Loading...
2009-06-19 Friday NewsJune 19, 2009 2009 5K Run/Walk Results Sergeant Neil Garlock provided us with the details from the 5K run/walk held the morning of the Parks Celebration: Registered Participants: 260 (new record) No shows: 13 Men's Winner: Dominick Rosario 16:18 (new course record -old (record 17:17) Women's Winner: Molley Noel 21:23 Door Prizes: Total – 89 with an Approximate Value $7,000, a (new record) HIM Influenza One of our night shift police officers has contracted H1N1 influenza—yet to be confirmed, but after a trip to the hospital to investigate the possibility of meningitis (similar symptoms F to H1N1). After a negative test for meningitis, the diagnosis is for H1N1 (swine) flu. While this strain of flu appears to be less dangerous than the regular flu, we are on alert here at City Hall, to prevent further spread of the virus. We will be implanting the follow - Ring actions: • Regular cleaning of common areas, including counters, doorknobs, etc. I• Encouraging staff with flu-like symptoms to stay home • Dispersing basic information from Center for Disease Control D• Reviewing policies and procedures to ensure that we continue to offer services to residents. A Home Intruder Nabbed Y A resident living on Winston Court was awakened this week at 1 a.m. in the morning by a noise in his kitchen. Upon investigation, he located a masked intruder in his kitchen sink. After a call to 911, police arrived on scene approximately 1:50p.m. Officer Spicer located the masked intruder, described as wearing a fur coat, dark complexion, 40-50 lbs, with a ringed tail and an uncooperative attitude. After Officer Spicer located the culprit, he at- tempted to coax him out an open door, unsuccessfully. Sergeant Convery and Officer Urmann joined the standoff, bringing with a spring-loaded pole typically used for controlling stray dogs. After several efforts to negotiate an end to E the stand off, officers attempted to collar the intruder with the spring-loaded pole. Unfor- tunately, the only affect this tool had was to further escalate the situation. As the intruder became combative, the three officers made the decision to utilize a less -lethal force, de- wploying their tazers. The tazers were not effective (the exact cause is still under investiga- tion), and resulted in the perpetrator seeking shelter in the finished lower level of the home, S where officers found the perpetrator under a piece of office furniture. At this point, the homeowner provided the officers with a .22 caliber sidearm, and authorized their use of the weapon to subdue the intruder. Upon discharge of the weapon, officers realized that the sidearm was loaded with bird shot, and ultimately required nine rounds to neutralize the threat. Officers were finally able to place the spring loaded pole, and remove the raccoon from the premises. June 19, 2009 Metro Cities Board Meeting Council Member Ultan Duggan was recently appointed to the Metro Cities Board of Directors, and at- tended his first meeting Thursday evening. There was an update on the recently passed Critical Area Legislation—it appears that we may have some opportunity to influence the final result yet! Ultan re- ported that the board discussed their 2010 budget, and making sure that city officials are aware of the what Metro Cities does, and the value of participating with the group. More information can be found at: www.metrocitiesmn.org. Hole in One Barb Kasel (one of our most reliable recreation part-time staff) was golfing at the Mendota Heights Par 3 this week, and reported scoring a hole in one on the ninth hole. It was a "perfect" golf shot, Barb re- ported hitting the ball cleanly off the bottom of her club, resulting in a low line drive shot straight at the pin, falling nicely into the cup once it got there. Congratulations Barb! Attachments Just The Facts, Pipeline, Planning Commission Meeting Agenda, TwinCities.com Article "Mendota Heights city administrator Jim Danielson retiring," Pioneer Press "Sainted & Tainted," Invitation for Pilot Knob Dedication of Interpretive Markers," Center for Disease Control Article "H1N1 Flu and You," and Upcoming Park/Recreation/Community Events. Dates to Remember in June Planning Commission Mtg 6-23-09 7:00 P.M. Dates to Remember in July City Council Meeting 7-7-09 7:00 P.M. ARC Meeting 7-8-09 7:00 P.M. NOC Meeting 7-15-09 1:30 P.M. MAC Meeting 7-20-09 1:00 P.M. City Council Meeting 7-21-09 7:00 P.M. Planning Commission Meeting 7-28-09 7:00 P.M. Happy Fathers Day, Have a Great Weekend ! ! June 19, 2009 T6ie' eAlef%q'ata�feiglits�aliee�epartyicevct Le Dakota Cou Y 6/19/2009 Torch Run On Thursday June 18"the Dakota County leg of the Special Olympics Torch Run was kicked off in the parking lot of the Lakeville Police Department. The run/walk/bike event began with an inspirational speech by Special Olympian Heide Magnusson, a 16 year member of the Hastings Sharks team. Heide talked about what Special Olympics means to her. "Participants included several Special Olympic athletes and representatives from Lakeville Police, MN State Patrol, Burnsville PD, MN BCA, Dakota County Sheriff's Office, Rosemount, the Dakota Communications Center, South Saint Paul Police, West Saint Paul Police, Inver Grove Heights Police, Eagan Police and Mendota Heights Police. The run was a culmination of other Torch Run events throughout the state, picking up from the Goodhue leg from Redwing to Hastings on Monday and the Scott County leg from Savage to Burnsville on Tuesday, all of which have thus far raised around $1000 for Special Olympics Minnesota. The Dakota County event included lunch at Mendakota Park another wonderful speech from our own Mendota Heights Special Olympian Joe Conway. Joe brought the medals he earned at the Special Olympic World games in China 2007. Joe graduated from Henry Sibley High School this year and talked about how give back to the community by becoming a Special Olympics coach. Our own Mendota Heights 5k made a donation of the proceeds from the race (over $2800) to Special Olympics Minnesota. -1- 6/19/2009 If you would like to make a donation for Special Olympics, please call our office at 651.452.1366 and ask for Officer Jennifer Fordham or Sergeant Neil Garlock. DAR / No Insurance 06-12-09 2123 hours Officer Mike Shepard ran a license plate check on his in -squad computer. The check showed the R/O to be revoked. The physical description of the R/O matched the driver. The driver was the R/O. When asked for proof of insurance, the driver "didn't think" she had valid insurance. A phone call to the insurance company confirmed the car was not insured. Citations were issued for DAR and No Insurance. The car was towed by Southeast and the driver dropped off at a gas station. Domestic Disturbance 06-13-09 0051 hours An underage intoxicated teenager arrived home from a friend's house to find his parents waiting patiently for him. Sadly, the parents were not surprised as he has been in treatment for alcohol and chemical problems before. The 17 YOA thought he could argue his way out of trouble; however, his communication attempts were unsuccessful as his BAC was .186. When Officer Jeff VonFeldt arrived, he separated everyone and worked his way through all of the stories around what was occurring. After comparing stories and providing the parents several options, they determined it would be best to wait until morning and put the young man back into treatment. Officer VonFeldt then drove to the house where the young man said he was drinking only to find it totally dark with no activity. Speed / Possession of Marijuana 06-14-09 0120 hours Officer Jeff VonFeldt stopped a taxi for 51 mph in a 40 zone. As he approached the cab he noted there were two parties in the back seat. When he spoke with the driver a strong smell of marijuana came out of the cab. At this point he noted that the male passenger was very fidgety and attempting to stuff something into a pocket. When asked to keep his hands out in sight, the man became more nervous and fidgety. Officer VonFeldt then asked the passenger where the marijuana was at and the man replied "marijuana?" At that the man attempted to reach into his pocket again and was asked to step out of the taxi. As he did, marijuana fell onto the ground. The man was arrested and placed in the squad car. Officer VonFeldt then asked the young lady where the marijuana was at and she immediately gave him a baggie of marijuana from her purse and a grinder. When asked what they smoked it in she produced a multi -colored blown glass pipe. A citation was issued to the cab driver for speed. At which point he told the officer he no longer wished to have the two in his cab. He was allowed to leave. This caused the man who was intoxicated (.146 BAC) and high to get out of control. After that he was transported to Detox where he was left with his citations. Sick Animal 06-17-09 0117 hours At 0117 hours a local homeowner was awakened by the sound of someone or something in his house. When he went to investigate he found a 40 pound raccoon sitting in the kitchen sink. The intruder insisted this was now his territory and was not leaving the sink. The homeowner called for help and Sgt Brian Convery, Officers Tanner Spicer and Denise Urmann arrived to help. The raccoon was now more upset seeing these three near his new found home. The plan was to use the six foot dog stick to catch Mr. Ricky Raccoon and keep him safely at bay. Ricky would have nothing to do with the plan and thought eating Officer Spicer might just be slightly more fun. After several attempts at seizing the critter, it was decided that the raccoon would hold still just long enough to capture if he was tased. Unfortunately, he was quick and getting tased was not on his to do list. Three taser cartridges later, Ricky headed into the basement instead of out the open sliding glass door to freedom. Ricky was now really ticked and lodged himself under the homeowner's desk and was not leaving. The sick raccoon was finally put down in the basement and removed from the home. /{ate a pecar w-krdlA,% -2- NEWS Phe Pipeline,- ETTER �..° L �( f Public Works � � June 19, 2009 ° Engineering `[t7 a ^nrin �nfnr�on,can ,�� Happy Father's Day %(a:'PV a Public Works The Parks Crew hauled rec rock to Mendakota Park and the Civic Center field to fill in low spots. Fields was prepped at Mendakota for a baseball tournament by moving the bases to 75 feet and mounds were installed. Graffiti was removed from the pavilion walls at Rogers Lake. The gate to the hockey rink at Marie Park was repaired. Tom Olund was called in at 5:15 A.M. on Tuesday for the high water alarm at the St. Thomas lift station (Rich was out of town). Rich cut roots in the sanitary sewer lines on Hazel Court and Pagel Road. The sanitary sewer line was jetted for grease in front of Friendly Hills Middle School. Curb sections were hammered out on Coleshire Lane and Hingham Circle. The concrete dug outs were removed from behind the curbs and new cement forms were installed. The new curbs were backfilled with black dirt and grass seed. The street sweepings were hauled to Dakota County. Three trucks were used most of the week for hauling the sweepings. Vandals pulled out signs and switched them around on Coleshire Lane, Somerset Road, Emerson Avenue and Somerset Court. The Streets Crew reinstalled the signs in the correct places. Weed whipping was done around fire hydrants on Mendota Heights from Highway 13 to Delaware Avenue and on Huber Drive. Engineering Dodd Road/Highway 110 Pedestrian Feasibility Study - The application for funding through the Transportation Enhancement program was submitted and accepted by the Metropolitan Council on Monday. The project selection process is expected to take several weeks, and may take as long as 2+ months. Staff will provide updates as they are received form Met Council. 2009 Road Rehabilitation Project (Cherry Hills 2nd) - The project was awarded at the June 16th Council Meeting, and the contractor intends to begin work during the first week in August. Page - 1 NEWS LETTER Public Works Engineering Code Enforcement The Pipe June 19, 2005 Highway 55 & Mendota Heights Road Intersection — The consultant is finishing up. the preliminary set of plans for City and MnDOT review. The consultant schedule states that plans will be delivered to the City for review by June 30th. The geotechnical contractor completed soil borings this past week and will have their report completed by the end of June. As a reminder, 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 construction balance out of the State -Aid account. 2009 Crackseal and Sealcoat Program — The contractor has begun cracksealing and is anticipating proceeding with sealcoating (chip seal) on June 29th. All neighborhoods will be notified as to their respective work schedules. Streets included in this program are: ■ Crackseal Only: Overlook Road, Overlook Lane, Lilac Road, Summit Lane (Marie to Overlook), Rolling Green Curve, Windwood Court, Oxford Court, Stratford Road, Coventry Court. ■ Sealcoat Only: Mendakota Drive, Executive Drive, Northland Drive (Hwy 55 to Mendota Heights Road) ■ Crackseal & Sealcoat: Summit Lane (south of Marie), Faro Lane, Avanti Drive, Twin Circle Drive, Bwana Court, West Circle Court, Vail Drive Visitation Roundabout — The consultant has started designing the roundabout intersection at Visitation Drive and Mendota Heights Road. As part of their design process, there will be a public neighborhood meeting to discuss the project. Two aspects of the project are likely to draw interest from the surrounding neighborhoods, as well as from the general public: 1) the proper navigation and use of a roundabout; and 2) a proposed temporary access to the Visitation School parking lot from Lake Drive during the construction phase. Both of these issues will be presented and open for discussion at the Public Meeting. A date for the Public Meeting has not been set yet. Page - 2 N E W S LETTER Public Works Engineering Code Enforcement The Pipeline June 19, 2009 Delaware/494 Interchange - The Council heard form the Dakota County consultant at the June 16th Council meeting. The Consultant presented the outline of the Visioning Study, and took comments and questions from Council Members. Sunfish Lake Council Member Dick Williams was also in attendance. A public Open House is scheduled for Wednesday June 24th from 4:30pm to 7:OOpm at Henry Sibley High School. Dakota County and their consultant will be advertising the Open House. City Staff is planning on attending. Lower Mississippi Watershed (LMRWMO) - Staff and Council Member Schneeman attended the monthly meeting of the LMRWMO on Thursday morning. A major topic of discussion was the upcoming next generation Watershed Management Plan. This will be discussed again at the next meeting, with the intention of establishing a plan of action and a consultant award option for completing the plan by December 31St, 2010 in accordance with the rules established by the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR). The next meeting is scheduled for July 30th at 9:OOam. The meeting will be at Inver Grove Heights City Hall. Gun Club Lake Watershed (GCLWMO). - Staff and Resident Representative Larry Craighead attended the quarterly meeting of the GCLWMO on Wednesday afternoon. The GCLWMO budget and program continuation was a major topic of discussion, as was the presentation from the City of Inver Grove Heights on their Surface Water Management Program. The next meeting of the GCLWMO is scheduled for September 16th at 4:OOpm. The meetings are held at the Moonshine Park Retreat Center in Eagan. The City of Mendota Heights is scheduled to present our Surface Water Management Program update at the September meeting. Page - 3 11 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA June 23, 2009 7:00 P.M. City Council Chambers 1) Call to Order 2) Roll Call 3) Approval of the May 26, 2009 Planning Commission Minutes 4) Hearings a) Case No. 09-21: David Lucente — 2086 Patricia Street - Variance from side yard setback requirement. Public Hearing 7:00 P.M. b) Case No. 09-22: Patrick Watson, 1327 Delaware Avenue — Conditional Use Permit for the construction of a detached garage and Variance from side yard setback requirement. Public Hearing 7:00 P.M. c) Case No. 09-23: Edward T. Joseph/Holy Family Catholic Church —1960 Lexington Avenue — Conditional Use Permit for Accessory Building. Public Hearing 7:00 P.M. d) Case No. 09-24: Dave Campbell for James Taurinskas —1220 Knollwood Lane — Critical Area Permit for Fence Installation. Public Hearing 7:00 P.M. e) Case No. 09-25: John Gregoire — 2452 Pond Circle East — Wetlands Permit. Public Hearing 7:00 P.M. f) Case No. 09-26: Julie M. Rosga —1745 Lansford Lane — Conditional Use Permit for Fence. 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. TwminCitiesocom Mendota Heights city administrator Jim Danielson retiring Danielson has served since 1979 By Nick Ferraro nferraro@pioneerpress.com Updated: 06/17/2009 11:08:10 PM CDT Mendota Heights City Administrator Jim Danielson, who started work with the first -ring St. Paul suburb 30 years ago this month, has put in his formal notice to retire. Danielson, 62, was the city's public works director and engineer from 1979 to 2003, when he was appointed city administrator. "It's been a different day every day," Danielson told the city council Tuesday night. "You come to work and you never know what you're going to deal with. It's kept my interest the whole time." The council accepted his 30 -day retirement notice and afterward held a work session to discuss how they will find a replacement. Danielson, of South St. Paul, intends to stay in his role with the city until someone is hired, which he said could take several months. Danielson, a former Army Reserve colonel who did a tour of duty in Vietnam, accepted the Mendota Heights public works job after three years as a civil engineer for Minneapolis. In the mid-1990s, Danielson successfully pushed Advertisement for a somewhat controversial 20 -year street reconstruction project that included curbs and gutters. The council shot down the first phase of the project, in the Friendly Hills neighborhood, twice before moving it along. The city now has just five years left of that project. "When I came here in 1979, the city was a little over 7,000 people," he said. "And over that time we have built streets for lots of neighborhoods. And each one was its own challenge." Danielson filled in as interim city administrator several times over the years before deciding to raise his hand for the permanent role. "My colleagues quickly agreed that we had a candidate in house," Mayor John Huber said at Tuesday's meeting. "And that was very much the right decision." As far as projects he's most proud of as city administrator, Danielson noted the city's acquisitions of historic Pilot Knob hill and the par -3 golf course, and the development of The Village at Mendota Heights, an office, retail and housing complex off Minnesota 110 and Dodd Road. He said he plans to play more golf and spend more time at his cabin near Grand Rapids, Minn., and with his five grown children and seven grandchildren. "This is my next biggest challenge," he said. "It's a huge block of time available to me now ... and my challenge is to fill it with fun stuff to do." Nick Ferraro can be reached at 651-228-2173. Print Powered By FormatCDynamics'° Pioneer Press Updated: 06/12/2009 04:27:31 PM CDT Sainted & Tainted SAINTED While on my morning bike ride on May 28, I was hit by a car at Victoria Road and Summit Lane. I sincerely want to thank the witnesses and others who came to my aid, calling 911 and staying with me. One witness was kind enough to come to the emergency room at the hospital to see how I was doing. Many thanks also to officer Todd Rosse of the Mendota Heights Police Department, who helped at the scene and was nice enough to bring my bike to my home a few days later. The ambulance drivers and the emergency and other staff of United Hospital took great care of me, and I am truly appreciative. Remember, drivers, always watch for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcycles. Mike Madden, Mendota Heights qou)Q 10M m C: O E 70 qou)Q 10M m C: CDC H1N1 Flu I H1N1 Flu and You Page 1 of 4 How does novel HIM virus spread? Spread of novel HIM virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. How long can an infected person spread this virus to others? At the current time, CDC believes that this virus a properties in terms of spread as seasonal flu viruses. i �easc nE -: studies have shown that people may be conta 'ous from one day before they develop symptoms to up to 7 days after they get sick. Children, especially younger children, might entially be contagious for longer periods. CDC is studying the virus and its capah try to learn more and will provide more information as it bec—om—es—av—Mubt— Exposures Not Thought to Spread Novel H1Ni Flu Can I get infected with novel HIM virus from eating or preparing pork? No. Novel HIM viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get infected with novel HINT virus from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe. Is there a risk from drinking water? Tap water that has been treated by conventional disinfection processes does not likely pose a risk for transmission of influenza viruses. Current drinking water treatment regulations provide a high degree of protection from viruses. No research has been completed on the susceptibility of novel HIN1 flu virus to conventional drinking water treatment processes. However, recent studies have demonstrated that free chlorine levels typically used in drinking water treatment are adequate to inactivate highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza. It is likely that other influenza viruses such as novel HIM would also be similarly inactivated by chlorination. To date, there have been no documented human cases of influenza caused by exposure to influenza -contaminated drinking water. Can novel HINT flu virus be spread through water in swimming pools, spas, water parks, interactive fountains, and other treated recreational water venues? Influenza viruses infect the human upper respiratory tract. There has never been a documented case of influenza virus infection associated with water exposure. Recreational water that has been treated at CDC recommended disinfectant levels does not likely pose a risk for transmission of influenza viruses. No research has been completed on the susceptibility of novel H1N 1 influenza virus to chlorine and other disinfectants used in swimming pools, spas, water parks, interactive fountains, and other treated recreational venues. However, recent studies have demonstrated that free chlorine levels recommended by CDC (1-3 parts per million [ppm or mg/L] for pools and 2-5 ppm for spas) are adequate to disinfect avian influenza A (HSNI) virus. It is likely that other influenza viruses such as novel HIM virus would also be similarly disinfected by chlorine. Can novel HIM influenza virus be spread at recreational water venues outside of the water? Yes, recreational water venues are no different than any other group setting. The spread of this novel HIN1 flu is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Prevention & Treatment What can I do to protect myself from getting sick? There is no vaccine available right now to protect against novel HIM virus. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health: • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. • W en wim soap anU wa er, sneeze. Alcohol -based hand cleaners a so effective. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way. • Try to avoid close contact with sick people. • St a home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been sym tom -free for 24 hours, ichever is n er. is o eep om vuus er. Other important actions that you can take are: h4://www.cdc.gov/hlnlflu/qa.httn 6/19/2009 CDC HIM Flu I H1N1 Flu and You Page 2 of 4 • Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures. • Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol -based hand rubs, tissues and other related items might could be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious. What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing? If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. If you are sick, stay home for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze. 4.i What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu? Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol -based hand cleaner. CDC recommends that when you wash your hands with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol -based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands. What should I do if I get sick? If you live in areas where people have been identified with novel HIM flu and become ill with influenza -like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people. Staying at home means that you should not leave your home except to seek medical care. This means avoiding normal activities, including work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care. In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: • Fast breathing or trouble breathing • Bluish or gray skin color • Not drinking enough fluids • Severe or persistent vomiting • Not waking up or not interacting • Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held • Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen • Sudden dizziness • Confusion • Severe or persistent vomiting • Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough Are there medicines to treat novel H1N1 infection? Yes. CDC-=ommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with novel H1N1 flu virus. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. During the current outbreak, the priority use for influenza antiviral drugs during is to treat severe influenza illness. What is CDC's recommendation regarding "swine flu parties"? "Swine flu parties" are gatherings during which people have close contact with a person who has novel H1N1 flu in order to become http://www.cdc.gov/hlnlflu/qa.htm 6/19/2009 CDC H1N1 Flu I H1N1 Flu and You Page 3 of 4 infected with the virus. The intent of these parties is to become infected with what for many people has been a mild disease, in the hope of having natural immunity to the novel HIM flu virus that might circulate later and cause more severe disease. CDC does not recommend "swine flu parties" as a way to protect against novel H1N1 flu in the future. While the disease seen in the current novel H1N1 flu outbreak has been mild for many people, it has been severe and even fatal for others. There is no way to predict with certainty what the outcome will be for an individual or, equally important, for others to whom the intentionally infected person may spread the virus. CDC recommends that people with novel H1N1 flu avoid contact with others as much as possible. They should stay home from work or school for 7 days after the onset of illness or until at least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved, whichever is longer. Contamination & Cleaning How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)? Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface. What kills influenza virus? Influenza viru . estroyed by he -212°F [75-100°C]). In addition, several chemical germicide , including chlorine, hydrog peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine - based anti ptics), and alcohols are elle ive against human influenza viruses if used in proper concel4ration for a sufficient 1 gth of time. For example, wipes or gels with alcohol in them can be us . The gels should be rubbed into hands until they are dry. What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination? Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, for example, and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands. How should waste disposal be handled to prevent the spread of influenza virus? To prevent the spread of influenza virus, it is recommended that tissues and other disposable items used by an infected person be thrown in the trash. Additionally, persons should wash their hands with soap and water after touching used tissues and similar waste. What household cleaning should be done to prevent the spread of influenza virus? To prevent the spread of influenza virus it is important to keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label. How should linens, eating utensils and dishes of persons infected with influenza virus be handled? Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first. a ti Linens (such as bed sheets and towels) should be washed by using household laundry soap and tumbled dry on a hot setting. Individuals should avoid "hugging" laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating themselves. Individuals should wash their hands with soap and water or alcohol -based hand rub immediately after handling dirty laundry. Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap. Response & Investigation What is CDC doing in response to the outbreak? The agency's goals are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by the new virus. CDC is working with state and local health departments to enhance surveillance in the United States and to collect and analyze data to assess the impact of the virus and determine the groups at increased risk of complications. In addition, CDC continues to issue new and updated interim guidance for clinicians, public health professionals and the http://www.edc.gov/hlnlflu/qa.htm 6/19/2009 CDC H1N1 Flu I H1N1 Flu and You public for the prevention and treatment of this new virus. Page 4 of 4 To expand the national and international laboratory capacity for detecting novel HIN1 influenza, CDC has developed and distributed new influenza diagnostic kits and reagents to more than 350 laboratories, including laboratories in 131 countries. CDC's Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) continues to send antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices to all 50 states and U.S. territories to help them respond to the outbreak. The U.S. Government also is aggressively taking early steps in the process to manufacture a novel H1N1 influenza vaccine, working closely with manufacturing. CDC has isolated the new H1N1 virus, made a candidate vaccine virus that can be used to create vaccine, and has provided this virus to industry so they can begin scaling up for production of a vaccine, if necessary. What epidemiological investigations are taking place in response to the recent outbreak? CDC works very closely with state and local officials in areas where human cases of new H1N1 flu infections have been identified. CDC has deployed staff to several states to assist with the investigation of the impact of the novel H1N1 influenza, including the assessment of the severity of illness, how easily the virus spreads, and the amount of time people may be infectious. In states where EpiAid teams have been deployed, many epidemiological activities are taking place or planned including: • Active surveillance in the counties where infections in humans have been identified; • Studies of health care workers who were exposed to patients infected with the virus to see if they became infected; • Studies of households and other contacts of people who were confirmed to have been infected to see if they became infected; and • Study to see how long a person with the virus infection sheds the virus. Who is in charge of medicine in the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) once it is deployed? Local health officials have full control of SNS medicine once supplies are deployed to a city, state, or territory. Federal, state, and local community planners are working together to ensure that SNS medicines will be delivered to the affected area as soon as possible. Many cities, states, and territories have already received SNS supplies. After CDC sends medicine to a state or city, control and distribution of the supply is at the discretion of that state or local health department. Most states and cities also have their own medicines that they can access to treat infected persons. *Note: Much of the information in this document is based on studies and past experience with seasonal (human) influenza. CDC believes the information applies to novel HINT (swine) viruses as well, but studies on this virus are ongoing to learn more about its characteristics. This document will be updated as new information becomes available. For general information about influenza in pigs (not novel H1N1 flu) see Background Information on Influenza in Pigs. • Links to non-federal organizations are provided solely as a service to our users. These links do not constitute an endorsement of these organizations or their programs by CDC or the federal government, and none should be inferred. CDC is not responsible for the content of the individual organization Web pages found at these links. h4://www.cdc.gov/hlnlflu/ga.htm 6/19/2009 Upcoming Park /Recreation /Community Events: Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course Clubhouse: 651.454-9822 Saturday, August 22nd Morning Mendota Heights Youth Tournament www.mendota-heights.com Saturday, Sept 26th 11:00 am City Golf Outing (Food - Prizes) www.mendota-heights.com Thursday, June 25th Noon start Minnesota PGA Junior Golf Tournament www.minnesotaiunio[golf.com MH Parks & Recreation Programs 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-heights.com Mendota Heights Athletic Association www.mendotaheightsathieticscom or Amelia 1957aaaol.com Fri / Sat / Sun, July 10, 11 & 12 "Super Weekend" (season end: baseball & T -ball games) Thursday, June 25th 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 Cem - Light refreshments 3. Recognition of new funding sources, grants, volunteer efforts June 2006 to June 2009 Saturday, July 4th, 2009 Dusk Display organized by Mendakota Country Club - Parking / viewing at Mendakota Park September 11th, 12, & 13th, 2009 Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota Community "Pow Wow" held in City of Mendota - $5.00 entry button required. Scheduled Use of City Hall Meeting Rooms Monday, June 22nd 7:00pm to 10:00 pm Wednesday, June 24th 7:30pm to 9:30pm Kensington Townhomes meets in large conference room Kensington Manor Homes meet in Council Chambers June 12th, 2009 Friday News - gk