2008-07-11 Friday News
July 3, 2008
Pilot Knob Site
On Wednesday Great River Greening staff coordinated over a dozen
volunteers, two from Dakota Technical School plus eleven high school
students from a metro “Youth Care Program”, who volunteered to remove
and stack invasive plants (buckthorn, spotted knapweed, etc). Despite the
dry weather the native grasses that were planted last year have taken quite
well. Great River Greening staff will soon begin construction of a four foot
wide gravel trail and overlook on the Phase 1 site on the westerly side of
Pilot Knob Road. They plan to reclaim crushed-rock used as base material
under the asphalt surface. Several weeks ago the City contracted with a
local excavator to remove approximately 350 lineal feet of the asphalt
surfacing. After the crushed-rock base is salvaged most of the old roadbed
will be top-dressed and restored with native grasses and plants. F
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July 11, 2008
Roger’s Lake
Rick Walsh, MN DNR Fisheries as part of the “Fishing in the Neighborhood Program” was do-
ing a fish survey of Roger’s Lake this past week. They used a boat with a motor, which resulted
in a few calls to City Hall, when sampling (netting, identifying, and counting) the fish population
of the lake. Results of their findings will be available this fall on the DNR web site. Mr. Walsh
reported that the lake has become quite weedy this year and suggested the City consider vegeta-
tion control around the dock area. City staff is awaiting return calls from contractors capable of
harvesting the weeds in this area which is difficult due to the shallowness of the lake. In 2009
consideration will be given to chemically treat this portion of the lake to reduce weed develop-
ment near the fishing pier.
Serious Fire on Bluebill
There was a house fire at the northeast corner of Bluebill and Dodd Road on Tuesday of this
week, the Fire Chief’s report follows:
The fire was reported by a passerby at 10:23 dispatched as a deck fire then updated 60 seconds
later that it was fully involved house fire.
Mutual aid was requested immediately from IGH and Eagan.
Dispatcher Kelly did a fantastic job helping us to manage the scene. (I believe Kelly even
prompted the initial responders if Mutual aid was desired).
Firefighter Jamie Lerbs assumed command and did a great job. Engine 10 on scene within six
minutes after call followed immediately by Ladder 10. Initial response was 10 firefighters on
scene and 3 retired Firefighters and I believe within a 1/2 hour of initial dispatch 22 of 33 MH
firefighters were on scene and in the end 26 MH firefighters were involved. (very impressive)
Followed very quickly by Eagan and IGH. (impressive response times for both) and chief offic-
ers from both city’s assisted in management of the scene.
July 3, 2008
Baby in a Bathtub
Congratulations go out to Councilmember Duggan who had his 4th grandchild born this week by his daughter
in New York City. Eleri Ruth Peterson was born at home on July 9th at 8:32 a.m. weighing 9 lbs and 20-1/2
inches long. Eleri is doing well at home with papa, mama and Cleo.
Attachments
Just the Facts (to follow), Pipeline, City Council Agenda, Twincities.com Article “Mendota Heights/Passer-
by rescue teen from fire”, MNSUN Article “Flower pot may be cause of deck fire in Mendota Heights” and
“Web streaming launched in northern Dakota County” and SouthwestReviewNews.com Article “Online meet-
ings go live”.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!
MH Public works, MHPD and WSP reserves assisted in traffic/crowd control closing Dodd for a period of
time and Health East provided Medical standby.
Initial attack was combination 1 1/2” and 2 1/2” lines. One to the back and the other through the front window
and front door. Eagan Ladder 2 did a great job in knocking down the fire to allow interior advancement.
Great work done by all crews from all cities.
Fire investigation lead by Officer Mario Reyes, Fire Marshall Kaiser and Roy Kingsley and then later assisted
a Liberty Mutual insurance investigator Jeff Washinger. The fire was ruled accidental .
Prior to arrival 3 persons noticed the fire and stopped to assist. They initially attempted to put the fire out on
the deck but quickly found it a futile attempt. They knocked on windows and were able to make entry to the
home through an open door and found they had awaken a sleeping girl who’s bedroom was directly below the
Deck. Reports are that at the time they made contact that the interior smoke alarms then began sounding. As
they left the house the smoke was filling the living areas. A next door neighbor backed a truck and a motorcy-
cle out of the garage.
The home and contents are a total loss but the garage and work shop areas were saved.
Thanks to everyone who helped.
Dates to Remember in July
City Council Meeting 7/15/08 7:00
NOC Meeting 7/16/08 1:30
MAC Commission Meeting 7/21/08 1:00
Planning Commission Meeting 7/22/08 7:00 (Note time change)