2013-03-22 Friday News
March 22, 2013
Dates to Remember:
March 26, 2013
Planning Commission 7:00 p.m.
April 2, 2013
City Council 7:00 p.m.
April 9, 2013
Parks and Rec Comm. 6:30 p.m.
April 10, 2013
Airport Relations Comm. 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
North Urban Regional Trail (NURT)
Chris Hartzell from Dakota County made a presen-
tation to city council on Tuesday evening on the
NURT. This trail runs along the north side of High-
way 110, running east from the Dodd Rd/Hwy 110
intersection. The long-term vision for the trail is
cross northern Dakota County from east to west.
Mr. Hartzell discussed alternatives for the trail from
the west side of Henry Sibley High School to Charl-
ton Road in West St. Paul.
There will be one more open house on the NURT,
Wednesday March 27, 7:00 p.m. at WSP City Hall.
Recreation Program Registration
Registration for summer programs opened this
week. Through Thursday afternoon, 338 registra-
tions have been processed, generating almost
$22,000 in recreation fees. There is great enthusi-
asm in the community for summer programming,
with several programs filling within the first hour of
registration opening. The majority of registrations
are submitted online.
We are also in the process of interviewing candi-
dates for summer recreation positions in the parks,
on the tennis courts and at the Par 3. If this winter
ever ends, Mendota Heights will be ready.
Community Conversation on Aging
While planning for the Powers and Possibilities of
Aging event at Mendakota Country Club, it was hard
to predict how the community would respond. It
turned out to be very positive, with more than 50
attendees on hand Thursday evening. After brief
presentations, the group split up into discussion
groups on a variety of topics. We garnered good
feedback to help ensure that our community is pre-
pared for an aging population.
DARTS staff will be compiling notes and observa-
tions from the evening, and providing a follow up
with a report on findings from the event.
Public Works
The Parks Crew plowed the cul-de-sacs, trails and parking lots. They also
cleaned off the bridge decks on Mendota Heights Road and Wagon Wheel
Trail. The cutting edge on plow 501 was changed.
The Utilities Crew plowed and shoveled the lift stations and cul-de-sacs.
The jet truck was washed and waxed. The kitchen walls were washed for
painting next week.
The Streets Crew had an early start on Saturday morning when they salted
all streets. Monday they plowed and salted all city streets. Mailbox repairs
are ongoing. All plow trucks were greased and checked over.
Engineering
City Projects (construction year)
Dodd Road/Highway 110 Intersection Pedestrian Improvements (2013) –
The completed plans and specifications are being routed through MnDO T for
final approval. 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 was approved by City
Council at their March 19th meeting. The mixed curb type (barrier and
surmountable) as directed by Council will be achieved by Hunter Lane being
reconstructed with barrier style curb and Orchard Place being reconstructed
with surmountable curb. Bid opening is scheduled for May 1st at 10:00am.
Contract award is scheduled for the May7th City Council Meeting with
construction beginning in June.
Crown Point & Overlook Neighborhood Rehabilitations (2013) – The project
is currently out for bid. Bid opening will be at 10:00am on April 3rd, and
contract award is scheduled for the April 16th City Council meeting.
Construction start is anticipated in May. Additionally, the project bid will
include the Lexington Avenue trail rehabilitation (see the next project) and
The Pipeline N E W S
L E T T E R
Public Works
Engineering
Code Enforcement
March 22, 2013
preventative maintenance (chip seal) in the Evergreen Knoll, Hidden Creek
Trail, and the Bachelor/Stanwich neighborhoods.
Lexington Avenue Pedestrian Trail, Hwy 110 to Douglas Road (2013) –
Project is being bid with the Crown Point & Overlook Neighborhood
Rehabilitation Project. Dakota County is assisting with project construction
costs. 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 City will be applying for a grant to construct the trail connection.
If not funded through a grant, 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 City Council at
their March 19th meeting. They had previously presented to the Parks and
Recreation Commission at their March 12th meeting. Comments from the
Council and Commission were supportive of the project concept, although
opinions differed on individual preferences for an alignment selection.
Dakota County will present to the District 197 School Board on April 15 to
gather their opinions, and will present to the Dakota County Board of
Commissioners on April 16th. The Board of Commissioners is expected to
select an alignment alternative at that meeting. 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. Construction is
anticipated in July/August.
State Projects (construction year)
Highway 13 Reconstruction: Mendota to I-35E (2015) – Funding for the
project has been restored by MnDOT for the 2015 construction year. The
project has been slightly reduced, but the reconstruction/resurfacing is back
on schedule. Drainage improvements between the Mendota City Limits and
Mayfield Heights Road will be completed, but the full urban section
reconstruction from Mayfield Heights Road to Interstate 35E will be put off
until a future date.
Other Activities
Saint Paul Regional Water Service (SPRWS) Municipal Agreement – Staff has
met with the Director of SPRWS to begin the process of renewing the City’s
contractual agreement with the service for municipal water supply and
distribution. The current contractua l agreement expires in 2015, but this
process traditionally takes a long time to accomplish. The next step will be
for City staff to analyze costs and benefits of future options for handling to
the City’s water distribution system. The group plans to meet again in April.
Volunteer Opportunities
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 analy ses. If interested in volunteering for the
CAMP, please contact Assistant City Engineer Ryan Ruzek at City Hall (651-
452-1850).
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:
Dakota County is seeking people to 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.
03/21/13
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
Community Blood Drive
The Mendota Heights MOMS Club is hosting a community blood drive
this Saturday, 3/23 from 9:30 am -2:30 pm at 1841 Walsh Lane. The Red
Cross is very short on their blood supply and really needs our help! If this
is a good opportunity for you to help replenish the blood supply, sign up
at: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtPpBdNM4A-
fdHN1WUVJeFM2Nm5MbER6a3IxVWVteXc#gid=0. Limited spots available.
DWI Wednesday 1301 hours
While on routine patrol, Officer Meyer, clocked a car approaching him at
over 100 mph on Hwy 110. The vehicle slowed to around 90 as it got
closer to the stoplights; Officer Meyer caught up to it and attempted a
traffic stop by activating his lights, then the spotlight, finally a siren. The
vehicle did slow down, but had a hard time stopping (probably because
he was also observed fumbling to get his seatbelt on). The driver was
approached and asked to provide ID and insurance. The address was not
current and neither was his insurance. It was immediately evident that he
had been drinking; after unsuccessfully completing the SFST’s, he failed
the PBT with a .015 reading. He was placed under arrest and a search of
the vehicle was conducted. A marijuana pipe was found in the vehicle
console, but when the trunk was checked, the odor of marijuana was
quite strong, but no other contraband found. After consenting to a
breath test, which showed a .15 reading, he received a citation and a trip
to jail to be booked for DWI and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Assault Thursday 1838 hours
Received report from a group home of an altercation between patient
and staff. Staff reported subject had become distressed and began to
lash out with fists, ultimately throwing a coffee mug at him. Photos of
injuries were obtained, citation was issued to the offender, a health and
welfare hold was placed on him and he was taken to the hospital.
Theft of Gas Thursday 1902 hours
Officer Todd Rosse responded to a gas station on report of yet another
gas theft report. Reporting party stated the vehicle had a plate covering
the actual plate and could not get a good read on it. Inactive.
Snack Thief Thursday 2336 hours
Officer Spicer spied a vehicle parked across two parking spots at a gas
station, door wide open. The driver exited the store and got into the car.
“Just the Facts”
The latest news from the Mendota Heights Police Department
03/20/13
When Officer Spicer approached him, he was greeted by the strong smell
of alcohol (not the topical stuff, either). The driver had trouble retrieving
his wallet. Officer Spicer started asking if he had been drinking, and he
said he had stopped a couple of hours ago. Prior to starting the sobriety
testing, Officer Spicer asked the gent if he had trouble with his eyes. The
man replied, “I stole some stuff from the store,” and promptly produced
numerous snack items from his jacket sleeve. He did fail his tests and was
not allowed to drive, especially once marijuana was also found in his
jacket. He was cited and given a ride to detox.
Domestic Friday 2208 hours
Officers were dispatched to a familiar residence for a verbal domestic in
progress. Upon arrival, Sgt Eric Petersen & Officer Todd Rosse found an
intoxicated mother arguing with her son. The son requested the
intoxicated mother leave as she was causing trouble and his young son
was in the home. The mother became irate that the son would have
called the cops. She made a valiant effort to resist arrest, but her
inebriation put her off balance and she was “helped” into some
handcuffs. No charges; taken to Ramsey Detox for a sobriety nap.
DAS/No Insurance/Marijuana Sunday 0027 hours
While on routine patrol, Officer Spicer ran a check on a vehicle and saw
the driver was suspended. Upon stopping the vehicle, the driver stated he
was not aware he was suspended, but he did know there was no current
insurance on the vehicle. Since the passenger was also unable to drive, he
called for a tow and then searched the vehicle. Marijuana was found in
both the front and back seats, but the passenger claimed ownership of it
all. Both were issued their citations and taken to a gas station to await
their ride.
DWI Sunday 0231 hours
A bit later, still on patrol, Officer Tanner Spicer observed a vehicle
approaching his location quickly, clocked at 80 mph (again on Hwy 110).
While catching up, he watched the vehicle go back and forth across the
lanes, crossing fog lines and hugging the shoulder. This driver also took a
while to stop, but finally pulled over. Officer Spicer noted red, watery
eyes and fresh aroma of alcohol and began testing him. The driver had
some trouble standing, but said he had only had “a couple.” He started
some of the sobriety tests, then simply asked if he could stop, as he didn’t
think he’d do very well. After testing of .178, that was probably a wise
idea. He was arrested, the vehicle was searched and drug paraphernalia
was found there. He was brought to MHPD for processing and consented
to the testing process, ultimately providing a urine sample. He was taken
to DC Jail for book and release; charges pending test results.
DWI Monday 2317 hours
Officer Denise Urmann stopped a vehicle leaving the parking lot of a local
bar when the vehicle turned onto the shoulder, and continued driving on
03/20/13
the shoulder – thru an intersection and onto a turn lane. Upon stopping
the driver, the scent of alcohol wafted out and after providing valid ID
and insurance, he began his sobriety tests. The female passenger was
evidently not in any shape to drive either. He failed all of his sobriety tests
including the PBT, reading at .015; he was arrested and taken to MHPD
for processing; she was dropped off at White Castle by Officer Steve
Meyer. The implied consent advisory caused some issues when
determined he wanted to consult an attorney. He reviewed the
directories, but his own cell phone was dead. He then requested to speak
with his grandpa, an “ex-FBI agent.” He eventually decided he simply
wanted to be booked and refused to take a test. Officer Urmann
complied, and booked him at DC Jail on a 3rd Deg DWI/Test Refusal.
Scammed Again Monday 1411 hours
Sergeant Garlock responded to a party in the lobby reporting he had been
a victim of a scam. Evidently, he had supposedly been a Publisher’s
Clearing House winner, but had cashed their check for a payment, but
then forward money via a third party in order to receive prizes. He sent it
in and cashed the check they provided but the next day the bank notified
him the check had been worthless and he was out over $6000. They
called with another reason to request more money, but he realized by
then it was a scam and ceased communications.
Suspicious Person Wednesday 1700 hours
Officer Mike Shepard was informed about a caller concerned that
someone has been going thru her mailbox. Evidently the mailbox is
frequently ajar, which is strange since it doesn’t easily open. Today she
observed a white Ford Escape pulling up to mailboxes in her
neighborhood, opening and closing mailboxes. She was able to give some
helpful suspect and vehicle information; info forwarded to investigations
and to patrol.
DAC/Warrant Thursday 1447 hours
While working a Dakota County Speed Saturation, Officer Urmann ran the
plate on a vehicle which came back as a cancelled owner; the
misdemeanor warrant for driving without a DL also appeared. Upon
stopping the vehicle, the owner was the driver and the correct party.
Along with his other issues, he was also unable to provide insurance. He
was cited and given a ride to DC Jail to settle up on that warrant.
Thefts from Vehicles
Lock it up! Car prowlers have been sifting thru vehicles again and toward
the end of week we have seen some activity with theft from vehicle &
attempted thefts. Lock your car and remove temptations from your
vehicles.
Have a great weekend! Kim & Trista
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 42
March 11, through
March 17, 2013
For a Good Cause…
A gathering of law enforcement and correctional deputies from across Dakota County
and the metro area got together last Saturday to play basketball and raise money
for the family of Cold Springs Police Officer Tom Decker, who was killed in the line of
duty on November 29, 2012. Nearly 40 individuals representing four teams and
multiple agencies “grinded it out” on the court for several hours, with the Dakota
North Team (Eagan, South St. Paul, Cold Spring, and Savage Police Departments)
eventually beat Dakota East (Dakota County Sheriff’s Office and Hastings Police
Departments) players for the championship. However, the real champs were
everyone that contributed to making this a successful fundraising event for the
Decker family. The event was also heavily covered by KSTP, KARE 11, and Fox 9,
with live remotes before and during the game. The other police departments
participating included Apple Valley, Rosemount, Farmington, Burnsville, and Lakeville.
Special recognition goes to Sergeant Booker Hodges for coordinating this event
with the other agencies. Members of the Dakota East Team included Hastings
Officer Dave Bauer and from the DCSO CorrectionalDeputies Cartier Russell,
Muhammed Jackson, Lawrence Peltier, and Darin McGowan; Deputies Sean
Qualy and Chris Hamblin; and Detectives Blake Pederson and Mike Fendrick.
Over $2,000 was raised to date from the event.
We’re Ready for Spring…
With another Monday came another snow storm. Several inches of snow, coupled
with high winds, resulted in crashes across southern Dakota County. One of the more
extensive crashes occurred on Dodd Road south of County Road 70, when a total of
nine vehicles collided together in a form of “snow bumper cars.” Low speeds at the
time of the chain of crashes resulted in very minor injuries to a few drivers. Due to
a large number of crashes in other parts of the county, Deputy Tom Hooper was
Featuring Sheriff’s
Sworn Operations
and Detention
Services Deputies:
Commanders
John Grant
Dan Scheuermann
Captains
Brad Jeska
Joe Leko
Jim Rogers
Sergeants
Dan Bianconi
Jennifer Cho
Scott Durdall
Pat Enderlein
Jim Gabriel
Booker Hodges IV
Jim Iliff
Bruce Kammen
Chris Melton
Tim Samuelson
Rick Schroeder
Rob Shingledecker
Special Duty
Deputies
Brad Billmeyer
Terry Ecker
Mike Fendrick
Rob Hosking
Thomas Jacobson
Coreen Kulvich
Blake Pederson
Matt Regis
Matt Schepers
Rebecca Sherman
Dave Sjogren
Matt Wayne
Dawanna Witt
Deputy Sheriffs
Scott Bensen
Ryan Brown
Lonna Broze
Rhonda Doheny
Sandy Dose
Ryan Fitzgerald
Tim Fletcher
Dan Forrey
Steve Forrey
Tim Gonder
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 42
March 11, through
March 17, 2013
Click here to subscribe to this newsletter electronically.Page 2
left to handle all the accident
reports; we think he is still
working on them. Sergeant
Bruce Kammen assisted, as
he did on several other
crashes that day.
I Think They Get a Merit
Badge for This…
Last week, Deputy Krystal
Johnson provided a tour of
the Sheriff’s Office to a group
of Cub Scouts. The group
also toured a courtroom and
holding areas. Afterward,
they stopped long enough for us to get a
photo of their visit.
A Celebrity?
The jail reported booking Vanessa
Williams into custody, though we are not
sure if it is one in the same (we really
doubt it was), since the charge was for
providing false information.
Team Work…
Information regarding a man wanted in a
recent sexual assault in Hubbard County
ended well. Hastings Police Sergeant
Greg Puch, working with DCSO
Sergeant Tim Samuelson, established
surveillance of a residence in Hastings.
Detective Matt Schepers also assisted.
After making contact with the suspect, he
surrendered and was taken into custody. He will be returned to Hubbard County on
the original charge.
Have a great week!
Christopher Hamblin
Amber Hentges
Bryan Hermerding
Ryan Holmquist
Tom Hooper
Sidney Jones
Krystal Johnson
John Kane
Jeff Leopold
Jen Lenarz
Brent Lohmann
Bruce Lohmann
Kim Mays
Mark McKnight
Peter Meyer
Lester Mitchell
Erika Morgan
Jon Napper
Ryan Olson
Sean Qualy
Jon Reiners
Josh Sannes
Bryce Schuenke
Matt Schuster
Dan Siebenaler
Brian Smidt
Phouthaivanh
Sourignavong
Gordy Steffel
Steve Theriault
Dmitriy Vecherkov
Mike Vikesland
Dan Vujovich
Bryan Wagner
Todd West
Questions?
Comments?
Please contact the
Dakota County
Sheriff’s Office at
651.438.4700 or any
of the following by
email:
dave.bellows@
co.dakota.mn.us
julie.ecker@
co.dakota.mn.us