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2005-04-29 Friday NewsMET COUNCIL GRANT WORKSHOP Pat Hollister and I attended a workshop put on by Metropolitan Council at the Vadnais Heights City Hall this week. The workshop was for cities interested in applying to the Met Council for 2005 Livable Communities Demonstration Grants. Mendota Heights has been successful three other times in getting awarded Livable Communities grants to help with Town Center. At the meeting we learned about the process and how to prepare an application. The deadline for this year's applications is June 30`", after which there is a 2 month staff review time frame before it is given to the Livable Communities Advisory Committee. The Met Council Staff did warn potential applicants that there are still 30 applications "in the pipeline" from last year, when they had a huge response from interested cities. DARTS VISIT City Staff members were invited to visit DARTS Headquarters in West St Paul on Thursday this week where DARTS Staff members conducted a one hour orientation and tour of their organization and facility. The whole event was very well done. Their staff made a very polished and professional presentation and we were all very impressed. We learned that DARTS is so very much more than just a ride for seniors. I have attached a copy of the brochure that they handed out which briefly describes their organization. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING GOES LONG Thanks to the Planning Commissioners who put in some "overtime" this week. They had an extremely heavy agenda that included a public hearing for consideration of a redevelopment proposal by OPUS for the Ecolab Site. The Planning Commission meeting did not adjourn until 12:45am (on Wednesday). LAWSUIT UPDATES On Wednesday morning of this coming week, the Minnesota Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on the City's challenge to the Par 3 decision. The City was informed this week that the plaintiffs in the Pilot Knob lawsuit petitioned for review by the Minnesota Supreme Court. We will now have to wait and see if the Supreme grants their petition. Respectfully submitted, Jim Danielson City Administrator Attachments: Pipeline, Just the Facts, City Council Agenda, Pre -Application Meeting Synopsis, Lillie Suburban (South-West Review) Newspaper Article "Town Center picture almost complete" and Supreme Court to hear Par 3 case", Sun Newspaper Article "It takes a town to raise a village", DARTS Brochure, St. Paul Regional Water Services Invitation and Friday Fax.. Issue # 05-15 „j<vrxTP•� fes...,, T4 �'r-04 s,14 NZ4,ku HZ' -P PVLc April 29`'' 2005 Medical 041211051108 Hours Subject thought she was having a stroke due to a severe headache. Officer Patrick responded and stayed until Healtheast arrived and transported the female from her residence on London Road to United Hospital. Missing Child 04/21/051631 hours Officer Eric Petersen was flagged down by MHFD Captain Stenhaug who reported that an eight year old boy didn't get off at his bus stop and was missing. Officer Petersen checked the area and located the boy at his friend's house about two blocks away. Invalid Assist 04/22/05 0336 hours Officer Jeff VonFeldt responded to an address on Lexington to assist an adult male who fell out of bed and needed assistance in getting back into bed. He assisted the gentleman and then cleared. Criminal Damage to Property 04/22/05 0821 hours Officers were dispatched to Alice Lane to investigate a report of damage to vehicle. Nothing had been taken from the vehicle. Sergeant Donn Anderson took the report. and forwarded information to investigations. Criminal Damage to Property 04/22105 1030 hours Sergeant Donn Anderson took a report of damage to a vehicle on South Plaza Drive. The vehicle had been parked in the lot overnight. Suspects smashed out the passenger side window. The only item taken was the owner's handicapped parking card. Dog feces were found on the hood of the vehicle. The victim had no suspects and the case has been forwarded to Investigators. Damage to Vehicle 041221051230 hours A Toyota belonging to a resident on Hilltop Court was "keyed" while parked in the residence driveway. The damage could have occurred anytime over a seven day period. No known suspects. Sergeant Donn Anderson took the information and will forward this to Investigators. Gas Drive Offs In three separate incidents, the Holiday Gas Station reported persons who filled up their vehicles with gas and then drove off without paying. Officer Peterson took a report on 04/22/05 at —I— Issue# 05-15 April 29`h 2005 1548 hours for a $29 drive off. Sergeant Neil Garlock took a report on 04/23/05 at 1700 hours concerning a $27.01 drive off and on 04/24/05 at 1721 hours Sgt. Garlock took another reported gas theft of $23.00. In some cases the station employees are able to get license numbers. Officers or investigators then make an attempt to contact the vehicle owners to convince them to return to the gas station and pay for the gas, or they may issue citations to the vehicle owners for Theft of Gas. DUI/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 04/22105 2250 hours While checking on a juvenile male passed out in the bathroom at the Bluffs of Mendota, Officer Jeff VonFeldt located a juvenile female passed out in a vehicle in the parking lot. After waking her and placing her in the rear of his squad car, he located empty beer containers, a vodka bottle and a baggie with a small amount of marijuana as well as other drug paraphernalia. The juvenile female had a reported BAC of .143 on the PBT. She was taken to the PD and her parents were contacted to pick her up. Officers observed other juveniles wandering around in the parking lot who appeared to have been consuming alcohol. Officer Petersen located an unclaimed 12 pack of beer under a car. The owner of the building was told to close down the birthday party and disburse the crowd of juveniles. 10-50 Property Damage Accident 04/23/051242 hours Officer Bobby Lambert responded to an accident involving a semi trailer carrying a load of potatoes that was N/B on Dodd. The driver attempted to turn right into the South Plaza parking lot when he struck the anchor block wall and got hung up on it. It took two tow trucks to remove him from his predicament. No injuries were reported and hopefully the potatoes were delivered safely. Theft from Vehicle 04/23105 1644 hours A vehicle owner reported to Officer Bobby Lambert that her vehicle had been entered on Lilydale north of the Pool and Yacht Club. The driver's side window was broken out and her purse was taken, along with credit cards and misc. contents. The victim was advised to contact her bank and credit card companies immediately. The case was later turned over to the Minnesota Financial Crimes Task Force. Theft from Vehicle 04124/05 0003 hours Officer Jeff VonFeldt responded to an address on Hwy 13 to take a report from an owner who reported that someone had broken his passenger window and taken a laptop Computer. Forwarded to Investigations. DUI Arrests On 04/23105 at 0159 hours Officer jell VonFeldt witnessed a vehicle S/B on Hwy 13 backing up into oncoming traffic. He stopped the car and later arrested the female driver for 4th Degree DUI. Officer Brian Convery was doing stationary radar on 494 near Hwy 13 and stopped a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. The driver was intoxicated and was arrested for DUI. His vehicle was impounded. On 04124/05 at 0031 hours Officer Convery arrested a driver near the Moose Country Bar for driving while intoxicated. At 0229 hours the same night, Officer Convery stopped a vehicle on 35E near Wagon Wheel and arrested that driver for GM DUI and DAR. Officer Bobby Lambert responded to a one car rollover at Huber and Copperfield on 04/24/05 at 1754 hrs.. The driver had already exited the upturned vehicle and was later arrested for GM 3rd Degree DUI. Have a great weekend! (D 1qik -2- NEWS LETTER The Pmipelmine Public Works Engineering April 28, 2005 Code Enforcement Public Works The Parks Crew finished filling holes from removed tree stumps and then seeded those areas. They attended the Minnesota Park Supervisors Association quarterly meeting. The discussions focused on Turf Management. The meeting was held at the Toro Commercial Education Center. They filled holes with black dirt and seed in the soccer fields at Kensington and Medakota Parks. They replaced the burned out light bulbs at Kensington and Mendakota Parks (the security lighting) around the buildings. There was a power outage at the Northland lift station on Tuesday in the evening. Rich televised the Ivy Hill sanitary sewer mains and found a service tap sticking into our line six inches, which will have to be cut off. He also found two broken joints in the same line. Rich is waiting for bids to fix the broken joints. Rich also prepared the sprayers for weed spraying in the parks and right-of-ways. The Street Crew cleaned catch basins and did mailbox repair. They reinstalled temporary stop signs that were hit during the winter on Mendota Heights Road, Lexington Avenue, Cheyenne Lane, Huber Drive, Center Pointe Drive and Center Pointe Blvd. They met with a resident on Swan Drive regarding the storm sewer easement that needs black dirt and seed. John Fearing of Brown College discussed the "No Parking" signs that are going up. Brown College would like two days notice before the signs go up. The mounting brackets for the signs were ordered. They picked up a down tree limb on Marie Avenue across from Valley Park. They installed the asphalt hot box and tray on truck #312. Engineerinci The Engineering Department received construction plans from MnDOT for traffic management system, changeable message signs, vehicle detection and camera surveillance along T.H. 494 in Mendota Heights, Eagan, Inver Grove Heights, West St. Paul, and South St. Paul. A changeable message sign will be installed for westbound traffic east of the Dodd Road ramp. Minger Construction has completed installation of sanitary sewer, water main and pond grading at Waters Drive Business Park. They are currently installing storm sewer. Engineering cont. Xcel Energy has completed installation of the new gas mains and services in the southwest portion of the Somerset neighborhood. Service will be switched over to the new lines on Monday. Weather permitting Northdale construction will begin installation of storm sewer in this area on Tuesday. A letter will be sent out to the residents informing them of the upcoming construction. The new sign at Town Center CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL AGENDA May 3, 2005 - 7:30 P.M. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Pledge of Allegiance 4, Agenda Adoption 5. Approval of the April 19, 2005 City Council Minutes. 6. Consent Calendar a. Acknowledgement of the Minutes from the April 26, 2005 Planning Commission Meeting. b. Acknowledgement of the Building Activity Report for April 2005. c. Authorization for Purchase of Automatic External Defibrillator and acceptance of donation. Resolution No. 05- : "A RESOLUTION FORMALLY ACKNOWLEDGING THE RECEIPT OF GIFTS TO THE CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS". d. Authorization for Mayor to Sign Pictometry Cost Share Agreement. e. Authorization for Participation in the Dakota County Traffic Safety Grant Program. Resolution No. 05- : "A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MENDOTA HEIGHTS TO ENTER INTO A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE DAKOTA COUNTY TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE". f. Approval of Driveway Easement for 2140 Dodd Road. g. Approval of Waters Drive Business Park Private Water Main Agreement. h. Adoption of Resolution No. 05- : "A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A TRANSFER INTO THE TAX INCREMENT DISTRICT". i, Adoption of Ordinance No. 400: "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 2 OF THE CITY CODE" and Resolution No. 05- : "A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING TERM LIMITS FOR THE NOC AND NDC4 COMMISSIONS". j. Approval of Contractor List. k. Approval of Claims List. 7. Public Comments 8. Unfinished and New Business a. Case No. 05-12: Patrick Vocovich, 748 Willow Lane — Subdivision to Create One Additional Lot. Resolution No. 05- : "A RESOLUTION DENYING A SUBDIVISION TO CREATE ONE ADDITIONAL LOT AT 748 WILLOW LANE". b. Case No. 05-15: Rob Meyer and Rhonda Simonson, 1399 Clement Street — 2.5 Foot Side -Yard Setback Variance for a Home Addition. Resolution No. 05- : "A RESOLUTION APPROVING A 2.5 FOOT SIDE -YARD SETBACK VARIANCE FOR A HOME ADDITION AT 1399 CLEMENT STREET". c. Case No. 05-16: Mark Fenton, 1355 Dodd Road — Conditional Use Permit and Wetlands Permit for Grading Work for Playground Improvements. Resolution No. 05- "A RESOLUTION DENYING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND WETLANDS PERMIT FOR GRADING WORK FOR PLAYGROUND IMPROVMENTS AT 1355 DODD ROAD". d. Case No. 05-17: Scott Fleming for SuperAmerica, 1080 Highway 110 — Conditional Use Permit Amendment for an Accessory Structure. Resolution No. 05- : "A RESOLUTION APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AMENDMENT FOR SUPERAMERICA FOR AN ACCESSORY STRUCTURE AT 1080 HIGHWAY 110". e. Discussion of Home Occupation for Car Wholesaling at 961 Delaware Avenue. f. Schedule of ECS Workshop. 9. Council Comments 10. Adiourn 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 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO April 28, 2005 TO: City Council, Commission Members, and City Administra l FROM: Patrick C. Hollister, Administrative Assistant SUBJECT: Pre -Application Meeting Synopsis Staff met with seven potential applicants on Monday, April 25, 2005. Steve Grittman, Sue McDermott and Patrick Hollister were present. Lori Galligan, 1845 Hunter Lane Staff met with Mrs. Galligan at her new home at 1845 Hunter Lane to discuss tree trimming. Mrs. Galligan's house is within the Mississippi River Critical Area Corridor. Mrs. Galligan said that she would like to remove two dead trees and trim a few live trees. All of the trees in question were more than 40 feet from the bluff line. Planner Grittman checked the Critical Area Ordinance and determined that Mrs. Galligan could remove the two dead trees and trim the live trees without a Critical Area Permit. Mrs. Galligan also asked about a branch from a tree on her property that hangs over the neighbor's driveway. Mrs. Galligan asked if she should remove the branch. Planner Grittman told Mrs. Galligan that since she would need to enter her neighbor's property in order to remove the branch, it would be best to send a letter to the neighbor giving them pennission to remove the branch. Mrs. Galligan said that she would do this. Troy and Deb Davison, 1301 Delaware Avenue Mr. and Mrs. Davison met with Staff to discuss their plans to replace their existing detached garage with a new detached garage. Staff reviewed the Davisons' plans and determined that they would need a Conditional Use Permit. Staff provided the Davisons with the appropriate materials for a Conditional Use Permit application. The Davisons intend to apply in time for the May 2005 Planning Commission meeting. Joe Griesgraber, 1090 Highway 13 Mr. Griesgraber met with Staff to discuss his plan to build a house on a vacant lot on Highway 13. The lot is within the Mississippi River Critical Area Corridor. Staff determined that a house would require a Critical Area Permit and a variance to the Critical Area Ordinance. Staff provided Mr. Griesgraber with the appropriate application materials. Mr. Griesgraber intends to apply in time for the May 2005 Planning Commission meeting. Sill Dumond, 2247 Swan Court Mr. Dumond met with Staff on behalf of his mother who lives at 2247 Swan Court. Mrs. Dumond wishes to construct a shed in her back yard. Staff determined that her preferred location for the shed would require a Wetlands Permit. Staff provided Mr. Dumond with the appropriate materials for a wetlands permit application. Mr. Dumond intends to apply on behalf of Mrs. Dumond in time for the May 2005 Planning Commission meeting. Darlene Metzger, 2255 Swan Court Ms. Metzger lives on a corner lot. Ms. Metzger would like to erect a fence greater than three feet in height and less than 30 feet from the public right-of-way. Staff determined that Ms. Metzger's plans would require a Conditional Use Permit. Staff provided Ms. Metzger with the appropriate materials. Ms. Metzger said that she was not sure if she wished to apply or not, but would contact Staff again later if she decided to apply. Gary Jones, 2213 Swan Court Mr. Jones was issued a Stop Work Order by the Code Enforcement Staff because he removed a tree within the wetland buffer. Mr. Jones was instructed to meet with Planning Staff. Mr. Jones said that he wished to change the landscaping in his back yard and install a dock on Rogers Lake. Staff told Mr. Jones that these activities would require a Wetlands Permit and provided him with the appropriate materials for a Wetlands Permit application. Staff also suggested that Mr. Jones hire a wetland delineator to determine the true edge of the wetland. Mr. Jones said that he was not sure if he wished to apply or not, but would contact Staff again later if he decided to apply. Brian Vogel, 1705 Victoria Road South Mr. Vogel had built a gazebo and fence in 2002 without the proper permits. Mr. Vogel then applied for retroactive planning approval for both the fence and the gazebo, which the Council denied. Mr. Vogel was instructed by the Council bring his property into conformance with the Zoning Ordinance, which to date he still has not done. In March of 2005 the City prevailed against Mr. Vogel in Dakota County court, and the court has now ordered Mr. Vogel to bring his property into conformance with the zoning ordinance within 90 days. Mr. Vogel met with Staff to discuss how to bring his property into conformance. Mr. Vogel indicated that he would comply with the judge's order. Town pictur4 Seth Loy news editor Town Center in Mendota Heights is finally starting to come together. The project, officially known -as "The Village at Mendota Heights," will be a stylish mix of residential, retail and commercial uses at High- way 110 and Dodd Road. City officials received an update last week from developer Ross Fefercorn, who says townhome units are already being sold and most businesses in Market Square — in the southeast part of the prop- erty — should be selling everything Center... continued from page 1 Marketing of townhome units is under way, and sig- nage has been installed throughout much of the prop- erty, including a temporary marquee at Dodd and High- way 110. A sign near the intersection simply "doesn't work." since it wouldn't be visible to westbound traffic on Highway 110. Instead, it will from lattes to haircuts by October. In addition, several new busi- nesses have expressed an interest in the site, including a bakery, an upscale hair salon, a pizzeria and a Pilates exercise studio. Secured ten- ants already include Caribou Cof- fee, Cold Stone Creamery and The Wine Market by Kowalski. "They are a very excited group of tenants," Fefercorn said. The possibility of a high-end, specialty grocery store, featuring a deli, remains up in the air. The store would serve residents within a one -mile radius who don't want to make the longer trek to Robert Street. be located slightly east, along the southern edge Town Cen- ter. "I'm very happy," said Council Member Jack Vitelli, who had raised concerns in the past about the design of some of the buildings in Town Center. "The quality of the development is even better than I expected. I'm very impressed." Vitelli and city staff are investigating the possibility of moving mailboxes from the east side of Dodd Road to 'the Last February, Mendota Heights officials voted to spend $2,250 on a market study to determine if such a store would be a good fit in the area. Results of the study will be presented to officials in the near future. "It is [nearly completed]," Fefer- corn said. "I've been in touch with the gentleman preparing the study and we're going to be meeting in a week to go over it. He'll be present- ing resenting it [to] the City Council.... None of us have seen it. We're all anxious and looking forward to his recom- mendations." see Center on page 5 west side. That way, installa- tion of curb and gutter should go more smoothly, and resi- dents won't have to cross the road to get their mail. The northeast pat of Town Center is starting to look fin- ished, Fefercorn noted. Sev- eral townhome buildings are under construction, and the first residents are expected to move in this July and August. Model units are currently being shown. Fefercorn showed officials interior' illustrations of'fhe buildings, including a lobby and a commons room featur- ing a fireplace, bar and luxuri- ous furniture. The rooms can be rented by townhome resi- dents for special occasions. "I do feel like it's been deliv- ered as promised in the plan," said Council Member Sandra Krebsbach. "The linchpiece will be the deli. People want that small grocery store." For more information about the Village at Mendota Heights, 169 - on to www. dillagemh:coiir:`... Hcd cd aN q Cd p 100 as w ° I cd ca 41 w al -43 41 co 4, 0pq CL 4jr nS ° � .b O c°i coria . y .p a� N �' H a +� N *q a� O nu o q 41 0 11 ,�9 �� 0 ,may p' M 0 -0 q�ai.�b�qp ' o F3 o g ca a 2:b N °g��o1� U) US °) oH V ° d A rhH coaQ) ov ao P�qat' D.- 'P,4arq o 'd Aw P+ o Ari w U eo U AS~ 0 C! A in 0 p N cv � A �GO w U cd ��y 0 41 • r. al ' a" DNpC., y) ° P `moi R o A�++�o �d ai'�yHj P4 c',ago�� ami 0; P, rn Pa ��+ b° N ca + U W q vi "� P `� Rs .. R, P+ o U NW q .0 +� +,rt A O' r H 41 Pa O 'oD'+ f�� CO O cn rQ �p cn4, " 4- o ri +1 o N t3 � q q AQ y q U aqi C 0 o � P4 � �c o r, �, w° a n - 0 q� � p Q)nq O > O q P4 En coPi J"OH 'd ate-+ °U k W 4O 41at ° ,rUr' U) U1c EOD ,q Ad aHi ° +� , 0 b o 'd U m A °q O 0 ., o o 0 �, t. o p, rn i rs A o b �a H N co a� H y' ao q 0 P 00 D' cc �y�-+ r+t�i {Q U.p w.o 4� N-- U +7 40 South-West Review Course... continued from page 1 `.`open for business." ;.Apparently, an article in last fall's Minnesota Golfer Magazine, which goes out to about 86,000 amateur and professional golfers across the state, incorrectly stated that the Mendota Heights Par 3 is no longer in business due to residential development. ' ' It's having some negative impact on business," Bergen said. "We have a lot of [rela- tionships] with fund-raiser groups, charity groups, first - tees and juniors. — programs we do every year — and I've been getting call after call the last 10 days from people who thought we weren't in exis- tence." Shortly after the article carne out, Bergen went to the Minnesota Golf Association's offices and confronted the editor. He offered to run a correction (it won't come out till the June issue) and agreed to do a statewide press release. Such assurances provide little comfort, though, as Bergen and his crew of eight employees (some of whom are in their 80s and have been with the business for years) prepare the course for the season, which has started out rough. Par 3 used to do about 35,000 rounds a year, he said, before Thompson Oaks opened in neighboring West St. Paul. Last year, ,Par 3 did About 20,000 rounds of golf, "despite marketing like crazy" and having contracts with the Mendota Heights and Eagan parks and recre- ation departments. Future, of course Meanwhile, local residents wait to see how the court case plays out. Bill Haider, who lives on Bachelor Avenue, next to the golf course, has gathered signa- tures from 500 to 700 people in the area who want the golf course to stay. "There's no reason that something, if valued, should fall by the wayside," Haider said. "The city had the wrong pulse on the issue.... The question should be posed to the property owners: This is your community, too. Why are you doing what you're doing, if it isn't just [about money]?" Haider, who has lived in the area over 15 years, said he and other residents bought homes in the area primarily because of the golf course. He doesn't think the city has done its due diligence on what sort of housing, if any, should go in. "From a personal stand- point, I'm upset that govern- ment is fooling residents into thinking they can save the golf course," Bergen.said. "All they can do is block develop- ment. Also, it's a monetary deal; if you owned that land and had an opportunity to sell at a huge profit... " Bergen wants to keep man- aging the golf course, even if it's taken over by the city. He said that the city appraised the golf course property sev- eral years ago at about $700,000. Now developers are offering more than three times that amount: $2.3_ mil- lion. ;.Danielson said he was not sure where those figures came from, but he confirmed that the city has at least investigated the possibility of purcLsing. the: golf course. But the owners "haven't been willing to sell," he said. "I don't know if it's a possi- bility, but I know people have asked," Danielson said. "It's an expensive property." Financial struggles at Par 3 raise the question of whether a city -owned golf course would be profitable. Bergen's company used to run four par -3 golf courses in the area, he said, including ones in Oakdale, Maplewood and Woodbury. Three have since been leased out or sold to pri- vate developers. MNSUN - News Archive Select a Town: Page 1 of 2 Local Forecast Monday, Apr. 25, : Click Here 1:1 &04PM Select a Town i Go! MNSun Archives - - Classifieds Candidates 2004 _..._..__....._.___-- Finance Calc It takes a town to raise a village Nutrition Calc _...._._..._.-__...._.........................._...... Weather By Blair Reynolds Contact Us Sun Newspapers How to (Created 4/21/2005 9:52:56 AM) Advertise All it takes is a drive or stroll past the Village at Mendota Heights Ad Rates to see progress being made. Jobs At Sun And, while the eye can tell some of the story, the ears of City '" Council members got the complete story when developer Ross Fefercorn gave the council a progress report at its April 19 meeting. Special Sections The residential and retail development at the corner of highways Bride's Guide 110 and 149 is on schedule, said Fefercorn. Forms Art._&._Education "1 typically like to provide members of the council with information In Memory_Of to track the progress of the plan on a monthly basis," he said. "I'm Let It Be Known happy to come to meetings from time to time and tell the whole Private Party_Ad_ Form council and community of the work we have done." Sport_Shots Construction of the Linden Lofts and Village Townhomes is Stork Report underway, said Fefercorn. Search The Web Powered by: "We hope to have residents moved into one of the two loft -Ilot,buildings by July or August," he said. "The townhomes are - - progressing nicely. We have a model home open for viewing and we are open every day but Monday for showings," _ Search On the retail side of the development, buildings are being constructed and tenants are eagerly anticipating move -in day, said Fefercorn. "Right now, we are working with the aesthetics and signage of the development," he said. "We have many excited tenants who are already signed on to be a part of this and others who are showing a great deal of interest in opening up here." Retailers already onboard include Caribou Coffee, Fantastic Sam's and The Wine Market, by Kowalski's, A survey, by an independent consultant, about the feasibility of a small grocery store and deli is due in a few weeks. rikf Ct t. http://www.mnsuii.com/archive.asp?display=story2&year=2005&.storyID=156373 4/25/2005 MNSUN - News Archive Page 2 of 2 "Nobody has seen the survey yet," said Fefercorn. "I'm looking forward to seeing what it has to say." Fefercorn said he has been in contact with an upscale salon, a pilates studio, a bakery, an upscale pizzeria, and a wine bar, which are all interested in the development. "Nothing is for sure yet," he said. "We are working on things. I think a lot of these prospective clients know they are looking at a good opportunity." Some businesses in the development could open as soon as October, said Fefercorn. "Right now, what's being constructed or already built has a market value between $20 million and $25 million," he said. "That definitely exceeds the tax value of what was there before." Between now and the purchase of the first cup of coffee or bottle of wine, Fefercorn and his associates will be marketing the development to prospective residents and retailers. "We have a marketing brochure already," he said. "We are online and we are excited about holding events in the spring and summer to showcase this project to real estate professionals and residents." After almost four years of planning and waiting, Councilmember Jack Vitelli said it's nice to see buildings pop up on the property. "I'm very impressed with the commitments and quality of this project," he said. "All of our questions have been answered. This is turning out a lot better than I had expected." For more information on the development log onto www.villagemh.com. This site and its contents @2000 - 2003. Sun Newspapers - Main Office: 952-829-0797 webinfo@mnsun.com - Created and maintained by Quantum Digital Interactive jcorbo@quantumsite,com littp://www.mnsun.com/archive.asp?di splay=story2&year=2005 &storyID= l 56373 4/25/2005 it T-ir, TANr. Henn A volunteer -based organization that works with others to pioneer and deliver high-quality services that support the full participation of seniors and all generations in community life. Caregiver Support Resources & respite for 185 families 47AR Responding ' eri of i dif ! (�. ( 1/t Community �c.., Fi i `11 c i A recently widowed woman wonders how she'll. stay in the home she shared with her husband for 45 years, knowing she can't maintain it the way he did. Help with indoor and outdoor chores is one of the top needs cited by seniors A 50 -year-old man struggles to care for his elderly parents while also caring for his teenaged children. 95% of long-term care for seniors is provided by family and friends— and they need answers ®ARTS' Challenge An elderly woman has no one nearby to take her to the dialysis appointments she needs to stay alive. Specialized transportation plays a critical role in the health of many seniors A low-income woman struggles with either paying for her prescriptions or buying food. Seniors often must make choices related to what they can afford A widowed man sits alone in his home, isolated and depressed after losing his wife. Many seniors worry about loneliness and keeping their social connections as they age DARTS is committed to making services accessible to all seniors regardless of income. 85% of DARTS clients qualify for reduced fees for the services they receive. Without financial support from the community to subsidize these fees, many seniors will go without services and have fewer choices about the way they live. most important Profile o;3 a Typical i n A : k _f Client en • Female over 70 years old • Annual income less than $20,000 • l-ives alone Community Profile Dakota County has the third largest senior population in Minnesota and it will increase by 25% between 2000 and 2010 The median income for Minnesota women over 65 is $11,000. One-third of Minnesota elderly live alone. A 2001 Survey of Older Minnesotans noted that 30% of seniors who live alone would have no caregiver, if needed. Information & Assistance Help at Home Transportation Homemaking Caregiver Support Outdoor Chores • Respite Care Shopping • Education Programs Visiting Uses multiple DARTS services • Needs help with 3 or more tasks (walking, dressing, preparing meats, etc.) 40% of Minnesotans age 65+ report some sort of disability. By age 85+, this rises to 74%. More than 25% of older Americans report they have difficulty doing daily activities and many have no help at aLL The types of services DARTS provides are among the top nine senior service needs identified by Dakota County in 2001. Volunteer Opportunities Chemical Dependency Services Independent Living Program Care Management the 1645 Marthaler Lane ° West St. Paul, MN 55118 ° www.dartsl.org ° www.CaregiverMN.org ° 651-455-1560 Join for an open house 3ti�Ji �1 The new administration building, You can follow the water through the treatment process on a tour of our plant. Machinery and equipment will be on display in the parking lot. The Saint Paul Police K-9 officers will demon- strate how they work with their canines. Inside the lobby, look over displays and gather infor- mation on the utility and the water we provide to more than 417,000 residents. Saint Paul9 MN 55113 (Please enter on Sylvan Street off Larpenteur Ave. as our Rice Street entrance is under construction.) McCarrons Treatment Plant's new entrance. Light refreshments, including punch, cookies, and popcorn will be served. Apr 22 2005 10:12:34 Via Fax _> 6514520940 Administrator Page 001 Of 004 -Frida..Fax- Y A weekly legislative update from the League of Minnesota Cities An especially elusive session ending? On May 23, the Legislature will be required tinder the state's constitution to adjourn the 2005 regular legislative session. Every year around this time, legislators, staff and lobbyists start to speculate about whether the Legislature will be able to finish their work before the mandated adjournment date. This year is certainly no exception. Although the Legislature finally passed a capital projects bill several weeks ago, progress on the major appropriations bills and the omnibus tax bills has not been as rapid. And with recent partisan battles over each other's budget targets, the end of the session seems to be moving toward June—or later. The House is crafting a budget that coincides with the Governor's plan and will include increased resources for schools without increasing taxes but possibly relying on new revenue from a state/tribal casino partnership. The Senate appears to be moving toward a larger state budget package with significant new resources for schools. The Senate budget plan will be funded with yet -to -be -identified tax increases. The House Republican majority is adamantly opposed to increases in state taxes while the Senate DFL majority is adamantly opposed to an expansion of gambling to fund state operations. Given these two very different budget approaches, an obvious compromise state budget package does not immediately present itself. On the House side, the major appropriations bills have been moving through the finance committees this week. Today on the floor, the House is taking final action on their versions April 22, 2005 Page 1 of the state departments bill and the higher education bill. Next week we expect the House to give final floor approval to the K-12 finance bill, transportation bill, health and human services bill, the economic development bill, the agricultural and environment bill and the public safety bill. Although progress has been made on the House budget front the House Tax Committee has not yet begun to compile its bill. The Tax Committee had several long agendas this week, including a Thursday meeting that was supposed to focus on the three bills that would restrict city and county levy authority—the property tax freeze, the turbo -charged truth -in -taxation proposal and traditional levy limits. However, on Wednesday afternoon, Chair Phil Krinkie (R - Shoreview) abruptly adjourned the committee and cancelled the meetings for the rest of the week. At this point, it is unclear if the committee will reschedule those bills or if the soon -to -be -unveiled House omnibus tax bill will simply include one of the three levy restriction alternatives. In the Senate this week, Sen. Dean Johnson (DFL -Willmar) released the DFL outline of their spending priorities for the 2006-2007 biennial budget. The targets include more than $1 billion in additional spending above the current law state budget levels. The targets did not include any identified source of revenue and when pressed by reporters at a press conference, Sen. Johnson simply said that they would not use accounting gimmicks, gambling revenue or property taxes to fund the increase. The details of the Senate Tax plan will be developed over the next couple of weeks in the Tax Committee. For more information on city legislative issues, contact any member of the League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations team, 651,281 , 1200 or 800.925.1122 Apr ZZ ZOOS 10:1320 Via Fax 6514528940 Administrator c Leaplw -FridaYF"rx)%r.- A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities The major Senate appropriations bills are also taking shape. This week Senate budget committees also began to wrap up their work with their versions of the omnibus bills. After hearings in the individual budget committees, the bills will go to the full Senate Finance Committee. From there, we expect these bills to be considered on the floor sometime next week, The process of drafting omnibus appropriations bills is always entertaining but also disheartening. Although the omnibus bills are generally compilations of bills that were heard during the previous months of committee hearings, it is not unusual to find all sorts of "new ideas" that have magically appeared. This year, the House state departments bill as it was unveiled by the committee included two provisions that we believe were never previously discussed or included in other introduced bills. One provision would require cities and counties over 15,000 population to provide the names and salaries of the three highest paid individuals on their web site or as part of a publication distributed to all residents. The other provision would require the governing board of a local unit of government to take a role call vote to approve any out-of-state travel estimated to exceed $1,000 in total cost. We will provide highlights from these omnibus bills on issues of city interest in next week's Cities Bulletin. Questions? Contact Gary Carlson at 651-281.1255 or at qcar.1song jhnnc. or Page HHZ Of 004 April 22, 2005 Page 2 Gun bill to be heard in House committee next week The House Civil Law and Elections Committee will hear a bill next Wednesday that would put the 2003 Citizens Personal Protection Act back into place regardless of the outcome of a pending Supreme Court decision. The hearing may provide an opportunity to add language to the law that would provide local authority to regulate handguns in city - owned buildings and parks. Members who support this change should contact members of the House Civil Law and Elections Committee. The bill that will be heard, HF 2428 (Howes, R -Walker), retroactively reenacts the Minnesota Citizens Personal Protection Act of 2003 upon a finding of unconstitutionality by an appellate court and makes a change that would allow private property owners to ban guns on premises by posting a sign or giving verbal notice. The 2003 law requires both written and verbal notice. Rep. Larry Howes introduced HF 2428 after an appeals court upheld a 2004 decision by Ramsey County District Judge John Finley that overturned the controversial 2003 law. Finley ruled the law unconstitutional because it was passed after being amended onto an unrelated bill dealing with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR,). The Minnesota Constitution prohibits laws that involve more than one subject. Finley criticized -the For more information on city legislative issues, contact any member of the League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations team., 651,281.1200 or 800, 925. 1122 Apr ZZ ZHH5 10:14:H3 Via Fax -> 65145ZB94H Administrator Page HH3 Of 004 F r i daesl- A weekly legislative update from the ,League of Minnesota Cities legislative maneuver used to amend the DNR. bill because it allowed. the controversial measure to avert the committee process in the Senate. Despite a challenge by Minnesota Attorney General Mike Hatch, an appellate court upheld Finley's ruling in recent weeks. Hatch is now seeking a Minnesota Supreme Court ruling on the matter. In light of the uncertainty regarding when and how the Supreme Court will rule, supporters of the 2003 law want it re -passed. The bill has some procedural hurdles to overcome because legislative policy committee deadlines have passed. The League did not oppose the 2003 law; but did raise concerns about implications on local control. The law prohibits guns in schools and gives private entities the right to ban guns, but preserves the longstanding law prohibiting local units of governments from restricting permit holders from bringing weapons to local public places. City officials unsuccessfully sought authority to ban guns from city halls, parks, municipal recreation centers, libraries, convention centers, and sports arenas. The _House Civil Law and Elections yorninif:tee will hear the bill on Wednesday, April 27, at 9:00 a.m. in the basement hearing room of the State Office Building. The Senate companion, SF 2:221 (Pariseau, R-Fannington), has not been scheduled for a hearing. Questions? Contact Anne Finn at 651.281.1263 or rx inn(ci AU April 22, 2005 Page 3 Strong anti -meth bill passes the House On Thursday, the House passed legislation on a vote of 127-4 dealing with the methamphetamine problem. The bill is HF 572 (Jeff Johnson, R -Plymouth). Debate went on for over 2 1/2hours with the focus on the regulation of the precursor drugs like Sudafed, which are used in the production of meth. The bill came onto the floor with stiff regulations on how Sudafed and like cold - fighting medicines containing ephedrine or psuedoephedrine, could be sold. HF 572s last committee stop before the floor vote was Ways & Means where the bill had been weakened to allow for the sale of "personal packs" in convenience stores. This committee also weakened the bill by adding preemption language that would void out any local ordinances cities or counties had passed dealing with precursor drug regulation. Rep. Johnson amended the bill on the floor to take out the "personal pack" language, and make the drug of ephedrine and psuedoephedrine Schedule V. The preemption language stayed in the bill with no floor discussion. Some rural legislators spoke against the Johnson amendment citing the hardship this would present for their constituents who would now have to drive to a pharmacy to obtain Sudafed. Support for Johnson's strong regulations came from both rural and metro legislators, citing the importance of reducing the number of meth labs in communities statewide. An amendment to ban the pill form entirely by August 1, 2006 passed. This was offered For more information on city legislative issues, contact any member of the League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations team. 651.281.1200 or 800.925.1122 Apr ZZ Z005 10:14:40 Via Fax -> 6514520940 Administrator Page 004 Of 004 Lmc L ..y —wit'n v F r i da F x - y a A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities by Rep. Mike Charron (R -Woodbury). This would not effect liquid, gel, or pediatric forms of the drug, which are currently not used right now to make meth in this state according to BCA investigators. The bill also establishes a meth lab clean up revolving loan for cities and counties, requires offenders to pay restitution when the crime involves a emergency response and clean up, and criminalizes various meth - related activities that may impact children and vulnerable adults. On the Senate side, the companion bill, 515151 (Berglin, DFL -Minneapolis) passed off the floor in early March with a vote of 67-0. Other aspects of the meth problem exist in a number of bills in both bodies that will be worked out in the weeks to come. Questions: Contact Jennifer O'Rourke at 651.281.1261 or at caroarrhe�tz� Hearing on annexation moratorium likely next week An annexation moratorium bill HF 2437 was introduced this week by Rep. Bruce Anderson (R -Buffalo Township) that would place a moratorium on contested case annexations and annexations by ordinance until July 31, 2006. The moratorium applies to annexation proceedings pending or commenced on or after the effective date of the law. The only exclusions to the moratorium are annexations by order occurring in the seven -county metropolitan area and proposed annexations in a job opportunity building zone (JOBZ). Although April 22, 2005 Page 4 two hearings on the bill were cancelled this week, the bill will likely be heard before the House Local Government Committee this Tuesday (4/26/05). Exact time and location are not clear. City officials are urged to contact members of the House Local Government Committee immediately and urge them to oppose HF 2437. Questions? Contact Craig Johnson at 651.281.1259 or at c "ohnson!rj,.hnnc. or Legislative meetings in your city District and town hall meetings are a great chance to meet with your legislators and tell your city story close to home. Upcoming meetings in a city near you include: April 23 in Minnetonka (Glen Lake Activity Center, 14350 Excelsior Blvd, 9:30-1 lam) with Rep. Maria Ruud April 25 in Mendota (Dupuis House, Sibley House Site, 7:30-8:30am) with Reps Rick Hansen, Joe Atkins, and Matt Entenza Check your local newspaper or radio station for additional dates. To receive e-mail notice of upcoming town hall meetings near you, subscribe online at hi;t :;';'s�cvty.house.lea. r4'ate.mn.us."maiIII atimat linglis;t.asl) For more information on city legislative issues, contact any member of the League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations team. 651.281.1200 or 800.925.1122