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2016-12-09 Friday NewsDec 9 2016 otil-a" k Nip DATES TO REMEMBER: Tuesday, December 13 Parks and Rec Commission 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 20 City Council 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 21 Planning Commission 7:00 p.m. ***Note change of date*** Dec 23rd and 26th City Offices Closed for the Holiday Monday, January 2 City Offices Closed for the Holiday Tuesday, January 3 City Council 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 5 City Council Workshop Mendota Heights City Hall 1101 Victoria Curve www.mendota-heights.com (651) 452.1850 Hours: 8:00 am -4:30 pm Visit us on: Facebook.com/ MendotaHeightsMN Twitter.com/ @Mendota_heights ,R H:WS City of Mendota Heights Weekly Update Farewell Reception for Mayor Sandra Krebsbach and Councilmembers Mike Pouolny and Steve Norton Join us in honoring Mendota Heights Mayor Krebsbach and Councilmembers Povolny and Norton on their years of service to the city and wishing them well as they complete their service on the City Council. All are welcome to attend. Tuesday, December 20, 2016 5:30 – 7:00 pm Mendota Heights City Hall Commission Openings The City is accepting applications to fill two vacancies on the Parks and Recreation Commission. The terms will start in February 2016. One opening is for a three year term; the other is for a two year term. The Com- mission advises the City Council on matters pertaining to parks and recreation programs. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month beginning at 6:30 pm. If you or someone you know is interested in serving, contact City Administrator Mark McNeill or City Clerk Lorri Smith by calling 651.452.1850. Interested persons should submit a letter of interest and a current re- sume to City Hall no later than Friday, December 30, 2016. 2017 Budget At its meeting this week, the City Council adopted a budget and operating levy for Fiscal Year 2017. The overall levy (the portion of the budget which is funded by property taxes) increased by 7.88%, to $7.99 million. City Administrator Mark McNeill said that the amount of the increase was due to: • The creation of two new positions in the Police Department—a Captain, and a part-time Community Service Officer/Student Intern. • A change in the funding of the Engineering Department, going from a project –based operation, to one which is funded by the levy Employee costs, such as cost of living increases, and increases in health care premiums. Money for a study of the City's pay classification plan in 2017 Increases in the City's share of the fire relief pension. The City Council also approved a change in the water bill surcharge, reducing it from 10%, to 5%. It is estimat- ed that the change will result in a savings of $17.81 annually for the typical family. Nominations Open 1st Annual Garold `Jerry' Murphy Community Service Award The City of Mendota Heights is proud to announce the 1st Annual Garold M. "Jerry" Murphy Community Service Award. Jerry started his volunteer service to the community in 1967 when he assisted at a neigh- bor's house fire. From that day on, Jerry made himself available to the police department on a moment's notice. He generously gave his time to community, church and family, and always did so with a smile, a kind word and a story. Please take the time to think about those people in your life who selflessly volunteer their time to make our community a better place. Consider nominating someone who volunteers, has a can -do spirit, is a good role model, exudes compassion, has a positive attitude, is well respected. Nomination forms are on the City's website or at City Hall and are due by January 31, 2017. The recipient will be recognized at the April 18, 2017 City Council meeting. 1 DECEMBER 9 2016 CHIEF Mike Aschenbrener CAPTAIN Kelly McCarthy 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 Philip McCarty Weston Raberge Frank LaNasa INVESTIGATIONS Chad Willson SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER Jennifer Fordham COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICER Eric Hagelee 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 aoee� ge1a After 33 years in law enforcement, Mike Aschenbrener resigned as Chief of Police this week with the intent to retire, effective January 1, 2017. His last day in the office is 12/20/16 and he is quite busy wrapping up his duties and sharing information and tasks to promote departmental continuity and stability. While we all knew his retirement was imminent, it was still a surprise. We are very happy for him in his decision to pass on the reigns and enjoy this next stage of his life with his growing family. Leadership is a responsibility and the Chief shouldered his with kindness and integrity. His commitment to the citizens of Mendota Heights, Mendota and Lilydale has allowed him to handle any crisis with dignity and grace. Chief Aschenbrener's strength of character guided him to consistently take the high road on decisions and resolutions, no matter how difficult or unpopular they seemed. We are all better for having worked with him Chief, we will miss your knowledge, friendship and of course, your "Barney Rubble" laugh. We are happy for you and your family and we wish you all this best as you start your happy, media free, next chapter. Did Vol Kiu HOLIDAY INJURIES Per the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), emergency rooms treat about 10,800 people annually for injuries related to hanging holiday lights, decorations and Christmas trees. In addition, 11,000 candle -related fires occur each year, resulting in 150 deaths and 1,200 injuries annually, while Christmas trees are involved in about 400 fires annually, re- sulting in 20 deaths, 70 injuries and an average of more than $15 million in property loss and damage. Submitted B Police Office Y Steve Hilar "Few traditions are more beautiful than candle lighting ceremonies during Advent, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, but burning candles should never be left unattended," says Consumer Product Safety Commission Acting Chairman Thomas Moore. "Keep candles, matches and lighters away from children and make sure your holiday lights have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory. We want to prevent wonderful traditions from becoming holiday tragedies." Get a free brochure with more holiday decorating safety tips at CPSC's web site 1 www.cpsc.gov. 1 1 1 1 2 _,,iggi/ W legT000 FRAUD — lxxx Victoria Rd FRI, 12/02, 1513 HOURS Officer met with complainant on a fraud report. Complainant was notified by his credit card company that someone had attempted to use his credit card at a Nieman Marcus store for $880.00. The credit card company denied the charge. He has since contacted the credit card company to cancel the card which was still in his possession. MENTAL HEALTH — Acacia Blvd/Hwy 55 SUN, 12/4, 1157 HOURS Officers responded to a bridge on a report of a suicidal male. Officers arrived to find the subject and two passerby's in the roadway. The male identified himself and made officers aware of his mental health condition. HealthEast was called and he was transported to the hospital on a health and welfare hold. IDENTITY THEFT — 2xxx Theresa St MON, 12/5, 1150 HOURS Officer spoke with complainant regarding credit card fraud. The complainant, a former federal employee and stated that two years prior, the government agency's personnel data had been hacked and that in just the past 12 days, five credit card attempts were made that she did not authorize. No loss was incurred and preventative measures were discussed. RECOVERED STOLEN VEHICLE — 8xx Highview Circle MON, 12/5, 1349 HOURS • 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Officers responded to a residence on an abandoned vehicle report. The vehicle was found parked in front of the residence and came back as a stolen out of a neighboring city. The vehicle was towed. MENTAL HEALTH — 7xx S. Plaza Dr MON, 12/5, 1358 HOURS Officers responded to an elderly patient who was being combative with staff. It was determined he was a danger to himself and others and was transported to the hospital on a health and welfare hold. FRAUD — 7xx Decorah Ln TUE, 12/6, 0745 HOURS 1 1 1 1 1 1 Officer took a report involving a Craigslist scam. Complainant attempted to sell a table on Craigslist and was 1 contacted by an interested out of state buyer. Buyer sent seller a check in excess of the amount he was asking and asked he send the remainder back. Check appeared to be missing security features and was a counterfeit check. No loss; report only. 1 FRAUD — 5xx Butler Ave 1 1 1 t TUE, 12/6, 1303 HOURS Officer took an after the fact identity report from victim who stated someone opened up a Comcast account in her name using her social security number. The suspect account belonged to a male out of Detroit, MI. No loss was incurred and report was forwarded to Detroit PD. 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 Wgigil 1 [IegT000 THEFT — lxxx Commerce Dr TUE, 12/6, 1832 HOURS 1 Officer took a theft report from a victim whose Nintendo 3DS was stolen. He stated he last remembered using 1 the gaming system at his place of business and then discovered it along with eight video games were stolen. I The 3DS company did say that the device was currently in use but could provide nothing further. P r 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 •1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 • THEFT OF FUEL — 2xxx Dodd Rd WED, 12/7, 1132 HOURS Officers responded to business on a theft of fuel report. A woman pumped $50.75 worth of gasoline, attempted to pay with a gift card but the balance was zero, then attempted to pay with a credit card in another person's name, but employees would not authorize the transaction. Employee then said she could leave her cell phone for collateral until she came back and paid but then she abruptly took the phone and left without paying. Area was searched and the vehicle was not located. DAMAGE TO PROPERTY — lxxx Lilydale Rd THUR, 12/8, 0820 HOURS Officer was dispatched to a damage to property report. He arrived at a local sewage transfer building where he met with building employee who stated that someone entered the building over the weekend and damaged the plate and lock mechanism. Nothing appeared to be missing. THEFT OF TRAILER — lxxx Northland Dr THUR, 12/8, 1445 HOURS Officer spoke with a victim who stated that he parks his family business trailer in a parking lot of one of their contracts. On this date, when he arrived to the location, the trailer was missing. The trailer had been locked to a vehicle. The trailer was entered as stolen. No suspects at this time. DISTURBING PEACE — 5xx Miriam St FRI, 12/9, 0129 HOURS Officers responded to a father/daughter domestic arguing in their front yard. present. Both parties agreed to stop arguing and go to sleep. No violence or injuries were Be a part of the 2016 Toys forts Toy Drive! Bring your new unwrapped gifts to the Mendota Heights Police Department November 1st through December 15th! fi 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 J 5 TIDD'T' Check us out! CLICK HERE 1 MHPD has been socially accepted into the social media world! Staying in touch with our residents and the public is important to us. We will keep you posted on "what's happening now" in our city, in the spirit of public safety. You will also be able to find the weekly issue of MHPD's "Just The Facts" newsletter there as well. Stay tuned! 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.' Calls for Service Citations Warnings GEOTPg0 12/02- 12/08 115 6 11 Police Reports 21 Response Time Average 2016 YTD 8,105 735 720 977 5.04 5.69 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. f --AVE A SAFE W&&K.1