Ramsey Resident - 2005 - March/April

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12 SLOWING THE FLOW OF JUNK MAIL Are you getting overwhelmed with the amount of junk mail that you are receiving? If so, you are not alone. In the United States, during the calendar year of 1999, approximately 5.56 million tons of unwanted mail was delivered! About 22% (1.23 million tons) of that was recycled, resulting in about 4.33 million tons of unwanted mail that ended up in the garbage (source: Municipal Solid Waste in the United States: 1999 Facts and Figures, U.S. EPA {2001}). This is the equivalent of32 pounds of junk mail garbage per every woman, man, and child in America! One example of junk mail is the "pre- approved" credit card solicitations that we have all received. In fact, almost 3 billion of these solicitations are sent to consumers every year (source: Money Magazine)! For some, this may not be considered junk, but for those of us who simply disregard these types of mailings, there are ways to remove yourself from the mailing list. First of all, you can significantly reduce the advertising mail by simply registering with the Direct Marketing Association's free Mail Preference Service. It's easy to do, and you'll be reaching some of the biggest direct marketers in the country with a single letter. All you need to do is send a postcard with your name (include all forms, i.e. Ted, Theodore, TG) and address to Mail Preference Service, PO Box 643, Carmel, NY, 10512-0643, requesting that your name be placed in the "delete file". This will remove your name from their mailing list for a period of 5 years (please note that this will certainly help reduce junl( mail but it will not eliminate it). The nation's major consumer credit bureaus have established a toll-free number to get your name offlists for pre-approved credit card solicitations. That number is 1-888-5-0PTOUT (1-888-567-8688). The recording will ask for your social security number, full name, address and telephone number. The service allows you to opt out for two years or permanently. No matter what you pick, you can always "opt back in" at any time by calling this same number. F or more information on how you can reduce waste, please refer to the following website: www.reduce.org. Also, l(eep in mind that mixed mail can be included in the curbside recycling bin with the newspaper and magazines. For recycling information or questions, please contact Chris Anderson at 763- 433-9905. SNOWMOBILE SEASON: WHAT You NEED To KNow The following information should help you understand the current city ordinances and state laws that regulate the operation of snowmobiles and other recreational vehicles in the City of Ramsey. WHEN CAN WE SNOWMOBILE? . Between the hours of 8: 00 AM to 11: 00 PM Sunday through Thursday. . Between the hours of 8 :00 AM Friday to 1 :00 AM Saturday. . Between the hours of 8:00 AM Saturday to 1:00 AM Sunday. . One half-hour after sunset to one half-hour before sunrise you MUST operate your snowmobile in the same direction as traffic flow on State Trunk Highways and County State Aid roads (MN State Statute 84.87) WHERE CAN WE SNOWMOBILE? . You can snowmobile on your own property. . On the property of another person if you have IN YOUR POSSESSION written permission of the owner of that land. . On the land of a person who has clearly visible signs allowing snowmobiles. . You can operate on public trails that are designated by the City Council. Ramsey has NONE of these trails in the City limits. . Right-hand portion of roadway in "not permitted" area (not on right of way or ditch area). . On lakes that are subject to the City's jurisdiction. The only lake of this type in Ramsey is Emerald Pond. . On the bottom or outside slops of ditch area of State Trunk Highways and County State Aid roads. . On the right-of-ways of City streets in "Permitted Areas" . WHERE IS IT ILLEGAL TO SNOWMOBILE? . On someone's land without his or her permission. . City Parl(s. You may operate on the water of Emerald Pond but NOT in the park area. . Railroad right-of-ways. . Golf Courses. . School grounds. . Tree nurseries or planted areas. . In the median or area between opposing lanes of traffic. . On the right-of ways of City streets INSIDE the "not permitted" area. WHO CAN OPERATE A SNOWMOBILE? . People who are 18 or older. Effective 1 % 1/1998, persons who were born after December 31, 1976, must possess a snowmobile safety certificate. This is true even if the person is over 18. Continued on Page 13 Did you know - alnzonds are a member of the peach family.