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Help Keep Hopkins Winter-Friendly
Help Keep Hopkins Winter-Friendly
Winter storms require added cooperation on everybody’s part to keep roads, sidewalks, and fire hydrants clear of snow. Please do your part in keeping Hopkins safe this winter...and thanks for your help!
Sidewalks
Hopkins residents are responsible for removing snow and ice from public sidewalks. Even a small snowfall can pose a safety hazard. Hopkins has an ordinance that mandates snow or ice be removed from the sidewalks within 12 hours after a snowfall. This is necessary to ensure the safety of all people who use the sidewalks.
Remember—it is against state and city laws for individuals to plow, shovel, blow, or place snow onto streets, alleys, and boulevards (Hopkins City Code 800-01).
Snow Emergencies
Snow Emergencies may be declared upon a two-inch snowfall. Parking restrictions will remain in effect until streets are plowed curb to curb and the parking lots and parking ramp are completely plowed. Snow emergencies are announced on the Hopkins Police Department’s recorded snow line at 952-939-1399.
If your vehicle is towed during a snow emergency, contact Matt’s Towing at 952-949-2385. Vehicles are released only to the registered owners. Owners need to bring proof of ownership, proof of insurance, and a valid driver’s license in order to claim their vehicles. Payment is accepted by cash, Visa, or MasterCard. No checks please.
Fire Hydrants
While the Hopkins Public Works and Fire Department try to clean snow from fire hydrants as soon as possible after a snowstorm, the City could use your help. Please consider adopting a fire hydrant close to your residence and keeping it clear of snow through the winter. If possible, hydrants should be cleared 5 feet on each side to give the Fire Department the quickest and best access.
Register Your Alarm Systems By January 1
City ordinance requires alarm systems to be registered with the police department by January 1 of each year. Receiving updated information annually helps our public safety personnel manage emergencies and alarm maintenance more effectively. The annual fee is $10 for a fire alarm and $10 for a police alarm. The fine for having an unregistered alarm is $100.
The purpose of the ordinance is not to discourage or eliminate the use of police and fire alarm systems, but to provide standards, requirements, and fines for the 10% of alarm users who cause 90% of the city’s false alarm activity.
Alarm registrations for 2007 have been mailed to alarm owners who were registered in 2006. If you have not yet registered your alarm, the registration form can be downloaded off the City web site. Upon receipt of the registration fee, the 2007 alarm sticker will be sent.
If you have any questions regarding the alarm system ordinance or the registration form, please contact Dale Specken, Fire Chief, at 952-548-6451 for fire alarm questions, or Katherine Magdal, Police Services Liaison, at 952-548-6407 for police alarm questions
Upcoming Events At The Hopkins Activity Center
Holiday Concert
Saturday, December 9, 2 pm
Enjoy the holiday music of the Hopkins Westwind Concert Band. The entire community is invited to attend this free event at the Hopkins Activity Center.
Holiday Celebration
Thursday, December 21, 11 am
December birthdays will be recognized. Enjoy the dazzling holiday sounds of Mary Hall. Drawing for the cross-stitched picture. Cost of the meal, plus $1 celebration fee. Call for reservations.
New Year's Party
Thursday, December 28, 11 am
Ring in the New Year. Join us for hors d’oeuvres, lunch, games, music, party hats/noisemakers, and door prizes. Cost of meal, plus $1 celebration fee. Call for reservations.
Rent The Activity Center
The Hopkins Activity Center has a gym, meeting rooms, and kitchen available for use by residents. Call us when planning your next meeting, party, neighborhood get-together, or sports activity practice. Applications for usage and facility use guidelines are available by calling 952-939-1333 or emailing activitycenter@hopkinsmn.com. The Hopkins Activity Center is located at 33 14th Avenue North.
2006 Community Image Award Winners Announced
The 2006 Community Image Awards were presented at the City Council meeting on November 21. The awards are given annually to individuals and businesses that have made a visual improvement to their property or have demonstrated continued superior maintenance of their property, which in turn has a significant positive impact on the image of the City of Hopkins. Learn more about the winners.
Because of the holidays, refuse collection for the weeks of December 25 and January 1 will take place Tuesday through Friday.
Recycling collection will be December 11-14 and 26-29.