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2015-12-18 Friday NewsCity of Mendota Heights Weekly Update Mendota Heights City Hall 1101 Victoria Curve www.mendota-heights.com (651) 452.1850 Visit us on: Facebook.com/ MendotaHeightsMN Twitter.com/ @Mendota_heights DATES TO REMEMBER: December 24-25 City offices will be closed for the holiday. City offices will re-open on Monday, December 28th at 8:00 a.m. January 1 City offices will be closed for the holiday. City offices will re-open on Monday, January 4th at 8:00 a.m. January 4 City Council Workshop 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. January 5 City Council 7:00 p.m. Attachments: Pipeline, Just the Facts December 18, 2015 Mendota Heights Website Redesign Earlier this fall, the City Council gave staff direction to move forward with the redesign of the City’s website. The current website was designed in 2009. Staff will be working with GovOffice to provide an updated and fresh look to the City’s website in 2016. If you have a digital photo that represents Mendota Heights that you would like to contribute for the website, please contact Tamara Schutta by calling 651.255.1356. We are looking for nature, wildlife, city scenes and events. Soaring Eagles –2011 Photo Contest City Seeks to Fill Commission Vacancies The City is accepting applications to fill a vacancy on the Planning Commission starting in February 2016. The Planning Commission meets once a month to review requests such as wetland permits, conditional use permits and development plans for residential and commercial properties. Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of every month beginning at 7:00 pm. Applications are also being sought to fill an unexpired term on the Parks and Recreation Commission starting in February 2016. The Parks and Recreation Com- mission advises the City Council on matters pertaining to parks and recreation programs. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month beginning at 6:30 pm. There is also an opening for a student representative to serve on the Parks and Rec- reation Commission in an advisory capacity. A student representative must be a Mendota Heights resident attending one of the three high schools located in the city, preferable a sophomore or junior. The student representative will serve as a communication link for ideas, observation, concerns, satisfactions and questions to the commission. This one year term begins February 2016. If you, or someone you know, is interested in serving, feel free to contact the City Administrator Mark McNeill or Assistant to the City Administrator Tamara Schutta by calling 651.452.1850. Interested parties should submit a letter of interest and a current resume to Mark McNeill no later than Monday, December 28, 2015. Public Works The Parks Crew picked up trash daily in the parks. The repairs on the John Deere 1585 were finished. The parks tractors were serviced and repaired. Fabrication work on the parks tractor was done. The equipment in the water tower was organized. Flooding of the ice rinks has begun. The Utilities Crew checked the lift station daily. He salted the south end plow route then washed the truck. He assisted Insituform with bypass pumping on the Mendota Heights Road relining project. Two sanitary sewer inspections were done on new homes in Lemay Shores. A possible sinkhole was looked at in Ivy Falls Park. There wasn’t any ground settlement near the storm or sanitary sewer pipelines. The Streets Crew salted the streets. They finished making signs for the Sylvandale area. The sign posts were restocked. Tree cleanup was done in the Bunker Hills area. A dead deer was picked up on Medora. Engineering City Projects (construction year) New Information in Italics Victoria Road Reconstruction & Rolling Green Neighborhood Rehabilitation (2014/2015) – Fencing was installed along the MnDOT Right-of-Way and retaining walls this past week. Project is essentially complete. Minor punch list items will be completed in the spring including, landscape work and fence installation. Annual Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation (2015) – Contractor is finishing the interceptor line portion of the project this week. Some neighborhood mains have already been completed. Lining sanitary sewer mains helps to prevent groundwater & storm water from infiltrating into the sanitary sewer system. By preventing infiltration, increases to sanitary sewer bills can be better controlled. Areas to be lined include Huber Drive from Bent Tree to Cheyenne, Mendota Heights Road from Pilot Knob Road to the lift station, and Rogers Lake Park area. The first 2000 feet of the interceptor line, from Highway 55 to Lexington, will also be lined. Project Completion is expected by the end of December. The Pipeline N E W S L E T T E R Public Works Engineering Code Enforcement December 18, 2015 Mendota Road Neighborhood Improvements (2016) – City staff has begun designing the project. A formal Public Hearing was held on November 17 th during the regular City Council Meeting. Design is being based on comments received from area residents. The project is expected to be bid in March 2016. Residents were asked to complete a survey to inform the City of specific items to address with the project (including on-street parking, drainage issues, etc.). Project will consist of reconstructing Mendota Road (Hwy 110 Frontage Road) from Delaware Avenue to Oak Street, and rehabilitating Warrior Drive, High Ridge Circle, and Sibley Court. County Projects New Information in Italics Highway 110 Greenway Trail Crossing (2017) – County staff will be presenting at the January 5th City Council meeting their recommendation for the structure type for the pedestrian crossing. The County Physical Development Committee will hear the same recommendation at their January 12th meeting. The County Board, ultimately will select the structure type for the project to move forward. If approved, the pedestrian crossing project would be constructed with MnDOT’s rehabilitation project for Highway 110 in 2017. State Projects New Information in Italics Highway 13 Slope Repair (2015) – MnDOT has granted a permit to temporarily close Highway 13 between the Ivy Falls Bridge and Sylvandale Road in conjunction with a slope repair project being accomplished by a private property owner. The MnDOT Permit expires December 31st, and the contractor expects to be able to reopen the Highway by then. In June of 2014, bluff slopes in this area failed during a large rain storm. This repair project is intended to restore and stabilize the slope by constructing a retaining wall and revegetating the slope. The posted detour route takes traffic along Dodd Road, Wentworth Avenue and Wachtler Avenue. See the City Web Page for a detour route map. Highway 110 Rehabilitation (2017) – State survey crews were out this week marking the Right-of-Way limits of the project. Utility locations will follow in the coming weeks. MnDOT will be requesting Local Government Concurrence from Mendota Heights for this project at a City Council meeting sometime in January or February. This project will resurface Highway 110 between I-35E and I-494, including drainage improvements. Several access changes and turn lane extensions are proposed with the project, including changes to accesses across the median as well as closing the right -in/right- out to the east of Lexington Avenue. For more information about this project, contact Molly Cline, MnDOT Project Manager, at 651-234-7723 or molly.cline@state.mn.us. Highway 149 (Dodd Road) Rehabilitation (2018) – This project will replace the pavement surface of Highway 149 from I-494 north to West 7th Street in Saint Paul. The project also includes a complete re-decking of the High Bridge. Also included in the project will be drainage improvements, curb replacement in specified areas, trail rehabilitation from Highway 110 south to Mendakota Park, and new trail construction from Maple Street nort h to Marie Avenue. Staff will be meeting with representatives from MnDOT and Dakota County after the first of the year to discuss potential grant opportunities to extend pedestrian facilities north of Marie Avenue. For more information, please contact Tara McBride, Project Manager at 651- 234-7506, or tara.mcbride@state.mn.us. The project web page is: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/hwy149highbridge/index.html Highway 13 (Annapolis Street) Rehabilitation (2018) – MnDOT will be resurfacing Annapolis Street as part of this project in conjunction with the Highway 149 project in 2018. City staff has contacted some adjoining property owners about the possibility of sidewalk installation on the south side of Annapolis. All responses were against the sidewalk proposal and have been forwarded to MnDOT. For more information, contact Molly Cline, MnDOT Project Manager, at 651-234-7723 or molly.cline@state.mn.us. Other Activities New Information in Italics Future Cities Competition – Staff met with the 2015 Future Cities Competition teams from Friendly Hills Middle School (FHMS) on Thursday. So far, students have completed their project plans, schedules, SimCity development and presentation, and their draft city description essays. They have begun building their scale models. The competition is open to 6th-8th grade students and involves developing a “City of the Future.” Teams are graded on a virtual city using Sim City software, completing a project schedule, a 1500 word essay, scale model, and oral presentation. The State competition is at Dunwoody Institute on January 23rd. This year’s theme is, “Waste Not – Want Not,” and will focus on how the cities of the future handle municipal and solid waste. This is the seventh year Mendota Heights’ Engineering staff has assisted FHMS with the program. FHMS will be sending three teams to the competition in January. Saint Paul Regional Water Service (SPRWS) Water Service Agreement – Staff is scheduling several additional approvals that will need to take place in conjunction with the approval of the new Omnibus Agreement with SPRWS. It is anticipated that all approvals will be complete by June 2016. These include: 1) A Lease Agreement for cell tower use and City storage at the water tower site – anticipated at the November 17th City Council meeting; approved 2) An easement agreement(s) for SPRWS access to the water tower across city property and water mains not located within City Right -of-Way; 3) Conveyance of deed, title, and ownership of the system; 4) An amended City Ordinance to reflect the new agreement; 5) An amended Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) with the other municipal partner agencies (West Saint Paul, Maplewood, Falcon Heights, Lauderdale) to gain a second seat on the Board of Commissioners. City-Wide Trail Plan Update – Staff met with representatives from Dakota County to talk about grant opportunities to complete the City-wide Trail Improvement and Maintenance Plan (TIMP). Completing this plan will benefit the renewal/revision of the City’s Comprehensive plan that is due to kick off at the end of 2016. TO obtain grant money, the TIMP would need to be consistent with County Master Plans for the River to River Greenway and the Mendota-Lebanon Hills Greenway. Staff anticipated requesting City Council for authorization to apply for grant funds at an upcoming January Council meeting. Engineering Basics Seminar (March 2, 2016 – Eagan Community Center) - Staff has been working with other Public Works/Engineering staff from other municipalities in Dakota County to build a curriculum for a seminar covering the essential functions of City Engineering/Public Works staff. The seminar is intended to offer background in infrastructure systems (streets, water supply, sanitary sewer, surface/storm water, environmental, etc.) to city officials that do not necessarily have an engineering background. Participants in the seminar may include, but are not necessarily limited to City Council members, appointed commission members, Director/ management level City staff. Once a day is set, invitations will be sent out through the City Administrators. The seminar is set for March 2nd, 2016 at the Eagan Community Center from 6:00pm – 9:00pm. Invitation will be sent out after the first of the year. 1 The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department CHIEF Mike Aschenbrener SERGEANTS Eric Petersen Tanner Spicer Peyton Fleming Bobby Lambert POLICE OFFICERS John Larrive Todd Rosse Jeff VonFeldt Steven Meyer Denise Urmann Michael Shepard Nick Gorgos Robin Nelson Steve Hilyar Phillip McCarty INVESTIGATIONS Chad Willson SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER Jennifer Fordham SUPPORT STAFF Kim Henning Trista Miller Lisa Brandt Becky Pentel RESERVES Randy Pentel Jim Knox Jeff Parker CHAPLAINS Butch Millett John Snider Alberto Vargas Lynn Liberman Sue Plucker Joel Detlefsen Lenny Andrie DECEMBER 18, 2015 0 to 3 4 to 6 7 to 10 Get out the crayons and help us decorate our lobby! MHPD is hosting a Winter Wonderland Coloring Contest for children ages 0 - 10 who live in or go to school in our city! We are offering three different coloring pages, based on your child’s age, which are: To enter, print out the appropriate coloring page from the selections attached for your child’s age. The forms are included in this newsletter and can also be found on the Mendota Heights Facebook page and on the police page of our city website. Show us your best coloring on the page, complete the entry form at the bottom and return the page to MHPD no later than Friday, January 22nd at 4:30 p.m. Winner will be chosen and notified on Friday, January 29th. The winning artwork will be posted in the 1/29/16 JTF as well as on the city website and Facebook page. The winners will receive Juice & Donuts with an Officer for up to 7 guests! Plus, every entry we receive will be displayed in our police lobby. HAVE FUN! 2 CHILD’S NAME AGE (0-3): ADDRESS PHONE: SCHOOL TEACHER’S NAME GRADE: PLEASE RETURN COLORING CONTEST PAGE AND ENTRY FORM NO LATER THAN 4:30PM FRI, JAN 22ND Ages 0—3 3 CHILD’S NAME AGE (4-6): ADDRESS PHONE: SCHOOL TEACHER’S NAME GRADE: PLEASE RETURN COLORING CONTEST PAGE AND ENTRY FORM NO LATER THAN 4:30PM FRI, JAN 22ND Ages 4—6 4 CHILD’S NAME AGE (7-10): ADDRESS PHONE: SCHOOL TEACHER’S NAME GRADE: PLEASE RETURN COLORING CONTEST PAGE AND ENTRY FORM NO LATER THAN 4:30PM FRI, JAN 22ND Ages 7—10 5 CHECK WELFARE THURSDAY 0957 HOURS Officer John Larrive was notified of a vulnerable adult report that been made for a resident in our city. The report alleges the vulnerable adult is being taken advantage of by a renter and there is concern for his wel- fare. Officer Larrive investigated the situation and the report has been forwarded to Dakota County Social Services for follow-up. THEFT THURSDAY 1152 HOURS A holiday laser light projector was stolen from the front yard of a residence. Officer Phil McCarty took a re- port but no suspect or witnesses information was available. Inactive. THEFT THURSDAY 1130 HOURS Sergeant Tanner Spicer responded to a report of theft of tools from a residence. A list of stolen items and suspect information was provided. Case pending. ACCIDENT THURSDAY 1604 HOURS As a bus was turning, one driver attempted to make a turn without a clear view, striking an oncoming vehicle that had been behind the bus. Information was exchanged and report completed; no charges. Cleared. HIT & RUN FRIDAY 0159 HOURS Officer Nelson responded to report of a rolled over, abandoned vehicle in the ditch. Upon arrival no driver was found but damage to a nearby fence was found. Case under investigation. FOUND PROPERTY SATURDAY 0917 HOURS Officer Rosse responded to meet a resident who had found keys outside their home. Officer Rosse attempted to find the owner based on the items on the key ring but had no luck. RECOVERED STOLEN SUNDAY 0204 HOURS While on patrol, Officer Urmann ran a plate that came back as a possible stolen. As she was running the plate, five males entered the vehicle and left the parking lot. Officer Hilyar assisted with a traffic stop on the vehicle. The driver was identified and informed of the status of the vehicle. He was cooperative during the process and during the confirmation of the status of the vehicle. However, thru further discussion with the driver/new owner of the vehicle, officers soon learned that the driver did not steal the vehicle but had actual- ly been swindled into buying a stolen vehicle. The driver and passengers were ultimately released and the driver will be looking into recouping his investment. Officers cleared. THEFT BY SWINDLE SUNDAY 1342 HOURS A complainant was reported of a company who had solicited tree trimming work had started the job, cashed her check and never completed the job. Sergeant Spicer looked into the situation further and learned the solicitors had knocked on several doors, secured a couple of jobs and had more victims. Investigation active. 6 DAC IPS/DRUGS SUNDAY 2052 HOURS Sergeant Lambert stopped a vehicle operating with its hazards on and unable to signal during many turns. Upon catching up to and stopping the vehicle, he observed the driver handling something in the front seat and then start to get out of the vehicle. The driver was ordered back inside. Sgt. Lambert then approached the driver and learned the vehicle had an oil leak. Upon identifying the driver, he found the driver only had a MN ID only card and found he was Cancelled Inimical to Public Safety. Officer Hilyar responded to help; Sgt. Lambert escorted the man from the vehicle and placed him under arrest. During the process the man was walking funny on the way to the squad and when asked if he had anything, a pot pipe fell from some- where on his person and shattered. The man refused to answer any direct questions and the reason was soon found . Upon searching him further, the man had more pot pipes with residue hidden, and in his mouth he had empty baggies with residue also. The man confessed that all items had meth in them. He was taken to jail for Felony Drugs and Gross Misdemeanor DAC—IPS violations. Officers cleared. THEFT OF GAS MONDAY 0218 HOURS The driver of a blue Jaguar left a local gas station without paying for gas. However, the suspect vehicle plate provided did not match the information on file. Case inactive. BURGLARY MONDAY 1456 HOURS Sergeant Spicer took a report of a residential burglary that occurred over the weekend. Entry was forced and jewelry was stolen. Suspect information obtained; case under investigation. FOUND PROPERTY MONDAY 1549 HOURS Officer Rosse received property actually found in St. Paul that included several forms of ID. He did have success in locating the owner who informed Officer Rosse he had lost the items while chasing a man who had assaulted a female . VULNERABLE ADULT TUESDAY 1021 HOURS Officer McCarty was notified of an incident that occurred at a senior housing facility involving an altercation between a resident and a staff member. Investigation pending. DEER VS CAR WEDNESDAY 0224 HOURS Officer Gorgos was patrolling an area when a deer jumped into the road, running into the vehicle. No dam- age was sustained, but the reckless act did cost the deer some fur. No injuries reported, no charges. FRAUD WEDNESDAY 1228 HOURS Officer Rosse took a report of fraud by unauthorized credit card use at a mall. It was learned the victim had reported theft of her mail about a year ago and was now was having trouble with her stolen information. Case under investigation. THEFT THURSDAY 1003 HOURS Officer McCarty responded to a business on report of a theft that had occurred in the parking lot. Upon speaking with the victim and the store manager, it was learned a suspicious male had been loitering by cos- metics. He left the store, entered the victim’s vehicle, stole her Coach purse from the passenger seat and took off. 7 12/11 - 12/17 2015 YTD Calls for Service 154 6994 Citations 21 554 Warnings 23 704 Police Reports 33 1072 Response Time Average 4.83 5.39 Check out the MH Crime Map! Click below to search your neighborhood: https://www.raidsonline.com 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, MN 55118 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; you can complete a form found in our lobby, or simply give us a call and we’ll help you out. MHPD offers monthly Car Seat Safety Checks. To schedule an appointment, call 651.452.1366 or email jennyf@mendota-heights.com to contact Officer Jennifer Fordham. 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. Please send us your positive feedback on our staff to: pdrecords@ mendota-heights.com Your feedback is greatly appreciated and helps boost the morale of our staff. HAVE A SAFE WEEK! Victim of Identity Theft? Consider… “Freezing” your credit files What is a Security Freeze? A Security Freeze means your file cannot be shared with potential creditors. Businesses will not open credit accounts without checking your consumers credit history. If your files are “frozen”, they will not be able to obtain credit in your name. How do I Freeze my files? You must write each of the three credit bureaus. Credit bureaus will charge a $5 fee to place or remove a “freeze” unless you provide proof that you are the victim and include a copy of your police report or case number documenting your identity theft. Equifax Security Freeze P.O. Box 105788 Atlanta, GA 30348 Experian Security Freeze P.O. Box 9554 Allen, TX 75013 Trans Union Security Freeze P.O. Box 6790 Fullerton, CA 92834-6790 For each letter:  Send letter certified mail  Provide police report/case #  Provide full name, address (all addresses within past 5 years & proof of current address), DOB, social  Copy of identification Click HERE for more info.