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2004-09-10 Friday News The Friday News September 10, 2004 DAKOTA COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACE I was contacted this week by Peggy Carlson. Peggy is currently an Eagan City Council Member, and she is running to replace Patrice Bataglia as our Dakota County Commissioner. Patrice is stepping down as our Commissioner to run against Betty McCollum to be our US Representative. Peggy asked to come in to introduce herself and find out about any on going issues that Mendota Heights might have with Dakota County. She is currently “door knocking” in our City. Peggy told us that the County Commissioner’s position is non-partisan and that any number of people could have filed for it, but only her and Tom Egan did. She was especially interested in learning about our Town Center Development, BREAKFAST WITH THE PRESIDENT Mendota Heights City Officials were invited by Dr. Cheryl Frank, President of Inver Hills Community College for a breakfast meeting beginning at 7:30 am on Thursday of this week. Council Members Krebsbach, Vitelli, Schneeman and Duggan, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Paul Portz, Pat Hollister and I attended the meeting. Besides the breakfast we were all treated to an overview of the School’s Curriculum, Programs, Student Body and finally, a tour of their campus. We all very much enjoyed the event and learned that Inver Hills has a beautiful campus with a thriving enrollment. Gail Morrison, the School’s Executive Director 651-450-8512 says that these breakfasts are regular events, and they encourage everyone of our public officials to attend and learn more about the school. The next two breakfasts are being held on October 7th and on November 16th. Please call Gail and schedule yourself in – you won’t be sorry. PART 150 HEARING Tuesday night (the night of this week’s City Council Meeting) MAC held their Part 150 Hearing at the old Thunderbird Hotel in Bloomington. The Part 150 report was prepared to develop recommendations to enhance existing noise compatibility programs at MSP. ARC members Liz Petschel, Vern Edstrom and Ellsworth Stein attended the hearing. Liz took notes at the meeting (a copy of her notes are attached). They reported to the ARC Commission at their Wednesday evening meeting what they learned at the hearing. Liz also distributed to the Commissioners the attached memorandum presented at the hearing by Minneapolis Mayor RT Rybak. Some of the more important points that were brought out at the hearing were: - The City of Minneapolis intends to sue the MAC to force them to fulfill their commitment for insulating homes from air noise between the 60-65DNL contour. - A concern was expressed that Bloomington will object vehemently to air noise from Runway 17- 35 once it opens, causing MAC to use the parallel runways more that we’ve been told. - Tom Foley, our MAC Commissioner was challenged on the stance that he took in his recent editorial (attached) FLAG FOOTBALL AT MENDAKOTA PARK The Parks and Recreation Commission granted a permit to the Mendota Heights Athletic Association allowing use of the outfield areas of Mendakota Park ball fields for Flag Football. Currently 85 kids, primarily in first and second grade are signed up for this years season that runs for four or five weeks, ending on October 10th. Games are scheduled to be played on Wednesday night from 6:00 to 7:00 pm and Saturday from 2:00 to 3:00 pm. Each 100 by 60 playing field will be delineated by use of soft, circular cones that are set up and removed for each game. In previous years MHAA has used fields at Sibley trying to work around the Sibley's varsity, junior varsity, B-squads, freshman teams as well as junior high, third, fourth, and fifth grade tackle football teams from Mendota Heights. Use of Mendakota Park will allow all of the Flag Football teams to play at the same time in one location. Assurances have been given that during a rain event, if the fields are very wet, games would be canceled. Restrooms at the comfort station will remain open until water service is no longer available due to onset of freezing temperatures. The Commission asked that the park maintenance crew at Public Works monitor this year's program and report any adverse effects. LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN The final results are in, and this year was the best ever for Mendota Heights’ Law Enforcement Torch Run. Mendota Heights raised $1379, which is 10th best in the State. This money goes to help the Special Olympic Minnesota Summer Games. Officer Jenny Hurst was in charge of the event in Mendota Heights, thanks to her for a good job. FILINGS CLOSED Filings for City Offices closed Tuesday this week. The final results were: Mayor : John Huber City Council : Sandra Krebsbach Jack Vitelli Sally Lorberbaum Joan Olin . Respectfully Submitted, Jim Danielson City Administrator Attachments:, Just the Facts, Pipeline, Planning Commission Agenda Synopsis, Liz Petschel’s Part 150 Hearing Notes, Twincities.com (Pioneer Press) Article “Time for cities to participate in airport noise abatement program”, Article from SouthWest Review “Primary election results on Community Channel 14”, Letter from City of Eagan, and Letter from CDA re:2004 Rental Market Survey.