2006-08-30 Friday News The Friday News
August 4, 2006
STORM
Monday and Tuesday’s storm resulted in about five inches of very much needed rain. However,
the storm did knock down a tree on Lexington Avenue near TH 13. The tree hit an Xcel Energy
power pole and knocked out the power in a large area of Mendota Heights, including the traffic
signals on TH 110 and the power at City Hall. The back up generator did not start and we were
all “in the dark” until about 9:30 on Wednesday morning. Worst of all, we had to go across
TH 110 where the power was on at SuperAmerica to get our morning coffee supply!
The storm also caused the Police Department to cancel National Night Out activities at
Mendakota Park. Brian Convery had to make a decision at about 3:00 P.M. whether or not to
cancel the event before he went to Target to buy all of his supplies, and when he consulted the
weather forecasters – their report said don’t do it. (Sorry Brian, but we needed that rain).
My neighbor who works for OPUS – said that the power was no t on in their units, so the sump
pumps did not work during the storm and several units’ basements were flooded including their
model which they were hoping to have open soon.
NEW VOTING EQUIPMENT
A new Federal Law requires cities to have voting equipment available at all precincts for blind
and physically disabled voters beginning this year. The City has had to purchase five new
machines – one for each precinct. We now have one of these new machines set up in the lobby
of the City Hall for residents t o test out. I tried it and successfully voted. Give it a try when you
are at City Hall.
SCHOOL DISTRICT #197 SUPERINTENDENT
Jay Haugen, the new Superintendent of Schools for District 197 stopped by City Hall this
Thursday morning to introduce himself to staff and the City Council. He was a very charming
guy. He grew up on a farm in North Dakota and spent the last 10 years as the Superintendent of
Schools for Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. He is purchasing a home in Mendota Heights on Timmy
Street. He likes to rock climb in the mountains, he runs to keep in shape, and hopes to start a
garden at his new home. He told us that he felt that being selected for this job was like getting
promoted to the majors in sports. I know that he will do a great job!!
Respectfully submitted,
Jim Danielson
City Administrator
Attachments: Pipeline, Just the Facts, article “New voting equipment complies with federal election
law”, flyer “New Service Concept Model for Older Adults in Lilydale & Mendota Heights”, Pioneer
Press article “National Night Out events”, obituary for William Hankee, and Pioneer Press article
“Former Lilydale council member saw key development through”.