Loading...
2007-06-22 Friday NewsTORCH RUN The Special Olympics Torch Run took place on Thursday morning. Runners this year were Stacy Kaiser, Jennifer Fordham, Mike Aschenbrener, Brian Convery, Tanner Spicer, John Larrive. There were volunteers or runners from every public safety agency in the County and the BCA at the event. Kudos to Jenny Fordham for her good work as the coordinator of the event for Dakota County. ERTK On Tuesday morning of this week "Safe Assure" the City's Safety Compliance Consultant presented to all employees the annual Employee Right to Know (ERTK) information as is required by OSHA. We now all know the following: • Always put on our seatbelts • Use latex free gloves • Don't use hand gestures while driving • Where our emergency evacuation meeting sites are located • That we need a fire buddy • The difference between chronic and acute • Always dilute bleach when using for cleaning. • Etc. Etc. Etc. 1 � 1 i:' ,i7 This Monday morning Tom Hodenfield and Jeff Wilson from Tautges Redpath, the City's auditing firm were at City Hall to out brief Kristen and me on the results of this year's audit. The report was all good news, with only one finding was reported and that finding was because it is a new requirement, that all the cities are receiving. The auditors were very happy with what they found. (Way to go Kristen). The auditors are planning on attending a future City Council meeting to report these results to the City Council. They will also forward a copy of the audit to the State of Minnesota as is required by law. MENDOTA PLAZA UPDATE Howard Paster and Ken Henk met with Sue McDermott, Jake Sedlacek and me this week to talk more about Paster Enterprises' concept for Mendota Plaza. Ken and Howard presented conceptual drawings which attempt to address the concerns expressed at both the City Council and Planning Commission meetings where their PUD concept drawings were recently reviewed. The mix of uses on the site, the condition of the existing structure and a buffer to Dodge Nature Center were all discussed at length. We can expect to see further planning activity involving Mendota Plaza soon. A WHAMMY AND LUCK OF THE IRISH. On Saturday Evening June 16 Acting Chief Kilburg received a call from a resident in the 500 block of Simard that he had a fire in his home while he was away fishing. On Sunday morning Acting Chief Kilburg called Chief Maczko wondering if a fire investigator should respond and write a report. Chief Maczko indicated yes and he asked Investigator Mario Reyes (A police/fire investigator) to meet with the homeowner. Investigator Reyes found there had in fact been a fire in the basement area of the home. The homeowner had been doing some remodeling on the house and had been finishing a door between the kitchen and the basement. He put a coat of finish on the door before he left for fishing on Friday. When he returned Saturday evening the garage door would not open and the lights were off in the back of the home. He entered the home and things didn't smell right and he could hear something downstairs. He got his neighbor and they investigated further where they found there had been a fire downstairs and the heat of the fire had melted the solder joint in a water pipe extinguishing the fire. (Shows how effective fire sprinkler systems are) There was minor structural damage and smoke damage. Investigator Reyes detennined the cause to be spontaneous combustion. The homeowner had placed the rags in a metal can as he should have however he forgot to put the top on. DOUBLE WHAMMY AND AGAIN LUCK OF THE IRISH At 02:55 Tuesday morning the Fire Department was dispatched to the 500 block of Simard on a report of smoke showing from the neighbor's home. Upon arrival heavy smoke was showing from the home. (The same home as described above). Firefighters made a fire attack through the kitchen and into the basement. There was heavy smoke and heat as they descended the stairway. The fire was extinguished relatively quickly but there was extensive structural damage to the flooring structure and electrical service. The electrical main on the home shorted out and tripped, causing a power outage in the neighborhood. The homeowner was not home at the time as he was staying at his parent's home. Investigator Reyes was again called and our investigation team determined the fire originated in a different location than the previous fire. As they began to piece the events back together it appears at this time it was another stroke of bad luck. The homeowner had begun cleaning up from the previous fire with the blessing of the insurance company. He had placed contents from the previous fire into a plastic drum (about a 30 gallon barrel) and attempted to get it out of the house. It was too heavy to carry up the stairs by himself so he pushed it out of the way and left at about 7:30 pm and went home. By a stroke of luck the neighbor lady had won a dispute over whether to open the windows or run the air conditioning. She prevailed, and went to bed with the windows open. She was awakened by a smell of smoke, and upon investigation, found the smoke coming from the neighbor's house and called 9-1-1. NEW FACE AROUND CITY HALL Wanted to let you know that there is a new face around City Hall for the summer, Kevin Ries is joining us for a summer internship, working 10-15 hours per week on Planning, Parks & Rec and Recycling projects. He will be here on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Kevin is currently a senior in the Urban Studies department at the University of Minnesota, looking to graduate this semester with a B.S. in Urban Studies and a minor in Geography. Kevin will be working out of the office across from Sandie so please treat him nicely and make him feel welcome as his internship is UNPAID! Respectfully submitted, Jim Danielson City Administrator Attachments: Pipeline, Just the Facts, Planning Commission Meeting Agenda, Pioneer Press Article "SWAT team prepares for worst", Star Tribune Article "Jet -noise pact not a done deal", DC Law Enforcement Torch Run Flyer and Letter from Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota Community. NEWS LETTER Public Works Engineering Code Enforcement Public Works The Pipelin i June 21, 2007 The Parks Crew worked a tournament for Mendota Heights Baseball Association by dragging fields and chalking the foul lines. Newly planted and young trees were watered. Rec rock was hauled in and put down in the infields at Mendakota Park and all fields were graded. All irrigated parks were fertilized (Mendakota, Kensington, Fire Hall and City Hall). The signs and fire hydrants along the pedways were weed whipped. Rich jet cleaned the sanitary sewer lines on Abbey Way, Haverton Road, Haverton Court, Canton Court, Winthrop Court, Morson Court, Pond Circle West, Pond Circle East, Stockbridge Road and Whitfield Drive. Two fire hydrant flags on Abbey Way and one on Whitfield Drive were changed. The Street Crew trimmed trees, on Emerson Avenue and Delaware Avenue that were causing sight distance problems; and on Chippewa and Simard that were blocking street name signs. Old sign posts were pulled out on Knob Road, Highway 110, Northland Drive and Mendota Heights Road. They hauled in the rec rock and black dirt for the Parks Crew. Pearson Bros. returned to sweep up the chip seal rock. r,,e llutestrtewf f�oln t6ie JKer�R'ata �feiylits�olice�e��crtmeyct 06-22-07 Nuisance Violation - 06-14-07, 0915 hours An anonymous caller reported a pile of landscaping rocks in the street that had been there for several days. Officer Bobby Lambert responded and found the rocks piled in the street. The homeowner was advised that it is illegal to leave items in the street. She was given 24 hours to remove the rock or receive a citation. The rocks were not moved. The homeowner was cited for the nuisance violation. Juvenile Complaint - 06-15-07, 0945 hours Officer Bobby Lambert responded to assist the summer school staff with an under the influence student. Upon arrival he met with the student who claimed to have take ibuprofen before school. After a few minutes the student admitted to smoking marijuana on his way to school. The student was turned over to his father. Suspicious Activity - 06-15-07, 1110 hours Elderly homeowner reported that during the night someone had thrown trash all over the front yard. Officer Bobby Lambert arrived and found the trash can had tipped over. Trash was picked up and put back in the container. Clear without incident. Civil Assist - 06-15-075 2052 hours Caller reported that he was headed to the soon-to-be ex-wife's house as she was selling his property in a garage sale. Officer Mike Shepard stood by while the two worked out their "boundaries" before the divorce was final. Road Hazard - 06-16-07, 0940 hours Caller reported a low hanging tree branch obstructing traffic. Officer Brian Convery arrived on scene, removed the branch from the road and placed it on the boulevard. Miscellaneous - 06-16-07, 2100 hours 911 Cell callers reported a possible drunk driver, all over the road, on Hwy 110. Sergeant Larrive eventually caught up with the car that had changed directions multiple times. The car was occupied by an elderly female who was confused and upset. She had left the Mall of America several hours earlier and couldn't find her way home. Sergeant Larrive had her park her car in the MH City parking lot and gave her a ride home to Saint Paul. A driver -1- 06-22-07 evaluation request was mailed to the DMV. Damage Complaint - 06-17-07, 0903 hours Caller reported to Officer Convery that someone had smeared dog feces all over two cars. Officer Convery confirmed it was dog poop and that there was no damage to the car. No suspects. Recreational Fire - 06-17-07, 2121 hours Neighbor called to report that the neighbors had a fire burning in the back yard and it was too large. Officer Todd Rosse arrived on scene and found a legal recreation fire in the back yard. Spoke with the homeowner and advised of the complaint. Theft from Vehicle - 06-17-07, 2130 hours Victim reported that she parked her car at Mendakota Park while she went for her evening walk. When she returned she found her car window smashed out and her purse was gone. She told Sgt Larrive that there was an old style maroon LTD with two men in it when she left on her walk. No other suspects. Domestic - 06-17-07, 2237 hours Officer Steve Meyer received a call of a domestic disturbance at a local motel. Upon arrival the female met the officer and advised that the suspect had left. After talking with the female it was learned that no violations had occurred but the boyfriend had some warrants. A computer check revealed 2 active felony warrants out of Ramsey County, 1 out of Martin County and 2 misdemeanor warrants out of Ramsey and Washington County. The new K-9 from WSPPD was called in after a perimeter was secured. The suspect managed to avoid capture for now. Bird Complaint - 06-18-07, 0714 hours Local homeowner called to report a hawk sitting on the front sidewalk. The hawk is refusing to fly away. The homeowner had let his dogs out but the bird stayed put. Advice given on whom to contact if the homeowner felt the bird was sick or injured. They advised Officer Meyer that the dogs would be kept in the house until the bird flew away. Clear, no further complaints. DAC - 06-18-07,1820 hours Sergeant John Larrive ran a computer license check on a pickup stopped next to him at a stop light on Hwy 110. The check showed "FLAG — Plates Impounded Alcohol' and the registered owner was "Canceled - Inimical to Public Safety." The description of the R/O matched the young man who was driving the vehicle. The car was stopped and the driver arrested. The truck was impounded and the license plates were removed to be destroyed. Suspect taken to the DC Jail to await formal charges. Theft - 06-18-07, 1858 hours Victim stopped at the MHPD to report the theft of $150 cash from her purse. The theft occurred sometime during the day at the daycare where she was helping out. The young lady reported to Officer Rosse that she had brought her purse in with her and placed it in the back room. The room is accessible by staff, parents and children during the day. No video, no suspects. Theft - 06-21-07, 0817 hours Yes, gas is expensive, Officer Eric Petersen responded to a local business that has been having gas stolen from their company vehicles overnight. The business manager reported that they have been losing an unknown amount each night for the past week ppor so. They would like extra patrol during the overnight hours. -2- CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA June 26, 2007 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of the May 22, 2007 Planning Commission Minutes 4. Hearings a. Case No. 07- 19: David Napier/Dodge Nature Center, 555 Huber Drive — Conditional Use Permit & Variance. Public Hearing 7:30 P.M. b. Case No. 07-20: Louis Closmore, 684 Third Avenue — Side Yard Setback Variance. Public Hearing 7:30 P.M. c. Case No. 07-21: Robert McKinney/Mendakota Country Club, 2075 Mendakota Drive — Wetlands Permit. Public Hearing 7:30 P.M. d. Case No. 07-22: Brian Farley, 771 Pondhaven Lane — Variance to Side Yard Setback. Public Hearing 7:30 P.M. e. Case No. 07-23: Theodore Benz, 1853 Victoria Road — Wetlands Permit. Public Hearing 7:30 P.M. 5. Verbal Review 6. Adjourn 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 651- 452-1850, with requests. TwinCities.com - SWAT team prepares for worst Pagel of 3 J( : SWAT team prepares for worst BY MARICELLA MIRANDA Psaw rPre: A € ate a U:". a ted! i DO I c 5.. Fr A disgruntled athlete sits on a school bus Wednesday holding passengers hostage. A SWAT team lines up behind the bus with weapons drawn, waiting to charge. When they get the signal, the group darts toward the bus in formation. Boom! Pop! Pop! Pop! Some officers rush onto the bus. Others set up in groups of three to form a pyramid against its windows. Officers at the top of the pyramids point their weapons into the vehicle, yelling commands to passengers. Bus passengers come out with their hands up. The angry athlete isn't as lucky - about 20 fluorescent paint spots mark his neck and chest. The SWAT team accomplished its goal: Save the hostages and neutralize the captor. Assistant teem leader Bobby ':an-ber,, right, rnrove:s the Dakota County SWAT team into position during training Wednesday at Dakota County Technical College. (SHERRI LAROSE-CHIGLCI, Pioneer Press) The scenario was one of several practiced by the 35 - member SWAT team, called the Mutual Aid Assistance Group, or MAAG, whose members come from Dakota County agencies. Officers trained for shooter and hostage emergencies in the team's first drill Wednesday at Dakota County Technical College in Rosemount. The school opened up for the training in light of the Virginia Tech and Columbine shootings, President Ron Thomas said. In a real emergency, MAAG would respond. "You hope ... it never happens, but you have to be prepared," Thomas said. "In reality, this is good for the college and good for the students. It's imperative for us." The college, which has 2,200 students, updated emergency response plans this year after the Virginia Tech killings. It now uses Connect -ED, a Advertisement notification system that immediately alerts students by voice message, e-mail and text message in case of an emergency. http://www.twincities.com/ci_6190078 6/22/2007 TwinCities.com - SWAT team prepares for worst trains in abandoned houses but also has practiced in larger spaces, such as the Burnsville Center shopping mall and a school in Hastings. After SWAT members walked around the technical college site to get the lay of the land, the team divided into two groups to practice capturing suspects and saving hostages. During an eight-hour session, scenarios were played out inside and outdoors, and the groups swapped practice areas. Volunteers interested in law enforcement played the hostage -takers and hostages. Some were shot with nonlethal Simunition training bullets. And the gunmen could shoot back. "It does hurt, so it tightens up your training," Jeska said. Maricella Miranda can be reached at mmiranda@pioneer_presscom or 651-228-5421. Page 2 of 3 Next year, the college will practice lockdown drills nine times a year, said Erin Larsen, a college spokeswoman. It now practices the drills four times annually. With the school nearly empty because of summer break, the two-level building made for a perfect training site, said Sgt. Brad Jeska, MAAG commander and a member of the county sheriffs department. The group often Members of the Dakota County SWAT teams get student volunteer and pretend passenger Paul Hader off the boas during a shooter scenario at the technical college in Rosemount. Volunteers interested in law enforcement played the captor and hostages. (SHERRI LAROSE- CHIGLO, Pioneer Press) Return to Top Comments The Pioneer Press is pleased to let readers post comments about an article at the end of the article. Please increase the credibility of your post by including your full name and city when commenting. Please note: It may take several minutes before your comment appears. Recent Comments That was fun, I was one of the role players that day. Ahh the only "real" SWAT team in MN is the boy and girls in light., This SWAT team is great. I have seen them in action on an armed r Post Your Comment http://www.twincities.com/ci_6190078 6/22/2007 Jet -noise pact not a done deal StarTribune-comi MIN EA.I.OU S -' T.'AUL,MINNZI S T Jet -noise pact not a done deal Lawyer says airport noise settlement's terms could become 'significantly better' as discussions continue with MAC. By Steve Brandt, Star Tribune Last update: June 21, 2007 — 8:19 PM A lawyer for people seeking relief from jet noise said on Thursday that a recently announced settlement proposal could get "significantly better" in further talks. Page 1 of 2 That announcement by lawyer Tim Becker is the latest twist in a tale of competing lawsuits seeking to force noise -relief money from the Metropolitan Airports Commission. Becker lost a bid in court to keep the proposed settlement in his lawsuit from being discussed at a Minneapolis -sponsored public meeting next week. The city's publicity for that meeting questions whether the class-action settlement is fair and asks for input on the city's settlement offer in its separate noise case. In a hearing on Thursday, Hennepin County District Judge Stephen Aldrich also gave the second case's plaintiffs, Minneapolis, Eagan and Richfield, more time to craft a settlement offer. The new deadline is July 23. Those cities and a class-action group of citizens have sued separately for housing renovations intended to provide noise relief. But Minneapolis officials have suggested that residents of affected areas can do better than in the proposed class-action settlement. The Minneapolis open house on the issue is scheduled for Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Richfield Lutheran Church, 8 W. 60th St. Becker said the city is misleading residents by disparaging the proposal. "The deal may get significantly better," Becker said, saying discussions continue. "Now I'm forced to defend a settlement that may get better." City wants citizen input But Assistant City Attorney Corey Conover said the city needs citizen input to craft a separate settlement proposal. Aldrich said blocking the city from discussing the settlement would be a "gross violation of free speech rights."Your principal message to people is don't make up your mind yet," Aldrich said. The announced settlement proposal would provide up to $65 million in noise -relief work http://www.startribune.com/462/v-print/story/1260512.html 6/22/2007 Jet -noise pact not a done deal Page 2 of 2 to 4,400 homeowners. They'd get air conditioning if they lack it, and up to $1,750 to pay for other noise -relief measures. Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak has said that sum covers barely half of homes covered by the suit and that none would get a full noise- insulation package. Becker said he expects the proposed settlement to go to Aldrich in two to four weeks. He said that changes might include who is covered by it and/or what amount of help they would get. Lawyers involved in the cities' lawsuit also sought to clarify an interim order Aldrich issued in their litigation. He ordered the Airports Commission to begin insulating by February 900 homes annually in areas where noise levels are highest. But lawyers agreed during the hearing that there are only 200 to 300 uninsulated housing units in the qualifying area. Aldrich urged the parties to discuss his order and said he will address the matter by early July. Steve Brandt • 612-673-4438 • sbrandt a�startribune.com © 2007 Star Tribune. All rights renewed. Map shows estimated 2007 average noise levels, in StarTribune decibels, based on a complicated formula Source:MetropolitanAirports Commission http://www.startribune.com/462/v-print/story/1260512.html 6/22/2007 Law Enforcement Torch Run Thursday, June 21 un for Special Olympics Minnesota in this year's Dakota County Law Enforcement Torch Run, June 21st. This year runners, bikers, inline skaters and motorcyclists are invited to participate in 21 miles of the journey throughout Dakota County. Participants are not required to complete the full 21 miles, any portion is acceptable. Proceeds from the Law Enforcement Torch Run benefit Special Olympics Minnesota. The kickoff begins at 0830 hours at Mendakota Park at 2171 Dodd Road, with the run starting at 0900 hours. Registration will be available the morning of the event. The cost is $10 and includes a T-shirt. After the run, enjoy a picnic at the Farmington Police Department. Outback Steakhouse will be providing a BBQ at Summer Games Opening Ceremonies as well from 5-6:30 p.m. If you would like to participate in the Dakota County Torch Run, but are unsure about the entire distance, join the Final Leg at any of these mile markers. We will be maintaining a 10 minute mile pace: The Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg is a multi -day event in which law enforcement repre- sentatives relay the "Flame of Hope" across 2,000 miles to the Opening Ceremonies of the Special Olympics Minnesota state Summer Games June 21, at the University of Minnesota. For more information, contact Jen Fordham at the Mendota Heights Police Department at 651-452-1366 andjennyf@mendota-heights.com. I START at 0900 - Medakota Park 2.4 miles Hwy. 55 & Lone Oak Rd. 5.4 miles Lexington Ave. & Wescott Rd. 7.5 miles Lexington Ave. & Cliff Rd. 9.5 miles Cliff Rd. & Hwy. 3 13.4 miles Hwy. 3 & 145th St., Rosemount 15.0 miles Hwy. 3 & CR 46/160th St. 19.4 miles Pilot Knob Rd. & 170th St. SND - 21.0 miles TOTAL at Pilot Knob Rd. and 195th St., Farmington PD For complete Final Leg details throughout Minnesota, visit www.specialolynipicsnxinnesota. org #.tree PAi - fit} dCTi♦y�4T Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota Co u i T : 1.24 Siblev tvlemoriai l li6imay Phone: 651-452-4 14 11O3oS5033j ti51-153-232 =j rI Mendota. -,MN 551-10 «-wov.mendotndakota.or- i May 23, 2007 To Whom It May Concern: � . ••... We area 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (ID -441563) whose mission is: To preserve. protect. aril prantvte the Dakota culture for future generations- • 1 To that end, we hold a traditional pow -wow each year. This event allows us to share our Dakota culture with neighboriV Twin Gies communities. Last year, our pow -wow attendance y: exceeded 1,500 participants. This represents a 30001'0 increase siv-f, our first pow -wow in 1999. . We are expecting even more people to attend in 2007. Our S`b Annual Traditional Welcome Home Pow -Wow will be held on August 10-12,-2007, on the St. Peter's Church grounds in Mendota, Minnesota. Every four years, our custom is to hold a traditional giveaway. A traditional giveaway is where all participants come up and choose a small gift. We will continue this tradition in 2007. Our events are open to the public. As a small tribal community that has been working towards Federal Recognition for the past ten years our funds are limited. A traditional pow -wow is not a fundraising event - it is a cultural one. All proceeds will go towards supporting our activities related to preserving, protecting, and promoting the Dakota culture. Would you help us by making a donation? ❑ $250 ❑ $350 ❑ $500 0 Other$ Not only is your gift 100% tax deductible, you will also be mentioned in our program booklet as a contributor. In addition to our annual pow wow, we also hold weekly Dakota language classes, monthly Dakota culture classes, and other events that are open to the public at no charge. Please contact Sharon Lennartson or Tiffany Eggenberg at 651-452-4141 with any questions. Thank you in advance your generosity and support. Sincerely,-`_\)-!�i �� i ne 8th Annual Welcome ome Traditional Pow -Wow Aug'ustl 0'= 12*'3 . 20''0*7'40 St Peter's Cli4rch Grounds .in 1Vlendpta, Minnesota EVENTS • Flag Raising and Veterans Honor Guards • Grand Entries with Dancing, Drumming, and Singing • Performances from all four colors of man • Unity Feast (with $5 button) • Give Away • Vendors of Authentic Native American Arts & Crafts • Family, Friendship, Fun, and Food For schedule or more information call 651-452-4141 or visit our website at www.mendotadakota.org NO DRUGS, ALCOHOL, FIREARMS, OR PETS ALLOWED