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2003-01-17 Friday News The Friday News January 17, 2003 Visit from Senator Metzen and Representative Tom Pugh On Tuesday night, Senator Metzen and Representative Tom Pugh will be present to greet the new Mayor and City Council. They would like to address the Council briefly and give an overview of their legislative agendas for the 2003 session. Please see the attached article about Representative Pugh’s appointment to the House Tax Committee. Governor Pawlenty proposes short-term deficit fix Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Finance Commissioner Dan McElroy Thursday released their emergency supplemental budget proposal that would balance the state’s short-term $356 million budget deficit. Although rumors were circulating that the proposal might include a city aid cut, the governor’s proposal contains no such provision. City aid payments for 2003, however, remain in jeopardy. Aids paid to cities later this year come from the state’s 2004 fiscal year and, along with most other state spending, will quite possibly be reduced. The Governor has until Feb. 18 to propose his 2004-05 state budget. To find out more details about the governor's emergency supplemental budget proposal, visit the LMC web site at: http://www.lmnc.org Pio’s Farewell Party On Wednesday, the City held a farewell gathering for Police Chief Jeff Piotraschke. “Pio” was roasted by former Police Chiefs Dennis Delmont and Scott Johnson. He also received a plaque from the City with the badges from the four positions he held in his 17 years with the Police Department (patrol, sergeant, captain, chief). Mayor Huber, Council member Schneeman, Krebsbach and Vitelli were present to wish him well, along with Mendota Mayor Robinetta and police personnel from around the metro area. It was a fun gathering and good opportunity to express our appreciation to Chief Piotraschke for his hard work and dedication to the City. Sergeant Donn Anderson is now the Acting Chief of Police. On Tuesday night, the City Council will discuss the hiring process for the new Chief. We are happy to report that the City received 40 applications for the position. MHAA Ballfield Lighting request Scott Miller, MHAA Baseball Travel Director, submitted a proposal to the Council for Tuesday night’s meeting. He proposes that the City install sports lighting systems at 4 locations in the City: Sibley Varsity baseball fields, Civic Center youth baseball field, Mendakota Park Adult softball/youth baseball fields and St. Thomas varsity baseball field. He proposes that the City issue general obligation bonds to fund these improvementsThe City Council will discuss this proposal on Tuesday night. . Skateboard Park Open House On Tuesday, the Parks and Recreation Commission discussed the installation of a Tier One Skateboard Park in Rogers Lake Park. After hearing comments from the residents attending, the Parks Commission voted to recommend to the City Council that the skateboard park be constructed in Rogers Lake Park. The City Council will consider the recommendation at their meeting on Tuesday night. City Commission Appointments There are a number of Commission appointments that expire on January 31, 2003. The City advertised for individuals interested in serving on the three Commissions. We announced the openings at City Council meetings, in the Friday News and in the Sun Current newspaper. The Council decided on a deadline of th January 15 for interested individuals to apply, in order to appoint any new Commissioners in time for the February meetings. The following individuals have terms expiring in January: Planning Commission: Marina McManus, Bernie Friel, and Bruce McManus; Parks and Recreation Commission: Stan Linnell, Raymond Morris, and Larry Craighead; Airport Relations Commission: Scott Beaty, Joe Leuman, and Elizabeth Petschel. The only current Commissioner that did not submit a letter requesting re-appointment is ARC Commissioner Joe Leuman. As of Friday, we have received six inquiries from residents interested in serving on the various Commissions: Mary Jo Malchow, 721 Roundhill Road – Planning Commission, Christopher Moeller, 1730 Dodd Road – Planning Commission, Mike Povolny, 1901 South Lexington – Planning Commission, Mark Miller, 2503 Mendota Heights – Planning Commission, Bob Huberty, 1774 Trail Road – Planning Commission or Airport Relations Commission, Betty Schuster, 1900 Wachtler – Airport Relations Commission. On Tuesday night, the City Council will discuss the Commission appointment process. Recognition Party for Mayor Mertensotto th There will be a recognition event for former Mayor Mertensotto hosted by a citizen committee on Jan 19 at Mendakota Country Club from 5pm – 7pm. This event is open to the public and people are encouraged to attend to recognize Mayor Mertensotto’s 30-year contribution to the City. Please see the attached Pioneer Press article and Highland Villager editorial. Mayor Manager Breakfast On Friday, Mayor Huber and I attended the Dakota County Mayor Manager Breakfast meeting. Peter Bell, the new Chair of the Metropolitan Council and Tom Weaver, the new Regional Administrator were the key speakers. With one week on the job, they spoke briefly about their plans for the Met Council during Pawlenty’s term. Mr. Bell and Mr. Weaver were very open to learning more about the communities in Dakota County, and expressed willingness and interest in visiting each City. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday th Please note that on Monday, January 20 City Hall will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr’s Birthday. Correction In last week’s Friday News, I reported that the Council unanimously voted to make the Lillie Suburban Newspaper, The Southwest Review, the official newspaper for Mendota Heights. The vote was actually 4:0, with Council member Ultan Duggan abstaining from the vote. I apologize for this error and any confusion it may have caused. Final Thought “Perhaps one of the most important accomplishments of my Administration has been minding my own business.” -- Calvin Coolidge Respectfully Submitted Cari Lindberg Administrator Attachments: Pipeline, Just the Facts, City Council agenda, Pre-application meeting synopsis, Star Tribune “Metscape,” Sun Current articles “Mendota Heights Council orders EAW for Pilot Knob project,” “Mendota Heights is ready to help those who venture onto thin ice,” and “Mertensotto thanked for his service,” Highland Villager articles “Out with the old, In with the New” and “Mayor laid the groundwork for city’s prosperity,” Southwest Review article “Representative Tom Pugh named to House Tax Committee” Pioneer Press “Mendota Heights: Fete set to honor former Mayor Mertensotto,” and AMM News.