2013-04-12 Friday News
April 12, 2013
Dates to Remember:
April 16, 2013
City Council 7:00 p.m.
April 23, 2013
Planning Commission 7:00 p.m.
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.
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
Grazing at Pilot Knob
Horse owners interested in participating in a grazing
plan at Pilot Knob Open Space met with staff from the
city and Great River Greening this past Saturday.
The group walked the site, providing feedback on the
proposed grazing areas.
Grazing is just one more method to manage vegeta-
tion on the site, as we work towards restoring the oak
savannah which existed prior to settlement of the ar-
ea.
The plan is already getting attention—the Star Tribune
plans to run a story on the plan to graze in the South
Metro edition next Wednesday.
Spring Clean Up
The annual spring clean up is fast approaching. The
event is open to all Mendota Heights residents, no
contractors or businesses, please.
Each year we divert tons of materials from landfills, by
sorting out scrap metals, mattresses, electronics, etc.
This year we will be joined by the Salvation Army who
will be accepting donations of household goods.
Hopefully this will help us to divert even more material
from landfills! Check out the attached flyer for more
details.
5K Run/Walk
The Mendota Heights 5K Run/Walk is held the morn-
ing of Parks Celebration, Saturday, June 1, 2013. Pre
registrations are currently being accepted—you can
go online, or pick up a registration form at city hall. All
proceeds benefit the Special Olympics of Minnesota.
Don’t miss this great community event.
Public Works
The Parks Crew plowed the cul-de-sacs and parking lots in the city. Truck #501
was taken in for auto body repair. The plows were taken down from the water
tower and reinstalled on the pickup trucks. The weed whips and hand mowers
were serviced for summer use.
The Utilities Crew plowed the cul-de-sacs and lift stations. The standby generator
was exercised at the main lift station. The new trailer for the generator was
picked up from Total Construction. It should be in service by next Monday after
checking its voltages and running it at the lift stations.
The Streets Crew replaced a stop sign at Ivy Hill and Sylvandale. They continue to
patch potholes. Cleaning up sod damages from the plowing has started. They
started at 3:00 am on Wednesday when they plowed and salted all streets.
Thursday was a 5:00 am start and all streets were plowed and a snow emergency
declared from the 3.7 inches of snow we received. Friday another snow
emergency was declared.
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. 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) – Final plans have
been approved and the 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 in
September with the assessment hearing in October.
Crown Point & Overlook Neighborhood Rehabilitations (2013) – Staff opened bids
on April 3rd. Asphalt Surfaces Technology Corporation was the low bidder.
Contract award is scheduled for the April 16th City Council meeting. Construction
start is anticipated in late May with substantial completion in September. An
assessment hearing is scheduled for October. Additionally, the project includes
the Lexington Avenue trail rehabilitation (see the next project) and preventative
The Pipeline N E W S
L E T T E R
Public Works
Engineering
Code Enforcement
April 12, 2013
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 was
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. Construction is anticipated in late May/early June.
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
asking City Council for authorization to seek professional services for the
evaluation and design of repairs to the sanitary sewer force main in the Mendota
Heights Road right-of-way. 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) – The City intends to apply for
grants through the MnDOT Corridor Investment Management Strategy (CIMS)
program 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. Authorization to
make these grant applications will be on the April 16th City Council agenda.
County Projects (construction year)
North Urban Regional Trail (NURT) Realignment/Greenway Study (2014) – Dakota
County staff will be presenting the alignment alternatives 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. County Staff is recommending the
Dodge Nature Center Alignment as the best fit for the Greenways Grant and the
Henry Sibley alignment as a reasonable alternative. The Board of Commissioners
is expected to select an alignment alternative at that meeting on the 16th (9:00am
at the Western Service Center in Apple Valley). 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.
4/12/2013
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
Murphy’s Birthday Celebration
Wednesday Officer Jerry Murphy was at Somerset Elementary School
doing what he has done annually for the past 12 years; volunteering to
talk to children about police officers. Jerry started the school trips years
ago when his grand kids were at Somerset. The kids always look forward
to his visit and this year was especially fun as event fell on his birthday.
Pictured below are Reserve Officer Jim Knox and Officer Murphy, along
with the some Somerset 2nd graders. Thanks for being great role models!
Burning Ban goes into effect today! (Normally it truly feels like Spring)
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html
411 or 911? Thursday 1041 hours
The DCC relayed information they received on a 911 line to Officer John
“Just the Facts”
The latest news from the Mendota Heights Police Department
4/12/2013
Larrive; the caller reported they meant to call 411 as they were trying to find the number to Petco.
But as long as I have you on the line – would you please let MHPD know that the man living in the
attic has moved into the neighbor’s attic. The caller knows this because when they change the
dog’s pants they can hear the man in the attic moving around. How do 911 dispatchers maintain
their composure when they get calls like this?
Civil Assist Thursday 1704 hours
Officer Todd Rosse he responded to a residence where he assisted in serving an emergency order
for protection, issued by the courts. The subject to the order was assisted in gathering up his
personal belongings and was transported to the Mendota Plaza where a cab was waiting to take
him to his final destination.
Open Door Thursday 1935 hours
A neighbor called to report the front door of the house next door was standing wide open. Officer
Peyton Fleming along with Officer Todd Rosse responded, found the front door open and
immediately set up a search of the house. In checking the inside of the house, they found the living
room TV was missing but nothing else appeared disturbed. The neighbor informed officers that the
residents are currently in an assisted living center. A family member was contacted by phone and
advised that his parents had the TV, it was not stolen. The door was secured and the son advised
he would stop by and ensure all was in order.
Suspicious Thursday 2205 hours
A 911 cell phone caller reported a male with a bag standing on one of the Highway 13 bridges just
north of the intersection with I35E. Officer Denise Urmann responded to the call and located the
man standing in the middle of the bridge. He could not come up with a good reason for why he was
standing in the middle of the bridge; Officer Urmann escorted him off the highway.
Squatters Thursday 2234 hours
A former resident called to report that his children, ages 21 and 16, were hanging out in the home
they had been evicted from. Officer Tanner Spicer along with Officers Rosse and Urmann
responded to the home. An unsecured door was located; the home was checked but no one was
inside. The previous homeowner reported saw a picture showing the house being damaged, it was
noted that there was evidence the home is being used by squatters. The residence was clear, the
door was secured.
Medical Saturday 1316 hours
Officer Scott Patrick and Sergeant Neil Garlock responded to a medical for an intoxicated person,
reported by the 19‐year‐old daughter of the person needing help. Upon arrival officers found an
extremely intoxicated female bleeding from her head. Thankfully, she was seated and a damp cloth
was applied to the wound. The reporter and her twin sister were the only other people in the
residence and called because they were concerned for mom who had been drinking for quite some
time. The reporter stated her mom pushed her and that's what started the incident resulting in the
cut in mom’s head. The reporter advised that mom was currently mean and obnoxious; when
allowed into the house, officers and medics observed this behavior first‐hand. The wounded,
intoxicated mother refused treatment, made some “I know my rights” statements and began
screaming at everyone to leave her home. As she was able to care for herself, the officers and
medical personnel cleared the residence.
Donkey(s) Sunday 1406 hours
The DCC received a phone call about donkeys standing in the caller’s yard. Officer Scott Patrick
responded to the call; and did find the donkeys, most likely from school across the street. The
caller had contacted the owner but was very concerned that they may run. The donkeys were
contained by the neighbor until the owner arrived on scene and they were brought back home.
4/12/2013
Medical Sunday 2304 hours
The DCC received a 911 call from a female having an allergic reaction, difficulty breathing and
needed an ambulance. However, her father came on the line and advised she was reacting to
medication after having surgery, everything was fine and ambulance could cancel. HealthEast was
already en route and would respond anyway, per protocol, especially since the 911 operators could
hear the female crying in the background. HealthEast arrived on scene and found that woman was
in fact fine and did not need medical transport. 911 calls are always verified for health and safety.
Theft Monday 1854 hours
Officer Peyton Fleming met with a resident who reported that his MiFi device was missing; the
homeowner had asked a friend, whom he has known for about seven years to watch his house
while he was out of town. The owner also knew the house sitter is a heavy drug user. Alas, when he
returned home, he found his MiFi/mobile hotspot missing. The house sitter also had friends over
while the homeowner was out of town. Officer Fleming soon learned the house sitter’s last criminal
event was in West St. Paul for theft approximately a month ago. Referred to investigations
Drunk Tuesday 0215 hours
Officer Denise Urmann responded to a call from the manager of a local bar of a man, drunk when
he arrived at the bar and refused service, was not causing problems, like trying to steal drinks from
other customers. He was last seen trying to climb on the roof of a nearby building. A short time
later Officer Denise Urmann located the man who lived nearby; he was transported home. Business
didn't want any further action.
Why do I Need Tabs? Wednesday 1300 hours
Officer Patrick helped out a caller who was trying to sell her car. She wanted to drive the vehicle,
which didn’t have tabs (but was insured), to the car wash but was concerned about being cited and
wanted police permission to drive. Officer Patrick, after much discussion with the woman, advised
that the best and most inexpensive option was to simply drive her other car to the licensing bureau
and pick up tabs.
Wrong Car Wednesday 1207 hours
Sergeant Brian Convery was enlisted in Inver Grove Heights Police Department on a check the
welfare on behalf of a car dealerships; an elderly customer had driven home the wrong vehicle.
Sergeant Convery learned that customer had grabbed a vehicle that looked like her son’s and drove
off; the true owner of the car was still waiting at the dealership for their vehicle. While en route to
the residence in Mendota Height, the dealership advised the DCC that the woman had just pulled
back into their parking lot after realizing she had the wrong vehicle.
Fire Lane Violation Wednesday 1953 hours
Staff at local high school called to report numerous vehicles parked in a fire lane. Officer Todd
Rosse arrived on scene and found six cars parked in the fire line. He made contact with staff and
learned that students had been advised multiple times not to park there. All were gathered up to
one spot and told that if they were found parked there again they would all be cited. Officer Rosse
then advised staff to contact the headmaster about properly signing the fire lane so that the cars
could in fact be cited if they continued to park there.
AOA/Fire Wednesday 0214 hours
Caller having problems with gas water heater. Excel Energy was unable to respond and suggested
she call the fire department. Officer Urmann suggested they only page out the Chief to assist with
shutting off the gas and water. Assisted without incident in shutting of the hot water heater.
Have a great weekend!
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).