2010-12-23 Friday NewsFrolda
News
Mendota Heights Weekly Report on City Activities
December 23,
2010
Thank You
This past Tuesday marked the final City
Council meeting for Mayor John Huber and
Councilmember Mary Jeanne Schneeman.
The city marked the special occasion by
holding a thank you reception prior to the
meeting at city hall. John served eights years
as a Councilmember and eight years as
mayor. Mary Jeanne has served on the city
council for the past 12 years. On behalf of a
very grateful city, city council and city staff we
all say thank you to John and Mary Jeanne for
your service, friendship and dedication. We
will miss your leadership and ability to have
fun while performing the work of the city. We
wish you both the best of luck in the future and
hope that you enjoy the free time that your
schedule will now allow. Thank you again
John and Mary Jeanne for the dedication that
you have both shown to Mendota Heights over
the years!
Ice Rinks Open
Mendota Heights opened all four outdoor
ice rinks on schedule last Friday evening,
December 19, 2010. Public Works staff is
reporting good ice conditions at Marie
Park, Friendly Hills Park, Wentworth Park
and the newly expanded Ivy Falls Park
location. We are fortunate to return many
of our rink attendants and rink flooding
staff from last year. Please call 651-255-
1174 for rink conditions and hours.
Holiday hours are as follows:
Christmas/New Years Eve: 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p,m.
Christmas Day: Closed
New Years Day: 12:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
City Council Vacancy
The City Council discussed the soon to be
vacant seat on the council on Tuesday. While
the 2011 council has final say on the process, it
appears that the council will be accepting
applications to fill the vacant seat. The draft
schedule that was discussed has the
application period running from January 5,
2011 through 4:00 p.m. on January 11, 2011.
The council will interview candidates on
January 13, 2011 and make an appointment to
the council on January 18, 2011. The newly
appointed member will be sworn in to office
prior to the city council goal setting work
session on Thursday, January 19, 2011. The
2011 council will approve or adjust the process
and schedule at their meeting on Tuesday,
January 4, 2011.
Mendota Heights City Hall
1101 Victoria Curve
www.mendota-heights.com
11 (651) 452-1850
December 23, 2010
Page Two
December 23, 2010
A very grateful city says thank
you to two dear friends.
Dates to Remember
December 28, 2010 7:00 p.m.
Planning Commission Meeting
December 31, 2010
City Offices Closed
January 4, 2011 7:00 P.m.
City Council Meeting
Employee Service Awards
January 11, 2011 6:30 p.m.
Parks and Recreation Commission
Meeting
January 12, 2011 7:00 p.m.
Airport Relations Commission
Meeting
Attachments
The Pipeline and Just the Facts, DCC Open Mic,
Pioneer Press Article "Driver charged in fatal crash
on 1-35E", Dakota County Sheriff "The Front Row ,
Patch.com article "Mendota Heights Celebrates
Decades of Service" and Thank you letter from resi-
dent.
December 23, 2010
NEWS
LETTER
Public Works
Engineering
Code Enforcement
Public Works
The Pipeline
December 24, 2010
The Streets Crew plowed and salted all city streets after a 5 -inch snowfall
event on Monday and Tuesday night. Crews had barely completed cleanup
from the 18 -inch snowfall on December 11th when this snow storm hit. As
usual, the crews worked straight through until City streets were clear and
passable. All told, the City received 23 inches of snow in a 10 -day period.
An improperly placed landscape boulder was struck by one of our snowplows
during the December 20th -21St snow plowing. The boulder was placed at the
end of a private driveway, inches from the pavement edge on Hunter Lane
and, upon impact, caused a hydraulic cylinder for the plow blade to rupture.
Pink hydraulic fluid was sprayed all around the impact site. The plow is in
the shop for repairs, and the total cost of the repair is not yet known. Staff
is working with our insurance company on recouping costs of the repair.
Plow crews are continuing to clear City trails, parks, and cleaning up excess
snow piles from City Right -of -Way. Parks crew cleared the ice rinks and re -
flooded them to provide a fresh layer of ice. The rinks were re -cleared after
Monday's snowfall. Parks crew will be touching up snow clearance in
parking lots at the City parks as an ongoing item.
Utility crew greatly assisted in the snow clearing effort. The flexibility of our
Public Works staff is greatly appreciated!
Engineering
Highway 13/I -35E Interchange Drainage Improvements - Staff has been
working with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) on their
proposed project along Highway 13. MnDOT is proposing a three -phased
project to reconstruct Highway 13 from Lilydale Road (County Road 45) to
approximately the Post Office site in Mendota. Once complete, issues of
stormwater drainage form the City of Mendota Heights into the City of
Lilydale should be addressed. The proposed phases are:
4
Phase I - Install traffic signals at the I -35E entrance and exit ramps
along Highway 13; connect sidewalk/trail in front of Holiday store; provide
Americans with Disabilities Act complaint crosswalks at entranc%xit ramp
intersections. This work is scheduled for 2011.
Phase If - Reconstruct Highway 13 from the City of Mendota to
approximately the site of the new Italian architecture villas in Lilydale.
Reconstruction would consist of new road base, new pavement, curb &
gutter, and storm sewer pipes. This work is scheduled for 2012.
Phase III - Reconstruct Highway 13 from the new Italian architecture
villas in Lilydale to the I -35E entranc%xit ramp intersection near the
Holiday and BP stores. Reconstruction would consist of new road base, new
pavement, curb & gutter, and storm sewer pipes. This work is estimated to
be under construction in 2015.
Engineering Web Page - The new Engineering web page is up and running.
Here you will be able to find background on City Streets, as well as
information on engineering projects, stormwater management, Gopher -
State One Call utility locations, and some brief instruction on how to safely
navigate through our first roundabout. Staff intends to use the new web
page to update residents on project status and progress, and to publish
long-range plans for public view.
Obstacles In Right -of -Way - As mentioned in the Public Works section, a
City snow plow struck an improperly placed landscape boulder during the
Monday night/Tuesday morning snowplowing plowing. The boulder was
placed well within the City Right -of -Way for Hunter Lane and has prompted
a City-wide educational effort on objects placed in Rights -of Way
immediately adjacent to City streets. The property owner who placed the
boulder has been asked to remove it in accordance with City Code. The
attached article is now posted on the City web page, and this story has been
picked up by Mendota HeightsPatch.com and the Southwest Review. We will
know more about the level of damage to the plow, hopefully, by next week.
Water Tower Rehabilitation Project - Staff received a compliment on our
newly rehabilitated water tower from a City Council Member from the City of
Lonsdale, Minnesota. The Council Member has asked if we would supply
him with our specifications so Lonsdale could make similar renovations to
their water tower. Staff is working with Lonsdale to supply the
specifications.
Obstructions in City Right -of -Way Hinder City's Ability to Keep Roads Clear
The City of Mendota Heights has been working hard for the past several weeks, trying to keep our 70+
miles of City streets clear of snow. These efforts are being made more difficult by objects placed in the
City owned Right -of -Way adjacent to the paved City streets. These objects include, but are not limited
to, landscape plantings, statue figurines, lights, sprinkler heads, and decorative boulders. In fact, a
landscape boulder caused significant damage to a City snowplow after the December 201h snow storm.
On the morning of December 21St, a City snowplow struck a landscape boulder that was placed inches
from the edge of the pavement. This particular street did not have curb & gutter, so the precise road
edge was difficult to locate with the plow. The collision with the boulder ruptured the hydraulic cylinder
on the plow, spraying hydraulic fluid within the Right -of -Way, and causing a minimum of $1,300.00 in
damage to the vehicle. The total amount of damage to the snowplow is still being assessed. Until it is
repaired, the City will be operating short one piece of equipment, making street plowing efforts more
time consuming and more difficult.
Although City Right -of -Way width varies greatly throughout the City, a general rule of thumb is that the
first 13 feet behind the back of curb (13 feet from pavement edge for those streets without curb &
gutter) is City owned Right -of -Way. This area is retained by the City for utility corridors, and for snow
storage during the winter. Mendota Heights City Code Title 8, Chapter 2 prohibits anyone from
obstructing, encroaching upon, encumbering, or otherwise interfering with publicly owned property.
Persons in violation of this Ordinance are subject to up to a $700.00 fine and/or up to 90 days in jail. In
addition, the Ordinance gives the City the right to remove obstacles and to bill the adjoining property
owner for the cost of the removal.
Adjoining property owners are responsible for maintaining the lawn within the City owned Right -of -Way
adjacent to City streets during the summers, and the City makes every effort possible to avoid damaging
this area during snowplowing activities. Small damage repairs to the Right -of -Way area (sod
replacement, curb repair, etc.) are completed by the City each spring at no cost to adjacent property
owners in order to keep our City appearance up to the standard we have all come to expect.
The City of Mendota Heights is asking that residents refrain from placing objects within the City owned
Right -of -Way area adjacent to paved City streets to avoid damage to City vehicles and to protect the
value of area homes. If there are any questions, please contact City Hall at 651-452-1850.
T6ie latesther-vs frv� t6i-e �fevcR'ata �fei9lits,�alice �eyart�es�t
Y
12/23/2010
The
AOA/Fatal Accident Wednesday 0102 hours
Mendota
Officer Peyton Fleming, along with Officer Denise Urmann and
Heights
Officer Chad VViIlson, responded to assist with a motor vehicle
Police
crash. Officer Fleming arrived at the same time as the first on -
scene MSP Trooper and assisted with the rear-ended vehicle,
Department
which had been stalled. He found a witness, who had medical
Support
training, assisting with the injured victim. Officer Fleming and on -
Staff
scene paramedics relieved the witness and began performing
Kim Henning
Sandie Ristine
emergency aid, while Officer Urmann and Officer Willson
Susan Donovan
assisted with traffic control; however, the attempts at rescue
Cathy Ransom
failed and the driver did pass away. Miraculously, the passenger
Becky Pentel
was walking around and appeared fine. The driver of the striking
Police Officers
vehicle had been approached and was ultimately arrested by MN
Jerry Murphy
Scott Patrick
State Patrol for DUI. Our condolensces o t to the family.
ou
g y'
John Larrive
Bobby Lambert
Theft Wednesday
Tanner Spicer
Officer Steve Meyer, while on duty as School Resource Officer at
Todd Rosse
Henry Sibley High School, has been investigating several
Chad Willson
Jeff VonFeldt
computer thefts that occurred throughout the school year. He
Jennifer Fordharn
followed up on several investigative leads resulting in the
Denise Urmann
recovery of two stolen computers from a suspect's home. Upon
Michael Shepard
interviewing the suspect, he was able to identify another suspect.
Peyton Fleming
The two parties admitted to committing several thefts; school
School Resource
Officer
consequences and charges are pending and the parents have
Steven Meyer
been notified.
Investigations
1\4arioReyes
DAS/No Insurance Wednesday 1410 hours
Tanner Spicer
Officer John Larrive ran the plate on a vehicle while on routine
Sergeants
Neil Garlock
patrol and observed the registered owner was sus
p ended. The g p
Brian Convery
driver appeared to be the R/O. Vehicle stopped, confirmed
Eric Petersen
license status as suspended. The driver/registered owner did not
Reserves
have insurance. The vehicle was impounded and a citation was
Randy Pentel
issued to the driver for Driving after Suspension and No
Gino Messina
Jesse Mettner
Insurance.
Andrew Quinlan
Chief
Theft Wednesday 1636 hours
Mike
Officer Denise Urmann responded to a local college on report of
Aschenbrener
a theft from classroom. A student reported he had left his
12/23/2010
computer tablet, which had been a gift, in the classroom and when he went back
later to get it, it was gone. No suspects or witnesses.
Theft from Vehicle/Drug Arrest Monday 0256 hours
This is a classic example of why you should always report suspicious noises or
circumstances! Officers were dispatched to a residential address on report of a
suspicious person and possible car prowler. The caller noticed that the dome light
was on in her car and the neighbor's dog was barking. Officer Urmann and Sergeant
Convery responded to the area; they intercepted a male walking in the area who
appeared to have been outside for awhile. The man was carrying some items - it
was soon learned that not only was he carrying property he had stolen from at least
one vehicle but he also was carryinty a crack pipe. The man was ultimately taken to
jail and charges are pending for 5t Degree Possession of Drugs, Tampering with
Motor Vehicle, Theft and Possess Stolen Property.
Tenant/Harassment Issue One Full Week
Sometimes, having a renter really does not pay. The property owner had served his
live-in cleaning lady with eviction papers. Officers were called to assist when she did
not react positively to the news. Officers helped mediate that situation; however,
conditions did not improve. The tenant had one month to leave the premises, but the
tenant allegedly took matters to another level and began "tampering" with utilities and
was "going to make the owner's life a living hell." The owner decided it was time to
file a Harassment Order, keeping her "from anywhere I am." When she returned to
the residence, officers did respond to serve the paperwork; it should have been a
short ordeal but she did not leave easily. Oh, did we mention she was also
intoxicated and unable to drive? She was ultimately transported to another location
and advised how to retrieve her property. Officers are standing by, preparing for the
next confrontation when that happens.
Fraud Wednesday 1004 hours
A resident called to report fraudulent use of her checking account information. Upon
arrival, Officer Patrick learned from the victim that she had placed outgoing mail in
her mailbox that included a check for cleaning services. The check, initially made out
for approximately $150, turned into a check for nearly $900, and was used at a
Walmart outside the metro area. The information provided has been forwarded to
investigations.
Warrant Arrest Thursday 2235 hours
Officer Fleming received a call on a suspicious male who asked a resident to use
their telephone. The male was located and explained that he had a verbal argument
with his girlfriend on the interstate. He then got out of the vehicle and walked to the
residence to call for a ride. When the male party was identified, Officer Fleming
found that he had an active misdemeanor warrant from Hennepin County. Upon
confirmation of the warrant and learning he did not have funds for the cash bail,
Officer Fleming was now able to give the man a ride - to the the Dakota County Jail.
Happy Holiday Greetings to You & Yours from Your Friends at MHPD!
- Kim &Jenn y
-2-
Mendota Heights PD Thanks Residents for Toys for Tots Donations - Mendota Heights, MN Patch
Editor Danielle Cabot: Heard some news you want us to check out? Let me
know: Danielle.Cabot@patch.com
Serving the communities of Mendota Heights, Lilydale and Mendota, MN
THANK YOU I Add your own announcement)
Mendota Heights PD Thanks Residents for Toys for Tots Donations
Posted by Danielle Cabot December 20, 2010
Happy Holidays Everyone!
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank
everyone for helping make our toy drive a
success. Along with numerous community
members, we donated 59 toys to the Toys for Tots
organization. Those toys will help make
someone's Christmas a little merrier. Thank you
so much for your donation. I look forward to next
year's toy drive and hope to see even more
participation Please remember those less
fortunate when you celebrate with your loved
ones this year.
May your Holidays be Safe and your Hearts be
Peaceful.
Denise Urmann
Crime Prevention Officer
Mendota Heights Police Department
MORE FROM THE WEB
Toys for Tots Home page
View full size
Your photos, videos & PDFs: Add
Sign Up I Log In I Change Towns
c Back to Announcement
Denise Urmann and the 2010 Toys for Tots donation boxes at the Mendota Heights Police Share `j x
Department.
http://mendotaheights.patch.coin/announcements/mendota-heights-pd-thanks-residents-for-toys-for-tots-donations#modal_dialog:email_fco_modal_dialog[12/23/2010 12:42:59 PMI
911
�_t�f�1i�Iulv1CAT1ur-r
r_EIVTL—
Executive Director
Diane Lind
Operations Director
Rose Kruchten
Executive Assistant
Jen Hildebrandt
Dispatch Supervisors
DCC Open Mic
Dakota Communications Center December 20th, 2010
Sandy Flategraff
Cheryl Pritzlaff
Doris Lake
Troy Ruby
Vicki Nelson
Tara Shoemaker
Technical Support
Matt Brandenburg
John Sutton
Dispatchers
Jan O'Brien
Stacie Adamek
Brian Kluck
Brent Anderson
Kathy Krystosek
Dawn Anderson
Dan Kuykendall
Kellie Bailey
Anna Letourneau
LynAnn Bochniak
Heidi McQuoid
Diane Bodeen
Gino Messina
Once Again, More Snow
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas is not just a dream this year. As we enter into the holiday week, it is
again snowing, significantly impacting the daily operations of the DCC as the dispatchers gear up for the
resulting accidents, spin outs and plowing complaints. They have been real troopers throughout.
On December 7` , Operations Director Rose Kruchten and Supervisor Troy Ruby represented the DCC
at an interstate radio communications meeting which was held at the Dakota County Northern Service
Center. There were approximately 90 individuals from jurisdictions along the Minnesota and Wisconsin
border in attendance with a goal to begin development of a standardized radio communications plan. The
DCC also plans to have representation at future meetings where there will be discussions specific to the
metro area and standardizing communications with Pierce and St. Croix Counties in Wisconsin. Because
Hastings Fire service area extends into Pierce County, Wisconsin, and with the ongoing communications
needs as they relate to the Prairie Island facility, this standardization becomes more critical to our daily
operations. The DCC is looking forward to future meetings on this topic.
While the operations side of the organization was at the above meeting, I participated on a PSAP
consolidation panel discussion at the Association of Minnesota Counties Annual Conference. Also
participating on the panel were Jackie Mines, the Director of 9-1-1 Services for the Minnesota
Department of Public Safety, and Kyle Oldre, the Rock County Administrator. Ms. Mines discussed the
PSAP consolidation guide book which was developed by the State of Minnesota. Mr. Oldre talked about
the options and concerns facing rural Minnesota, and I presented information on the DCC project.
Commissioners Schouweiler and Workman were also in attendance at this session. My thanks to both of
them for bringing the commissioners point of view to this presentation.
Tori Bourdages
Pat Meyer
On December 15`x, the DCC hosted a meeting with Dakota County GIS and the Metropolitan Emergency
Services Board to discuss the impact mapping has on next generation 9-1-1. The DCC and the MESB have
Kelly Bultman
Beth Molstad
been working for several months to update our mapping from a street address based map to an address
Jenni Buran
Jan O'Brien
point map. This means that instead of having a map with a range of possible addresses for each roadway,
Jolene Cemensky
John O'Laughlin
it would reflect actual parcel addresses. This mapping data base follows the draft of a federal standard
Dave Chilson
Megan Prail
which is expected to be adopted soon. Randy Knippel, Dakota County GIS Manager, will be meeting with
our cities' GIS departments to discuss the impact this will have on future parcel address needs. We
Marnie Chupurdia
Theresa Reyer
appreciate Randy's efforts on our behalf.
Tiffany Collins
Karen Rinta
Ray Egan
Rachel Robles
MaryJo Eilers
Cindy Ryan
If you have questions or concerns, please contact me.
Nick Eilers
Vicki Ryan
Becky Evans
Andy Schoo
Tiffany Germann
Karla Schrader
Have a safe and happy holiday season.
Tera Hahle
Anne Senko
Stacey Hansen
Mary Siegler
Diane
Katie Hoffman
Pascale Smith
Kris Houlehan
Jenni VanPutten
Gina Jermasek
Holly Vivant
Mindy Kaltenhauser
Mike Whebbe
Rachel Keeler
Jim Zgoda
St. Paul Pioneer Press 12/21/2010
r
s Mendota Heights
9 in IJulie AnnI' Driver char ed Fischer, 49,
� � � of Lakeville
is charged
e f ata I crash on 1-35E wit `limina'
vehicular
homicide.
s
Woman admits drinking, says she never saw stalled car
e
3
e
By Maricella Miranda
mmiranda@pioneerpress.com
A Lakeville woman told
police she had more than
three glasses of wine before
her truck crashed into the
back of a vehicle stalled along
the freeway, killing the other
driver.
Julie Ann Fischer, 49, was
charged Monday in Dakota
County District Court with a
felony count of criminal vehic-
ular homicide and a gross
misdemeanor count of crimi-
nal vehicular operation caus-
ing bodily harm. She is in cus-
tody at the Dakota County
Jail.
Her next court date is sched-
uled for Jan. 27.
The Minnesota State Patrol
responded to the crash about
1 a.m. Friday on Interstate 35E
near Wagon Wheel Trail in
Mendota Heights, according
to a criminal complaint.
Witnesses said Fischees
vehicle, a Nissan Pathfinder,
was swerving all over the
road before it rear-ended a
Plymouth Caravelle, which
was stalled in the right north-
bound lane with its hazard
lights on, the complaint said.
Upon arrival, troopers saw
severe damage to the rear
right side of the Plymouth and
damage to the front ofthe Nis-
san.
The driver of the Plymouth,
Ujuan Moore, 50, of St. Paul,
died at the scene.
His passenger, Lisa New-
som, 26, also of St. Paul, was
taken to Regions Hospital in
St. Paul with injuries that
were not life-threatening. She
told authorities she and
Moore had been having car
trouble and said their vehicle
stalled along the freeway,
according to the complaint.
When the troopers ques-
tioned Fischer, she was "con-
fused and disoriented,"
smelled of alcohol and had
bloodshot, watery eyes and
slurred speech, the complaint
said. She also swayed from
side to side while sitting in her
seat. Fischer said she had had
a couple of glasses of wine,
and a trooper found an open
wine cooler bottle in her vehi-
cle.
The trooper attempted to
administer a horizontal -gaze
test, but Fischer did not follow
directions and moved her
head from side to side, the
complaint said. She also had
poor balance, so the trooper
did not try to administer the
walk -and -turn or one -leg -
stand tests.
The trooper did give Fischer
a preliminary breath test,
which she failed.
Fischer later told authorities
she was driving from
Lakeville to Bloomington, the
complaint said She admitted
to drinking three glasses of
wine and one wine cooler.
Fischer said she never saw
the other vehicle and did not
know about the crash.
Last September, Fischer had
her license revoked for an
alcohol-related charge.
If convicted of the new
charges, Fischer could face up
to 10 years in prison for crimi-
nal vehicular homicide, and
up to a year in jail for the less-
er charge.
Each year, alcohol-related
crashes hill more than 140
people in Minnesota, account-
ing for about one-third of the
state's traffic deaths. More
than 30,000 motorists are
arrested for DWI, and 40 per
cent of those arrested have
offended before, according to
the State Patrol.
The fatal crash came in the
midst of a December push by
Minnesota law enforcement
to increase patrols on the
lookout for drunken drivers.
At the month's midpoint,
reports show 675 DWI arrests.
The Minnesota Department
of Public Safety's Office of
`lnffic Safety is coordinating
the campaign, which is sup-
ported by $350,000 in federal
funds — translating to 7,000
extra hours of enforcement
Maricella Miranda can he reached
at 651-228-5421.
Copyright @ 2010, St. Paul Pioneer Press $$edition December 21, 2010 3:38 pm / Powered by TECNAVIA
Volume 6, Week 28
December 13, through
December 19, 2010
Featuring Sheriff's
Administrative,
Communications,
Support, and Parks,
Lakes, and Trails
Staff:
Administration
Fran Bakke
Julie Ecker
Detention Services
Support Staff
Sandy Burke
Desiree Chartrand
Jennifer Harrington
Melanie Heltne
Molu Jolly
Kathy Karnick
Jamie Maiser
Janelle Mayer
Mary McPhetres
Minnie Murphy
Holly Ruiz
Andrea Strenke
Betsy Winter
Emergency
Preparedness
Dave Gisch
Operations Support
staff
Carmen Brown
Ana Estrada
Julie Fischer
Pam Hinton
Linda Mischke
Shona Murphy
Jesse Monahan
Andrea Olson
Carole Sieben
Fay Wallin
Parks. Lakes. and
Trails
Salah Ahmed
Michael Myres
Dave Bailey
Ryan Bollig
DAKOTA COUNTY SHERIFF
The Front Row
�A frostit row seat to the greatest show ow Garth...
The Gathering...
The Sheriff's Office
hosted a Holiday
gathering this past
Tuesday for current
staff and our
retirees. It was good
to get together with
old friends and
Dave Bellows, Sheriff
Tim Leslie, Chief Deputy
reminisce about the I.
past. We also want
to thank everyone
that worked to make
this a special day
from the Sheriff's Office. Retired members that attended the lunch included Sheriff
Don Gudmundson; Commander Greg Peterson; Sergeants Bob Bennett, Rod
Smith, and Bruce
"Doc" Johnson;
Correctional
Corporal Trudi
Sibbald; Deputies
Tom Zehoski and
Sharon Drews; and
S e n i o r
Administrative
Assistant Vicki
Krick.
(left to right) Retired Sergeants Bob Bennett, Bruce Johnson, and Rod Holiday Spirit...,
Smith, Deputy Todd West, and Retired Deputy Tom Zehoski In 1822 Clement
Clarke Moore wrote the poem "Twas the night before Christmas," also called "A Visit
from St. Nicholas." In 2010, a member of the Sheriff's Office took another try at this
time-honored classic from the perspective of the Dakota County Jail, adding a little
humor for all. While the author of the current version has requested anonymity, we
thank them for their rendition for all to read.
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the jail
Not a task was unfinished, not even the mail!
The stockings were hung by the cell doors with care,
In hopes that Pastor Jim soon would be there.
The PSAs were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of wage increases danced in their heads.
Administration finished a meeting about some crap,
And had just settled their brains for a long winter's nap.
Volume 6, Week 28
December 13, through
December 19, 2010
Jacob Coulson
John Grimes
Chris Haars
Michael Mandel
Jon Reiners
Joshua Schauer
Chaplains
Jim Bzoskie
Vern Hildebrandt
Clayton McDougall
Eddie Nestingen
Cory Voll
Don Voll
Questions?
Comments?
Please contact the
Dakota County
Sheriff's Office at
651.437.4700 or any
of the following by
email:
dave.bellows@
co.dakota.mn.us
julie.ecker@
co.dakota.mn.us
�.4 from t row seat t0 the greatest show ow Garth... "
Dave Bellows, Sheriff
Tim Leslie, Chief Deputy
When up in intake there arose such a clatter,
All staff went running to see what was the matter.
Away to the Nextel the sergeant flew like a flash,
Tore open the directory and dialed Admin in a dash.
The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow,
Gave the luster of money to the Captain below.
Commander didn't answer, LT's phone was dead,
But the sergeant knew he could get Jodi out of bed.
"There was a little drunk driver, so lively and quick,
What should we do --Hastings PD arrested St. Nick?"
More rapid than eagles the on call judge came,
"ROR him quickly and for his elves do the same."
Santa complied and let the COs do their work,
He smiled for his mug shot then turned to the side with a jerk.
He was printed so now the FBI knows,
But the process was seamless and out the release door he goes.
He sprang to his sleigh, and first wet his whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight,
Happy Christmas to all, your jail saved the night!
�
oN VERE'S Noor, .� FLf�CE LIKE Noon MF
FOR IHE Houfljc�Y,5 /
SERV W SLY?/
Sheriff Dave Bellows and
Chief Deputy Tim Leslie
would like to wish you all
a Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year!
Click here to subscribe to this newsletter electronically.
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Mendota Heights Celebrates Decades of Service - Mendota Heights, MN Patch Page 1 of 1
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GOVERNMENT
Mendota Heights Celebrates Decades of Service
A reception for Mayor John Huber and council member Mary Jeanne Schneeman drew family, friends, and colleagues to the Mendota Heights City Hall the
evening of Dec. 21.
By Danielle Cabot 5-00am
Mendota Heights said goodbye to Mayor John
Huber and council member Mary Jeanne
Schneeman Dec. 21 in a reception and ceremony.
Both decided not to run for re-election last fall,
bringing to an end a collective 39 years of service to
the city.
"I've learned a lot and I'm so happy that I did what
I did," said Schneeman in her comments. "I
encourage people that are interested in public
service to get involved, especially in Mendota
Heights because it's a wonderful community."
Huber thanked his family and his parents, now
deceased, for their support. Huber s father Don
served as mayor from 1961-1976. Huber also
thanked the city staff, past and present, and the
council. ""I would kind of call this a dream team,"
said Huber. "We've been together eight years and
we've really done well together."
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Council member Jack Vitelli opened the ceremony with comments complementing Hubei's tenure as mayor.
Vitelli called Schneeman the "unofficial social coordinator of the city and council," and said her ability to connect with residents made her an effective
representative.
Council member Sandra Krebsbach said that over the 16 years she has worked with Huber she has grown to respect his methodical decision making process
for the city on such controversial issues as purchasing of property for Pilot Knob, keeping the Par 3 golf course, and development of The Village at Mendota
Heights. She credited Schneeman for organizing informal events that have strengthened ties within the city, as well as within the council itself.
Council member Ultan Duggan called his time serving with Huber "some of the most exciting years of civic government experience I've ever had."
"We've had our battles, " said Duggan of working with Schneeman, "but they've always been good battles because they were about passion, they were about
issues."
All the council members noted that despite disagreements over votes, they were always able to get along on a personal level.
Krebsbach secured Huber's seat as mayor in November. Liz Petschel won the race for Schneeman's seat.
The vacated council position of Sandra Krebsbach is scheduled to be filled by appointment of the new council on Jan. 18.
What impression have the terms of Huber and Schneeman made on the city of Mendota Heights? Tell us in the comments.
Interested in a follow-up to this article?
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http://mendotaheights.patch.com/articleslmendota-heights-celebrates-decades-of-service 12/22/2010
Leonard Axelrod
1899 Walsh Lane
Mendota Heights, Minnesota 55118
December 19, 2010
John Mazzitello,
Public Works Director
City of Mendota Heights
1101 Victoria Curve
Mendota Heights, Minnesota 55118
Dear Mr. Mazzitello,
Every year I think about writing this letter. I decided it was long over due.
I am writing to compliment your team on the extraordinary job that they do year round, but
specifically during these trying times of snow removal. We have always been impressed with
the work that your team does. I've noticed, over the years, the long hours, and yet people who
are committed to doing a tremendous job for the citizens of our community. I've often noticed
that they are sensitive to individual homes, driveways, and appropriately remind some
residents who snowblow their snow back into the streets to redirect it onto their property.
Again, despite long hours, and demanding schedules, they are always friendly and professional.
Prior to the twenty years that we've lived in this community, we lived in St. Paul (on a snow
emergency route). We certainly understand the demands of plowing in that large city, but and
notwithstanding, street for street, our City and all of our streets, are superior.
I will try not to take "this long" to write in the future, but I didn't want to get this note out to
you.
Keep up the outstanding work.
Since
Leonard Axelrod