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Friday News 12 14 2012 December 14, 2012 Dates to Remember: 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. January 15, 2013 City Council 7:00 p.m. Attachments: Pipeline, Just the Facts, CDA Press Release Friday News Mendota Heights Weekly Report on City Activities Mendota Heights City Hall 1101 Victoria Curve www.mendota-heights.com (651) 452-1850 Great Work This past weekend’s snowstorm packed quite a wallop, leaving us with right around 12 inches of snow to clear. Our Public Works staff did a great job staying on top of the conditions, plow- ing all city streets twice on Sunday. As a result, Mendota Heights streets were in good condition on Monday and Tuesday, avoid- ing the slippery ice-pack conditions which oc- curred on roads not cleared as quickly. Our crews had moved on to clearing trails while many cities were still trying to clear streets. Thank you for your great work. First Time Homebuyers The Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA) is hoping to get the word out about their First Time Homebuyer program. The program is targeted at first time buyers, as well as those who have not owned a home in the past three years. These programs are income-qualified; appli- cants must complete a homebuyer education course before any assistance is provided. Op- portunities include Mortgage Credit Certificates and up to $10,000 in down payment and clos- ing cost assistance. CDA staff are handling all aspects of this pro- gram—please see the attached press release for further information. Thank You Jack The city council meeting this coming week will be the last for councilmember Jack Vitelli. Please join us in thanking Jack for his many contributions to the community at a reception, starting at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. Public Works The Parks Crew continues to flood the ice rinks. They plowed the cul-de- sacs, parking lots and pedways. A hydrant fitting was replaced at the Friendly Hills rink. The cutting edge on unit 501 was changed. The Utilities Crew cleaned grease off the floats at the Veronica lift station. He also plowed cul-de-sacs and the middle area of the City. The lift stations were plowed and shoveled. They also helped with truck repairs during the snow storm. Five new hydrant flags were installed on Marie Avenue. The Streets Crew plowed snow from early Sunday into Monday morning. Mailboxes and other repairs were made from the snow storm. A steering hose was replaced on the tractor. Snow was removed from bridge deck s. 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 of the final design plans at the January 15th City Council meeting. The final plan coordination through MnDOT offices is taking slightly longer than anticipated. 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 later this 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 The Pipeline N E W S L E T T E R Public Works Engineering Code Enforcement December 14, 2012 will be held over the winter to work out specific design issues with property owners. Final plans will be prepared anticipating spring 2013 construction. 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. Plans will likely be bid with one of the City’s street projects this spring. Highway 13 Trail Connection (2013) – Staff is anticipating construction of a trail connection along the south side of Highway 13 to connect the pedestrian trail from Riverside Lane to Lilydale Road. More information will be published about this project over the winter. State Projects Highway 149/Interstate 494 Improvements – Staff has been talking with both 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 has completed 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. The updated plans will be published on the City web page once City Council has acknowledged/approved the plans. Staff is also working on completing a Trail Improvement and Maintenance Plan (TIMP) for Council review early in 2013. The TIMP was presented in draft form to the Parks and Recreation Commission this past Tuesday night. The Commission will be offering suggestions on prioritization of trail projects and potential funding sources. Once acknowledged by the City Council later this year, the plan will be posted on the City’s web-page. 12/14/2011 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 Jarrod Spicer Jim Knox Jeff Parker George Castillo Chaplains John Snider Lynn Liberman Frances Colon Alberto Vargas Butch Millett David Wick Chief Mike Aschenbrener Drop of your toys at Mendota Heights City Hall by December 19th and watch KARE 11 at 2200 hours to see your donation and others on the air! Mendota VFW Vasatka-Goers Post #6690 – AmVets Post 1 Donations VFW Post 6690 Commander – Past AmVets Post 1 Commander and current National AmVets State representative Mendota Commander Allen Elsbury dropped off an SUV full of toys that the Posts along with Rosemount VFW Post 9433 donated to the Toys for Tots campaign. The veterans worked hard to gather toys for their Holiday party and the families they adopted. After completing all their service projects they kept working hard gathering more toys. A great debt of gratitude goes to these men and women who keep on serving the community. On behalf of the USMC Toys for Tots thank you so much for the donation. Suspicious Activity Thursday 1101 hours Sometimes we can’t get enough information and sometimes we get the wrong information and sometimes… A “house/cat sitter” called 911 to report a man pounding on the front door of a local home. Off icer John Larrive arrived and spoke with the man who was a friend of the homeowner. The home is for sale and the man was hoping to get a look at the house. Crisis Thursday 1120 hours 911 caller reported they are schizophrenic and suffering severe anxiety. The caller took an anti-anxiety medication along with oxycodone for back pain; not a good plan, as it caused their brain to swell along with odd behavior. Officer Larrive requested HealthEast to stage away from the scene until it was safe to enter the home. After assessing the situation “Just the Facts” The latest news from the Mendota Heights Police Department 12/14/2011 the paramedics were called into the home to help and the caller was eventually transported to the hospital by HealthEast Ambulance. AOA Social Services Thursday 1513 hours Sergeant Neil Garlock responded to a local senior building about a couple planning to move into an apartment. It quickly became obvious there was a compatibility issue: the two had a physical altercation while signing paperwork. After getting slapped, the wife broke a cane across her husband’s legs. Building management soon learned the husband has advance dementia but while discussing the options with them, the two 87 YOA’s became upset with each other and a swift kick was followed by a return elbow. HealthEast ambulance arrived and transported the man to the hospital to be held until soc ial services could intervene. Medical health and welfare hold filled out. Animal Worry Friday 1148 hours Officer Scott Patrick received a call of an injured deer that had come into the caller’s yard. He located a very dead bloated deer. No need to dispatch the animal. Parking Complaint Friday 1804 hours Caller wanted Officer Willson to be aware that there is a car parked on the street that should be moved before the snow. Advised caller that it would be handled when appropriate. 911 Cell Call Saturday 0025 hours 911 caller requested an ambulance then advised the State Patrol Dispatcher they didn’t want the ambulance that they would call back if needed one. This went on several times with the 911 operator at the State Patrol before the DCC 911 Dispatcher was given the call. The last call from the cell phone was back checked to an address in Mendota Heights. The caller said she thought her husband might need an ambulance because of the large gash on his head meanwhile a confused male could be heard in the background. Officers Urmann, Meyer and Willson responded along with the ambulance. They found a home full of very intoxicated, belligerent residents along with one who had a large gash on his head. Fortunately all the stories matched the situation. The injured party volunteered to the hospital. 911 Hang up Saturday 005 hours The DCC received a 911 hang up call from a cell phone. The number was called back and an extremely intoxicated man answered. Stated the phone was dropped. Refused to provide any information. A reverse check of the cell phone number revealed nothing. Only information was it was relayed off a tower near 5030 Babcock Trail. Unable to verify or check. Crisis Saturday 0107 hours Officer Urmann responded to an intentional overdose call. The caller is being treated for depression and intentionally ingested the drugs to help calm them. They were transported to the hospital for assistance. Intervention Sunday 2327 hours Caller reported her ex-boyfriend, live in, was causing problems and she wanted him removed. Upon arrival, tho, all appeared calm, as the man was asleep on the couch. Officer VonFeldt arrived and spoke with both parties there were no allegations of an assault, damage or threats. 12/14/2011 After a discussion about what could legally be done to remove people from their homes a ll agreed to get along for the night. Domestic Assault Monday 1305 hours Officer Bobby Lambert along with Officer Scott Patrick responded to a domestic in progress. The female had run to the neighbors and called 911. Upon arrival it was quickly lea rned the man had fled the area, with some of the victim’s stuff. A call was made to her phone which the suspect answered, but he refused to turn himself in. A statement was taken documenting what occurred. The suspect’s stepdad arrived to return the victim’s stuff. He was asked to have his son turn himself in to prevent a warrant from being issued. He refused, saying we had the wrong story. Unfortunately for him it is the only story. An attempt to locate for a probable cause pick up was issued. Formal charges pending. Assist Monday 1755 hours A local pastor called when he spotted a woman with two young children not dressed for the weather. He directed them into a coffee shop to warm up. The kids had PJ’s on, mom had on flip flops, and their car was packed full of their belongings. The caller attempted to find placement for them without success. Officer Todd Rosse arrived and assessed the situation. He learned the mom had brought the daughter to MN from Utah for medical treatment at the Mayo. They had bought the car just before leaving for MN and it has problems. They were planning on staying in the car and trying to get it fixed in the morning. After a several phone calls emergency placement was found in a nearby motel by Dakota County Social Services. The car with no clutch was left in the parking. Crisis Wednesday 0343 hours Officer Peyton Fleming responded again to a report of a man in the house. The caller was whispering to the 911 Dispatcher that a stalker was in her home, looking for “jewels” to steal. The caller has previously reported the man livin g in her attic multiple times. The home was carefully searched and no evidence of anyone other than the caller was located. A report was forwarded to social services. DAS/No License/No Insurance Wednesday 2333 hours While on patrol Officer Fleming watched a car in front of him swerve from lane to lane. A quick in squad computer check revealed the SUV registered to a dealership. A traffic stop was immediately made and contact was made with the driver who was very honest in advising Officer Fleming he didn’t have a license or insurance. The driver was immediately advised he was under arrest; a quick search revealed he had ID for someone else. After verifying the driver’s identity with the passenger, citation was issued, the SUV towed and both provided a ride to a gas station to wait for a ride. Stolen Vehicle Thursday 0605 hours Caller reported his work vehicle missing. Officer Fleming learned the man went out started his work van left it running keys in the ignition and went in the house. He was surprised to find the van gone when he went out to leave for work. The area was check the van was nowhere to be found. It was recovered later in the day in Roseville*** NEVER START YOUR CAR AND LEAVE IT RUNNING UNATTENDED*** Have a great weekend! Mike D AKOTA C OUNTY S HERIFF The Front Row “A front row seat to the greatest show on Earth...” Dave Bellows, Sheriff Tim Leslie, Chief Deputy Volume 8, Week 28 December 3, through December 9, 2012 Slip Sliding Away… The first big snowstorm of the season had predictable results. Deputies responded to a number of accidents and what we kindly refer to as “motorists assists.” Many times this is the driver losing control, sliding off the roadway and luckily missing the mailbox, telephone pole, or any one of another hundred potential collision points before coming to rest and then waiting for the tow truck. On the day of the storm, patrol staff handled eight accidents with one involving minor injuries. The crew responded to another 23 motorist assists and a lone medical emergency. Our thanks go to all the members of the Patrol Division for their work during the storm. Driving in a winter storm is difficult and many times they are doing this while responding to emergency calls. One in Custody… Deputies were dispatched to a report of a woman at a residence claiming she had jumped from a vehicle after being kidnapped and assaulted. Arriving at the residence, deputies were told the suspect attempted to follow the victim into the residence, but left when confronted by the homeowner. The suspect was determined to be an acquaintance of the woman. He was eventually located by Hastings police officers and taken into custody after a short foot pursuit. Thanks to the Hastings officers for their assistance. Responding from the DCSO were Deputies Sean Qualy, Brian Smidt, Amber Hentges, Bryan Hermerding, Dmitry Vecherkov, Jeff Leopold, and Ryan Brown. Congratulations… To Deputy Mike Fendrick on his selection to fill the temporary Special Duty Deputy position in Investigations. Mike will assume his new duties in mid-January. Making a Nicer Christmas for Others… A group of inmates in the GED program substituted a study time session to make Christmas stockings for residents at the Minnesota Veterans’ Home, the B. Robert Lewis House (residence for women of domestic assaults), and the Hastings Family Center. Spending Christmas in jail is not a pleasant experience, but we thank the individuals that helped to make the holidays a better time for others. Also, thanks to GED Instructor Gaby Postiglone for coordinating this event and donating the materials. Featuring Sheriff’s Administrative, Communications, Support, and Parks, Lakes, and Trails Staff: Administration Steve Anderson Annette Baker Julie Ecker Detention Services Support Staff Sandy Burke Desiree Chartrand Kim Erlandsen Melanie Heltne Kathy Karnick Casey King Kim Lechner Mary McPhetres Minnie Murphy Holly Ruiz Andrea Strenke Molu Thachil Betsy Winter Jessica Witschen Emergency Preparedness Dave Gisch Operations Support Staff Joanna Anderson Ana Estrada Julie Fischer Lynda Jirak Janelle Mayer Linda Mischke Shona Murphy Jesse Monahan William Pope Parks, Lakes, and Trails Salah Ahmed Mark Albrecht Scott Blehm D AKOTA C OUNTY S HERIFF The Front Row “A front row seat to the greatest show on Earth...” Dave Bellows, Sheriff Tim Leslie, Chief Deputy Volume 8, Week 28 December 3, through December 9, 2012 Click here to subscribe to this newsletter electronically.Page 2 End of an Era… Emergency Preparedness Coordinator (EPC) Dave Gisch announced his retirement this week after serving Dakota County for over 29 years. During his career with the DCSO, Dave has been part of the response team to nearly every disaster experienced in Dakota County. There has not been a tornado, flood, or blizzard in which Dave has not been personally involved. As Dave likes to say, “I have been through nine Presidential Disaster Declarations in Dakota County.” He has also coordinated 13 exercises involving the Prairie Island Nuclear Facility, along with FEMA, and countless other staged disasters testing the ability of emergency responders across Dakota County to effectively deal with every situation. Dave was given the moniker “Dakota Man” for many times being first on the scene. Prior to his tenure with Dakota County, Dave served as a paramedic supervisor for Divine Redeemer Hospital in South St. Paul. With all his professional accomplishments, his service as a member of the United States Navy and a Vietnam Veteran may be Dave’s greatest source of pride. A cake and coffee is being planned in Dave’s honor in early January. Eager to Learn… Students from Lakeville North High School were given a tour of the Sheriff’s Office. Every year the DCSO provides tours to area high schools. The students get the opportunity to see the Sheriff’s Office operation, including the Forensic Units, Investigations, and Detention Services. We also get the group to pose for a photograph of their day at the DCSO. Special thanks to Captain Jim Rogers, Deputy Steve Forrey, Inmate Counselor Hal Palmer, and Inmate Recreation Coordinator Loren Hanson for taking the time to assist with the tours. Happy Birthday to You… Employee birthdays during this week include Detective Thomas Jacobson and Correctional Sergeant Chuck Stemig (December 9th), Sergeant Jim Iliff and Correctional Sergeant Deb Fyten (December 11th), Sergeant Dan Bianconi (December 13th), and Accounting Technician Annette Baker (December 15th). Happy Birthday to you all! Andrew Burt Ryan Googins Michael Hingiss Jordan Klug Matthew Lohmann Joshua Schauer David Steinberg Chaplains Jim Bzoskie Vern Hildebrandt Clayton McDougall Eddie Nestingen Cory Voll Don Voll Questions? Comments? Please contact the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office at 651.437.4700 or any of the following by email: dave.bellows@ co.dakota.mn.us julie.ecker@ co.dakota.mn.us December 11, 2012 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Cheryl Jacobson Director of Administration & Intergovernmental Relations 651-675-4433 $30 million Dakota County First Time Homebuyer Program Launches Homebuyers in Dakota County can now access fixed, low-interest mortgage financing along with a Mortgage Credit Certificate and up to $10,000 in downpayment and closing cost assistance through the reloaded Dakota County Community Development Agency’s First Time Homebuyer Program. There will be approximately $30 million in first mortgage financing available along with a mortgage credit certificate option that will help about 200 households achieve homeownership. The current interest rate is 3.25%. First time homebuyers or households that have not owned a home in the last three years can use this financing with 30-year FHA or VA loans. Single family homes, townhomes or condominiums in Dakota County are eligible for the program with a maximum purchase price of $276,683. Income Limits are $83,900 for a one- or two-person household and $92,290 for a three or more person household. Along with the first mortgage financing, homebuyers can elect to apply for a mortgage credit certificate through the Give Yourself Credit! program. This certificate provides a federal income tax credit equal to 35% of the annual interest paid on the loan and helps reduce the amount of federal income tax the households is required to pay. This helps free up income to make homeownership more affordable. Downpayment and closing cost assistance loans are also available and amounts vary based on income. These loans feature zero percent interest and are deferred until the first mortgage is paid off, when the home is sold or refinanced or when the home is no longer the buyer’s primary residence. Buyers accessing the First Time Homebuyer Program must complete an approved homebuyer education course before closing on their loan. The Dakota County CDA offers monthly Home Stretch® homebuyer education workshops and the new online homebuyer education program called FrameworkTM. -more- Dakota County CDA First Time Homebuyer Program Page 2 of 2 The Dakota County CDA has been providing first time homebuyer loans when funding is available since 1986. Since then over 5,400 households have utilized the program. The Dakota County CDA partners with the local mortgage lending community to administer the program. Participating lenders have all of the paperwork to qualify households for the first time homebuyer financing, mortgage credit certificate and downpayment assistance. These programs are part of the Dakota County CDA’s Homeownership Connection resources that provide homebuyers and homeowners tools to be successful. For more information visit www.dakotacda.org or call 651-675-4442. -end-