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2014-04-25 Friday News - - - - N E W S The Pipeline L E T T E R Public Works Engineering April 25, 2014 Code Enforcement Public Works The Parks Crew repaired the batting cage netting. All ball fields were dragged. Plow equipment was cleaned and put in storage. Leaves were mulched. The trucks were washed and waxed. Work was done on the bobcat sweeper. The Utilities Crew checked the lift stations daily. There was a power outage on Thursday at 12:20 am at the Veronica, Culligan and Lilydale lift stations. The power was out for two hours. Dead shrubs were pulled out at the Centre Pointe lift station. They were replaced with native grasses and mulch. Mosquito control materials were ordered for the storm sumps from the Minnesota Mosquito control. A sewer inspection was completed at 1910 Wachtler Avenue. The Streets Crew repaired mailboxes and other damage snow removal activities. The plow, wing and sander were taken off truck 303 and then brought in for service. They attended a safety meeting about sewer and water runoff. 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 is anticipated to begin in May. A water main will need to be lowered in conjunction with this project. Staff is coordinating this issue between Saint Paul Regional Water Service and the trail contractor to work the repair in to the schedule. Victoria Road Reconstruction & Rolling Green Neighborhood Rehabilitation (2014/2015) The first (2014) phase of the project will reconstruct Victoria from Lilydale to Marie Avenue and rehabilitate the Stratford/Walsh/ Rolling Green neighborhood. The Lilydale portion of Victoria from Caren Road to Highway 13 is included in the 2014 construction phase, and staff is drafting a Joint Powers Agreement with Lilydale for this work. The remainder of Victoria was put off to a future date, but it is anticipated for construction in 2015. A request to authorize advertisement of the project will be before City th Council at their May 6 meeting. 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 this summer. Projects will reclaim the existing pavement and install ADA compliant ramps and a new paved surface along each trail. Dakota County is participating in cost sharing since these trails are in County right-of-way. The project will be bid with the Victoria Road/Rolling Green Neighborhood project, and construction is expected to begin 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 alter the lane alignment of Delaware, but will provide a new asphalt driving surface and new striping. The County has awarded the project to McNamara Construction, and a pre-construction th meeting is scheduled for April 30. Lexington Crosswalk at Victoria (2014) The median and crosswalk are scheduled for installation this summer. 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. Construction is expected to begin in July. State Projects State Published Construction Schedule (2014) The State Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has published their construction project list for 2014. The online list of projects with contacts, schedules, and updated information can be accessed at the State project web page at: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/roadwork/current.html#four. Highway 110 & Lexington Avenue Signal Replacement (2014) Staff attended the pre-construction meeting on Thursday morning. Construction is scheduled to begin on Monday. The existing signal will be replaced with a new LED signal with flashing yellow arrow for the Lexington left turn lanes. Also included in the project are new ADA compliant pedestrian ramps and signals, and new crosswalk striping. I 35E & Marie Avenue Drainage and Erosion Control Improvements (2014) Storm Water Runoff at the northeast corner of I-35E and Marie Avenue has caused erosion that has exposed utility pipes and conduits. Since a portion of the runoff comes from the Interstate right-of-way, MnDOT has taken the lead in designing a solution. MnDOT has asked that the City administer the construction contract for the improvement. The project will be advertised for bid as soon as final plans are received from MnDOT. 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. Mendota Heights and Lilydale are both contributing a portion of the funds for the storm drainage system to help alleviate bluff erosion outside of the MnDOT Right-of-Way. Highway 149 (Dodd Road) Resurfacing (2017) Dodd Road is scheduled to be resurfaced from Highway 55 in Eagan to Annapolis Street in 2017. 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. 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. The project is scheduled to take place between the I-35E bridge and the I-494/Highway 52 interchange. Other Activities Annual Stormwater Compliance Training Staff attended a joint training session with West Saint Paul Engineering and Public Works Staff to cover new stormwater regulations that have been issued by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). New regulations are centered around the enforcement of illicit discharges to the storm sewer system. A 25, 2014 PRIL The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department SUPPORTSTAFF Do you know your neighbors? Getting to know the people that live nearby helps create a sense of elonging and strengthens connections and trust, which ultimately contributes to a happier b neighborhood. POLICEOFFICERS Neighbors will move in and move out, making it difficult with our busy lives to connect with our neighbors. We all want to feel safe, secure and happy with where we live so even a quick hello can make a big impact on how we feel within our neighborhood. Greeting your neighbors may seem awkward at first, but just a little bit of confidence can start that connection. When one neighbor sees that others are connecting, it may give them the courage to communicate as well and so on. Here are a few things you can do to connect with your neighbors: Steven If you pass someone in the street, start by smiling or saying hello. Try to find an opportunity to introduce yourself and spark a conversation based on what he or she is doing at that moment. For example, if they are walking a dog, ask them more about their dog; if they are gardening, compliment their work, etc. Start with the positive to keep the negative at bay. SCHOOLRESOURCE OFFICER If someone new moves to the neighborhood, make them feel welcome by introducing yourself, bring a small welcome to the neighborhood treat or offer advice on the area. INVESTIGATIONS If you are the newbie to the area, introduce yourself, tell your neighbors what brought you to the area, tell them a little bit about your family and your life, ask them for advice on the area. SERGEANTS Always look for ways to help a neighbor and don’t be afraid to ask them for help. Supporting each other will create a high sense of well-being. Look for opportunities throughout the year to connect with your neighbors, for example: block parties, book groups, neighborhood watch committees, taking walks, lending a hand in RESERVES someone’s home project, etc. SubmittedBy: CHAPLAINS Is Your Neighborhood Safe? CHIEF Њ Theft of Gas Wednesday 1330 hours Officer John Larrive responded to a local gas station on a gas drive-off. The store employee was able to get a suspect description as well as the vehicle information. In running the license plate, it did match the vehicle description. A phone number was located for the registered owner of the vehicle yet the number was busy and a voicemail option wasn't available. The suspect has an active probation officer which was contacted. Case pending. Theft Thursday 0827 hours Officer Bobby Lambert took a theft by swindle report via phone. The husband and wife attempted to make an online purchase of a jet ski on eBay. They wired the money to a credit union located out of New Jersey. The money has been removed from their account yet they have not seen the jet ski nor cannot make contact with the man who they made the transaction with. Under investigation. Trailer Theft Thursday 0934 hours Officer John Larrive was dispatched to a local business in reference to a theft. In meeting with the business owner, he stated that his trailer valued at $2,500 was stolen out of his parking lot. Business employees did a thorough search of all work sites to ensure the trailer wasn't placed at a job site but no success. No suspects at this time. Fraud Thursday 1158 hours Officer Bobby Lambert spoke with a woman in regard to fraudulent activity. The woman received a letter from a collection company stating she had a past due amount owed to AT&T. This brought concern to her so she obtained a copy of her credit report which showed that four fraudulent bank accounts had been opened up using her identity. The total amount of debt incurred in her name was $15,502. The address associated with these fraudulent account is listed out of Miami, FL. Under investigation. Health & Welfare Hold Thursday 1527 hours Officers Bobby Lambert and John Larrive responded to a home on a disturbance call involving an intoxicated adult female. Officers spoke to her boyfriend and a few other family members who all stated that she is depressed, has suicidal thoughts, lost her job and moved herself and kids into her sisters home as she is unable to care for them due to the alcohol and depression. Medics arrived and transported the woman to the hospital on a health and welfare hold. Recovered Property Saturday 1052 hours Officer Bobby Lambert responded to a home in reference to a recovered stolen license plate. The homeowners found the plate on the south side of Walgreens. The plate was confirmed as stolen out of St. Anthony. There are no suspects at this time. Ћ Warrant Sunday 0026 hours Officer Tanner Spicer was in a parking lot assisting Officer Denise Urmann when he detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from a parked vehicle. Spicer made contact with the occupant and confirmed he was smoking marijuana. The male occupant did fess up to having a warrant. The warrant was confirmed and he was transported to Dakota County Jail. Domestic/DWI Sunday 1759 hours Officers Tanner Spicer and Peyton Fleming were dispatched to a home for a physical domestic. Officers were met by two children and the father who stated that their mother and ex-wife was the problem. The woman stormed into the house yelling, struck one of the children and hit her ex-husband in the arm. The woman then left the home and sat in her car in the driveway. Fleming went out to speak with her and immediately smelled an alcoholic beverage coming from her. She went on to explain her story some of which was not legit. The children stated that she was driving them around prior to her arrival at the home so SFSTÓs were performed, all of which she failed so she was arrested for DWI and domestic assault. Crisis/Mental Health Sunday 2127 hours Officers Peyton Fleming and Tanner Spicer were dispatched to a group home on a female making suicidal threats, punched a wall and stuck a pin in her arm. The female was located and ultimately transported to the hospital on a health and welfare hold. The group home did not wish to pursue property damage charges caused by punching the wall. Theft Monday 0908 hours Officer John Larrive took a call from a complainant who stated that her sons bike had been stolen. The bike was parked unlocked outside of Walgreens and was unattended for approximately a half hour. Unfortunately Walgreens surveillance does not cover the bike rack area. There are no suspects. If you want to keep your bike, please use a lock when you leave it unattended. Suicidal Threats/Missing Person Monday 1918 hours Officer Scott Patrick was dispatched to a home on a report of a suicidal male who had just left the residence. Upon arrival, Patrick met with the complainant who stated that her grandson had threatened his life on Facebook then fled the home. A short time later, the male returned home and officers met him at the home to transport him to the hospital on a health and welfare hold. Ќ ΏΓȝΐΗȡΏΓȝΑΓ2014YTD CallsforService1342,535 Citations21590 MHPD Warnings22332 ROCKS! PoliceReports10288 ResponseTimeAverage5.905.78 Check out the MH Crime Map! Click below to search your neighborhood: http://mendota.prophoenix.com/CS/CrimeMapping.aspx IfyouareaMendotaHeightsresidentandyouaregoingoutoftownoron vacation CarSeatSafetyChecks Please send us your positive feedback on our staff to: pdrecords@ mendota-heights.com MedicationDisposalBox Your feedback is greatly appreciated and helps boost the morale of our staff. Ѝ