2006-01-13 Friday NewsThe Friday News
January 13, 2006
GOOD NEWS
I was contacted late Wednesday of this week by Cliff Greene, the League of Minnesota Cities
Insurance Trust Attorney appointed to defend the City in the Par 3 lawsuit. Cliff called to inform
me that the City was victorious in our challenge of the District Court and Minnesota Court of
Appeals rulings, and that because of the ruling, the City does not have to amend its
Comprehensive Plan to allow development of the Par 3. The Supreme Court found that City’s
Comprehensive Plans supersede our Zoning Ordinances. In its 35 page ruling, the Court does
direct the City to bring its Comprehensive Plan into conformance with its Zoning Ordinances.
We will be working with our planner and attorney to analyze what our alternatives are to comply
with that order.
TENNIS CLUB UPDATE
I had heard some rumors this week on what was happening with the redevelopment of Lilydale
Tennis Club, so I called Bernie Weitzman, Lilydale City Clerk. Bernie said the project is on
track, and that the developer is set to close on the property on January 16th. The Lilydale
Planning Commission will consider an application from Mendota Homes, the Developer, on
Monday, January 30th at a 3:30 p.m. meeting. After the Planning Commission meeting at 4:00
p.m. that same day, the Lilydale City Council will conduct a public hearing on the application.
After these reviews, assuming that the project is approved, a comprehensive plan amendment
will be sent to Met Council for their consideration. Once the Met Council has approved the
project , it will go to the MN DNR for a Mississippi River Critical Area review. After all these
approvals are achieved, the developer will be able to begin work on constructing his three story,
85 unit condominium building. Prices for the units are to range from $350k to $700k.
FIREFIGHTER RETIRES
It is with sad regret that we have to report that Firefighter Jim Perron announced he is retiring
from the Mendota Heights Fire Department effective December 31, 2005. Jim started with the
Fire Department in January of 1987. He was a Captain for four years. He is our local, one liner
comedian and will be missed by all in the Department.
LAMBERT RETURNS
Lambert Derks began working (light duty) on Wednesday and plans to work a few hours each
day. Clyde Ransom has agreed to continue with all snow removal duties for this season and may
be asked to also help out with any heavy maintenance tasks that Lambert must avoid. Lambert
“reports” that he has more energy and vigor then before and plans to be in shape for his spring
gardening activities.
CLOSED MONDAY
Monday is Martin Luther King Day and City offices will be close.
Respectfully submitted,
Jim Danielson
Attachments: Just the Facts, Pipeline, City Council Agenda, Pre-Application Meeting
Synopsis, Pioneer Press Articles “Golf course housing ruling is overturned”, “Met Council
denies $500,000 grant” and “County Board – Gaylord chosen as chairwoman”.