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Friday News 12 07 2012 December 7, 2012 Dates to Remember: December 11, 2012 Parks and Rec. Comm. 6:30 p.m. December 18, 2012 City Council 7:00 p.m. Jack Vitelli Day reception 5:30 p.m. December 26, 2012 Planning Commission 7:00 p.m. January 8, 2013 Parks and Rec. Comm. 6:30 p.m. City Council 7:00 p.m. Attachments: Pipeline, Just the Facts Friday News Mendota Heights Weekly Report on City Activities Mendota Heights City Hall 1101 Victoria Curve www.mendota-heights.com (651) 452-1850 Snowfall Rumor has it that Winter might make it’s return this weekend. Please keep in mind that all ve- hicles must be removed from public streets fol- lowing a snowfall of two inches or more. For those of you looking forward to exploring a winter wonderland, crews will plow all of our trails, but only after streets are completed. Ice rink flooding is underway, we are hopeful to open rinks around December 22. A Week Full of Events This past Saturday, the Par 3 hosted the Cher- okee Golf League Die-Hard Tournament. 24 golfers enjoyed comfortable temperatures and a snow-free course for their annual tradition. If weather permits, they hope to host another tournament for New Years! The Village at Mendota Heights was packed Saturday afternoon/evening as families, friends and neighbors enjoyed hayrides, carolers and more. Mayor Krebsbach switched on the holi- day lights at The Village around 5:00 p.m. Mendota Plaza held their annual tree -lighting Thursday evening, with live music and warm treats. Councilmember Jack Vitelli turned on the holiday lights at 6:00 p.m. These great community events help to make Mendota Heights special. Thank You The tragedy in Cold Spring this past week serves as a reminder that even routine tasks for police officers can turn deadly without warning. Our sincere thanks go out to everyone who dons a uniform to protect our public safety. Public Works The Parks Crew worked on replacing the roof and radio on unit #5910. The hoses, fittings and hydrant wrenches were brought to the warming houses for flooding. Holes were filled in around the warming house at Marie Park. Flooding of the ice rinks has started. The Utilities Crew changed out pump 2 “time delay relay” at the Culligan lift station. HVAC filters were changed out along with the fan belts at the Mendota Heights Road lift station. Bobby inspected a sanitary sewer line at 557 Junction Lane for a service repair. The Lilydale lift station’s panels were painted to cover graffiti, hopefully for the last time this year. The Streets Crew cleaned up brush left by Xcel on Ivy Falls Court. New tires were put on the John Deere backhoe. The sander was put on the plow truck box. The tractor was steam cleaned and greased. Engineering City Projects (construction year) Dodd Road/Highway 110 Intersection Pedestrian Improvements (2013) – The consultant is setting up a utility coordination meeting with the owners of all private utilities in the intersection. This meeting is designed to minimize conflicts and activities for an efficient project construction. The consultant will be providing the City Council with an update and review o f the final design plans at the December 18th City Council meeting. Final plans are anticipated over the winter with bidding and construction in 2013. Hunter Lane/Orchard Place Neighborhood Improvements (2013) – Staff is working on the final design plans. A second informational meeting is anticipated over the winter to go over specific property design issues with affected residents. Final plan completion is expected in late winter/early spring with construction starting in June 2013. Crown Point & Overlook Neighborhood Rehabilitations (2013) –Staff is working on the final design plans. If necessary, a neighborhood open house will be held over the winter to work out specific design issues with property owners. Final plans will be prepared anticipating spring 2013 construction. The Pipeline N E W S L E T T E R Public Works Engineering Code Enforcement December 7, 2012 Lexington Avenue Pedestrian Trail, Hwy 110 to Douglas Avenue (2013) – Staff is preparing design plans for a trail rehabilitation project to be completed during the summer of 2013. Dakota County has included this project in their Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to augment project cost. The City is responsible for 55% of the construction cost and design services, and the County will provide 45% of the construction cost. County Projects North Urban Regional Trail (NURT) Realignment – Staff met with officials at Dakota County to discuss the proposed realignment of the NURT between Highway 110 and Warrior Drive in Mendota Heights and Marie Avenue and Charlton in West Saint Paul. Dakota County is considering three alignment alternatives for the project: Dodge Nature Canter in West Saint Paul, utilizing the new Delaware Avenue Trail, or Warrior Drive in Mendota Heights. The County is discussing the alignment with Dodge Nature Center as that is the County’s preferred option. Public meetings on the realignment are anticipated over the winter. Blue Thumb Program – Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation district has set the 2013 Blue Thumb schedule of seminars. The Blue Thumb program is for area residents interested in building rain gardens on their property to assist in storm water runoff control and treatment. The program outline and schedule of seminars is attached. State Projects Highway 149/Interstate 494 Improvements – Staff attended a meeting with MnDOT and the City of Eagan about the pending reconstruction project for Dodd Road south of Interstate 494 in Eagan. The project, scheduled for 2014 construction may include reconstruction of the interchange ramps at Dodd an I-494, along with traffic signal replacement. Also scheduled for 2014 construction is the resurfacing of Dodd Road fro m I-494 to Annapolis Street in Mendota Heights. The projects are in the preliminary stages of design and more information will be shared in the near future. Other Activities Five-Year Infrastructure Plans – Staff is working on updates for the Street Improvement Plan (SIP) and the Sanitary Sewer Improvement and Maintenance Plan (SSIMP). Projects within the plans are being prioritized based on infrastructure need and available resources. The 2013 -2017 plans will be presented to City Council at the December 18th meeting. Staff is also working on completing a Trail Improvement and Maintenance Plan (TIMP) for Council review early in 2013. Once acknowledged, the plans will be posted on the City’s web-page. Future Cities Competition – Staff continues to volunteer as the Engineering Mentor at Friendly Hills Middle School for the Future Cities Program. This week the Public Works Director joined the PWDs from Eagan and West Saint Paul to serve and “mock judges” of the students’ project presentations. The competition is January 19th and the practice presentations will help the students feel more comfortable during the actual presentation. Gun Club Lake Watershed Management Organization (GCLWMO) – Staff attended the quarterly meeting of the GCLWMO in Eagan. At the meeting the Board decided on their future governance model that had been under scrutiny for most of 2012. The Board decided to restructure their mission to delegate most of the compliance related activities to the member Cities, and to adopt a few over-arching activities they could accomplish on behalf of all member cities. This model is very similar to the Lower Mississippi River WMO structure, and the GCLWMO will be restructuring their management plan to reflect these changes. Join us for a free Blue Thumb presentation to see dozens of inspirational and affordable garden designs that integrate native plants and clean our waters. BlueThumb.org After attending you can receive design and installation assistance. Some Dakota County residents will also qualify for a $250 grant to install their new gardens. Native gardens are beautiful, save water , and provide wildlife habitat. Raingardens filter dirty stormwater from streets and rooftops before it enters streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes. Native plants have long roots that anchor soil and filter out pollutants while discouraging geese from congregating. Apple Valley- Thursday, February 28 Apple Valley Municipal Center 7100 West 147th Street. Burnsville – Monday, March 4 Burnsville City Hall, 100 Civic Ctr. Pkwy. Hastings Spring Lake Park - Tuesday, March 12 Schaars Bluff Gathering Center 8395 127th Street East, Hastings South St. Paul - Thursday, March 14 South St. Paul City Hall 125 3rd Avenue North Eagan – Monday, March 25 Eagan City Hall, 3830 Pilot Knob Rd. Lakeville -Wednesday, March 27 Lakeville City Hall, 20195 Holyoke Ave. Farmington - Monday, April 1 Farmington Library, 508 Third St. Apple Valley - Thursday April 4 Apple Valley Municipal Center 7100 West 147th Street Burnsville – Tuesday, April 9 Burnsville City Hall, 100 Civic Ctr. Pkwy. Mendota Heights – Wednesday, April 17 Mendota Heights City Hall 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights Apple Valley, Thursday. , February 28 Burnsville, Monday, March 4 Hastings, Tuesday, March 12 South St. Paul, Thursday, March 14 Eagan, Monday, March 25 Lakeville, Wednesday, March 27 Farmington, Monday, April 1 Apple Valley, Thursday, April 4 Burnsville, Tuesday, April 9 Mendota Heights, Wednesday, April 17 Yes, I will attend the workshop checked below: Planting for Clean Water workshops will be held at 6:15 p.m. at the following locations: To register please email, telephone, mail or fax the following information to: Dakota County SWCD 4100 220th Street West, Suite 102 Farmington, MN 55024 Phone: 651-480-7777 Fax: 651-480-7775 Email: swcd@co.dakota.mn.us Registration Required Name_____________________________________ Address____________________________________ City________________ State________ Zip________ Email______________________________________ Phone_____________________________________ Dates, Times and Locations for 2013 Cities of Lillydale and Sunfish Lake Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District Vermillion River Joint Powers Organization Black Dog Watershed Management Organization Gun Club Lake Watershed Management Organization Lower Mississippi River WMO Blue Thumb- Planting for Clean Water Workshops are hosted by Dakota County SWCD in partnership with: Workshop funding provided by: 12/7/2012 The Mendota Heights Police Department Support Staff Kim Henning Susan Donovan Becky Pentel Police Officers Jerry Murphy Scott Patrick John Larrive Bobby Lambert Tanner Spicer Todd Rosse Chad Willson Jeff VonFeldt Steven Meyer Denise Urmann Michael Shepard Peyton Fleming School Resource Officer Jennifer Fordham Investigations Mario Reyes Tanner Spicer Sergeants Neil Garlock Brian Convery Eric Petersen Reserves Randy Pentel Jesse Mettner Jim Knox Jarrod Spicer Jeff Parker George Castillo Chaplains John Snider Frances Cuena Butch Millett Lynn Liberman Sue Plucker Chief Mike Aschenbrener MHPD is accepting toy donations until December 19th in the lobby of the PD & City Hall. “Toys for Tots” is a national charity run by the United States Marine Corp Reserve. They receive high marks for ensuring the program is well run and the dollars/toys donated make it to those in need. If you can’t stop by visit: http://www.toysfortots.org/Default.aspx to make a donation or learn more about how you can help or ensure someone you know receives a toy. House Checks / Vacation Checks http://www.mendota-heights.com/index.asp?Type=SUPERFORMS&SEC={EC2069E9-00AD-4706-97A4- ECA734478ACC} Were you aware of this great service provided by the police department? Here’s how to list your property/needs: 1.) Go to the city website @ www.mendota-heights.com. On the main page, left side, select Online Interactive Forms. Alternatively, pick up a form at the station or give us a call. The time frame can be as short as a few days or for a few months. This really helps us keep you and your property safe! Parking Complaint Wednesday 1917 hours Caller reporting that he returned home to find a red pickup truck, not his, parked blocking his garage door. Officer Shepard attempted to make contact at all the local businesses without success. Eventually the truck was cited and towed. AOA Car Prowlers Thursday 0219 hours Officer VonFeldt assisted West St. Paul PD at the corner of Hwy 110 and Delaware. A resident was watching as a male exited a white Pontiac Grand Am and began looking through cars. The Grand Am has dark tinted windows. The thief was gone before squads arrived. The area was checked without success. “Tis the season” to have presents taken from inside of your car. Please don’t leave anything of value in your car. “Just the Facts” The latest news from the Mendota Heights Police Department 12/7/2012 Car vs Deer Friday 0647 hours Caller requested an officer document the damage caused when they hit a deer. Officer Lambert arrived, noted the damage in the CAD log, the public works crew was notified to pick up the carcass on the north side of Marie near the intersection with Ridgewood. At 1105 Officer Lambert responded to his second ‘car vs. deer’ of the morning. Both the car and deer were gone from Hwy 110 and Delaware. Attempted Fraud Friday 1324 hours Officer Scott Patrick spoke with a resident who had just won a Mercedes Benz and $245,000 in cash. Both to be delivered on Saturday morning – and it could be all his, if only he would send $400 in a money order to “Ima Criminal.” Really? All of that, and they can’t afford $400 more dollars for shipping? IF IT IS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE IT IS. Kudos to the resident who handled it perfectly – he called for advice before he took any action. Saturday morning the caller updated Officer Patrick, his new car never showed up. Extra Patrol Request Friday 1434 hours Officer Scott Patrick and the DCC received an earful from an anonymous caller about the “morons and idiots that speed through the development.” The man refused to leave his name only to say that he is the “most hated person in Mendota Heights.” Unfortunately a rant without any true identifying information does not help increase patrol efforts. Neighbor Harassment Friday 1509 hours Officer Patrick received a call from a concerned neighbor about being harassed. The neighbor on multiple occasions has driven past, and with his hand simulates shooting the caller. Previously this behavior has been presented to the prosecutor who advised it does not reach the level of being criminal. The caller was again advised of his options. Dumping Complaint Friday 1609 hours Caller can see three cars in St. Peter’s Cemetery dumping debris over the side of the ravine. Officer Lambert arrived and found the suspects were GOA. The caller advised there was a pile of brush in the ravine that wasn’t there earlier. Suspicious Vehicle Saturday 0152 hours Officer Steve Meyer was flagged down by a railroad employee who reported being followed by a white Ford Crown Victoria. The car shut off lights and followed down Lilydale Road. Car was GOA. Continued to check the area. Overnight Parking Saturday 0235 hours The winter parking ban between 0200 and 0600 hours is now in effect until spring. Officer Meyer checked for violators for the second night in a row based on a citizen report. No violations found. Suspicious Person Saturday 0457 hours Officer Fleming had the opportunity to speak with an intoxicated man from out of state. The caller was reporting a stalking in Lilydale. The victim, a steady customer over the years, had contacted the caller for advice on what to do. After listening to the man he was advised to have the victim call if there was a problem. At 0910 hours on Sunday Officer Bobby Lambert, with assistance from Officer Patrick, responded to the home of the victim regarding a 12/7/2012 man/stalker living in her attic. The access space and attic were checked no signs of anyone living in the attic. Caller advised to call the next time she hears the stalker in the attic. Domestic? Sunday 1010 hours Caller reported screaming at the neighbor’s house. Officer Patrick learned the loud discussion concerned finances. Nothing physical and no fear of being physical. The male half of the relationship was being counseled by the female half about what happens when you spend all of the family money at the bar. Clear - nothing further. Disturbance Tuesday 1553 hours Caller reported a disturbance at the home of regular service user. Officer John Larrive responded to the house where he was met by the homeowner. She advised that she was arguing with her boyfriend about the keys to the home. The male half had walked away just prior to the officers’ arrival. After talking with the homeowner it was clear that no laws were broken other than that of being a good neighbor. Warrant Arrest / Stolen Auto Wednesday 1413 hours Officer John Larrive contacted Lake City PD after receiving a computer message about a stolen auto that could be coming to MH. After some effort it was learned the party was headed here to pick up a paycheck. Investigators Reyes and Spicer in staked out the area. By 1720 they, with Officer Larrive, had the suspect in custody, recovered the stolen SUV and made arrangements for the crook to spend some time in the Dakota County Jail on possession of stolen property charges. AOA Wednesday 1547 hours Officer John Larrive responded to a report of a truck vs. SUV on Hwy 13 at MH Road. The SUV was on its roof and no one was getting out. Witnesses were on scene and MSP was also en route. Upon arrival it was learned that although the crash looked horrible, the driver only had a broken arm. HealthEast ambulance took care of the medical and the State Trooper wrote the crash. Condolences to the Family of Cold Spring Police Officer Timothy Decker Every day, officers around the world approach every situation with one goal – to protect and serve. When a fellow officer is killed in the line of duty, we are all reminded of the unpredictable nature of their chosen career. Losing a family member and a friend is horrible; to police officers, it is the loss of a fellow brother. This was evident by the 2300+ law enforcement personnel who attended the services. Representing Mendota Heights at the funeral; Sergeant Neil Garlock, Officer Steve Meyer, Officer Mike Shepard, Reserve Officer Jim Knox and Reserve Officer Jeff Parker. "It is not how these officers died that made them heroes, it is how they lived." —Vivian Eney Cross, Survivor Winter Storm Warning was issued earlier this morning by the National Weather Service. Please use caution as you move around outside over the weekend. Time to check the car and make sure you have all your winter needs covered. Have a great weekend! Mike & Kim 12/7/2012 We are all witness to the devastation Hurricane Sandy created in New York, New Jersey and parts of several other states. Fortunately, we have the Red Cross and other agencies that are providing the shelter, medicine, clothing, food and supplies that the people of those states critically need. Now that the immediate needs of these families are being met, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation has begun making plans to help fulfill the Christmas dreams for the displaced children of that region. Last year we provided gifts to over 500,000 children in those areas, but unfortunately, we still ran out of gifts long before we ran out of children. This year, because of Hurricane Sandy and its destruction, there will be even more desperate parents trying to determine how to provide Christmas gifts for their children. We intend to be there for these unfortunate families. You might say that toys are nonessentials. You’re right, but why should the children who just lost everything have to lose their hope and belief in Santa as well! Please join the cause by donating a new unwrapped toy. Collection boxes are placed at the Mendota Heights Police Department and City Hall. All toys will be hand delivered to the KARE 11 studios drop off sight during Law Enforcement night on December 19th. Every child deserves a Christmas. Make a difference for those less fortunate and donate a toy. -From all of us at the Mendota Heights Police Department- Happy Holidays!