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2009-06-12 Friday NewsJ,une, June 12, 2009 Our annual Parks Celebration has seen it's share of rain and cold weather over the years, but we have never experienced a day as cold and wet as this past Saturday. The weekend started out promising, with a good crowd at Market Square Park for live music, and a large screen telecast of the Twins versus Seattle. The 5K run was very well attended (260+) despite a light rain. However,, the temperatures dropped as the rain intensified before the Noon kickoff of activities at Mendakota. A number of hearty folks attended, providing company for the many local businesses who sponsored booths for the event. I think it is safe to say that everyone was relieved when 3 O'clock hit and we could all find somewhere warm and dry to go to. CM Duggan reported to me on Monday morning that he only had about 200 attend the School District's 150"' anniversary celebration, and because of the bad weather the event had to be conducted inside in the gymnasium. R I School District #197 —150TH Celebration Acknowledgements D School District # 197 and the area it represents is proud to acknowledge participation in its events by Representative Hanson, Mayors George Tourville, IGH; Steve Golias, Mendota; John Zanmiller,, WSP; Molly Park, Sun Fish Lake-, John Huber, Mendota Heights, Dakota ACounty Commissioner Tom Egan; Dakota County Attorney Jim Backstrom and City Coun- cil Members Gary Hansen, Egan Darlene Lewis of WSP and Bob Bullard of Lilydale and Mary Jeanne Schneeman, Sandra Krebsbach and Ultan Duggan of Mendota Heights. Y Acknowledgements, Declarations and Certificates of Recognition were received from Con- gresswomen Betty McCollum (as well as the American Flag): and Senator Amy Klo- bachar,, Governor Pawlenty and the cities of Eagan and Mendota Heights. N Start of Summer Programs This Monday marked the start of summer recreation programs. Despite dreary weather,, we Whad great attendance at golf camp, tennis camp and our new playground program. Almost every spot in every program has been filled, residents can call City Hall or log on to www.mendota-heights.com to find out about upcoming opportunities. A special thanks Sgoes out to the front desk staff at City Hall,, who handled a flurry of calls and walk-ins with concerns and changes regarding programs and registrations. June 12,, 2009 I" mates to Remember in May MAC Meeting 6-15-09 1:00 P.M. Planning Commission Mtg 6-23-09 7:00 P.M. Just The Facts, Pipeline, City Council Meeting Agenda, SouthWest Article "DNR OK's limited Rogers Lake treatment", "Primary seatbelt violation clicks in June 9" and "MOMS Club donates trees", Great River Greening News Release, Great River Greening Spring Newsletter, Thank You letter from South Metro Fire and Upcoming Park/Recreation/Community Events. Five-day forecast Tomorrow Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Jun 13 Jun 14 Jun 15 Jun 16 Jun 17 Partly Cloudy Partly Cloudy Partly Cloudy Scattered Thunder- Scattered Thunder- storms storms H 760 800 Hi: 770 Hi 780 H 800 Lo: 570 Lo: 550 Lo: 560 'Lo '610 Lo: 660 Have a Great Weekend 1. 1* June 12, 2009 6/12/2009 6/12/2009 taken to Detox. Theft =Fraud (x 2!) 6/9/09 at 1955 hours had windows broken out and Two separate vehicle, while parked at Mendakota Park, items stolen from within. A softball game was in progress at the time, and when both victims came to their vehicles, they found their purses stolen which included credit cards. Both victims took action immediately to cancel the cards; however, one victim quickly found that one card had been used in a neighboring city. Suspect description, leads and video surveillance might prove helpful to investigations in our own and neighboring cities. Investigation active. HONK! HONK! I'm Drunk! 6/10/09 at 0210 hours Officer Meyer, while monitoring late night traffic, heard some random honking nearby. He soon located the vehicle, honking while driving, no lights, stopped in a lane traffic, impeding traffic and his approach to the driver. Upon approach — on the passenger side — he found a driver and two passengers, asked what she was doing and learned she was honking at all the stupid people. He also learned the driver had some drinks but she was fine and was on her way home. Officer Meyer had her perform sobriety tests and ultimately, provided a PBT, which showed a .16. Maybe not so fine? The driver was arrested for DWI and taken to jail. Her passengers stated they were too intoxicated to drive but were willing to walk the short distance to a nearby gas station to call for a ride. Dog Bite 06/10/09 at 1856 hours Sergeant Larrive responded to assist in a local cemetery where a walker was bitten by a dog. Upon arrival, he learned the victim had been charged and bitten by a young female dog. He also learned she had been charged by the same dog the day before, but had been called off by his owner just in time to prevent a dog bite. Photos were taken of the bites. The owner had two dogs with him, neither were licensed, and neither had been restrained during his walks with them. Luckily, the medical paperwork was current. The owner has been cited Dog at Large and Unlicensed Dog violations and the dog will now be noted as a Potentially Dangerous Dog. Boat in the Road 6/11/09 at 1531 hours Officer Chad Willson went to investigate a vehicle with boat/trailer impeding traffic in on a nearby frontage road. The set had a for sale sign on it. It had already been cited by another officer for the violation, but the owner hadn't bothered to move it. Officer Willson placed a courtesy/warning call to the owner before moving it. The owner responded just before it was towed, paid a drop fee and moved it. No further action taken. Damage to Vehicle, 6/11/09 at 2128 hours Officer Bobby Lambert responded to Brown College on report of a damaged vehicle. The window had been broken out, but it appeared nothing had been taken, although it appeared there were some tempting items present. No leads and victim advised. //41* a pe"arw"44,il /r/,w A publication of the Dakota County Traffic Safety Project Participating Agencies and Committee Representatives APPLE VALLEY POLICE Sgt. Nick Francis BURNSVILLE POLICE Sgt. Shown Mahoney DAKOTA COUNTY SHERIFF Sgt. Bruce Johnson EAGAN POLICE Lt. Greg Johnson FARMINGTON POLICE Officer Gary Tipton HASTINGS POLICE Sgt. James Gallond INVER GROVE HEIGHTS POLICE Sgt. Sean Folmar LAKEVILLE POLICE Sgt. Mike Sheady MENDOTA HEIGHTS POLICE Sgt. Neil Garlock MINNESOTA STATE PATROL Lt. Bob Maskel ROSEMOUNT POLICE Officer Julie Rouenhorst 4-24-09 Lakeville 6 Officers 46 Vehicles Stopped 14 Citations Issued 4 DWI 5-2-09 West Saint Paul 9 Officers 75 Vehicles Stopped 18 Citations Issued 4 DWI Dakota County costs $105. In addition to the primary seatbelt law, the booster seat law was also enacted. This law requires passengers under 8 years of age and shorter than 4 feet 9 inches to be restrained in a federally approved booster seat. The booster seat law better protects children riding in vehicles involved in a 5-9-09 South Saint Paul I I Officers 99 Stops 34 Citations Issued 7 DWI 5-15-09 West Saint Paul 15 Officers 178 Vehicles Stopped 104 Citations Issued 3 DWI crash by ensuring the child is buckled in correctly. This law takes effect July 1St. The statistics are clear: seatbelts save lives. Each year about 200 unbelted motorists are killed and another 400 are seriously injured. With this law, some education, some enforcement, we will see noticeable differences in the safety of our motorists. 4124 Mike Dahlstrom (Rosemount) made half of the 4 arrests himself. The second suspect, arrested for 2nd degree DWI, was also in possession of 27 grams of marijuana. 5115 Nick Francis (Apple Valley) stopped a vehicle for traveling 99mph in a 55 zone. The driver was acting as "sober cob" for his friends. He was also drunk and tested. 10. .......... . .................. - Thanks to all the chiefs The event kicked off and administrators that the statewide seatbelt participated in the mobilization efforts Alumni event on May which ran from May 18th. We had two 18 -May 31. Each year cameras on site and officers across the several news articles state pay special written. If was a attention to seatbelt beautiful afternoon to enforcement during get out of the office this time. They report and it looked like the their statistics to the chiefs had some fun. state and efforts are 6-5-09 Eagan 2100-0300 6-13-09 Farmington 2100-0300 With budget cutbacks at all levels of government, grant funds will become increasingly difficult to obtain. DCTSP committee members are currently seeking funding for fiscal year 2010. ................ - 111-111-11.11 - - .......................... 6-20-09 Burnsville 2100-0300 6-27-09 South Saint Paul 2100-0300 Because our program is inclusive and unique, our chances of funding are good. Money (the bottom line) does matter to all of us, but we do not want to compromise safety in - ............ ........... -.11--, - 111.111.111, 1 constantly made to increase our visibility and awareness. Having the chiefs out on the roads shows their commitment to traffic safety in Dakota County. Officers and residents alike are thankful for their support. Did you know? Members of the Dakota County Traffic Safety Project issued 1,380 citations for traffic violations last year alone any way. DCTSP clearly makes our roads safer. Funding or not, DCTSP members are committed to this and we will strive to provide it. Editor Nick Francis Apple Valley PD NEWS L E T T E R Public Works 0 Engineeri -Code Enforcement WMAff9=!r _Uh monah, M P "glob, I June 12 2009 The Parks Crew repaired sprinkler heads at Kensington South Park. They set up and took down tents, barricades, cones, and tables for the parks celebration. They also worked the tournament. Flowers were planted at Mendakota Park. The Streets Crew finished blacktopping the seal coat area. The storm sewer grates were checked and cleaned as needed. A new mailbox was installed on Decorah Lane. The street sweepings were hauled to Dakota County in Rosemount. Engineering Dodd Road/Hiqhwa,,.y, 110 Pedestrian Feasibility St - The consultant has completed the Metropolitan Council application package for Transportation Enhancement funds. The application is requesting $492,800.00 of federal money for a project estimated at $616,000-00. If the project is selected for funding, the remaining $123,200.00 will need to be paid by the City and can be expended form our State -Aid account. The application will be sent to the Metropolitan Council on June 15th 2009 Road Rehabilitation Project (Cherry Hills 2nd) - The project has been advertised and we conducted a bid opening on June 10th at City Hall. 5 bids were received and the low bidder was $20,000.00 below the engineer's estimate. The contract award will be before Council the June 16th Council Meeting. Construction is anticipated to begin in early July. Highway 55 & Mendota Heights Road Intersection - The consultant has begun preparing the preliminary plans for the intersection improvement. The geotechnical (soil) analysis contract was approved by Council on June 2nd, and the consultant will be in the field taking soil samples next week. We have been notified by MnDOT that our cooperative agreement share has slipped 1 fiscal year to FY2011. The $424,841.00 grant for construction was originally scheduled for FY2010,, but due to budgetary constraints, the funding was moved out one more year. This change in funding year should not impact our design efforts, and will actually benefit the City in the ability to fund the design and the remaining balance of the construction project out of out State -Aid account. A copy of the MnDOT notification is attached. 2009 Crackseal and Sealcoat Pro ram - The contractor has begun cracksealing and is anticipating proceeding with sealcoating (chip seal) next week. This program will be ongoing throughout the summer as the contractor works from subdivision to subdivision. All neighborhoods will be notified as to their respective work schedules. Streets included in this program are: 0 Crackseal Only: Overlook Road, Overlook Lane, Lilac Road, Summit Lane (Marie to Overlook), Rolling Green Curve, Windwood Court, Oxford Court, Stratford Road, and Coventry Court. N Sealcoat Onl : Mendakota Drive, Executive Drive, and Northland Drive (Hwy 55 to Mendota Heights Road). m Crackseal & Sealcoat: Summit Lane (south of Marie), Faro Lane,, Avanti . Drive, Twin Circle Drive, Bwana Court, West Circle Court, and Vail Drive. Visitation Roundabout - It is anticipated that on June 12th (today) the amendment to the State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) will be approved and Mendota Heights will be the recipient of $310,000.00 for the 4: A k +- i- the intersection of Visitation Drive construction U C1 roundabout Cl QU U and Mendota Heights Road. The funding is through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), better known as the Economic Stimulus Bill passed by congress earlier this year. The funding will be programmed for FY 2010, and construction is anticipated for June of 2010. A resolution awarding the design of the roundabout will be before Council at the June 16t" meeting. N E W S . .... ...... L E T T E R Public Works .......... 0:'104 June 12, 2009 Enginee Code Enforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . We have been notified by MnDOT that our cooperative agreement share has slipped 1 fiscal year to FY2011. The $424,841.00 grant for construction was originally scheduled for FY2010,, but due to budgetary constraints, the funding was moved out one more year. This change in funding year should not impact our design efforts, and will actually benefit the City in the ability to fund the design and the remaining balance of the construction project out of out State -Aid account. A copy of the MnDOT notification is attached. 2009 Crackseal and Sealcoat Pro ram - The contractor has begun cracksealing and is anticipating proceeding with sealcoating (chip seal) next week. This program will be ongoing throughout the summer as the contractor works from subdivision to subdivision. All neighborhoods will be notified as to their respective work schedules. Streets included in this program are: 0 Crackseal Only: Overlook Road, Overlook Lane, Lilac Road, Summit Lane (Marie to Overlook), Rolling Green Curve, Windwood Court, Oxford Court, Stratford Road, and Coventry Court. N Sealcoat Onl : Mendakota Drive, Executive Drive, and Northland Drive (Hwy 55 to Mendota Heights Road). m Crackseal & Sealcoat: Summit Lane (south of Marie), Faro Lane,, Avanti . Drive, Twin Circle Drive, Bwana Court, West Circle Court, and Vail Drive. Visitation Roundabout - It is anticipated that on June 12th (today) the amendment to the State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) will be approved and Mendota Heights will be the recipient of $310,000.00 for the 4: A k +- i- the intersection of Visitation Drive construction U C1 roundabout Cl QU U and Mendota Heights Road. The funding is through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), better known as the Economic Stimulus Bill passed by congress earlier this year. The funding will be programmed for FY 2010, and construction is anticipated for June of 2010. A resolution awarding the design of the roundabout will be before Council at the June 16t" meeting. Delaware/494 Interchange - On Tuesday afternoon, staff met with representatives from the Cities of Eagan, Inver Grove Heights, and Sunfish Lake, as well as with representatives from Dakota County, MnDOT, and Metropolitan Council as part of the ongoing Regional Roadways Visioning Study that is looking at future traffic improvements in the region bounded by Interstate 35E, Highway 110, Highway 52, and County Road 26 (Diffley Road). A major point of focus of the Visioning Study is an analysis as to whether or not an interchange is warranted at Delaware Avenue and Interstate 494. The County's consultant engineer will be making a presentation about the preliminary efforts of the Study team at the June 16th City Council meeting. A public Open House is scheduled for Wednesday June 24th from 4:30pm to 7:00pm at Henry Sibley High School. Dakota County and their consultant will be advertising the Open House. The Avenues - The contractor has begun curb repair and replacement for the Avenues project. They are also marking and raising manhole castings in anticipation of asphalt wear course installation. The wear course of pavement is expected to be installed by the end of June. Callahan Place - A rainwater garden was planted on Callahan ; 4- CXAIDDD city's 0 0 Multiple locations were identified during the Callahan Place reconstruction as viable spots for stormwater infiltration. This however was the only location where the homeowners expressed an interest in maintaining the plants. Place as part of the Minnesota Department of Transportation Metro District Office of State Aid 1500 West County Road B2 Roseville, MN 55113-3174 June 2, 2009 Mr. John R. Mazzitelto Public Works Director/City Engineer City of Mendota Heights I 101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 Office Tel: 651-234-7780 Office Fax: 651-234-7765 robert. vas ek@dot. state. m n. us RE: Deferral of FY 2010 Municipal Agreement Program Funding to FY 2011 TH 55 at Mendota Heights Road in the City of Mendota Heights Dear Mr. Mazzitello: Due to a recent State Fund Revenue Reduction of $66 Million in FY 2010 and 2011 the Metro District had to rebalance the Metro Construction Program which *Included deferral of projects to later years. Per our prior discussion you indicated that a deferral of the Mn/DOT funding for this project from FY 2010 to FY 2011 would be acceptable. Please confirm via letter or email that the deferral is acceptable to Mendota Heights. The FY 2011 funding for the project becomes available on July 1, 2010 and the project must be let/bid by R=30,2011. There is a possibility that FY 2010 funding inay become available again after August of this year and we will contact you regarding that option should it happen. I would recommend that you maintain a project development schedule that would enable a Spring 2010 letting if that option is something you would pursue. Please contact me with any questions or conQerns. Sincerely, Obert (Bob) 'asek, P.E. Cooperative Agreement Engineer cc: Greg Coughlin, Mn/DOT-Metro State Aid * Lynn Clarkowski, MxvDOT-South Area Manager Ken Johnson, Mti/DOT-South Area Engineer Sheila Kauppi, Uln/DOT-Traffic Area Engineer Jim Myers, Mn/DOT-Metro State Aid * Matt Shands, Bonestroo and Associates File * Electronic Copy Oiily An equal opportunity employer June 16, 2009 — 7:00 P.M. 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Pledge of Allegiance 4. Agenda Adoption 5. Approval of the June 2, 2009, City Council Minutes. 6. Consent Calendar a. Acknowledgement of NDC4 Meeting Minutes & Agenda b. Acknowledgement of Minutes from the June 9, 2009 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting. C. Acknowledgement of Treasurer's Report for May 2009. d. Acknowledgement of the May 2009 Fire Department Monthly Report. e. Acknowledgement of Mendota Mdewakanton Pow Wow. f. Acknowledgement of Withdrawal of Planning Application. g. Approval of Request to Cancel July Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting. h. Adoption of Resolution No. 09-45: "RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE ISSUANCE OF A REVENUE REFUNDING NOTE AND AUTHORIZING THE PUBLICATION OF A NOTICE OF HEARING (ACADEMY OF THE VISITATION PROJECT) i. Adoption of Resolution No. 09-46: "RESOLUTION AWARDING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT FOR PRELIMINARY AND FINAL DESIGN OF AN INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT AT VISITATION DRIVE AND MENDOTA HEIGHTS ROAD AND PROVIDING NOTICE TO PROCEED". j . Adoption of Resolution No. 09-47: "RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BIDS AND AWARDING CONTRACT FOR CHERRY HILL 2ND STREET REHABILITATION (PROJECT NO. 200903)99 k. Approval of Contractors List 1. Approval of Claims List 7. Public Comments 8. Public Hearings • On -Sale Institutional Wine License — Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts 9. Presentation • Presentation on Dakota County Regional Roadway Visioning Study 10. Unfinished and New Business a. Case No. 09-18: United Properties LLC/Bituminous Roadways — 1520 Commerce Drive — Conditional Use Permit for a New Office and Warehousing Building. Resolution No. 09-48: "A RESOLUTION APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR OUTDOOR STORAGE AT LOT 2, BLOCK 1, MENDOTA HEIGHTS BUSINESS PARK 4TH ADDITION b. Discussion of Hoffman — Mendota Shore, LLC Contract Renewal C. Discussion of Right of Way Vacation Petition for Eugenia Avenue Adjoining 574 Hiawatha Avenue. Resolution No. 09-49: "A RESOLUTION SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING ON A VACATION COMMENCED BY A PETITION OF A MAJORITY OF ABUTTING LANDOWNERS d. Discussion of City Administrator Retirement. 11. Council Comments 12. 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 Channel 18. IV Om est' Ii /4�r .: r. f �s?�'.`� .'2� : .: %�� r r?h . ., .. .. <�t�t�, :� a�7..' ', u,.. v . ���,�s%'i» ..f )Sm .< ' :i'�:.: �.`P:" ,��{a Ri<' ! / `� .. Tuesday, June 09, 2009 DNR OKs its Rogers Lake treatment Danielle Cabot Review Staff Tuesday, June 09, 2009 The Department of Natural Resources approved treatment of 8.25 acres of Rogers Lake in Mendota Heights for a pesky weed problem plaguing residents who want to fish, canoe and splash in their neighborhood lake. The approved treatment area is about half of what residents had requested. The 99 -acre lake has native weeds growing so thick that recreation is difficult at best, according to lakeshore owners. Chemicals will be used to treat a 50 -foot -wide loop in the south section of the lake, a path on the northeastern side of the lake, and a small section in the southernmost curve of the lake. Lakeshore resident Pat Hickey addressed the Council June 2. He said it was better to move forward with the limited treatment option rather than do nothing at all. "We're making a positive step," said Hickey, "We'll continue to work with the DNR to try and express what we thought we communicated clearly and concisely." The permit was approved too late for residents to petition, said Hickey. The DNR usually only provides this sort of treatment for treatment of invasive species, not native weeds like those in Rogers Lake, said Public Works Director John Mazzitello. In cases when they are treating invasive species, the DNR takes treatment year by year based on the level of infestation. The first treatment will occur sometime this month. Council member Jeanne Schneeman thanked Hickey for being persistent and said he would appreciate his efforts in time. "I know good will come out of it.11 Danielle Cabot can be reached at southwest@lillienews.com or 651-748-7815. Content © 2009 Software © 1998-2009 1 up! Software, All Rights Reserved P11, LIM C:O;m -.1we stR lVionday, June 08, 2009 Primary seatbeft violation. dickslin. June 9 Danielle Cabot Review Staff 10 -iday, June 08., 2009 The state's new primary seatbelt law goes into effect June 9, and law enforcement is ready to buckle down on unbelted drivers. Once the law is in effect, a police officer can pull over a vehicle if anyone in the car is not wearing a seatbelt, even if no other traffic violation is observed. Previously, it was still illegal to drive without a seatbelt on, but law enforcement could not pull anyone over if the seatbelt violation was the only offense. A seat -belt violation in Dakota County costs $105, the $25 base fee plus a surcharge, according to the district court in Hastings. Seatbelt compliance varies from city to city. In Inver Grove Heights, officers just completed a "May Mobilization" where they tally seatbelt usage at three locations, then focus 32 hours of overtime specifically on traffic enforcement, then measure seatbelt usage again. The overtime is funded by a county grant. The "before" survey measured 66 percent of drivers wearing their seatbelt, according to Lt. Larry Stanger, patrol commander, and the tally after the enforcement push was 67 percent. Police Chief Mike Aschenbrener of Mendota Heights said that issuance of a seatbelt ticket in Mendota Heights will be rare. During his city's surveys, he said the department has determined about 15 percent of local motorists don't wear their seat belt. In West St. Paul, Police Chief Bud Shaver said seatbelt use is on par with county numbers, somewhere between 80 to 85 percent like Mendota Heights. He said West St. Paul is a busy city, but patrol officers may choose to pull over drivers without seatbelts. He said they will probably hand out plenty of warnings at first to get the word out. South St. Paul completed its own May Mobilization June 3. In the beginning of May, seatbelt use was measured to be 66 percent, and after the period of increased traffic patrol, those observed buckling up rose to 74 percent. "They [officers] will enforce it just as they do all the other traffic laws," said South St. Paul police Chief Dan Vujovitch of the new law. "We're hoping that word gets out about the law and people do comply." Vujovitch said seatbelt use is increasing as younger generations grow up wearing them as standard practice. In response to those who think police have better things to do than pull over unbuckled drivers, Stanger said that statistics about fatalities and seatbelt use speak for themselves. In May, the Office of Traffic Safety announced that Minnesota had surpassed 100 road deaths so far in 2009. Eight people died in April alone. Five were not wearing seatbelts, and of another four people seriously injured, all four were not wearing their seatbelts and were thrown from a vehicle. Across the state, the average seatbelt usage is 87 percent, according to the Minnesota Safety Council. However, in 2007, 50 percent of those who died in car accidents were not wearing a seatbelt, and in 2008, that number rose to 55 percent. That means 13 percent of drivers are contributing to over half of the state's driving fatalities, according to Bob O'Brien, law enforcement liaison for the Dept. of Public Safety and a former Minneapolis police officer. "I'm not going to say that seatbelts are going to save every person, but in most of the accidents it would save them," he said, adding that "fatalities are only the tip of the iceberg." Spinal cord and brain injuries can rack up devastating bills that are often passed on to the taxpayer. The theme hits close to home for O'Brien. The son of a former enforcement partner rolled his vehicle on a gravel road in October of 2006. When responders arrived, they thought he had climbed out and walked home, only to discover 20 minutes later that the boy had not been wearing his seatbelt and was thrown from the vehicle into a fence post yards away. Months of intensive care cost the family $1.5 million in medical costs and exhausted both parents insurance' and benefits. He said the goal of the law is to get people to buckle up and change behavior, not to issue more citations. "We would like to never, ever issue another citation." Opponents of the new law would prefer to not see any primary seatbelt citations either. The Minnesota American Civil Liberties Union argued against the provision, claiming it would result in the targeting of minorities and racial profiling. State Rep. Joe Atkins, DFL -Inver Grove Heights, voted against it. He said the vast majority of people already wear their seatbelt. "It's very simple. I think you don't need to legislate common sense. The current law seems to be working fine." Other area legislators favored the new law. "I voted for it. I haven't in the past, but I was convinced this time," said Sen. James Metzen, DFL -South St. Paul. "I fought it as a privacy, or a rights thing." This year, Metzen said committee testimony convinced him that lives would be saved. Police Chief Bud Shaver said he understands the thinking by people who don't want big government or the police to get involved in their decisions to buckle up or not. However, he said the reality of the impact of unbelted drivers in crashes supersedes those arguments. "We're the ones that have to go to someone's home and tell them their son or daughter isn't going to come home," Shaver said. "I would much rather come to a crash and unbuckle your seatbelt than wait for hours for the coroner to come when I know the next thing I will have to do is go tell your next of kin," Aschenbrener commented. Danielle Cabot can be reached at southwest@lillienews.com or 651-748-7815. Content C 2009 Software 0 1998-2009 1 up! Software, All Rights Reserved PRINT ClXk, 0.1 . .............. com stl: Monday, JUne. 08, 2009 Monday, Jurie 08, 2009 The Mendota Heights MOMS Club donated $400 at the Mendota Heights City Council meeting June 2 to purchase trees for Hagstrom-King Park. Hagstrom-King is a newer park in Mendota Heights and has very little natural shade. Mendota Heights Mayor John Huber graciously accepted the donations on behalf of the city. "The MOMS Club is so pleased to be able to support our parks in this way," said Darcy McKenzie, club treasurer. "As a non-profit organization, we use our funds to benefit the greater good. And as moms with young children, we patronize our city's parks quite frequently," McKenzie added. The club and the city will work closely to ensure that trees are planted provide natural shade and optimum beauty to the park. "I'm very excited to see the new trees," said Melissa Ho, club membership vice president. "They will be such a wonderful addition to the park." The Mendota Heights MOMS Club is a non-profit organization and is part of the Moms Offering Moms Support organization, an affiliation with over 2,000 chapters nationwide. For more information on the MOMS Club of Mendota Heights, please visit www.mendotaheights momsclub.me. Related Links www.iiiendotah.el,�-Y,htsmomselu.b.me ..... . . . . ....... ..... ..... ........... . .. .. . .. . .. . ... . ...... . ....... _­­­ . . ..... .. .... .... .. .. .... .... .......... Content © 2009 Software © 1998-2009 1 up! Software, All Rights Reserved - MA FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASIF TUESDAY, JUNE, 912009 ? 35 W. Water St. #201 Saint Paul MN 55107 www.greatrivergreening.org Tel: 651 665.9500 Fax: 651 655.9409 Contact: Robert Viking Development and Marketing Director 651-665-9500 ext. 23 rvikinreatriver er reeni-nq.org, Deborah Karasov Executive Director 651-665-9500 ext. 14 dkarasov&qreatriverqreeninq.orq PILOT KNOB HILL - OHEYAWAHI SOON TO AGAIN BE "A HILL MUCH VISITED" City of Mendota Heights and Great River Greening Dedicate Historic Interpretive Markers and Commemorate Beginning of Phase 11 Restoration .. . ......... Q 1111 The City of Mendota Heights and Great River Greening, a nonprofit regional leader for WN community-based restoration of natural areas and open space will dedicate historic interpretive trail markers recently installed in Phase I and celebrate the 2008 purchase of 18.5 acres of land for Phase 11 and the beginning of Phase 11 restoration. The ceremonies which include Mayor John J. Huber, State Representative Rick Hansen, Pilot Knob Preservation Association leader Gail Lewellan, artist Seitu Jones, and Great River Greening ���.:�:Executive Director Deborah Karasov will take place at Pilot Knob Road on Thursday, June 25 at 11: 30 AM. The historic trail markers were designed in consultation with the Mdewakanton Dakota Community by prominent Saint Paul artist Seitu Jones recognized nationally for his public art Funded by the Minnesota Historical Society State Grants In -Aid Program, the trail markers G R E A T feature reproductions of Seth Eastman's paintings of Pilot Knob, its surroundings, and the R RI V G E R Dakota together with text relaying the cultural and historical significance of Oheyawahi a GEENIN ------------------ .............. hill much visited. In addition to the dedication of the signage, the ceremonies will commemorate the purchase of 15 acres and the beginning of restoration of Phase 11 restoration. Working with Great River Greening, the City of Mendota Heights has undertaken a multi-year plan to restore by 2017 the native prairie and oak savanna that once covered this site. The timeline for the restoration is as follows: 2006 to 2009: Site Preparation and Seeding Phases, 2010 to 2013: Plant Establishment Phase, 2014 to 2017: Maintenance Phase. Prairie and oak savanna are the historic vegetation that was present before European settlement and the associated fire suppression and removal of nomadic herds of bison and elk. We know this from the original government land survey of the 1840s, the soil types, and accounts from inhabitants at the time. iz�fcvz&� Dedication— Page Two Prairie and oak savanna are some of the most imperiled ecosystems in Minnesota, and host to a number of rare and endangered species. Prairie and savanna need our help if we are to retain this important part of Minnesota's natural heritage for future generations. In 2006, the DNR did a comprehensive strategy for wildlife species with greatest conservation need. Pilot Knob Hill is located in a top rated area for wildlife needs and opportunities; prairie and savanna restoration were identified as top priorities to enhance these wildlife species. Prairie and savanna are predicted to do well in Minnesota's warming climate. By engaging in restoration, the transition to prairie and savanna is done in a controlled manner, and the wood is put to good use. This area may prove to be a seed source for additional prairies and savannas in the future. Prairie and savanna may also be a future source of permanent vegetative grass biofuels, while also supporting wildlife and water quality. In short, prairie and savanna represent the greatest ecological value for the site, while addressing some future concerns. Major partners in protecting this site include City of Mendota heights, Dakota Farmland and Natural Area Program, Friends of the Burrow Farm Fund of The Saint Paul Foundation, The McKnight Foundation, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Remediation Grant Program, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Metro Greenways Program, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Natural and Scenic Program, Minnesota Environment and Natural resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative —Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources, Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota Community, Pilot Knob Preservation Association, and The Trust for Public Land. Restoration and Capital Improvement Funding and Volunteer Assistance has been provided by Acacia Park Cemetery, Archie D. and Bertha H. Walker Foundation, Dakota County Farmland and Natural Areas Program, Dakota County Technical College, City of Mendota Heights, Friends of the Minnesota Valley, Pilot Knob Preservation Association, Great River Greening, Dakota Soil and Water Conservation District, Matt Entenza, Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative -Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources, Pollution Control Agency Supplemental Environmental Fund, Representative Rick Hansen, Sierra Club, and Starbucks. Known to Dakota people as Oheyawahi, "a hill much visited," Pilot Knob at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers is a place of distinctive historical, cultural, and environmental importance, a sacred site, and a landmark of the Midwest's beginnings. It was from this prominence that the Dakota in 1851 signed a treaty granting the United States 35 million acres of tribal lands west of the Mississippi, forever changing the course of Minnesota's history. The National Trust for Historic Preservation calls Pilot Knob Hill one of the state's most significant historical and cultural resources. Its restoration represents an historic opportunity to protect a significant piece of cultural history and restore native prairie and savanna that has all but disappeared from the urban landscape. ; GREAT R, I V 'E R G RE * E. N I -N C June 2009 E -postcard Spring Newsletter available online Major New Funding for the Natural Areas Teen Network Significant new funding from the Andersen Corporate, Beim, and Weyerhaeuser Foundations is enabling Great River Greening and the Department of Natural Resources to expand a 2007 pilot program for introducing underserved children to scientific and natural area sites (SNA sites), engaging them in a series of stewardship tasks, and exposing them to natural resource careers. Read more about the Natural Areas Teen Network here Million Acorn Campaign Helps Important Bird Populations Partnerships and vision were the key to Great River Greening's success in helping to raise over $200,000 in grants from the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF). Matched by nearly the same amount in cash and in-kind, the funds will go towards restoring oak savanna habitat for important bird populations in the Anoka Sandplain, accomplishing major goals of the Million Acorn Campaign. Read more about Greening's Million Acorn Campaign here Great River Greening 2009 Accomplishments Highlights Volunteer Involvement ® Million Acorn Challenge engaged almost 1,000 area youth who collected over 300,000 acorns. 0 1,978 volunteers participated in our planting and restoration events including 1,248 youth (63%). ® 45 volunteer supervisors were trained to lead community events and neighborhood projects. 0 Volunteers removed 101 acres of invasive species, planted 16,262 trees and shrubs, installed 35,936 forbs and grasses (increased 4% from 2007), and collected 135 lbs. of prairie seed. 0 21,334 volunteers have planted 58,161 trees and shrubs since Greening began in 1995. ® Volunteer Supervisor, Susan Edseth, awarded the "Be the Change" Award from Hands on Twin Cities in the Green Spaces category. Read about more accomplishments here H4 The Healthy Waters Campaign expanded its geographical boundaries in September 2008 with a special day of lakeshore restoration training and planting at Collinwood Lake Regional Park in Cokato. Landowners and their families joined Great River Greening, Wright County Parks, Mid - Minnesota Mississippi River RC&D and Wright County Soil and Water Conservation District to participate in hands-on activities to learn about native plantings, invasive species removal, erosion control, and more. Read more about the Healthv Waters CaMDaian here Greening's ecological team keeps expanding Great River Greening welcomes Tory Christensen, Landscape Ecologist (M.L.A., University of Minnesota). Tory has worked most recently with Kestral Design Group, where he helped with several major stream and lakeshore restoration projects. His many collaborations with engineers brings a sophisticated expertise in water -land interactions to Great River Greening. In addition to GIS experience with Board of Water and Soil Resources, he also provided ecological and installation services at Minnesota Native Landscapes, Prairie Restorations, and Premier Services. This summer he will be completing the advanced stream restoration training, Rosgen Level 11, which he will bring to several of Greening's Healthy Waters projects. Todd Rexine, a current Great River Greening landscape ecologist, now joins the management team as Operations Manager. Among his many accomplishments, Todd authored the Crosby Natural Area Bluff Trail Study, Sustainable Landscape for Affordable Housing: Case Studies, and the forthcoming Riverbank Restoration Guide. Major operating support for all Great River Greening programs is provided by The McKnight Foundation. Upcomi*ng Park lRecreation / Community Events.* Saturday, August 22nd Morning Saturday, Sept 25th 11:00 am Thursday, June 25th Noon start 11111111q� I I !111 11111 Ong UTIMR m6fa I role I I I r4-111 ­- I- I � � F' -A 11111 �pj�111111��pi�111 MH Parks & Recreation ProgCaMS Registration Required @ 651.452-1850 For information regarding "Summer 2009 Parks & Recreation Programs". Tennis - Golf Leagues / Lessons - Fishing Derby - Safety Camp - Skateboard Camp - Youth Trips - Youth Nature/Fun/Group Activities - Adult softball leagues - call 651.452-1850 or www.mendota-heiqhts.com Fri / Sat / Sun, July 10, 11 & 12 "Super Weekend" (season end: baseball & T -ball games) Community Events: Thursday, June 18th 8:00 am Law Enforcement Torch Run -Run /Bike /Walk from Lakeville to Mendota Heights -ends at Mendakota Park for lunch. T-shirts $10 To participate contact Jenny Fordham in MH PD 651.452-1366 Fund Raiser for Special Olympics MN Thursday, June 251t' 11:30 am Pilot Knob Dedication Ceremony for ... 1. Two Historical signs funded by Mn Historical Society - Speakers 2. City Purchase of 15 acre Phase 2 site from Acacia Cern - Light refreshments 3. Recognition of new funding sources, grants, volunteer efforts June 2006 to June 2009 Scheduled Use of CI*ty Hall Meeting Rooms Monday, June 15th Monday, June 22nd Wednesday, June 24 th 7:30pm to 9:30pm Kensington Townhomes will meet in Council Chambers Kensington Townhomes meets in large conference room Kensington Manor Homes meet in Council Chambers 1 ,)Ih June Z_ ) 2009 Friday News - gk IM ER EM ME MEM mmm Mw1mr- dgwm'Um No IM --Rff— BN --w am me -- P-3 mom 1616 Humboldt Avenue - West St. Paul, MN - 55118 Telephone: (651) 552-4176 - Fax: (651) 552-4195 www.southmetrofire.com "PROUDLY SERVING THE CITIES OF SOUTH ST PAUL AND WEST ST PAUL" Fire Chief John Maczko Mendota Heights Fire Department 2121 Dodd Road - Mendota Heights,, MN 55120 Dear Chief Maczko: I would like to thank you for the assistance provided by your Department on May 25, 2009 during the house fire in West St. Paul. The added staff and equipment helped control the situation and we appreciate your help. Their additional assistance with picking up hose lines and equipment at the end of the fire was greatly appreciated. Please don't hesitate to call when we can join forces to assistyour department. Sincerely, John Ehret Fire Chief it