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1. Are snowmobiles allowed on city streets?

Snowmobiles may be ridden on City streets and on White Bear Lake, at speeds reasonable and appropriate for the conditions and not above the speed limits. Snowmobiles may not be ridden on pedestrian trails, in City parks or on private property, unless riders have the written permission of the owner. The one exception is that snowmobiles may be ridden on the unplowed portion of the trail along Stillwater Road. Snowmobiles are not to be ridden between midnight and 6 a.m. except in the case of an emergency. 

Please be certain that you know the location of City and County boundaries. Next door, Ramsey County prohibits the operation of snowmobiles anywhere within the County. For information regarding other requirements for snowmobiles and off road recreational vehicles in the City of Mahtomedi, please contact City Hall at 651-426-3344.

2. Does Public Works pick up buckthorn?

The Public Works Department will pick up buckthorn that has been cut and put at the end of the driveways or near the street.

3. Does the city have a forester that will inspect diseased trees?

The City forester canvasses the city several times throughout the summer and marks diseased trees, the owner is then provided with information. The City Forester is also available to inspect trees for disease and to answer questions by calling 651-747-3736.

4. How do I report a street light outage?

If you have an unlit or flickering street light, contact Xcel Energy at 800-960-6235 or use their online reporting form.

5. Is there anything I can do to prevent the back-up of a nearby storm sewer?

Leaves and debris that collect on top of storm sewer grates can create several problems. First, melting snow and rain cannot properly drain and can cause pools of water in streets and yards. Secondly, leaves and debris that are washed into the storm sewer can drastically reduce the quality of lakes and ponds. If you have a storm sewer nearby, please check if from time to time and remove anything that may impede the flow of water.

6. What are the winter parking regulations?

Mahtomedi's winter parking regulations commence on November 1 and run through April 1. During this time, no vehicles may park on any street from 1 a.m. to 7 a.m. Parking is also restricted at any time that snow accumulation equals or exceeds 3 inches until the street is cleared of snow.

• Snow or ice should not be shoveled, blown or plowed into any street that has already been plowed.
• Due to the size and force of the snowplow, it is important to keep items, such as vehicles, trash containers, etc. at least 3 feet back from the edge of the street.
• For safety reasons, children should be discouraged from tunneling into or sliding from the snow piles that accumulate at the end of driveways or in cul-de-sacs.
• Individual residential mailboxes damaged during removal will not be authorized for repair unless there is physical evidence that the snow removal vehicle is deemed to have hit the mailbox, the City will reimburse the property owner up to $75 with receipts. If the mailbox is damaged due to the weight of the snow built up on the boulevard, it is the responsibility of the property owner to repair or replace the mailbox.
• If a snow plow causes sod damage, in the spring, the city will either provide replacement sod to be installed by the property owner, or the city will repair the area with topsoil and seed.

7. What should I do if my sewer backs up?

Any residence or business experiencing a problem with the public sewer system is asked to notify the public works department by calling 651-773-9730 immediately-and before contacting a private drain cleaning service or in the event that the drain cleaning service needs to cut tree roots in the sewer line. Please note that many homeowner insurance policies exclude sewer back-ups and that Mahtomedi is only liable if the back-up was caused by the city's negligence.

8. When will hydrants be flushed?

Public Works crews flush hydrants each spring and fall once all the streets have been swept. During this time, residents may experience discolored water and it may be helpful to open each faucet in the home, starting with the one closest to the water meter, until the water runs clear.

9. Where do I take household hazardous waste?

Washington County offers a year-round household hazardous waste disposal site located in Woodbury!  This site accepts many household hazardous waste items including used motor oil and filters.  They also are accepting electronics. View the Residential Disposal Guide (PDF).

10. Who do I call to report a dead/sick wild animals in the road?

Public Works only removes dead deer from roadways or city right-of-ways. Call 651-773-9730 to report a dead deer only.

For all other dead or sick animals call Washington County Sheriffs Dispatch at 651-439-9381.

11. Who do I call to report a pothole, street sign down, or other maintenance issue?

The Public Works Department appreciates the assistance of its residents in letting them know about potholes, malfunctioning traffic signals, down street or stop signs or debris in the roadways. Call 651-773-9730 to report these items.

12. Who do I call to request marking of utility lines before I dig in my yard?

Residents planning to dig posts for fences or decks, do landscaping or gardening, or otherwise disturb or excavate the soil are required to call Gopher State One Call at 811 at least 48 hours prior to commencing work. This is necessary to prevent damage to underground wires, pipes, etc., and most importantly, for personal safety.

13. Who do I call with questions on snowplowing operations?

Many answers to your snowplowing questions are provided in the Winter Reminders (PDF), Clip and Save Snowplowing/Winter Parking Rules ,or you may call the Public Works Garage at 651-773-9730.

14. Who should I call with a question on my septic system?

Anyone with a question or concern about a private well or septic system is asked to call the Washington County Health Department at 651-430-6655.

15. Do you have requirements for installation of mailboxes?

When installing your mailbox, please follow these simple guidelines (PDF) that are required by the U.S. Post Office and City of Mahtomedi:

• Height at 48 inches above street level.
• Have box extend as far in front of support post as possible. (This prevents possible snow plow damage.)
• Front of mailbox should be setback 6 to 8 inches behind the curb line.
• Address must be on the side (or on the front where boxes are grouped) of the box from which the carrier approaches. Numbers and letters should be about one inch high.
• Box must be located so carrier can serve without leaving vehicle.