2013-03-15 Friday News
March 15, 2013
Dates to Remember:
March 18, 2013
Recreation Registration Begins
March 19, 2013
City Council 7:00 p.m.
March 21, 2013
Power and Possibilities of Aging,
6:30-8:30 p.m.
March 26, 2013
Planning Commission 7:00 p.m.
Attachments:
Pipeline, Just the Facts, WHEP Press
Release, Powers and Possibilities of
Aging Flyer
Friday News
Mendota Heights Weekly Report on City Activities
Mendota Heights City Hall
1101 Victoria Curve
www.mendota-heights.com
(651) 452-1850
Volunteer Opportunities
We are currently seeking volunteers for two
unique programs which monitor wetland and lake
quality in Mendota Heights. The city is seeking a
volunteer to conduct water collections in LeMay
Lake through the Citizen-Assisted Monitoring
Program (CAMP), a Metropolitan Council Envi-
ronmental Services program. CAMP provides
watershed managers with important information
to help properly manager water resources. Con-
tact Ryan Ruzek at City Hall for more information
on this opportunity.
Dakota County is also seeking volunteers for their
Wetland Health Evaluation Program, a press re-
lease on this opportunity has been attached.
There are more detailed write-ups in the Pipeline.
Recreation Program Registration
Registration for summer programs will begin next
Monday evening—we will have in-person regis-
tration for Junior Golf Leagues from 5:00-7:00
p.m. at City Hall. At 7:30 p.m., registration for all
programs will go live online, at www.mendota-
heights.com. Online registration has become ex-
tremely popular, and reducing the staff time dedi-
cated to registration.
Walk in registrations will be accepted staring
Tuesday morning.
Community Conversation on Aging
The Powers and Possibilities of Aging event
scheduled for Thursday, March 21, 2013 looks to
be a popular event. At the close of the RSVP pe-
riod we had almost 60 attendees signed up.
DARTS is coordinating the event, the city, county
and several private companies are all partners in
the effort. We are eager to learn what concerns
and ideas the community has to help us be pre-
pared for the new wave of aging adults.
Public Works
The Parks Crew finished cleaning out the warming houses. The flooding hoses
were removed and a shovel inventory was taken. The warming houses are also
being prepared for painting the inside walls. The new John Deere mower was
picked up. The sign for the baseball field at the Civic Center field was ordered. All
trails were plowed.
The Utilities Crew painted Lilydale’s lift panel as it had been “tagged” a lot lately.
He worked on the MSDS inventory.
The Streets Crew had an early start on Monday morning after a dusting of snow.
All streets were salted. They are opening up storm grates throughout the city.
The Utilities Crew helped with the jetter to open up grates on Medallion Drive at
Lexington Avenue and Fourth Avenue. Snow was cleared of the ditch line along
Lexington Avenue so water could drain. Ice was cut under the 35E bridge on
Marie Avenue. Welding was done on plow truck 303, bad bolts were replaced on
the plow frame and the exhaust fixed. City streets were salted again on Thursday
morning after receiving snow.
Engineering
City Projects (construction year)
Dodd Road/Highway 110 Intersection Pedestrian Improvements (2013) –
The City’s consultant is getting ready to advertise the project for bid. We
are anticipating a bid opening in May, with a contract award scheduled for
the June 4th City Council Meeting. Construction will begin shortly after
contract award.
Hunter Lane/Orchard Place Neighborhood Improvements (2013) – Approval
of the final plans and authorization to bid the project will be brought before
Council at the March 19th meeting. The mixed curb type (barrier and
surmountable) as directed by Council is being proposed by Hunter Lane
being reconstructed with barrier style curb and Orchard Place being
reconstructed with surmountable curb. Contract award is scheduled for the
May7th City Council Meeting with construction beginning in June.
The Pipeline N E W S
L E T T E R
Public Works
Engineering
Code Enforcement
March 15, 2013
Crown Point & Overlook Neighborhood Rehabilitations (2013) – Council
approved the final plans and authorized advertisement for bid at their March
5th meeting. Bid opening is scheduled for 10:00am on April 3rd, and
contract award is scheduled to be before City Council at their April 16th
meeting. Construction start is anticipated in May/June. In addition to the
street rehabilitation work, the project bid will include trail rehabilitation on
Lexington Avenue (see the next project) and preventative maintenance
(sealcoating) in the Evergreen Knoll, Hidden Creek Trail, and the
Bachelor/Stanwich neighborhoods.
Lexington Avenue Pedestrian Trail, Hwy 110 to Douglas Road (2013) –Plans
for rehabilitation (new pavement) of this trail will be included with the
Crown Point & Overlook Neighborhood Rehabilitation Project for bid. Dakota
County has included this in their Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and will
assist with project construction cost. Project includes pavement
replacement, minor realignment, and pedestrian ramp replacement and/or
new installation.
Highway 13 Trail Connection (2013) – A trail connection is proposed along
the south side of Highway 13 to connect the pedestrian trail from Riverside
Lane to Lilydale Road. This will close one of the identified trail gaps in the
City. The project may be delayed until 2014 if grant money can be obtained
through MnDOT, DNR, or another source. If not funded through a grant in
2014, the City intends to construct the connection in 2013 with City funds.
County Projects (construction year)
North Urban Regional Trail (NURT) Realignment/Greenway Study (2014) -
Dakota County presented NURT alignment alternatives to the Parks and
Recreation Commission at their March 12th meeting. Comments from the
Commission were supportive of the project concept, although
Commissioners differed on their individual preferences for an alignment
selection. The County will then make the same presentation to the City
Council at their March 19th meeting. Dakota County expects to select
their alignment alternative in April, with the project being presented to the
Dakota County Board of Commissioners on April 16th. For more information,
please contact the Dakota County Project Manager at 952-891-7106.
Lexington Avenue Crosswalk (2013) – Staff received confirmation from
Dakota County that the construction of the center median and crosswalk on
Lexington Avenue at Victoria will take place this summer. The County will
provide the City prior notice as to a construction schedule, but it is
anticipated to be installed in July/August.
State Projects (construction year)
Highway 13 Reconstruction: Mendota to I-35E (2015) – MnDOT does not
currently have funding allocated for this project. MnDOT staff is working on
reprogramming the project for the 2015 construction year. City of Lilydale
wrote a letter to MnDOT asking for restoration of the funding as soon as
possible. Mendota Heights has also written MnDOT a letter supporting
Lilydale’s efforts.
Other Activities
Saint Paul Regional Water Service (SPRWS) Municipal Agreement – Staff
met with the Director of SPRWS on Monday to begin the process of
renewing the City’s contractual agreement with the service for municipal
water supply and distribution. The current contractual agreement expires in
2015, but this process traditionally takes a good amount of time. The next
step will be for City staff to analyze costs and benefits of options for the
future handling to the City’s water distribution system. The group plans to
meet again in about a month.
Volunteer Opportunities
Wetland Health Evaluation Program (WHEP) – Dakota County is seeking
volunteers to assist with the program. The following is from the Dakota
County press release about this year’s program:
Pull on a pair of waders, jump in and volunteer to help monitor
wetlands in your community. Dakota County is seeking people to help
monitor the health of community wetlands through the Wetland Health
Evaluation Program (WHEP).
Volunteers work with a community-based team to monitor and collect
information that is used to help protect area wetlands. A science
background or previous monitoring experience is not required. All training
and equipment is provided.
WHEP volunteers gather data on macroinvertebrates—like beetles and
dragonflies—and plants in wetlands. Cities use the data to study wetland
health trends to better manage wetlands and surrounding areas.
Volunteers receive training in field methods, macroinvertebrate
collection and identification, and plant survey techniques and identification.
Teams work under the direction of a team leader and are grouped by city.
Each city WHEP team takes samples from three to five wetlands between
June and August. Volunteers commit between 10–30 hours, including
training, field work and lab analysis.
For more information about volunteering, visit www.mnwhep.org or
call the Dakota County Environmental Resources Department at 952-891-
7000. Participating in the WHEP is an excellent way to learn about wetlands.
Citizen Assisted Monitoring Program (CAMP) – The City of Mendota Heights
participates in the CAMP each year in partnership with the Lower Mississippi
River Watershed Management Organization (LMRWMO) and the Metropolitan
Council. The CAMP evaluated water quality of metro area lakes. The City is
in need of a volunteer or two to take samples on LeMay Lake. Once the
samples are collected (approximately 8 times during the summer/fall), they
are sent into the Met Council’s lab for analysis. The LMRWMO reimburses
the City for the cost of the lab analyses. If interested in volunteering for the
CAMP, please contact Assistant City Engineer Ryan Ruzek at City Hall (651-
452-1850).
3/15/2013
The Mendota
Heights Police
Department
Support Staff
Kim Henning
Susan Donovan
Trista Miller
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
Chad Willson
Sergeants
Neil Garlock
Brian Convery
Eric Petersen
Reserves
Randy Pentel
Jarrod Spicer
Jim Knox
Jeff Parker
George Castillo
Chaplains
Frances Cuenca
Joel Detlefsen
Lynn Liberman
Butch Millett
Sue Plucker
John Snider
David Wick
Chief
Mike Aschenbrener
Mendota Heights Police Reserves Recognize by Representative John Kline
On Monday March 11, 2013 the MHPD Police Reserves were recognized by
US Congressman John Kline for their volunteer efforts in support of the
police department. From left to right: Randy Pentel, Jeff Parker,
Congressman Kline, Jim Knox, Jerry Murphy, and Brian Convery. Thank
you and congratulations to the reserves for all the time and effort they put
in to make Mendota Heights a safer community.
Violation of Harassment Order Wednesday 1505 hours
Party stopped at MHPD to report a violation of a court order that occurred
in Eagan. The person went to use a club membership and was denied
because they were no longer listed as a member. Their name was
replaced by a person they have a court order to prevent harassment. The
account was actually in the reporter’s business name so the suspect
shouldn’t have been able to change the account. Referred to the
prosecuting attorney for review.
Warrant Arrest/False Info Thursday 0044 hours
Officer Tanner Spicer ran an in‐squad computer check of a vehicle license
plate. The plates came back expired. The vehicle was unoccupied when
he ran the license plate check. He noticed two people inside of the service
station who tried to hide when they saw the squad car drive past. Upon
finding the registration to be expired, he drove past again to check for a
21‐day temporary license. As he approached, a female who was getting
into the driver’s seat spotted him, turned and walked back into the store.
“Just the Facts”
The latest news from the Mendota Heights Police Department
3/15/2013
Officer Spicer pulled away and waited down the block. The car left the station and failed to
signal the first turn it made and he immediately stopped them. Upon making contact with the
occupants, the marijuana smell indicated why they avoided Officer Spicer. The driver didn’t
have a license “with her” or proof of insurance, and both parties gave two differing stories
about who owned the car. A quick check of the VIN plate revealed it was glued into place.
After some effort the two were identified; driver was revoked out of Tennessee and the
passenger had multiple warrants. Between the two they had a 68 page criminal history. Both
were provided a ride to the Dakota County Jail. Charges: No MN D/L, Possession of Drug
Paraphernalia, Gross Misdemeanor False Information in addition to the warrants.
Investigations working on the altered VIN plate.
DAR/No Insurance/Pursuit Thursday 1248 hours
While on routine patrol Officer John Larrive spotted a man whom he knew to have his driver’s
license revoked, and soon attempted to execute a traffic stop. The driver knew he was wanted
and didn’t have a driver’s license so he attempted to give Officer Larrive the slip, but the effort
was too little too late. He had just called in his location and the attempt to evade when the
driver gave up and pulled over. Driver was ordered out of the car at gun point and to the
ground (previous contacts have not been cordial and this attempt to evade raised the level).
The man ranted and raved about not needing a driver’s license because it is a “constitutional
right to drive.” He was taken into custody without incident. Two citations were issued and an
active warrant was located. The man was transported to the Dakota County Jail on the
warrant.
Gas Theft Thursday 1500 hours
A B/M, 20‐30 years of age, wearing baggy pants and hoodie pumped $71 worth of gas into a
navy colored Dodge Durango and drove off. An employee thought they recognize the thief
from previous incidents and was in position to follow in their own car but had to stop when the
man ran a red light to get away. The employee wrote down the license plate; unfortunately, it
did not match the vehicle.
Public Assist Thursday 1739 hours
Officer Peyton Fleming responded to a local car wash to assist with an angry customer. The
customer had managed to wedge his car in the door of the car wash which needless to say
made him mad. Officer Fleming mediated the situation, contacted a tow truck to remove the
car, and called the owner of the car wash to bring him up to speed on the occurrence. Clear
with all calmed down and car removed.
Theft Thursday 2326 hours
Caller reported that her son went to her house while she was hospitalized and stole a large
amount of cash. The victim reported to Officer Fleming that she suspected her son because: no
sign of forced entry, he has a key, he has a gambling problem, and he knew where the money
was hidden. Officer Fleming attempted to reach the suspect’s cell phone without success. The
caller was certain the thief was enroute to Nevada to gamble. Referred to investigations.
Public Assist Friday 1608 hours
Officer Scott Patrick was requested to call a person who was upset with a local service station.
‐2‐
3/15/2013
The caller advised the DCC 911 operator that their car started fire at the station the day before
and an employee used a fire extinguisher to put the fire out. The caller wanted to remove the
burned car from the station; the manager said the car owner had to pay for the fire
extinguisher before the car was removed. Happily, by the time Officer Patrick made the call the
owner of the car and the manager had this civil issue worked out.
AOA Friday 1845 hours
Dispatch advised a cell phone caller was following a drunk driver from Hwy 110 to S/B Hwy 13
to E/B Hwy 55. No MSP Trooper was in the area to handle the call and Officer Shepard was not
in position to catch up to the drunk before he made it into Eagan. EPD requested Officer
Shepard attempt to stop the vehicle and they would be en route. The cell phone caller was
following with their 4‐way flashers on and reported the drunk was nearly off and all over the
road multiple times as they headed east on Hwy 55. Officer Shepard caught up with them just
as they crossed over into the city of Inver Grove Heights from Eagan. Upon making contact with
the driver it was immediately obvious he was very intoxicated. He was unable to answer a
question, only repeat it back. An EPD officer soon arrived, confirmed that Officer Shepard
observed driving conduct in Eagan and then handled the arrest.
AOA Friday 1920 hours
Dakota County Crisis contacted the DCC looking for assistance from MHPD in placing a 72
Health and Welfare hold on a former resident. The young lady had been working in Hawaii, lost
her job and returned to MN. After landing at the airport she decided to stay there as she had
nowhere to go. Airport PD had contact with her, realized there was a serious problem and
called an ambulance to transport the woman. Along the way the woman decided she was not
going to the hospital and got out of the ambulance. The medics were nice enough to give her a
bus token before turning her loose. She then showed up at a friend’s house in Mendota
Heights; the friend called her parents, who called crisis, who called the DCC, who ultimately
requested Officer Fleming to call the parents back. (whew!) Officer Fleming made contact with
the young woman, completed the hold and HealthEast Ambulance transported her to the
hospital.
Disturbance Sunday 1738 hours
Officer Mike Shepard along with Sergeant Brian Convery responded to a home on the report of
a 50 YOA pushing around his 69 YOA parent. Upon arrival, one of the twin 50 YOA sons, who
lives with mom and dad, began complaining about the parents. Alcohol was involved in the
problem, the son, who was not present, admitted on the phone to pushing dad out of the way
so he could leave. Everyone confirmed the story. No criminal violations. Son spent the night at
a friend’s home.
False Report Sunday 2011 hours
The DCC sent Officer Shepard to a residence to check the welfare of a child and ex‐wife who
had not been heard from in 1 ½ weeks. Upon arrival the officer was met by the ex‐wife who
immediately directed Officer Shepard to the 15 YOA. When Officer Shepard began to question
the woman about why she was not answering calls and avoiding the ex, she appeared confused.
It was learned the 911 call was falsely reported to the 911 operator as a welfare check when
actually the parents were looking for some help with the 15 YOA who was not following the
rules. The dad told Officer Shepard he made up the call to ensure a faster response. No
wonder the 15 YOA has problems following the rules. Referred for criminal charges.
3/15/2013
‐3‐
Flashlight Tag Sunday 2219 hours
Neighbor called to report the house across the way being gone through by someone with a
flashlight. The reporter stayed on the line detailing the goings on until Officer Steve Meyer
arrived on scene. The caller met Officer Meyer and then the neighbors who were playing
flashlight tag with the kids.
Welfare Check Monday 1934 hours
In‐law called asking for an officer to check on sister‐in‐law and kids. The husband has a violent
temper and took the wife’s phone away. Many family/social issues going on but no reported
abuse. The wife did choose to leave while Officer Todd Rosse was at the house. Everyone
refused offers of help or guidance.
Gas thief returns Tuesday 0909 hours
The gas station previously hit by the navy colored Dodge Durango called to report the party was
at the pump again. The employee did not authorize the pump and the crook left before Officer
Larrive could respond.
Help! Tuesday 1027 hours
A person driving by used their cell phone to report a person needing help. They reported a man
sitting in a tree, in the fetal position not wearing a coat. Officer Larrive checked on the person
and found a dummy had been placed in the tree.
Medical Assist Tuesday 2107 hours
A local business called for help with a 60 YOA, woman, using a walker, wearing a Vikings jacket
who was asking customers to buy her cigarettes. Officer Shepard identified the woman and
learned that she was cancelled IPS (inimical to public safety). She was transported home to the
Budget Host on Hwy 55. While enroute Officer Shepard learned the woman had Huntington’s
disease. http://www.hdsa.org/new‐to‐hd‐1/new‐to‐hd.html
Gas Theft Wednesday 0504 hours
Yes a navy blue Dodge Durango stole $75 worth of gas. They were last seen E/B on Hwy 55.
Unfortunately for the thief Officer Tanner Spicer spotted the vehicle hiding on Centre Pointe
Curve. The thief and his partner were in process of putting the real license plates back on the
SUV, as the fake one was a license plate was stolen out of Eagan. The thief was from St Paul,
but now lists a temporary address in c/o Dakota County Jail. The City Attorney was notified and
was drafting an order for detention while Investigator Chad Willson worked to aggregate the
charges. The Durango was impounded.
Really? Wednesday 1236 hours
Officer John Larrive responded to a local service station about an occupied car sitting at a gas
pump for over an hour. Officer Larrive made contact and learned the man had a job interview
nearby at 1500 hours. He was asked to move.
Crisis / Medical Wednesday 1718 hours
Officer Mike Shepard responded to a call for help. Caller reported that a 52 YOA man had
pneumonia and was now changing colors, because he was intoxicated. HealthEast ambulance
staged nearby, Officer Shepard arrived, gave the all clear, and the patient was sent to the
hospital.
Have a great weekend! Mike & Kim
March 1, 2013
Wade into wetlands
Dakota County wetland program is seeking volunteers
Pull on a pair of waders, jump in and volunteer to help monitor wetlands in your community. Dakota County
is seeking people to help monitor the health of community wetlands through the Wetland Health Evaluation
Program (WHEP).
Volunteers work with a community-based team to monitor and collect information that is used to help
protect area wetlands. A science background or previous monitoring experience is not required. All training
and equipment is provided.
WHEP volunteers gather data on macroinvertebrates—like beetles and dragonflies—and plants in wetlands.
Cities use the data to study wetland health trends to better manage wetlands and surrounding areas.
Volunteers receive training in field methods, macroinvertebrate collection and identification, and plant
survey techniques and identification. Teams work under the direction of a team leader and are grouped by
city. Each city WHEP team takes samples from three to five wetlands between June and August. Volunteers
commit between 10–30 hours, including training, field work and lab analysis.
For more information about volunteering, visit www.mnwhep.org or call the Dakota County Environmental
Resources Department at 952-891-7000. Participating in the Wetland Health Evaluation Program is an
excellent way to learn more about wetlands.
-30-
News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Paula Liepold, Environmental Resources, 952-891-7117