community newsletter -...
TRANSCRIPT
“Dedicated to Preserving our Township”
Community Newsletter Issue #82 October, 2015
Message from Kathy Ballot…
The Baytown Neighbors annual picnic was held on Sunday Aug. 16. As always, there was great food provided by our neighbors and entertainment by the American Roots Trio. After the potluck dinner, I conducted the annual meeting of Baytown Neighbors. The Board of Directors – Kathy Ballot, Peter Miller, Mary Keefer, Bill Keefer, and Bonnie Beecroft were reelected. Also reelected were the current officers for Baytown Neighbors: President Kathy Ballot, Vice President Peter Miller, and Secretary/Treasure Mary Keefer. Our Town Board, neighbors, clubs, and homeowners associations that use the community center donated prizes for raffle. This year we had gifts cards, a basket craft and wonderful prizes for the children. There were a total of 42 raffle winners. THANK YOU for your continued support. I would like to say Thank You to the picnic committee and volunteers: Diane Dalton, Diane Meitz, Mary Keefer, Carol Dupre, Jan Leitheiser, Judy Nelson, Gerry Ballot, Tommy Dahl, Luke & Nisha Anderson, and Pat Schmidt. We always like to meet new neighbors or see neighbors from past years. SAVE THE DATE!
Baytown Neighbors Community Picnic
August 21, 2016
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Chairperson Kent Grandlienard 651-430-1142
Supervisors
Richard Weyrauch Ron Fredkove John Hall John Fellegy
651-430-8006 651-439-6048 651-439-8988 612-275-2200
Township Attorney David T. Magnuson 651-439-9464
Clerk Kim Zitzman 651-430-4992
Treasurer Marsha Olson 651-998-9178
Building Inspector Mick Kaehler 651-755-6165
Baytown Township Clerk
Kim Zitzman 4020 McDonald Drive N Stillwater, MN 55082 Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-430-4992 Fax: 651-430-4986
BAYTOWN TOWN BOARD
President Kathy Ballot 651-351-7919
Vice President Pete Miller
Secretary Mary Keefer 651-439-8286
Treasurer Mary Keefer 651-439-8286
Baytown Neighbors Officers
Recycling Information
Want to learn more about recycling and the items you can put out for pickup and those you can’t? Check out this website for full information: http://www.swmcb.org/tool-kits
Things you should know…
Town Board Meetings are held the first Monday of each month at 7:00 pm at the Baytown Community Center located at the corner of 40th St. N and McDonald Drive N. (Occasionally meeting dates may change due to holiday observations. Please check with the Baytown Town Clerk if there are any questions.)
Recycle Pickups are every other Monday in Baytown Township. New residents who have not yet received a recycling container please call Maroney’s Sanitation at 651-439-7279. An average of just over 50% of our residents participates—we’d like to increase that number.
Burning Permits—Minnesota’s Open Burning Law requires that burning permits are required for any non-recreational fire that is larger than 3 feet in diameter. Burning permits may be obtained by contacting the Bayport Fire Dept. at 651-275-4401. Permits require an on-site inspection and cost $20 (same as Lake Elmo and Oak Park Heights), so requests should be made a few days in advance of any burning.
House Number Identifications—The Bayport Fire Dept. suggests that residents put LARGE address numbers on each side of their mailbox (or other prominent position) to assist the Fire Department, Sheriff and/or Ambulance to find their location quickly in the event of an emergency.
Building Permits—Building permits are required for all construction. Permits are good only for one year from the issue date, at which time the project is expected to be completed. If not completed, a new permit must be requested. Inspections during construction try to insure that state building codes are being followed, but are not a guarantee of the quality of work being done. That responsibility ultimately lies with the homeowners and/or the contractor they hire. Inspection services are provided by Valley Inspections at: 651-777-6165. If you need a permit or have questions about obtaining one, please contact them. Some information also is available through the Baytown Town Clerk at 651-439-4992.
Community Center Use—For information, please contact Gerry Ballot at 651-351-7919.
Animal Control—Please contact the Baytown Town Clerk (651-430-4992) to report lost and found dogs.
Water Quality Contacts:
GAC Filter Installation & Monitoring: Rich Baxter, MPCA—651-297-8471
Sampling: Kurt Schroeder, MPCA—651-297-8471 or email: [email protected]
Health concerns: Jim Kelly, MDH—651-296-4910 or email: [email protected]
Baytown Township Website is: baytowntwpmn.govoffice2.com
The Baytown Community Center is located at: 4020 McDonald Drive N, Stillwater, MN 55082
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Our Township Clerk, Connie Fredkove retired on July 1, 2015 after serving for 9 years. A cake and coffee appreciation event for Connie was held after the Monday, July 6th Town Board meeting. On behalf of Baytown Neighbors we Thank You for all your hard work and dedication to our community.
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The position of Town Clerk has been given to Kim Zitzmann. Kim lives in Oak Park Heights with her husband, two teenagers and their dog. After years of volunteering at her children’s schools Kim decided to look for an opportunity that would give her the flexibility to care for her family, spend time at their cabin, and continue with her many hobbies.
Kim has said she enjoys answering Baytown resident’s questions and learning more about how the Baytown government functions. She also feels very fortunate to have Connie Fredkove available to answer questions that come up. As a former Human Resource Systems Manager Kim brings to the job organizational skills, communication skills and computer knowledge. Kim plans on updating the township web site in the upcoming months. She looks forward to keeping Baytown residents informed.
Baytown Neighbors is very fortunate to have residents who help keep the grounds looking very beautiful! We would like to send a special "thank you" to Vic Thalacker and Jean Melin. Vic has taken care of the rose garden for many years. He has volunteered his time and energy and supplies for this pretty area! This spring Jean contacted us and volunteered to get the flowers and plant the pots by the flag pole. She has also been watering them all summer! We appreciate their efforts and thank these special Baytown neighbors!
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THE FOLLOWING DONORS PROVIDED PRIZES FOR THIS YEAR'S PICNIC
DONOR GIFT CARD
ST. CROIX CLOVERS 4H CLUB $25 MARCUS THEATERS, $25 MICHAEL'S ARTS & CRAFTS
BAYTOWN BOOK CLUB 2-$25 CARDS VALLEY BOOKSELLER GIRL SCOUT TROOP 56677 $25 KOWALSKI'S HUNTINGTON MEADOWS H.O.A. $25 ACE HARDWARE
BAY LAKE RESERVE HOA $25 JOSEPH'S RESTAURANT
LUCKY ACES 4H CLUB $25 JOSEPH'S RESTAURANT
EMERALD FALLS HOA $25 CHIPOTLE
AUDUBON HOA $25 LOWE'S BAYTOWN SCRAPBOOK CLUB HANDMADE CARDS/DECORATIVE BOX
BAYTOWN QUILTING CLUB $25 ACAPULCO RESTAURANT BAYTOWN TOWN BOARD $25 NELSON'S ICE CREAM, $25 CUB FOODS, $25 MENARD'S BAYTOWN TOWN BOARD $25 TASTE OF ITALY RESTAURANT
GERRY & KATHY BALLOT 2 - $25 JOSEPH'S RESTAURANT GIFT CARDS
JOHN & JULIE FELLEGY 2- $25 JUST FOR ME SPA CARDS
LORRAINE WEBER $25 BUFFALO WILD WINGS, $25 TARGET
LORRAINE WEBER $25 APPLEBEE'S, $25 RUBY TUESDAY, $20 DAIRY QUEEN
DAR & SANDY MONSON $25 JOSEPH'S RESTAURANT
BILL & MARY KEEFER $30 GORMAN'S & $25 iTUNES GIFT CARD LUKE & NISHA ANDERSON $25 CARD WALMART
CHAD & NICOLE DAHL $25 EACH WENDY'S & HAGBERG'S _____________________________________________________________________________________________
CHILDREN'S RAFFLE -
CHRIS ADDINGTON BARBIE DOLL AND PRINCESS AURORA
BABY ALIVE AND WALKIN SNUGGIMALS
ANONYMOUS ADDITIONAL PRIZES FOR BOYS AND GIRLS
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Baytown Community Picnic—August 16th
And the lucky raffle winners are: Isabella Pacheco, Don Grenier, Marilyn Miller (2), Joe Devine(3),Meghan Rheinberger (2), Bridget
Kaari (2), John Bourdaghs (4), Pat Schmidt (2), Carol Wagner (2), Joan Richert, Avis Peters, Diane
Dalton, Margaret Prescott (2), Maele Robetor (2), Jon Prescott, Jan Leitheiser, Melvin Leitheiser,
Meghan Rheinberger, Jerry Simpson (3), Don Dunlap (2), Jack Dahl, Lucas Kohler (2), Brea Kohler
(2), and Neela Anderson
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Baytown Neighbors Club News
Baytown Book Club — The Baytown Book Club has been enjoying a wide selection of books and
authors. The following will be discussed in the coming months:
October 26—Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness by Susannah Cahalan November 24—Dinner with the Smileys by Sarah Smiley
The Baytown Book Club meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm at the Baytown Community Center, unless otherwise noted. Anyone interested in discussing books in an informal setting is welcome to join us.
For more information, contact Karen Bechtold at 651-275-3947 or [email protected]
Baytown Quilters — The Baytown Quilters meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month from
9:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Baytown Community Center. Our meetings are casual gatherings where we work on personal or group projects, have "show & tell" of current projects, and enjoy the company of other quilters. We also embroider, crochet and knit. So come join us, new members of all levels are always welcome. You do not have to stay the whole time. Some of our members stop by for only an hour or so. At one of our June meetings we stepped away from fabric for the day and made greeting cards. Our young member, Sarah Symalla lead a class in Iris card making. It was a fun enjoyable day For more information about Baytown Quilters, contact Jenny Powell at 651-439-0821 or [email protected]
Baytown Scrapbook & Stamp Club — The Baytown Scrapbook and Stamp Club is a vibrant
group of local women sharing their artistic flair through paper crafting and creative projects of all kinds. We invite you to join us for our FREE workshops at the Baytown Community Center. Workshops are typically held the 3rd Saturday and the Friday night prior, with the ability to leave our work set up overnight. We ask for a $1 donation each day that you join us to help pay for Community Center upkeep. New members always welcome! Reservations requested. Please contact us for more information. Coordinators: Merrily Karel (612) 618-5846, [email protected], and Heidi Vlasak, [email protected] Workshop Schedule: Friday, October 16, 5:00—9:00 pm Saturday, October 17, 9:00 am—9:00 pm Friday, November 20, 5:00—9:00 pm Saturday, November 21, 9:00 am—9:00 pm
Genealogy Club — Baytown neighbors who are interested in Genealogy may wish to consult their
District 834 Schools “Community Education” catalog for upcoming classes.
For club information, contact Ray Erwin at 651-439-8689.
Girl Scouts Troop #56677 — Contact Kirsty Kargel at 651-351-0822 or [email protected]
Lucky Aces 4-H Club — The Lucky Aces 4-H Club meets the 3rd Monday of the month (except
August) at 7:00 pm at the Baytown Community Center. The members are enrolled in a wide variety of project areas. All age groups are represented in our club from Cloverbuds to 1st year college students. We have a Cloverbud program that meets during our regular business meeting.
For more information, contact Ellen Rademacher at 651-773-0387.
The St. Croix Clovers 4-H Club — Our monthly 4-H meetings are usually held the first Friday of
the month. If anyone is interested in more information about joining the great 4-H experience, please contact Katie Kaari at 651-275-1385 or email at [email protected]
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News from the St. Croix Clovers 4-H Club
The St. Croix Clovers 4-H club has had a busy summer. All summer we work on our 4-H exhibits for
the county fair. At our June monthly meeting, we had our annual carnival. Families brought small
carnival games that we played in the lower parking lot. At our July meeting our members were
encouraged to bring an exhibit they planned to take to the county fair. We had practice judging to
give our members an idea of what the judges may ask about their exhibit. Our August meeting was
our annual club Olympic games. This year we had sack races, shoe kicking, egg races,
wheelbarrow races, and 3-legged races. The winners got gold, silver and bronze metals.
The Washington County Fair is a very busy time for our members. Many of our members
participated in the Arts-In show choir and performed twice a day at the fair. Our members received
many Champion and reserve Champion awards. Many of these exhibits were then awarded a trip to
the MN state fair where they also got awards. It was a fun educational summer for our members.
A new 4-H year started in September. Avis Peters is stepping down as the Organizational Leader
and three adults have stepped up to take on this role. They are Katie Kaari, Becky Tenpas, and
Stephanie Lamotte. Avis will be mentoring the new leaders to help them learn their new roles. We
will keep our club strong and the new leadership brings in fresh new ideas. We had election of
officers at the Sept. meeting and plan to create a promotional display for the 4-H Open House at the
fairgrounds on Oct. 24. If anyone is interested in joining the St. Croix Clovers 4-H club, please
contact Katie Kaari at [email protected].
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2016 Monthly Board Meeting Schedule
Meetings are the first Monday of the month starting at 7:00 pm, unless the first
Monday is a holiday. Meetings are held at the Baytown Township Community Center,
4020 McDonald Dr. N, Stillwater, MN.
January 4th
February 1st
March 7th
March 8th (Annual Organization Meeting-time to be determined)
April 4th
May 2nd
June 6th
July 11 (first Monday is July 4th, Independence Holiday)
August 1
September 12 (first Monday is September 5th, Labor Day Holiday)
October 3rd
November 7th
December 5th
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KEEPING BAYTOWN TOWNSHIP BEAUTIFUL
Just a reminder … We are fortunate to enjoy a neighborhood where residents look out for one another in many ways, one of which is keeping our township free of debris. Many of you take on the responsibility of carrying trash bags on walks — we THANK YOU for this service to our community. It has been asked that we place a REMINDER to all pet owners, which includes horses, that they clean up after their animals while on their rides or walks. This is a responsibility that each person should own when out and about for their walks and not rely on the kindness of your neighbors to clean up after you have passed by their homes. Thank you for keeping our neighborhoods clean and enjoyable for all of its residents. Baytown Township Ordinance No. 44 According to the above listed ordinance it is unlawful to place obstructions on the traveled portion of any street in the Township. Baytown Township Ordinance No. 44 provides that obstructions, “include, but are not limited to, retaining structures, rip rap, posts, trees, shrubs and other such items”. It is the residents’ responsibility to keep the street free of any debris that my be placed in the road by them.
Baytown Fire Department
Bayport Fire Department broke ground on May 18th for the new station.
Bayport Fire Department made 1,214 calls in 2014. Calls to Baytown Township totaled 44.
Fire – 4 Rescue and EMS – 20
Good intentions – 8 False Alarm - 12
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Article from Animal Control Kathi Pelnar
I seem to be hearing more and more frequently that when a pet gets lost the owners of the pet are unsure or just do not know where to start to look for them. Having been in the animal control field for almost 40 years I would like to offer some insight or advice to those in this position. 1) As soon as you notice the pet missing call your animal control officer Kathi Pelnar (715-
386-7789). I will contact Baytown Township is verify the information. If Animal Control hasn’t yet picked the animal up they will have that information should there be a call. That way they can try to get your pet back to you before it goes to the impound facility.
2) Call your impound facility. This would be the Animal Humane Society in Woodbury, MN.
651-730-6008. They will tell you if any animals matching the description of your lost pet have been brought in to them. By state law animals brought to the impound as strays need to be held for 5 days in Minnesota and 7 days for Wisconsin. This is to give an owner the opportunity to find their pet. When the holding period has expired the animals are reevaluated for health and temperament. If they are adoptable they are then put up for adoption and rehomed. These are the two single most important steps. The rest I offer because in my experience they have definitely helped in getting a pet home faster than if they were not done at all.
3) Call law enforcement: Washington County non-emergency dispatch 651-439-9381/St. Croix County non-emergency dispatch 715-386-4701 4) Let your neighbors know especially the neighborhood kids. Kids go places adults wouldn’t think of going. Pets don’t often stray far from familiar territory at first. Check under bushes, up trees (cats), in and around out buildings and garages. Just get the word out. The more people that know your pet is missing the more likely it is to be found. 5) Post it on social media. I am not a computer person but it is clearly amazing how fast I have seen animals reunited with their owners from just a single post to Facebook. There are several web sites that will list your lost pet for you. Lost Dogs of MN/Lost Dogs of WI. These places can also refer you to sites for lost cats and even birds. 6) Call the local veterinary hospitals and clinics. The majority will take a lost report and post it in case an injured stray or a newly found animal comes in for treatment. 7) Place familiar objects outside the door the pet exited, or in a spot that the pet frequented when outside. The pet is more likely to hang around familiar scents and objects so put a blanket, towel, their bed or crate, something with your scent on it near the spot. If you feel comfortable doing so leave some of the pet’s food in the same area. Be aware though that food left out also attracts wildlife and other stray animals. Nobody can search 24/7 for their lost pet. Leave a light on outside if possible and keep alert for signs that your pet has returned. 8) Don’t stop looking. In my experience most pets do eventually turn up someplace. I have returned pets that have been lost for up to 3 years.
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The best piece of advice I have for pet owners is to be sure you have some form of identification on your pet. Microchips are ideal but are not a guarantee. Many times I have scanned for a chip, found one only to find out the pet owner didn’t register the chip with the company or they changed their address or phone and didn’t notify them. Be sure your contact information is up to date at the microchip company, veterinary hospital and on all tags your pet is wearing. Last but definitely not least, Do Not leave your pet outside unattended.
Lost Pets!
Baytown Neighbors has been contacted about issuing an email to our residents if a pet is lost or missing. We would be happy to try this. Please send the information describing your pet and contact information to me at [email protected]. If I am available, I will send a notice to those residents on our newsletter email list. We cannot promise that this will be done immediately, so be sure to contact the Washington County Sheriff's office (non-emergency number) and the animal humane society first to see if your pet has been picked up. Also, be sure your pets have proper identification on them at all times!
R E C Y C L I N G
Baytown Township is asking for everyone’s help in improving on our recycling program. 100 percent participation would be the goal.
Please refer to the websites listed below to find out when recycling is picked up in your neighborhood and how to obtain recycling containers.
Recycling containers are available by calling Maroneys at 439-7279.
If you have new neighbors please pass this information on. http://www.maroneysinc.com/images/Yearly_calendar_with_recycling_2015.pdf http://www.maroneysinc.com/images/Single_Stream_Recycling_Flyer_2014.pdf http://www.co.washington.mn.us/index.aspx?NID=604wag
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The Community Center
View the calendar at: baytownneighbors.org The mission statement of Baytown Neighbors requires that the groups using the building have a public service purpose, such as Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, 4-H and any other type of organization that provides a benefit to the Baytown community. Are you involved in a group that offers a public service to the benefit of residents of Baytown? If the answer is yes and would like to use the building, please read the rules and either fill out our online form (link below) or send your written request to: Gerry Ballot, 13340 51st Street Ct. N., Stillwater, MN 55082, indicating the name of your organization, approximate number of people that would meet in the building and meeting times that you would like. RULES: Respect all personal property and equipment located in the building.
No alcohol in the premises.
No smoking.
Do not adjust thermostats.
Restore room and return tables and chairs to original location.
Clean and restore kitchen to original condition.
Clean coffee maker, if used.
Take all garbage, trash and recycling with you when you leave.
Report any damage or broken items to the person re-locking the doors at your departure or to Gerry Ballot at 651-351-7919.
Vacate the building no later than 9:00 pm
Pick up key and return to designated person.
Be a good neighbor to adjacent homes — No loud noises either outside or inside if windows are open.
Close any windows you open and make sure air conditioning is not on before opening windows.
These rules are subject to revision at any time. At the present time, no deposit or charge is required for use of the building. However, this policy is subject change at any time.
Interested in using the Community Center? Link to the request: Form: baytownneighbors.org/request/requestforuse.pdf Please contact: Gerry Ballot at 651-351-7919
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Changes to County Septic System Ordinance Benefit Township Residents
From Sherri Buss, [email protected], Township Planner
Washington County has recently made changes to its ordinance that regulates septic systems. The changes will be positive ones for Township residents whose systems have problems.
Some of the key changes include:
Systems that have major problems, such as seeping onto the ground or backing up into a home, will have a longer time for replacement than under the current ordinance. The systems must be taken out of service within 10 days if such public health threats occur, but owners will have up to 90 days to replace the system after the immediate issues are resolved. The current ordinance requires replacement within 30 days.
Owners of systems that are classified as “failing to protect ground water” but are not imminent health threats will have up to 6 months to replace the system, with the potential for extension if needed. The current ordinance requires replacement within 90 days.
The new ordinance creates a dispute resolution system for systems that do not comply with the ordinance, as long as they did comply at the time of installation. This provides an alternative to legal action.
The new ordinance includes some changes in reporting to make the process simpler.
The changes recognize that some owners have required variances or had specific issues that made it difficult to replace systems within the short time frames allowed under the old ordinance.
The entire updated ordinance is available at www.co.washington.mn.us, under the Ordinance section, Subsurface Sewage Treatment System Regulations, Ordinance 196. The County’s ordinance governs all private septic systems in the Township.
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BAYTOWN COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
The Baytown Neighbors newsletter will be sent in February, June, and October.
Please submit articles, meeting notices, updates and/or any other information to the newsletter team by the 10th of the following months: January, May, and September.
Are you interested in writing an article or requesting coverage of a topic? Contact Mary or Kathy.
A reminder will be emailed to those of you for whom we have a current email address. To ensure that you can be reached, please send your current email address to: [email protected]
Some paper copies will still be available at the Baytown Community Center for you to pick up. Copies will be in the mailbox marked “Newsletters” by the building entrance on the north or parking lot side. (Please do not look for the newsletter in the mailbox on the street.)
If the above methods of distribution pose a hardship for you, please contact Kathy or Gerry Ballot at 651-351-7919.
Newsletter Team: Mary Keefer 651-439-8286 [email protected] Kathy Ballot 651-351-7919 [email protected]
Notification of the newsletter will go out to all residents that have provided their email address.
Obstructions in Baytown Township Roads and Right of Way
It’s unlawful to place obstructions on the traveled portion of any streets in Baytown Township, per Ordinance No. 44 “No obstructions shall be constructed or planted in the Town right of way. Obstructions include, but are not limited to, retaining structures, rip rap, posts, trees, shrubs and other such items. Mailboxes and support posts may be located within the Town right of way; however, the Town is not responsible for damage to mailboxes or posts during maintenance or snowplowing of the right of way. All mailbox supports must comply with Federal Highway Administration guidelines. Stone, masonry or other non-breakaway mailbox supports are not allowed within the Town right of way.“
Residents are reminded that the Township basically owns the property 33’ on either side of the centerline of most of our roads. This right of way allows the Township to push snow off the road surface, run utility lines, etc. without having to get permission from each adjoining property owner whenever work is done. Therefore, if you choose to landscape, put sprinkler heads, reflective markers, etc. in the right of way, please be aware that the Township is not responsible for any damage that may occur during snowplowing, or by other equipment employed in Township business. Snowplowing can be an especially difficult task, so we are fortunate to have a contractor within our community that provides us with cost effective, timely, and quality service.
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Annual Memberships: $1.00 per person (voting member) - Must be 18 years or over!
Membership fees now due by December 31st of each year.
Date: ______________________ Name(s): _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________ Fax: _______________________________ E-mail: _____________________________________________________________________ _____ 1 year membership @ $1 / person = __________ _____ 5 year membership @ $5 / person = __________ _____ Additional $ donation = __________ Total $ Amount Enclosed $ __________ Please make check payable to: Baytown Neighbors. Send form and payment to: Mary Keefer 5340 Oakgreen Avenue N Stillwater, MN 55082 Please list number of years you have lived in Baytown Township (if 30 or more) ___________ If you have questions, please call 651-439-8286 If you have already renewed, and this is a duplicate payment, may we apply it as a donation?
_____ YES _____ NO _____ OR RETURN TO YOU?
“Dedicated to Preserving our Township”