2016-09-16 Friday News
Public Works
The Parks Crew cut grass and laid out two more soccer fields. The fields
were dragged, chalked and striped. Tree work was done at Bourne Lane.
Trash was picked up.
The Utilities Crew checked the lift stations and assisted the Street Crew with
blacktopping around manholes. He assisted the Parks Crew with mowing in
the sound end parks and trash pickup.
The Streets Crew finished manhole repairs with blacktop on Winston Court
and London Road. Blacktop repair was done on Chippewa Avenue, Ellen
Street, Wesley Court, Cheyenne Lane, Wesley Lane and Spring Creek Circle.
Trees were cleared from the city’s lot on Bourn Lane to prepare the house
for the controlled burn by the Fire Department. Storm grates were cleaned
after the rain storm.
Engineering – Project descriptions simplified for easier reading. For more
information, please contact the Engineering Department at (651) 452-1850.
City Projects (construction year)
Mendota Road Neighborhood Improvements (2016) –Contractor is paving streets
today (9/16). Striping and remain punch list items should occur over the next
couple weeks.
Update of Local Surface Water Management Plan (LSWMP) – Staff is expecting a
draft plan any day now. The draft plan is expected to be before City Council in
September. Watershed Management Organization approval is expected in October
with final City adoption in January 2017.
Lake Augusta Alum Treatment (2017) –The Lower Mississippi River Watershed
Management Organization (LMRMWO) will be managing the project that will apply
alum to the lake to reduce the amount of phosphorus in the water. The grant
received for the treatment includes the treatment of Sunfish Lake. The City of
Sunfish Lake is trying to collect the City matching funds from residents. Because
the LMRWMO has to wait for the Sunfish Lake matching funds, treatment is
expected shortly after ice-out in the spring of 2017. If Sunfish Lake is unable to
collect the matching funds, the LMRWMO will proceed with Lake Augusta on its
own.
The Pipeline N E W S
L E T T E R
Public Works
Engineering
Code Enforcement
September 16, 2016
County Projects
Highway 110 Greenway Trail Crossing (2017) – County staff continues to
coordinate the trail alignment with representatives from MnDOT, Mendota Plaza,
and Dodge Nature Center. Design is anticipated to be complete in time to bid with
the MnDOT Highway 110 Rehabilitation project (see below). For more information
contact Jacob Rezak, Project Manager, at 952-891-7981 or
jacob.rezak@co.dakota.mn.us
East-West Transit Study –The TAC discussed the final goals and objectives of the
study to be presented to the policy makers later this year.
State Projects
Highway 13 Slope Repair (2015-2016) – The highway has been reopened. The
contractor has some minor remaining issues that can be completed without the
detour.
Highway 110 Rehabilitation (2017) –Construction is scheduled to begin in the
spring with the directional closures of Highway 110 beginning in early June. For
more information contact Molly Cline, MnDOT Project Manager, at 651-234-7723
or molly.cline@state.mn.us.
Highway 149 (Dodd Road) Rehabilitation (2018) – Staff is assisting the MnDOT
project team in incorporating a trail gap segment between Maple Street and Marie
Avenue. The Intersections of Dodd and Decorah/Wagon Wheel is being analyzed
for a safe pedestrian crossing, as is the intersection of Emerson and Dodd (at
Somerset Elementary School). Contact Tara McBride, MnDOT Project Manager at
651-234-7506, or tara.mcbride@state.mn.us for more project information.
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The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department
CHIEF
Mike Aschenbrener
SERGEANTS
Eric Petersen
Tanner Spicer
Peyton Fleming
POLICE OFFICERS
John Larrive
Todd Rosse
Jeff VonFeldt
Denise Urmann
Michael Shepard
Nick Gorgos
Robin Nelson
Steve Hilyar
Phillip McCarty
Weston Raberge
INVESTIGATIONS
Chad Willson
SCHOOL RESOURCE
OFFICER
Jennifer Fordham
SUPPORT STAFF
Kim Henning
Trista Miller
Shayna Hoechst
Becky Pentel
RESERVES
Randy Pentel
Jim Knox
Jeff Parker
Jon Clayton
Dan Iverson
CHAPLAINS
Butch Millett
John Snider
Alberto Vargas
Lynn Liberman
Sue Plucker
Joel Detlefsen
Lenny Andrie
SEPTEMBER 16 2016
SHARE THE ROAD WITH BICYCLISTS
Accidents happen, but as they say, accidents can also often be prevented. When we think of
car accidents, we often think of car vs car; however, car vs pedestrian and car vs bicycle are
just as common. Do not be a victim.
According to SafeKids Worldwide, there are some basic rules to follow when you choose to
use your feet and not your vehicle wheels. Pass them on to all your family members and help
them stay alive and uninjured:
1) Walk on the side of the road that faces on-coming traffic; bike on the side of the road
with on-coming traffic.
2) Wear light colors or reflective material, or bring a small flashlight to indicate your
movements. If your bicycle is missing reflective gear, use a blinking lights that would be
visible in front and behind you. It is the law to have appropriately lit bicycles
3) Never assume vehicles can see you. If there is no sidewalk or trail and you are on the
roadway, stay as far the side of the road as safely possible and be remain vigilant.
4) While running with your phone or headphones can serve multiple purposes, distraction
should be avoided. If you need to stop, do so in safe area. Keep your volume low enough
so you can hear traffic concerns and remain tuned in to your surroundings. Above
all – stay focused on your path, not on your phone!
5) When crossing the road (in the crosswalk or at the intersection only, please), look out for
not just the first oncoming car, but also that second or third car behind them. Impatience,
speed and distraction are hallmarks of the careless driver. When the driver of car 1 spots
you in the crosswalk and legally stops for you, driver 2 might avoid a collision with driver 1
by swerving around them, but toward you. Remain vigilant as you cross. It’s often
recommended that you make eye contact with the drivers before crossing.
Each year in MN, approximately 40 pedestrians and 10 bicyclists are killed as a result of
collisions with motor vehicles. Bicyclists and motorists are equally responsible for safety and
are both held to laws; bicyclists can also be charged for violations. To avoid bicycle-vehicle
collisions, please follow these safety laws & tips:
Bicyclists may ride on all MN roads, except where restricted.
Bicyclists should ride on the road and must ride in the same direction as traffic.
Motorists must at all times maintain a three foot clearance when passing a bicyclist.
Bicyclists must obey all traffic control signs and signals just as motorists.
Bicyclists must signal their turns and should ride in a predictable manner.
Bicyclists must use a headlight and rear reflectors when its dark or add a rear flashing light.
Drivers must drive at safe speeds and be attentive checking your blind spots.
Drivers should use caution and look twice for riders turning.
Drivers should use caution when opening doors upon parking on the side of the road.
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DWI/CRIMINAL VEHICLE OPERATION SUNDAY 9/11 20:04 HOURS
Officers Phil McCarty, Jeff VonFeldt and Nick Gorgos were dispatched to an accident involving a vehicle and
a bicycle. Officers arrived on scene and spoke with the vehicle driver who stated as he was turning into a
parking lot, a bicycle with no lights on, ran into the side of his vehicle. The smell of alcoholic beverage was
emitting from the vehicle driver and also had glossy eyes and slurred speech. The male on the bicycle stated
that the vehicle driver did not use a turn signal when turning into the parking lot. The bicyclist stated he did
not have any lights on his bike due to a recent bicycle accident and hadn't got a new one yet. The bicyclist got
picked up and wanted to go to the hospital for his shoulder pain. The driver was asked to submit a PBT in
which it was determined he was under the influence. The vehicle was towed and he was transported to
Dakota County Jail.
THEFT MONDAY 9/12 09:19 HOURS
Officer Denise Urmann was dispatched to a local business on an after the fact theft report. Upon arrival, she
met with the store employee who stated that on August 4th, seven pairs of eyeglass frames were stolen from
the store. She said she reported the theft to officers via email and did not hear back. She was advised to
report any criminal activity by calling 9-1-1. The theft totaled $2,342. Surveillance was captured of the
suspect. Under investigation.
PI ACCIDENT MONDAY 9/12 16:53 HOURS
Officer Denise Urmann responded to a vehicle vs motorcycle accident. Urmann arrived and spoke first with
the motorcycle driver who appeared to have a scratch on his helmet and ripped clothing. The motorcycle
driver stated he was driving when he saw a vehicle proceed past a stop sign as if it was going to dart out past
him. He stated the only way to avoid hitting the vehicle was to lay the motorcycle down to avoid impact.
Urmann then spoke with the vehicle driver who stated that he inched out past the stop sign and saw the
motorcycle laid down on its side. He said he did not see the motorcycle before he pulled out into the
intersection. The vehicle driver was issued a citation for Careless Driving and Failure to Yield Right of Way.
THEFT WEDNESDAY 9/14 12:17 HOURS
Officer John Larrive was dispatched to a residence on a theft report. Upon arrival, Larrive made contact with
the homeowner who stated that when she went out to her unlocked vehicle to get her rings from the glove
box, items were strewn about inside her vehicle. She stated she had just returned home from a trip and
forgot to remove her valuables. Missing was her diamond wedding ring, engagement band, electronic
adaptors, a USB cord and charger. There are no suspects at this time.
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DAC-IPS WEDNESDAY 9/14 15:40 HOURS
While on routine patrol, Officer John Larrive ran a vehicle plate and discovered that the registered owner of
the vehicle was Canceled-IPS. The driver appeared to be the registered owner. Larrive conducted a traffic
stop and contacted the driver. Larrive advised her of her license status, removed the licensed plates,
impounded the vehicle and notified her she will be charged with DAC-IPS. She was then transported home.
AOA/THEFT WEDNESDAY 9/14 18:26 HOURS
Officer Phil McCarty was dispatched to the Mendota Motel to check the welfare of a male who is a known
heroin user. McCarty arrived and spoke with the male who stated he was kicked out of his moms house so
stayed in a homeless females car last night. Two females then arrived to the motel who were identified as the
males mother and sister. They mentioned that earlier in the morning, he was seen in their home. When the
sister awoke, she had money missing from her purse and a bicycle missing and she believed her brother to be
the suspect. The family members did report the crime to the agency in which the theft occurred. The
information in this report was forwarded to them as well.
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09/09 - 09/15 2016 YTD
Calls for Service 163 6,091
Citations 6 557
Warnings 23 560
Police Reports 16 694
Response Time Average 5.34 5.86
Check out the MH Crime Map!
Click below to search your neighborhood:
https://www.raidsonline.com
1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, MN 55118
If you are a Mendota Heights resident and you are
going out of town or on vacation, you can notify
MHPD of your outing and we will be more than happy to
keep a watchful eye on your home while you are away.
The House Check Request online form is available on
our website; you can complete a form found in our
lobby, or simply give us a call and we’ll help you out.
MHPD offers monthly Car Seat Safety Checks.
To schedule an appointment, call 651.452.1366 or email
jennyf@mendota-heights.com to contact Officer Jennifer
Fordham.
MHPD has a Medication Disposal Box in the lobby of the
PD where Dakota County residents can safely and
anonymously dispose of their prescription drugs and
over-the-counter medication.
Please send us your positive
feedback on our staff to:
pdrecords@
mendota-heights.com
Your feedback is greatly appreciated and
helps boost the morale of our staff.
HAVE A SAFE WEEK!
Each year in the US, more than
2,800 kids are treated in the
emergency room after swallow-
ing button batteries. That is one
child every three hours.
Kids love to explore, and when
they find something interesting,
what’s the first thing they do?
Put it in their mouths.
Items containing these small
button batteries include: mini
remote controls, calculators,
watches, key fobs, candles,
musical greeting cards, etc.
Keep any small devices
containing coin lithium
batteries, out of sight and
reach of children.
Keep loose batteries locked
away.
If you suspect your child has
ingested a battery, go to the
hospital immediately.
For additional treatment
information, please call the
National Battery Ingestion
Hotline (202) 625.3333