2004-04-16 Friday Newsr
The Friday News
April 16, 2004
FIRE DEPARTMENT HAS BUSY AND MOURNFUL WEEK
On Wednesday of this week the Fire Department provided mutual aid to the City of Eagan Fire
Department in fighting a very large grass fire that was burning in the river bottoms located near I-494 NW
of TH 13. News of this fire was reported on all of the local TV Stations as well as National news. The
Fire Department was requested almost immediately by Eagan at about 6:30pm and continued to provide
support until 11:30pm when the fire was mostly contained and DNR forces were in place. The focus of
their effort was to protect private properties along the Eastern side of the river bottoms.
Early on Friday morning there was a house fire on Lakeview Avenue that resulted in the fitst fatality of a
resident in the Fire Departments 57 years. TV stations were on the scene and the fire was reported in this
morning's news. The following press release was distributed:
Press Release 4/16/04
Fire Fatality in Mendota Heights
Shortly after 12:30am on Friday, April 16"i, Mendota Heights Fire and Police were dispatched to a report
of a residential structure fire in the Furlong Addition of Mendota Heights. First arriving officers observed
heavy fire out the rear of the home and were advised that the homeowner was still inside.
Officers made an attempt to rescue the 73 year old male resident who had a medical condition but were
driven back by thick smoke and heat. Complicating any further rescue attempts was the intense heat and
smoke as well as several explosions of oxygen cylinders and ammunition.
A neighbor who had been providing care to the elderly resident indicated that she had last left the
residence at 8:45 P.M. after conversing with the resident. She then went shopping and arrived home at
10:10 P.M. and did not notice anything out of the ordinary.
One of the woman's sons indicated that between 10:30 and 10:40 he smelled smoke and mentioned it to
his mother iJpon her investigation she did not see anything out of the ordinary outside but she could
smell smoke. Fire investigators believe that the fire had burned for quite some time before initial calls
were made by area residents.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation and is being investigated by the Mendota Heights Fire and
Police Departments and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal's Office.
Fire Chief John Maczko indicated that this house fire clearly demonstrates the need for working smoke
detectors in all residential single family homes. There appeared to be no working smoke detectors in the
home. Most fires in residential single family homes occur at night, the fire may burn for a long period
before it gets noticed. Smoke detectors provide early notification and allow you to take action. The Fire
Chief also recommends that residential fire sprinkler systems be considered in all residential homes
whether it is new construction or existing homes. A fire sprinkler referred to by hire as "the instant
firefighter" would have made a significant difference in this case.
This is the first fire fatality that has occurred in a residential structure in tie City of Mendota Heights in
the .57 year of the Fire Department.
If you have any questions, call John Maczko Fire Chief at 651-485-2271
UPGRADES OF CABLECAST EQUIPMENT
Town Square TV has requested that use of the Council Chambers, from April 21 st thru May 4th, be
limited to only the Planning Commission meeting on April 27th and the Council sleeting on May 4th.
They plan to complete the upgrades of the equipment, that includes installation of four new ceiling
mounted cameras (currently there are two) and installation of all cablecast equipment into the back
control room. All work involved in this upgrade/change-over will be completed and operational for the
May 4th Council meeting.
Following completion of the upgrades, the four ceiling mounting cameras will be remotely operated from
the equipment room by the cablecaster. Plans are to install ceiling mounted lights (On/Off), visible to
Council members, to indicate when the meeting is being broadcast "live".
SKATE PARK COMPONENTS INSTALLED
TruRide, Inc. began assembly and installation of the ramps, jumps and obstacles for the Skate Park
located at Roger's Lake Park oil Thursday. All work should be completed by Friday, April 16`x'
and will be "turned -over" to Public Works. The installation crew from TruRide will instruct the
Public Works Parks crew on maintenance of the skate park components and recommend a
schedule(s) for safety inspections and items to look for during each periodic walk-thru of the site.
The nature of this park amenity may require that the site be visited on a daily basis by a Public Works
employee, but should not (according to industry and insurance standards) require frill -time supervision of
the facility during regular park hours. No official "grand opening" has been planned. Local skateboard
enthusiasts have been informed that the park should be operational by this weekend.
MNRRA Grants Available Next Year for Environmental Restoration
Patrick Hollister went to an informational meeting at the Zuhrah Shrine Center in Minneapolis
on Wednesday to hear about a new grant program with the National Park Service for the
Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MNRRA). The source of the grant money is
the Ashland Settlement Court Order that provided $1,900,000 to the National Park Service for
"cleanup, restoration, and stewardship of the Mississippi River." Only projects that take place
within the Mississippi River Critical Area are eligible for funding. From the discussion at the
meeting, it was apparent that the primary focus of the funding is environmental restoration. At
this point the National Park Service has not yet determined the structure or criteria of the grant
program. National Park Service representatives said that communities would be able to apply for
grants beginning in the fall of 2005. Patrick is now on the notification list for future meetings
and will keep updated on the program.
Respectfully Submitted,
James Danielson
City Administrator
Attachments: Just the Facts, Pipeline, City Council Meeting Agenda, Planning Synopsis, Sun Newspaper
Article "Laughs for a cause" and "City Council meeting on Passover should have been changed", Pioneer
Press Article "Fitness club takes off', Friday Fax, AMM News.
Issue #
T,k,b,WW4+041- ;fk MSU Ht -p p,01,a D.A/fix
April 16'h, 2004
The
Careless Driving 04-09-2004 1404 hours
Mendota
Sgt Donn Anderson responded to a call of a careless driver in the
Heights
SE part of town. The caller provided a license number and a
Police
description. The silver VW was located at home and the 16YOA
driver was advised of the consequences of another police visit
Department
about poor driving.
DAR / No Insurance 04-09-2004 1844 hours
While stopped at a stop light on Hwy 110, Officer Jennifer Hurst
Support
noticed the car next to her had expired registration. Upon
Staff
stopping the car she ID'ed the driver by MN DL. The driver
Cathy
Cathy Trost Ransom
advised he knew about the expired registration as he was having
problems getting the title transferred into his name. Upon
Police Officers
running a driver's license check, Officer Hurst discover the
Jerry Murphy
reason he was having problems transferring the title into his
Yvette Tillery
name: the driver was revoked. The driver was cited and the car
Lee Flandrich
was transported to Southeast Towing.
Scott Patrick
Suspicious Vehicle 04-10-2004 0506 hours
Bobby Lambert
Caller reported an occupied vehicle running in the street. Officer
Eric Petersen
Chad Willson located the vehicle parked, engine running, and
Todd Rosse
Tanner Spicer
brake lights on. After making contact with the driver, Officer
Chad Willson
Willson learned that the driver's license was limited and the driver
Jeff vonFeldt
told him that he had stopped driving at 0200. The plan was to
Jennifer Hurst
wait until it was okay for him to drive again and then continue
home.
Investigations
Animal Day 04-10-2004
Mario Reyes
At 1242 hours, Officer Bobby Lambert responded to the Holiday
Brian Convery
Station on Hwy 13 where he picked up a stray dog. The dog did
not have any identification and was sent to Four Paws.
Sergeants
At 1534 hours, Officer Eric Petersen responded to the 700 block
Donn Anderson
of Hwy 13 on multiple calls of a rooster in the roadway. Upon
Neil Garlock
arrival he located a large black rooster "walking around." The
John Larrive
rooster was not a traffic hazard. Officer Petersen cleared leaving
Chief
the rooster alone.
Mae
Recovered Stolen 04-10-2004 2120 hours
Aschenbrener
While on patrol, Officer Todd Rosse spotted a parked vehicle with
its headlights on. Further investigation revealed that the
suburban was not occupied. A quick check on the in -squad
-1-
Issue # April 16 h 2004
computer revealed the vehicle was a stolen out of St. Paul. Officers thoroughly
checked the area but were not able to locate anyone. After checking with St. Paul
Police the vehicle was impounded and the owner notified.
Man with a Gun 04-11-2004 2031 hours
Officer Jennifer Hurst responded to a Gall of a man waving a gun around on the bike
path behind Benson Metals. The suspect was described as a white male wearing
blue jeans and a light blue jacket. Officer responded to the area but did not locate
anyone. The dispatchers were not able to get the complainant to answer on call
back and no further information was available.
Domestic 04-12-2004 0305 hours
Officer Chad Willson responded to a call of a domestic. Upon arrival he found two
men arguing outside. They were very intoxicated. They advised that they had just
come home from Moose Country where they started arguing about family matters.
Both agreed to go in the house and not talk again until morning.
Drunk Man 04-12-20041659 hours
Officer Todd Rosse responded to a call of a drunken man in the lobby. Upon arrival,
he was directed to a drunk attempting to use the pay phone to call a cab. Officer
Rosse ID'ed the party by a MN picture ID and he had no warrants. The party advised
that he was just trying to get a cab to bring him to St. Paul. Officer Rosse granted his
wish and transported him to the Dorothy Day Center.
4t" Degree Assault/GM Damage to Property/3rd Degree QUI 04-12-2004 2144 hrs
Sgt John Larrive was dispatched to the call of an assault at Brown College. While en
route, the dispatcher advised officers that the suspect was leaving in a yellow VW
bug. As Sgt Larrive arrived he observed the car pull into a nearby business lot.
Contact was made with the driver and he was arrested. The victim, a teacher at
Brown, was brought to the scene and ID'ed the suspect and relayed the following
story. The suspect is a student in his class; the class had gone to MOA to do an
economics project and upon returning, this student was being disruptive. He was
asked to leave after he threatened the teacher in class. When asked to leave, he
went after the teacher and other students in the class intervened, throwing him out.
Once outside, he kicked a window out of the instructor's car and then jumped on the
teacher and began punching him. The suspect then left and was arrested for the
assault and DUI. He was transported to the Dakota County Jail. Not school like I
remember it!
Burglary 04-13-20041311 hours
Officer Scott Patrick took a report of a missing Toro lawn mower. The mower was
less than a year old. It was last seen approximately two weeks earlier. The victim
advised that they do not normally close the garage.
Juvenile Complaint 04-13-20041731 hours
Officer Todd Rosse and Sergeant John Larrive responded to an anonymous call of
juveniles drinking in the park in Mendota. Upon arrival, the officers, located several
of age men and several underage females in the City Park. The male parties
immediately began to be belligerent with the officers. After it was explained that all of
the young ladies could be cited, even though they were not drinking in front of the
officers, attitudes changed. Officers did issue a handicap parking citation to the
young man who parked in the closest parking space (handicapped) to the park.
Have a great weekend! Iffik (D
NEWS
L E TT E The e
R
Public Works
Engineering April 15, 2004
Code Enforcement
Public Works
The Parks Crew put down weed preventor on berms at North Kensington Park to
eliminate weed growth and applied crab grass preventor at Kensington,
Mendakota, the Fire Hall, old fire hall site, Victoria Highlands and City Hall. They
swept the neighborhood parks at Wentworth, Rogers and Marie. They picked up a
left over rock pile at Friendly Hills where the general rinks were graded last fall,
and they picked up the grass clippings from the street sweepings at Mendakota
and Rogers Lake.
They also cleaned up some buckthorn adjacent to a portion of the pedway in
Valley Park. They installed the football safety netting at Mendakota Park above
the back stops in the hub area and dragged and chalked the ball fields.
Rich assisted the Parks Crew with tree plantings and then watered the trees using
water from the sewer jetter tank. A homeowner at Lexington and Marie Avenues
donated two wood duck boxes to be installed in the pond behind her house. Rich
went to Cardinal Corner bought the boxes and put them up with John Ambrose.
Rich flushed the sanitary sewer lines at Winston Court and Spring Creek Circle.
Street sweeping on the north end of the City is done with two machines being
used by the contractor and we are expecting two more on Friday or Monday. The
Street Crew made and put up "No Fishing From the Road" signs on Wagon Wheel
Trail at the culverts. They put in rip -rap in the ditch on Marie Avenue east of
Wachtler. They reinstalled street name signs for Karl Hohenstien Place that was
hit by a car this winter. They cleared brush for better site distance at Mears,
Emerson and Dodd Road. They cut down and chipped some trees overhanging
the street on Valley Curve.
Code Enforcement
Dick attended a state sponsored seminar on Wednesday to learn about the new
International Mechanical Code and Fuel Gas Code that will be adopted in June or
July this year. The state will be switching from the Uniform Mechanical Code to
the International Mechanical code.
Engineering
Sue was not in today because her husband had an emergency appendectomy at
5:30 this morning. He is doing well and should be out of the hospital tomorrow.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
April 12, 2004
TO: City Council, Commission Members, and City Administrator
FROM: Patrick C. Hollister, Administrative Assistant
SUBJECT: Pre -Application Meeting Synopsis
Staff met with seven potential applicants on Monday, April 12, 2004. Sue McDermott,
Steve Grittman, and Patrick Hollister were present.
Todd White, Bill Diedrich, and Jim Tilsen
Burow Pond, Victoria Road South
Mr. Bill Diedrich is building a new house for Mr. Todd White at Lot 7, Block 1 Burow
Pond, the northernmost lot in 7 -lot subdivision on the west side of Victoria that was
approved in 2003. Mr. White wants his house .50 feet back from the property line.
Currently there are houses under construction only on the southernmost two lots, Lot 1
and Lot 2. Those two houses are 35 feet back from the property line. Staff asked Mr.
Diedrich and Mr. White to meet with the City Plaimer to verify the following:
1. That the plan does not encroach within the City's drainage easement.
2. That the plan does not encroach within the 100' buffer around the wetland.
3. Whether or not the plan involves grade changes from the plans submitted by the
developer and approved by Council in 2003.
4. Whether or not the plan involves the removal of trees that the developer indicated to
the Council would be saved.
5. Whether or not the plan may cause problems for the future homeowner on Lot 6 to the
immediate south because of the "string rule".
Mr. Diedrich and Mr. White showed Staff a preliminary site plan for the house. It
appeared to Staff that issues 1 and 2 above were not a concern, although issues 3, 4, and 5
might be a concern. Staff asked Mr. Diedrich and Mr. White to appear before the Council
to request an amendment to the approved grading and landscape plan and for
authorization to place the house at a 50 -foot front yard setback instead of 30 or 35. Staff
also recommended that the gentlemen obtain letters from the property owners to the
immediate north and south of their lot indicating their approval of the site plan, and that
Mr. White assure the Council that lie will not object to any variance to the string rule
required for any other home in the Burow Pond development as a result of the location of
his own house. The gentlemen said they would try to assemble their materials for
submission in time for the April 20 Council meeting.
Dennis Forsberg, 1111 Dodd Road
Mr. Forsberg would like to replace his existing detached garage with a new detached
garage. Staff determined that Mr. Forsberg's plans would require a Conditional Use
Permit for a detached garage and a variance for its size. Staff told Mr. Forsberg that he
would need to provide a hardship sufficient to justify the variance. Staff provided Mr.
Forsberg with the appropriate materials for an application. Mr. Forsberg intends to apply
in time for the May 2003 Planning Cominission meeting.
Mark Brill and John Lund, McGough Construction
Ecolab, Sibley Memorial Highway
Mr. Brill and Mr. Lund met with Staff to discuss the future of the Ecolab site on Sibley
Memorial Highway. The gentlemen said that McGough Construction has now purchased
the property and is considering re -developing the property to a residential use as a
Planned Unit Development. The gentlemen asked Staff if the City would be interested in
working with McGough to create design guidelines and jointly issue a Request for
Proposals for residential or "mixed-use" development. Staff told the gentlemen that this
was an interesting idea, and that he should submit a Concept Plan to the Planning
Commission and the Council for preliminary feedback. The gentlemen said that they
would most likely do this sometime this year.
Howard Adams, 1241 Dodd Road
Mr. Adams met with Staff to discuss his plans to sell a piece of his property to his
adjacent neighbor, who would then combine the property with his own lot. Staff
determined that because the buyer's and seller's properties are in separate subdivisions,
their transaction would require a replat. Staff provided Mr. Adams with the appropriate
materials for a subdivision application. Mr. Adams intends to apply in time for the May
2004 Planning Commission meeting.
Bob McKinney, Mendakota County Club
Mr. McKinney met with Staff to discuss the golf course's plans to redesign the 18"' hole.
Mr. McKinney said that the plan would involve the filling of a wetland and the creation
of a new wetland. Staff told Mr. McKinney that this would require an application for a
Conditional Use Permit and a Wetlands Permit, and that he would have to hire a wetland
delineator. Mr. McKinney plans to apply in time for the May 2004 Planning Commission
meeting.
Dave Olson, 2.550 Arbor Court
Mr. Olson owns the vacant lot next to his house. Mr. Olson is planning to build his new
house on this vacant lot. Staff determined that his plans would require a Wetlands
Permit. Staff provided Mr. Olson with the appropriate materials for a Wetlands Permit
application. Mr. Olson plans to apply sometime this year.
Bob and Ryan Alvarez
1167 Dodd Road
Mr. Bob Alvarez owns three contiguous lots at 1167 Dodd Road. One is vacant, and his
house straddles the other two lots. In addition, there is some unimproved right-of-way to
the south of his property that was vacated by the City and transferred to him in 1981. Mr.
Alvarez would like to build a second house on his property by combining the conveyed
former right-of-way with the southern lot and adjusting the lot line with the northern lot
to place his house entirely on the northern lot. Staff told Mr. Alvarez that we had
discovered that the vacation was approved by Council in 1981 with the condition that no
further subdivision occur on the property, and that the specific conditions of his lots and
existing house would not be conducive to the construction of a second house in
conformance with the City's zoning ordinance. Mr. Alvarez said that he had a different
interpretation of the condition imposed on the vacation in 1981 and that he would like to
apply for a variance for less than 100 feet of frontage for the new lot. Staff provided Mr.
Alvarez with the appropriate materials for a subdivision and variance application. Mr.
Alvarez intends to apply in time for the May 2004 Planning Commission meeting.
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Local Forecast Friday, Apr. 16, 20
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Forms
"We work hard putting it together, but we have a great time,"
Archives
said Pat Kaplan, a resident of West St, Paul and chair of the
Classifieds
Fundraising Committee. "Fundraising is in our blood."
2003 Election
Finance -Calc
Laughs for a cause
Nutrition Calc
more than doubled, said Kaplan.
Weather
By Blair Reynolds
Contact
Sun Newspapers
_Us
How to
(Created 4/1.5/04 9:37:15 AM)
Advertise
When putting together a fundraiser, members of Beth Jacob
Ad Rates
Congregation in Mendota Heights strive to do it big.
Jobs At Sun
As a rapidly growing Jewish congregation, the need for a
*
fundraiser that mixes fellowship with a cause has become a
highlight of the year for members.
.Sn ecial Sectiom
For the past seven years, the congregation has put together a
fundraiser to generate money for Beth Jacob's general fund.
Rrirla'e rZitirla
Forms
"We work hard putting it together, but we have a great time,"
In Memory_Of
said Pat Kaplan, a resident of West St, Paul and chair of the
Let It Be Known
Fundraising Committee. "Fundraising is in our blood."
Sport Shots
Stork Report
In the 18 years since the congregation started, membership has
Party_Ad Form
more than doubled, said Kaplan.
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"We are a very young congregation," she said. "The sanctuary
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continues to be packed on a weekly basis."
Just like the congregation itself, the fundraising events have
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grown.
......... _.__....._...._...._...__.-......__......_.
This year's theme is Our Big Fat Jewish Fundraiser.
"This event has become more and more popular over the
years," said Kaplan, "The proceeds from the event have
doubled since we started."
The event consists of silent and live auctions along with
entertainment.
Kaplan said the most difficult part of putting together the event
is finding committee members who can go out into the
community to collect donations.
"It takes an unusual person to go out and solicit donations," she
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N4NStTN - News Archive
said., "You really have to know how to handle rejection, We
have had 5Opeople try todothis, but vvehave ended upwith
about eight people who can handle hearing the word noa/ot,^
Items otthe silent and live auctions include everything from gift
certificates to trips toscuba lessons,
"We have something for everyone."said Kaplan. "Last year we
had 25people who each paid $5Ohoget Rabbi Morris Allen to
sing 'Take yWeout huthe 8aUganne'ataTwins game. VVehave a
lot offun when wedothio."
Last year, the event raised about $40,000, said Kaplan.
Another aspect of the event isthe entertainment, which will be
provided this year by comedian Amy Borkowsky.
"We are excited tohave her coming toperfbnn.^said Kaplan.
"She ioavery funny wnman,^
8nrkovvsky.anaccomplished public speaker and comedian
from New York, has compiled aroutine based onanswering
machine messages she has received over the years,
"Someone inthe congregation had her act nntape and we
listened and found it very funny," said Kaplan,
8orkowakvwill present messages left byher mother over the
last decade along with her own brand ofhumor between the
audio clips.
Kaplan said the event has become like a small business,
"We are organized and very stnxtured."she said. "We have o
good time doing this and vvethink this year's event will beour
best ever,"
Included inthis year's event will berefreshments, including root
beer floats and bagels with cream cheese.
"We also have made itntradition to getlots ofM&M'sspecial
ordered inour theme colors ofroyal blue and yeUow,^said
Kaplan, "This year vvoare taking alot ofpride inour heritage
and celebrating ouroe|ves."
After seven years, Kaplan said she still gets excited toput each
event together.
"We hope todoit bigger and better each year^she said. "We
Our excited to welcome the community to our event."
The fundraising event will begin stG:30p.m,Sunday, May 2.sd
Beth Jacob Congregation, 117QVictoria Curve, Mendota
Heights. For tickets nrmore information, call G51 -450-S737,
Page 2 of 3
http://www.intisuii.com/arcl-iive.asp?display=stoi-y2&year--2004&storylD=l 33746 4/16/2004
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IvZ?vILLL tAtZ N t-AKMnVU QN INVER GROVE'HEIGHTS LAKEVOLILIE ROSEMOUNIMT.'8'AlBL WEST SI. PAUL
MENDOTA HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
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Students' parents also flocking to weekly event
BY TAMMY J. OSEID and
ANGELIQUE SOENARIE
Pioneer Press
Teresa Fudenberg was told not
to expect much when she created
an after-school fitness club at
Mendota Heights Elementary,
which her children attend,
So when 76 children — nearly
a quarter of the Mendota Elemen-
tary student body — signed up,
Fudenberg was impressed. When
a routine invitation to parents
resulted in nearly half as many
parents attending as well, she
was stunned.
Now many of the 100 parents
and children, who meet weekly to
learn about fitness, have signed
up to run April 24 in the annual
Minneapolis Get in Gear race.
"There's so much in the media
about childhood fitness and obesi-
ty. I know parents feel like they
need to do something," said
Fudenberg, whose second-grade
daughter and kindergarten son
are in the club.
At Mendota Elementary, par-
ents see the free club as a lifeline
for their children and themselves,
Many take time off work to attend
the weekly after-school sessions,
which feature experts who try to
inspire and teach.
The group meets at 3:30 p.m. to
exercise and listen to tips about
warm-ups, running, stretching
and eating. In addition, they are
supposed to exercise another two
or three times weekly and log
their progress. Though plans
called for a seven -week program,
some parents and students
already plan to extend it, perhaps
even over.the summer, to prepare
for the Twin Cities Marathon in
FITNESS CLUB, 2B
NATHAN BERNDT, PIONEER PRESS
Cheering on teammates are Faye Feinstein, left; Jamie Oskey, 7;
and Sarah Yotter, 6, during a relay race at Mendota Heights
Elementary School, About 100 children and parents participate in
the after-school Cougar Fitness Club,
'NATHAN BERNDT, PIONEER PRESS
Ten -year-old Alex Zappa yells the time to his sister Julia Zappa, 8, and Joy Andrews, 8, during their 11/2 -mile run Thursday.
Furness
C11
(continued)
the fall.
Fun is key to the club's suc-
cess. Activities like scavenger
hunts and relay races get chil-
dren moving without realizing
in Gear race, doing relays that
required a runner to find a
specific egg and bring it back
to a teammate.
"It's fun, and you get fit to
run fast," said Sydney Lat-
terell, 8, the fast runner to
return in the relay and tag the
next person.
"I love the fact that it gives
them something to do after
school, It's a lot of fun, and it's
with his daughter.
Charlie Hesse, 5, and his
friends shouted encourage-
ment to their friends,
who were running a mile as
they passed them at the relay
race station.
When it was Hesse's turn,
he found his egg, yelled "I got
it!" and raced back.
Mendota Principal Steve
Goldade, who also was sur -
together."
Fudenberg hopes other
schools will follow Mendota
Elementary's lead.
She added, "It's created
such a stir at our school.
There's nothing better than
just getting kids outside and
moving around."
Tammy J. Oseid covers Dakota
County education She can be
Apr 09 Z004 11:17:45 Via Fax _> 6514528940 Administrator Page 001 Of OOZ
LMC
L%y�,e
-FridayFax-
A weekly legislative update from the League of Minnesota Cities
Tell legislators TELs/TABOR are bad
public policy for Minnesota
Many lawmakers will be returning home this Friday
for an extended weekend. Now is a great time to
connect with your state senators and representatives
to remind them of the issues important to your city.
It's also an opportunity to ask your elected leaders
to oppose Constitutional amendments, including
Tax and Expenditure Limitations (TELs) such as
the Taxpayers Bill of Rights (TABOR).
The ability of city officials to deliver mandated and
discretionary services will be negatively impacted if
proponents of a campaign succeed in amending the
state Constitution to place caps on state, and
potentially local, spending and revenues.
Tax and Expenditure Limits (TELs) would make it
more difficult — and sometimes impossible — for
states to raise needed revenue, address unexpected
crises and to meet shifting or growing public needs.
Currently in Colorado, lawmakers on both sides of
the aisle are introducing many different
amendments to address the varied and onerous
pressures created by TABOR, which the state
adopted during 1992. One proposal would create a
" timeout", to suspend TABOR for two years;
another would allow the state to establish a budget
reserve; one would address competing
Constitutional amendments; and still another would
require that future constitutional amendments be
approved by two-thirds majorities instead of the
current simple majority.
The Taxpayers League of Minnesota will attempt to
reinvigorate its efforts to garner support for
TABOR, and will hold a Day at the Capitol on
April 15 to promote TABOR.
Please take action today to tell your lawmakers that
TELs/TABOR are unnecessary. Last year
April 9, 2004
Page I
lawmakers proved their ability to balance the sixth
largest deficit in the nation without measures such
as TABOR, and to make the tough decisions for
which they are elected. Now is not the time to
surrender representative democracy, which provides
real opportunities to debate, weigh and balance
public policies for the benefit of Minnesota as a
whole.
To reinforce your message that TELs/TABOR are
bad public policy for Minnesota, please consider
adopting a city council resolution opposing
TELs/TABOR at your next council meeting. (A
sample resolution is posted in the Advocacy section
of the League's web site at www.ljnnc.om-).
The making of a tax bill
On Thursday morning the Senate Tax committee
informally released thirteen draft articles for the
2004 omnibus tax bill. Chairman Senator
Pogemiller (DFL -Minneapolis) stressed that these
were draft articles, there were very likely mistakes
in the bill, and that neither staff nor members had
had much of a chance to proof the bill. He also
indicated that in many instances, language was
included in the draft in order to have a placeholder
for later discussion of the topic. The goal of the bill
is to net zero, meaning if they spend money in one
area, the bill would have to find revenue for that
expenditure in another area. The bill does not yet
have a number, and neither a spreadsheet or official
summary were distributed with the draft articles.
Items of interest for cities that are included in the
bill draft so far:
• Local option sales tax bills, requested by
individual cities
• LGA cut restoration (SF 2873 Langseth)
• Aggregate resource preservation property tax
law (SF 2958 Hottinger)
• Regional investment income tax credit for local
economic development (SF 1879 Sams)
For more information on city legislative issues, contact any member of the League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations team.
651.281.1200 or 800.925.1122
Apr 09 2HH4 11:18:26 Via Pax _> 6514520940 Administrator Page HH2 Of HH2
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LMC yFax-
-FridaA weekly legislative update from the League of Allinnesota Cities April 9, 2004
Page 2
• Reinstates class 4d for low-income rental The House has passed several omnibus
housing
• Study of metro fiscal disparities program
(SIT 2633 Belanger)
• Business subsidy law changes (SF 2674
Hottinger)
• Allowing that special service districts may be
managed by a non-profit corporation (SIT 2304
Pogerniller)
• Adding former school buildings to definition of
structurally substandard for purposes of
redevelopment TIF (SF 3008 Rest)
• Job training TIF (SIT 1926 Rest)
• Local TIF projects, legislative approval,
requested by individual cities
• Expenditure limits on JOBZ
• State Auditor audits of JOBZ zones and
business subsidies agreements
. Bio-tech/health sciences industry grants
Rumors still abound that the House may not even
have a tax bill; a rumor Capitol insiders hear
virtually every year.
The Senate is scheduled for a 5 p.m. Monday floor
session, the House a 3 p.m. floor session, and
committee meetings are not expected for Monday.
According to Senate Tax staff, the earliest day for a
meeting of the tax committee would be Tuesday.
The committee will then begin to fine-tune
language in the bill and take any testimony on
amendments and the other provisions of the bill.
For questions or concerns, please contact Jenn
O'Rourke at 651.291.1261 or jorourkeglmnc.org.
House and Senate vote on omnibus
budget bills
This week, the House and Senate spent much of the
week on the floor debating various omnibus budget
bills to address the $160 million budget deficit
projected for the current biennium and provide
additional funding for certain projects and
progra ms.
supplemental budget bills over the last two weeks,
including:
HF 2755 (Harder) — Omnibus agriculture bill
HF 1793 (Seagren) — Omnibus education bill
(includes both K-12 and higher education)
HF 1867 (Ozment) — Omnibus environment bill
HF 1681 (Bradley) — Omnibus health and human
services bill
HIT 2028 (Smith) — Omnibus judiciary bill
HF 3090 (Gunther) — Omnibus jobs and economic
development bill
HF 2684 (Haas) -- Omnibus state government bill
HF 3141 (Kuisle) — Omnibus transportation bill
In a marathon session that extended into Thursday
morning, the Senate passed a single supplemental
budget bill, HF 2028 (Cohen), and adopted a
separate bill, HF 956 (Cohen), containing budget
reduction provisions.
The House and Senate both solve the 2004-05
budget deficit without raising taxes or tapping the
state's rainy day fund. The bills also contain some
common revenue raising elements, such as
requiring up -front payment of sales taxes on care
leases which generates $36 million in new revenue
and applying the cigarette sales tax at the wholesale
level which will bring an additional $11 million into
the state's coffers. However, many differences in
the bills will need to be ironed out in conference
committees over the next six weeks.
A more detailed analysis of these bills will be
published in next week's Bulletin.
For more information on city legislative issues, contact any member of the League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations learn.
651.281.1200 or 800.925.1122
Association of Metropolitan Municipalities
AM -M News
April 12 - 16, 2004
Met Council Revisiting NRI
Page 1 of 2
ARCHIVES
The Metropolitan Council is revisiting its Natural Resources Inventory (NRI), originally compiled
in 2002 in cooperation with the Department of Natural Resources(DNR) and several other regional
partners. The Council has recently appointed a new task force to examine the NRI and identify
next steps. The task force, chaired by Councilmember Natalie Hass Steffen, includes Maplewood
Mayor Bob Cardinal as a city representative. Other task force members represent the DNR,
Department of Agriculture, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Trust for Public Lands, watershed
districts, townships and counties.
The goal of the task force is to "develop a coordinated conservation strategy to protect regionally
important natural resource areas and wildlife corridors." Over the next six months, they will be
reviewing the regional NRI, defining stakeholders and their roles in protecting identified resources
and developing "acceptable implementation strategies."
AMM will be monitoring the task force's work. Cities with questions, comments or concerns about
the regional NRI and the Council's plans can direct them to Maplewood Mayor Bob Cardinal or to
Kris Wilson at AMM (651.215.40033).
Upcoming Workshop: Regional Resources for Development
The Metropolitan Council is hosting three workshops designed to showcase regional resources for
cities experiencing rapid development. The workshops are targeted to smaller cities, with
populations under 20,000, but are open to all. They will provide information on the Council's
Livable Coinmunities grant programs, GIS and research departments, and wastewater treatment
plans.
AMM and the University of Miniesota Design Center are also participating in the workshops,
which will take place on the following dates:
Thursday, April 15
2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Waconia City Hall
Thursday, April 22
2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Ramsey Fire Hall
Friday, April 23
1:00 to 33:00 P.M.
Dakota Co. Extension Offices, Farmington
http://www.ai-iuul45.org/iiewsletter.btiii 4/13/2004
Association of Metropolitan Municipalities
Page 2 of 2
To RSVP, please contact Melissa Manderschied at the Metropolitan Council (651.602.1126 or
inelissa.rnanderschied@rn
te
AMM News is sent periodically to all AMM city managers and administrators. The information is intended to
be shared with mayors, council and staff in order to keep officials abreast of important metro city issues.
@ Copyright 2004 AMM
145 University Avenue West
St. Paul, IVIN 55103-2044
Telephone.- 651-215-4000
Fax: 651-281-1299
Email: amm(cDamm145.org
http://www.aiiiniI45.org/iiewsletter.htni 4/13/2004