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2004-08-13 Friday NewsThe Friday News August 13, 2004 Safety Camp Safety Camp was held this week at Kaposia Park in South St. Paul (it was cold). Mendota Heights cooperates with South St. Paul and West St. Paul to put on this annual event. Ken Weisenburger, Mario Reyes, Jenny Hurst, Brian Convery, Judy Wonick, Teresa Gangelhoff, Pat Hollister and Dave Sorby all provided Mendota Heights' staffing for the event. Pat and Dave brought the Green Guardian his costume and equipment. The Green Guardian is a recycling mascot. Because the Green Guardian does not speak, Pat acted as his interpreter. This is always an excellent event which the kids who are involved have a great time. They learn a lot abort safety and also learn about other subjects such as recycling, ambulances, fire trucks. Arrival of the State Patrol helicopter always kicks off the event. Thanks go out to the South St. Paul VFW who donate a lot of money which allows us to keep the registration fees down. Super Summer BBQ Thursday of this week, the Public Works Department held their third annual Super Summer Barbeque. The event was held at the Public Works garage. They served hamburgers, brats, and all the other good stuff that picnics always have. Besides all the good food, they also ordered up a perfect day, the sun was shining, the temperature was 70° and there weren't even any noisy planes taking off over us. A good time was had by all — thanks guys!! Sympathies to Guy Guy Kullander's father died last Friday. His dad was 86 years old and was a WWII Veteran and worked as a St. Paul Firefighter for 33 years — he retired in 1983 as a District Chief. All of our sympathy goes out to Guy and his family at this time. Respectfizlly Submitted Jim Danielson Administrator Attachments: Just the Facts, Pipeline, City Council Meeting Agenda, Plamiing Commission Pre - Application Meeting Synopsis, St. Paul Pioneer Press article "Malchow Heads To His Final Olympics" Issue #32 J444 TA FA44 TWA" ~4+0411, He,;14U Ht --p P-0trPt DJ-Ax .�.x August 13`", 2004 Safe and Sober Grant Award Congratulations go out to Sergeant Neil Garlock on successfully recieving a $20,000 grant for the MHPD and WSPPD to participate in the 2005 traffic safety grant. In a very unusual move, the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) awarded the MHPD and WSPPD the entire amount of money applied for. In 2005 the MHPD will partner with WSPPD and MSP when ever possible to increase traffic safety in our community. Careless I DAR 08-06-2004 0415 h ours While on patrol, Officer Chad Willson spotted a car weaving down the road. A registration check revealed the owner to be revoked. After the car crossed the fog line several times the vehicle was stopped and the driver, was identified as the owner of the car. While arresting the driver Officer Willson smelled alcohol on his breath at which time the driver advised that he was waiting for his court date on other violations so he could get his D/L back. The car was towed and the driver was cited and released. AOA Death Notification 08-06-2004 0810 hours Sergeant Donn Anderson responded to a local business at the request of the Apple Valley PD and delivered a death notification. Sergeant Anderson then assisted the AVPD and victim by taking her home to AV where the investigation was still in progress. Recovered Stolen 08-06-20041301 hours Sergeant Anderson responded to a residence on Hwy 13 to take a vehicle theft report. The victim had been out of town and had just returned. The van had been recovered under suspicious circumstances on 08-02-2004. The owner was advised and the case is still under investigation. Harassment / Public Assist 08-07-2004 0220 hours Officer Jeff VonFeldt responded to a call of an intoxicated male who was harassing three females. The drunk male was refusing to leave. After speaking with Officer VonFeldt the party contacted a cab and left without incident. AOA 10-52 Roll over 08-07-2004 0513 hours Officers Chad Willson and Jeff VonFeldt responded to a call for assistance from the MSP. The patrol requested assistance with a car that had been W/B on 1494 before leaving the roadway and Issue #32 August 13'h, 2004 landing on the ramp from 494 to S/B 135E. The driver reported to the MSP trooper that there were two people missing from the crash. Officers spent nearly an hour searching the ditches for other victims from the crash. The officers finally cleared when the driver admitted he had lied in an attempt to prevent his arrest for DUI. Assault 08-07-20041837 hours Sergeant Neil Garlock responded to the Super America to take an assault report. The victim reported that he had spotted a car driving slowly through the neighborhood and jumped in his car and followed it. After a while, the car stopped and he approached to find out what was going on. The driver jumped out beer in hand. Words were exchanged and then the suspect punched the victim in the face. The suspect then left. In following up, the victim was not able to pick out the suspect in a photo lineup; but, Investigator Convery did get a statement from the suspect. The case will be forwarded to the city attorney. Abandoned Motorcycle 08-09-20041045 hours Officer Bobby Lambert responded to a call from Somerset Elementary School about a motorcycle in the yard south of the school. Upon checking it was learned that the owner resided in Arizona. The motorcycle was impounded and a friend of the owner agreed to relay the information about the attempted theft and impoundment to him. The case is under investigation. Loud Music 08-10-2004 2320 hours Complainant on Cherry Hill Road reported to Officer Chad Willson that she could hear the music from the Moose Country. Officer Willson reported that he could hear music from the complainant's yard. The bar manager was advised to try and keep the doors closed to keep the music inside the building. A second call was received at 0135 hours on the music. Unwanted Guest 08-11-2004 0202 hours Officer Tanner Spicer responded to a complaint between staff and customer at the Moose Country. The customer had been accused of purse theft and when the bouncers found her, they did not find a purse. She was asked to leave and when she refused she reported that she was punched in the face and thrown out. In speaking with the staff, they agreed with the part of the story about the purse; but denied hitting her. Staff advised they had removed her twice and that she had swung her purse at them. The caller left stating she didn't want any help from the police. 2nd Degree DUI 08-11-2004 0215 hours Officer Tanner Spicer was clearing the previous call when he heard a vehicle chirp its tires. When he saw the car it was headed directly towards the group of people from his last call. The car drove within inches of the group. As it drove past, the driver did the, "if I don't look at you, you can't see me routine." The car was stopped in the lot and the driver failed all SFST's. The car was towed and the suspect was brought to MHPD where he was read Implied Consent. The driver was out -of -control during most of his contact with the officers. He remained handcuffed during the entire incident and vacillated between calm and screaming for the officers to kill him. When he finally provided a breath test it revealed a BAC of .17. As this was his third violation since 1998, the car was impounded for forfeiture and the suspect sent to the Dakota County Jail. Have a great weekend! AA (D NEWS The P L E T T E R Public Works Engineering August 12, 2004 Code Enforcement Public Works The Parks Crew painted the hockey boards at Friendly Hills, Wentworth and Victoria Highlands Parks. They aerated the soccer fields at Kensington and Mendakota Parks. They also aerated the ball fields at Mendakota Park and in the neighborhood parks. They fertilized the soccer fields at Kensington South. They top dressed the ball fields at Mendakota Park. The soccer goals were hauled out to Wentworth Park, Friendly Hills and Victoria Highlands. They cleaned up the shop and shop grounds in anticipation of the Public works "Super Summer Barbecue"! The Street Crew trimmed trees on the end of Spring Street, the city owned lot, along the Ivy Falls townhomes. They installed the patch on Mendota Heights Road by the force main break. They filled a sink hole on Wachtler Avenue with concrete. The Lift stations were checked by Rich. They televised the sanitary sewers on Mears and found a broken pipe and one offset joint. Rich also performed a sewer inspection at 1007 William Court. Engineering Bids for the Somerset area project were opened on Wednesday. Two bids were received. The low bidder is Arnt Construction in the amount of $1,455,529.60. Code Enforcement A building permit was issued to Van Ron Co. to update the Courtyard by Marriott. The estimated cost for the project was $358,363.00. A new replacement single family home permit was issued to Hartman Homes for the property located at 1007 William Court. The existing home was demolished after receiving a demo permit. The builder's estimated cost for the construction was $520,000.00. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL AGENDA August 17, 2004 - 7:30 P.M. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Pledge of Allegiance 4. Agenda Adoption 5. Approval of the August 3, 2004 City Council Minutes. 6. Consent Calendar a. Acknowledgement of the August 3, 2004 City Council & Airport Relations Workshop Minutes b. Acknowledgement of the July 14, 2004 Airport Relations Commission Minutes c. Acknowledgement of the July 30, 2004 Cable Commission Minutes d. Acknowledgement of the August 10, 2004 Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes e. Acknowledgment of the July 2004 Treasurer Report f. Authorization for the Mayor to sign the professional service contract with HLB Tautges Redpath g. Authorization for payment of the 2004 MHAA contingency h. Authorization for purchase order for Tire Changer, Tire Balancer and Brake Lathe purchase i. Authorization for a building permit for sign cabinet replacements at Courtyard by Marriott at 1352 Northland Drive j. Authorization for building permit for sign at Mendota Plaza for Tuesday Morning k. Authorization to permanently appoint Firefighters I. Personnel Code Issue m. Adoption of Resolution No. 04-56 "A RESOLUTION APPROVING A SPECIAL PERMIT TO TURNERS GYMNASTICS CENTER FOR TEMPORARY SIGN n. Adoption of Council policy on City Elections o. Resolution confirming 2004 Primary Election Judges (Available Tuesday) p. School Resource Officer q. Clandestine Lab Ordinance r. Approval of Contractor List s. Approval of Claims List 7. Public Comments & Presentations Informational presentation on School District 197 bond referendum 9. Unfinished and New Business a. Discussion of Request to build an accessory structure at 890 Barbara Court b. Discussion with planner on Infill Study c. Case No. 02-11: Fefercorn, Ross, Town Center —Approval of Final Development Plan for a PUD For Landscaping and Signage — Resolution No. 04-57 "A RESOLUTION APPROVING A FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT FOR LANDSCAPING AND SIGNAGE FOR THE TOWN CENTER REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT d. Dakota County Mobile Library e. Waters Drive Business Park Agreement Parks Five Year Capital Improvement Plan and Acknowledgement of Playground Rehabilitation Plan g. Bid Award — Somerset Project 10. Council Comments 11. Adjourn Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities are available upon request at least 120 hours in advance. If a notice of less than 120 hours is received, the City of Mendota Heights will make every attempt to provide the aids, however, this may not be possible on short notice. Please contact City Administration at 452-1850 with requests. This meeting is being taped by NDC4 (651-450-9891) and will replay on Friday at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on the NDC4 Government ChanneI18 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS August 12, 2004 TO: City Council, Commission Members, and City Administrator FROM: Patrick C. Hollister, Administrative Assistant SUBJECT: Pre -Application Meeting Synopsis Staff met with nine potential applicants on Monday, August 9, 2004. Steve Grittman, Sue McDermott and Patrick Hollister were present. John Heyn and Mary Moore 1284 Lakeview Avenue Mr. Heyn and Ms. Moore met with Staff to discuss their plans to repair their one -car detached garage that was damaged in April of 2004 by a fire next door. The garage has several non -conformities to our current zoning standards, including size and setbacks. Mr. Heyn and Ms. Moore described the damage to Staff. Mr. Heyn and Ms. Moore said that they had received estimates for both repairing the garage and replacing the garage entirely, and that the cost estimates were about the same. Mr. Heyn and Ms. Moore said that they were leaning toward replacing the garage entirely, but that they wanted to talk with planning staff before they made a decision. The zoning ordinance contains a provision that allows the repair of legal non -conforming structures damaged by natural causes such as fire if the structure is less than 50% damaged. Staff determined that the garage is less than .50% damaged, and therefore they would be able to restore the garage to its previous condition if they chose. Staff also determined that replacing the garage entirely with a new garage of the same size and location would require applications for a CUP and several variances. Staff provided Mr. Heyn and Ms. Moore with the appropriate materials for a planning application. Mr. Heyn and Ms. Moore said that they would consider their options. Tom Mihm, Hidden Creek Estates Mr. Milum, architect for the Hidden Creek Estates development, met with Staff to discuss the house plans for a client that includes two detached garages. Staff told Mr. Mihnn that the zoning ordinance only allows one garage per detached single-family home, and that he would have to apply for a variance. Staff further told Mr. Mihm that he would have to demonstrate a hardship to justify the variance. Mr. Mihm said that it would be difficult to demonstrate a hardship, and that he would discuss altering that house design with his client. Mary Benton, 711 Round Hill Road Ms. Benton had received a letter from the Code Enforcement Officer directing her to meet with Planning Staff about her alterations to her chain link fence. The Benton's have a four -foot chain link fence along an interior lot line that they have altered by adding willow branches. The Code Enforcement Officer had cited three possible Zoning violations with this alteration. First, there is a requirement that fences be at least 30% open. Second, there is a requirement that the finished side of any fence face outward, not inward. Third. there is a requirement that no part of the fence be higher than the posts. (Even with the addition, the fence is still less than the height maximurn of six feet.) Staff reviewed pictures of Ms. Benton's fence and determined that her alterations did not violate the first two rules, and that the fence could be brought into compliance with the third rule be increasing the height of the fence posts. Ms. Benton said that she would extend the fence posts and inform the Code Enforcement Officer. John Ahaus, 804 Park Place Mr. Ahaus is a contractor working for the homeowners at 804 Park Place. Mr. Ahaus said that the owners are interested in adding a portico over the front door and perhaps two other windows as well. Mr. Ahaus asked if such additions would require front -yard setback variances. Staff told Mr. Ahaus that homes are allowed roof overhangs of 1.5 feet over the front yard setback line and that his planned additions would not require variances. Mr. Ahaus said that he would talk to his clients again and apply for the appropriate permits. David Wang, 789 Ridge Place Mr. Wang met with Staff to discuss the possibility of subdividing his lot. Staff looked at a GIS map of Mr. Wang's property and determined that while his lot met the basic requirements for subdivision in terms of size and street frontage, the placement of the existing home in the center of the lot made subdividing the lot impossible without variances. Mr. Wang said that he did not have any intention to subdivide the lot and that he was just curious. Kathy Edmeyer, 731 Knollwood Court Ms. Edmeyer's neighbors have a pool that she can see from her second story bedroom window. Ms. Edmeyer said that although she and tier neighbors get along perfectly well, they both agree that it would be nice to install a privacy fence along the property line to screen the view both ways. Ms. Edmeyer asked about the possibility of installing a ten - foot privacy fence along the property line. Staff told Ms. Edmeyer that six feet was the maximum height allowed, and that she would need to demonstrate a hardship to justify a variance. Staff also felt that even with a hardship approval of a variance for a ten -foot high fence would be very difficult. Staff also told Ms. Benton that there is a requirement that fences be i0% open. Staff suggested that MS. Benton look at installing some type of landscaping to achieve the same effect. Ms. Benton said that she considered that option, but that she and her neighbors did no want to wait for the plantings to grow. Ms. Benton said that she understood that her request might not be granted, but that she still intended to apply for a variance. Staff provided MS. Benton with the appropriate materials for a variance application. Ms. Benton intends to apply in time for the September 2004 Planning Commission meeting. Mike Bader, Foxwood Lane (Jim Danielson joined us for this discussion.) Mr. Bader met with Staff to discuss his plans to re -apply for a subdivision and variance to extend the Foxwood cul-de-sac further south to create additional buildable lots. This same application was previously denied by Council. Staff told Mr. Bader that submitting a similar application would most likely yield a similar result. Mr. Bader said that lie felt that the first time he made this application, he had not sufficiently rebutted the arguments made by the attorneys for his neighbors, and that he would like to try again to persuade the Council of his point of view. Mr. Bader asked Mr. Danielson if he could get an opinion from the City Attorney regarding the role of private covenants in land use decisions by City Councils. Mr. Danielson asked Mr. Bader for a letter which lie will pass on to the City Attorney. Greg Hoffineyer, 546 Hiawatha Avenue Mr. Hoffineyer has already applied for a Conditional Use Permit and Variance to replace his detached garage. Mr. Hoffineyer met with Staff to go over his application for any last minute advice. Staff looked at Mr. Hoffineyer's application and told Mr. him that the application is complete. Mr. Hoffineyer will appear before the Planning Commission on August 24, 2004. Jeff Arnold, Victoria Curve and Summit Lane Mr. Arnold asked about the possibility of rezoning the vacant lot at the corner of Victoria Curve and Summit Lane for a four -unit condominium building. Staff told Mr. Arnold that the lot is zoned R-1, single-family, and that it is surrounded by other R-1 zoned properties. Staff told Mr. Arnold that rezoning this property to multi -family would be considered spot zoning and that the City would not be interested in such a rezoning. Mr. Arnold said that lie would market the lot for a single-family home. Malchow heads to his final Olympics TwinCitieso,com Posted on Wed, Aug. 11, 2004 Malchow heads to his final Olympics BY SEAN JENSEN Pioneer Press Tim Malchow can chronicle his son's illustrious Olympic career by Tom's nicknames. Pagel of 2 101ROE K M At the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Mendota Heights native Tom Malchow, 19, was the youngest and most surprising member of an otherwise dominant and veteran team, and he won a silver medal in what would become his signature event, the grueling 200 -meter butterfly. His nickname? "Puppy Chow," Tim Malchow says. At the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Malchow upheld his favorite status to win the gold medal in the 200 butterfly, and broke the world record before the Games. His nickname? "The Big Dog," Tim says. Heading into Athens, Malchow was elected one of the team's two male captains, and he's hoping for a third Olympic medal. "Now," Tim says, "he's the Old Dog." And Tom Malchow plans the birthplace of the Olympics to be the resting place of his legacy. "It's been such a big part of my life," Tom says, "but I do know this is my last Olympics." Malchow says his injury — he learned after the U.S. Olympic swimming trials that he had a torn tendon in his right shoulder — isn't the reason. "I planned for this to be my last Olympics," he said. Malchow always has made plans, no matter unfeasible they seemed. At the age of 12, he saw the cover of Swimming World, with West Germany's Michael Gross sitting on the fender of a Porsche. Gross had won a gold medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, and he'd also broken a world record. Tom asked his father, "If I won a gold medal and had a world record, would you buy me a car like that?" Tim replied, "No, but I'd buy you a Corvette." After Tom set the world record and won Olympic gold in 2000, Tim bought his son a new corvette. The license plate reads, "DADSBET." The majority of the country's top swimmers come from a handful of states, yet Tom built his foundation in one of the most unlikely places, here in St. Paul. He also copes with asthma, which caused him to get pneumonia at least a dozen times, and he struggles to keep weight on his 6 -foot -8 frame. "He's handled it all very well, both the successes and the failures," Tim says. "Fortunately for him, there haven't been many failures along the way." But Malchow's chances of defending his gold medal aren't promising, especially with his shoulder injury. Given the mechanics of the butterfly — a stroke dependent on the shoulders — Malchow couldn't have a worse injury. But he didn't diagnose his problem until after the Olympics Trials, something he considers a blessing. http://www.twincities. comlmldlpioneerpress/sports/93 67596.htm?template=contentModul... 8/11/2004 Malchow heads to his final Olympics Page 2 of 2 Malchow finished second at the trials, and he's not optimistic of a better finish in Athens because of his injury. "In 1996, he finished second," says Tom's mother, Mary Jo. "And he finished first in 2000. But this time, we decided second is good." Regardless of his finish, Malchow will be sad when he's done competing in Athens. He'll have to undergo shoulder surgery, and he may finish the final year of his Speedo endorsement contract. After that, Malchow is considering a career change that could bring him back home. He's been taking real estate classes and may pursue that career locally. Before that, though, Tom has business in Athens, a city he and his family are familiar with. Last year, on separate trips, Malchow and his parents visited the ancient city. "The only thing I can remember him saying is, 'Dad, I want my legacy to be that I was in three Olympic games, and I medaled in all three,' " Tim recalls. "We'll know (soon)." Sean Jensen covers the Olympics. He can be reached at sjensen@pioneerpress.com. 2004 SL Paid Pioncer Press and wire sere ice sources. 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