2009-03-20 Friday NewsCatch a Replay of the State of the City
The Mendota Heights State of the City Address given by Mayor Huber
on March 5th is currently replaying on government channel 18. The replay
times are available from the Town Square TV website:
www.townsquare.tv. Hit the Channel 18 in the TV Schedule box.
The Mayor's address is also available anytime on web streaming—go to
our home page www.mendota-heights.com and click on the watch
March 20, 2009 meetings live or on -demand box at the bottom of the screen.
Rogers Lake
Land owners abutting Rogers Lake showed up en mass this Tuesday evening demanding
that the City take immediate action to clear weeds from Rogers Lalce—and at the City's
cost. The City Council directed staff to determine what could be done to improve the lake,
to develop a long term action plan with recommendations for sources of funding. As one
Fof our first steps we have scheduled a meeting with the MN DNR for next week. The DNR
is the permitting agency for any of this work and are the experts on what are reasonable
expectations for lake improvements. We will have a report of our findings at the April 7
R City Council meeting.
I Hotel Delayed
Jake, John and I met with Nate Gundrum of the North Central Group to discuss the status
Dof the Hilton Homewood Suites Hotel recently approved by the City Council for construc-
tion at the intersection of Northland Drive and Pilot Knob Road. The plan had been to
A have the groundbreaking for the hotel this spring. Well, as is the case with so many pro-
jects lately, the hotel business is not doing well. NCG still views our area as the right fit
for this hotel, but are pushing back the groundbreaking to the fall of 2010. There is then a
Y10-11 month construction period before they will open in 2011.
Mississippi River Legislation at the Capitol
N Jake attended a Senate Committee meeting on Wednesday, as a bill affecting the Missis-
sippi River Critical Area was scheduled to be heard. The bill is of concern to our commu-
nity, as it would preempt our existing Critical Area Ordinance. While Jake did have a
Echance to voice our community's concerns, the bill passed unanimously. Jake did report
that the bill was amended in ways which limit the number of changes it will mean to our
WCritical Area Permitting process.
S Sad news
We learned this week that Council Member Ultan Duggan's son Rory and his wife Nicole
lost their first child, a baby boy named Liam Oliver. All of our thoughts are with Ultan,
Terry and their family at this time of sadness.
March 20, 2009
Dates to Remember in March
Planning commission Meeting 3-24-09 7:00 p.m.
Noise Oversight Committee 3-25-09 1:30 p.m.
Dates to Remember in April
City Council Meeting 4-7-09 7:00 p.m.
Airport Relations Commission 4-8-09 7:00 p.m.
Parks and Recreation Commission Mtng 4-14-09 6:30 p.m.
Attachments
Just the Facts, Pipeline, Planning Commission Agenda, Upcoming Park/Recreation/Community Events, Ltr
from SRF Consulting "Project Progress Memorandum," Southwest Review Ltr to the Editor "Save Ivy Falls
Path," Southwest Review Special Section on Business "Mendota Plaza Makeover "
Have a great weekend! !
March 20, 2009
3/20/2009
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3/20/2009
Domestic Assault 3~14~09@ 1542 hours
Officer Mike Shepard was contacted bvavictim who reported she was currently inthe
hospital after being assaulted by her fiano6. She oorne in to W9HPO to provide a
statement shortly after and described her injuries, including a black eye, bruised nose
and marks onher throat. After securing the details from the victim, Officer Shepard went
to the residence to find the heno6, who currently was not theno, but soon ofter, he
appeared at home and was prepared to speak about what had occurred. During the
Miranda interview, the suspect initially claimed it was the v|ot|rn who had caused the
injuries to herself by her own actions and anger. However, he soon he started tripping
himself upand finally admitted tocausing her injuries. The man was arrested and taken
to Dakota County Jail. He has been formally charged with Felony Assault. We're fairly
certain (and hopeful) that the engagement has been broken.
Theft from Vehicle 03-17~09 @ 1917 hours
Officer Romse responded to o residence to take e report of theft from vehicle. The
doors were reportedly locked; the windows were smashed and several items taken. No
items of evidentiary value were available.
Attempted Theft from Vehicle 03~17~09 @ 0923 hours
Officer Flomne then responded to e |ooe| trail system to take m report of an attempted
theft. The thief did not gain access to any items inside the vehicle thought it seemed the
perp attempted topush enarm through the window opening. Prints were left behind but
were too smudged to process. Another reminder not to leave valuables in your vehicle.
Fraud 03-17~09 @ 1444 hours
A resident called to report fraudulent activity on her credit cord. The v|ot|rn informed
Officer Rosse of the charges and also had been provided with an IP address from where
the transaction occurred. She had been o victim ofsimilar fraud in the recent past, but
the suspect had been caught and charged. Investigation ongoing.
Green Beer DWI 3/17@ 2307 hours
We were wondering how many [)VV|'s we would have from St Patrick's Day — looks like
we only found 1 —vvh|oh is good! The sober cabs out there are working! Officer Urnnann
stopped an errat|c, weaving driver and immediately on approach caught the whiff of
alcohol. The driver pled a brain injury for one of the sobriety testm, but did perform the
others —though not very well. She provided a breath sample on scene —a .228| The
luck o' the Irish won't be with her now, with the exception that she didn't kill anyone from
her actions. Driver went to 'a\|; formal charges are pending test results.
Abandoned Vehicle 03-18~09 @1531 hours
OfT1cerRoame ran the plate on avehicle that had been abandoned in the left lane of
Dodd Road and was blocking tnsOOo. The vehicle ovvner, a frequent flyer in our oountv,
showed a status VfDAC/IPS (Cancelled, Inimical to Public Safety) and the plates were to
be seized. The vehicle was impounded and contact with the owner has been attempted.
Case pending further investigation.
Just Bad Day 03~18-09 at 2128 hours
Just when you thought your world was out of control — this might make you feel more on
top ofthings. Officer Urrnenn stopped avehio|e and heard this story: "| just got evicted,
and | know |'rn revoked. | just got my truck out of impound and | don't have my
insurance with rne." Officer Urmonnalmost gave her abreak until she learned the driver
was onher way tothe casino; maybe her luck changed there.
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-2-
NEWS The Pwipelmine,,
L E T T E Rh
Public WorksMarch 20, 2009
Engineering Arw
Code Enforcement HappD 5pring!
Public Works
The Parks Crew picked up trash daily during the week. The chipper was hauled out to
Pilot Knob and back for cutting and chipping of trees for the Great River Greening Project.
The aerator at Rogers Lake was shut down. All of the summer equipment was taken out
of winter storage in the water tower and prepared for spring. The light bulbs were
changed out in the storage area of the water tower, and new park trail signs were posted.
The lifts were checked daily. There was a power outage at the Lilydale lift station on
Sunday at 11:30 a.m. and the power remained out until 1:30 p.m. Apparently a goose
flew into a power line and caused the power outage. The root saw was rebuilt with new
seals, bearings and gears. A jet was frozen in the culvert on Culligan Lane and Glen Hill
Road.
The Streets Crew picked up a dead deer at Checker Auto on Pilot Knob Road; the deer
was found near the front steps of the building. They worked on the chipper by greasing it
and checking it over in preparation for chipping trees at the Pilot Knob site. They did
general maintenance on all of the plow trucks and washed the salt and sand from the
dump boxes. The wings on the sanders were greased. Started filling potholes on the
frontage road near Crown Point, Twin Circle Drive, and Victoria, Marie and Lexington
Avenues.
Staff met with Mr. Steve McComas of Blue Water Science to go over the 2006 evaluation
report for Rogers Lake. Residents have requested weed removal efforts be undertaken by
the City for increased recreational opportunities on the Lake.
Engineering staff continued working with Legal staff on finalizing the Developers'
Agreement for the proposed Mendota Mall redevelopment. It is anticipated that the
Developers' Agreement will be before Council on April 7th
Staff attended the agency coordination meeting for the Pedestrian Improvements
Feasibility Study at Dodd Road and Highway 110. The consultant has been progressing on
the report and their bi-weekly update report is attached.
John accompanied the newly appointed citizen representative, Larry Craighead, to the
Gun Club Lake Watershed Management Organization meeting on Wednesday.
Ryan has continued his participation in the Leadership in Project Management Seminar
course sponsored by MnDOT. Ryan reports that the seminar is productive and that he is
learning a lot about project communications.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PLANNING COMMISSION
zd�um
March 24, 2009
7:00 P.M. City Council Chambers
1) Call to Order
2) Roll Call
3) Approval of the February 24, 2009 Planning Commission Minutes
4) Hearings
a) Case No. 09-06: Paul LaManna — 17 Dorset Road — variance to the side yard
setback. Public Hearing 7:00 P.M.
b) Case No. 09-07: Lisa Silverberg — 1830 Faro Lane — lot line adjustment. Public
Hearing 7:00 P.M.
5) Verbal Review
6) 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 651-452-1850 with requests.
I Upcoming Park / Recreation / Community Events:
MH Parks & Recreation Programs Registration Required @ 651.452-1850
Monday, April 6th 9am to 4pm @ Family Martial Arts Academy - 780 South Plaza Drive
Tuesday, April 7th 9:30am to 3:30 pm @ Thompson Park Activity Center - 1200 Stassen Lane - WSP
Saturday, June 6th All Day "Annual Parks Celebration" @ Mendakota Park & other locations
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-heights.com
Mendota Heights Athletic Association www.mendotaheicihtsathietics.com or Amelia1957@aol.com
Sunday, April 19th 11:15am to 12:30pm "Softball Clinic"@ Henry Sibley HS Gym
Sunday, April 19th 12:30pm to 4:15 pm "in -House Baseball Clinic" @ Henry Sibley HS Gym
Monday, May 11th (Week of) "in -House Season Begins"
Sat. / Sun. June 6th /7th K-6 grade baseball "Mid -Year In -House Tournament" @ Mendakota Park
Fri / Sat / Sun, July 10, 11 & 12 "Super Weekend" (season end: baseball & T -ball games)
Community Events:
Wednesday, April 22nd 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Saturday, April 25th
Saturday, May 2nd
* * * JVEW- Note * * *
8:30am to 12:30pm
8:00am to 2:00pm
Wednesday, June 24th Time: TBD
... or ...
Thursday, June 25th
Pilot Knob - Corporate Earth Day Event - 25 volunteers -brush
hauling and general site maintenance - volunteers welcome
Pilot Knob - "Spring 2009 Restoration Event" - 50 + volunteers
Pre -registration required volunteer(c-Dgreatrivergreening.org or
Call 651.665-9500 ext. 11.
Mendota Heights Annual "Spring Clean Up" @ Mendota Plaza
8:00am to 2:00 pm - Call City Offices for info: 651.452-1850
.Pilot Knob Dedication Ceremony
1. Two Historical signs funded by Mn Historical Society
2. City Purchase of 15 acre Phase 2 site from Acacia
3. Recognition of new funding sources, grants, etc.
I Scheduled Use of Meeting Rooms at City Hall by Community Groups
Wednesday, March 25th th @ 6:30 pm Police Reserve Candidates Interviews in Large Conference Room
Monday, April 13th thru Thursday, April 16th - 8:00am to 4:30pm 2010 Census Training in Council Chambers
March 20h Friday News - gk
CONSULTING GROUP,, INC.
C NGI;EF,RS I P LANN1F>RS I D I.SIC:NERS
PROJECT PROGRESS MEMORANDUM
TO: John R. Mazzitello, PE
Public Works Director/City Engineer
FROM: Chris Trboyevich, PE
DATE: March 17, 2009
MINNILAFOLIS
FARG0
MADISON
SRF No. 008 6719
SUBJECT: TH 11 O/DODD ROAD (TH 149) INTERSECTION — PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS
The intent of this project status memorandum is to provide the City with a regular project report detailing
the summary of work in the previous two weeks and outlining the anticipated work within the next two
weeks. This first memorandum will outline the actions that have occurred since the notice to proceed.
Progress Actions Initiated/Completed from March 2, 2009 to March 13, 2009
• Begin working on key figures specific to feasibility report, i.e., base map, project location map, as well
as feasibility report outline. Draft figures are available for concept level discussions for the March 19t"
meeting.
• Coordinate with SRF internal staff to develop the alternatives to be evaluated in preparation for the
upcoming stakeholder meeting.
• Identify appropriate Mn/DOT signal personnel to invite to the project stakeholder meeting. Those
individuals have been identified and invited.
• Schedule a project stakeholder meeting with City of Mendota Heights staff, Dakota County staff,
and Mn/DOT staff (initially anticipated to have stakeholder meeting in mid-March). This coordination
meeting has been scheduled for March 19, 2009.
Anticipated Progress Actions for March 16, 2009 to April 7, 2009
• Agency Coordination Meeting on March 19t" at the Mendota Heights City Hall. At this meeting verify
information received thus far, and request any additional information potentially needed. Develop and
distribute meeting minutes from the Coordination Meeting.
• Update work on key figures of the feasibility report as needed, on direction from the March 19, 2009
meeting. Compile and review crash history data.
• Develop cost estimates of alternatives to be discussed in the feasibility report.
• Coordinate with the City to schedule a date when pedestrian counts can be obtained.
• Potentially have a Rough Draft document for Mendota Heights staff review by April 7, 2009.
The previous actions defined are subject to change based on continuing project development and may be
amended, as necessary, based on subsequent client, stakeholder, or consultant needs. If there are questions
based on the outline progress actions, please contact Chris Trboyevich at your earliest convenience.
cc: Matt Hansen, SRF
File
SRF: Vol3VDProjects16719WI-MUDOCIProject Status Memo2.doc
www.srfconsulting.com
One Carlson Parkway North, Shite 150 I Minneapolis, MN 55447-4443 1 763.475.0010 Fax: 763.475.` 429
An Equral Opportunity Finplvyer
Letters
Save Ivy Fails `path something in return such as an, equitable nearby path, or a
commensurate tax rebate.
To the editor: Celeste Riley
The City of Mendota Heights is considering eliminating a Mendota Heights
rare pedestrian path in the Ivy Falls neighborhood. This path
allows neighbors like me to enjoy the peace of walking, at_ least
A short -distance, without Having . to be onguard against auto-
mobile traffic Sidewalks in our neighborhood are rare. I believe
the city should make our community more, not less, -pedestrian
friendly. .
The path runs from Highway 13 to Hiawatha Avenue. It
is a short strip of grass, off-limits to motorized vehicles, and
without signage. Currently, one bas to be''ari insider to even
know its there. That is not how public space should work. Nor
should its elimination be kept a secret The city'has informed
only a handful of residents of the possible change.
A homeowner has asked the city to donate'the path to pri-
vate ownership; claiming the path encourages crime. In fact,
neighbor and pedestrian traffic increase safety. Further, a look
J.
at the .path calls into question howit iuivites crime, and -more
significant, how vacating it would,deter it.'
{ k.
I nige the: city to not only keep tls property in ;
the bangs of
citizens, but, to encourage its use. When the cites Hynes their
issue on April 21st,. it should focus on how to-`hel' the neigh-
borhood know more about its amenities, not on taking thein
away.
Finally, if the city removes the path, it should offer the losers
Southwest Review ( Mendota Plaza Makeover Page I of 1
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SoufliwestReviewNews-com
Friday, March 06, 2009
Mendota Plaza Makeover
Redeveloped Plaza to offer new shopping, dining and recreation opportunities
Friday, March 06, 2009
Residents from Mendota Heights and surrounding areas will soon have a premier shopping destination at a Tarniiiar
location when Mendota Plaza undergoes a makeover this spring. The Plaza's facelift comes courtesy of Paster
Enterprises, a development and management firm with a long history of adding value to the communities in which it
builds.
Paster Enterprises has been owned and operated by the Paster family for three generations. The firm has a unique
tie to the Mendota Heights community that makes redeveloping the shopping center a personal project. "The CEO of
our company, Edward Paster, had lived in Mendota Heights for 30 years," explains Ken Henk, Director of
Development and Construction. "We definitely want to do something special in this community."
The professionals pngEnterprises Paster Entrises aren't the only ones looking forward to the new and improved Mendota Plaza. The Mendota Heights community is also eagerly awaiting the PlazaI "Residents makeover. Residentswetalked Lowe
really looking forward to the redevelopment," Henk says. "They realized it was in need of a facelift."
The firm is set to break ground on the project this spring, beginning with an extensive remodeling of the existing
en
Plaza building, which first opened in 1970. The initial phase includes the Walgre's and a
addition of a freestanding
new structure with space for one large or two smaller restaurants with patios overlooking a pond with a fountain. "We
wanted to create a pleasant space, both outdoors and inside the restaurants themselves," Henk says.
Seeing a need for additional retail space, the plan also includes 12,000 square feet that will house five to seven retail
or service businesses.
Its prime location at the southwest corner of Highway 110 and Dodd Road also makes Mendota Plaza ideal for office
space. "It's all about location, location, location," says Howard Paster, president of Paster Enterprises.
The remodeled Plaza will be ready for occupancy as early as spring and summer of 2010. Future development
W� phases include a childcare facility, office building and four-story senior facility.
Thoughtfully designed, inside and out
The upscale exterior of the remodeled Plaza is designed to enhance the community's appearance as much as the
business environment within its walls. The retail structures, designed to look like individual storefronts, will feature
yellow brick exteriors with red brick accents. Strategically placed lighting will accent decorative column details on the
rs at night. The same building materials will be applied to
buildings edges and create a "halo effect" on corner towe
Top, Diners will enjoy the existing building and future retail structures, creating a visually pleasing, uniform look throughout the Plaza.
culinary offerings from the The firm also made sure to preserve existing greenery and natural landscape. The plan features abundant sidewalks
Plaza's new restaurants on and a heavily landscaped boulevard with clusters of river birch and other trees. A terraced space overlooking the
fountain -side patios. Just development will create a common meeting place for nearby residents and visitors to the center. "All of this will make
above, The redeveloped Plaza the Plaza more pedestrian -friendly," Henk says.
will feature 20 acres of The Paster name has been synonymous with successful, well-managed properties for more than 60 years. The firm
shopping, dining and
recreation opportunities. currently manages 11 shopping centers, totaling more than 1 million square feet, in the Twin Cities area.
Future phases include office Their success can be attributed to more than finding the right projects. The firm makes a point of bringing together
space and senior housing. the right people to develop, manage, lease and otherwise handle their properties. "We have some very capable,
intelligent, hardworking people here," Paster says. "We couldn't do what we do if it weren't for those team members."
Community involvement and input from city staff also go a long way in creating successful developments. "It's a partnership," Paster explains. "We all
have to work together to create something that's successful. Clearly that's the case here in Mendota Heights."
The firm routinely hosts community events at its shopping centers, and Mendota Plaza is no exception. Past events include Halloween trick -or -treating
at Plaza businesses and gift drives for Neighbors Inc., a local nonprofit organization. "We do a lot to get involved with the community, not only at
Mendota Plaza, but at a lot of our centers," says Marketing Manager Malisa Hyland.
Since the 1950s, Paster Enterprises has prided itself on being long-term holders of its shopping centers, and hopes to do the same with Mendota Plaza,
which it has owned since 1985. "We intend to be a part of this community for a long time to come," Henk affirms.
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