The City of Savage provides municipal services to 25,065 residents and more than 400 businesses. More than 135 full- and part-time employees in 12 departments deliver water and sewer, public safety, street maintenance, parks and recreation, and other services to the public. The other departments are administration, finance, public works, community development, police, fire and liquor operations. A paid on-call volunteer fire department, consisting of those who live or work in Savage, and a full-time fire chief, who also serves as fire marshal, provide fire services.

A city administrator appointed by a five-member city council oversees all city operations. The council is responsible for setting policy to guide the development and provision of programs and services provided to the community. The council consists of a mayor, who is elected every four years, and four council members, who each serve four-year terms.

City of Savage services are funded through several revenue sources and various budgets. The General Fund supports general operations with a 2007 budget of $10.9 million. Property taxes provide 62 percent of the revenue for the General Fund, with licenses and permits, engineering and plan review fees and intergovernmental revenues accounting for the balance.

Special revenue budgets, supported in part or entirely by independent funding sources, provide for cable access initiatives, maintenance for the Savage Public Library and economic development efforts. Other budgets for the city include the water and sewer operations, stormwater and liquor operating funds.

City operations have expanded considerably over the past two decades in response to a rapidly growing population. Once a rural community, Savage’s population has increased from 4,000 to 25,065 in the past 25 years. The greatest amount of growth occurred from 1990 to 2000, when the population increased by 113 percent. A new city hall, fire station, water treatment plant, library and liquor store were built during that time frame.

City Hall Renovation and Police

Addition Project

In 2006, the City began construction of a 31,720 square-foot addition onto City Hall for the Police Department. Following the addition's completion, the space formerly occupied by the Police Department was renovated for City Hall use. A dedication of the 54,024 square-foot expanded and remodeled building was held in June.
The $8.25 million project exemplifies the City's commitment to being naturally resourceful. Materials from the previous building were reused where possible, and several energy savings features were incorporated to make the building operate as efficiently as possible. Designed and constructed with respect to taxpayers' dollars, the new Police facility and renovated City Hall is expected to cost an estimated $6 per month for the owner of an average-valued home in Savage.
In addition to expanding the space for Police and City Hall functions, the project resulted in community meeting rooms and a television production studio, which are available for use by the public.

About the Community

Savage’s environmental assets include the Minnesota River, which forms the city’s northern border; the 500-acre Savage Fen Wetland Complex, which contains some of the largest calcareous fens in the state; Eagle Creek, one of the last Brown Trout streams in the metro area; and Boiling Springs, a historical landmark.
A major industry in Savage is shipping, due to the community’s location on the Minnesota River. Five private facilities operate along the banks of the river to form the Ports of Savage.
The community also offers a large retail base, which includes four grocery stores and a variety of restaurants and service shops. In addition, downtown Savage is in the midst of being redeveloped and is now attracting new businesses.
Recreational opportunities are provided through 20 city parks, a regional park and hundreds of miles of sidewalks and trails. In 2002, the Savage Life Time Fitness Recreation and Aquatics Center opened to offer residents an outdoor pool and a state-of-the-art health club. The center was built through a partnership between Life Time and the city of Savage.
Three school districts serve Savage: Prior Lake-Savage Area, Burnsville-Eagan-Savage and Shakopee. The community has one high school, one junior high and four elementary schools within its borders. The city also has one non-public school, St. John the Baptist Catholic School, located in downtown Savage.

Annual Events

Dan Patch Days
This three-day, family-focused event in June offers something for everyone. Throughout the weekend, an estimated 10,000 people come to Savage Community Park to enjoy food, music, fireworks and more.

Arbor Day Tree Sale and Celebration
Usually held the last Saturday of April, the tree sale is at the Public Works Facility (13770 Connelly Parkway) from 9 a.m. to noon (or until sold out). Bare-root and potted ornamental, shade and evergreen trees are sold on a first-come, first-served basis; all are purchased wholesale with no warranty. Limit of three trees per household. The celebration follows the tree sale, and includes reading the Arbor Day proclamation, poster contest winners and an enhancement project within the community.

Dump on City Hall Day
The annual community recycling day is an environmentally friendly way for residents to dispose of belongings they no longer want or need. Residents are invited to bring unwanted items to Community Park on the first Saturday in May from 8 a.m. to noon. Items collected include appliances, electronics, yard waste and junk. Bridging, a Twin Cities charity, takes donations of household items, furniture, linens and items for children.

City of Savage

6000 McColl Dr. 952-882-2660
Barry Stock, Administrator 952-882-2660
Web site www.cityofsavage.com

Largest Employers

Employer Employees
Fabcon Inc. 408
SuperTarget 340
Continental Machines & Hydraulics 240
Cub Foods 200
Silgan Container Corp. 151
Source: City of Savage EDC Work Plan

Frequently Called Numbers

Emergency: Police/Fire 911
Administration/General Offices 952-882-2660
TDD 952-882-2660
Fax 952-882-2656
Accounts Payable/Finance 952-882-2640
Animal Control 952-894-9065
Building Inspections 952-882-2650
Citizen’s Comment Line 952-882-2695
Or e-mail comments@ci.savage.mn.us
Community Development/
Planning/Engineering 952-882-2660
Human Resources Job Line 952-882-2651
Parks & Recreation 952-224-3420
Police Non-Emergency/Administration 952-882-2600
Public Works 952-224-3400
Utility Services 952-224-3440
Utility Billing 651-256-3304
TV-15 Public Access Studio 952-707-1777

City Staff

Barry Stock, City Administrator
Scott Somers, Assistant City Administrator
Ellen Classen, City Clerk
Shelly Kolling, Finance Director
Rodney Seurer, Police Chief
Joel McColl, Fire Chief
Bryan Tucker, Planning Manager
Terri Dill, Senior Planner
John Powell, Public Works Director/City Engineer
Ann Mahnke, Assistant Public Works Director
Pete Matthies, Liquor Operations Director
Jay Scherer, Building Services Manager
Sandra King, Human Resources Coordinator
Amy Barnett, Communications Coordinator

City Council

Mayor
Tom Brennan
14000 Quebec Ave. S. 952-447-6959
(Term expires Dec. 31, 2007)

Council Members
Jane Victorey
4897 W. 139th St. 952-894-2105
(Term expires Dec. 31, 2009)

Gene Abbott
14943 Hillside Tr. 952-440-3250
(Term expires Dec. 31, 2009)

Al McColl
5680 W. 132nd St. 952-890-8637
(Term expires Dec. 31, 2007)

Janet Williams
4664 Bohn Ct. 952-890-1669
(Term expires Dec. 31, 2007)

City elections will take place in November 2007. Council members serve four-year terms, with elections staggered so there is continuity from one year to the next. The mayoral term is four years.

Meetings

All city meetings are open to the public and, in most cases, cablecast live on Channel 14 and on www.cityofsavage.com.
Savage City Council
Council chambers 7 p.m.
Meetings held on the first and third Mondays, with a work session scheduled on the 2nd Monday.

Economic Development Authority (EDA)
The EDA meets on an “as needed” basis, immediately after regular sessions of the Savage City Council.

Advisory Communications Commission
Large conference room 7:30 a.m
Meets on the third Thursday, as needed.

Savage Planning Commission
Council chambers 7 p.m.
Meets on the Thursdays following the regular Council meeting.

Savage Park, Recreation & Natural Resources Commission
Council chambers 7 p.m.
Meets on the 4th Monday.

Savage Economic Development Commission
Large conference room 7:15 a.m.
Meets on the 3rd Wednesday.

Communications

The City of Savage uses several methods to communicate with its residents.

City News
The City News newsletter is delivered monthly with water and sewer bills. Copies are also available at City Hall, the Public Works Department and the Savage Library.
Web site www.cityofsavage.com

Citizen’s Comments
Citizen’s Comment Line 952-882-2695
E-mail comments@ci.savage.mn.us

Cable Access
Government Access Channel 14 (TV-14)
Channel 14 features live broadcasts and playbacks of public meetings, council updates, public service announcements and regular programming about local government services and initiatives.
Public Access Channel 15 (TV-15)
Channel 15 features community announcements and programs produced by Savage residents. It offers residents access to television cameras and editing equipment for production of local programming.

Municipal Liquor Stores

Dan Patch Liquor
4425 W. 123rd St. 952-890-6066
Marketplace Liquor
8200 Egan Dr. 952-440-9860

Savage Fire Department

Savage is served by a 39-member volunteer paid on-call fire department, with members trained as first responders and emergency medical technicians, in addition to state certified firefighting skills. The fire chief is Joel McColl. Fire stations are located at 12305 Quentin Ave. and 14321 O’Connell Rd. The city has a “4” insurance rating.
Permits for the sale or storage of fireworks are required. They can be obtained by calling 952-882-2689.

Savage Police Department

Savage Police Department 952-882-2600
Chief of Police: Rodney Seurer

Reservations

Park & Shelter 952-224-3420
Shelter reservations for picnics and special events are available at Hidden Valley Park, Canterbury Park, Warren Butler Park, Summit Park, McCann Park and Community Park, beginning the first of each year. The cost to reserve a shelter is $50 for residents, $75 for non-residents. A $50 damage deposit is also required. Reservation forms are available at the Savage Public Works building, 13770 Dakota Ave.

City Ordinances, Licenses & Permits

Dog Licenses
License Information 952-882-2660
Impound Information 952-894-9065
Dog licenses are required and must be renewed annually. No license will be issued unless the owner can provide documentation that the dog has been vaccinated against rabies. The dog license fee is $15; $10 if spayed or neutered.
Also, animals are not allowed to run at large and may be impounded if picked up. Feces left by an animal on any public or private property (other than his own) must be removed immediately.
Not more than three dogs and/or three cats are allowed per household.

Building Permits
Jay Scherer, Building Services Manager
Savage City Hall 952-882-2650
Before beginning a project, residents should check on permit requirements.
Building permits are required for most projects including decks, porches, finished basements, garages, fireplaces, swimming pools, wood stoves, retaining walls (over 4 feet high), and demolition. No permit is required for a concrete patio.
All plumbing, heating, air conditioning and ventilation contractors and subcontractors must be registered with the city of Savage.

Burning Permits
A city burning permit is required for all open burning, including recreational fires. Permits may be obtained at City Hall, Monday-Friday, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Permits also may be downloaded from the City’s Web site at www.cityofsavage.com.

Peddlers/Solicitors
Administration 952-882-2660
Door-to-door peddlers, defined as those who deliver merchandise at the same time as it is offered for sale, must have city council approval. Solicitors (those who take orders for future delivery) and non-profit salespeople must register at city hall. Such permit/registration should not be construed as an endorsement of the product or service offered. Peddlers are not permitted on property where a sign or notice is posted prohibiting them.

Block Parties
Cul-de-sacs and low volume neighborhood streets are eligible for block party permits. A $35 fee and a $50 refundable deposit (for the barricades) are paid when making an application. Alcohol consumption is allowed on private property only. Picnic tables may be allowed on the street, but passageway must be allowed for motorists. On-street activities may continue only during daylight hours.

Nuisance Control — Noises/Odors
Conditions that pose a threat to public safety and accumulation of rubbish, garbage, junk or debris are considered a nuisance and are prohibited. Noises are also considered a nuisance and are prohibited between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.. This includes excessive noise from vehicles, combustion engines, musical instruments, etc. Garbage trucks and construction equipment may operate between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturdays and holidays, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Outdoor storage of unusable or inoperable “junk” vehicles is prohibited.

Weed Control
Weeds that are higher than 10 inches, or that have gone to seed, are a violation of city ordinance. If, after written notice, the violation is not corrected, the city may cut the weeds and bill/assess the cost against the property.

Parking/Snow Removal
Parking — Parking on city streets is prohibited between 2 and 6 a.m. Tickets will be issued for violations.
Snow Removal, Streets — Plowing occurs after 2 inches of snow has accumulated (and usually after it quits snowing). Collectors and arterial streets are plowed first, then minor arterials. Roadways not integral to traffic movement (cul-de-sacs, dead-end streets and alleys) are plowed last. Roadways are almost always plowed twice, once to clear them, a second time to widen them.
Snow Removal, Mailboxes — Mailboxes should be set back 1 to 2 inches behind the curb and the bottom of the box should be 40 inches above street level.
Snow Removal, Sidewalks — City crews remove snow from sidewalks and trails along collector streets and major roads.

Citizen Responsibilities
Fire Hydrants — Abutting homeowners are responsible for keeping the tops of fire hydrants exposed to view, as well as for keeping a path clear to the hydrant.

Restrictions
Fences — No permit is required for fences that are 6 feet and lower. There are height limitations based on location of the fence. Check with the city for greater detail.
Garage Sales — The annual number of occasions per property is limited to three. Signs should not be placed on utility poles or within road right-of-way.
Recreational Vehicles — Up to three recreational vehicles may be parked/stored on a residential lot, provided the vehicles are operable, licensed and without need for repair. They may be parked in a rear or side yard, minimum of 5 feet from a property line, or during the season, in the driveway. Only motor homes of less than 34 feet may be parked/stored on a residential lot. For details, call the city.
Snowmobiles — No snowmobile may be operated in the city except while loading or unloading a snowmobile from a trailer or similar form of transport, while performing maintenance and repair of a snowmobile within 300 feet of the registered owner's place of residence, for direct snowmobile trail access to or from the closest designated snow trail, or on a designated snowmobile trail.
Storage Buildings — Residential area storage sheds under 120 square feet do not require a permit, but are subject to minimum setbacks from property lines. For information regarding required setbacks and for rules applying to sheds larger than 120 square feet, please contact the city’s Planning & Zoning department.
Sump Pumps — All water from foundation drains or sumps must be pumped or drained directly to the exterior of the property through rigid plastic or steel piping. A sump pump may not be discharged into the municipal sewer system or onto a city street.
Outdoor Water Use — An odd-even watering restriction is in effect throughout the year to ensure a continuing supply of water to residents. All residents whose house number ends with an odd number may water only on odd-numbered days: Those with an even numbered address may water only on even-numbered days. On these specified days, residents may water lawns or use an outside hose at any time of day except between the hours of noon and 5 p.m. Newly seeded or sodded lawns may be watered daily during the allowed hours for up to 30 days after installation.
Ponds and Wetlands — A buffer of at least 17 feet is required on all wetlands and ponds, even if they are on private property. Residents may not mow, plant or place anything within this buffer. The buffer is intended to help clarify the water that runs into the ponds and wetlands. In addition to abiding by the buffer requirement, residents are encouraged to limit their use of fertilizer, as this can accelerate the growth of algae and other plants in the ponds.

Water Conservation
The City of Savage encourages residents to use water wisely to ensure an adequate community supply and lower water bills, which are sent out at the end of each month. Water rates apply according to the amount of water used: Those using less than 12,000 gallons of water a month pay the lowest fees per 1,000 gallons used. The rates increase for those using 12,000 gallons or more, and increase again for thsoe who use 16,000 gallons or more.
Outdoor water restrictions are in place throughout the year to encourage conservation and assist citizens in keeping their water usage volumes reasonable (see section on Ordinances, Licenses and Permits).
Residents may also wish to check their homes for leaks. This can be done by reading your water meter at night after the day's water use has ended, and again in the morning before any water is used. The difference between the first and second reading will indicate whether any water leaked overnight, and how much. If a leak is suspected, check pipes, fixtures and appliances.
Water softeners are recommended, with a setting of 20 grains of hardness.