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Friday News 01 20 2012 January 20, 2012 January 20, 2012 New Commissioners The city council named our new commission members and watershed management organization (WMO) representatives at their Tuesday evening meeting: Parks and Recreation Commission: Ira Kipp Pat Hinderscheid Tom Tschida Airport Relations Commission: Paul Portz Gun Club Lake WMO: John Molinaro, primary Don Mockenhaupt, alternate Lower Mississippi River WMO: Jill Smith, alternate Thank you for volunteering your time and talents to the community. MAC Open House The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) is conducting an environmental review for proposed improvements to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Scenarios analyzed include: a Base Case (today’s environment), a forecasted No Action, and two alternatives to address future development needs. The MAC has scheduled an open house for Tuesday, January31, 2012 from 5-8pm at the MAC’s Executive Offices, 6040 28th Avenue South, Minneapolis, for the public to review the analysis of environmental impacts of the Preliminary MSP 2020 Environmental Assessment Improvements. Our Airport Relations Commission will represent the city. For more information, please visit www.mspairport.com/about-msp/ msp-2020-ea. Friday News Mendota Heights Weekly Report on City Activities Mendota Heights City Hall 1101 Victoria Curve www.mendota-heights.com (651) 452-1850 Prescription Disposal Dakota County has provided three secure drop-off locations for old prescriptions and over the counter medications. Our closest location is the Police Station/City Hall lobby at West St. Paul. Proper disposal of medication helps pre- vent accidental poisoning and drug abuse. It also helps the environment. For more information visit www.dakotacounty.us and search medication disposal. January 20, 2012 Attachments The Pipeline, Just the Facts, MHFD Benefit January 20, 2012 Dates to Remember January 24, 2012 Planning Commission January 31, 2012 Metropolitan Airports Commission Open House February 7, 2012 Minnesota Caucus February 8, 2012 City Council February 14, 2012 Parks and Recreation Commission Page Two Fundraiser for Firefighter Attached you will find a flyer for an upcom- ing fundraiser for Hayley Bester, a member of our volunteer fire department. Hayley is fighting a rare medical condition which im- pacts her eyesight. Recycling News Dakota County is pleased to announce that electronics recycling will once again be free to Dakota County Residents who bring their items to the Recycling Zone. As a reminder, you are also able to bring in household hazardous wastes and other recyclable materials Wednesdays through Saturdays. The hours vary, so be sure to check out www.dakotacounty.us and search The Recycling Zone for more de- tails. Winter Arrives Ice Rinks finally opened last Thursday, af- ter a delayed start. Typical of a Minnesota winter, we actually had to close the rinks once this week due to sub-zero tempera- tures. Speaking of winter, please remember to remove vehicles from the roadways after a snowfall of two inches or more to allow quick snow removal. Public Works The Parks Crew continue to flood the skating rinks. They are broomed off as needed. Boards were picked up to make repairs to picnic tables as needed. Repairs were made to truck 503. The trucks were washed. Rich and Tom attended the annual Collection System Operators Conference put on the by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. This seminar is required to keep their operator’s license current. Streets crews could not provide a report for this week as they were out salting and plowing streets on Friday. Engineering Lemay Lake Road Reconstruction – Design of the project is underway. Staff anticipates holding a second informational meeting for residents and property owners in February. Marie Avenue Rehabilitation – Staff is preparing the initial submittal to MnDOT. We anticipate that submittal to be made in late January. Diane Road Neighborhood/Mendota Heights Road Rehabilitation – Staff is developing plans and specifications. Staff anticipates submitting the project to MnDOT for review in late January. MnDOT review is only required for the Mendota Heights Road portion of the project. City Hall Carpet Installation – Installation of new carpet continues at City Hall. Completed last week was the engineering area. Remaining areas (Ryan’s, John’s, & Stacy’s offices along with the small conference room and back hallway) are scheduled for February 2nd & 3rd. New Administrator Get a Tour of Public Works – Justin took a tour of the Public Works facility on Tuesday morning. He met with the crews and discussed past successes and upcoming challenges with them. John accompanied Justin on the tour. The Pipeline N E W S L E T T E R Public Works Engineering Code Enforcement January 20, 2012 Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization – John attended the monthly LMRWMO meeting at South Saint Paul City Hall on Thursday with City Board Representative Mary Jeanne Schneeman. At the meeting, the LMRWMO adopted a general fund balance policy as recommended by their auditor, and established the first year of the LMRWMO Lake Monitoring Program. This is a new product of the LMRWMO as it was an addition to the recently approved Watershed Management Plan for the organization. As part of the Lake Monitoring Program, Cities currently participating in the Citizen-Assisted Monitoring Program (CAMP) through the Metropolitan Council would be eligible for reimbursement of their CAMP fees from the LMRWMO. Mendota Heights currently participates in the CAMP, and is now eligible to get their fees reimbursed. Noise Oversight Committee (NOC) – John attended the NOC meeting at the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) facility on Wednesday as no members of the Airport Relations Commission were able to attend. The recommendation of the preferred alternative defined in the Environmental Assessment for the MSP Long-Range Comprehensive Plan was subject of much debate. NOC voted to recommend the preferred alternative with only the City of Minneapolis dissenting. After public meetings, the recommendation will be heard by the MAC board. Airport Relations Commission (ARC) – John attended the ARC meeting Wednesday night. There was not an official quorum at the meeting so no official actions were taken. The ARC did review the monthly reports along with noise and airport traffic data, and they welcomed Paul Port z as their newest Commissioner. City Administrator Justin Miller will be assuming the duties of staff liaison for the ARC starting in February. White Pine Senior Living (Mendota Plaza) – Representatives from White Pine Senior Living contacted staff this week to set up a meeting on January 26 th to go through their modifications and additions to the PUD Amendment plans for their facility. Last month their preliminary plans were submitted and commented on by staff. Once all the issues have been addressed in the plans, the PUD amendment can be approved by staff as noted in the civil suit settlement agreement. MnDOT & Dakota County Projects The following projects are under the management and supervision of MnDOT and Dakota County. They are presented as information only. For more information on MnDOT projects contact J.P. Gillach at MnDOT (651- 234-7503, james.gillach@state.mn.us). Highway 13 Resurfacing (MnDOT) – A project for resurfacing, drainage improvements and ADA upgrades to Highway 13 between I-35W and Annapolis Street (Burnsville to West St. Paul) is scheduled for 2012. Construction should be anticipated from May 2012 to October 2012. Highway 110 Resurfacing (MnDOT) - A small portion of Highway 110 will be resurfaced in 2012. The section from Lexington Avenue east to the I -35E bridge, along with spot repairs between Lexington and Highway 13 will be addressed as part of this project. Turnback of Old Sibley Memorial Highway (MnDOT) – Concept plans are being developed by State agencies for the land use once the roadway is removed. Meetings are being scheduled for the end of March timeframe to go over the concepts. Mendota Heights will be hosting these meetings. Lexington Avenue Resurfacing (County) - Dakota County will be resurfacing Lexington Avenue from Highway 110 south to Mendota Heights Road in 2012. This is strictly a pavement replacement project and will not expand the width of the roadway. Dakota County and MnDOT are attempting to schedule their respective projects around Lexington and Highway 110 to not interfere with one another, and to minimize inconvenience to travelers. For more information contact the Dakota County Transportation Department at 952-891-7100. 01/20/12 ` 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 MHCCAF REWARD Northern Dakota County Crime Blog The Mendota Heights Community Criminal Apprehension Fund (MHCCAF) agreed at the last board of directors meeting in 2011 to post rewards for all crimes that MHPD posts on the blog seeking help in solving. The blog can be found at http://wsppvideos.blogspot.com/ for all the MHPD postings you can receive “up to a $500.00 reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction” you may contact us by way of the blog, or tip line at 651-255-1170 or our main number 651-452-1366. Investigator Tanner Spicer believes this criminal is local to northern Dakota County so take a close look they are from the area. Theft Thursday 0730 hours Officer John Larrive responded to a local business where upon arriving at work, they found two cars in the parking lot sitting on blocks. Overnight a thief or thieves had come and stolen two tires and rims from each of the vehicles leaving them sitting on retaining wall stones. Courteous I suppose but still – criminal. Forwarded to investigations as officers were trying to find video coverage. Possession of Marijuana Thursday 1030 hours Officer Jen Fordham fielded two reports of marijuana use within about two hours. First, she was informed by a teacher that a student seemed to be under the influence. The youngster was brought to the office, was interviewed and searched. The youth admitted to smoking marijuana before the start of school and contraband was found on his person and within his school belongings. He was cited, given school consequences, and released to parents. Next, she learned a school administrator had just found two truant students smoking marijuana. Only one was actually smoking and in possession, that youth received a citation and school consequences and was released to parents. Speed / Possession of MJ Saturday 0037 hours While on patrol Officer Steve Meyer stopped a speeder on Wagon Wheel trail. The driver stated he knew the speed limit but since he knew the road so well, he could easily maneuver the road at higher speeds. After a brief conversation the driver admitted he hadn’t bothered to reinsure his car after being out of town for a year. Upon removing the suspended, uninsured driver, Officer Meyer also removed one of the passengers who was found with marijuana and various paraphernalia. Upon searching the vehicle, more contraband was found, including a glass pipe (bong). Both the driver and the passenger received multiple charges on their “Just the Facts” The latest news from the Mendota Heights Police Department 01/20/12 ` Citations and were given a ride to the driver’s residence and the car was towed. Accident Saturday 1252 hours Sergeant Neil Garlock responded to a local coffee shop on the report of a minor – and unique - personal injury crash. Reconstruction was provided by both driver and an awestruck witness. The driver evidently pulled up at the coffee shop and exited her vehicle, but slipped onto the ground as her truck rolled away, nearly rolling over her. The truck was not put fully into park and completed a perfect U-turn, smashing into another car in the parking lot. HealthEast Paramedics checked out the shaken up driver who was released without treatment. Crisis Intervention Sunday 2258 hours 911 caller reported that the group home she looks after had a resident who had just returned home and was making suicidal comments. Officer Jeff VonFeldt spoke with the caller who feared the resident, with a history of suicidal attempts, was going to kill herself. While Officer VonFeldt was gathering information, the resident called in and within minutes, Officer Todd Rosse had located her. She was soon transported to the hospital on a 72 hour health and welfare hold. Theft Tuesday 1513 hours A resident called to report that her wedding ring was missing, given to her by her recently deceased husband 70 years ago. Officer Bobby Lambert worked with the victim and narrowed the suspect list; forwarded to investigations for follow up. The moral of this story: Research the parties you allow into your home, especially when hiring via internet sources, to verify they a reputable person/business. With the prices of gold, the opportunity for theft increases and you may never see your treasures again. Theft / Recovered Property Wednesday 1236 hours Officer Todd Rosse received a phone message to call a lady who had a GPS unit recovered by Burnsville Police Department. Upon making contact with the woman she advised that she had received a call from BVPD who wanted to return her GPS unit but could not until she received a theft report proving it was stolen. The SRO at BVPD had traced the unit back to the owner who lost it overnight on July 26th, 2011 when she stayed with relatives in our city, but did not report the theft. The report was taken, Officer Rosse notified BVPD, and case will be referred to them. Medical Wednesday 1939 hours Officers Mike Shepard and Todd Rosse responded to the call of a medical - woman unconscious at a local business and found a happy and heroic ending. Upon arrival, the two Officers arrived, and learned that as the woman was going down, an employee caught her and the owner knew enough to check for vital signs. The owner immediately began CPR; after three intervals, the owner stopped to assess the situation, at which time the woman came around. HealthEast Paramedics arrived on scene moments later and determined the woman had suffered a cardiac arrest and was transported to the hospital for further attention. More to come: responding officers have nominated the business owner for a citizen lifesaver award. AOA Wednesday 1705 hours Officer Mike Shepard, Sergeants Convery and Petersen responded to a call for assistance from WSPPD Officer who was following a shoplifter. The party was stopped once a marked squad arrived on scene. The thief was not nice, cooperative, or sanitary, making a bowel movement in an effort to stay out of the back of a squad. Unfortunately for her that didn’t work and she transported back to WSP soiled. Have a great weekend! Mike Sponsored by the Mendota Heights Firefighters Firefighter Hayley Bester Benefit Saturday, February 25th 3-8:00 pm Mendota VFW 1323 Sibley Memorial Highway Mendota, Minnesota 55150 Mendota Heights Firefighter Hayley Bester was on her honeymoon when she encountered a parasite called the Acanthamoeba. This parasite got behind a contact lens and caused severe damage, pain and loss of vision. You most likely have never heard of this before as it’s somewhat rare and unusual. Hayley and her husband, Roy, have been battling this disease for over five months now including having to travel to Toronto, Canada for medical procedures not approved yet in the USA. This benefit is being held to help cover costs of treatment and other related expenses. To read the whole story please follow the link to Hayley’s Caring Bridge site http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/hayleybester $10Spaghetti D i n n e r Silent Auct i o n Music by Sandy & t h e H i t m e n For any questions or for further information please contact: John Mendez : (651) 269-1539 johnmmendez@yahoo.com Ken Weisenburger: (651) 303-3220 ken.weisenburger@state.mn.us Donations can be mailed to :c/o Gateway Bank 745 Market Street Mendota Heights, MN 55118 Please make check payable to “Hayley Bester Benefit”  For more information about the Fundraiser event on Facebook IUUQTXXXGBDFCPPLDPNFWFOUT