilizers is indicated by a series of three numbers on the package. The middle number indicates the amount of phosphorus the fertilizer contains. Look for a middle number of "0" to be sure you are buying a phosphorus-free fertilizer.

In some parts of the country, soil needs phosphorus to sustain a healthy plant development-but that's not true in Minnesota. Minnesota soils are generally rich is phosphorus.

A soil test will give you a nutrient profile of your soil. Using this information, you can buy the fertilizer that will work best for your lawn. Soil test kits are easy to use. Kits are available from the University of Minnesota Extension Service at 612-374-8400. There is a small charge to have your soil analyzed.

No matter where you live in Avon, most run-off from lawns flow into the storm water system. The storm water system empties directly into our local water bodies.

Q. How do I get a lower speed limit posted on my street?

A. The maximum speed limit for any passenger vehicle in Minnesota is as follows: Freeways outside urban districts - 65 miles per hour (unless posted otherwise); Urban freeways and highways - 55 mph (unless posted otherwise); Residential streets - 30 mph; Alleys - 15 mph.

The speed limits are not always posted, but all motorists are required to know these basic mile-per-hour speed laws.

Intermediate speed limits between 25 and 55 miles per hour may be established by MN/DOT based on traffic engineering surveys. The City can submit a request to MN/DOT to review the established speed limit on a street. These surveys include an analysis of roadway conditions, accident records, and the prevailiaing speed of prudent drivers. If speed limit signs are posted for a lower limit that is needed to safely meet these conditions, many drivers will simply ignore the signs, while others will stay within the posted limits. This generally increases the conflicts between faster and slower drivers by reducing the gaps in traffice through which crossings could be made safely and increases the difficulty for pedestrians to judge the speed of approaching vehicles. Studies have shown that when uniformity of speed is not maintained, accidents generally increase.

Q. Who maintains the trees within the public road right-of-way?

A. These trees belong to the property owner, the property owner is responsible for the health and care of these trees. The city occasionally trims these trees if needed to prevent hazardous conditions for pedestrian and vehicles along with interference with City utilities.

Q. My street light is burned out or doesn't work properly. Who takes care of it?

A. To report a light that needs maintenance, contact the City of Avon at 320-356-7922. The City will then fax the information to Xcel Energy who maintains the street lights.

Q. How do I report a pothole?

A. Call City Hall at 320-356-7922.

Q. When does the City sweep the streets?

A. Streets are swept approximately 3 times from spring through fall and on an as-needed basis. The Streets/Parks Department is charged with this duty.

Q. What can be done to improve my street?

A. The City has three options based on the condition of your street;

1. Sealcoat: Apply a bituminous adhesive to the surface and add aggregate rock. Construction time: One day and two sweepings.

2. Overlay: Mill (grind) off some of the existing surface and pave over. Construction time: 1-2 months.

3. Reconstruct: Rebuild the entire street section and curb and gutter. Construction time: 2-3 months.

The Public Works Department has developed a database with the condition of all the City Streets in Avon.

Q. What are the steps involved in obtaining improvements?

1. Petition for project or Council request

2. Council orders feasibility report

3. Neighborhood meeting (if necessary)

4. Council receives a feasiblity report and sets hearing

5. Public hearing

6. Council denies, modifies or orders project

7. Council orders plans and specifications

8. Council orders bids

9. Council awards contract

10.Construction takes place

11.Council declares costs to be assessed and orders preparation of proposed assesment

12. Council sets assessment hearing

13.Council holds hearing and approves assessment

UTILITY BILLS FAQS

Q. Do you accept direct payments for utility bill?

A. Yes! The forms are available on our website or you can stop by City Hall to sign up.

Q. When is my meter read?

A. Your meter is read in the middle of the month, usually around the 15th or 16th.

Q. When do I get a bill? When is the payment due?

A. Billing is done on the first business day of the month. Payments are due on the 23rd of the month regardless of what day of the week this falls on. A ten percent penalty is added on the 24th of each month on all past due accounts. You can mail your payment to: City of Avon; PO Box 69, Avon, MN 56310 or use the drop box in the entry way or by direct payment.

Q. Do I have to pay for sewer usage when I water my lawn?

A. May - September (billing) sewer rates are based on waer average from Sept 16th - April 15th. October through April (billing) sewer rates are based on actual water usage.

Q. Where is my water meter?

A. Your water meter is located inside and a remote meter is attached to the outside of your home/business for easy reading by the City. It can be found in the basement where the water main enters your home. It is important to know where your water main enters your home because this is also where a main shut-off is located.

Q. How do I know if I have a leak?

A. You cannot always tell if you have a leak. Reading your meter last thing at night and first thing in the morning, will show if water was used. If water was used you should know where it is going. However, take into consideration if your water softener regenerates during the night, to use an alternate night. If the City staff notices a much higher than normal water usage when they read meters, they will make an attempt to contact you.

Q. Who do I contact if I have a question about my utility bill?

A. You can contact Kathy at the City Hall at 356-7922 or kathy.s@cityofavonmn.com