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Friday News 09 14 2012 September 14, 2012 Dates to Remember: September 18, 2012 City Council 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 Friday News Mendota Heights Weekly Report on City Activities Mendota Heights City Hall 1101 Victoria Curve www.mendota-heights.com (651) 452-1850 Sergeant Garlock Recognized Many Mendota Heights residents recognize Sergeant Neil Garlock as a great police officer. However, Neil is now being recognized as the 2012 MN Law Enforcement Torch Run "Unsung Hero". Neil was nominated for his work with the Men- dota Heights 5K which is more than a great community event, it supports Special Olympics. The award is being presented at the Special Olympics Conference Awards Luncheon on Saturday, September 22nd. Improvements at the Skate Park The Rogers Lake Skate Park re-opened a day early, after resurfacing the half -pipe. Enthusi- astic skaters appreciate the new surfacing, and new features—two rails and a “Hubba Ledge.” Big Changes at Pilot Knob This morning, crews from Xcel Energy were on hand to remove the utility poles at Historic Pilot Knob. This will have a significant impact on the site. Work is being paid by a grant from the Na- tional Trust for Historic Preservation, funded by Ameriprise. Great River Greening is anxious to start restoration of impacted areas at the site. September 14, 2012 Election Signs Mendota Heights has a long tradition of active citizenry and great participation in elections. If you choose to post an election sign on your property, please keep in mind that no signs are allowed within the right-of-way, which extends beyond the curb. Across the community, several signs are being posted well within the public right-of-way. A good rule of thumb is to keep signs 13 feet behind the back of the curb/shoulder. Signs that are in city-owned right-of-way will be pulled and may be retrieved at the public works facility during office hours. Dakota County and the State have been very efficient in removing signs that are placed within their right-of-way. Friday News Page 2 Mendota Heights City Hall 1101 Victoria Curve www.mendota-heights.com (651) 452-1850 Candidate Forum Available On-Demand Mayoral Candidates Sandra Krebsbach and Ultan Duggan participated in a can- didate forum on Wednesday evening. You can catch replays of the forum on local cable access, or on demand on the city website. Go to www.townsquare.tv, and click on the Decision 2012 to view this and other candidate forums. Greenways in Mendota Heights Dakota County is developing plans for trails within green corridors across the county, connecting places of interest as well as natural resources into one system. Jake Sedlacek attended the first meet- ing of the Technical Advisory Group for the Mendota/Lebanon Hills Greenway, focusing on routes from Mendota Heights to Lebanon Hills Regional Park. Check out project descriptions and up- dates at www.hkgi.com/project/dakota. Select Mendota at the top of the page. Public Works The Parks Crew removed a tree that had fallen over the pedestrian trail in Valley Park. Worn out boards were replaced on the first foot bridge in Valley Park. Equipment maintenance was done on the Cushman, the front wheels and brakes were replaced. The Xmark mower was changed over with the mulching kit. The Streets Crew did black top patching on Highway 110 Frontage Road, Warrior Drive, Sibley Court and High Ridge Circle. The Utilities Crew did a sanitary sewer inspection on James Road that was repaired. The homeowner had roots growing in their service line. There was a power outage from 11:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. on Saturday into Sunday at the Mendota Heights Road lift station. The Lilydale lift station alarm went off on Monday because of a low level float. The disconnect was faulty and a new one was installed on Tuesday morning. The St. Thomas lift station was cleaned and vacuumed. Grease eating bugs were added to the wet well after cleaning. Sanitary sewer lines were cleaned on Brookside Lane and Freeway Road. The drop manhole was repaired on Mendota Heights Road. Engineering City Projects (construction year) Lemay Lake Road Reconstruction (2012) – Curb & Gutter installations are ongoing and paving is anticipated to begin late next week. Substantial project completion is expected in October, and an assessment hearing for the project is scheduled for the October 16 th City Council meeting. Marie Avenue Rehabilitation (2012) – The project is nearing completion. Sod placement is expected next week, and the finishing work for the new storm water pond is still needed. 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 are complete. An Assessment Hearing for the projects 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 September 14, 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, and has provided staff with 60% design drawings for review. Staff requested a scope change from Met Council to include the relocation of a small portion of Interstate Valley Creek Trail adjacent to the intersection, which was declined by Met Council. The trail relocation will proceed utilizing City funds. The consultant is scheduled to present an update to City Council at the September 18 th City Council 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 beginning at 6:30. Residents who have scheduling conflicts due to the observance of Rosh Hashanah can contact City staff to set up a different time to meet. The formal public hearing for the project is scheduled for October 2nd at 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. 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 . Lower Mississippi River Water Shed Management Organization (LMRWMO) – Staff attended a meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for the ongoing Watershed Restoration and Protection (WRAP) study. The WRAP study is looking at long-term management for water quality and pollution sources of Thompson Lake (West St. Paul), Pickerel Lake (Lilydale), and Sunfish Lake in the City of Sunfish Lake. Rogers Lake and Lake Augusta in Mendota Heights are also included in the WRAP study. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is funding the project through the Clean Water Land and Legacy Act, so there is no cost to the City for the project. Once complete, the WRAP study will produce a water quality management plan/watershed pollution prevention plan for the lakes included in the study. 09/14/2012 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 AOA / UTL Friday 0735 hours The MN State Patrol requested assistance locating a drunk driver (yes the call time is 7:35 a.m.). Sergeant Neil Garlock headed towards the registered owner’s home even though he was relatively certain the lawn service truck was on its way to work. No contact with the drunk driver. Scam Friday 0820 hours Elderly caller spoke with Sergeant Neil Garlock about scam phone calls she was receiving. The caller was aware of the “your grandson is in jail in Mexico” scam and refused to pay up. The caller wanted the PD aware of the attempt. Unfortunately as always there was no evidence to help track the crooks. **IF YOU EVER RECEIVE A CALL THAT YOU ARE NOT CERTAIN CALL SOMEONE YOU TRUST, THE POLICE OR BANK BEFORE SENDING ANY MONEY. ONCE YOU SEND THE MONEY IT WILL NEVER BE SEEN AGAIN. Low Flying Planes Friday 1247 hours Caller wondering why there were low flying planes over the city. Mendakota Country Club was again host to “Tee it up for the Troops” golf tournament and fundraiser http://teeitupforthetroops.org. As always a great tournament was put on including three aerial tributes to the troops. Medical Friday 1450 hours Officer John Larrive along with Sergeant Neil Garlock responded to a 67 YOA woman down not breathing call. Both performed CPR until HealthEast Ambulance arrived. The woman was resuscitated and transported to United Hospital by ambulance. AOA Friday 1708 hours Sergeant Eric Petersen assisted WSPPD who were chasing, on foot, a car thief. The chase went on for several blocks through back yards unfortunately for the crook, the officers were in far better shape. Arrested and transported to the DC jail. Parking Complaint Friday 1832 hours Resident called to report that there were cars parked all over in violation of the no parking signs on Warrior Drive and High Ridge. Officer John Larrive managed to get all cars moved and legally parked except the coach. Yes school is in full swing. “Just the Facts” The latest news from the Mendota Heights Police Department 09/14/2012 Crisis Saturday 1908 hours Officer Scott Patrick responded to a residence on a youth out of control. He soon learned the youth had gotten into an argument with his parents about following the rules. The argument ended with the youth running away, but not until he had thrown a brick through the garage door. Officer Patrick worked with others to check areas that the youth commonly hangs out at. When this was not successful the youth was entered into the NCIC database as a missing person. On Sunday evening the parents called to report they had located the youth and were working with a friend to mediate. DUI Sunday 0156 hours While driving on Hwy 13 in Lilydale, Sergeant Brian Convery observed a car pull onto the highway and proceed to drive directly at him in his lane. Sergeant Convery slowed and slowly started to move out of the way and the car finally jerked hard and back into its own lane. The car was stopped immediately and the driver was obviously impaired. Sergeant Convery carefully explained the SFST process and repeatedly had to ask the young man to stop and pay attention. He failed all of his tests including the PBT which revealed a .189 BAC. He was arrested, his car was towed. At MHPD he was read the MN Implied Consent Advisory and agreed to take a breath test. The Datamaster DMG revealed a BAC of .18. The man was transported to the DC jail to be booked and released. Warning Sunday 2345 hours Officer Meyer stopped a car for driving without headlights on Hwy 13. The driver was polite, cooperative and sober. She was verbally warned and released. Stolen Recovery Monday 1319 hours A resident called to report a car parked on the street for two weeks. The car hadn’t moved and the resident asked his neighbors if they knew anything about the car. When Sergeant Garlock arrived he learned the car was reported stolen to Minneapolis Police. Later that night the registered owner of the car returned Sergeant Garlock’ s phone call and was confused about why his car was listed as stolen. He advised it broke down and was just parked in a neighborhood by the freeway. A little further investigation by Sergeant Convery revealed that the car was actually reported stolen by the previous owner. All were referred to Minneapolis PD to sort out who actually owned the car. Found Property Monday 1832 hours Caller requested an officer meet them at an intersection where they were to pick up some personal property that was lying in the road. Officer Shepard arrived and took custody of a bag full of personal property. After a couple of quick phone calls the owner arrived at MHPD to pick up his bag full of stuff. He was working in the area and thought he may have left the bag on the car. Theft Tuesday 1310 hours Officer Scott Patrick responded to a theft from vehicle. The victim reported they left a purse in a locked car. The rear window was smashed out. The victim’s credit cards were being used by the time the theft was noticed. Trespass Thursday 1041 hours Officer Bobby Lambert along with Officers Reyes and Spicer responded to a trespass complaint. The man who was violating a court order (that he had a copy of) not to be at the residence, wanted to report his stuff was in the trash. The man was served while he was in jail and ordered to have his stuff out of the house by September 7th; unfortunately he was in jail until the 13th. The man left without incident. The report was forwarded to the prosecutor for potential charges. Found Dog Thursday 2026 hours Officer Todd Rosse responded to a found, sick dog call. The dog did not appear to be mobile. He was transported to 4 Paws Animal Shelter. No dogs reported missing. Have a great weekend! Mike 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 15 September 3, through September 9, 2012 A Tragedy… Deputies responded to a two-vehicle accident this past Thursday evening that claimed the life of a 16-year-old Hastings girl. The accident occurred on Lewiston Boulevard south of 190th Street East at approximately 7:50 p.m. Madeline Rose Sake was the lone occupant of a 2003 Kia when she collided head-on with a 1997 Chevrolet pick- up driven by Blake Allen Beissel, who is 18 years old and also from Hastings. Ms. Sake was airlifted to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, where she died several hours later. Two passengers in the pick-up, along with the driver, sustained non-life threatening injuries and were transported to the hospital. The crash occurred on a hill crest, which appears to be a factor in the accident. The accident remains under investigation by the DCSO and the Minnesota State Patrol. Responding from the DCSO were Sergeants Tim Samuelson and Booker Hodges and Deputies Jeff Leopold, Dmitriy Vecherkov, Brian Smidt, Bryce Schuenke, Sean Qualy,and Bryan Hermerding. If You Run We Will Find You… Sergeant Tim Samuelson stopped a van in Hastings this past week, knowing one of the occupants had outstanding warrants. As the vehicle was coming to a stop, the suspect jumped from the van and then over a five foot fence. Sergeant Samuelson, with the assistance of officers from the DCSO and Hastings PD, set up a perimeter. A short time later, Hastings Officer Mike Schmitz and his canine partner, “Ozzy,”located the suspect, who had attempted to burrow himself into a pile of black dirt. After being removed from his hideaway, the man was transported to jail. A Real Bunch of Dames… A group of DCSO female staff members banded together to participate in the Warrior Dash held in Hugo, Minnesota. For those unfamiliar with the event, the Warrior Dash is a 3.1 mile long obstacle course. A few of the impediments along the course include climbing over walls, a subterranean crawl, running through a wall of fire, and traversing through a couple of mud pits. Who wouldn’t want to do this? The group who coined themselves as the Dakota Dames included Detective Coreen Kulvich, Inmate Outreach Coordinator Emily Clary, Sergeant Jen Cho,Deputy Erika Morgan, Program Services Assistant Jesse Monahan,Deputy Lonna Broze,Detective Dawanna Witt,and Program Services Assistants Minnie Murphy and Jessie Witschen. The group was joined by honorary Featuring Sheriff’s Volunteer Units and Information Technology Support Staff: Information Technology Support Dan Anderson Lisa Blount Chance Munger Special Deputies Juan Balli Louis Henderson Anthony Pojman Randal Smith Dave Stanek Special Deputies Sheriff’s Office Liaison: Sergeant Booker Hodges Mounted Patrol Bonnie Brauninger Tim Burns J. B. Dudley Mike Dudley Ron Hart Ann LaBelle Maggie Mell Wendy Pressnall Kourtney Rose Cathy Snyder 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 15 September 3, through September 9, 2012 Click here to subscribe to this newsletter electronically.Page 2 member Colleen Weis. We’ve shown you “before and after photos” from the event! Not to Be Outdone… The Minnesota Lawmen Police Softball Team played in the 41st National Police Softball Tournament in Dayton, Ohio, this past weekend. Commanders John Grant and Dan Scheuermann have been team members of the Lawman for over 20 years. The rest of the group is comprised of law enforcement officers from across Minnesota. The team competed against other law enforcement teams from across the United States. This year the group finished second nationally, losing a heartbreaker in the seventh inning of the championship game. Congratulations on a good tourney! Thank You… Special Deputy Tom Wilson announced his retirement from the unit. Tom has been a member of the Special Deputy Unit for the past ten years and has volunteered thousands of hours in assisting deputies and working at various events. Tom, thank you for your dedication and contributions to the DCSO, you will be missed. Happy Birthday to You… Employees birthdays during the upcoming week include Captain Brad Jeska (September 16th); Pastor Jim Bzoskie (September 18th); Deputy Gordy Steffel (September 20th); Correctional Deputy Katie Hoover and Park Ranger David Steinberg (September 21st); and Program Services Assistant Lynda Jirak (September22nd). Mounted Patrol Sheriff’s Office Liaisons: Sergeant Booker Hodges Deputy Sean Qualy Explorer Post 523 Sheriff’s Office Liaisons/Advisors: Deputy Tim Fletcher Correctional Deputy Kent Themmes Detective Dawanna Witt Chaplains Jim Bzoskie Vern Hildebrandt Clayton McDougall Eddie Nestingen Cory Voll Don Voll 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 “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” - Mahatma Gandhi