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Friday News 08 24 2012 August 24, 2012 Dates to Remember: August 28, 2012 Planning Comm. 7:00 p.m. September 4, 2012 City Council, 7:00 p.m. September 11, 2012 Parks & Recreation Comm. 6:30 p.m. September 12, 2012 Airport Relations Comm. 7:00 p.m. Attachments: Pipeline, Just the Facts, Pow Wow Flyer, Par 3 Tournament Flyer. Friday News Mendota Heights Weekly Report on City Activities Mendota Heights City Hall 1101 Victoria Curve www.mendota-heights.com (651) 452-1850 Restroom Updates at Parks The restrooms at Mendakota and Kensington Parks are undergoing much-needed updates this week. The city is utilizing Community Devel- opment Block Grant funds to bring the rest- rooms up to current standards for the Ameri- cans with Disabilities Act. This is a great way to help all citizens enjoy our wonderful parks. Budget Workshop The city council held the annual budget work- shop on Tuesday evening, prior to the regular council meeting. The workshop is an oppor- tunity for council members to speak with staff on the proposed 2013 budget. With the feedback from council at the work- shop, a 2013 preliminary budget will be consid- ered at the September 4, 2012 city council meeting. Par 3 Tournaments The Par 3 Golf Course hosted the Fourth Annu- al Youth Golf Open this past Saturday. Club- house Manager Jennifer Zweber reported that the event was very well attended, with 36 youth players and their fans. The weather was great, the golfing was fun and every participant walked away with a prize. The best scores of the day were turned in by brothers: Brady (34) and Ryan (31) Erickson. There is still room for one or two foursomes in the Mendota Heights Par 3/Thompson Oaks tournament, Saturday, September 15, 2012. Teams will play nine holes at each course, with prizes and food at both courses. A flyer has been attached, or you may call the clubhouse for further detail. Public Works The Parks Crew measured and marked corners to layout the soccer fields at Victoria Park and Friendly Hills Park for the Sting soccer program. Foul lines were striped for the soccer fields. Downed trees and limbs were cleaned up from Thursday night’s wind storm. Spraying of weeds continues in the parks, playgrounds, and along the trails. The Utilities Crew cleaned the sanitary sewer lines on Hingham Court, Williams Court, Glen Toro Road, Keokuk Lane, Ocala Lane, Pontiac Place, Decorah Lane, Caren Court and the easement on Fremont Avenue and Highway 13. The power went out at 11:45 p.m. Thursday night at the main lift station and Northland Drive lift station and they was called in to activate the generator. The Streets Crew cleaned up stump grindings at Kay Avenue, Callahan Place, Laura Court, Third Avenue, and Vandal Street. The areas were filled in with black dirt and grass seed. The street name sign was fixed at Warrior Drive along the frontage road. A street sign was picked up from Main Street at the village. A new street sign was made up for Karl Hohenstein Place. A storm drainage ditch line was dug out that empties off Mendota Heights Road at Dodd Road and the storm pipe flushed. A downed tree on a city easement was cleaned up from the June 19th storm. Engineering City Projects (construction year) Lemay Lake Road Reconstruction (2012) – Stormwater pond construction is complete, and storm sewer installation is under way. Pavement reclaiming is also under way. Stakes for curbing are in place. Substantial project completion is expected in October, and an assessment hearing for the project is scheduled for the October 16th City Council meeting. Marie Avenue Rehabilitation (2012) – The contractor has replaced worn or damaged sections of curb, and is now making soil corrections in preparation for placing pavement. Pavement is anticipated over the next two weeks, and Construction is anticipated to last into September. An assessment hearing for the project is scheduled at the October 2nd City Council meeting. The Pipeline N E W S L E T T E R Public Works Engineering Code Enforcement August 24, 2012 Dodd Road/Highway 110 Intersection Pedestrian Improvements (2013) – The consultant is continuing work on design plans for the project and coordination with MnDOT for project requirements. Variances from established MnDOT standards due to the age and odd configuration of the intersection will not have to go through a formal MnDOT approval process; rather they can receive administrative approvals. Staff is preparing a scope change request for the Met Council to include the relocation of a small portion Interstate Valley Creek Trail, which is adjacent to the intersection. A stakeholder letter is scheduled to be sent out this fall to get input into the project design from interested parties. The consultant is scheduled to present an update to City Council at their September 18 th meeting. Hunter Lane/Orchard Place Neighborhood Improvements (2013) - The Feasibility Report for the project was approved at the August 21 st City Council Meeting, and a public hearing on the project was ordered for October 2nd. There will be an informal neighborhood meeting on September 17th at City Hall. The formal public hearing on October 2nd will be part of the regularly scheduled Council Meeting. Crown Point & Overlook Neighborhood Rehabilitations (2013) – The Feasibility Report for these projects was approved at the August 7 th City Council Meeting. An informal neighborhood meeting is scheduled for August 27th at City Hall, and a formal public hearing is scheduled before City Council at their September 18th meeting. Highway 13 and Dodd Road Trail Gap Constructions (2013) – Staff has contacted the consultant used originally for the design of trail gap connection projects along Highway 13 and Dodd Road. The designs are being reviewed, finalized and being made ready for construction in 2013. The Highway 13 section is intended on being funded by MSA funds, but a grant is necessary for funding to complete the Dodd Road trail section from Market Street to Marie Avenue. Application for a DNR (Legacy funding) grant will be made early next year. Sink Hole Repaired – Staff investigated a large sink hole that developed near the Northland Drive lift station. Staff discovered a breech in the 72” storm sewer pipe that likely caused the sink hole. A contractor will be brought in to make the necessary repairs. Utility Services Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) Being Discussed – Staff is in discussion with other cities in northern Dakota County about expanding Joint Powers Agreement maintenance services between the cities to include utilities maintenance. Currently, street preventative maintenance (crack- sealing and sealcoating) is executed through a JPA, and the cities are discussing potentially expanding that agreement to include water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer maintenance services. Participating cities would not be obligated to use the JPA, but by combining cities under a single contract, it is hoped to save on administrative costs. Any modifications to the existing JPA would need to be approved by participating City Councils. Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization (LMRMWO) – Staff attended the monthly meeting of the LMRWMO with citizen representative Mary Jeanne Schneemann and alternate representative Jill Smith. In addition to approving inter-jurisdictional calculation methods for water quality, the LMRWMO Board approved the amended work plan for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Watershed Restoration and Protection (WRAP) Plan to include Augusta Lake in Mendota Heights. The WRAP will produce management plans for the drainage areas that impact the lakes included in the program. Rogers Lake was part of the original WRAP, and remains included in the study. Gun Club Lake Watershed Management Organization (GCLWMO) – Mendota Heights’ Public Works Director met with the PWDs from Eagan and Inver Grove Heights, along with the GCLWMO Board Chair to discuss future alignment of the GCLWMO and its roles and responsibilities. Over 90% of the GCLWMO’s area is in the City of Eagan, with the City doing most of the water quality/quantity work within the GCLWMO boundaries. The group met to discuss methods that could be employed to increase efficiency and reduce redundancy between the two organizations. Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Quarantine Area – Staff received the following from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) regarding the EAB quarantine: “The EAB quarantine will NOT be expanded to Dakota County at this time. MDA spent the past week surveying the Fort Snelling golf course and surrounding area. EAB infested trees could only be documented at the golf course. Based on the results of the survey, we feel it is unlikely that EAB has spread into Dakota County from this site to the point that there is a risk of EAB being moved from Dakota County. This decision is based on experience with EAB at other sites, particularly along the Mississippi River in Houston County, where movement across the river valley has been much slower than movement along the valley. Moreover, including Dakota County into the EAB Quarantine prematurely would risk accelerating the movement of the EAB (by human assistance) into Dakota County from known infested areas in Ramsey and Hennepin Counties—exactly the kind of movement a quarantine is meant to slow. In addition, a quarantine could hinder our ability to fully utilize all survey resources in Dakota County in 2013 and beyond. Old Sibley Memorial Highway – MnDOT has informed other affected agencies, including the City of Mendota Heights, of their intention to give up the right-of-way for Old Sibley Memorial Highway from Highway 13 at Mendota Heights Road to Highway 13 near Saint Peter’s Church. This section of roadway is the two-lane road that runs along Fort Snelling State Park. MnDOT has decided that before any open houses or other forms of public meetings take place, they should meet with the Dakota County Board of Commissioners and Mendota Heights City Council to discuss potential alternatives. These meetings will likely be held over the winter. 08/24/2012 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 DWI Arrest Saturday 0134 hours Officer Chad Willson was on routine patrol in the area of Victoria Road and Hwy 13 when he observed a vehicle travelling north on the south shoulder of Hwy 13. When the vehicle did not turn into the Holiday gas station parking lot and continued on Hwy 13, Officer Willson made a traffic stop on the vehicle to deter an accident. At that time he noticed the adult female was intoxicated and she admitted to driving after she had been drinking. She was taken into custody and transported to the police department for testing. Upon arrival at the department she asked Officer Willson if she was in Stillwater …? He used the new DataMaster breath test and her result was .19 BAC (reminder: the legal limit is .08). She was arrested and booked for DWI and other related charges. Thank you Officer Willson for taking this dangerous and impaired driver off the road! Assault/Mutual Saturday 1914 hours Sgt. Eric Petersen and Officer Chad Willson responded to a residence on report of an after the fact assault involving a former daughter and mother- in-law. Upon arriving at the residence, they each talked to one of the reporting parties (as they both had called 911) and then talked to several witnesses as this occurred at a family gathering. A verbal argument between the two parties turned into a physical fight and statements were taken from all involved. The altercation seemed to be mutual and both women had minor injuries. The report and statements will be forwarded for the city attorney for review and possible charges. Disorderly Conduct Sunday 0045 hours While doing a “bar check” at a local establishment, Sgt. Eric Petersen was asked to assist bar staff (bouncers and the manager) with removing a very intoxicated and disruptive party from the bar. He was verbally abusive towards bar staff and even attempted to physically fight the bouncers. Once Sgt. Petersen became involved, this behavior continued and Officer Peyton Fleming arrived to assist Sgt. Petersen with controlling the man. After being identified by his driver’s license he was transported to the Dakota County Jail. He appeared to be extremely intoxicated but he refused to take a PBT and he was also too combative to go to detox. He even wanted to continue this fight with the detention deputies at the jail. He was charged with Disorderly Conduct and luckily, no one was hurt. “Just the Facts” The latest news from the Mendota Heights Police Department 08/24/2012 Commercial Burglary Sunday 1644 hours Officer Chad Willson responded to a call for a forced entry burglary at Green Lotus Yoga at The Village retail shopping center. The business owner had been at the location in the morning for AM sessions and then left for a few hours. When she returned to open the fitness center for afternoon/evening sessions she noticed that the cash drawer was open and other electronic items were disrupted. Officer Willson located pry marks on one of the doors on the north side of the building which is where access was gained by the burglars. Wow, in broad daylight, on a Sunday afternoon in Mendota Heights!! The business does not have surveillance or an alarm system so there are no leads at this time. Theft from Motor Vehicles All week Various Officers took several calls this week on reports of theft from motor vehicles. One of them happened at the parking lot of the Pool & Yacht Club, one in the parking lot for the Big River Trail (the lot off of Lilydale Road), one at Valley Park (someone had parked to play tennis), and another in the underground parking garage at an apartment building. In three of the four cases items were stolen and one of them was interrupted before a theft occurred but the vehicle was still damaged. Even if people think that they “hid” their purse or wallet, it doesn’t matter. These thieves just assume there is going to be something in the car somewhere so they always find it and steal it and then use the debit/credit cards. Never leave anything in your vehicle while parked unattended! Alcohol & Marijuana Thursday 0244 hours Officer Steve Meyer initiated a traffic stop after seeing a vehicle without license plates drive out from behind a closed business. Upon making contact with the driver and three passengers, Officer Meyer smelled the distinct smell of marijuana and also alcohol coming from the inside of the vehicle. The driver and owner of the vehicle was found to be in possession of marijuana paraphernalia and was cited for that offense. One of the passengers, who was only 20 years old had consumed alcohol and had a test result of .094 on the PBT. The other two passengers were not cited. They were asked to move along as they all had residential addresses in Eagan. Another Assault Thursday 1408 hours Officer Scott Patrick met with the concerned family of an elderly woman who is a resident. They are concerned about her welfare due to living conditions brought on her by a roommate and now they feared that she had been assaulted by the adult male roommate and they requested that the incident be investigated. Officer Patrick met with the victim and suspect and obtained statements and it was determined that an assault did take place the previous week. Officer Patrick assisted the family by also advising them about some resources for the woman so her situation can improve. The report will be forwarded to the city attorney for possible criminal charges and is also being forwarded to Dakota County Social Services. Warrant Arrest Thursday 1030 hours On Wednesday, Officer Jennifer Fordham assisted a parent with an ongoing family issue with their 20 year old son. The son was to appear in Hennepin County for a court appearance on a felony theft and before leaving for court, an argument ensued and the father no longer wanted to attend court with his adult son. He asked for police assistance in removing the son from the home and Officer Fordham ultimately gave him a ride to his apartment in St. Paul. She received a phone call later in the day from the young man’s attorney, advising that he never did make his court appearance and a bench warrant had been issued. The following morning, while on patrol, Officer Fordham saw the young man driving back to his mom and dad’s house and initiated a traffic stop. Along with Inv. Tanner Spicer and Officer Bobby Lambert, the unstable young man was taken into custody, transported to the Dakota County Jail and will eventually be moved to the Hennepin County Jail so his court appearance will be mandatory! Have a great weekend! Jenny FAMILY – FUN – FRIENDSHIP – FOOD – DANCING – NATIVE AMERICAN ART & CRAFTS Mendota’s 13th Annual Traditional Wacipi September 7, 8, 9, 2012. St. Peter’s Church Grounds 1405 Sibley Memorial Hwy in Mendota, Minnesota 55150 Emcee: Mitch Walking Elk Arena Director: Windy Down Wind Host Drum: Scotty Brown Eyes Co Host Drum: Little Thunder Birds Men's Head Dancer: Nick Anderson Women's Head Dancer: Mary So Happy Spiritual Advisor: TBA Public Welcome First 10 Drums Paid Friday, Sept 07 5:05 pm .............. Lighting the Sacred Fire (followed by a potluck dinner) Saturday, Sept 08 12:00 am ............ Dancer's Registration 1:00 pm .............. Grand Entry 3:30 pm .............. Honoring Ceremony Dick Bancroft & Norbe Blake .......................... Other Honorings 5:30-6:30pm ....... Dancer Registration 7:00 pm .............. Grand Entry / Mexica Dancer 8:00 pm .............. Registered Dancers Payout Sunday, Sept 09 12:00 am ............ Dancer's Registration 1:00 pm .............. Grand Entry 1:30 pm .............. Honoring Ceremony 2:00 pm .............. More Dancing 3:00 pm .............. Honoring Ceremony 5:00 pm .............. Closing Ceremony & Thank You Feast 5:30 pm .............. Registered Dancers Payout For more information call 651-452-4141 $5 Entry Button Donation No one turned away! NO DRUGS, ALCOHOL, FIREARMS, OR PETS ALLOWED Please bring lawn chairs . Please note: This is a Traditional Wacipi not a Competition. Sponsored by the Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota Community. www.mendotadakota.com mmdc01@comcast.net Donations Needed Public Welcome! Public Welcome! Mendota Heights Par 3 & Thompson Oaks 2nd Annual 18 Hole Golf Tournament When: Saturday, September 15, 2012. (In the event of rain, the tournament will be played September 22, 2012.) Cost: $35.00: Includes greens fees at both courses; breakfast, lunch, prizes, trophies and tons of fun! 1st Course: Thompson Oaks, 1555 Oakdale Avenue, West St. Paul. 7:45 a.m. check-in and breakfast, shotgun start at 8:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m. prize drawings and awards. 2nd Course: Mendota Heights Par 3, 1695 Dodd Road. 11:00 a.m. check-in, 11:30am shotgun start, 1:00 p.m. lunch, prize drawings and awards. Register: In 3, 4 or 5-somes. Pre-registration is required. Checks or cash only please. The first nine teams are guaranteed a spot in the tournament. Contact: Tom Perkins, Thompson Oaks Manager at (651)457-6064. Jen Zweber, Mendota Heights Par 3 Manager at (651)454-9822. Prizes: Trophies will be awarded for the longest drive, closest to the pin, longest putt, and 1st place and runner-up. We will also have random drawings for prizes. This is a popular tournament - sign-up today!