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2013-11-08 Friday NewsFriday News Mendota Heights Weekly Report on City Activities Parks and Recreation Offers Skating Lessons The Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation will once again offer skating lessons beginning January 4, 2014. This is a great opportunity for youth, ages 3 and up to learn and /or improve their skating skills. Lessons are held at Friendly Hills Rink located at 2360 Pueblo Lane. To register for a class, visit www.mendota-heights.com. America Recycles Day Next Friday, November 15, 2013 is America Recycles Day. There are several ways you can participate in America Recycles Day. 1. Reduce the amount of junk mail received at home. Contact Direct Mail Association at www.dmachoice.org to remove your name from advertising lists. Direct mail Association pro- vides three simple steps to makeover your mail- box. 2. The Recycling Zone located at 3365 Dodd Road in Eagan, accepts electronics, fluorescent bulbs, paints, etc. from residents at no charge. For hours, list of recyclables and directions, check out www.dakotacounty. us, search Recycling Zone. Reduce, reuse, recycle! Dates to Remember: November 11, 2013 Veteran's Day - City Offices Closed November 12, 2013 Parks Commission 6:30 p.m. November 13, 2013 Airport Commission 7:00 p.m. November 15, 2013 65th Annual Firefighters Dance 8:00 p.m. Attachments: Pipeline, Just the Facts City Council agenda packets and Planning Commission agenda packets are available online by visiting www.mendota- heights.com and clicking on the agenda /minutes link. 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 Pipeline November 8, 2013 +F 1 eteraw's Day The Parks Crew are mulching leaves in the parks. Trash barrels were brought to the Halloween bonfire site and picked up the next day. Portable satellites were also moved to the Halloween bonfire site. The other satellites were picked up from the parks. The soccer fields at Kensington Park South and field one at Mendakota Park were top dressed. Truck 501 was serviced; new tires were installed and it was prepared for the winter season. The Utilities Crew checked the lift stations daily. The impellers and brass wear rings were changed on the pumps at the Northland lift station. New fire hydrant flags were installed in the Hunter and Orchard area. The manholes were inspected where Lametti installed new pipes in the sewer relining area. Marking flags were installed at city hall and at the Veronica lift station for plowing. The alarm went off at the main lift station on Monday at 6:00 pm for high water. The Streets Crew hauled away the ashes from the bonfire site to SKB Landfill and then cleaned up the site. The plow wings and sanders were installed on all plow trucks and checked over. A couch was picked up from the street on First Avenue and Medora Road. A keep back 75' sign was made for the city of South Saint Paul. The hot box was taken off truck 303. Engineering City Projects (construction year) Dodd Road /Highway 110 Intersection Pedestrian Improvements (2013) - The contractor is working on the punch -list items, and signal completion will take place upon delivery of parts from MnDOT. New luminaires have been installed at the NE corner. 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. Assessment amounts not paid off by November 1St will be certified to the County and payable through annual property tax statements. Crown Point &Overlook Neighborhood Rehabilitations (2013) -The contractor is finishing the final punch -list items. Assessed property owners can pay their assessment off partially or in -full at City Hall up until November 15th. After that the remaining assessed amount will be certified to the County and payable through annual property tax statements. Sanitary Sewer Cleaning and Televising (2013) -This project is substantially complete. Staff will review the data when the report is received from the contractor. Sanitary Sewer Lining (20131 -This project will install a liner in place on sections of sanitary sewer main that have been identified as having multiple root penetrations. All lining activities this year will be on the north end of the City. Minor traffic impacts should be anticipated while the contractor accesses manholes. Lining is expected to add up to 25 years to the life of the sanitary sewer main. Mendota Heights Road Sanitary Sewer Force Main Replacement (2013) - The main directional drilling is complete. The contractor is in the process of jacking a pipe under Highway 55 next week and begin manhole construction. Project should be substantially complete in a couple weeks. Highway 13 Trail Connection (2013) -The contractor is ready to mobilize for construction. As soon as MnDOT State Aid office gives the City permission, anotice -to - proceed will be given to the contractor. A utility conflict with Saint Paul Regional Water Service needs to be resolved in conjunction with the construction. Anticipated completion of the trail will be later this fall. Pavement of the trail may be delayed until the spring depending on the contractor's schedule. Rolling Green Neighborhood Rehabilitation &Victoria Road Reconstruction (2014?) - An informal neighborhood meeting was held on October 23rd at City Hall. Over 40 area residents attended the meeting and offered comments, suggestions, and asked questions about the project. A public hearing was held at the November 5t" City Council Meeting. The public hearing was held over until the November 1 9t" Council meeting. SUPPORT STAFF Kim Henning 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 t I SCHOOL RESOURCE OFC. Jennifer Fordham INVESTIGATIONS Mario Reyes Chad Willson SERGEANTS I Neil Garlock Brian Convery I 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 CHIEF Mike Aschenbrener 1 I I I I 1 I NOVEMBER 8, 2013 o �G�@ � @ . � aoG���G�@ . 0 Q i Li-Li aoaa� a DD a�fl � Tell your friends and neighbors Call 9 -1 -1 any time you need Police, Fire or Ambulance to I respond to: * situations requiring a police officer, including accidents, burglaries /thefts, property dam- I age, parking complaints, ordinance violations or animal control. * someone in of need medical attention, see fire, see smoke or hear a fire alarm. * report odd, suspicious or criminal activity, i.e. shouts for help, breaking glass, loitering, tres- passing, or suspicious vehicles /people. * an accident, fire or crime you witnessed. I Mendota Heights residents with informational questions or questions regarding reports, inves- tigations, persons under arrest, impounded vehicles /animals or community programs can con- tact the Mendota Heights Police Department at 651.452.1366, Monday - Friday, 8:00am— I 4:30pm. For urgent questions outside of business hours, contact the Dakota Communications Center at 651.322.2323. ................................. ............................... . �U poliCeubttiltted $ I Di Va Ka"d Support S y' Kim Ne pecialist I nnln what KappellAoed � Est NIE'ekt? g � Police departments are known as a place to call to find answers. We receive calls for many I types of things — directions, coyotes, general curiosity. On the non - emergency phone line, we often field questions such as, "Why were police officers in my neighbor's backyard ?" While we I usually can give you a response, there are times we cannot. When we take your call, we seek to provide enough information to answer the question and when necessary, provide reassurance of safety. However, due to the nature of certain incidents, I we may have to defer some questions or request you complete a request for data to access the information. Law enforcement is held to statutory requirements regarding the release of data; we have a policy that outlines the manner in which we will release data. MHPD policy requires I all data be requested in writing, we have a 10 day window to release or deny data, and certain charges apply depending on the type of data we will release. While these requirements may seem arduous, the law is in place to protect everyone and to ensure you can access data to I which you are entitled. While Mendota Heights is a town with a sense of community, care and concern, situations can be volatile and generate ill -will toward others. While the general rule is all government data is public unless deemed non - public, we at MHPD have an elevated need to protect the data sub- I jects which may prevent an immediate response to your general inquiry. We release what we can legally! I For more information on this topic, go to: http: / /www.ipad. state .mn.us /dots /accessmain.html. ' QQ ° C� D QC� nclC'�000 Threats Friday 0857 hours Officer John Larrive was dispatched to a local insurance company on a call of a threat. In meeting with the employee, she stated a current policy holder had called in and left a message threatening to come in and beat someone up. Larrive made contact with the threatening party and advised them to cease the threatening calls or she would be charged. The party, while still not happy, advised she wanted to file an insurance fraud report on the insurance company. No report made yet. DWI Sunday 0146 hours While on routine patrol Officer Denise Urmann observed a vehicle at a high rate of speed then come to a screeching stop at a green light. Urmann turned on her emergency lights yet the vehicle continued until it pulled into a driveway then into a garage. The male lone occupant got out of the vehicle and when asked why he didn't stop, he said because he didn't want to stop back there when he needed to go home. Urmann could smell a strong odor of alcohol coming from him along with many other indicators this individual was under the influence. SFST's were performed and all failed. He was then transported to Dakota County Jail and his car got to remain at home in the garage. Burglary Monday 1058 hours Complainant called on two suspicious males walking up her neighbor's driveway and then standing outside a door. She didn't notice any vehicle nearby that could have belonged to them. Officers Patrick, Petersen, Fordham and two assisting WSP officers responded to the scene to find the service door slightly ajar and a piece of the door frame laying on the ground. The suspects had fled and as of this time nothing yet report- ed stolen. The homeowner had left for a quick 20 -min errand and within this short timeframe, the burglary occurred. Under investigation. We encourage all homeowners to secure their home properly with locks and /or security system, to always be aware of the surroundings in your neighborhood and to call in any suspicious activity right away! Crash Tuesday 1213 hours The manager of the Pool & Yacht Club called after a semi struck the trestle bridge and drove off. The caller noted the semi would be damaged on the top front the company name off the side of the truck as well as providing information on the direction of travel. Officer Scott Patrick responded to investigate. Union Pa- cific Railroad sent an inspector to the scene who advised about an hour later that the bridge was not dam- aged. Closed Medical /Social Services Referral Tuesday 1653 hours Officer Responded to a medical at a residence. Upon arrival he found the party was unconscious, seated on the toilet. HealthEast paramedics and MHFD arrived a short time later to assist and the party was loaded into the ambulance and taken to the hospital. The living conditions inside of the home were so poor that Officer Rosse requested Dakota County Social Services check to see if the person should be treated as a vul- nerable adult. Domestic Problems Tuesday 1838 hours The DCC dispatched Officer Mike Shepard to the police department where he meet with a party having issues at home. The reporter was looking for advice on how to handle a 52 YOA son who lives at home and is verbally abusive. Provided options and answered questions. r 00o QOOTDDTnF �@ Burglary (unfounded) Wednesday 0826 hours Elderly caller reported coming into her room to find three young men sitting at her kitchen table. The young men said they were relatives of her son; she reportedly found things missing later and was suspicious. After speaking with the caller and with caregivers, Officer Bobby Lambert determined the caller was having dementia issues and soon made contact with a family member. The son was advised they were aware of the problem and were actively seeking more appropriate living placement. Call unfounded. Not so Civil Stand by Wednesday 1625 hours Officer Mike Shepard went with a contractor who had a falling out with a homeowner about a project. The homeowner decided not to continue with the project and the contractor had not been paid and left equip- ment at the persons home during a verbal altercation with the homeowner. The contractor had come to the police department to seek a civil standby while he retrieved his property. While on scene, standing just out- side of the door, the homeowner became angry, struck the officer, grabbed the contractor's paperwork and attempted to run inside the house. She was placed under arrest; unfortunately that didn't stop her from hit- ting and kicking Officer Shepard. Once other officers arrived at the house she was taken into custody and transported to jail. Formal charges were issued for assaulting a police officer and obstruction. Detox Wednesday 2011 hours Officer Mike Shepard, along with Sergeant Eric Petersen, responded to a call for help from a woman whose boyfriend was out of control. When the officers arrived they were met by the woman who stated her boy- friend was drunk and wrecking stuff in the house. Upon making contact with the man it was immediately obvious he was intoxicated and upset. A PBT revealed a BAC of .252. The man's adult son respectfully de- clined to come and take custody of his father. Reservations were made at the Ramsey County Detox facility. Domestic Wednesday 2303 hours Officer Jeff VonFeldt and Sergeant Eric Petersen responded to MHPD on a person in the lobby wishing to report a domestic. Mom and 16 YOA were at the PD when Sergeant Petersen arrived to take a statement. Officer VonFeldt respond to the home were the father was located. Mom and 16 YOA provided a story about what occurred to Sgt Petersen, at the home the story was confirmed. The father refused to cooperate in filing an assault charge against the 16 YOA who did not wish to do homework. All agreed to leave it until the next day to work it out. Solicitor Citations Thursday 1513 hours Homeowner called to report two young men going door to door attempting to sell a VW car. MHPD had received other calls of other instances of this suspicious activity, but they were well after the fact with no sus- pect information. This reporter called city hall to confirm that no permits were issued to the men before calling for an officer. Officer Scott Patrick and Officer Lambert located the two a short time later and after some discussion on what they were up to, it was learned they literally had been going door —to -door to sell cars. Soliciting is not allowed in the city and they were issued a citation. Shots Heard Round the City Friday 0200 hours MHPD received many calls from residents regarding possible shots fired. Officers checked the areas of each caller and found nothing suspicious or any activity to report on. Reports of the shots came in from callers on the north central part of the city near Wentworth Park and eventually stopped in the south central area just off of Dodd Road — so it truly could have happened anywhere. GOA /cleared. r 4 I *V PP Vqq !TAPE Please send us your positive feedback on our staff to: pdrecords@ mendota- heights.com I _T FV] -IT 0 0 o I _M_ I I 11/01 - 11/08 2013 YTD I Calls for Service 166 7299 I Citations 36 1335 I I Warnings 20 1137 I Police Reports 20 917 I Response Time Average 5.45 5.17 p g I Check out the MH Crime Map! Click below to search your neighborhood: httl2://mendota.j2roj2hoenix.com/CS/CrimeMapping.aVx �Iw - r 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. The House Check Request online form is available on our website; we have similar forms in the MHPD lobby 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. 1P Mad icati an D ispasa 2''our feedback is greatly MHPD has a Medication Disposal Box in the lobby of the PD where Dakota appreciated and helps boost County residents can safely and anonymously dispose of their prescription drugs the morale o four staff. and over - the - counter medication. t-f2ve a safe we6z!