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2007-03-16 Friday NewsPLANNING ACTIVITY PICKING UP While the March Planning Commission is set to be cancelled due to a lack of applications, the April meeting is already starting to look busy. A number of folks have been coming to staff with projects and concepts for Mendota Heights properties; many intend to have their planning applications submitted in time for the April Planning Commission meeting. PARKS AND RECREATION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLANNING Responding to Council's calls for a more involved look at capital improvement needs across the City's facilities, the Parks and Recreation Commission is taking a fresh look at facility needs in our parks system. Staff presented a list of known projects and has encouraged P&R Commissioners to provide feedback on projects and priorities. Staff will collect this feedback for discussion at the April Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. .1,' ilk i Y � '1 7•l �� E ��' M e g , Staff met with Dakota County CDA staff regarding a grant for accessibility at park facilities. Community Development Block Grant Dollars will be paying for bituminous paths to ball fields and picnic shelters in each park. This project will remove barriers for citizens who would like to enjoy Mendota Heights Parks. AILING CELEBRATION March 2, the birthday of Dr. Seus, began a reading celebration at Somerset School. As part of this month-long celebration of reading, teachers invited guest readers into their classrooms on Friday, March 9, to demonstrate the value of importance of reading to our students. Mayor John Huber, Fire Chief John Maczko and Police Secretary Kim Henning were amongst the guest readers. CONDOLENCES TO SCOTT PATRICK & SITE MCDERMOTT Investigator Scott Patrick's mother passed away Thursday. Patricia Patrick was 72 years old lived in Inver Grove Heights until she suffered a stroke two years ago. She has been a resident of the Woodbury Health Care Home since her stroke. Funeral arrangements are pending. Our sympathies go out to Scott and his family. Public Works Director Sue McDermott's father passed away this morning. James Polka was 85 years old and had just celebrated his 65th Wedding Anniversary this Valentines Day. He was living in Des Moines, but grew up and lived in Lombard, IL for most of his life. He was a veteran of WWII and served as a paratrooper in the Pacific. He was part of the force that escorted General McArthur into Japan after the Allied victory. Our sympathies go out to Sue and her family. Respectfully submitted, James Danielson City Administrator Attachments: Just the Facts, Pipeline, City Council Meeting Agenda, Pre -Application Meeting Synopsis, Ice Rink Usage Update from Recreation Programmer, St. Paul Pioneer Press Letters To he Editor "Stay out of golf business" "Why buy the Par 3?" and "Par 3 purchase is worth it". Sun Newspaper Article ""Aspiring CEO credits family for her success" and "Mendota Heights volunteer firefighter reflects on 35 years of service", Ads for The Wine Market/Sage and Dakota County Technical College. Tie latest�eu>s�`rvyrz t`ie �leyc2'at�c �fei9`its�alice �e�arttneyct U 03/16/07 Commercial Burglaries, 03/08/07 0732 hours Sergeant Neil Garlock responded to a commercial burglary on Northland Drive that had occurred sometime after the business closed the previous day. No forced entry was involved and three laptops were taken along with other items. While taking the first burglary report, Sergeant Garlock was made aware of another burglary in the same building. This burglary involved forced entry into the business. A laptop computer along with medicine and loose change were taken. Sergeant Garlock was again notified of a third burglary at this location. Entry was made by prying the front entrance to the business. At least five laptops were taken from this location. To add insult to injury, Sergeant Garlock later received information that a fourth burglary had occurred in this building complex. Forced entry had again been made, and in addition to the property damage, loose change was taken. Theft of Mail, 3/10/07 at 1244 hours Officer Denise Urmann took a mail theft report on Ivy Full Drive, where the homeowner found opened mail in her mailbox which appeared to have been stolen from Eagle Ridge Drive. Theft from Vehicle, 3/11/07 at 1639 hours Officer Todd Rosse responded to the Dakota County Trail parking lot near the Pool and Yacht Club to take a report of a theft from vehicle. The victim had left her purse in plain view and the unknown perpetrator had smashed the rear window for entry and took her purse and all the contents. Terroristic Threats - Felony, 3/11/07 at 0104 hours On 3/11/07 at 0104 hours, Officer Steve Meyer and Officer Tanner Spicer were dispatched to the Moose Country bar on report of a male threatening to shoot people and had already assaulted an individual at the bar. The bar staff described a tall white male wearing camouflage clothing who had been asked to leave the bar due to his intoxication level - he became combative, attempted to choke one of the staff members of the bar, and then stated he was going to get a gun and come back and shoot the bar staff and everyone in the bar. The man -1- 03/16/07 tried to catch a cab but was refused a ride by the cabbie and had to be physically removed from the vehicle. After being told the police had been called, the man took off running and hid somewhere behind the mall. He was eventually caught on the roof of one of the businesses and ordered down at gunpoint. He was taken into custody, charged with Felony Terroristic Threats and escorted to jail. Theft of Mail, 3112/07 at 1348 hours Officer Bobby Lambert took a walk-in mail theft report that had occurred on Apache St. The victim had a variety of fraudulent activity on his accounts as a result. This incident is under investigation. A short time later, Officer Lambert took another mail theft report which had also occurred on Apache Street. The victim was provided an Identity Theft Information Sheet and it was suggested that he purchase a lockable mailbox. 2nd Degree DUI, 3/12/07 at 2244 hours Officer Denise Urmann stopped a vehicle on Mendota Heights Road for no headlights in operation. In her subsequent investigation of the driver, it was discovered the driver had a revoked driver's license and two warrants for previous DUI's. He was arrested for yet another DUI. While at the station for processing, he refused to either take the breath test or consult with an attorney and was charged with Gross Misdemeanor Test Refusal. He was provided a ride to jail and his vehicle is now subject to forfeiture. 1St Degree DUI 3/13/07 at 0013 hours Sergeant John Larrive made a traffic stop on Acacia Blvd. The driver was intoxicated and as result of four other DUI convictions in four different states, the driver was arrested for felony DUI and Driving after Revocation. In addition to receiving a ride to jail, his vehicle also will be subject to forfeiture. The passenger and owner of the vehicle admitted to not having insurance and was charged with No Insurance and Allowing an Unlicensed Driver. Underage Consumption, 3/14/07 at 0040 hours Officer Steve Meyer conducted a traffic stop on Wentworth Av where all three occupants were minors. The driver stated he had not been drinking but his fellow passengers were and an open bottle was found in the vehicle. PBT's were conducted and the driver was proven correct. The driver was warned for Allowing Open Bottle and released at the scene. The two minor passengers were charged with Underage Consumption of Alcohol and released to their guardians. Possession of Stolen Property, 3/15/07 at 0400 hours Officer Tanner Spicer observed a vehicle driving in the Summit Construction area. A subsequent traffic stop put Officer Spicer in contact with the two occupants who said they were in the area to use the Port -a -Potty. After further discussion and investigation, Officer Spicer found the two occupants in possession of stolen property from the construction site and a bank bag containing 23 - $100 savings bonds. Officer Spicer discovered the address on the bonds to be out of Pine County and the Pine County Sheriffs Office was contacted. Per the Pine County authorities, a Probable Cause arrest was made for these two individuals for Burglary and Possession of Stolen Property. /{anc ?,pwrAk -2- W s The Pipeline". Public Works Engineering Code Enforcement Public Works Happy Ma St. Patricks The Parks Crew repaired the mirrors on truck 502. Picnic tables were repaired and stained. Trucks were serviced, washed and cleaned up. They went to Gerlack Services in Hastings for seminars on new mower products and additions to the older equipment. Rich unplugged storm sewers on Kressin Avenue, Stockbridge Road, Mendakota Drive, Fourth Avenue, and Copperfield. Most of the storm sewers were blocked by leaves and Rich used the jet to clear them. The power went out on Wednesday at 10:45 P.M. at the Lilydale lift station, the power was out until 12:15 A.M. He cut roots in the sanitary sewer line on Pontiac Place and Valley Curve. He checked the sanitary sewer line down stream of the Mendakota Golf Course - there was some grease but mostly looked good. The Street Crew put up flashers on Lake Drive and Dodd Road. St. Paul Regional Water Services was called because behind the water main break the street is settling. Potholes were filled with cold mix. A plugged storm grate was opened that caused water to pond on the street on Stockbridge Road. Engineering Sue attended a meeting for the Robert Street Corridor Technical Advisory Committee. The north ditch of State Highway 110 flooded and was nearing the traffic lanes. MN/DOT called in emergency locates to re -grade the ditch. It was determined that work by MN/DOT last summer covered the outlet which in turn caused the drainage problem. The city's seal coat project has been scaled back due to the high bids received. It was determined that the prices submitted are the best available this season. Plans are being finalized for the Copperfield mill and overlay project and design has started for the Ivy Falls neighborhood reconstruction. Plans have also begun on redesigning the storm water outlet at State Highway 13 and Wachtler Road. There is a public hearing for the Kipp Addition at Tuesday's City Council meeting. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA March 20, 2007 — 7:30 P.M. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Pledge of Allegiance 4. Agenda Adoption 5. Approval of the March 6t", 2007, City Council Minutes 6. Consent Calendar a. Acknowledgement of the Approved Minutes from the February 14, 2007 Airport Relations Commission Meeting. b. Acknowledgement of the Minutes from the March 13, 2007 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting. c. Acknowledgement of the NDC4 Meeting Agenda. d. Acknowledgement of the February 2007 Treasurers Report. e. Acknowledgement of the Fire Department February 2007 Monthly Report f. Authorization for Cancellation of March Planning Commission Meeting. g. Authorization to Attend the 2007 Fire Department Instructors Conference. h. Authorization for Traffic Study on Mendota Heights Road. i. Approval of Pager Purchase. J. Approval of 2007 Street Sweeping Bid. K Adoption of Resolution No. 07-20: "A RESOLUTION RENEWING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO LINDER'S GREENHOUSES TO OPERATE A TEMPORARY SEASONAL GARDEN UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS." I. Adoption of Resolution No. 07-21: "RESOLUTION APPOINTING SPECIAL ELECTION JUDGES". m. Approval of the List of Contractors. n. Approval of the List of Claims. 7. Public Comments 8. Award Presentation Vern Edstrom Pilot Knob — Phase II NI- I. �.. ON � 1 �..� � � � _.. � `.f •� . � .✓M � L a. Discussion of Special Park Fund Request b. Discussion of Expenditures from Special Park Funding for Park Signage Project. c. Discussion of Letter from David Herridge Regarding Bus System. 11. Council Comments 12 P AuKiHary vide for parsons wRh disablil`otoos are available upon request at least 1120 hours In advance. lff a notice of less than 120 hours is received, the City of Mendota "eights well made every attempt to provide the aift however, this may not be possible on short nofice. Please contact City- AMBonnnostaaa®on at ��6- ve�aava requests. This meeting is being taped by NDC4 (651-450-9891) and will replay on Friday at 1000 porno and 7000 porno on the NDC4 Government Channel 18 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO DATE: March 12, 2007 TO: City Council, Commission Members, and City Administrator FROM: Jake Sedlacek, Assistant to the City Administrr ' ) SUBJECT: Pre -Application Meeting Synopsis Staff met with four potential applicants on Monday, March 12, 2007. Steve Grittman, Ryan Ruzek, Paul Berg and Jake Sedlacek were present. Drew Johnson, United Properties re. Northland Drive and Pilot Knob Road United Properties has been in the process of seeking out a restaurant for the southeast corner of Northland Drive and Pilot Knob Road for some time. As discussed with City Council this past fall, they have not been able to come to an agreement with a stand-alone restaurant. United Properties would like to apply for a re -zoning from I to B-4. This proposal is to accommodate a convenience store/retail center. The convenience store is a conditional use under the I zoning district. However, the applicant feels that the site (and the industrial park) would benefit from co -locating multiple services. The applicant was provided a checklist for a zoning change/amendment and anticipates submitting an application for the April Planning Commission meeting. Joy Johnson, 2219 Swan Court Ms. Johnson owns a home on Roger's Lake and is looking to remove some vegetation in the lake so her family can bring a sailboat up to their property from the lake. The applicant does not intend to do any work to the shoreline, and understands that the DNR and Dakota County will likely have feedback on any actions taken in Roger's Lake. Applicant was provided a Wetlands Permit checklist and anticipates submitting an application for the April Planning Commission meeting. Tian McCarthy, Ted Glasrud Associates, Inc. re. 1300 Mendota Heights R Mr. McCarthy presented site plans for expanding parking at 1300 Mendota Heights Road. The parking lot is regularly filled at or beyond capacity. Staff reviewed the site plans and found that no planning application was required at this time. Mr. McCarthy will work with engineering staff on the project which will likely be brought to Council for their approval sometime this spring. Dave Olsen, 1049 Douglas Road Mr. Olsen has inquired in the past about increasing the size for storage sheds. At this time he was wondering if any action has been taken on the issue. Staff informed Mr. Olsen that the planning consultant has been asked to do a report on the issue, and that it will likely be brought up at the April 25 planning meeting. Staff will follow up with Mr. Olsen. Planning Meeting 311212007 Page 1 of I TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Teresa Gangelhoff - Recreation Programmer SUBJECT: Ice Rink Usage through from 2002/2003 to 2006/2007 seasons (Past 4 years included for comparison) DISCUSSION: Rink usage annual update: 2006/2007 Season ® This 2006/07 season was poor to start off. We couldn't open because of unseasonably warm weather until January 13 at Friendly Hills and January 15 at Wentworth and Marie. (We were closed 8 out of 46 days because of bad weather or ice conditions.) Counts are for Pleasure and Hockey rinks combined taken every hour. (I do have the breakdowns for hockey and pleasure rinks if needed) Usage was high this year due to our local youth hockey programs (permit) using the rinks as the following: • Marie 2 nights per week from 6 - 8 pm (Mon. and Wed.) • Wentworth 2 nights per week 6 - 8 pm (Tues, and Thurs.) Friendly Hills 3 nights per week from 6 - 8 pm (Mon., Wed,, Fri.) • Marie also used on some Thursday evenings from 4 - 5:30 for Sibley Girls Hockey • Friendly Hills was used daily M -F for Friendly Hills Middle School Gym classes for most of the month of January and part of February. ( No counts were taken.) • Friendly Hills also had 5 weeks of skating lessons (5 classes) in Jan/Feb. on Sat. mornings. • This year our rinks were very busy on the school out days. (we open longer those days) 2006/2007 RINK COUNTS: (taken hourly) Friendly Hills -1217 total 38 days Marie Park - 1715 total 36 days Wentworth - 1233 total 36 days 2005/2006 Season • This 2005/06 season was up and down with weather conditions. We opened December 17 (earlier than last year) Open 53 days total. (Closed down 21 days of 71 scheduled days because of bad weather or ice conditions.) Counts are for Pleasure and Hockey rinks combined taken every hour. (I do have the breakdowns for hockey and pleasure rinks if needed) Usage was up this year because of the following: Friendly Hills was used daily M -F for Friendly Hills Middle School Gym classes for the month of January and part of February. ( No counts were taken.) All 3 rinks were used one hour each night weekly and some Sat. afternoons for hockey practice for area youth association. (permit). Friendly Hills also had 5 weeks of skating lessons in Jan/Feb. on Sat. mornings. Boy and Girl scouts and a few birthday parties and one neighbor hood event had skating perrn-its during the season. Wentworth was also very busy during the evenings with adult broomball and boot hockey pick up games all season long. 2005-06 RINK COUNTS: (taken hourly) Friendly Hills — 1545 total 53 days Marie Park — 2460 total 53 days Wentworth — 2778 total 53 days • The 2004/05 we opened December 26 and closed February 12. We were open a total of 32 days (with 6 of these days we had to close early) We had to many warm ups that made poor ice conditions. We did have 3 hockey teams using Marie and Wentworth most Tuesdays and Thursdays. Also, a few parties and several girl scout groups. Mayor skate on January 22 increased the numbers at Friendly Hills along with our weekly Saturday skating lessons where we held 4 full classes that went on for 4 weeks in January/February. We closed for good at noon (needing to get in the last lesson on February 12 we were open in the a.m.) Friendly Hills had to close a few days in January because of a gas line problem that was fixed by Excel Energy. 2004/2005 Runk Counts (taken hourly) Friendly Hills 839 total 29 days Marie Park 1446 total 32 days Wentworth 792 total 32 days 2003/2004 Season • The 2003/04 season had higher usage as the weather cooperated and made for great ice conditions and skating. The rinks opened on December 17, 2003 and officially closed on February 20th. We were open a total of 62 days. We closed 4 days because of below 0 temperatures. We may have been open only 2 days longer this year but the ice conditions were very poor last year. This year the weather remained at a temperature that kept the ice in great condition. Terry and his crew did a fantastic job keeping the ice rinks in great shape. I feel that this and cooperating weather had attracted more skaters this season. We also had several groups come in for skating parties and 2 youth hockey groups came several Tuesdays and Thursdays for hockey practice from 6-7 at Friendly Hills and Marie.. We also had 32 children every Saturday with their parents attending skating lessons at Friendly Hills. 2003/2004 Rink Counts (taken hourly) 1985 skaters in 62 days used Marie Park 1763 skaters in 62 days used Friendly Hills 1687 skaters in 62 days used Wentworth 2002/2003 Season: The 2002/03 season The rinks opened on December 27th, 2002 and officially closed on March 2, 2003. We were open a total of 60 days and closed down 6 days due to poor weather/ice conditions. We tried to stay open as much as possible as kids want to at least play boot hockey when the ice is to bumpy to skate. This was not a very good year for skating and Terry and his crew did their best trying to keep the ice in good skating condition. The weather did not always cooperate. This years numbers were up from last year but last year the weather was even warmer and we were closed more often: 2002/2003 Rink Counts (taken hourly) MARIE: 1464 total in 60 days WENTWORTH: 898 total in 60 days FRIENDLY HILLS: 881 total in 60 days None, this is for information only. FYI: An average season would run the first week before Christmas around December 18 and run through February and sometimes the first week of March. We could operate 80 days total if weather and ice conditions were good. Our rinks are well staffed and we are open hours that fit the school schedules. Rink attendants are required to go out and take counts hourly and check on the skaters. We have a daily log that they must fill out hourly. Please note: *If the same person is skating 2 hours they would be counted in the total twice. Most of our attendants like to stay out on the ice with the kids and also help the kids with skate lacing. We have a separate flood crew that Terry hires and they work after hours. If rinks are closed it is only because of poor ice/weather conditions. Any time we close the information is always on the hotline number that is posted at rinks and in the Heights Highlites. Each rink has a big sign posted on the outside with rink hours and numbers to call for further information. The rinks were put to very good use during 2006/07 year despite the shorter season. The parks crew does a great job keeping the rinks clean and in working order. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Stay out of golf, business To the editor: In April we will be given a chance to vote on the purchase of 17 acres so we can maintain a Par 3 golf course. I have heard this billed as a. .'must' since this is some of the last `green space' in Mendota Heights. I encourage you to think more thoughtfully about green space as we go to the polls around Earth Day. Non-native grass that needs daily power mowing with carbon emissions given off is not my definition of green space. Highly groomed, weed free areas are maintained with chemicals that enter our communi- ty groundwater and poison: many native needed insects. and birds. Golf courses are green, but it is incorrect to call them, green spaces. . I applaud our city, representatives who throughout the years have had the foresight to invest in parks, bike trails, wetlands and oak savannas. I would continue to encourage this type- of ypeof city investment. As is, I believe, that the 19 proposed homes with the correct natural landscaping, have the potential to be a friendlier `green' neighbor than the existing . golf course. I encourage you to vote no on. the issue of Mendota Heights owning.a business. I encourage all of us to con- tinue educating ourselves on the importance of all of us becoming more green neighbors. We share the land, the air, the water. Rhonda Simonson Mendota Heights Why buy the Par 3? To the editor: . I can't believe the Mendota Heights City Council is considering the acquisi- tion of the Par 3 Golf Course. As I recall, as far back as 2003, the present owners have been trying to rid themselves of the property because they had not been able to make it financially successful, even after promoting league events , and food sales. Why would the city (with no experi- ence in the golf business) buy out a fail- ing business like this.? Does this mean that it would also buy out a business in the Village if it, too, were failing? More importantly, with this purchase, the city will increase,our property taxes because the city (which means you and me, the city residents) will be spending money for the acquisition and upkeep of the Par 3 Golf Course. On the other hand, if homes were built .in that area, the city could collect more property tax revenue from the , new homes, and, in turn, this could reduce our property tax liability - a plus for the city and homeowners- a win-win situa- tion. 11 Darlene Melquist Mendota Heights QST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2007 Par 3 purchase is worth it We support the city of Mendo- ta Heights' purchase of the Par 3 Golf Course. Opponents object to "subsidizing" use of the golf course, but there are many precedents in local government for benefits. -that are paid for by all but used only by some (educa- tion, parks, transit, etc.). Our community should value' the health and well being of its `citi- zens. Golf provides lifelong bene- fits to those who play, maintain- ing physical health and fostering relationships among families and neighbors. The Par 3 allows more and younger residents to learn and play golf due.to its accessibility, +size; and affordability. These same attributes enable seniors who are no longer able to play regulation courses to continue to stay active in an enjoyable pur- suit. Though these benefits can- not be quantified in strict dollar terms, we feel strongly that their value to our community and its families far outweighs the cost of its purchase. CHARLIE LIE and L011S L V RE19BER,GER Mendota Heights Sun Newspapers - MNSUN.com - Mendota Heights volunteer firefighter reflects on 35 ye... Page 1 of 2 Print Page Mendota Heights volunteer firefighter reflects on 35 years of service BY MEGAN ANDERSON - SUN NEWSPAPERS With more than 35 years under his belt and a fire in his belly, Mendota Heights Firefighter Marcus Connolly has hung up his helmet. Connolly's term is the second longest for a firefighter in the Mendota Heights Fire Department. So what did he think of his 35 years as a firefighter? "Well, 35 and a half years, actually," Connolly said. Connolly said he enjoyed being active in Mendota Heights. He grew up in Mendota Heights and is a graduate of Henry Sibley High School. "The thrill of it was being a member of the community and serving the community," Connolly said. Connolly joined the Mendota Heights Fire Department in 1971 after serving in the Marines. Since then, he has held several positions during his tenure, including training officer, captain and member on a committee to improve the department. Connolly's contributions were celebrated during the annual retirement dinner Feb. 10. He was also named 2006 Firefighter of the Year at the event. "He was a great senior guy," said Steve Abrahamson, who worked with Connolly for three years and was a member of his squad. "He is very knowledgeable about everything and well liked by everybody," he said. Mendota Heights Fire Chief John Maczko was Connolly's chief for 22 years. He said Connolly was passionate about being a firefighter. "He had a zeal for the Fire Department and for firefighters in general," Maczko said. "He cared about helping people and doing the right thing." Connolly said that it has been an honor to serve the small and history -laden city of Mendota Heights. Connolly can take away a lot of memories. At his retirement dinner, he was able to reflect on significant incidents during his career. He enjoyed representing the department and Mendota Heights at countless parades and community events. One thing he remembers is all the traffic problems when there were round -ups along Dodd Road and Highway 110. The route was the main artery to the stockyards before Interstate 494 came along, he said. He remembers assisting in rescuing a woman from a burning home Dec. 8, 1974. He also remembers helping deliver a baby girl in 1993. He remembers a fire at an apartment building Jan. 11, 1974. The fire started shortly before midnight and extended into the morning. The explosion of a propane tank resulted in the death of three West St. Paul firefighters and the wife of the building caretaker. http://www.mnsun.com/articles/2007/03/13/news/cl O8firefighter.prt 3/13/2007 Sun Newspapers - NINSUN.com - Mendota Heights volunteer firefighter reflects on 35 ye... Page 2 of 2 Connolly said he provided mutual aid in the fire explosion and assisted with evacuation. He said the blast decimated the area. "That was very devastating," he said. "It was a long process and a very, very cold day." Maczko said that incident had an affect on Connolly. "That affected him greatly and his desire to help people," Maczko said. Connolly said he had been a firefighter for only three years at that time, and he learned he better be prepared for any situation. "I learned I needed more schooling for things that might happen down the road," he said. "I took it upon myself to do as much and learn as much as I could on my own." Connolly said firefighters from all over the metropolitan area helped in the incident. He said it was a great display of camaraderie among firefighters. "The thing I remembered the most is that help came in all different shapes and sizes," he said. "That's definitely the camaraderie of what fire service is all about." Connolly said it's possible he should have retired years ago. "It's a young man's game," he said. He does have some advice for younger firefighters. "Embrace the challenges that are thrown at you," he said. "Be a contributor, not just a member. It's so easy to tag along than to be out there." Now that he's retired, Connolly isn't hard pressed for things to do. He said he is active in his church, including the men's group. He is also a member of a Fire and Brimstone group. "I don't have a problem keeping active," Connolly said. "I've been very, very busy." "I know that he'll still be around," Maczko said. "Once it's in his blood, it's not going out of him." You are invited to comment about this story on our website at www.mnsun.com and/or write a letter to the editor at suncur€,ertsouth«acnpapers.com. This site and its contents Copyright © 2006. Sun Newspapers - Main Office: 952-829-0797 suninfogwacnpapers.coin - -- re�+vb�sps[as^ge http://www.mnsun.com/articles/2007/03/13/news/cl 08firefighter.prt 3/13/2007 Aar 09 ZOH7 15:54:3Z Vid Fax _> 6514SZ094H Administrator PagE 001 of 006 L � k Lmc ®Freda Fax® r A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities March 9, 2007 Page 1 Sills, bills, bills (Clark) Cities LGA increase, SF 1548 (Olseen) Hearings, hearings, hearings Cities LGA increase, as well as other bills. The legislative pace will be fast and furious as legislators scramble to get their bills heard before the first deadline, on Friday, March 23. House and Senate agendas are already packed, and bills are being added as members push for a hearing. Because schedules are always changing now, we won't be printing the schedule of city -issue bills this week. Keep this in mind if you are tracking a particular bill, or trying to catch a legislator in St. Paul next week_ If in doubt, call any IGR representative at 651.281.1200 or check the legislative website at ww��.�.:. Questions? Contact Jenn O'Rourke at 551.281.1261 orjorourke@lmnc.org. Several important LGA bills will be heard next week in both bodies. Unfortunately, with the packed hearing agendas there won't be a lot of committee time spent on any individual bill. Since last year's campaign season, many members have had property tax relief on their priority list and many public and private discussions concerning LGA and MVHC have already occurred. Additionally, several other important local TIF, sales tax exemption, or local -option sales tax authorization bills are up next week on the Senate side on Tuesday and Thursday. Here are the LGA hearings that have been announced at this point: Monday, March 12 at 8:30 a.m. Senate Pronerty Tax division_ Canitol room 15 Agenda: SF 1227 (Skogen) the Coalition of Greater MN Cities LGA bill, SF 1258 (Mona) LMC's LGA volatility stabilization, , SF 1372 Tuesday, March 13 at 6:00 p.m. House Joint Property Tax Relief and Local Sales Tax Division and K-12 Finance Division_ 10 State Office Buildinn Agenda: HF 1518 (Brown) the Coalition of Greater NiN Cities LGA bill, which also includes the issue of school financing equalization. Additionally, there are 13 other school finance related bills on this agenda. Friday, March 16 at 8:00 a.m. House Property Tax Relief and Local Sales Tax Division_ 10 State Office Building Agenda: HF 54 (Mullery) City aid base additions provided for certain cities, city aid appropriation limit increased, and aid required to be used for certain public safety purposes. HF 346 (Severson) City aid local government aid base increased for certain cities. HF 1115 (Norton) LMC LGA volatility stabilization HF 1381 (Atkins) Local government aid inflation adjustment provided. HF 1534 (Hilstrom) North Metro Mayors`/ Metro Cities LGA bill HF 1518 (Brown) Coalition of Greater MN Cities LGA bill HF 1746 (Gottwalt) Local government aid city aid base increased for specified cities. HF 1774 (Kalin) Local government aid payable to a specified city increased. Questions? Contact Jenn O'Rourke at 651.281.1261 TNT bills considered A bill that would require the Minnesota Department of Revenue to perform a For mare informatioan on city legislative issues, contact any member of the League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations team. 651.281.1200 or 800.925.1122 Mar r"' Z087 GS14SZO940 Administrator PdgE 00Z of On, mc Freda Fax A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities March 9, 2007 Page 2 cost/benefit study of the truth -in -taxation Wine with dinner, anyone? process, including the direct and indirect costs and levels of taxpayer participation was considered by the H�,;ause-Pra.ype.g:ty 'Fax Re—lief atid I_,e.st;a:( Sa:�es Taz�.:1:?isrisio:rt of the l::l�ause °I�`a% on Friday morning. The bill, :I -IF 771.5 was introduced by :i.Ze -a.:[.,arr % 11awsw (DFL - St. Cloud). Testifying on behalf of the bill was DeWay-ne Mareck, Stearns County commissioner, former St. Cloud councilmember and township officer. Commissioner Mareck has also served on the Leagues Board of Directors. Commissioner Mareck indicated that in his local government experiences, he has frequently observed a lack of public participation at TNT hearings that raises questions about the effectiveness of the mandate for the taxpayer notice, publication requirements and hearing requirements. Several committee members expressed an interest in studying the TNT process, including til:arext: (DFL -Dilworth) who previously served as the mayor of Dilworth. He suggested that local governments should also look at ways to increase participation rather than simply meeting the state statutory requirements. The committee also considered a bill authored by Chair Marquart that would generally allow counties, cities and schools to hold joint TNT hearings. Currently, state law authorizes similar joint hearings in Ramsey, Aitken and Nobles counties. Several members indicated support for the Marquart bill. Both bills were laid over for possible inclusion in the Property Tax Division article of the yet -to -be drafted House omnibus tax bill. Questions? Contact Gary Carlson 651.281.1255 or4rc��rlse::a;t.;"�'-lssastti:.c.ad" The House (..':o:rnrnerc.e and will hear .FIF 997 (IK;,<ihn, DFL -Minneapolis) on Tuesday at 4 p.m. The committee will not take much time on the bill, so the testifying list has been very limited as each side is only given 15 minutes to state their case. Anyone interested in weighing in on this issue should do so by calling, emailing or visiting their legislator. Proponents of the bill have been very active with well -funded ad campaigns in markets all over the state, and legislators have told us privately that they have heard from many more proponents than opponents. Now is a very good time to weigh in with legislators on this, whether they are on the commerce committee or not. It's expected that this bill will be laid over for possible inclusion in an omnibus liquor bill. This procedural move adds a lot of uncertainty to the process for a policy issue like this bill. Questions? Contact Jenn O'Rourke at 651,281,1261 Photocop bill bets green light from Senate Transportation Committee A bill that would allow cities to use cameras and sensors at intersections to nab red light runners got the nod on a roll -call vote of eleven to five at this morning's meeting of the >�°.s: eau.; ........ . :1':ta:g::as so:ttati.�:sza uw.:l.xc:t. and Poli:., :I)ivis:1011. The bill, SF :1071 (.iXUA:lt, DFL -Minneapolis), was passed with two amendments. The first requires an engineering review of an intersection in advance of the installation of an automated enforcement system and the second amendment prohibits contracts with private 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 rn r r� r r -- • ■ r Aar 1 . � ��. -, ; in � � ',■; ■ �, Administrator it - HH3 of HHG Lmc-Freda a�LY r ,r ....:......... A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities March 9, 2007 Page 3 camera operators that result in profits based on Bill to exempt local transportation the number of citations issued. projects from sales tax heard, laid The technology had been used for a brief period in the City of Minneapolis. On March 14, 2006, Hennepin County Judge Mark S. Wernick ruled Minneapolis' "Stop on Red" ordinance unconstitutional because the tickets issued were to the owner of the vehicle photographed running the light. Given that the vehicle owner may or may not be the person driving the vehicle when the law is being broken, this scenario sets up a presumption of guilt. The fact that the owner must then prove he or she is innocent is constitutionally problematic. Minneapolis is appealing the decision. According to Minneapolis officials, the Stop on Red program had a significant impact on public safety. In the first six months of operation, there was a 16 -percent drop in accidents at intersections monitored by Stop on Red cameras. SF 1071 would legalize the Minneapolis ordinance and would expand the authority to implement automated enforcement systems statewide. The next stop for the bill will be the Senate Judiciary Committee. The House companion, !.�:. ; :�`> (.'!!I�ss.-- rl, DFL -Minneapolis), has been referred to the House 'I'rar:s.s :sc�:tt:at:ion Eiflan.ce .D: Vis, io:n and has not yet been scheduled for a hearing. over A bill that would provide a sales tax exemption for city, county and township purchases of road and bridge construction and maintenance materials was heard in the Senate 'I'ax Co:t-rim;i,t. ee on Thursday. Authored by ; _aa , �.i Kgz :te Sieben (DFL -Newport), SF 1139 was initiated by the League as part of an effort to improve funding for roads and reduce the impact of road expenditures on local property taxes due in part to the lack of growth in municipal state aid (MSA) for roads. The sales tax exemption would help stretch scarce dollars a little further. The bill also brings attention to the fact that the Governor's transportation funding proposal exempts state highway projects from the sales tax but does not extend the exemption to local projects. St. Paul City Engineer John Maczko testified on behalf L'+f t ae League in support of fhe b°all. Representatives of the Metropolitan Inter - County Association and the Association of Minnesota Townships also expressed support. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the Senate omnibus tax bill. Members cautioned that, based on local government road spending estimates, the exemption would leave asignificant gap in the state's general fund. The fiscal note that accompanied the bill, Questions? ContactAnne Finn at 651.281.1263 which was criticized for being light on detail, or showed a loss to the general fund of approximately $30 million per year. At least one expert estimates the cost is as much as four times that amount. 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 Mar "' Z007 r LMC -FridaY F Ce-1Vw%%-rI A weekly legislative update from the League of Minnesota Cities elL�.esg adat'v�P.�pErhardt (R -Edina) is ___ carrying the House companion, I-II' 12:17. The bill was referred to the l-l.ouse Ta.. �: a runitt�ee where it will join a variety of other sales tax exemption initiatives, including several bills that would reinstate a general sales tax exemption for all local government purchases. We expect the bill will be heard in the ;.-Nouse in the coming days. Questions? ContactAnne Finn at 651.281.1263 or ai'Z v' 'tJ iiEYtP..t:pi State -local partnership for affordable housing at critical point in session City housing officials and HRAs have been supporting legislation to provide $10-15 million over the next biennium for matching state funds to address affordable housing needs that cities identify. The legislation is reaching a critical point in the legislative process. City officials are strongly encouraged to urge local legislators to get behind the approach which would make it possible for the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) to respond to a variety of affordable housing strategies developed at the local level. The bills containing such provisions are :l -.IF 939 (:k a�nz. I:a1:�:1:.,-Blairie:) and �;�?_- 1V2 ......_.... .............__I.._...-........_.... :I�d,la:&.). Budget committees in the House and Senate with jurisdiction for the MHFA budget are set to make critical decisions about whether and how to incorporate legislative language that would include cities, counties, HRAs, PHAs, EDAs and community development agencies in a new approach to applying for MHFA funding. The program would allow cities to seek and apply for MHFA funding to implement local housing programs to provide March 9, 2007 Page 4 opportunities for under -served populations or to provide help to homeowners to allow them to stay in their homes when threatened with foreclosure or other homeownership issues. The program, initially proposed as a part of the Housing Solutions Act, is referred to as Housing Account for Leverage Opportunities (HALO), would be matched by cities, dollar - for -dollar by non -state funds, donations (including building materials or the value fee reductions), tax levy, tax increment or local bond revenues. Funds allocated by MHFA would ensure that cities in Greater Minnesota that located outside CDEG entitlement areas would receive first consideration for up to 40 percent of the HALO fund distribution. Questions? Contact Ann Higgins at 651.281,1257 or ahiggins@lmnc. org. National associations representing cities, counties and local cable commissions denounce FCC video franchising decision The National League of Cities (NLC), National Association of Counties, US Conference of Mayors, National Association of Telecommunications Officers & Administrators, and the Alliance for Community Media strongly disagreed with the formal release this week of the FCC Report and Order on video franchising and indicated their intention to dispute the authority of the FCC to intrude on the exercise of local franchising authority granted by federal and state law. According to information released by NLC, the alliance of local government associations at the national level is reviewing the decision and litigation strategy aimed at challenging the For mare info oration on city legislative issues, contact any member of the League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations team. 651.281.1200 or 800.925.1122 Y _. 9 15:57:26 6 fiS145ZB940 Administrator PagE 805 1.f HM -Pride ax - Y A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities proposed rules that threaten to reduce and severely limit local authority to require franchises to support video programming on local public, educational and government (PEG) channels and to provide local public networks linking community, school, public safety and other institutions (I -Nets) and to collect compensation for the use of public rights-of-way. Minnesota city officials attending the NLC Congressional City Conference in Washington, DC are expected to discuss the critical issues raised by the FCC order in meetings early next week with members of the Minnesota Congressional Delegation. The League and the Minnesota Association of Community Telecommunications Administrations (MACTA) are sponsoring a workshop from 9:30 — 12 Noon, March 28, at the LMC Office, to examine the impact of the FCC Order on local franchising. (Watch for announcements in next week's edition of the IMC Cities Bulletin). Questions? ContactAnn Higgins at 651. 281.125 7 or ahiggins@lmnc.org. Zero discharge wastewater legislation addressed As was mentioned in last week's bulletin, two bills have been introduced that tie eligibility for state funding for wastewater infrastructure to the facility eliminating any discharge to surface water. The bills, Sala` 331 and &F,' 312. both offered bycaa._.:Ti_rag,aauer' (R -East Bethel) were scheduled to be heard in the Scna-te I°,nva:ro:rarxlexa't �ar'aal.:"ti�-att;�:r'al .l�.esr�a,�,r-r�.e�s Cornr: uttee last week. The League was scheduled to testify in opposition to both bills. March 9, 2007 Page 5 SF 331 would require all wastewater facilities receiving any state grants or loans after July 1, 2009 to include plans for the elimination of direct discharge and a wastewater reuse plan. After July 1, 2014, facilities must be zero discharge to be eligible for state funding of any sort, meaning that either all of its treated effluent is discharged to an underground aquifer or reused. The author withdrew the bill without presenting it. SF 332 would require that the state provide twice as much funding for zero discharge facilities as they give to any other form of wastewater treatment facility. While the author made amendments to soften the impacts on cities, it continues to allow zero -discharge projects to be eligible for up to $30,000 per hookup in Wastewater Infrastructure Fund grants when normal wastewater projects would be limited to spending $15,000 per hookup. The League testified that this change would both promote excessively expensive proposals for zero discharge systems and would create an even greater backlog in funding, as it provides no added grant funds, but potentially doubles how much each project could receive. The bill was passed on to the Senate Iri:nanc.e .ax�xxl e after the author agreed to work with the League to address those concerns before the language would be considered for inclusion in the budget bill. Questions? Contact Craig Johnson at 651.281.1259 or cjohnson@lmnc.org. Senator Dallas Sams passes away Former state Senator Dallas Sams (DFL - Staples) passed away on March 5 after a two year struggle with brain cancer. Senator Sams was a popular legislator around the Capitol and For mare information on city legislative issues, contact any member of the League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations team. 651.281.1200 or 800.925.1122 Mar 89 2807 15;59°18 Via Fax -> 6514528940 Administrator Page ®86 ®f ®®6 -rida a - Y A weekly legislative update from the League of Minnesota Cities served from 1990-2006. He worked especially hard on issues important to Greater Minnesota, but was always ready to listen or lend a helping hand if possible. Senator Sams chaired several important Senate committees, including Health & Human Services, Agriculture & Rural Development and the Economic Development Budget Committee. He enjoyed the legislative process and will be missed by many. Services will be held Friday, March 9 from 4 to 8 p.m., and the funeral will be on Saturday, March 10 at 11 a.m. Both services will be at the Staples High School gym. Have lunch with Governor Tim Pawlenty at the LMC Legislative Conference March 28-29, 2007 Governor Tim Pawlenty will address cities, counties, and school board officials at the first- ever joint local government legislative conference. Renewing the Pa ytnership—Legislative Conference for Cities, Counties and Schools is a historic coming -together and the only conference where city officials will: — Hear about the League's 2007 legislative priorities — Explore the common issues affecting all local governments—finances, local control, and transportation — Meet with legislators about common concerns Also, stick around for the networking social hour from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Kelly Inn, Sweetwater Bar and Grill. Date: March 28-29, 2007 March 9, 2007 Page 6 Location: St. Paul, Crowne Plaza (formerly the Radisson Riverfront) Registration Fee; $125 person Register today at: www.Imnc.org Questions? Contact Rebecca Erickson at 651.281.1222 or 800. 925.1122, or e-mail rerickso@lmnc.org. Town hall meetings Town hall meetings are a great chance to meet with your legislators and tell your city story close to home. Upcoming meetings in a city near you include: Mar. 10 in Rochester (Dunn Bros Coffee, 120 Elton Hills Lane NW, 8:30-9:30 a.m.) with Rep. Kim Dorton Mar. 10 in Spring Lake Park (City Hall, 11:00 a.m.) with Sen. Don Betzold and Rep. Tom Tillberry Mar. 17 in Eden Prairie (Eden Prairie Library, 565 Prairie Center Drive, 10:30-11:30 a.m.) with Rep. Maria Ruud Mar. 17 in Shoreview (City Hall, 11:00 a.m.) with Rep. Paul Gardner Check your local newspaper or radio station for additional dates. To receive e-mail notice of upcoming town hall meetings near you, subscribe online at htt':k:/ www.h.ouse.. isagp s ti:r.natl:i rigl:i.st.as and ... ..... x .. .. Y .. ,. . ......................_.............-_....._............_............_..............._...r ..r�'.,i:H .'.d't%.�.d'.`i It t.. i'�a" !%�''�'�w'.�:itrD.�9'%a.",.. t:'.:..�.,,�i.ak'$a::..a%:E:%:8.:%8..'s..._............._.._...,..._.._............................ 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