Author: Brenda Good

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Build Responsibly

Most construction projects require a building permit, whether the project is a small addition, interior remodel, or a simple accessory structure.  These projects are reviewed by the Building Inspection Department to verify they meet certain building codes, as well as meet the flood proofing design requirements if the property is within the 100-year flood risk area.  The specific building components and materials, along with design features, are required for these structures in order to minimize damage in the event of a flood.

The National Flood Insurance Program and Carver City Ordinance requires that if the cost of reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvements to a building in the flood plain equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value, then the building must meet the construction requirements of a new building placed in the flood plain.  In most cases, this would require that the building be elevated to the flood protection elevations as required by City Ordinance.

Please contact Mark Pistulka (mpistulka@cityofcarver.com or 952-448-8738), or Erin Smith (esmith@cityofcarver.com or 952-448-8743) to ask any questions you may have regarding the flood plain or any construction projects.

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Protect Your Property From Flooding Hazards

Create a personal flood file containing information about your possessions and keep it in a secure place, such as a safe deposit box or waterproof container.   Include in the file:

  • A copy of your homeowner’s insurance policy and the agent’s contact information;
  • House inventory – Written and visual inventory (either videotape or photograph).  Record all major household items and valuables on all levels within the home, including the attic and the garage.  Have jewelry and art appraised, and include serial numbers and copies of receipts.  These documents are critically important when filing insurance claims.

Prepare your house:

  • Make sure your sump pump is working properly.  Install a battery backup sump pump, in case of a power outage.
  • Install gutters and clear debris from the gutters and downspouts.
  • Move furniture and important documents to a safe place.
  • Place furnace, water heater, washer, and dryer on cement blocks 12” above the floor.
  • Landscape the yard so water drains away from the structure.

Being prepared for a flood and having a plan in place before the event occurs can greatly reduce the chance of property damage.   Contact City Hall at 952-448-5353, or visit www.cityofcarver.com, for more information.

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Spring Creek Drive to Reopen Monday, November 12

Construction of the watermain and sanitary sewer connections continues on Spring Creek Drive, east of County Road 11/Jonathan Carver Parkway.  Utility work and paving are anticipated to be completed by Monday, November 12, at which time Spring Creek Drive will reopen.

Construction cones will remain on the west side of County Road 11/Jonathan Carver Parkway late into the construction season as the contractor continues to install utilities and construct a road on the west side.

In the Spring of 2019, the contractor will finish building the turn lanes on County Road 11/Jonathan Carver Parkway and finish the final lift of pavement on Spring Creek Drive.

Please contact Jason Buboltz with any questions at 320-212-7567 or via email at Jason.Buboltz@bolten-menk.com.

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Insure Your Property For Your Flood Hazard

If you do not have flood insurance, talk to your insurance agent.  Most homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover losses due to flooding.  Flood insurance is only available to those participating communities in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).  The City of Carver participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, which makes flood insurance available to everyone in the City even if your property is outside of the flood plain areas.

For many people, their home and its contents represent their greatest investment.  Be sure to check your policy to ensure you have adequate coverage.  Usually these policies cover the structure but not the contents.  Content coverage can be obtained by asking.  The cost of the policy will vary depending on the amount of coverage and the degree of the hazard.  There is a 30-day waiting period before insurance coverage becomes effective.  Plan ahead; do not wait until a flood is predicted before purchasing flood insurance.

The City of Carver participates in the Community Rating System (CRS), which reduces flood insurance policy rates through proper floodplain management programs.  Information about flood insurance can be obtained form your insurance agent.  You do not have to live in the flood plan to qualify for flood insurance.  Property owners can insure their building and contents and renters can insure their possessions.

For more information regarding flooding information and the National Flood Insurance Program, visit www.floodsmart.gov or www.cityofcarver.com/floodplain.

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Meet the Candidates This Thursday!

Meet the candidates on Thursday, October 4, 2018, at 7:00 p.m.  The League of Women Voters Eastern Carver County will be hosting a Candidate Forum at Council Chambers at Church by the River, located at 109 Main Street East, Carver.

If you are unable to make it in person, view it live or watch the video later.  Click HERE for the link to the video.  (The link will appear when the meeting begins.)

For information regarding the Election for the City of Carver, click HERE.

Questions regarding the 2018 Election can be directed to Vicky Sons-Eiden, Election Administrator, at vsonseiden@cityofcarver.com.