2014-02-21 Friday NewsFriday News
Mendota Heights Weekly Report on City Activities
Engine 11 Open House
The Mendota Heights Fire Department is
hosting an open house on March 11, 2014 from
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. so residents can stop in to
see Engine 11. This new fire truck includes a
1500 gpm pump, a 25 gallon foam system, a 500
gallon water tank, hydraulic generator, and a
refurbished "squirt" aerial device. Stop by and
check it out.
Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) Program
At their February 18th meeting, the city council
approved the CDBG Grant Application for federal
fiscal year 2014. The city is applying for a total
grant amount of $23,963 for the housing rehabili-
tation loan program. The program, administered
by Dakota County Community Development
Agency (CDA), provides rehabilitation loans for
owner - occupied housing meeting CDA
income /benefit guidelines.
Mendota Heights homeowners meeting
income /benefit guidelines may be eligible for
home improvements ranging from a new roof,
new windows, furnace replacement, bathroom
remodel, kitchen remodel, or accessibility
improvements. For additional information on the
housing rehabilitation loan program, visit
www.dakotacda.org.
Dates to Remember:
February 25, 2014
Planning Commission 7:00 p.m.
March 4, 2014
City Council
7:00 p.m.
March 9, 2014
Daylight Savings begins 2:00 a.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
February 21, 2014
NEWS The Pipeline
LETTER
Public Works p s/
Engineering
Code Enforcement February 21, 2014
There were two snow emergency /plowable snow events this past week. The
first taking place late last week necessitated plowing over last weekend,
including Presidents' Day Holiday, The second, taking place on Thursday
afternoon /evening, was the largest snowfall of the year thus far. Street
crews and Public Works personnel are working diligently to get the City
streets clear of snow and ice. We ask for the public's patience as this has
been a very trying winter for everyone. City staff thanks everyone for their
cooperation and is looking forward to an early spring!
Public Works
The Parks Crew continues to flood the ice rinks. They did their daily check
of the warming hours. All cul -de -sacs, trails, parking lots were cleared of
snow. The motor for the plow was replaced on truck 501. The groomer
that was used at Par 3 was brought back to St. Thomas.
The Utilities Crew checked the lift stations and shoveled them out when
needed. He helped plow the cul -de -sacs. He also assisted the Streets Crew
clear out storm drains. One storm drain was jetted on Huber Drive. He also
helped the Parks Crew clear snow from the ice rinks.
The Streets Crew plowed the streets on Saturday and Monday. The bridge
decks were cleaned of the snow. They cleaned off the trails and cleared
snow away from some fire hydrants. Mailboxes were fixed throughout the
city. They helped open catch basins and cleared ponding water.
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.
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) - The consultant is working on the design plans and
specifications for the first phase of construction, and the City anticipates
bidding the project in the April /May timeframe. The first phase 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. 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 (2014) - 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 Proiects
Highway 110 & Lexington Avenue Signal Replacement (2014) - 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 2017. At
this time, there are no plans to widen the State Highway, but some
alterations for drainage and public safety are possible. Originally scheduled
for 2015, the project was delayed to coincide with the Highway 110
rehabilitation 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
Future Cities Competition - Staff assisted at Friendly Hills Middle School for
the all school presentation competition. These presentations were from
teams not selected by school staff to attend the State competition last
month. Teams of 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students presented their cities of
the future with a focus on innovative transportation solutions. Students and
faculty from Friendly Hills will be attending the March 18th City Council
meeting to talk about the Future Cities program.
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
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
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
1
1
FEBRUARY 21, 2014
lust the Facti"
The Latest from the Mewdota +-tei,ghts Police Aepar w..evLt
Safety is a top consideration when using space heaters. {' ; %# : s' II II
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates
that more than 25,000 residential fires every year are
associated with the use of space heaters, resulting in
more than 300 deaths. In addition, an estimated 6,000 people
receive hospital emergency room care for burn injuries associated with
contacting the hot surfaces of room heaters, mostly in non -fire situations.
Vented & Unvented Combustion Space Heaters
Unvented combustion units are not recommended for use inside your home, because they
introduce unwanted combustion products into the living space — including nitrogen oxides,
carbon monoxide, and water vapor —and deplete air in the space. Most states have banned
unvented kerosene heaters for use in the home and at least five have banned the use of
unvented natural gas heaters.
Vented units are designed to be permanently located next to an outside wall, so that the flue
gas vent can be installed through a ceiling or directly through the wall to the outside. Sealed
combustion heaters are much safer to operate than other types of space heaters, and operate
more efficiently because they do not draw in the heated air from the room and exhaust it to
the outdoors. They are also less likely to backdraft and adversely affect indoor air quality.
When buying and installing a small space heater, follow these guidelines:
• Only purchase newer model heaters that have all of the current safety features.
Make sure the heater carries the Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) label.
• Choose a thermostatically controlled heater, because they
of overheating a room.
• Select a heater of the proper size for the room you wish to heat. Do not purchase oversized
heaters. Most heaters come with a general sizing table.
• Locate the heater on a level surface away from foot traffic. Be especially careful to keep
children and pets away from the heater.
avoid the energy
waste
Electric Space Heaters
Electric space heaters are generally more expensive to operate than combustion space
heaters, but they are the only unvented space heaters that are safe to operate inside your
home. Although electric space heaters avoid indoor air quality concerns, they still pose burn
and fire hazards and should be used with caution.
When buying and installing an electric space heater, follow these general safety guidelines:
• Electric heaters should be plugged directly into the wall outlet If an extension cord is
necessary, use the shortest possible heavy -duty cord of 14 -gauge wire or larger. Always
check and follow any manufacturer's instructions pertaining to the use of extension cords.
• Buy a unit with a tip -over safety switch, which automatically shuts off the heater if the unit is
tipped over.
A moo
■
IjJ ITM9000
•
1 Theft Saturday 2317 hours
1 Officer Steve Meyer along with Officers Rosse and Spicer were dispatched to a local gas station on a theft of
gasoline report. Meyer spoke with the employee who gave a description of the vehicle that just left the lot.
1 After airing the description Officer Rosse spotted the suspect vehicle trying to get away he immediately
1 conducted a traffic stop. The male, lone occupant admitted to the crime, was identified by employees and
was arrested for the theft.
1
Fraud Monday 0047 hours
Officer Tanner Spicer was approached by an employee at a local gas station in reference to a counterfeit
1 $5.00 bill. The employee mentioned the bill got passed about a week prior but were not sure what to do
with it. Spicer took possession on the counterfeit bill and placed it into evidence. This $5.00 was indeed
counterfeit as it had different paper as well as none of the security features. No leads.
1 Mental Health Tuesday 1202 hours
I Officers John Larrive and Bobby Lambert responded to a local school on an out of control student. In
confronting the student, the student attempted to run away but was stopped. It was learned in an earlier
1 incident, the student had attacked two teachers. The student eventually calmed down turned over to the
1 mother had been notified to pick up the student.
1 Theft Tuesday 1234 hours
1 Sergeant Neil Garlock was dispatched to a local company on a report of a theft. In meeting with the CFO of
the company, he was advised there have been unauthorized charges on the company gas credit card totaling
1 over $1,000. The transactions were occurring in a span of cities and sometimes used 3 -4 times per day. It is
1 believed that the card is being used by an employee of the company. Under investigation.
1 Fraud Tuesday 1623 hours
Officer John Larrive was dispatched to call a woman in regard to fraud. In speaking with the woman, she
states that someone hacked into her email account from there they gained access into her retirement
I account. The thief then attempted to make a loan against the account. Fortunately the hacker was stopped by
the company who stopped the transaction was completed. No activity on the account since the loan was
I stopped.
1 Domestic Tuesday 1634 hours
I Officer John Larrive responded to a home on a husband / wife domestic. In speaking with both parties, it
turns out the wife was upset with the condition of the home when she returned home from work as well as
1 the alcohol impairment of her husband. An argument then erupted resulting in an alcohol bottle striking
I the husband's head and the husband then retaliating in anger. The impaired party was taken to detox and
both issued citations for domestic assault.
1
1 Damage to Property Wednesday 1617 hours
Officer John Larrive responded to the police lobby on a damage to property report. In meeting with the
1 complainant, the man stated that his son had his vehicle in the high school parking lot to pick up his
brother where several students were engaged in a snowball fight. The car windshield fell victim to a snow /ice
chunk hitting and shattering it. The culprit was identified they first denied any involvement but later on
I admitted the wrongdoing to his friend and offered to take full responsibility for the damage.
i
The Mendota
Heights Police
Department works
hard everyday to
keep our City safe
and have proven so
by having one of the
lowest crime rates in
the state of MN.
To see it for yourself,
please visit:
MN Crime Stats
Thank you to all the
residents here in
Mendota Heights
who also have their
eye out for crime and
report any crimes in
progress or
suspicious activity!
Please send us your
positive feedback
on our staff to:
pdrecords@
mendota- heights.com
Tour feedback is greatly „
appreciated and helps boost
the morale of our staff
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Calls for Service
Citations
Warnings
Police Reports
Response Time Average
2/14 -2/20 2014 YTD
1,183
347
148
43
23
14
5.80
142
118
5.90
s`
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
i
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.
Medication Disposal
Take it to THE BOX
MHPD has a Medication Disposal Box in the lobby of the PD where Dakota
County residents can safely and anonymously dispose of their prescription drugs
and over - the - counter medication.
ave a safe wee
HERE'S YOUR aimumr
CHANCE TO WITNESS THEIR
SECOND FIRST STEP.''
Come play youth hockey and experience more great moments in your child's life.
COME PLAY
YOUTH HOCKEY
www. TryHockeyForFree.com
Official Sponsors of Try Hockey For Free Oars
%NPCJ'(E7✓ A Program of USA Hockey, Inc
Try Hockey For Free
Sat., March 1St
9:05 to 10:05 A.M.
To register, visit TryHockeyForFree.com
www.sibleyareahockey.com
West Saint Paul Ice Arena
60 W. Emerson Ave.
West Saint Paul, MN
651 - 552 -5299
tedk @warmrain.com