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2013-05-03 Friday News April 26, 2013 Dates to Remember: May 4, 2013 Spring Clean Up 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Mendakota Park May 7, 2013 City Council 7:00 p.m. May 8, 2013 Airport Relations Comm. 7:00 p.m. May 14, 2013 Parks & Rec. Comm. 6:30 p.m. May 21, 2013 City Council 7:00 p.m. Attachments: Pipeline, Just the Facts, Spring Clean Up Flyer Friday News Mendota Heights Weekly Report on City Activities Mendota Heights City Hall 1101 Victoria Curve www.mendota-heights.com (651) 452-1850 Spring Clean Up Hope to see you at the Spring Clean Up at Mendakota Park! Saturday morning, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Par 3 Golf Course Opens The Mendota Heights Par 3 opened for the 2013 Golf season this past Saturday, April 27. We served many happy customers, ready for their first round of golf after such a long winter. We also saw the start of Tuesday Night and Thursday Night leagues this week. We have many returning clubhouse staff to serve our customers, and will also have a couple of fresh faces this year. Recreation Program Coordinator has been reach- ing out to local schools to make sure they are aware of our golf program. Sloan has also been developing new program ideas—make sure to like us on Facebook to be the first to know! Audit Week Finance Director Kristen Schabacker had a busy week, as staff from our auditing consultant were on hand to complete the annual audit of city fi- nances. Audit staff go through all aspects of our financial policies and procedures, requesting examples and double checking that procedures are fol- lowed. The Auditors will provide a report on any findings to city council upon completion of their work. Public Works The Parks Crew put out trash barrels in the parks where needed. Downed tree limbs were picked up in parks along the trails. Mendakota ball fields were set up; the bases were chalked and dragged for the opening of softball season. The fields in all the parks were dragged and prepped. They started striping all soccer fields in Kensington Park. The softball and soccer fields were swept at Mendakota Park. Grease was cleaned out of the floats at the Veronica lift station. Lilydale’s lift station panel was painted because of graffiti. Water boxes were repaired on Lexington Avenue, Stratford Lane, Mendota Heights Circle, Centre Pointe, and Culligan Lane. The Veronica lift station was cleaned and vacuumed. Sump manholes were also cleaned and vacuumed. The Streets Crew made up new metal posts for mailboxes on Highway 110 Frontage Road and installed them where they were bent from the city plows. All plows, sanders, and wings were taken off the plow trucks and stored for the summer. They continue to work on sod damage. The front plows were put back on the trucks because of forcasted snow this week. Engineering City Projects (construction year) Dodd Road/Highway 110 Intersection Pedestrian Improvements (2013) – The project has been approved by MnDOT. The consultant will be setting the advertising schedule, and a bid opening will be scheduled. Staff is anticipating a Bid Award item to be before City Council at their June 4th or June 18th City Council Meeting. Construction will begin shortly after contract award. Hunter Lane/Orchard Place Neighborhood Improvements (2013) – Bids were opened on May 1st at 10:00am. Northdale Construction was the low bidder. Staff checked the bids for accuracy and everything checked out. Contract award is scheduled for the May 7th City Council Meeting with construction beginning in June. Substantial completion is expected by the end of September with the assessment hearing in October. Crown Point & Overlook Neighborhood Rehabilitations (2013) – A pre-construction meeting was held on Friday. Construction start is anticipated to begin on May 13th with substantial completion in September. An assessment hearing is scheduled for October. The Pipeline N E W S L E T T E R Public Works Engineering Code Enforcement May 3, 2013 Lexington Avenue Pedestrian Trail, Hwy 110 to Douglas Road (2013) – Construction will be completed under the same contract as the Crown Point and Overlook neighborhood project. Dakota County is assisting with project construction costs. Project includes pavement replacement, minor realignment, and pedestrian ramp replacement and/or new installation. Project was discussed at the pre-construction meeting held on Friday. Construction start is expected at the end of May and should last about a week. Highway 13 Trail Connection (2013) –The City has applied for a grant from the Department of Natural Resources for construction funding. If not funded through a grant, the City intends to construct the connection in 2013 with City funds. Project will connect existing trails between Riverside Lane and Lilydale Road. Mendota Heights Road Sanitary Sewer Force Main Repairs (2013) – Staff will be sending out a Request For Proposals (RFP) for the design of the permanent repair to the force main. The force main has ruptured 5 times in the past 6 years and is becoming more costly to repair each time. Based on the information gathered by the selected consultant specialist, the City may choose to repair the force main this summer. Highway 149 (Dodd Road) Trail Connections (2014) – Staff submitted grant applications through the MnDOT Corridor Investment Management Strategy (CIMS) program on Tuesday. These grants would be for construction of trail connections along Dodd Road from Market Street north to Marie Avenue and from Mendota Heights Road south to the I-494 Bridge. Both of these grants would be for the 2014 construction year. County Projects (construction year) Dakota County Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) – Dakota County is reviewing their 2014-2018 Capital Improvement Program. The current 2013-2017 CIP is available through the County web page for review at http://www.co.dakota.mn.us/Government/BudgetFinance/2013Budget/Documents /2013-2017CIP.pdf. Any requests for County projects to be included in the updated CIP can be made through City Staff by June 12th so Council can review and submit requests to the County by the June 28th deadline. North Urban Regional Trail (NURT) Realignment/Greenway Study (2014) – The Dakota County Board of Commissioners met on Apr il 16th and selected the east- west alignment north of Marie Avenue in West Saint Paul. The Board did not make a north-south alignment selection as the District 197 School Board strenuously objected to the Henry Sibley High School alignment option. County Staff has until the County Board meeting on May 7th to work with the school district on a Henry Sibley alignment solution before the Board makes a final recommendation at the May 7th meeting. Dakota County staff is in the process of selecting a consultant for the design of the project. For More information, please contact the Dakota County Project Manager, Chris Hartzel, at 952-891-7106. Lexington Avenue Crosswalk (2013) – Construction of the center median and crosswalk on Lexington Avenue at Victoria will take place this summer. Construction is anticipated in July/August. Other Activities Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization (LMRWMO) – Staff attended a stakeholder meeting for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Wetland Restoration and Protection (WRAP) Study. Rogers Lake and Lake Augusta are both being evaluated for water quality and will have management plans produced for each lake’s watershed as part of the project. Sampling has been completed and the data was presented at the meeting. Rogers Lake is remarkably healthy considering the urban/suburban drainage environment. Total phosphorous is high, but still in the acceptable parameters for a healthy shallow lake. Lake Augusta has extremely high total phosphorous and chlorophyll levels and will require some sort of treatment to bring the levels down. Final reports are expected later this summer. 05/03/2013 The Mendota Heights Police Department Support Staff Kim Henning Susan Donovan Trista Miller Becky Pentel Police Officers Jerry Murphy Scott Patrick John Larrive Bobby Lambert Tanner Spicer Todd Rosse Chad Willson Jeff VonFeldt Steven Meyer Denise Urmann Michael Shepard Peyton Fleming School Resource Officer Jennifer Fordham Investigations Mario Reyes Chad Willson Sergeants Neil Garlock Brian Convery Eric Petersen Reserves Randy Pentel Jarrod Spicer Jim Knox Jeff Parker George Castillo Chaplains Frances Cuenca Joel Detlefsen Lynn Liberman Butch Millett Sue Plucker John Snider David Wick Chief Mike Aschenbrener Fraud Friday 0933 hours Officer Larrive responded to the MHPD lobby to meet with a citizen who wanted assistance in preventing phone calls by scammers. Unfortunately, Officer Larrive soon learned that the resident was already a victim of the scammers, having given them nearly $8000 in cash cards. She had initially been told she was a random winner of a sweepstakes, which she had not entered, and was told she had won over $1 million dollars. However, in order to claim her prizes, of course she would need to buy a Money Pal cash card and then provide the card information to them over the phone to allow the transfer to occur. This occurred several times and the calls became more harassing in nature. Party was advised to cease taking any phone calls and to not provide any more funds. Missing Part Friday 1102 hours Officer Scott Patrick responded to a manufacturing business on report of a missing gun part. This part, which, included a serial number, and required ATF notification along with NCIC entry. The company is fairly certain it was misplaced, but wanted it entered in the event it is recovered. Stolen Property Friday 1340 hours A staff member at a school reported her cell phone was stolen while monitoring a celebration for a group of students. Officer Jenny Fordham did some investigation and helped her lock down her phone access and initiate the tracking option. No further updates yet; investigation inactive. 2nd Degree DWI Friday 1452 hours Officers responded to a local cemetery on report of an intoxicated male being disruptive. Dispatch was told the man was alternately singing and yelling and making references to Satan. He had been there to visit a deceased family member. Witnesses observed him get into his pickup and drive away from the area; a plate number was obtained. Officer Scott Patrick and Sergeant Eric Petersen arrived and found the vehicle in a field. They found the male talking with people nearby; when approached he stated his dad was buried there and admitted he had been singing and praying, but had gone to the main building to look for a job. (Interesting approach, but not usually found on the “Best Practices” list for job sourcing.) He was ultimately PBT’ed the sample showed a .223 BAC he was arrested for DWI. Since it was his second within 10 years (literally 2nd in one year), the vehicle was seized as were all his license plates. He was taken to the DC jail on Gross Misdemeanor charges. Found Knife Friday 1628 hours Officer Peyton Fleming responded to the home of a resident who had found an intimidating knife, brought it home, but then didn’t want it. Knife placed into property room. “Just the Facts” The latest news from the Mendota Heights Police Department 05/03/2013 Another DWI Saturday 0059 Officer Denise Urmann, while on patrol, observed a vehicle in front of her weaving across the road, driving at varying speeds from 45 to 60 mph. Officer Urmann initiated the traffic stop and requested ID and proof of insurance. The driver fumbled around looking forward, explaining he had simply been reaching for the Bottle Caps candy he had dropped on the floor. He also told her he had been coming from St Paul with some friends but only had a couple drinks. Officer Urmann began the tests, but they didn’t go well; he ultimately provided a breath sample which revealed a BAC of .112. All the paperwork was completed for a 4th Degree DWI and He was taken to jail to be booked. Found plates Saturday 0752 hours Two Missouri license plates were found at the end of a resident’s driveway. Plates were taken to MHPD by Officer Peyton Fleming and placed into the property room. Threats/DANCO Violation Monday 0900 hours Officer Jenny Fordham, school SRO, was notified of threats being made on Twitter to initiate a fight, and that someone was going to get shot. When she followed up on the situation, she found the student references and that the threatening individual was no longer a student and an adult, threatening a young teenager. It was also soon learned that he was also making harassing comments to and about an ex-girlfriend and was trying to be in contact with her, a violation of a court ordered OFP. Officers from West St Paul arrested the young man at his home; when questioned, of course, he stated his threats were idle. His criminal actions and behavior resulted in charges being filed with the County for Felony Terroristic Threats and Misdemeanor DANCO Violation. Cleared by adult arrest. Death Investigation Sunday 1759 hours Officer Mike Shepard, Officer Todd Rosse, and Sergeant Convery responded to a call of a person on fire along the bluffs off of River Road. Two passersby had reported seeing what they initially thought was a bonfire but then realized the bonfire appeared to be waving at them. Officers Shepard and Rosse gathered up the medical equipment while one of the callers led them to the location, which was actually in St Paul’s jurisdiction. The hike ended up being quite difficult and the area was impassable by any emergency vehicles. The victim was found but was fully engulfed and deceased. Lighter fluid was found at the site. Case has been referred to St Paul Police Department for investigation. Fires Tuesday 1421 hours 1.) Officers Scott Patrick and Bobby Lambert were called to a report of a grassfire on 35E. They responded and began assisting with traffic control while MHFD arrived, got set up with the water source and doused it. Plenty of smoke was seen over the freeway, business and school area, but all was soon clear. 2.) An electrical box near a curb started on fire, flames showing and mini explosions, causing evacuation of the building. Xcel and MHFD handled and all was soon clear. 3.) Brush near the Plaza was reported on fire near a parked semi. Officer Shepard and Mendota Heights Fire Department responded and all was soon clear. Suicide Threat Wednesday 1953 hours A frequent flyer made suicidal comments and threats to his girlfriend. She thought it sounded as if he would make the Mendota Bridge the location for following through on his threats. Officers VonFeldt and Meyer responded with Sgt Convery; they first verified the bridge was clear and then headed to the residence. The young man was found there, safe. He agreed to a transport to the hospital. Cleared. Animal Questions Thursday 0857 hours Officer Bobby Lambert handled a call from a resident who was concerned because the neighbor was getting a dog and they didn’t think it was a good idea. The neighbor wished to remain anonymous. During the conversation Officer Lambert learned the neighbor had a previous pet that was not well cared for or loved. The caller was given a variety of options on how to deal with the neighbor and pets unfortunately none of them prevented the neighbor from getting a dog. Have a great weekend! Kim D AKOTA C OUNTY S HERIFF The Front Row “A front row seat to the greatest show on Earth...” Dave Bellows, Sheriff Tim Leslie, Chief Deputy Volume 8, Week 48 April 22, through April 28, 2013 Spring Cleaning and Sunshine… On Friday the DCSO held our annual spring clean- up day. Our work areas received a much needed cleaning, staff enjoyed a cookout. Special thanks to our two chefs Commanders John Grant and Dan Scheuermann for their great work on the grill. As is customary, a number of retirees joined us for lunch and renewing old friendships. The group included Sheriff Don Gudmundson, Commander B.J. Bjorge, Detective Dave Gustafson, Deputy Sharon Drews,and Correctional Deputy Al Ochocki. The day was made even better with sunshine and temperatures near 80 degrees. Thanks to all the staff for your work and dedication to the DCSO. SWAT in the Jail… The use of SWAT teams has become common place in law enforcement. But what many do not know is that, for situations in the jail, we have the Special Response Team (SRT). The team is comprised of correctional staff specially trained in cell extraction, inmate uprising, or inmates out of control, in addition to a number of other functions. The team recently completed training at Camp Ripley in Little Falls, Minnesota, where they learned new techniques and honed existing ones. One major difference is that the SRT members train with the use of less-lethal weapons for their work in the jail. Members of the SRT include CorrectionalCorporals Damion Giles and Farrel Byrd, and Correctional Featuring Sheriff’s Administrative, Communications, Support, and Parks, Lakes, and Trails Staff: Administration Steve Anderson Annette Baker Julie Ecker Detention Services Support Staff Sandy Burke Desiree Chartrand Kim Erlandsen Melanie Heltne Kathy Karnick Casey King Kim Lechner Mary McPhetres Holly Ruiz Andrea Strenke Molu Thachil Betsy Winter Jessica Witschen Emergency Preparedness Dan Carlson Operations Support Staff Joanna Anderson Hilary Christie Ana Estrada Julie Fischer Lynda Jirak Janelle Mayer Linda Mischke Shona Murphy Jesse Monahan William Pope Parks, Lakes, and Trails Salah Ahmed Mark Albrecht Scott Blehm D AKOTA C OUNTY S HERIFF The Front Row “A front row seat to the greatest show on Earth...” Dave Bellows, Sheriff Tim Leslie, Chief Deputy Volume 8, Week 48 April 22, through April 28, 2013 Click here to subscribe to this newsletter electronically.Page 2 Deputies Shantell Dillard,Dan Hoover,Anthony Welin,Adam Henry,Lucio Marquez-Zazueta, Kent Themmes, and Russ Crissman. Behind the Bars… Over the past several weeks, the jail population has continued to climb. During the past week, the average daily population stood at 266 inmates. We continue to board our female inmates at the Ramsey County Workhouse and, over the past week, we averaged 46 per day. Training the Next Generation… The Sheriff’s Explorer Post recently returned from their State Conference. This year’s theme was based on a quote by President Ronald Reagan, “The future doesn’t belong to the light- hearted. It belongs to the brave.” This year our team members brought home several trophies. Team members received awards for their crime prevention presentations, and finished in fourth place for Arrest and Search. Individual trophies were given to Brett Johnson for his third place finish in the Bike Patrol Course and Jordan Moses finished in first place for Air Soft Pistol Competition. Detective Dawanna Witt, Deputy Tim Fletcher, and Correctional Deputy Kent Themmes serve as post advisors. Thank You for Your Service... Special Deputy Dave Stanek recently announced his retirement from the Sheriff’s Special Deputy Unit. Dave came into the unit in May, 1978, and will retire with 35 years of service during which he gave countless hours of his time to the Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Dakota County. Thank you, Dave, your service is truly appreciated and you will be missed! Andrew Burt Ryan Googins Jordan Klug Matthew Lohmann Joshua Schauer David Steinberg Chaplains Jim Bzoskie Vern Hildebrandt Clayton McDougall Eddie Nestingen Cory Voll Don Voll Questions? Comments? Please contact the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office at 651.437.4700 or any of the following by email: dave.bellows@ co.dakota.mn.us julie.ecker@ co.dakota.mn.us Spring Clean Up 2013 Saturday, May 4 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Mendakota Park, 2171 Dodd Road For more information: Jake Sedlacek Asst. to the City Admin. 651.255.1142 jakes@mendota-heights.com Document Shredding: American Bank is hosting document shredding/recycling from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, 1060 Dakota Drive Sponsored by the City of Mendota Heights, funded in part by Dakota County Board of Com- missioners and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Every year Mendota Heights residents divert tons of trash from going to the landfill thorough the spring clean up. Don’t miss this opportunity to clean up your home/yard and ensure that materials are disposed of properly. Follow the signs on Mendakota Drive and enter from the west side of the park. ID with Mendota Heights address required Limited to Mendota Heights residents with passenger vehicles and small trailers only. We will accept: Car tires, furniture $5 each Mattresses/boxspring $10 each Home remodeling debris/misc. junk Volume-based fee Dehumidifiers $5 each Electronics Volume-based fee Scrap metals (remove all non-metal) Free Bicycles Free We will not accept: Yard waste, items that can be recycled at your curb, busi- ness waste or contractor debris Bring Your Donations: This year the Salvation Army will be on hand, collecting clothing, household items and furniture (There is no fee to donate items).