Ramsey Resident - 2001 - July/August

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SEPTIC STARTERS, FEEDERS, CLEANERS, AND OTHER ADDITIVES Several residents have called City Hall regarding substitutions to purchase septic system additions. The following information is found in the Septic System Owner's Guide published by the Minnesota Extension Service and provided by the Metropolitan Council Environmental Service. There is no quick fix or substitute for a proper operation and regular maintenance. Do not use starters, feeders, cleaners and other additives. There is no such thing as a safe AND effective septic system additive! Starters: A starter is not needed to get the bacterial action going in the septic tank. there are naturally - occurring bacteria present in wastewater. Feeders: It is not necessary to "feed" the system additional bacteria, yeast preparations, or other home remedies. There are millions ofbacteria entering the system in normal sewage. If the bacterial activity level is low, figure out what is killing them (for example, cleaners) and correct it. High levels of activities will return after the correction. Cleaners: Additives effective in removing solids from the septic tank will probably damage the solid treatment system. Many additives suspend the solids that would normally float to the top or settle to the bottom of the tank. This allows them to be flushed into the soil treatment system where they clog pipes and soil pores leading to partial or complete failure of the system. Other Additives: Additives, particularly degreasers, any contain carcinogens (cancer- causing agents) that flow directly into the groundwater along with the treated sewage. Minnesota Rules Chapter 7080, "Individual Sewage Treatment Standards," bans the use of septic system additives that contain hazardous materials. In addition, Chapter 7080 specifies that additives must not be used as a means of reducing the frequency of proper maintenance and removal of scum and sludge from the septic tank. EPA or USDA approval only means that the products contain no hazardous material. It does not mean the products are effective at what they claim to do. Additives and cleaners are heavily promoted to homeowners through direct mail and telephone. Don't be misled! CURFEW ORDINANCE Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much. — Oscar Wilde 11 In general, Ramsey's curfew ordinance makes it unlawful for juveniles to be in any public place in the City during the following times: Juveniles under the age of 12 1) Any time between 9 p.m. on any Sunday, Monday, Tuesday,Wednesday or Thursday and 5 a.m. the following day. 2) Any time between 10 p.m. on any Friday or Saturday and 5 a.m. the following day. Juveniles ages 12 to 14 1) Any time between 10 p.m. on any Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday and 5 a.m. the following day. 2) Any time between 11 p.m. on any Friday or Saturday and 5 a.m. the following day. Juveniles ages 15 to 17 1) Any time between 11 p.m. on any Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday and 5 a.m. the following day. 2) Any time between 12:01 a.m. and 5 a.m. on any Saturday or Sunday. Exceptions are allowed for young people who are in front of their own residence, with their parents, going to or coming from a place of employment, attending school or social functions, or on an errand for a parent. A copy of the entire ordinance can be obtained at the Ramsey Municipal Center during normal business hours. The curfew law is meant to keep young people out of trouble and out of danger. VoIcE Mail WILL STILL BE AVAILABLE AT CITY HALL Over the next several weeks, the City Hall will be having a new telephone system installed. This is being done to update the current system, giving callers more options to contact City Staff. We will soon be able to offer direct dialing to various departments and a more efficient voice mail system. During this changeover, the current voice mail will still offer residents the opportunity to leave a message at City Hall during non - business hours. During business hours, voice messages maybe taken by Staff if the current voice mail is down. Please be patient and we will do our best to get your messages delivered as quickly as possible. As usual, please dial 9 -1 -1 if your call is an emergency.