2007-02-09 Friday NewsThe Friday News
February 9, 2007
TRANSPORATION FORUM
On Thursday morning this week, the Minnesota Inter County Association and the Metro Cities
(AMM) hosted a Transportation Forum at Southview Country Club. The speakers included
Senator Steve Murphy, Chair of the Senate Transportation Finance Committee and
Representative Bernie Leider, Chair of the House Transportation Policy Finance Committee,
Bob McFarlin, Assistant to Carol Molnau, Senators Metzen, Carlson, Pappas and Joe Atkin were
also there.
The panel members discussed various transportation issues being considered on “the hill” this
year and then took questions from the audience. Most of the discussion centered on
maintenance, repairs and construction of roads and rails. The bottom line was that there is not
enough money to do everyone’s project, and in fact, revenues are declining. The legislators
talked about the possibility of adding 5¢ or 10¢ to the gas tax. They also said that Governor
Pawlenty has already put them on notice that he will not sign any bill that includes a gas tax
increase. The participants all felt that this gas tax increase is needed to improve our roads and
keep Minnesota a first class State. Senator Murphy thought the Governor should call the gas tax
a “fee”. If the Governor will not sign the gas tax increase, there are two hopes: one, that he
pockets the bill and lets it become a law without his signature; or two, that there are enough
votes to override the Governor’s veto.
It was a very interesting and informative meeting to attend.
MENDOTA HEIGHTS PAR 3 ON (DUAL TRACK)
The dual track process regarding the future of the Mendota Heights Par 3 property continues to
proceed. Monday of this week, staff was informed that the comprehensive plan amendment
passed by City Council in December has been administratively approved by the Metropolitan
Council. This amendment creates a new land use designation from Golf Course to Golf Course –
Small. Included in the designation is a set of conditions for development which are intended to
provide the City with controls to preserve as much open space as possible.
Tuesday of this week, City Council approved a Resolution, Notice of Special Election and
Sample Ballot for a referendum to purchase the Par 3 property. The election has been set for
Tuesday, April 24, 2007, from 7am to 8pm. Citizens can vote at the same polling places as a
regular election, and absentee ballots will be available 30 days prior to the election. This
referendum will provide the citizens of Mendota Heights an opportunity to decide the fate of this
property.
MENDOTA HEIGHTS HELPS OUT INVER GROVE HEIGHTS
Just before 10:00pm on Thursday, MHFD and Inver Grove Fire Departments were called to
respond to a crash on 494 near Robert Street. It was a very difficult fire and tanker trucks had to
be used to shuttle water to the scene (our tanker and two from Inver Grove Heights). The call
was reported to us as an accident with injuries. The incident involved two semi-trucks; one had
crossed the median and hit the other, head on, resulting in two fatalities. The collision resulted in
an explosion at scene. Three minutes after Chief Maczko’s arrival on the scene, both semi-
trucks were fully involved (totally burning) and, unfortunately, there was nothing that could be
done to save the two drivers. Firefighters cleared the scene at about 0400 hours Friday morning.
It was good work by both departments in a bad situation and under very cold conditions. There
were two minor injuries to our firefighters due to falls on the slippery road.
Respectfully submitted,
James Danielson
City Administrator
Attachments: Pipeline, Just the Facts, Par 3 Golf Course Letter from Met Council, Pioneer
Press article, “Par 3 Opponent Raises his Voice”; Pioneer Press blurb “Sage Market and Wine
Bar” Sun Current articles, “MH Voters to Determine Fate of Golf Course” and “Keeping Par-3
Golf Course is Hole-in-One”; Cities Bulletin; and Friday Fax.