Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Hamel its own City?
A: Hamel is a neighborhood/historic area of the City of Medina. Therefore, Hamel is not an incorporated City and is under the municipal governance/jurisdiction of the City of Medina. Hamel is also often referred to as "Uptown Hamel."
Q: What is Medina's population?
A: Medina's population is estimated at 4,811 as of April 2006, as determined by the State Demographers office. Projected population for 2007 is approaching or at 5,000.
Q: When do I recycle?
A: Every other Wednesday. See the Recycling Page for specific dates.
Q: Whoops! I missed the recycling this week. What do I do now?
A: If you have very few items and don’t mind it, you could hold on to them for another week. If you have many items and really want to get rid of it all, call Randy's Sanitation at 763-972-3335.
Q: Where is City Hall?
A: 2052 County Road 24, Medina, MN 55340 is the mailing address. City Hall is located roughly in the center of the city on County Road 24 (interactive
map).
- From the Hamel area, take Hunter Drive south until you come to the "T" intersection with Medina Road. Turn right (west) and drive about 2 miles. The north entrance to the Police Department parking lot is on the left. All other offices are located on the south side of the building.
- From the Independence Beach area, take County Road 24 east about 2 miles, a quarter mile east of Willow Drive. The driveway to the parking lot is off of Mohawk Drive, just east of the building. You will pass the building before turning.
- From Minneapolis, take I-394 west, continuing west as it turns into US Highway 12. Drive through Long Lake. At the third traffic signal (Willow Drive), turn right (north). Cross Hennepin County Road 6 (first stop sign). Continue north for just under 2 miles until you reach the second stop sign. Turn right (east) onto County Road 24. Drive about a quarter mile up the hill. City Hall is on the left with the driveway entrance off of Mohawk Drive.
Q: Is there cable television in Medina?
A: The "urban" areas of Medina generally have cable service. Mediacom is the City's only cable service provider. Mediacom's phone # is 1-800-332-0245 for details. If not in your area, check out a satellite.
Q: How may I get Internet Service?
A: Mediacom (1-800-3320-0245) provides internet service to those who receive cable service. Qwest (1-800-244-1111) is beginning to provide dial-up and DSL connections to some areas in Medina. Some other wireless options also exist in the City.
Q: Are there athletic programs for my children?
A: Call Rick Groth at the Hamel Athletic Association, 763-478-6004, for details.
Q: I want to build something. What are the setbacks for my land?
A: It depends on the zoning district. If you are uncertain of your zoning district, please contact Dusty Finke, Associate Planner, at (763) 473-4643.
Q: There is a creek near my home. How worried should I be about flooding?
A: It all depends on the elevation of your home in relation to the creek. Pick up a floodplain map at City Hall. If you have any questions, please contact Dusty Finke, Associate Planner, at (763) 473-4643.
Q: When is the next City Council meeting?
A: They are the first and third Tuesdays of each month. They start at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 2052 County Road 24. Click here to go to the meetings page.
Q: Where do I vote?
A: There are two polling places for the entire city of Medina. They are at City Hall, 2052 County Road 24, and the Hamel Community Building, 3200 Mill Drive. See Election Page for details.
Q: When is Clean-up day?
A: The last Saturday in April. Call the Public Works Superintendent, at (763) 473-4643 if you have any questions.
Q: My water is rusty and it stained my clothes. How do I clean it?
A: Culligan water provided the City with this recipe for removing rust stains. A new water treatment plant is being constructed and should reduce or eliminate the red color in the water for the Hamel Water System users.
Q: I need a hunting permit. Where do I get one?
A: At the Police Department, 2052 County Road 24, northwest entrance. They are $5.00 for residents and $15.00 for non-residents.
Q: I need a burning permit too. Where do I get one?
A: You can get the form online or at the Police Department, 2052 County Road 24, northwest entrance. They are free for residents and you must have one so we are aware of the fire. Non-residents’ permits are $15.00 each. If you chose to fill out the permit at home, you must return it to the Police Department.
Q: I’m trying to find Southdale. Why can’t I find it?
A: Well, you have fallen victim to a common mistake. Southdale Mall is in Edina. Take any road east out of Medina to I-494 southbound. Go about 15 miles to France Ave. Exit. Go north (left) about a mile. It is on the right (east side of France Ave.). A mall closer to Medina is Ridgedale at I-394 and Plymouth Rd. in Minnetonka.
Q: I can't find my question here!
A: Contact our webmaster, Chad M. Adams (also the City Administrator), at
chad.adams@ci.medina.mn.us or (763) 473-4643.