2006-12-22 Friday News The Friday News
December 22, 2006
AIRPORT LEGISLATION MEETING
On Monday, Jake Sedlacek and I attended an airport legislation meeting at the Eagan
Community Center. Representatives, Senators, Mayor RT Rybek, Council Members and staff
from Bloomington, Eagan, Mendota Heights, Minneapolis and Richfield attended. The purpose
of the meeting was to share information for the new elected officials and for community leaders
to touch base on issues regarding the Airport.
Our effort to improve representation on MAC for 65dnl cities is only the tip of the iceberg of
concerns regarding the MAC. Legislation to change MAC representation made it as a part of the
2006 Transportation Bill which failed to move forward at the end of the session. (There is some
positive momentum for change at the Capitol). Mayor Rybek from Minneapolis made a pitch for
sweeping reform of the MAC structure, creating a state-wide aviation oversight group, which
would report to the MN Legislature. Under this model, the MAC would still exist, but focus
only on MAC operations. It would be part of a larger organization tying together all MN
Airports; looking at airports as a system of resources. The group felt that legislation such as the
current proposal from Bloomington/Eagan/Mendot a Heights/Richfield is a step in the right
direction, which may create conversation around the nature of MAC representation. Legislators
and Senators discussed how they might build state-wide interest in revisiting the structure,
purpose and representatio n of communities in MAC, and how bills may be introduced.
The call to action for communities is to continue dialogue on the topic, keeping it on the top of
the minds of our public and our elected officials. If we have other ideas for bills, we should
communicate those ideas to our legislators promptly. The group discussed meeting again in
Mid -January, with more details on proposed bills worked out.
THE VILLAGE AT MENDOTA HEIGHTS UPDATE
Ross Fefercorn and Sue Sauter met with Council-members Vitelli and Duggan, as well as Mike
Aschenbrener, Jake Sedlacek and myself on Wednesday. The group discussed concerns Council
members had heard about conduct on premise at the Village, to make sure that everyone was on
the same page. Issues such as identifying key-holders and what rules are enforceable were
discussed.
Ross also provided the group an update on construction and leasing. While the Metropolitan
Council Grant didn’t go through, the plans for the ABC building are still moving ahead. There
are a number of irons in the fire for potential leasers, and December has been good for the
existing businesses. Ross and Sue will provide city staff a list of potential events for 2007 at the
Village, for consideration at the Council Goals Workshop
A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS “PRESENT”
Becky Pentel’s Christmas present to City Hall this year was to wrap our presents. On Tuesday
and Wednesday of this week Becky took over the Small Conference room and wrapped
anybody’s presents who brought them in. She provided the paper, ribbon, tape, tags, bows,
expertise and labor to wrap them. When it was all done Becky said she had wrapped over 200
gifts BEAUTIFULLY! She did a fabulous job and we all GREATLY appreciated Becky’s
“Special Christmas Present!”
FIRE DEPARTMENT ELDER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
On Wednesday December 10th Marcus T Connolly announced his retirement effective
December 31, 2006.
Marcus retires as the second longest serving member of the department having served 35 years.
The only one to serve longer was Leroy Noack. Marc has done many things in his 35 years. He
served as department training officer for four years and also four years as a captain. Marc also
taught Basic first aid and CPR to the public and was a very aggressive firefighter.
Marc has served on a number of committees in the department including truck committees, 50th
Anniversary planning (Parade Chair) and policy and procedure committees. Marc will truly be
missed and we are unsure how we will now close our monthly meetings because Marc always
made the motion to adjourn.
Marc will be honored February 11th at the Fire Departmetn Awards Banquet. Best wishes to
Marc in his future. Since he is our department historian and it will be difficult for him to get his
hobby out of his blood we are sure Marc will still be involved as a retired member.
HOLIDAY PARTY
This Thursday at noon thanks to Linda, Guy and Sue we had a Mexican Holiday Party. Sue even
brought in her “special” hot sauces which I was stupid enough to generously apply “Insanity” to
my t aco. I’m just now starting to stop sweating and my eye has quit watering again after I
itched it. I had to be late because I took my mom to the doctor and he was late, but I hear that
everything turned out great at the main event. Sam picked up the forgotten frijoles and in his
speed to get back to the party they spilled onto his car seat. Sam, try the “Insanity” to get the
stain out of your seat. It will remove anything.
CHRISTMAS WEEK
Next Monday City offices are closed for Christmas Day.
Respectfully submitted,
Jim Danielson
City Administrator
Attachments: Pipeline, Pioneer Press Article “Convent of the Visitation School gets $1 million
anonymous donation”, SouthWest Review Article “MH seeks applicants for commissions” and
“Pilot Knob project gets $6,000 grant”, Sun Current Articles “Cities have policies in Place to
handle snow removal”, “Gangelhoff makes All-American” (Theresa Gangelhoff’s daughter),
“Mendota Heights hopes to protect open space” and “Henry Sibley students practice the art of
arguing”.