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2016-07-01 Friday NewsCity of Mendota Heights Weekly Update Mendota Heights City Hall 1101 Victoria Curve www.mendota-heights.com (651) 452.1850 Visit us on: Facebook.com/ MendotaHeightsMN Twitter.com/ @Mendota_heights DATES TO REMEMBER: Monday, July 4 Independence Day City Offices closed Independence Day Mendakota County Club Fire Works Display Dusk Wednesday, July 6 City Council 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 12 Parks Commission 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 13 Airport Commission 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 19 City Council 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 26 Planning Commission 7:00 p.m. Attachments: Pipeline, Just the Facts July 1, 2016 Mendakota Country Club Fireworks Display Mendakota Country Club will be putting on a fireworks display on the 4th of July. The fireworks will begin around 10:00 p.m. The show will be visible from many locations in the city including: Mendakota Park, Rogers Lake, Mendota Plaza, The Village of Mendota Heights, City Hall, and Henry Sibley High School. Reminders for Next Week There are no tennis or playground programs next week. City Hall will be closed on Monday, July 4th in honor of Independence Day. Henry Sibley Warriors Recognized The City recognized the 3A State Baseball Tournament Champion Henry Sibley Warriors on Wednesday, June 29th. Four Mendota Heights fire trucks transported the baseball players from the High School, to the Village. The ceremony included comments from the Mayor Sandra Krebsbach and School Board Chair Joanne Mansur, introduction of the players and com- ments by Coach Greg Fehrman. 2016 Clean-up Day Fun Facts Residents shredded 11,344.65 lbs. of paper at the May 7 Clean-Up Day event, which resulted in the following environmental benefits:  8,213 lbs. of CO2 emissions avoided = 0.794 cars off the road per year  28 cubic yards of landfill space conserved  155,475 gallons of water saved = 17 pools of water saved  12,818 kWh of electricity saved = 34 years of energy demand for a laptop  95 trees preserved Thanks to all that participated in this year’s event. Public Works The Parks Crew cut grass on city properties, and attended a pollinator seminar on Monday. The fencing was taken down at the Friendly Hills hockey rink. Rogers Lake Park and Valley Park pavilions were power washed. The wood was sealed on the Mendakota Park pavilion. Irrigation maintenance was done city-wide. The Utilities Crew checked the lift stations daily. Wood mulch was put down around the Marie Park storm lift station. Sanitary sewer lines were cleaned on London Road, Brompton Place and Highway 13. Fire hydrant painting continues. There was a power outage on Sunday at 7 :00 am and was restored by 8:00 am. The Streets Crew attended the pollinator seminar. Catch basins were cleaned. A baseball was recovered from a storm grate for a resident. Blacktop repair was done on Concord Way, Cheyenne Road, Decorah Road, and the frontage road in Crown Point. A flasher was put up on the pedway under the 35E Bridge for a sinkhole. A sign was installed at the entrance of the Village. Engineering – Project descriptions simplified for easier reading. For more information, please contact the Engineering Department at (651) 452 -1850. City Projects (construction year) Victoria Road Reconstruction & Rolling Green Neighborhood Rehabilitation (2014/2015) – Landscape restoration and catch basin installation at the corner of Stratford and Victoria is scheduled for the coming weeks. Sidewalk installation at Walsh & Victoria is scheduled for next week. Remaining boulevard sod replacements are scheduled. Mendota Road Neighborhood Improvements (2016) – Contractor has started the project. Pavement removal and storm sewer installation has begun on Mendota Road. Substantial completion for Mendota Road (frontage road) is estimated for early September; substantial completion for Warrior Drive, High Ridge Circle, and Sibley Court is expected in early August. Update of Local Surface Water Management Plan (LSWMP) – The consultant needs to see the City’s previous model (cir. 1993). City Staff will provide this mode l so the consultant can complete the draft plan. Watershed Management Organization approval is expected in August with final City adoption in January 2017. Lake Augusta Alum Treatment (2016) –The Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization (LMRMWO) will be managing the project that will apply The Pipeline July 1, 2016 N E W S L E T T E R Public Works Engineering alum to the lake to reduce the amount of phosphorus in the water. Treatment is expected in September/October. Ivy Falls Creek Control Structure Repair (2016) – Staff will be including the lining of a faulty outlet pipe at one of the storm water pond s located on Somerset Country Club with the Sanitary Sewer Lining contract to be executed later this year. Staff will provide a temporary repair until then. County Projects Highway 110 Greenway Trail Crossing (2017) – Staff met with County staff on Wednesday for a project update. County staff is coordinating the trail alignment with representatives from MnDOT, Mendota Plaza, and Dodge Nature Center. Design is anticipated to be complete in time to bid with the MnDOT Highway 110 Rehabilitation project (see below). County staff will be participating in an open house on August 18th at Market Square Park. For more information contact Jacob Rezak, Project Manager, at 952-891-7981 or jacob.rezak@co.dakota.mn.us Traffic Signal Improvements: I-494 & Pilot Knob Road (2016) – Signal installation is nearly complete. A Joint Powers Agreement for shared financing of the project will be presented at the July 6th (Wednesday) City Council Meeting. For more information, or if timing of the signal appears off, contact Stacy Reilly, Project Coordinator at stacy.reilly@co.dakota.mn.us or at 952-891-7935. East-West Transit Study – There will be a Policy Maker Workshop on July 13 th at Eagan City Hall. City Council appointed Mayor Krebsbach as the primary representative to this workshop at their June 21 st Council meeting. Council Member Norton was appointed as the alternate. There are two open houses scheduled for July 19 from 4:00pm – 6:00pm at the Apple Valley Transit Station and July 20th from 5:00pm – 7:00pm at the Wentworth Library. The study group will have a web page going live soon. The web site will included an interactive map where the public can mark and comment on their transit preferences. For more information, contact Joe Morneau, Dakota County Project Manager, at 952- 891-7986 or joe.morneau@co.dakota.mn.us. State Projects Highway 13 Slope Repair (2015-2016) – Highway 13 will close mid-morning on July 5th. The highway will reopen on September 2 nd, according to the contractor’s schedule and the MnDOT permit issued for the closure. The City has asked for weekly updates that will be posted on the City web page. The City’s Facebook site will also be used to communicate updates. The City sent a letter to area residents outlining these details. Highway 110 Rehabilitation (2017) – Staff attended an area business open house on Wednesday at Mendoberri in The Village. Many business representatives attended and provided comments about the project. MnDOT has already began to act on issues raised by area residents during a neighborhood meeting held on June 15th. There will be a public open house at Market Square Park on August 18 th from 4:30 – 6:30. City Hall will be the alternate location should weather interfere with the open house. For more information contact Molly Cline, MnDOT Project Manager, at 651-234-7723 or molly.cline@state.mn.us. Highway 149 (Dodd Road) Rehabilitation (2018) – Staff is assisting the MnDOT project team in producing the Environmental Document for the project, and is coordinating the incorporation of the trail gap segment between Maple Street and Marie Avenue. Staff will be meeting with MnDOT next week to finalize the details of i ncorporating the trail into the highway project. Contact Tara McBride, MnDOT Project Manager at 651-234-7506, or tara.mcbride@state.mn.us for more project information. Other Activities Engineering Consultant Services Pool – Staff is producing the contract documents to send to the selected consultants. By establishing a pre-approved consultant pool, the City will be able to more quickly and efficiently bring in consultant assistance on projects and other necessary tasks. Please contact the Engineering Department for questions or further information. Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Peer review – The consultant is analyzing the methodology used in prioritizing CIP projects (focusing on street improvements) and how cost estimates are derived. The Consultant is scheduled to present their findings to City Council in a workshop on July 6 th (Wednesday) at 5:30pm. Highway 149 Trail Corridor Plan & SHIP Grant – Staff discussed utility relocation costs with our consultant and representatives from Xcel Energy on Thursday. Staff is expecting some preliminary cost estimates and recommended trail alignments by July 6th for inclusion in the application for Regional Solicitation Grant Funding through the Metropolitan Council . The grant application will be a joint application with Dakota County and would be for funding to construct a separated trail facility between Marie Avenue and Delaware Avenue along Dodd Road, as well as part of the Mendota-Lebanon Hills Greenway Trail from Decorah Lane/Wagon Wheel Trail south to Mendota Heights Road. Grant applications are due July 15 th. APWA Conference Committee – Staff attended the planning committee meeting for the November APWA conference held in Brooklyn Center. This year’s theme is “Dare Greatly” and is based upon the life of Theodore Roosevelt. The theme is also tied to celebrating the 100th anniversary of the National Park System. Pollinator Friendly Activity Seminar – Monday morning Dakota County Master Gardeners provi ded an educational opportunity for City Staff by presenting a seminar on ways the City could incorporate pollinator Friendly activities into our daily work routines. 14 City personnel atten ded the seminar including 11 from Public Works. In January, the City Council passed a Resolution declaring Mendota Heights as a pollinator friendly City. This seminar was part of an adopted work plan to support that declaration.   1   The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department CHIEF Mike Aschenbrener SERGEANTS Eric Petersen Tanner Spicer Peyton Fleming POLICE OFFICERS John Larrive Todd Rosse Jeff VonFeldt Denise Urmann Michael Shepard Nick Gorgos Robin Nelson Steve Hilyar Phillip McCarty INVESTIGATIONS Chad Willson SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER Jennifer Fordham SUPPORT STAFF Kim Henning Trista Miller Shayna Hoechst Becky Pentel RESERVES Randy Pentel Jim Knox Jeff Parker Jon Clayton Dan Iverson CHAPLAINS Butch Millett John Snider Alberto Vargas Lynn Liberman Sue Plucker Joel Detlefsen Lenny Andrie JULY 01, 2016    FIREWORKS In a 75‐56 vote, the Minnesota House passed a bill to expand the state’s list of legal fireworks. Under the bill, “aerial and audible devices,” like bottle rockets and firecrackers, could be sold and used legally. Current law allows only sparklers and other novelty devices. This bill clearly states that a town, city or township has the authority to limit or restrict the sales or use of fireworks.” Minnesota fire chiefs association and other safety minded organizations are strongly opposed. Rep. Joe Atkins, DFL‐Inver Grove Heights, said the aerial fireworks are much more powerful. “There’s no way that you’re not going to see greater injuries, not just in frequency but in severity,” Atkins said. “So while I’m pro‐fun and pro‐freedom, I’m also pro‐fingers and pro‐eyes.” Governor Mark Dayton vetoed a similar fireworks bill in 2012 and he remains opposed to an expansion. FIREWORKS SAFETY Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks. Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting. A responsible adult SHOULD supervise all firework activities. Never give fireworks to children. Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show. Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks. Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away. Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles. Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water. Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby. Never carry fireworks in your POCKET or shoot them into METAL or GLASS containers. Do not experiment with homemade fireworks. Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day. FAA regulations PROHIBIT the possession and transportation of fireworks in your checked baggage or carry-on luggage. Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department. 2   DISTURB THE PEACE THURSDAY 1229 HOURS Officer Jenny Fordham and Sergeant Tanner Spicer reported to a local motel on a disturbance. The disturbance ended up being domestic as a boyfriend/girlfriend were having a verbal argument that was ap- proaching the physical level with their children present Officers intervened and calmed down the parties. The parties were reminded of how their action were impacting their children. Officers were helped coordinate arrangements for a cooling off period to ensure the safety of the children and the parties involved. DAMAGED PROPERTY/H&R MONDAY 1121 HOURS MH City staff reported that the park gate at the Historic Pilot Knob site was again damaged. Upon arrival, further inspection by Officer Todd Rosse showed the gate had been struck by a vehicle which had left the scene. The vehicle part left on scene identified it as probably coming from a full size GMC sport utility or pick-up truck with a headlight lens missing. Property checked into evidence and photos of the scene were taken. FOUND PROPERTY MONDAY 1600 HOURS Officer Fordham responded to the lobby to take custody of a found backpack. The blue backpack was found near the bike trails near Old Hwy 13 & the Hwy 55 bridge (Scenic Overlook area). The backpack was clean and nothing was found within to identify the owner. Item placed into property for safekeeping. CRISIS TUESDAY 10325 HOURS Officer Nick Gorgos and Sergeant Peyton Fleming responded to a residence on report of suicide threats. The party had allegedly written a note to their spouse with intentions and then had left the residence. The man did return just before officers arrived and spoke with them. He did deny writing such intentions but other remarks made indicated worrisome thoughts. Officers put him in touch with Dakota County Crisis who offered some resources. FOUND PROPERTY TUESDAY 1939 HOURS An employee found a loaded firearm lying on the grass near the road close to a business. The firearm was damaged with marks consistent with being thrown from a vehicle. Firearm was not listed as stolen and was placed into property for safekeeping. TRESPASSING WEDNESDAY 1345 HOURS A resident responded to the lobby and spoke with Officer John Larrive about her neighbor. The resident has guardianship over the property previously owned and occupied by her parents. A neighbor reportedly has not only stolen property from the property but also dumps her garbage without permission in the roll-off dump- ster on the property. The neighbor has been spoken with about this issue but have received no cooperation. Officer Larrive spoke with the offending party and advised them of possible charges if the behavior continues. Owners were advised to call police if the neighbor returns. 3   TRAVEL SAFE! It a busy travel season right now with many people planning a fun trip camping or going to the cabin for the holiday weekend. According to the MN State Patrol we are in the middle of the 100 deadliest days of summer on MN roadways. ALWAYS REMEMBER TO: Make sure everyone is BUCKLED UP! Slow DOWN and obey posted speed limits. Pay attention to the roadway! Don’t let dis- tractions keep you from being safe. Secure your load if you are towing or hauling ANTHING! Stay SOBER while driving! 2016 YTD Calls for Service Citations Warnings Police Reports Response Time Average Check out the MH Crime Map! Click below to search your neighborhood: https://www.raidsonline.com 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, MN 55118 If you are a Mendota Heights resident and you are going out of town or on vacation, you can notify MHPD of your outing and we will be more than happy to keep a watchful eye on your home while you are away. The House Check Request online form is available on our website; you can complete a form found in our lobby, or simply give us a call and we’ll help you out. MHPD offers monthly Car Seat Safety Checks. To schedule an appointment, call 651.452.1366 or email jennyf@mendota‐heights.com to contact Ofϐicer Jennifer Fordham. MHPD has a Medication Disposal Box in the lobby of the PD where Dakota County residents can safely and anonymously dispose of their prescription drugs and over‐the‐counter medication. Please send us your positive feedback on our staff to: pdrecords@ mendota-heights.com Your feedback is greatly appreciated and helps boost the morale of our staff. HAVE A SAFE WEEK!