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Friday News 04 13 2012 April 13, 2012 Dates to Remember: April 17, 2012: City Council, 7:00 p.m. April 24, 2012: Planning Commission, 7:00 p.m. April 28, 2012: Spring Clean Up, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. May 1, 2012: City Council, 7:00 p.m. Attachments: Pipeline, Just the Facts, BWW Event Flyer, Spring Clean Up Flyer, Community Shred Event Flyer, Friday News Mendota Heights Weekly Report on City Activities Mendota Heights City Hall 1101 Victoria Curve www.mendota-heights.com (651) 452-1850 Heights Highlights Staff is putting the finishing touches on the spring/summer edition of the Heights High- lights. Check your mailboxes the week of April 23, 2012 for the latest edition! April Showers Bring... This coming week is Se- vere Weather Awareness Week. Check out www.dps.mn.gov for more information and helpful hints to keep your family safe no matter what Mother Nature throws our way. Earth Day is April 22, 2012 You don’t have to go out of your way to cele- brate Earth Day. It is easier to recycle your waste today that it has ever been. Most, if not all, refuse haulers in Mendota Heights collect single-sort recyclables—this means you can put all of your paper, metals, glass and plastic into one bin. Many recycling facilities are get- ting more efficient at sorting materials, and may soon be able to collect a wider range of plastic materials. The Recycling Zone is a one-stop- shop for your household hazardous wastes, large quantities of cardboard, electronics and more. Schools (and some businesses) are now composting organic materials—not to di- vert materials from landfills, but as a means to lower their waste service bills. Events such as our Spring Clean Up and the American Bank Community Shred Event on April 28, 2012 are more than a good time to clean up your home, but are an opportunity to recycle materials which would otherwise end up in a landfill. Public Works The Parks Crew applied crabgrass preventative in the parks. Trash was picked up along Wagon Wheel Trail at the “S” curve and along the shoreline at Rogers Lake. Hockey boards were pushed down at Wentworth Park where the frost pushed them up. Netting was hung at Mendakota Park and at the Civic Center Park. Rain sensors were installed at Mendakota Park for the irrigation system. The Streets Crew finished up pothole patching on Victory Curve, Veronica Lane, Rolling Green Curve, Dodd Road at Marie Avenue, the entrance to the Plaza at Dodd Road, and Overlook Road on Marie Avenue to Lexington Avenue. They attended a class for storm water runoff. Rich checked lift stations daily and fixed hinges on the sump manhole hatch cover on Swan Drive. While in the area he also cleaned the storm pipe outlet on Swan Drive. Storm sewer sump manholes were cleaned and vaccumed. Found trash, leaves, grass clippings, gravel and 1 smelly dead raccoon in the sumps. Root killing chemicals were applied on Dodd Road and Wentworth Ave. Attended emergency prepardedness class for Public Works, Fire Department and Police Department responders. Engineering Lemay Lake Road Reconstruction – Final plans are being completed. We are proposing a narrower than normal cul-de-sac design to address some resident concerns and to accommodate the existing right-of-way limits. A second informational meeting for residents and property owners is scheduled for April 18th at City Hall. Final plans are anticipated in May. Marie Avenue Rehabilitation – Final plans were approved along with authorization to bid the project at the April 3rd Council meeting. Bid opening will be April 25th at 10:00am. Bid award will be on the May 1st Council agenda. The striping plan has been posted on the project page at the City’s web site and notification has been sent to the Marie Avenue residents with the web link included. The Pipeline N E W S L E T T E R Public Works Engineering Code Enforcement April 13, 2012 Diane Road Neighborhood/Mendota Heights Road Rehabilitation – Bids were opened on April 11th. McNamara Contracting submitted the low bid of $1,073,851.80. Bid award will be on the April 17th City Council agenda. Staff is excited to work with McNamara again this summer. White Pine Senior Living PUD Amendment Application – The applicant submitted the necessary storm water modeling calculations and the PUD Plan Set Amendment was granted. The next step will be for Mendota Mall Associates to apply for consent to transfer ownership of Lot 6, and then apply for Building Permit for the new facility. Both the consent to transfer and the Building Permit will require Council approval. Dodd Road/Highway 110 Intersection Pedestrian Improvements – Staff received three proposals for the design and construction administration work to improve pedestrian safety at the intersection of Dodd Road and Highway 110. Staff and the MnDOT Metro South Area Engineer have reviewed the proposals and a recommendation for consultant selection and contract approval is scheduled for the April 17th Council agenda. Construction of the improvements is scheduled for the summer of 2013. Joint Right-of-Way Permitting – Dakota County has set up a right-of-way permitting web site and database for cities willing to participate. Staff has been involved in the preliminary discussions about the programs setup, but Mendota Heights has not yet agreed to be a participant in the program. It is likely that a formal request from the County for Mendota Heights to join the joint program will be coming before Council in the near future. Dakota County Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) – Dakota County is reviewing their 2013-2017 Capital Improvement Program. The current 2012-2016 CIP is available through the County web page for review. Any requests for County projects to be included in the new CIP can be made through City Staff by June 13th so Council can review and formally submit requests to the County by the June 25th deadline. MnDOT & Dakota County Projects The following projects are under the direction of MnDOT and Dakota County. They are presented as information only. For more information on MnDOT projects contact J.P. Gillach (651-234-7503, james.gillach@state.mn.us). Highway 13 Resurfacing (MnDOT) – The Resurfacing of Highway 13, along with drainage improvements and ADA upgrades between I-35W and Annapolis Street (Burnsville to West St. Paul) is scheduled for the summer of 2012. The portion of Highway 13 from 2nd Street in Mendota to I-35E in Lilydale will be exempted from this project and reconstructed in 2015 under a separate MnDOT project. An article posted at mendotaheights.patch.com originally displayed an incorrect map that was supplied by MnDOT. MnDOT has corrected the map and the mendotaheights.patch.com article has been modified. Highway 110 Resurfacing (MnDOT) - A small portion of Highway 110 from Lexington Avenue east to the I-35E Bridge, along with spot repairs between Lexington and Highway 13 will be resurfaced during the summer of 2012. . MnDOT is working with Dakota County to minimize conflicts with their Lexington Avenue project (see below), also scheduled for 2012. Turnback of Old Sibley Memorial Highway (MnDOT) – MnDOT intends to vacate the Right-of-Way for the Old Sibley Memorial Highway. Concept plans are being developed for the land use once it is vacated. The next meeting is scheduled for April 20th at Camp Sacagawea in Apple Valley. City Council did approve a letter to be sent to our State legislative delegation outlining concerns about the proposal form a City perspective. MnDOT will be contacting the two Mendota Heights businesses impacted by the proposal prior to the April meeting. Lexington Avenue Resurfacing (County) - Dakota County will be resurfacing Lexington Avenue from just north of Highway 110 (Vail Drive) south to Mendota Heights Road in 2012. Dakota County is working with MnDOT to minimize conflicts with their Highway 110 project, also scheduled for the summer of 2012. For more information contact the Dakota County Transportation Department at 952-891-7100. 04 13 12 The Mendota Heights Police Department Support Staff Kim Henning Sandie Ristine Susan Donovan Becky Pentel Police Officers Jerry Murphy Scott Patrick John Larrive Bobby Lambert Tanner Spicer Todd Rosse Chad Willson Jeff VonFeldt Steven Meyer Denise Urmann Michael Shepard Peyton Fleming School Resource Officer Jennifer Fordham Investigations Mario Reyes Tanner Spicer Sergeants Neil Garlock Brian Convery Eric Petersen Reserves Randy Pentel Jesse Mettner Jarrod Spicer Jim Knox Jeff Parker George Castillo Chaplains John Snider Lynn Liberman Frances Colon Alberto Vargas Butch Millett David Wick Chief Mike Aschenbrener Theft Spring is in the air! Since February 1st, MHPD officers have handled 49 various theft reports. Of these, 20 have been gas drive offs and 11 have been theft from vehicles. If you want to be the victim of a theft or damage to property, leave something in a bag in your vehicle. To a thief, a bag is an opportunity to get something of value quickly; they can’t tell if the bag contains your un-eaten lunch, your laptop or yesterday’s workout clothes. A few simple steps can help you reduce your chances of becoming a victim. Leave nothing in your car and park in well-lit spots that are close to lots of activity or traffic. Most thieves are opportunists who are taking advantage of the situation. Simple situational awareness will keep you and your stuff safe. Have a safe summer! OFP Violation Thursday 1012 hours Officer Bobby Lambert spoke with a resident who had an order for protection against her ex-boyfriend, stating he violated the order the day before. She informed Officer Lambert the ex-beau drove slowly past her as she walked her dog down the street, made eye contact with her and proceeded on. Officer Lambert forwarded the report to the city attorney for potential charges. Possession of Marijuana Friday 0244 hours While on patrol in the business park, Officer Peyton Fleming spotted a vehicle pulling out from a business area normally empty at this time of night. The area has been especially hard-hit with theft from vehicles and theft of auto parts in the overnight hours. Officer Fleming stopped the vehicle and made contact with the driver; as she rolled down the window, the smell of marijuana wafted out. Officer Fleming first inquired as to where she was coming from; the driver stated she was lost and trying to get to her mother's house. At this point, Officer Fleming asked where the marijuana was; the driver replied there was no marijuana, while glancing furtively toward the glove box, then the floor, then the center counsel. Officer Fleming asked one more time where the marijuana was; the driver retrieved a very small amount of marijuana and handed it over to Officer Fleming. She was removed from the car, patted down and placed in the squad. Officer Fleming made contact with the passenger and asked for her marijuana; she handed over her sister’s purse containing a small amount of marijuana. Suspect driver was read Miranda and “Just the Facts” The latest news from the Mendota Heights Police Department 04 13 12 confessed to owning all the marijuana and paraphernalia in the car. She was cited and released. Damage to Property Friday 1240 hours Officer Bobby Lambert received a phone call from the victim of the OFP violation from Thursday who reported her car was in the garage with two flat tires. Officer Lambert responded to the auto shop and West St. Paul, photographed the damaged tires and retrieved two screws for evidence. At speaking with the victim and a friend he cleared. The victim and her friend called back and advised they retrieved a copy of a tweet sent by the ex-boyfriend in the wee hours of the night before. She also reported seeing his car in an area where she had been but did not have contact with him. With the help of her cell phone provider the victim was able to provide the necessary data. A short time later, Officer Lambert arrested a party at a residence in St. Paul, brought to MHPD, read his Miranda rights and given an opportunity to provide his side of the story. The young man denied all involvement, knowledge of or participation in anything illegal. A bit later, he offered to pay for the tires and any damage. After a few more minutes of questioning, he confessed to the crime and to sending the tweet announcing the damage he did to her vehicle. The young man was transported to jail by Reserve Officer Jim Knox where he was held pending formal charging. Theft Monday 1300 hours Sergeant Neil Garlock responded to a residence about the theft of some jewelry. Upon arrival he learned the parties had been on vacation and the jewelry was last seen before they left. Unfortunately the homeowner was uncertain as to whether or not they had locked the safe before they left on vacation. The case has been assigned to investigations; suspect information was provided, an alert has been sent out and the pawn shop registers in the area have been checked. Disturbance Monday 1754 hours Officers Willson and Rosse responded to an out-of-control 23-year-old male at his parent’s home. Upon arrival the young man was taking a shower. The parents were interviewed and an overview of what happened was obtained. The young man was gone all day, doing drugs at his cousin's home. When he returned home, he immediately became upset and agitated with his father and started screaming at him, then pushed him and headed to the shower. Parents called 911; officers responded. As soon as the young man stepped out of the shower (still smelling like marijuana) he was placed under arrest and removed from the residence. Once in the squad, the suspect was read Miranda and upon being given an opportunity to provide his version of the story, he immediately went on a rant about how his parents disrespected him tortured him and treated him like a dog. Unfortunately, his story only confirmed the one his parents had given. He was transported to jail and released to their custody. Crisis Intervention Tuesday 1156 hours The school called about an out of control 7th grader. The child’s parents were already on scene; unfortunately, they were unable to mitigate the problems. Mom was distraught after her attempts to deal with the youth failed. After some time the youth was convinced that they should go home with mom; however, as they walked out, the youth started screaming obscenities and ran. Officer Larrive and Sergeant Garlock quickly ended the run for freedom. After consultation with mom, the youth was 04 13 12 transported by HealthEast medics to Fairview Hospital. Juvenile Complaint Tuesday 1631 hours Caller who wished to remain anonymous called about 3 teenagers walking through Friendly Hills Park tipping over trash cans. Sgt Convery arrived at the park to find teenage girls and a bunch of tipped over trash cans. All trash cans tipped up right before clearing the park. SUPPORT SPECIAL OLYMPICS Let Buffalo Wild Wings in Eagan do the cooking for you on Monday, April 16th, 5 to 9 pm to help raise funds for Special Olympics. Officer Jennifer Fordham has organized a “wing night” fundraiser in conjunction with other local law enforcement officers for this first annual event! The goal is to pack the Eagan BWW with supporters of Special Olympics! 10% of all food sales will go directly to Special Olympics MN. Officers will be on hand to assist the servers and help make it a fun night for all who come out. (Flyer and event coupon is attached) Questions? Contact Officer Fordham or a fellow MHPD department member. APRIL IS SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH April is a time to shine a light on sexual assault in our communities and show our support for survivors. In 2010, the Centers for Disease Control reported that more than 1/3 of women and more than a ¼ of men in the U.S. experienced rape, physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Sexual assault affects all of us – you personally may know someone who is or has been a victim of sexual violence. Also, according to the Minnesota Department of Health, sexual violence costs Minnesota 3.3 times as much as drunk driving does. Support this worthy cause on April 25th for the Third Annual Sexual Assault Awareness Walk at 360 Communities Lewis House in Eagan. You can also show your support for sexual assault survivors by painting your nails teal during April. Read more about 360 Communities Lewis House http://www.360communities.org Have a great weekend! Mike& Kim Please join us for the 1st Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run “Wing Night” to benefit Special Olympics Minnesota DATE: Monday April 16th, 2012 TIME: 5:00 PM—9:00 PM LOCATION: Eagan Buffalo Wild Wings 1280 Promenade Place - Eagan MN EAT WINGS. RAISE FUNDS. IT PAYS. Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Apr 16, 2012 • 5-9 PM 1280 Promenade Place • Eagan , MN On the day of your event, Buffalo Wild Wings® will donate of all pre-taxed food sales (less alcohol and promotional discounts) from any guest that presents this fundraising ticket. We look forward to helping your organization meet its financial goals. Together, we can make a positive impact and help keep our community working and playing together. (Present this ticket to your server on the date & time listed below) 10% EAT WINGS. RAISE FUNDS. IT PAYS. Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Apr 16, 2012 • 5-9 PM 1280 Promenade Place • Eagan , MN On the day of your event, Buffalo Wild Wings® will donate of all pre-taxed food sales (less alcohol and promotional discounts) from any guest that presents this fundraising ticket. We look forward to helping your organization meet its financial goals. Together, we can make a positive impact and help keep our community working and playing together. (Present this ticket to your server on the date & time listed below) 10% EAT WINGS. RAISE FUNDS. IT PAYS. Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Apr 16, 2012 • 5-9 PM 1280 Promenade Place • Eagan , MN On the day of your event, Buffalo Wild Wings® will donate of all pre-taxed food sales (less alcohol and promotional discounts) from any guest that presents this fundraising ticket. We look forward to helping your organization meet its financial goals. Together, we can make a positive impact and help keep our community working and playing together. (Present this ticket to your server on the date & time listed below) 10% Spring Clean Up 2012 Saturday, April 28 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Mendakota Park, 2171 Dodd Road For more information: Jake Sedlacek Asst. to the City Admin. 651.255.1142 jakes@mendota-heights.com Don’t forget to bring your old documents to be shredded and recycled at American Bank from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, 1060 Dakota Drive Sponsored by the City of Mendota Heights, Dakota County Board of Commissioners and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Every year Mendota Heights residents divert tons of trash from going to the landfill. Make sure to take this opportunity to clean up your home/yard and ensure that materials are disposed of properly. - Follow the signs on Mendakota Drive and enter from the west side of the park. - Identification required - Limited to residents— passenger vehicles and small trailers only. We will accept: Car tires, furniture $5 each Mattresses/boxspring $10 each Home remodeling debris/misc. junk Volume-based fee Dehumidifiers $5 each Scrap metals (remove all non-metal) Free Bicycles Free *NEW* Household electrical items* Free *NEW* Household hazardous waste* Free *see list of accepted items on back of flyer We will not accept: Yard waste, items that can be recycled at your curb, business waste or contractor debris Spring Clean Up 2012 Saturday, April 28 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Mendakota Park, 2171 Dodd Road Household hazardous waste - Free Aerosol cans (w/product remaining) Antifreeze Auto batteries Batteries (rechargeable) Driveway sealer Fluorescent lights, ballasts Gasoline, fuels Herbicides Household cleaners Lawn and garden products Lighter fluid Nail polish remover Oil and oil filters Paint (latex and oil) Paint strippers and thinners Pesticides Photographic chemicals Poisons Pool chemicals Propane tanks Roofing tar Stain leftovers Varnish Weed and insect killers Wood preservatives And most products labeled danger- ous, flammable, combustible, poi- sonous or corrosive Electronics - Free Cable boxes Computers and parts Copiers DVD players Keyboards and mice Laptops Monitors MP3/iPods, etc. Networking equipment PDA/cell phones Peripherals Phones Printer/fax/scanner Satellite dishes Servers Stereos TVs Typewriters VCRs Video game consoles Household electrical items - Free Answering machines Blenders (no glass) Bread makers Cameras Carpet sweepers Cell phones Clocks Coffee makers Electric knives Electric toothbrushes Electronic gaming systems Fans Food sealing equipment Fryers Hair dryers Heaters Holiday lights Irons Massagers Metal tools: drills, screwdrivers, small saws, sanders, etc. Microwaves Mixers Remotes Shaving equipment Telephones Toaster ovens Vacuum cleaners (no bags) VHS tapes Household hazardous waste and electronics and electrical items which will be collected Please remove all batteries (including rechargeable products) Not accepted: Curling irons Appliances Pharmaceuticals Sharps (syringes, needles, lancets) COMMUNITYFREE Drop off up to 10 standard size boxes or grocery bags of paper documents to be shredded onsite by Shred Right on SHRED EVENT SATURDAYApRIl 28TH 9 am - Noon 1060 Dakota Drive • Mendota Heights • 651.634.6402 just west of 35E off Hwy 110 & Lexington Member FDIC