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2009-01-02 Friday NewsV11 January 2, 2009 Representative Hansen Constituent Meeting Rep. Rick Hansen held constituent meeting on Monday evening at City Hall. Mayor Huber, Councihnember Krebsbach and Jake Sedlacek were in attendance, to find out more about the constitutional "Legacy Amendment" funding. Rep. Hansen started his comments reporting that the Legacy Amendment ballot question which was on the November ballot received more votes than any other question or candidate in Minnesota history. Given the significance of the vote, Rep. Hansen is already working to make sure the voters get their money's worth. Rep Hansen provided some detail on how the legislature is working out the rules, procedures and processes for reviewing requests. The sales tax starts being collected on July 1, 2009. He anticipates that 2009 will be a sort of free-for-all, as every legislator tries to bring home some money to their district. The process will need to evolve in order to efficiently handle requests. Several states and national nature advo- cacy groups are watching Minnesota to see how the amendment works out. The amendment increases the sales tax by 0.375% and is to be used to fund an Outdoor Heritage Fund (restore/protect outdoors), a Clean Water Fund (protect/enhance water quality), support RParks and Trails and protect/preserve Minnesota arts and history. II D Snow and More Snow A Public Works Superintendent Tom Olund told me this week that Public Works has already had 15 snow events this year, which is normal for an entire winter. He has used over half of his salt allotment, and with so much winter left he has had to begin mixing it with sand to Ymake it last longer. And the price of salt has more than doubled this year. If you haven't seen on TV, road salt is so valuable that thieves are targeting salt storage piles (fortunately our is behind a locked gate). Chief 2 Announces Retirement PO E Jim Kilburg (Chief 2) has recently announced that he will retire at the end of 2009 (letter attached). This will give the Fire Department ample time to find his replacement. It will W also allow time for some "double slot" time where Jim will be able to work with his re- placement and pass on some of his vast knowledge. Jim has been a great person to work with and I'm sure that we will all miss him very much, but we do have a year left to en - S joy and appreciate him. Nancy will now have to train in a new Chief 2 (that could be much harder than Jim's training). Best of luck to Jim!! January 2„ 2009 Dates to Remember in January City Council Meeting NOC Meeting Park & Recreation Commission Mtg ARC Commission Meeting MAC Meeting City Council Meeting Planning Commission Meeting 1-6-08 7:00 p.m. 1-1.3-08 1:30 1-13-08 6:30 1-14-08 7:00 1-20-08 1:00 1-20-08 7:00 1-27-08 7:00 Attachments Just the Facts, Pipeline, MNSUN Article "Police chase originating in West St. Paul ends in arrest, train crash," South-West Review Article "Mendota Heights approves `09 budget, preps for Plaza review," Letter from Jim Kilburg. Har, ppy New Years ! January 2, 2009 1/2/2009 1/2/2009 wound thru South St Paul, maneuvered around two separate stop stick devices, onto residential areas of South St Paul, back onto 494 and onto Hwy 61, at speeds reported in excess of 100 mph. Other agencies joined in the pursuit and stop sticks were finally successful in Cottage Grove. However, the vehicle took off across an open field, still at a high rate of speed, eventually bottoming out on the railroad tracks. The suspect left the vehicle and fled on foot. A perimeter had been established, K -9's were on scene and a MSP helicopter was overhead. Footprints were followed to a vehicle storage lot and the K -9's were in pursuit. Meanwhile, the railroads had been notified to stop all trains; however, it was just a little too late, as officers watched a slowing train strike the suspect vehicle. Officer Shepard was soon notified that the suspect was located by K -9's in the trunk of a vehicle in the lot and was in custody, complaining of severe leg pain. He was taken into custody and transported for medical attention. Once cleared of any injury, he was taken to jail and gave Officer Shepard a statement under Miranda. He reported he had been awake for 7 days, on methamphetamines, and had been high while fleeing. He insisted he wasn't the one who stole the car, just the one stuck driving it, trying to evade arrest. Felony charges have been filed by the Dakota County Attorney's Office. Recovered Stolen Vehicle, 12/20/08 at 2041 hours Officer Denise Urmann received a report of a suspicious vehicle on a residential street with a broken passenger window. She discovered the vehicle was listed as stolen out of St Paul. The vehicle had been damaged, was towed and the owner was notified. Officer cleared the scene. Theft from Business, 12/22/08 at 1327 hours Owner reported to Officer Steve Meyer that his bank had contacted him to inform him he was overdrawn; further investigation proved his checkbook had been stolen and used, made out to an ex -employee. Owner confirmed he had not written checks or signed any checks for the individual. Information and evidence was obtained, charges are pending. Theft from Vehicles, 12/23/08 at 0639 hours Officer Chad Willson was dispatched a local apartment complex on report of a vehicle break- in. Further investigation revealed two additional vehicles that had been broken into while parked in the underground garage, with various items stolen. All owners were contacted and Officer Willson learned the break-ins likely occurred between 0200 hours and 0639 hours, when the break-in was discovered. Surveillance may provide information; investigation ongoing. Persistent Drunk/Trespass, 12/24/08 at 0050 hours A local establishment called for assistance in trespassing a drunken patron who had already been escorted out twice and refused to stay out. He was removed again and told if he came back he would take a trip to detox; he couldn't resist and was given a seat in Officer Mike Shepard's squad car. He gave a PBT sample, showing his 'Christmas Cheer' consumption at .276. He was taken in Officer Shepard's sleigh to Detox for a long, dry, winter's nap. Ho, Ho, Ho. AOA/Tasing, 12/27/08 at 0044 hours Officer Tanner Spicer and Officer Chad Willson were called out to assist State Patrol with a belligerent, uncooperative arrestee. While in route, one of the troopers was assaulted by the suspect. On scene, the learned the man had severely kicked one of the troopers, rendering him incapable of assisting. The other assisting trooper and MHPD officers worked together to get the man into the vehicle. He would either stiffen or go limp the full length of the car, making it impossible to get him in the vehicle, and throughout the ordeal was verbally assaultive to officers. Officer Spicer was instructed to tase the man; it took two Casings to get cooperation from the man, but he was finally tucked into the Troopers squad and given a ride to jail. -2- 1/2/2009 Traffic Stop — Part 1, 12/28/08 at 1938 hours While on patrol, Officer Steve Meyer spotted a vehicle, stopped sideways and blocking traffic from both directions. The vehicle then demonstrated some other erratic driving behaviors. Officer Meyer initiated a stop and found the registered owner (RO) to be suspended. He was cited, told to park his vehicle in the nearby lot and instructed not to drive again until his license was valid. Driver concurred, said he'd call for a ride and thanked Officer Meyer. Traffic Stop — Part 2, 12/28/08 at 1950 hours While working on the paperwork for above mentioned driver (see Part 1), Officer Meyer watched the same vehicle, same driver leave the parking lot. Officer Meyer again stopped the vehicle to chat with the driver; the driver said he just needed to make a delivery and wanted one more chance. (Um - that was your chance....) He received citation number 2 and this time, his vehicle was towed. The driver was given a lift to a nearby gas station to wait for a ride. Burglary, 12/30/08 at 0541 at hours Officers Bobby Lambert and Tanner Spicer were dispatched to local condominiums on report of burglaries in their common rooms. Upon arrival, officers found both the fitness room and another common room had been burglarized with two large TV's stolen. Entry had been forced and further investigation revealed one of the TV's left behind in the street after it had been dropped by the suspects. Evidence and information was collected; investigation ongoing. Trespass/Threats 12/31/08 at 0055 hours Manager of a local establishment called to request a party removed after refusing to comply with the dress code, as the party appeared to be sporting potential gang colors/garb. He removed it when asked but was later found on the dance floor with it on again. When the gent was asked to leave, he calmly advised the manager that he would "regret" making him leave, he and his friends had access to guns and they might just happen to carry them into the bar sometime. The man was a known frequenter of the bar and he was again asked to leave. The manager requested officers to trespass the man from the bar when he was located/identified. Officer Lambert identified and spoke with the man the following day and was informed it was just a big "misunderstanding." Officer Lambert advised him of the trespass and was told if he ever behaved like that a gain, criminal charges would be pending. No misunderstandings now — a crystal clear start to the New Year. Traffic Stop with a tip, 12/31/08 at 2347 hours Officer Peyton Fleming observed a vehicle pull out of a lot at a high rate of speed, and then exhibit some erratic driving; he initiated a traffic stop. He could tell the driver was not quite with it young driver was not quite with it and asked if he had been drinking; the driver said he had not. Officer Fleming requested his driver's license and insurance. The driver provided the ID and then reached in the center console to fish out his insurance info. He pulled out a baggie containing marijuana and actually went to hand it to Officer Fleming, but dropped it on the seat and said he meant to grab the insurance and had forgotten it was there. The driver admitted he had a couple of drinks earlier, which the PBT proved. He was ultimately arrested and told Officer Fleming he had come from a party where everyone was under 21 and even told him where it was. He was cited for Underage Drinking and Driving and Possession of Marijuana. New Year's Party Bust, 01/01/09 0115 After receiving the information noted above (and also from a different traffic stop), Officers Tanner Spicer and Peyton Fleming proceeded to a local motel to verify the occurrence of an underage party. Upon arrival, officers did indeed locate several adult yet underage party -goers consuming alcohol. The alcohol was emptied out, citations were handed out and the group agreed to stay for the night and sleep it off. Officers cleared. Have a great week! - Kim -3- N E W S LETTER Public Works Engineering Code Enforcement Public Works The Parks Crew checked the warming houses daily and flooded the ice rinks. The door handle at Friendly Hills warming house was repaired. "Thin Ice" signs were made up for the aerator at Rogers Lake. They plowed cul-de-sacs, ice rinks, parking lots and pedways. Rich plowed the lift station parking lots and cul-de-sacs. He also checked for bad spots on Winston Court, Downing Street, Highway 13, Victoria easement, Mayfield Heights easements, South Freeway Road, Timmy Street, Pontiac Place, Williams Court, Apache Street, Keokuk, Theresa Street, Caren Road and Decorah Street. 1900 Wachtler called for a blocked service with roots and the City's sanitary sewer line was checked and found to be clean. The Streets Crew mixed sand and salt. John Ambrose welded wing rub plates and put new ones on plow trucks 303, 304 and 312. Snow Events: Date: Amount: Response: 12-20-08 3.6" 11:00 A.M. start - plow all streets 12-21-08 4.5" 12:00 P.M. start -- plow all streets and sand 12-23-08 1" 3:00 P.M. start -- plow all streets and sand 12-30-08 2" plow all streets and sand 12-31-08 replow some streets, mains and sand as needed Engineering Several watermain breaks were repaired on January 1't by Saint Paul Water. Breaks were reported on Winston Court, Cheyenne Lane, and Pontiac Place. The watermain breaks were repaired the same day. Work is continuing on putting together the City's Stormwater Ordinance. This is a requirement of our MPCA Stormwater Permit and should be ready for Council Review sometime in January. Staff continues to work with the Mendota Mall Associates, LLC development group on details pertaining to their re -development proposal. The application is scheduled to be 1h before Council on January 6 44 community ntrwrpopers MNMSUN Print Page Police chase originating in West St. Paul ends in arrest, train crash BY SARAH WOLFE • SUN NEWSPAPERS (Created: Saturday, December 20, 2008 6:10 PM CST) A man was arrested early Saturday, Dec. 20, following a police chase involving a sport -utility vehicle believed to have been stolen in West St. Paul. A Mendota Heights Police officer on countywide DWI patrol began pursuing the Dodge Durango at 1:05 a.m. near the intersection of Oakdale Avenue and Annapolis Street in West St. Paul after discovering it matched reports of a stolen vehicle, Mendota Heights Police Sgt. John Larrive said. The chase went into St. Paul and then South St. Paul before the driver lost control of the vehicle on Highway 61 in Cottage Grave and went through two fences, coming to a stop on some railroad tracks, Larrive said. He did not know how high speeds reached during the chase. The man took off on foot, Larrive said. Several officers and canine units went looking for him and later found the man in the trunk of a car parked in the train lot, he said. Meantime, a train crashed into the vehicle on the tracks. The man suffered minor injuries, and was in custody at the Dakota County jail awaiting charges, Larrive said. No one else was injured. The remains of the vehicle were towed away, Larrive said. He did not know if the train was damaged in the crash. This report will be updated as more information becomes available. This site and its contents Copyright @ 2007. Sun Newspapers - Main Office: 952-829-0797 suninfo@acnpapers.com - "" Southwest Review I Mendota Heights approves '09 budget, preps for Plaza review Page 1 of 1 MINT 0 0 CLOSE f7e ®®► Tuesday. Decembar23 2009 Mendota Heights approves '09 budget, preps for Plaza review Danielle Cabot Review Staff Tuesday. December 23. 2008 Mendota Heights City Council approved the city's 2009 property -tax levy and budget Dec. 16 and moved on to another review of the proposed Mendota Plaza development at 110 Dodd Road. The budget was OK'd without the hand wringing other cities are experiencing over state government -aid cuts. "We've never gotten a nickel, and thank god we've never gotten a nickel," said Council Member Jack Vitelli. Including increases in special levies not affected by state -imposed levy limits, the city's gross levy will increase 7.5 percent with a $286,000 increase to the operating levy. Staff salaries were approved to carry a 3 percent increase, and the council members voted 3-2 to finance a new fire truck through the city levy rather than through reserves, which added $60,000 to taxpayers' tab. That works out to about $10 to $12 annually per household, according to Kristen Schabacker, Mendota Heights finance director. Plaza vote scheduled for January The council also continued discussion of the Mendota Plaza development. Council members have been deeply involved in the details of the renovation and expansion of the current shopping center, which is planned to also include apartment units_ Developers plan to present their revised proposal Jan. 6. The council is expected to review the plans and make a decision whether to approve or deny applications for the preliminary plat, preliminary PUD, a wetlands permit, conditional use permit for grading and a request for rezoning at the following meeting on Jan. 20. If the requests are denied, the developers must ask for an extension, or wait six months before making another request. An extension already granted by the council expires Feb. 1, City staff have compiled a list of issues compiled over the past two years that need to be addressed for the council's approval. Jake Sedlacek, assistant city administrator, said many of the issues will be addressed by the planning application. Sticking points that remain are whether the architecture fits the character of the community, signage, and traffic management. The council also wants multiple options presented for building designs to choose from, particularly for the proposed apartment units. Council Member Ultan Duggan said that the developers should be thinking "what does this council body like in this housing on this site?" Mayor John Huber expressed caution in determining which items have been resolved and which have not. "it may connote we've talked about this ourselves and have voted on it." The developer has "lightened up" the architecture a bit and shifted some of the storefronts since the last review. "Like the council they're kinda tired, said Sedlacek, "but I think they're seeing the light at the end of the tunnel." If the council does approve the preliminary requests, the next step would be a final plat, PUD and the developers' agreement, which would outline specifics such as hours of operation, signage requirements, landscaping and management. Danielle Cabot can be reached at southwest@lillienews com or 651-748-7815. Content © 2009 Software © 1998.2009 lupi Software, All Rights Reserved http://www.southwestreviewnews.com/print.asp?ArticleID=3696&SectionlD=62&SubSecti... 1/2/2009 liirmii iasON 1 �q .I Gk 4�� �I� 14 I ��x �. F► I, k:11=4 b} --�� i,� 1H d.w #. �.� VOLUNTEER FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1947 LILYDALE — MENDOTA -- MENDOTA HEIGHTS -• SUNFISH LAKE Dear Chief Maczko, Captains, and fellow Firefighters: JOHN P. MAczxO FIRE CHIEF It is with mixed emotions that I formally announce my retirement effective at midnight on December 31, 2009. On that date I will have 27 % years of service with the Mendota Heights Fire Department, with the past 12 % years as the Assistant Chief. I've always believed that to be a firefighter (especially a paid on call or volunteer firefighter) you need these three things: Passion, Commitment, and Energy. You put them all together and you have "fire." It's that "fire in the belly" that pushes you to be the best that you can be and do the best that you can do; and by living by that example that "fire" will spread to others, which makes being a part of this Department and Fire Service so special. But as with the "Fire Triangle" you take away one ingredient and you have no fire. I still have the passion and the commitment but I am lacking the energy to continue this demanding yet rewarding job. Another consideration in my decision is the fact that I am not interested in becoming Chief (even against John's wishes) and the importance of developing another member who will be entrusted and willing to be a part of leading this department into the future. It is my hope that the process for replacement of my position can start in early 2009, so that I may spend significant time with the newly appointed Chief 2. There are many responsibilities that go with the position and it is important that time and a hand on approach will give the newly appointed Chief 2 the confidence and the knowledge to do the job effectively. Writing this retirement letter has been one of the most difficult things I've ever done. How do you begin to describe the impact of spending over half your life doing something you love so much? I am proud and honored to serve as your Assistant Chief for the past 12 years. It has been a privilege to work with our council, lead by Mayor Huber and our City Administrator Jim Danielson. The support they give us and the confidence they have in us feeds our passion to do our jobs. Recently, Chief Lasky, whose lecture on Pride and Ownership in the fire service stated there is no better job in the world than being a firefighter. He is right. Firefighters are a special breed of people. No other job demands so much. We have to respond to emergency situations 2121 DODD ROAD, MENDOTA HE, IGHTS, MINNESOTA 55120 ° PHONE (651) 452-1850 1 21 Ig! HIM Me I VOLUNTEER FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1947 LILYDALE - MENDOTA - MENDOTA HEIGHTS - SUNFISH LAKE JOHN P. MACzxo FIRE CHIEF where people's lives are on the line or their property, which contain everything that means so much to them. We are expected to perform under immense physical and mental pressure with control and calmness. We are expected to show compassion to people who are experiencing their worst day ever. There is no better moral booster for firefighters than after a fire or a heavy rescue or a successful save on a full arrest. It's such a good feeling when all the training you worked so hard for comes together, and as a team you accomplish the goals you were expected to perform. To see and hear the appreciation from the people you protect makes it all the worthwhile. Yes, there has been no better job for me theses past 26 %Z years. When people ask me what I do, I usually tell them I am a firefighter with the Mendota Heights Fire Department first and then say I am an Electrician. It's not that I don't like being an electrician, but my heart and my passion have always been with the fire service. It's because of people like you, who possess those qualities that it takes to be a FIREFIGHTER. I want to thank Chief Maczko for not only giving me the confidence and support to do my job, but being a person who always valued my opinion and trusted my judgment. You have been incredible to work with. I say work "with" and not "for" because when a difficult decision needs to be made, you have always consulted me and together we made the decision. As the Assistant Chief these past 12 years, I have seen you do so many things for this Department and the Fire Service that many people don't know or realize. Your leadership and commitment to this fire department is fueled by your deep passion and love for the Fire Service. Thank you for the example of what to strive for. Thank you to the Officers. Your dedication and hard work does not go unnoticed. The sacrifices you make to ensure our firefighters are trained and ready are what makes this department strong. I've always felt that the Mendota Heights Fire Department has the most dedicated and hard working firefighters in all of Dakota County, if not the state. I thank you for your commitment and putting up with me for all these years. You have not only made my job very easy, but fun and certainly rewarding. 2121 DODD ROAD, ME, NDOTA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA 55120 ® PHONE (651) 452-1850 ..' i - M111111 '13P -111 11 VOLUNTEER FIRE AND RF-sCUE SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1947 ULYDALE - MENDOTA -- MENDOTA HEIGHTS - SUNFISH LAKE JOHN P. MACZKO FIRE CHIEF You are not only great firefighters, but great individuals. You are a group that truly cares for one another. You have been an extension of my family and that is the reason why it will be difficult to say goodbye. I look forward to 2009 and may we all enjoy a safe and healthy year together. Thank You, II� �Ut t �z ►71�� Assistant Chief Jim Kilburg "Chief 2" y f 2121. DODD ROAD, MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA 55120 ° PHONE (651) 452-1850