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Friday News 09 07 2012 September 7, 2012 Dates to Remember: September 11, 2012 Parks & Recreation Comm. 6:30 p.m. September 12, 2012 Airport Relations Comm. 7:00 p.m. September 24, 2012* Planning Commission 7:00 p.m. *Note date change October 2, 2012 City Council 7:00 p.m. Attachments: Pipeline, Just the Facts, DCSO Newsletter, Pow Wow Flyer Friday News Mendota Heights Weekly Report on City Activities Mendota Heights City Hall 1101 Victoria Curve www.mendota-heights.com (651) 452-1850 Preliminary Levy Passes The city council heard a summary of the 2013 Preliminary Budget and Levy at their regular meeting Tuesday, September 4, 2012. The preliminary levy was set at a 3.99% increase over the 2012 levy. This is the amount Dakota County will use for the Truth in Taxation documents, which are mailed out to all property owners. The total levy may go down before adoption, but can- not go any higher than the preliminary levy set Tuesday evening. Storm Clean Up Continues Most of the properties impacted by the June 19, 2012 storm have been cleaned up. However, the clean up is still well un- derway at City Hall, as we complete report- ing for FEMA reimbursement. Special thanks go out to Police Chief Mike Aschen- brener and Finance Director Kristen Schabacker for navigating the rules, regu- lations and requirements in having our costs reimbursed. Good reporting during the incident will help to insure that our costs for response will be covered. Follow us on Facebook! Our Facebook address has been shortened up—type this into your browser and see what you have been missing out on: www.facebook.com/MendotaHeightsMN Public Works The Parks Crew top dressed the outfields at Hagstrom King Park. Black dirt was hauled in, leveled and grass seed put down. The bathrooms at Kensington Park and Mendakota Park were washed down and cleaned. They attended the safety meeting at city hall. The Utility Crew did a fall inspection at the liftstations that included all electrical, pulling the pumps, and checking the piping systems. Spraying of weeds on all the pedways was finished. Broadleaf weeds were sprayed at Kensingotn Parks and at the fire hall. The Streets Crew marked the south side of Highway 110 Frontage Road for no parking signs and called in locates. Class 5 gravel was brought in for the Highway 110 Frontage Road for filling in the shoulder where it had washed out. Blacktop patching was done on the pedway behind Parkview Plaza around the water boxes. Potholes were filled on Decorah Lane at Apache Street, Pagel Road, Havenview Road, and around the storm grate on Medallion Drive. Engineering City Projects (construction year) Lemay Lake Road Reconstruction (2012) – Storm sewer installation is complete. Victory Lane, Kendon Lane and Furlong Avenue received the first lift of asphalt. 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) –Sod is scheduled for installation next week. The second lift of asphalt (wear course) is expected in late September to early October. An assessment hearing for the project is scheduled at the October 2nd City Council meeting. Diane Road Neighborhood & Mendota Heights Road Rehabilitations (2012) – These projects were completed earlier this summer. An Assessment The Pipeline N E W S L E T T E R Public Works Engineering Code Enforcement September 7, 2012 Hearing for the projects is scheduled at the October 2 nd City Council Meeting. 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. Staff has submitted a scope change request for the Met Council to include the relocation of a small portion of 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) – An informational meeting was held on August 27th at City Hall. Residents that attended were presented with the anticipated project schedule, scope of work, and proposed assessments. A formal public hearing for the project is scheduled before City Council at their September 18th meeting. Verizon to Work On Fiber Optic Line at Historic Pilot Knob – Representatives from Verizon will be working on the Historic Pilot Knob site next week to adjust the elevation of their underground fiber optic lines. The work is estimated to take approximately five days, and the disturbed areas will be fully restored when the project is completed. Old Sibley Memorial Highway – MnDOT has informed other affected agencies, including the City of Mendota Heights, of their intention to vacate the right-of-way for Old Sibley Memorial Highway from Highway 13 at Mendota Heights Road to Highway 13 near Saint Peter’s Church. 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. 09/08/2012 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 x 2 Friday 2332 hours While driving northbound Hwy 13, Officer Denise Urmann came across what she believed to be a two vehicle accident on the side of the road. The windshield of one of the vehicles was starred. A young male got out of that vehicle with a bloody hand – and when asked what happened, he explained that his transmission broke and in his frustration he punched the windshield! While speaking to the driver, it became very apparent that he was intoxicated. He failed all field sobriety tests and was arrested for DUI. He was booked in the Jail and released early the next day. His broken down vehicle was towed. Officer Meyer arrived and spoke to the driver of the second vehicle, who had come from the same bar as his friend. That driver was attempting to tow the disabled vehicle with a tow strap. Driver #2 appeared even more impaired but did not go along with the program. He was arrested for DUI and Refusal and was provided an extended stay at the Dakota County Jail. His work truck went on the same flatbed as his friends! Driving After Revocation/Warrant Arrest Saturday 1611 hours Sergeant Eric Petersen was dispatched to a suspicious person call where the caller stated she was approached by a male asking for money and if there was any work he could perform. The caller gave a description of the vehicle with a license plate. Sergeant Petersen located the vehicle and when he ran the license plate the registered owner showed a license status of revoked with a warrant. The vehicle was stopped and the driver was arrested and transported to jail. The vehicle was towed. Assist Other Agency Monday 2139 hours Sergeant Brian Convery assisted the Minnesota State Patrol with a driving complaint. The vehicle was driving well below the posted speed limit and was swerving all over the road. Sergeant Convery located the vehicle and made a traffic stop. When he approached he noticed that the driver had vomited on the door and she was displaying signs of intoxication. There was also a small child in the vehicle. A state trooper arrived and ran the driver through field sobriety which she failed. She ultimately admitted to consuming a small amount of alcohol and being on prescription medications. Sergeant Convery assisted with taking care of the young child until a relative arrived while the trooper handled the arrest. “Just the Facts” The latest news from the Mendota Heights Police Department 09/08/2012 Personal Injury Accident Tuesday 0744 hours Officer John Larrive responded to a personal injury accident where a bicyclist was cut off by a motorist who turned and cut off the biker. The driver stated they did not see the biker due to the sun being in their eyes. The cyclist sustained minor injuries but was not transported to the hospital. Theft from Auto Wednesday 2000 hours Sergeants Petersen and Convery both took theft from auto reports from a parking lot adjacent to the trail system. In both cases windows were broken to gain access to the vehicle and valuables were taken. Both cases were forwarded to investigations for follow-up, no suspects at this time. Suspicious Person/Traffic Stop Thursday 0920 hours Officer John Larrive responded to a hotel on a report of a male cutting up copper pipes in the parking lot near a vehicle. Additionally, it was reported that there was a radiator on top of the vehicle and a large amount of electrical wire nearby. Officer Larrive made contact with the male who stated he had obtained the materials from numerous dumpsters and a demolition site in a neighboring jurisdiction. Both of the parties were identified and found that neither had a valid driver’s license or insurance. They were advised that follow-up would be conducted and to not drive the vehicle due to being uninsured and neither having a license. Officer Larrive went to the demolition site to gather further information and determine if a crime had occurred, he met with the site supervisor who verified that the materials had in fact come from their but he was unwilling to pursue that matter. A short time later Officer Larrive was in the area of the hotel again and observed the vehicle being driven by the male. The vehicle was stopped and he was arrested for driving after suspension and operating a motor vehicle without insurance. The female registered owner and passenger was arrested for not having insurance on her vehicle. Both were transported to the Dakota County Jail and the vehicle was towed. A crime alert was sent out to other agencies to see if the two may be suspects in recent thefts. Safety First – School Bus Arm Violations School bus stop arm violations can occur any time during the school year but they seem to be more frequent at the beginning and end of the school year. Drivers of all ages are being cited for running the stop arm of a school bus, and the number one reason most drivers give us is that they did not see the bus! Many people have trouble with the issue of the yellow lights on the bus, when they start flashing they don’t know if they should stop or go or just what to do. Here are some guidelines for what to do when the yellow lights flash! 09/08/2012 • Bus drivers are required to activate the yellow flashing lights on the bus at least 100 feet before stopping while in a 35 mph zone or less, and at least 300 feet when they are in a speed zone of 35 mph or more. It is the opinion of many people that those distances may not be adequate and I know that bus drivers are very good about adjusting to the traffic conditions as they drive their routes. • Drivers of vehicles who are encountering school buses need to slow down and be ready to stop if need be. The stop arm may come out while you are attempting to go around. If you are meeting a bus, you have the opportunity to communicate with the bus driver, but if you are coming from behind the bus then you really have to be careful. • Treat the yellow flashing lights on the bus as being red. In other words, plan on stopping if you can. If you are already going around or meeting the bus and the yellow flashing lights come on, then of course you would continue. If you are way back and the yellow lights start flashing, then plan on stopping unless for some reason the situation dictates otherwise. Driving past or meeting a school bus transporting children can be a hazard, so again, slow down and be prepared to stop if needed. • Remember that when you stop for a school bus stop arm and sign, you have to stop at least 20 feet away from the bus, and you can’t start moving your vehicle until the sign goes in and the red lights stop flashing. If we all work together on this, we can see a great reduction in these violations. Have a safe weekend, Denise & Peyton D AKOTA C OUNTY S HERIFF The Front Row “A front row seat to the greatest show on Earth...” Dave Bellows, Sheriff Tim Leslie, Chief Deputy Volume 8, Week 14 August 27, through September 2, 2012 We Are Just a Phone Call Away… This past week, a Northfield officer attempted to stop a car heading into Greenvale Township when the driver sped away. The officer pursued the car for a short distance, but discontinued the pursuit due to traffic and the time of day. Deputies from the DCSO were assisting with attempting to locate the suspect when a 9-1-1 call was placed to the police dispatcher. The caller wanted to report his car had broken down on Highway 19 west of 35W. On arrival of police, it was soon discovered the reason for the malfunctioning car was damage to the undercarriage as a result of, yes, you guessed it, running from law enforcement earlier in the day. The man was taken into custody without further incident. We’ll take those calls any day of the week! A Fairy Tale Come True? According to Corporal John Heger, the Sheriff’s Office was visited by a famous person this week when Robin Hood was booked into jail on an outstanding warrant. In what can only be described as destiny, the reason for the warrant was a theft charge. I guess it doesn’t matter if he’s in Nottingham or Dakota County, the Sheriff wants Robin Hood. Behind the Bars… Congratulations to Correctional Deputy Darin McGowan in his assignment to Inmates Motivated to Change (IMC). This assignment involves specialized training and working closely with inmates intent on making positive changes and not returning to jail. Fishing legend Ron Lindner spoke to nearly 80 inmates in the Dakota County Jail this past week. Ron shared his story of recovery, making positive life choices, forgiveness, and how his faith led the way for change. Interwoven in his message was his passion for fishing. Special thanks to Jeff Wynne for arranging to have Ron speak. A ceremony was held for ten inmates graduating from the Resourced and Released Program. Participants in the program learn a variety of skills, including goal setting, career preparedness, and community acclimation, with the focus on reducing recidivism. Featuring Sheriff’s Sworn Operations and Detention Services Deputies: Commanders John Grant Dan Scheuermann Captains Brad Jeska Joe Leko Jim Rogers Sergeants Dan Bianconi Jennifer Cho Scott Durdall Pat Enderlein Jim Gabriel Booker Hodges IV Jim Iliff Bruce Kammen Chris Melton Tim Samuelson Rick Schroeder Rob Shingledecker Special Duty Deputies Brad Billmeyer Terry Ecker Kevin Henriksen Rob Hosking Thomas Jacobson Coreen Kulvich Blake Pederson Matt Regis Matt Schepers Rebecca Sherman Dave Sjogren Matt Wayne Dawanna Witt Deputy Sheriffs Scott Bensen Ryan Brown Lonna Broze JoAnne Calhoun Rhonda Doheny Sandy Dose Mike Fendrick Ryan Fitzgerald Tim Fletcher Dan Forrey Steve Forrey Tim Gonder D AKOTA C OUNTY S HERIFF The Front Row “A front row seat to the greatest show on Earth...” Dave Bellows, Sheriff Tim Leslie, Chief Deputy Volume 8, Week 14 August 27, through September 2, 2012 Click here to subscribe to this newsletter electronically.Page 2 Inmate Counselor Hal Palmer was instrumental in establishing the program. Over the past week, the jail held an average of 281 inmates in custody per day. This represents a slight increase from the prior week. Happy Birthday… Several employees will be enjoying birthdays in the upcoming week. They include Correctional Deputy Anthony Welin (September 11th), Correctional Deputy Lucio Marquez-Zazueta (September 12th), Deputy Bryan Hermerding and Detective Dave Sjogren (September 13th), and Program Services Assistant Molu Thachil (September15th). Enjoy your special day! Amber Hentges Bryan Hermerding Art Herrera Tom Hooper Sidney Jones Krystal Johnson John Kane Jeff Leopold Jen Lenarz Brent Lohmann Bruce Lohmann Merle Lohse Kim Mays Mark McKnight Peter Meyer Lester Mitchell Erika Morgan Jon Napper Ryan Olson Mitch Penny Sean Qualy Jon Reiners Josh Sannes Bryce Schuenke Matt Schuster Dan Siebenaler Brian Smidt Phouthaivanh Sourignavong Gordy Steffel Steve Theriault Dmitriy Vecherkov Mike Vikesland Bryan Wagner Todd West Questions? Comments? Please contact the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office at 651.438.4700 or any of the following by email: dave.bellows@ co.dakota.mn.us julie.ecker@ co.dakota.mn.us Good Time Served... Artwork by Correctional Deputy Joe Engesser 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!