2005-09-30 Friday NewsNCMEC CLASS
Police Chief Mike Aschenbrener, and School Superintendent John Longtin attended the National
Conference for Missing and Exploited Children this weekend held in Arlington, Va. The classes
they attended were geared toward helping participants provide a comprehensive approach to safe
schools. The conference dealt a lot with providing a coordinated service delivery for at risk youth
at a younger age when you can actually impact them. Both John and Mike are very pleased that
Mendota Heights and the School District are ahead of the curve in their approach to dealing with
young problem kids. The conference laid out a clear strategy to dealing with this service delivery,
Both Mike and John felt that this class was one of the best that they have ever attended.
.BIO -DIESEL
The Governor's staff call me this week to see if Mendota Heights would provide a couple diesel
powered vehicles for an announcement that he was going to make at School District 197's bus
garage at 10:30 a.m. this Thursday. Thursday was the day that a new state law was to go into effect
requiring that all diesel fuel sold in the state be converted to "Bio -diesel". Bio -diesel means that
diesel fuel has a minimum of 10% soybean oil added to it. The American Lung Association also
called to talk to me about the event. They like the fuel because it runs cleaner than regular- diesel,.
NURT TRAIL UPDATE
This Tuesday, Council Member Mary Jeanne Schneeman, Sue McDermott, Patrick Hollister and I
attended a Dakota County Physical Development Committee meeting of the whole to try and
convince Dakota County to fund the relocation of the THl 10 frontage road near Town Center in
order to make room for the NURT Trail. Moving the frontage road would preserve a row of
evergreens that screen a home constructed very close to the roadway.
The County Board was divided on whether to participate in providing funds for moving the road,.
Three (3) motions failed on 3-4 votes. (County staffers told us that they have never seen this happen
before).
So the Dakota County Board sent the issue back to their, staff to work with MnDOT and the City to
try to arrive at a plan that the County Board could approve,. The trail is being funded with Federal
money that will not pay for roadway improvements and the program was to expire this fall,
however the County just learned that they were granted a one (1) year extension (until September
30, 2006) so we will have more time to work on resolving the issues,.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE CHANGED
The City Council has moved their regular next Tuesday's City Council Meeting to be on
Wednesday to avoid a conflict with Rosh Hashanah, The meeting will start at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jim Danielson
City Administrator
Attachments: Just the Facts, Pipeline, City Council Meeting Agenda, Pre Application Meeting
Synopsis, SouthWest Review Articles "Good Samaritans turn down reward" and MH Fishing Derby
on Town Square TV, Sun Newspaper Article "Bikers explore local backyards", St. Paul Voice
Article "Local students win national solar car competition" and Darts Press Release,.
Issue # 09-36
„J44 TA F44141t*..„
09/30/2005
4th Degree DUI 09-23-05 0122 hours
Officer Denise Urmann pulled in behind a car with one headlight
not working. As Officer Urmann began following the car it was
immediately apparent that the stop would be for more than a not
functioning headlight. The car was weaving around crossing both
divider line and fog line. The car, was stopped and the driver was
ID'ed and requested to do SFST's. She failed the tests but did
manage to sing the ABCs. Her car was towed and she was
transported to the MHPD„ After implied consent she provided a
breath test that revealed a BAC of .16.
3rd Degree DUI 09-23-05 0155 hours
While on patrol Officer Steve Meyer spotted a man urinating on
the side of road. When the squad turned around the man quickly
jumped into his and pulled into the Holiday gas station. When
Officer Meyer inquired as to why the man was stopped on the exit
ramp he replied that he was emptying a soda can. At this point it
was clear the man had been drinking. When Officer Meyer
inquired about whether the man had been drinking the driver
immediately replied "two drinks.." A short time later he stated that
maybe it was six or eight drinks and that was followed with "I'm
not going to lie to you. I'm not supposed to be drinking. I'm on
probation.." After failing the SF'ST's the suspect provided PBT
sample that revealed a BAC of .128. His car was impounded and
the suspect was read the MN Implied Consent Advisory. The
driver refused to provide a breath test.. He was transported to jail..
Street Racing 09-23-05 2340 hours
Officers were dispatched to the area of Mendota Heights Road
and Lake Drive on a call of street racing. As squads arrived on
scene approximately 30 fled at a high rate of speed. Several
vehicles were stopped and 19 citations were issued for Unlawful
Assembly. Everyone was released after being cited.
Possession MJ / Curfew 09-24-05 0157 hours
Officer Steve observed a car pull into the Pool and Yacht Club
parking lot. As he approached the car began to pull out of the lot
just a little suspicious at 0200. A traffic stop was initiated
immediately. When Officer Meyer spoke with the driver the smell
of marijuana was apparent inside the car. 'The driver was cited
-I-
Issue # 09-36 09/30/2005
for possession of a small amount of marijuana in a motor vehicle. The two
passengers were cited for curfew violations and released to their parents.
10-50 09-24-05 0503 hours
Officer Tanner Spicer responded to an address on Hwy 13 to investigate a car crash.
Upon arrival he spotted a car with severe front end damage. The driver stated her
only injuries were to her hands she refused medical attention. There were
approximately 100 yards of tire tracks coming through the ditch ending at the
damaged car and cement planter. The homeowner & driver exchanged information.
Parking / Fight 09-24-05
At 1240 hours Sergeant Neil Garlock responded to a parking complaint at the High
School, a large soccer tournament was going on, many cars were illegally parked.
Sergeant Garlock worked with the person running the tournament to resolve the
problem„ At 1740 hours Sergeant John Larrive responded to the tournament on a
fight call. The caller reported about 10 people fighting and throwing stuff at each
other. Upon arrival the losing team, who started the problem, had left the area.
Loud Music / Party / Disturbance Calls 09-24-05 2330 to 0050 hours
Officer Steve Meyer responded to a loud music disturbance call in the 600 block of
Watersedge Terrace. The music was not on when tie arrived. At 0014 hours Officer
Tanner Spicer responded to a loud music and shouting call on Lexington Avenue.
The resident agreed to turn the music down. No further calls at that residence. At
0050 hours Sergeant John Larrive responded to a loud music call on Hampshire
Drive. The homeowner moved the party inside.
Juvenile Complaint 09-25-051512 hours
Sergeant Neil Garlock responded to a residence about suspicious activity involving
several young men. The caller pointed out three young men 14-16 YOA who
appeared to be out of breath. The young men reported being chased, for no reason
whatsoever, by 2 other young men who were armed with baseball bats„ The young
men were sent home with a parent. A short time later Sergeant Garlock responded
to another residence on a call of 3 young men who had damaged a home. In looking
into this matter it was determined to be the same incident. These young men
showed Sergeant Garlock damage to the residence and described the others and
reported seeing them throw items at the house. Sergeant Garlock then checked
back in with the first group and advised them of this information. They adamantly
denied any wrong doing; they were just walking through some back yards. One of
the fathers from the first group then called and demanded charges against the young
men who had chased his son's group. Investigator Scott Patrick has begun following
rip and this appears to be school rivalry issue. Investigation continues.
Burglary 09-26-051700 hours
Sergeant John Larrive responded to a residence on a burglary. The homeowner, had
been gone between 0900 and 1030 hours. The overhead garage door was not
working and was left open. Later in the day she found the upstairs bedrooms had
been gone through and several items were taken. The caller's son was asleep in the
home during the time of the break in. No suspects at this time., The homeowner had
already begun canvassing the neighborhood for suspects.
Theft from Vehicles 09-26-05 to 09-28-05
Officers handled four, thefts from vehicle calls that were occurring during daylight
hours outside of local businesses. Everyone is reminded to keep nothing of value in
your car„
//aoa aY"Ar W A d/ O /*A
-z-
N E W S
LETTER The Pimpeline
Public Works
Engineering
Code Enforcement September 29, 2005
Public Works
The Parks Crew put new shrubs, edging and rock around the sign at
Wentworth Park. They trimmed trees along the pedway on Lexington
Avenue, north of Marie Avenue. They replaced the dead lilacs at Kensington
South Park on the south end of the soccer fields.
Rich worked with Braun Pump to do the annual lift station check ups. The
pumps, panels, and wet wells were all in good condition. He did a new
sanitary sewer inspection for Visitation at the new warming house for their
winter sports. He also did a new inspection at 1205 Culligan Lane.
The Street Crew put up new crime watch signs at the entrance to Mayfield
Heights Road and added a missing '"keep right" island sign at Market Street
and Dodd Road. They took out the apartment number sign and reinstalled
the ""Lexington Apartments" sign next to the new trail, so the City can
receive its share of state aid money for construction of the trail. They
cleaned storm grates. On Thursday, they put the plow on truck 303 and
brought it over to the District 197 bus garage. Governor Pawlenty gave a
press conference about using biodiesel, a soybean alternative. Channels 4,
9 and 11 had news crews there to cover the event. The Governor was
giving four presentations and Mendota Heights was their first stop. (See
attached article).
Code Enforcement
A building permit was issued to Klingelhutz Construction Company for a six
unit walkout building in Waters Drive Business Park. The total cost of the
permit was $10,398.56 with a valuation of $600,000.00.
Engineering
Sue published a public hearing notice for the 2005 street projects and
scheduled the hearing for the October 18th City Council meeting. Notices
were mailed to all affected property owners.
MINNESOTA MAKES HISTORY WITH NEW BIODIESEL-BLENDED FUEL -- September 29, 200.5 Page 1 of 1
(, ,Print This Page Close Window
MINNESOTA MAKES HISTORY WITH NEW BIODIESEL-BLENDED FUEL -- September 29, 2005
— Starting today, diesel fuel sold in state contains two percent biodiesel --
St. Paul — Today Minnesota became the first state in the nation to require that diesel fuel sold in the state contain two -percent biodiesel — a
homegrown, renewable fuel made primarily from soybeans Governor Tim Pawlenty and Agriculture Commissioner Gene Hugoson kicked off
the biodiesel standard today at a school bus garage in suburban Mendota Heights, before traveling to biodiesel plants in Albert Lea and
Brewster and stopping in Moorhead.
Biodiesel is a clean -burning, alternative fuel made from domestic, renewable oils and fats. In Minnesota it is made primarily from soybean oil.
Mixtures of biodiesel and petrodiesel are called "biodiesel blends," with B2 being two -percent biodiesel. Biodiesel blends are already used by
hundreds of vehicle fleets, including the U.S. military, Yellowstone National Park, and various Minnesota cities and counties,
"Today, Minnesota takes another, step toward reducing our dependence on foreign oil while improving our environment and our rural
economy," Governor Pawlenty said. "Greater use of renewable fuels means that more of our energy comes from farm fields rather than oil
fields. Biodiesel is another tool in our arsenal as we look for clean, diverse sources of energy."
The 2002 Minnesota Legislature passed a law requiring that diesel fuel sold in Minnesota contain at least two -percent biodiesel (132). The
requirement was designed to take effect one month after the state had certified that it had the capacity to produce 8 million gallons of
biodiesel Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Commissioner Gene Hugoson certified this production capacity in the August 29 edition
of the state register, and the requirement kicks in today — September 29, 2005.
"Biodiesel will provide significant economic benefits to the state through reduced reliance on imported oil and increased demand for
Minnesota -grown soybeans," said Agriculture Commissioner Hugoson. "It will also benefit the state's natural resources and public health
through a reduction in harmful vehicle emissions."
B2 can be used in conventional vehicles without any engine modifications According to the National Biodiesel Board, all diesel engine makers
with equipment in North America support the use of up to 5 percent biodiesel meeting national and local specifications Independent tests
have shown that biodiesel reduces harmful vehicle emissions such as unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and particulate matter.
Biodiesel exhaust also has a significantly less harmful impact on human health than exhaust from petroleum diesel.
Minnesota has three biodiesel plants, located in Albert Lea, Brewster and Redwood Falls They have a combined annual production capacity
of nearly 63 million gallons, making Minnesota the number one producer of biodiesel in the U.S,
According to Governor Pawlenty, one of the important benefits of biodiesel use is that it helps reduce dependence on foreign fossil fuels.
"Right now, America is importing petroleum to meet more than 60 percent of its needs," Governor Pawlenty said "By 2025, it is projected that
we will import 77 percent of our petroleum When you pair these supply concerns with a rapid increase in oil demand from emerging countries
like China and India, you have a recipe for sky-high fuel prices. For our long-term economic stability, we must start breaking our unhealthy
dependence on foreign oil I'm proud that Minnesota is showing the way by using more homegrown biodiesel "
There are a few exceptions to the new B2 requirement, including railroad locomotives, off-road taconite and copper mining equipment and
heating equipment The MDA has set up a website with information about biodiesel, as well as links to other sources of information about the
fuel The website can be found at http://wwvv.mda,state,mn.us/biodiesel/b2/default.htm
http://www,governor.state.mn.us/tpaw_Print%20Artiele.asp 9/30/2005
Reminder: Meeting on Wednesday, October 5th
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY,
MINNESOTA
October 5, 2005 - T30 P.M.
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3 Pledge of Allegiance
4. Agenda Adoption
5 Approval of the September 20, 2005, City Council Minutes
6. Consent Calendar
a Acknowledgement of the Unapproved Minutes from the September 27th Planning Commission
Meeting.
b. Acknowledgement of the Auqust 2005 Building Activity Report
c. Acknowledgement of the 14' Annual Fire Awards.
d. Acknowledgement of Retirement of Firefighter Tim Oster.
e. Authorization of Payment to Mendota Heights Athletic Association .
f. Authorization for Annual Halloween Bonfire.
g. Approval of Brown College Parking Lot Improvements.
h Approval of Gun Club Lake (WMO) Appointment.
i Approval of Minor Amendment to PUD for Temporary Signage for Fantastic Sam's and
authorization for Code Enforcement Officer to issue sign permit. Resolution No. 05- : "A
RESOLUTION APPROVING A MINOR AMENDMENT TO THE PLANNED UNIT
DEVELOPMENT FOR TEMPORARY SIGNAGE FOR THE TOWN CENTER
REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT".
j. Adoption of Resolution No. 05- : "RESOLUTION CALLING FOR THE REDEMPTION OF
OUTSTANDING: GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS OF 1997, DATED DECEMBER 1,
1997".
k. Adoption of Resolution No. 05- : "RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE AND
SALE OF $790,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION IMPROVEMENT BONDS, SERIES 2005A,
PLEDGING SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR THE SECURITY THEREOF AND LEVYING A
TAX FOR THE PAYMENT THEREOF".
I. Approval of Contractors List.
m. Approval of List of Claims.
7. Public Comments
8. Bid Award
2005 Trail Overlay Project
9. Unfinished and New Business
a. Case No. 05-42: Joseph and Betty Schuster, 1900 Wachtler Avenue — Preliminary Plat to
Create Two Additional Lots, Resolution No. 05- : "A RESOLUTION APPROVING A
PRELIMINARY PLAT TO CREATE TWO ADDITIONAL LOTS AT 1900 WACHTLER
AVENUE".
b. Case No. 05-43: Troy Buege, 500 Valley Lane — CUP and Setback Variances for
Replacement Detached Garage and Driveway. Resolution No. 05- : "A RESOLUTION
APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND SETBACK VARIANCES FOR A
REPLACEMENT DETACHED GARAGE AND DRIVEWAY AT 600 VALLEY LANE".
c. Case No. 05-44: David Olsen, 2540 Arbor Court — Conditional Use Permit for a 1355 Square
Foot Attached Garage. Resolution No. 05- : "A RESOLUTION APPROVING A
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A 1355 SQUARE FOOT ATTACHED GARAGE".
d. Case No. 05-46: Maureen Haggerty, 790 Ridge Place — Conditional Use Permit and Wetlands
Permit for a Fence. Resolution No. 05- : "A RESOLUTION APPROVING A
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND WETLANDS PERMIT FOR A FENCE AT 790 RIDGE
PLACE".
e. Case No. 05-47: Alice Baier, 741 Mohican Court — Conditional Use Permit for a Fence.
Resolution No. 05- : "A RESOLUTION APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR
A FENCE AT 741 MOHICAN COURT".
f. Case No. 05-48: Rod Cina, 1281 Delaware Avenue — Fourteen -Foot Side Yard Setback
Variance for an Attached Garage. Resolution No. 05- : "A RESOLUTION APPROVING A
FOURTEEN -FOOT SIDE YARD SETBACK VARIANCE FOR AN ATTACHED GARAGE AT
1281 DELAWARE AVENUE".
g Case No. 05-49: Timothy Dyrhaug (on Behalf of Alan Landreville), 1010 Sibley Memorial
Highway — Critical Area Permit and Three -Foot Height Variance for a Fence (Driveway Gate)
Resolution No. 05- : "A RESOLUTION APPROVING A CRITICAL AREA PERMIT AND
THREE-FOOT HEIGHT VARIANCE FOR A FENCE (DRIVEWAY GATE) AT 1010 SIBLEY
MEMORIAL HIGHWAY".
h. Case No. 05-50: Lawrence Fryklund, 1240 Dodd Road — Two -Foot Side Yard Setback
Variance for a Replacement Driveway. Resolution No. 05- : "A RESOLUTION
APPROVING A TWO -FOOT SIDE YARD SETBACK VARIANCE FOR A REPLACEMENT
DRIVEWAY AT 1240 DODD ROAD".
i. Case No. 05-52: Chuck Hall, St. Peter's Church, 1405 Sibley Memorial Highway — Critical
Area Permit (And Preliminary and Final Plat, CUP, and Variance) for Modifications to an
Existing Vacant House Resolution No. 05- : "A RESOLUTION APPROVING A CRITICAL
AREA PERMIT FOR MODIFICATIONS TO AN EXISTING VACANT HOUSE AT 1405
SIBLEY MEMORIAL HIGHWAY".
j. Case No. 05-53: Dr, Ernest Hinson, 1938 Dodd Road — 29 -Foot Front Yard Setback
Variance for a Replacement Monument Sign. Resolution No. 05- : "A RESOLUTION
APPROVING A 29 -FOOT FRONT YARD SETBACK VARIANCE FOR A REPLACEMENT
MONUMENT SIGN AT 1938 DODD ROAD".
k. Case No. 05-54: City of Mendota Heights, Kingsley Court — Wetlands Permit and Critical
Area Permit for Sanitary Sewer Protection Project. Resolution No 05- : "A RESOLUTION
APPROVING A WETLANDS PERMIT AND CRITICAL AREA PERMIT FOR THE SANITARY
SEWER PROTECTION PROJECT AT KINGSLEY ESTATES".
10. Council Comments
11, Adiourn
Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities are available upon request at least 120 hours in
advance. If a notice of less than 120 hours is received, the City of Mendota Heights will make every
attempt to provide the aids, however, this may not be possible on short notice. Please contact City
Administration at 452-1850 with requests. This meeting is being taped by NDC4 (651-450-9891) and
will replay on Friday at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on the NDC4 Government Channel 18
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
MEMO
September 29, 2005
TO: City Council, Commission Members, and City Administrator
FROM: Patrick C. Hollister, Administrative Assistant
SUBJECT: Pre -Application Meeting Synopsis
Staff met with seven potential applicants on Monday, September 26, 2005.
Steve Grittman, Sue McDermott, and Patrick Hollister were present.
Amy Olafson, Royal Redeemer Child Care, Inc.
1960 Lexington Avenue South
Ms. Olafson works for the child care center at Royal Redeemer Church. Ms. Olafson said
that the church would like to add another, accessory structure (shed). Staff determined
that this would require a Conditional Use Permit. Staff provided Ms. Olafson with the
appropriate materials for a Conditional Use Permit application. Ms. Olafson said that she
would shop around for an appropriate type of shed and may apply in time for the October
2005 Planning Commission meeting.
Jeff Engel, Fantastic Sam's
Town Center
Mr. Engel and his wife are the future owners of Fantastic Sam's at Town Center. Mr.
Engel told Staff that he plans to open Fantastic Sam's by the end of October of this year.
In the meantime, he would like permission for temporary signage to attract potential
employees. Staff instructed Mr. Engel to get permission from Town Center developer
Ross Fefercorn and provide a letter for the next Council meeting. Mr. Engel's request
will appear on the October 5, 2005 Council agenda,.
Peter Donovan, 1170 Dodd Road
Mr. Donovan is researching the possibility of subdividing the property at 1170 Dodd
Road in conjunction with some other nearby parcels. The property is adjacent to an
unimproved street. Mr. Donovan asked if it would be possible to have the street vacated.
Staff told Mr. Donovan that vacating the street would require a public hearing and
consent of other property owners along the street„ Mr. Donovan said that he would do
further research and contact Staff again later if he wanted to pursue a subdivision.
William C. Wacker, Headmaster
Trinity School
Mr. Walker is the Headmaster at Trinity School in Bloomington. Trinity School is a non-
denominational parochial school for grades 7-12. Mr. Wacker said that the school is very
close to the end of the new airport runway, and that the MAC will allow the school to use
their allotted noise attenuation funding to relocate the school. Mr. Wacker said that he is
looking potential sites in northern Dakota County in the range of 15-20 acres. Staff told
Mr. Wacker that the City is almost fully developed and that there is almost no land
available in that size range. Mr. Wacker said that he would keep searching.
Mike Klass, Dave Rey, and Paul Aplikowski, Mendota Elementary School
1979 Summit Lane
Mr. Klass has been retained by Mendota Elementary School to re -design their, parking lot
and bus circulation. Mr. Klass showed the latest plans to Staff. Planner Grittman said
that it appeared that the plans conformed to the Zoning Ordinance, except for the need for
a Conditional Use Permit for over 400 cubic yards of fill. Staff provided Mr. Klass with
the appropriate materials for a CUP application. Mendota Elementary School intends to
apply in time for the October, 2005 Planning Commission meeting.
Todd Irvine, 625 Hidden Creek Trail
Mr.. Irvine met with Staff to discuss his plans to construct a fence in the back yard of a
new home in Hidden Creek Estates„ Staff reviewed the plans and determined that a
wetlands permit would be required. Staff provided Mr. Irvine with the appropriate
materials for a wetlands permit. Mr. Irvine intends to apply in time for the October 2005
Planning Commission meeting.
James Hansen, 796 Hwy 13
Mr. James Hansen and his mother met with Planning Staff at the request of the Code
Enforcement Officer. The Code Enforcement Officer had received complaints about the
property at 796 Highway 13 and asked Mr. Hansen to meet with Planning Staff. Mr.
Hansen's property is within the Mississippi River Critical Area. The Code Enforcement
Officer had identified four concerns with the property: A fence higher than three feet
within the 30 foot setback, an unpaved driveway, a recreational vehicle not parked on a
paved surface, and the importation of fill without a Critical Area Permit,. Staff provided
Mr. Hansen with the appropriate materials for a Critical Area Permit application and the
appropriate variance applications. Mr. Hansen intends to apply in time for the October
2005 Planning Commission meeting.
MH Fishing Derby on Town Square TV
Join NDC4 and Town Square Televi-
sion, along with Mendota Heights Parks
and Recreation for an all-new show
taped at the Mendota Heights Fishing
Derby on July 13. The show will air on
Community Channel 14 on Tuesday,
Sept., 13, at 5:30 and 9:30 p.m.
Join hosts and reporters Anna Lardy,
Michelle Gang'lehoff, ,Jaime Gang'lehoff,
Katie Ganglehoff, and Ben Lardy for
highlights from the day's events, includ-
ing a magic show and awards ceremony,
along with interviews with derby
participants, volunteers and sponsors.
Town Square Television is a non-
profit organization producing local tele-
vision programs and providing access to
video production equipment, studios,
training and cable TV channel time for
community members who wish to
televise their- own Iprograms: Town
Square Television channels are 14, 15,
16, 18, 19, 20 and 21 and can be viewed
by 21,000 cable TV households in Inver
Grove Heights, Lilydale,'Mendota, Men-
dota Heights, South St. Paul, Sunfish
Lake and West St. Paul. More informa-
tion is available at www.townsquare.ty,
including detailed weekly schedules fox'
all channels.
Ransom noted that the men's
• • ' •
hygiene was poor and one had a
significant deformity to his nose
from a previous injury.
Good
"Between the two of them, I
believe you would find a lifetime
Samafitans
of hard luck stories," she said,
"and at least one shining exam-
ple of honesty and good inten-
turnrn d
tion."
The men refused to leave their
names or any personal informa-
tion, but said they had found the
billfold, on the University of
Minnesota campus. They indi-
Heather Edwards
- cated :they were turning in a
staff writer
`-`stolen" wallet; but didn't elabo-
rate.
A pair of men proved there are
How they obtained it remains
still honest people in this world
a mystery.
when they stopped by the Men-
The owner of the wallet,
dota Heights Police Department
Daniel Connors, is a student at
eailier this month to turn in a
the U of M. He happily reported
missing wallet.
that everything in his billfold,
Police Secretary Cathy Ran-
including' $33 in cash, was
som said she believed that, based
intact.
on their appearances, the men
"This is what you hopefor
were homeless. Yet they did not
when you get that sinking' feel"
want a reward.
ing that you've lost your purse or
"These two guys evidently had
wallet," said Mendota Heights
hearts that were right," Ransom
Police Chief Mike Aschenbren-
said. "(They) had not touched a
ner. "Dealing day in and day out
thing in the wallet."
with the impact that criminals
have on life, it feels good to see
the good guys just appear."
South-West Review
MH Fishing Derby on Town Square TV
Join NDC4 and Town Square Televi-
sion, along with Mendota Heights Parks
and Recreation for an all-new show
taped at the Mendota Heights Fishing
Derby on July 13. The show will air on
Community Channel 14 on Tuesday,
Sept., 13, at 5:30 and 9:30 p.m.
Join hosts and reporters Anna Lardy,
Michelle Gang'lehoff, ,Jaime Gang'lehoff,
Katie Ganglehoff, and Ben Lardy for
highlights from the day's events, includ-
ing a magic show and awards ceremony,
along with interviews with derby
participants, volunteers and sponsors.
Town Square Television is a non-
profit organization producing local tele-
vision programs and providing access to
video production equipment, studios,
training and cable TV channel time for
community members who wish to
televise their- own Iprograms: Town
Square Television channels are 14, 15,
16, 18, 19, 20 and 21 and can be viewed
by 21,000 cable TV households in Inver
Grove Heights, Lilydale,'Mendota, Men-
dota Heights, South St. Paul, Sunfish
Lake and West St. Paul. More informa-
tion is available at www.townsquare.ty,
including detailed weekly schedules fox'
all channels.
Bikers
cal backyards
Annual Sierra Club bike tour Chapter of the Sierra Club, The Thorson of Inver Grove Heights
GOV2rS nOrtherrlDalCOta event examines the positives and , participated because they,enjoy
negatives that go along with riding and because they approve
Count] s trails, Streets urban development. of the Sierra Club's mission. "It
After riders left ;Raspberry Is fits in with a lot.of:;thmgs in our
BY GRANT BoELTEx land, they moved east along the lifestyle," said'Flagg
Sun Newspapers Mississippi River into Mendota Others, including Scott Hel-
Heights.lzen and Ronan Blaschko of- West
Cyclists from across the state The ride continued through St. Paul were simply along for the
gathered at downtown St. Paul's West St. Paul and South St Paul ride.
Raspberry Island- Sept. 17 to ex- before circling back toward Hellzendiscoveredtheevent in
plore northern Dakota County downtown St, Paul. a cycling magazine and told
and St. Paul's West Side. Not all of the 218 cyclists had Blaschko, his neighbor, about it
The bike ride, labeled the the same reasons for participat- the night before.
"Tour de Sprawl," is an annual mg.
event organized by the North Star Talisyn Flagg and . Randall BIKERS: To Page 16A
16A So. St. PauUlnver Grove Heights, West St.'Paul/Mendota Heights Sun•CurrentfThursday, Sept. 22, 2005
Bikers
From Page lA
Both are avid riders and
were looking to participate in
an event before biking season is
over.
The bike ride also featured
stops .along the way where de-
velopers, local politiciansand
environmental activists spoke
about land use issues.
At the first stop in Mendota
Heights, participants got a look
at a new development that will
feature a number of amenities
aimed to eliminate the need for
its residents to use their cars.
The Village at Mendota
Heights is not just a new devel-
opment of condominiums, but
of retail stores as well, so its
residents don't have to drive to
do things such as shop for gro-
ceries,
The development is also near
Dodge Nature Center so resi-
dents have plenty of trail space
available to them.,
The ride continued to West
St. Paul, where District 39 state
legislators spoke over lunch
about the possibility of a light
rail line along Robert Street and
Highway 52.
Reps.Joe Atkins and Rick
Hansen along with Sen. Jim
Metzen have each had a part in
authoring or co-authoring bills
that would allow for the line.
The last stop along the trail
was in South St. Paul where
Mayor Beth Baumann ad-
dressed the riders before they
got a chance to ride on the
South St. Paul Regional Trail.
This portion was a favorite of
many of the riders, said Joshua
Houdek, one of the event's or-
ganizers„ The trail sits atop a
levy along the Mississippi
River, so the riders had an un-
hindered view of the river.
Tour history
This year's "Tour de Sprawl"
was the event's loth anniver-
sary According to Frank Jossi,
Land Use and Transportation
co-chair for the Sierra Club,
this year's was one of the pret-
tiest in the event's history.
The first organizer of the
event was Deb Alper, who
founded the organization's
Land Use and Transportation
Committee., The event was cre-
ated mainly to highlight posi-
tive use of urban land, as well
as highlight some of the state's
best trails, said Alper.
She is quick to give credit to
her peers within the Sierra
Club for their work in sustain-
ing the event. "I'm the history of
the tour, but I'm also history,"
said Alper.
Much of this year's course
followed trails along the Missis-
sippi River. While the ride was
intended for non -serious bike
riders as well, there were many
steep inclines and declines,
which added to the scenery, but
drained riders' energy.
However, most riders seemed
prepared for the challenge and
it appeared that everyone was
able to finish.
Jossi raved about the friend-
ly people he encountered along
the way and was glad that the
area, which he said doesn't usu-
ally receive much press, would
glean some recognition from
this year's event.
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DARTS 0>
Serving Seniors, Families, Community
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1645 Marthaler Lane
West St. Paul, Minnesota 55118
Phone 651.455.1560 Fax 651.234.2280
www.dartsl.org ® www.caregiverMN.org
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Ns r3?' ?njor3 .`3ino,
'71,d`)"3f3.,.:3 ]!g_. rms ,n
September 21, 2005
For more information, contact:
Sherri Weiss, DARTS Communications
651-455-1560
Mark Hoisser is Named as DARTS President
West St. Paul, Minn. — Today, the Board of Directors of DARTS (Dakota Area Resources and
Transportation for Seniors) named Mark Hoisser as DARTS new president, effective October 1.
Hoisser takes over the helm from Dick Graham, founder and president since 1974. Hoisser has been
with DARTS since 1975, most recently as executive vice president.
According to Charlotte Johnson, chair of the DARTS board, "The recent search process allowed us to
seriously consider the current and future needs of DARTS and affirmed the talent that we have here in
our midst. Mark has been an integral part of all aspects of DARTS' operations for the last 30 years. He's
been particularly instrumental in building our transit services to their high-quality status as well as
launching our nationally recognized vehicle maintenance facility, DARTS VMS. We are looking forward
to Mark leading DARTS with a creative vision for the future that's grounded in a deep understanding of
DARTS strong history. "
As executive vice president, Hoisser was responsible for agency administration, transportation, and
technology initiatives. He is a past president of the Minnesota Public Transit Association and former
Chair of the Dakota County Transportation Collaborative (1998 to 2004).
Retiring president Graham will be an advisor to Hoisser and his transition team through year end.
During DARTS' 31 -year history, DARTS has become a trusted and respected service agency for Dakota
County seniors and their families. DARTS has a reputation of providing excellent high -touch services
and of being a responsive community partner, a great place to volunteer, the best steward of voluntary
donations, and an excellent place to work and build a professional career.
DARTS (Dakota Area Resources and Transportation for Seniors) is a volunteer -based organization that provides professionally
coordinated home -help services and transportation for Dakota County, Minn., seniors and their families and can help them find
additional senior services throughout the Minneapolis/St„ Paul area.
Pi esident, Richard Graham • Executive }lice President, Mark Hoisser • Vice President of Community Services, Beth Wiggins
Board of Dircotors Donald Buckner • James Burmeister • Gary DeCramer Directors Erneritus
Charlotte Johnson, Chair •Kris Hopko, Vice Chair Doug Differt • Marie Emeott • Sandy Klas • Virginia Lanegran Duncan Baird • Millie Gignac ®Juile Titcomb
Marty Kennedy, Secretary • Barbara Blumer, Treasurer Lisa Lavin . Harold Leonard • Katherine Lilly - Scott Northard
Kent Peterson • Elizabeth Tiffany • Barbara Toombs • George Zirnhelt