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2013-04-26 Friday News April 26, 2013 Dates to Remember: May 4, 2013 Spring Clean Up 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Mendakota Park May 7, 2013 City Council 7:00 p.m. May 8, 2013 Airport Relations Comm. 7:00 p.m. May 14, 2013 Parks & Rec. Comm. 6:30 p.m. May 21, 2013 City Council 7:00 p.m. Attachments: Pipeline, Just the Facts, Spring Clean Up Flyer Friday News Mendota Heights Weekly Report on City Activities Mendota Heights City Hall 1101 Victoria Curve www.mendota-heights.com (651) 452-1850 Spring Clean Up The most exciting day of the year in Mendota Heights is almost here. The Mendota Heights Spring Clean Up is next Saturday, May 4, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Mendakota Park. This event is open to Mendota Heights resi- dents—the Salvation Army will be on hand, ac- cepting donations of household goods. Other- wise, the usual cast of characters will be volun- teering to help unload resident’s cars and trailers. We will be accepting general rubbish, residential construction debris, mattresses, scrap metal, electronics, tires and bicycles. There is a fee based on volume for the clean up. Each year, this event results in tons of material being divert- ed from landfills. The Spring Clean Up is funded in part by a grant from Dakota County Environ- mental management. Yard Work It seems like we may finally be able to swap snow shovels for rakes. Please keep in mind as you go through your spring yard preparations, that yard waste must be disposed of properly—it may not be left in the city right of way, or in wetland and/or outlot areas. If you do not have contracted yard waste services, there are a number of compost facilities in our area. Go to www.dakotacounty.us and search Yard Waste for a comprehensive list. Street Sweeping As residents get out and about each spring, we get inquiries about when street sweeping will oc- cur. Mendota Heights contracts this service out. Like many outdoor activities this year, street sweeping crews have been impacted by the long winter. At this time we are anticipating that street sweeping for city roads will occur in mid-May. Public Works The Street Crew had an early start last Friday morning after 9.8 inches of snow when they plowed all city streets. Monday they plowed all the main streets before going home. Tuesday morning was another early start (2:00 am) when they again plowed all city streets. Truck 312 had a major hydraulic leak on Tuesday and it was repaired this week. The new front end loader arrived and Cat provided operations training. The Utilities Crew repaired the water box on Cheyenne Lane. They opened up the Hagstrom King Pond outlet which was full of branches and vegetation. Two gfci outlets were changed in the public works garage. Utilities also plowed the cul-de- sacs after the early week snowfalls. The Mendota Heights Road, Northland Drive, and Saint Thomas lift stations, and the shop sump manhole were cleaned. The Parks Crew picked up the new park sign for Mertensotto Field at the Civic Center and stained it. They plowed the cul-de-sacs and parking lots as needed. Downed trees were removed along the trail in Valley Park. They finished replacing boards on the picnic tables. They also met with Mendota Heights Athletic Association at Victoria Highlands Park. Some nice thank you were received this week for the plowing jobs Public Works has done and follow: I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you to you and your outstanding city crew. Most days I take your good work for granted, but on a morning like this, I really appreciate all you do. On my way to work this morning, I got stuck in my neighborhood on Timmy Street. My husband had just gone home to get a shovel to shovel me out when George (at least that was the name on his sweatshirt) came by with his snowplow. He plowed all the way around me, spread salt and then got out of his truck to help my husband shovel me out. He helped to guide me out of my predicament and I got to work not only on time, but even a few minutes early!! Again, thanks to George and all your crew. Rozanne Crowley The Pipeline N E W S L E T T E R Public Works Engineering Code Enforcement April 26, 2013 I had to send a congratulation and thank you note for the excellent work in keeping the Mendota Heights streets clean and safe during this trying winter. I drive through 3 communities each morning and always look forward to getting into Mendota Heights on those days when there has been a lot of snow. Your streets are so much better than all the streets I drive on to get into the city. Most of the time, on those heavy snow days, I am pulling a big trailer with a skid steer on it and until I get to your streets it can be a trying drive. Again thank you for the great job you do keeping Mendota Heights streets safe and in excellent condition. Jerry Murphy Engineering City Projects (construction year) Dodd Road/Highway 110 Intersection Pedestrian Improvements (2013) – The completed plans and specifications are being routed through MnDOT for final approval. The project will be advertised for bid soon. Bid opening is scheduled for May 29th, 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) – Project is advertised. Bid opening is scheduled for May 1st at 10:00am. Contract award is scheduled for the May 7th City Council Meeting with construction beginning in June. Substantial completion is expected by the end of September with the assessment hearing in October. Crown Point & Overlook Neighborhood Rehabilitations (2013) – A pre-construction meeting will be held in May. Construction start is anticipated to begin in late May/early June with substantial completion in September. An assessment hearing is scheduled for October. Lexington Avenue Pedestrian Trail, Hwy 110 to Douglas Road (2013) – Construction will be completed under the same contract as the Crown Point and Overlook neighborhood project. Dakota County is assisting with project construction costs. Project includes pavement replacement, minor realignment, and pedestrian ramp replacement and/or new installation. Construction is anticipated over the summer. Highway 13 Trail Connection (2013) –The City has applied for a grant from the Department of Natural Resources for construction funding. If not funded through a grant, the City intends to construct the connection in 2013 with City funds. Project will connect existing trails between Riverside Lane and Lilydale Road. Mendota Heights Road Sanitary Sewer Force Main Repairs (2013) – Staff will be sending out a Request For Proposals (RFP) for the design of the permanent repair to the force main. The force main has ruptured 5 times in the past 6 years and is becoming more costly to repair each time. Based on the information gathered by the selected consultant specialist, the City may choose to repair the force main this summer. Highway 149 (Dodd Road) Trail Connections (2014) – Staff will be submitting grant applications next week through the MnDOT Corridor Investment Management Strategy (CIMS) program. These grants would be for construction of trail connections along Dodd Road from Market Street north to Marie Avenue and from Mendota Heights Road south to the I-494 Bridge. Both of these grants would be for the 2014 construction year. County Projects (construction year) Dakota County Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) – Dakota County is reviewing their 2014-2018 Capital Improvement Program. The current 2013-2017 CIP is available through the County web page for review at http://www.co.dakota.mn.us/Government/BudgetFinance/2013Budget/Documents /2013-2017CIP.pdf. Any requests for County projects to be included in the updated CIP can be made through City Staff by June 12th so Council can review and submit requests to the County by the June 28th deadline. North Urban Regional Trail (NURT) Realignment/Greenway Study (2014) – The Dakota County Board of Commissioners met on April 16th and selected the east- west alignment north of Marie Avenue in West Saint Paul. The Board did not make a north-south alignment selection as the District 197 School Board strenuously objected to the Henry Sibley High School alignment option. County Staff has until the County Board meeting on May 7th to work with the school district on a Henry Sibley alignment solution before the Board makes a final recommendation at the May 7th meeting. For More information, please contact the Dakota County Project Manager, Chris Hartzel, at 952-891-7106. Lexington Avenue Crosswalk (2013) – Construction of the center median and crosswalk on Lexington Avenue at Victoria will take place this summer. Construction is anticipated in July/August. State (MnDOT) Projects (construction year) I-35E University to Maryland (April 2013 – November 2015) – MnDOT will begin construction of a new interchange along I-35E at Cayuga Street. This new interchange will replace the interchange currently at Pennsylvania Avenue, provide new frontage roads, and connect the Gateway Trail to the Saint Paul City Trail System. For more information please go to the following web page: mndot.gov/metro/projects/35estpaul Other Activities Municipal Separated Sanitary and Storm Sewer (MS4) Permit Training – Mendota Heights hosted the annual training session for Public Works and Engineering staff that is required as part of the City’s MS4 Permit from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). Each year, the cities of Mendota Heights and West Saint Paul share the cost of the training consultant and attend the training together. Permits are renewed in June. 4/26/2013 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 Stolen Luggage Thursday 1752 Officer Peyton Fleming was asked to call a party who had her luggage stolen five days ago after flying home from Vegas. The airport requested she make a “courtesy” report with her local police department. Officer Fleming regretfully informed her that since the incident occurred there, she would have to make the report with them. Recovered Vehicle Wednesday 1844 hours Officer Peyton Fleming responded to neighborhood to check on a strange vehicle that had been parked in front of the caller’s residence all day. The caller did peek in the vehicle and saw the stereo was missing and believed the car was stolen. The vehicle turned out to be a stolen from Inver Grove Heights. Assault/Medical Thursday 0204 hours Officers Peyton Fleming, Mike Shepard, Steve Meyer and Sergeant Petersen responded to a medical at a local hotel where the party was in pain, was vomiting and was bruised. Upon making contact with the female, officers soon learned she had been assaulted by her boyfriend while in St Paul and went to the hotel to be away from him. Officers advised her that she should make a report with St Paul; she was transported the hospital for her injuries. Officers cleared. Blocked Road Thursday 0336 hours MSP was notified on a tree down near a tricky intersection, blocking the roadway. Officer Meyer responded to lend some muscle; soon after, the street was passable. Poor Judgment Thursday 1133 hours Officer Scott Patrick was notified by a school regarding a worrisome message sent via social media. After discussion with the student regarding the poor judgment and word choices, Officer Patrick and the school determined that school consequences and parental discipline was sufficient. No criminal charges; officer cleared. Car vs Bench Thursday 1407 hours On yet another unfortunate snow day, Officer Scott Patrick encountered a vehicle that drifted into a ditch and subsequently demolished a park bench used for advertising. However, they did manage to avoid a culvert, “Just the Facts” The latest news from the Mendota Heights Police Department 4/26/2013 a sign and a mailbox. Parties were uninjured; car was not so lucky, as it received significant front end damage and passenger side airbag deployed. Report made in the event the advertising party requests information; vehicle privately towed, Officer cleared. Car vs Tree Thursday 1442 hours Sergeant Neil Garlock responded to an accident where the driver lost control of the vehicle and struck a utility pole, bounced off that into the ditch and hit a tree head on. No good! Luckily the driver only had some abrasions on his knees. Vehicle towed; Officer cleared. Accidents Hopefully we can now stop reporting accidents related to snow-related driving conditions! On Thursday, officers responded to approximately 12 snow vs vehicle incidents. Theft of Gas Sunday 1153 hours And yet another gas drive off by a blue Impala missing a hubcap and a rear plate. Officer Patrick found the solo plate on the offending vehicle registered to a Dodge Avenger belonging to a local business. Their loss prevention was notified and awaiting further information and video surveillance. Forwarded to investigations. Vibrations Tuesday 0033 hours Homeowner – who courteously informs us of several things occurring nearby her home, reported strange vibrations coming from outside. She called back with a correction - they were coming from both inside and outside her house, and were low vibrations, just loud enough to be annoying. Officer Von Feldt was unable to hear any noises of concern and wished her a restful night. Naughty, but not Criminal Tuesday 1017 hours A local business owner made contact with Officer Larrive regarding a fired employee who they believed was tampering with their software program. Unfortunately, her termination did not coincide with a password/access change to systems and the unhappy ex-staff decided to tamper with the system. Access was removed; advised any further action would be civil unless criminal activity was found. Hissing! Tuesday 1058 hours Local daycare called to report a loud hissing noise in the area, similar to a gas leak. The noise usually occurs annually when the nearby Xcel utility company nearby does some maintenance. It was found to be Xcel performing annual maintenance but neglected to notify them; all clear. Suspicious Vehicle Tuesday 1308 hours We appreciate and rely on citizen vigilance; we always prefer to check on suspicious activity or persons and find all is well, than not learn of activity and something criminal happens. Sergeant Garlock checked on a report of a pickup in a park where the driver was drinking beer. He happily learned the driver was simply enjoying a quiet lunch, drinking a Pepsi; all clear. Decree Dispute Thursday 1618 hours A resident came in to file a complaint on his ex-wife who had violated a divorce decree via her method and topic of communication. This issue is on the heels of a string of complaints, initiated by both parties against the other regarding child custody and decree violations. The complainant has charges pending for his own recent violation. Case pending formal charges. Theft from Vehicle Thursday 1724 hours Officer Todd Rosse responded to a parking area where someone had smashed in a vehicle window, rooted around, and stole her GPS unit and a bottle of wine were missing. A serial number for the GPS 4/26/2013 unit was provided and entered into NCIC, but no further suspect information was available. Medical Tuesday 0637 hours Officer Von Feldt responded to a medical where patient was having chest pains, but was alert. The patient dutifully chewed a few aspirin, as she had a history of heart issues, and was taken to the hospital. Theft Tuesday 2143 hours Bar staff requested assistance with patron refusing to pay his tab. He had been there with a few other people eating and drinking and as the restaurant transitions to a club at 9, he was asked to move to a different area. He refused to pay his tab and became unruly. While the manager requested police assistance, the patron decided to exit the establishment. He was seen making gestures towards the bar staff and yelling out the window of a vehicle. Officers Peyton Fleming and Todd Rosse arrived and worked with the bar manager to get the documentation and view the security footage. The suspect was soon identified via his credit card (that he had left w/the bartender) and the getaway car; Officer Fleming sent a citation to the offender with a court date. Theft of Gas Wednesday 0800 hours A local gas station advised of a (gasp!) theft of gas that had just occurred. The attendant gave a suspect vehicle description, stating the vehicle pulled out very quickly at a high rate of speed into on-coming traffic. They were able to view the security footage; Officer Larrive soon realized the suspect was the same suspect in a previous incident. In the previous incident, the owner of the vehicle had previously told him she had done it but thought she had paid at the pump; then her boyfriend called and said he was the one who had done it. However, no one has followed up with proof of payment. The boyfriend did admit to driving when suspended though. This time, the girlfriend had even given the boyfriend money to pay for the gas in her car. Officer Larrive charged the boyfriend or both thefts and for driving while suspended both times. Closed by arrest. AOA Wednesday 0930 hours Officers heard dispatch air a pursuit in progress entering Mendota Heights toward a golf course. They soon learned it was a foot pursuit. Officer Larrive responded to assist, but MSP had female in custody and had a few of her friends waiting down the road also. Evidently, the female was waving a gas can in hopes of some help, but when a trooper arrived to help, she took off. Evidently the warrants she had were also a concern. MSP wrapped it up. Parking Issue Wednesday 0949 hours Officers received reports of parking by fire hydrants at a school. Officer Larrive responded and soon three citations were issued to violating vehicles. Cigar Thief Wednesday 1438 hours A local business reported that two men came in, entered the humidor, and one of them shoplifted four high-end cigars, but paid cash for one expensive cigar. The employee went into the humidor to check and found the cigars missing from the boxes. This is similar to an incident from about this time, last year, and the male thief had the same look – in his 40’s, balding with many tattoos and wearing a black jacket. Security footage provided; forwarded to investigations. Have a great weekend! 3 D AKOTA C OUNTY SHERIFF The Front Row “A front row seat to the greatest show on Earth...” Dave Bellows, Sheriff Tim Leslie, Chief Deputy Volume 8, Week 47 April 15, through April 21, 2013 Reducing our Risk… Working in public safety has long been considered a risky profession. This is true for police, detention services, fire, and the emergency medical services field. The DCSO, along with the Dakota County Chiefs’ Association, sponsored a day-long seminar by Gordon Graham, a nationally renowned expert in the field of risk management. Gordon Graham spoke to a group of approximately 250 individuals on how to reduce risk and supervision during the event. Gordon has taught law enforcement groups internationally, along with his work with federal, state and local agencies. A large group of staff from the DCSO attended the training. Special thanks go to Commander Dan Scheuermann for coordinating the event and to Program ServicesAssistant Jesse Monahan for all her assistance during the day. An “Artful Group”… This past Monday the Sheriff’s Office hosted an event to recognize participants in the Choices Art Initiative. This program highlights the benefits in creating art projects as a therapy and self-growth enhancement opportunity for inmates in the jail. The ceremony included several participants presenting their final artwork created as part of the program. Outreach Coordinator Emily Clary helped make this event possible. Featuring Sheriff’s Volunteer Units and Information Technology Support Staff: Information Technology Support Dan Anderson Lisa Blount Chance Munger Special Deputies Juan Balli Louis Henderson Anthony Pojman Randal Smith Dave Stanek Special Deputies Sheriff’s Office Liaison: Sergeant Booker Hodges Mounted Patrol Bonnie Brauninger Tim Burns J. B. Dudley Mike Dudley Ron Hart Ann LaBelle Wendy Pressnall Kourtney Rose Cathy Snyder Recently, Deputy Bryan Wagner trained on a driving simulator at the Scales Training Facility in Jordan, Minnesota. The simulator challenges the driver under a variety of weather conditions and other hazards similar to those used in the airline industry, just in case we’re confronted with the “real weather” conditions! D AKOTA C OUNTY SHERIFF The Front Row “A front row seat to the greatest show on Earth...” Dave Bellows, Sheriff Tim Leslie, Chief Deputy Volume 8, Week 47 April 15, through April 21, 2013 Click here to subscribe to this newsletter electronically.Page 2 The Honor Guard… The DCSO Honor Guard recently presented the Colors at the opening of the District Rotary convention. Special Deputy Bob Stowell (Retired)served over the past year as the District Governor for Rotary. The Honor Guard was recently expanded to include members of Detention Services. In addition, Deputy Matt Schuster and his canine partner, “Ace,”gave a demonstration to the group. A Successful Ending… Deputies assisted Hastings Police with the arrest of an individual wanted on an outstanding felony warrant and in possession of a gun. On arrival at the residence, the suspect’s girlfriend was located in the entry of the apartment. The team of officers attempted to make contact with the suspect, but was unsuccessful after making repeated calls. The MAAG Team was activated and responded to the scene. The suspect was eventually located walking barefoot down the middle of the street near the residence. It appeared he had left prior to the arrival of law enforcement. He was taken into custody and a weapon was located inside the home during the search. Responding from the DCSO were Sergeant Tim Samuelson and Deputies Jeff Leopold, Sean Qualy, Bryce Schuenke, and Bryan Wagner. Recent high water resulted in a partial washout of the pedestrian bridge in Miesville. Mounted Patrol Sheriff’s Office Liaisons: Sergeant Booker Hodges Deputy Sean Qualy Explorer Post 523 Sheriff’s Office Liaisons/Advisors: Deputy Tim Fletcher Correctional Deputy Kent Themmes Detective Dawanna Witt Chaplains Jim Bzoskie Vern Hildebrandt Clayton McDougall Eddie Nestingen Cory Voll Don Voll Questions? Comments? Please contact the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office at 651.438.4700 or any of the following by email: dave.bellows@ co.dakota.mn.us julie.ecker@ co.dakota.mn.us “When faced with a challenge, look for a way, not a way out.” -David L. Weatherford (left to right) Correctional Deputies Sara Salava and Tim Parker, Deputy Tom Hooper, Special Duty Deputy Matt Regis, Retired Special Deputy Bob Stowell, Special Duty Deputy Mike Fendrick, Sergeant Booker Hodges, and Captain Brad Jeska Spring Clean Up 2013 Saturday, May 4 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Mendakota Park, 2171 Dodd Road For more information: Jake Sedlacek Asst. to the City Admin. 651.255.1142 jakes@mendota-heights.com Document Shredding: American Bank is hosting document shredding/recycling from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, 1060 Dakota Drive Sponsored by the City of Mendota Heights, funded in part by Dakota County Board of Com- missioners and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Every year Mendota Heights residents divert tons of trash from going to the landfill thorough the spring clean up. Don’t miss this opportunity to clean up your home/yard and ensure that materials are disposed of properly. Follow the signs on Mendakota Drive and enter from the west side of the park. ID with Mendota Heights address required Limited to Mendota Heights residents with passenger vehicles and small trailers only. We will accept: Car tires, furniture $5 each Mattresses/boxspring $10 each Home remodeling debris/misc. junk Volume-based fee Dehumidifiers $5 each Electronics Volume-based fee Scrap metals (remove all non-metal) Free Bicycles Free We will not accept: Yard waste, items that can be recycled at your curb, busi- ness waste or contractor debris Bring Your Donations: This year the Salvation Army will be on hand, collecting clothing, household items and furniture (There is no fee to donate items).