2014-01-24 Friday NewsFriday News
Mendota Heights Weekly Report on City Activities
Staff Recognition
Fourteen staff members were recognized for years
of service to the city at the city council meeting
Tuesday night:
Five Years of Service
Sue Donovan, IT Manager
Cliff Kirchner, Mechanic
John Mazzitello, PW Director /City Engineer
Jay Miller, Fire Fighter
Andy Quinlan, Street Maintenance
Ten Years of Service
Steve Abrahamson, Fire Fighter
Mike Aschenbrener, Police Chief
Tom Mattaini, Fire Fighter
Chris Perrault, Fire Fighter
Fifteen Years of Service
Kristen Schabacker, Finance Director
Twenty Years of Service
Bret Blaeser, Fire Fighter
Thirty Years of Service
Mike Maczko, Park Maintenance
Keith Stein, Fire Fighter
Thirty Five Years of Service
John Maczko, Fire Chief
The council expressed their gratitude to all
employees for providing a combined total of 195
years of great service to the community.
The council also recognized this year's
recipients of the Core Values Award. The four core
values include respectful, ethical, service oriented
and professional. Congratulations to Nancy Bauer,
Rich Burrows, Neil Garlock and Cliff Kirchner.
More information on the Core Values Award will be
featured in the February Heights Highlights.
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Commission Appointment
City council interviewed and appointed Jack Evans
for the opening on our parks and
recreation commission for a full, three -year term.
Jack's term begins February 1, 2014.
Dates to Remember:
January 28, 2014
Planning Commission 7:00 p.m.
February 3, 2014*
City Council 7:00 p.m.
*Council meeting is scheduled for Monday because
of the precinct caucuses meetings on Tuesday.
Attachments:
Pipeline, Just the Facts
Mendota Heights City Hall
1101 Victoria Curve
www.mendota- heights.com
(651) 452 -1850
Facebook.com /MendotaHeightsMN
� Twitter.com / @mendota_ heights
NEW S
LETTER
Public Works
Engineering
Code Enforcement
Public Works
The P'ipel'ine
January 24, 2014
The Parks Crew did their daily warming house checks and trash pickup in
the parks. They plowed the cul -de -sacs, parking lots, ice rinks, and trails.
The plow on 501 was worked on. The cutting edge was replaced as were
the relief valves in the pump. The Bobcat with snow blower was taken out
to widen the trails on Mendota Heights Road, Marie Avenue and Victoria.
The Utilities Crew plowed and shoveled as needed and assisted the Street
Crew on Saturday with plowing. Hydrant flags at Winston Court and
Mendakota Court were replaced. New batteries were installed at the main
lift station for the generator. The generator at the main lift station and
trailer mounted generator were exercised.
The Streets Crew had another busy week of snow plowing. They were in on
Saturday with the 4 inches of snow. There was another inch on Wednsday
which was plowed. Fire hydrants were cleared of snow and snow banks
pushed back throughout the city. A hydraulic cylinder was replaced on truck
304's front plow. As the work was being done a crack was found in the A
frame of the plow hitch. They were able to weld the A frame solid again.
The bobcat snow blower was fixed by welding new wear bars along the
cutting edge. A spring was replaced on plow 308's front plow.
Engineering
City Projects (construction year)
Hunter Lane /Orchard Place Neighborhood Improvements (2013) -The
project is considered substantially complete and the final lift of wear course
asphalt will be placed in the spring.
Crown Point &Overlook Neighborhood Rehabilitations (2013) -The
contractor will need to finish the final punch -list items in the spring.
Highway 13 Trail Connection (2014)_-Construction will not begin until the
spring. A utility conflict with Saint Paul Regional Water Service needs to be
resolved prior to construction.
Victoria Road Reconstruction &Rolling Green Neighborhood Rehabilitation
(2014/2015) -Staff held akick -off meeting with the consultant brought on
board to design the project. Bolton & Menk was selected as the Consultant,
and they anticipate bidding the project in the April /May timeframe. The
project will be constructed in phases. The first phase, scheduled for 2014,
will reconstruct Victoria from Lilydale to Marie Avenue and rehabilitate the
Stratford /Walsh/ Rolling Green neighborhood. The remainder of Victoria was
put off to a future date, but it is anticipated for construction in 2015. A
neighborhood open house will be held in late February or early March to
provide property owners with the opportunity to address issues specific to
their property. The City of Lilydale has asked that the portion of Victoria
from Caren Road to Highway 13 be included at Lilydale's expense.
Wentworth Avenue &Pilot Knob Road Trail Rehabilitation Projects (2014) -
The trails on Wentworth (Wachtler to Dodd) and Pilot Knob Road (Mendota
Heights Road to Highway 13) are scheduled for rehabilitation in the coming
year. Projects will reclaim the existing pavement and install ADA compliant
ramps along each trail. Construction is anticipated in June /July.
County Projects
Delaware Avenue Resurfacing (2014) - Dakota County is planning on
resurfacing Delaware Avenue from Highway 110 south to I -494. This
project will not widen or otherwise alter the lane alignment of Delaware, but
will provide a new asphalt driving surface and new striping. Construction is
anticipated to begin in late June.
Lexington Crosswalk at Victoria (20141 -The median and crosswalk are
scheduled for installation this summer. Construction will likely take place in
conjunction with the Delaware Avenue resurfacing project. This project will
install a center median in Lexington on the north side of the Victoria
intersection and provide for a crosswalk to connect the trails on the east and
west of Lexington. The left turn lane from southbound Lexington to
eastbound Victoria will be removed as part of this project.
State Projects
Highway 52 Closure - US Highway 52 will be closed on Saturday, January
25t" from 9:00am to 1:00pm between Concord Street and 7t" Street in Saint
Paul. MnDOT crews will be pouring concrete for the new bridge. Detours
around the closure will be posted.
Highway 110 &Lexington Avenue Signal Replacement (20141 -The existing
signal will be replaced this summer with a new LED signal with flashing
yellow arrow for the left turn lanes on Lexington.
Highway 13 Reconstruction (2015) -The section of Highway 13 that was
not rehabilitated in 2012 is scheduled for reconstruction in 2015. This
section is from I -35E south and west to 2nd Street in Mendota. This section
will receive a widened shoulder, curb, gutter, and storm sewer to help
alleviate drainage and erosion problems in Lilydale.
Highway 149 (Dodd Road) Resurfacing (2017) -Dodd Road is scheduled to
be resurfaced from Highway 55 in Eagan to Annapolis Street in 2015. At
this time, there are no plans to widen the State Highway, but some
alterations for drainage and public safety are possible. The project may be
delayed until 2017 to be constructed in conjunction with the Highway 110
resurfacing project. Due to the project delay, Dodd Road will receive
another sealcoat (chip seal) in 2014.
Highway 110 Resurfacing (2017) - Preliminary project scoping has begun.
This project will not reconstruct or alter the alignment of the state highway,
but modifications to access points, traffic signals, shoulders, drainage, and
pedestrian facilities are likely.
Other Activities
2013 Future Cities Competition -Staff attended the State Competition on
Saturday at the University of Minnesota. Staff has been mentoring Friendly
Hills Middle School 6t" through 8t" grade teams on how to develop a city in
the future to address transportation congestion issues. The top three teams
from FHMS competed at the State level. One of the teams was awarded the
Excellence in engineering award for their broad based approach and for
including all aspects of engineering needed for City development and
maintenance. FHMS Future Cities will attend a City Council Meeting to
present their model cities and to thank the City for staff involvement. An
article about the competition was run in the Star Tribune this past week.
You can view the article at
http: / /www.startribune.com /local /south /241012321.html.
SUPPORT STAFF
Kim Henning
Trista Miller
Becky Pentel
POLICE OFFICERS
Jerry Murphy
Scott Patrick
John Larrive
Bobby Lambert
Tanner Spicer
Todd Rosse
Jeff Vonfeldt
Steven Meyer
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"Ugh, my car won't start because of the cold!" I
"Schools are closed again!"
"Burr, the house is freezing because of the temps!" �
"I am still cold even though I am wearing my jacket, hat and mittens!"
enise rmann 0
Michael Shepard
Peyton Fleming
SCHOOL RESOURCE
OFFICER
Jennifer Fordham
INVESTIGATIONS
Mario Reyes
Chad Willson
SERGEANTS
Neil Garlock
Brian Convery
Eric Petersen
RESERVES
Randy Pentel
Jim Knox
Jeff Parker
George Castillo
CHAPLAINS
Frances Cuenca
Joel Detlefsen
Lynn Liberman
Butch Millett
Sue Plucker
John Snider
David Wick
Lenny Andrie
CHIEF
Mike Aschenbrener
1
The things we can take for granted... think of the people out there in this cold State of
Minnesota who are unfortunate and do not have the essential cold winter gear like
jackets, snow pants, hats, mittens and boots.
Do you have a Jacket in your closet that you never wear yet cannot seem to get rid of it
because "you might wear it someday ?" Do you have winter gear that you have grown out
of or isn't stylish enough for you to wear?
YOU CAN HELP!
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Here are some local resources where you can donate your much needed winter gear to
those in need:
http: / /wwwJosephscoatmn.orgr/ http: / /onewarmcoat.orgr/
http : / /salvationarmynorth.orgL http: / /peopleservingpeople.org
http: / /www.ccspm.org/
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DMZota C Trol �o safet 1
In September of 2005 the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety awarded the
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Dakota County Traffic Safety Project $78,000. The agencies covered in the grant were, Apple Valley,
Burnsville Dakota County, Eagan, Farmington, Hastings, Inver Grove Heights, Lakeville, Mendota I
Heights, Rosemount, South St Paul and West St Paul. The grant allowed officers to work outside of their I
jurisdictions through a Mutual Police Assistance Agreement. The DCSTP targeted geographic areas on
specific dates. I
The current grant emphasizes the concept of high visibility to get the message out. Officers are required I
to wear high visibility traffic vests and electronic signs are used to designate the enforcement area. The
grant focuses on 4 enforcement areas: DWI, seatbelt, speed and distracted driving. I
During the 2013 grant year, 206 officers worked 6487 enforcement hours. 6791 citations were issued
and 8689 warnings were given. 125 drivers were arrested for drunk driving.
The funding amount for the grant has increased each year. The 2014 DCTSP was awarded $355,000. So
when you drive by an officer on a traffic stop, move over. It's the LAW.
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Fraud
Thursday 1940 hours
Officer Todd Rosse was dispatched to contact a reporting party concerning fraud. The RP stated that his
credit company had called him to notify him of a suspicious online purchase at a sporting goods store. The
sporting good store mentioned that the particular items were well known to be purchased in fraudulent
activity. The card has since been cancelled and is being looked into by the sporting goods fraud department
as well as MHPD Investigations.
Harassing Communication Friday 0944 hours
Officer Jennifer Fordham was notified by a concerned parent of harassing voicemail message that was left on
her juvenile son's voicemail. The mother stated she was doing regular supervisory checks on her son's
voicemail and found a disturbing voicemail. The voicemail included three male voices and one in particular
telling her son to kill himself with details on how to do so. This serious situation is under investigation.
n.
If you or anyone you know is being bullied or harassed, contact the police department immediately.
Property Damage Accident Friday 1057 hours
Officer Bobby Lambert responded to a two car property damage accident. Driver one was attempting to pull
out onto Mendota Heights Road from Concord Way but did not see driver two traveling eastbound on
Mendota Heights Road until it struck driver two's front driver's side tire. There were no injuries. Driver
one vehicle was towed. No citations issued.
DWI Friday 2205 hours
Officers Jeff VonFeldt responded to location report of a vehicle in someone's yard and upon arrival, he
found it stuck in a snowbank in complainant's yard. The driver was unsuccessfully attempting to back the
vehicle out. VonFeldt approached the driver who was seated in the vehicle and could immediately smell
alcoholic beverage coming from inside the vehicle along with bloodshot eyes and slurred speech. After
clearly failing all SFST's he was placed under arrest and placed in the squad car. He was belligerent and
uncooperative the entire way kicking at the windows and screaming. After refusing to test, the paperwork was
completed and put back in a squad car for a trip to jail for 2nd Degree DUI. Again, he exhibited same
uncooperative behavior during the trip to Dakota County Jail and he was happily turned over to detention
deputies.
Damage to Property Saturday 1722 hours
Officer Peyton Fleming was dispatched initially to a report of an attempted burglary. In meeting with the
complainant, he believed someone had tried to gain entry into his business due to a small chip and crack on
the lower portion of the front door. After inspecting the door, it did not seem as if there were signs of
attempted burglary. It is believed that the damage was caused from a rock being kicked up from a snow
blower during the area around the business was plowed the previous night. No further action.
Damage to Property Saturday 2346 hours
Officer Tanner Spicer responded to a home on a report of a broken vehicle window and side mirror. The
complainant stated he heard a loud smash from inside the home then went outside to find the back window
of his vehicle and the side mirror mashed out. The complainant could not think of anyone that may have
wanted to cause this damage and due to no evidence of possible suspects, this case is inactive.
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DAR /Warrant Saturday 2354 hours
While on routine patrol, Sergeant Eric Petersen conducted a random routine license plate and learned the
female RO of the vehicle in front of him only had an instructional permit. Petersen conducted a traffic stop
and approached the vehicle to find a female driver, male passenger and three small children. Upon running
the driver's DL, it showed the driver to have a status of revoked as well as an outstanding warrant. The
female was taken into custody, issued a citation for DAR and given a ride to Dakota County Jail to be booked
for the warrant. The male passenger had a valid DL and took possession of the vehicle and the children.
Theft Sunday 1407 hours
Officer John Larrive was dispatched to a local business parking lot and met with the complainant who stated
she had parked her vehicle in the lot and when she returned to her vehicle, the rear window on the vehicle
was smashed out and her purse containing valuable items such as her drivers license and credit cards was
stolen. She was advised to contact the credit companies as soon as possible to notify them of the theft.
Outside of the vehicle a backpack, sweatpants and t -shirt were found amongst a few other miscellaneous items
and placed into evidence. As of now, the identity of the owner of the items has not been determined.
Theft Tuesday 2200 hours
Officer Scott Patrick was dispatched to a home on a report of a theft. The homeowner stated that sometime
within the previous 12 hours, someone had entered their unlocked vehicles and stolen their garage door
opener. The garage door opener has since been disabled and there are no suspects at this time.
Theft Wednesday 0500 hours
Officer Scott Patrick responded to Caribou Coffee to meet with a woman on a theft from auto. The woman is
an employee of Caribou and when she returned to her vehicle after work, she discovered the rear driver's side
door glass was shattered and her backpack was stolen. The vehicle was locked at the time of theft.
No suspects at this time.
Theft Wednesday 1842 hours
Officer Michael Shepard was dispatched to a home on a report of a theft. The homeowner stated that his
checkbook along with his garage door opener had been stolen from his vehicle that was parked outside his
home. There was no damage to the vehicle and he could not remember whether or not the vehicle was
locked. The garage code has since been changed and the checking account has been cancelled. No suspects at
this time.
We're on the countdown now to our Guns & Hoses event! Donations are still welcome!
A big THANKS to the businesses who have already supported the event
and our chosen beneficiaries.
CHECK OUT THE ATTACHED FLYER FOR ALL THE DETAILS.
!� { - •
0 � Who can really "take the heat ?" MENDOTA
HEIGHTS
MN
Witness the glory at the:
FD
MHPD vs MHFD
"WIN",.. EATING r �'
IL THE MOOSE COUNTRY
857 HIGHWAY 13, LILYDALE,, MN 55118
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY f, 2014
I PM = 4 PAI
PRIZE RAFFLE proceeds & a percentage of all FOOD SALES
during the event will benefit their chosen charities:
Special Olympics MN 8 the MHFD Fire Relief Fund
PRIZE DONATIONS STILL NEEDED!
Call 651,.452,,1366 to make afax- deductible donation!
In the spirit of competition, we at MHPD would like to inform you that in the summer, 2014 MHPD
vs MHFD Kickball Competition, MHPD was the clear winner in that challenfye. We are just as
confident that we will maintain our champion status in this event. Come & cheer us ALL on!
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Fdor1/17-1/24 2014 YTD
Calls for Service 156 508
Officer Denise
Citations 39 128
Urmann received a
thank you note for .
Warnings 23 58
the tour she put on I
for Cub Scout Pack
Police Reports 15 46
9037 and their
parents. Response Time Average 5.61 5.85
Officers Jennifer
Check out the MH Crime Map! Click below to search your neighborhood:
Fordham and Steve I
I httj2://mendota.j2roj2hoenix.com/CS/CrimeMaj2j2ing.asj2x x
Meyer received
commendations from
the City 'Fp °h't
Administrator for R�'FT�
being nominated for --
great service in 2013
If you are a Mendota Heights resident and you are going out of town or on
vacation, you can notify MHPD of your outing and we will be more than happy to
keep a watchful eye on your home while you are away. Make your House Check
Request online at www.mendota- heights.com, visit us in the MHPD lobby to
complete a form or call us and we will take your info over the phone.
MHPD offers monthly Car Seat Safety Checks. To schedule an appointment,
call 651.452.1366 to contact Officer Jennifer Fordham.
Please send us y our
positive feedback
on our staff to:
pdrecords@ Take it to THE Box
mendota- heights.com
Your MHPD has a Medication Disposal Box in the lobby of the PD where Dakota
, feedback zs greatly
appreciated and help, boost County residents can safely and anonymously dispose of their prescription drugs
the morale °f our staff. and over - the - counter medication.
Rave 2 E2fe weep: