Summer 2020 Hometown Messenger

PUBLIC WORKS Archery Range: A bullseye partnership Deer hunters association and city partner for outdoor archery range

Looking for a new outdoor activity? You don't have to travel far to perfect your aim thanks to a partnership among the Minnesota River Valley Chapter of the Minnesota Deer Hunter’s Association, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the City of Shakopee. Located off Highway 101, north of the Minnesota River, the city's archery range was developed in 2007 through a grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, who owns the property. The deer hunters association helped clear and build the range. Volunteers mow the range, supply and upkeep targets and set up and take down targets during the season and times of flooding. "It's turned out to be the perfect location—other than dealing with floods now and then," said Minnesota River Valley Chapter member Wes McFarlane. The Public Works Department helps maintain access to the range with a blacktop parking lot near the boat launch, grading of the gravel road that leads to archery range parking area and picking up garbage weekly. Public Works also assists with flood control and cleanup. The association and Public Works partner on addressing issues of vandalism, such as graffiti, and repairing areas where

trucks may damage the range during times of high water. Both teams helped with construction of the range's park shelter. Public Works prepared the foundation while the association provided and installed the structure. The deer hunters association relies on volunteers and fundraising to maintain the

ARCHERY RANGE 551 County Highway 101 N.

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Toaccess:Continuepastboat launch parking lot.Followgravel roadwest under101andpedestrianbridges.

HUBER PARK

range. While it's a lot of work, McFarlane credits the association's relationship with the city for keeping the range operational. "We are proud of the range," McFarlane said. "We hope that the people who use it enjoy it." Learn more about the range on the city website at www. ShakopeeMN.gov/parks. You can also learn more about the deer hunters association on its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ MDHArivervalley.

DID YOU KNOW? The city has 140.2 miles of sewer main lines that run under Shakopee streets and 3,447 sanitary sewer manholes. Keeping city sewers flowing

Keeping the city’s sanitary sewer system running smoothly requires a preventative maintenance program that focuses on regular cleaning and inspections to identify issues before they become big problems. The Public Works Department cleans (otherwise known as jetting) all of the city sewer main lines every three years. In 2020, city crews will jet more than 272,000 feet of lines, removing potential debris that could clog the lines. The city also inspects its pipes with a camera televising system every 10 years to identify buildups of grease; broken, sagging or cracked pipes; and offset joints. Televising can also detect potential issues with inflow (when clean water from sump pumps and drain spouts is illegally discharged into the sewer system) and infiltration (when groundwater seeps into sewer pipes via cracks or leaky joints). These pose issues because excess clear water uses sanitary sewer capacity needed

for wastewater, resulting in the potential of backups and increased treatment costs. Recently, city crews identified inflow and infiltration issues in manholes near the Minnesota River, which they were able to seal, saving the city money from excess water in the line. Another potential issue with sewer lines is the buildup of hydrogen sulfide. This colorless gas, known for its rotten egg order, can cause scaling of the pipes. The city has used a variety of products, including an epoxy coat to some success, to prevent the deterioration. Residents also play an important role in keeping the sanitary sewer system flowing by being mindful of what they flush

and dump down the drain. Never flush anything but body waste, pet feces or toilet paper down a toilet. Do not put grease or oil down your drains. For more information about the city's sanitary sewer system and what you can do to prevent backups, visit www. ShakopeeMN.gov/publicworks.

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