Metro briefs: Columbia Heights eliminates library fines

The Columbia Heights Library will no longer fine patrons who return library materials late.

The City Council last month voted unanimously to eliminate fees that annually brought in between $4,000 and $9,000 — less than one-half of 1% of the library budget.

"We are collecting small amounts of money that does not cover an expense," said Columbia Heights Public Library Director Renee Dougherty. The move also eliminates a perceived second charge for a city service that taxpayers already shoulder, she said.

The library, which is not part of the larger Anoka County system, will still levy fines for materials damaged or returned more than 30 days after they are due. Patrons with more than $10 in fines will not be allowed to check out additional materials until their account is settled.

As of September, there were 13,721 active Columbia Heights library cards. Of those cards, 3,580 adults or organizations had outstanding balances on their accounts and 1,110 of them were blocked. There were 1,121 juvenile cards with balances; 402 were blocked, according to city documents.

The new policy is expected to increase the number of people who visit the library and the number of items they borrow; eliminate a barrier for those who return items late but can't afford a fine; boost customer service, and further the library's mission to promote learning, Dougherty said.

Tim Harlow

New Farmington City Council member appointed

The Farmington City Council in January appointed Nick Lien to fill the vacant seat left when Joy Pearson resigned in November.

Lien, a data analyst for Seagate Technology, will hold the seat through the end of the year, though it is up for grabs in the November 2022 election. It's the seat Pearson was appointed to fill when then-Council Member Joshua Hoyt became mayor last fall.

Lien said he's especially interested in decisions regarding parks and recreation and hopes to help bring more businesses to Farmington, which he called "the elephant in the room" for the south metro city.

"I've always tried to be the good citizen," Lien said. "I think there's always a middle ground."

Eight candidates interviewed for the position, Hoyt said.

Pearson, who Hoyt said is a small business owner, left to focus on her work.

Erin Adler

Hazardous waste collection approved

The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved a handful of one-day pop-up sites for household hazardous waste collection to help residents recycle or dispose of waste and electronics.

Anyone can drop off waste at the Environmental Center at 4039 Cottage Grove Dr. in Woodbury for free Tuesday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The center accepts household hazardous waste, electronics and recyclables. It also has a Free Product Room offering used items such as paint, stain, automotive supplies and household cleaners.

The one-day popup collections will be: April 16 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Hugo Public Works Garage; April 23 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mahtomedi District Education Center; May 21 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lily Lake Ice Arena; and June 4, Sept 10 and Sept. 17 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Forest Lake Transit Center.

Confidential document shredding will be available at all events and at the Environmental Center from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 20, May 25, June 22, Aug. 3, Sept. 28 and Nov. 9.

Matt McKinney