2011-01-14 Friday NewsFrmida
News
Mendota Heights Weekly Report on City Activities
January 14, 2011
City Council Interviews
The City Council interviewed residents who
applied to fill the vacant seat on the council on
Thursday night. Eight residents submitted
applications to serve the city in this capacity.
The eight residents interviewed were Terry
Schwartz, Ansis Viksnins, Jill Smith, Mike
Povolny, Sally Lorberbaum, Matt Schaefer,
John Coleman and Jameel Qiblawi. The City
Council is scheduled to make a decision on
the appointment at their regular meeting on
Tuesday, January 18, 2011. A big thank you
goes out to the eight residents who stepped
forward and offered their service to the City of
Mendota Heights. The council was very
impressed with all eight candidates and stated
that all of the candidates would do an
excellent job if appointed. The willingness of
the candidates to serve the city in this capacity
is very much appreciated by the entire City
Council.
County Legislative Meeting
The Mayor and City Administrator attended
the first Dakota County legislative meeting last
Friday in Eagan. The meeting featured 11 of
the 14 legislators, including Representative
Hanson, that represent Dakota County, along
with mayors and appointed officials from
throughout the county. The meeting featured
themes that the cities and the county think are
important for the legislature to consider as
they perform their work in St. Paul. The
meeting was well received by everyone and
provided a chance for both formal and informal
discussions amongst the attendees. This will
likely become a regular meeting each year
before the legislative session begins.
Pride in Public Service
This week I received the quarterly MCMA
Newsletter (Minnesota City /County
Management Association) and it contained an
article on pride in public service. The article
was written by Craig Waldron who is the well -
respected Oakdale City Administrator. The
article, which is attached for your review, helps
derail some of the myths that exist about public
employees. I thought I would share this article
with each of you so can share some of this
information the next time someone asks you
what you do for a living. Thank you all for your
service to the City of Mendota Heights and for
all that you do each day. We do not say it
enough and hopefully we can correct that in the
future.
Mendota Heights City Hall
1101 Victoria Curve
www.mendota- heights.com
(651) 452 -1850
January 14, 2011
Page Two
January 14, 2011
Website Update
As you are probably aware the city
website was revamped last fall and now
contains more information than ever
before. Recently we have added the
most recent copy of the Heights Highlites
and the Friday News as publications
anyone can go online and view. In
addition the engineering page has also
received an update. Please feel free to
share your thoughts and ideas about
what else should go on our webpage or
other ideas you might have. Many
residents have offered suggestions and
made positive comments about our
revamped communication efforts with
residents.
Notes
• City Hall will be closed on Monday,
January 17, 2011 in recognition of
MLK Day. City Hall will reopen for
business on Tuesday morning.
• The flag at city hall was flown at half
staff this week by order of Governor
Dayton in honor of the victims of the
shooting in Tucson, Arizona.
• The City Council will hold their annual
goal setting work session on
Wednesday of next week.
• The City Council will interview 15
candidates for open commission
seats in February.
• City staff members participated in one
of their annual safety trainings this
week in Mendota Heights and West
St. Paul.
Dates to Remember
January 17, 2011
City Hall Closed -MLK Day
January 18, 2011 7:00 p.m.
City Council Meeting
January 19, 2011 5:00 p.m.
City Council Goal Setting
January 25, 2011 7:00 p.m.
Planning Commission Meeting
February 1, 2011 7:00 p.m.
City Council Meeting
February 8, 2011 6:30 p.m.
Parks and Recreation Commission
Meeting
m
Attachments
The Pipeline, Just the Facts and the MCMA Pride in
Public Service Article
January 14, 2011
LETTER
The Pipelin
Public Works
Engineering January 14, 2011
Code Enforcement QA
Public Works
The Parks Crew cleaned the hockey rinks of snow and continue to flood
them. They plowed the parking lots at Rogers Lake Park and Mendakota
Park. A switch was repaired on the 505 Toro grounds master.
Rich plowed the middle area of the city this week because Andy is out. He
also plowed and shoveled the lift stations. Fire hydrant makers were added
to fire hydrants where needed.
The Streets Crew winged back snow with the grader in the Copperfield area
and the pedway on Huber Drive. Snow in the cul -de -sacs north of Highway
110 was pushed back with the loader. The cutting edges on the front plow
and wing were changed on truck 303. City streets were salted on January
101 2011. All streets were plowed of the two inch snowfall that fell on
January 11, 2011.
Engineering
Delaware Avenue Reconstruction (Dakota County) - Dakota County Staff
has submitted their design package to MnDOT for review. While MnDOT is
looking over the design, Dakota County will be finalizing the final few Right -
of -Way acquisitions and preparing to bid the project. The project is
scheduled to be in construction during the summer of 2011, with substantial
completion by October of 2011. It is possible that MnDOT may require the
City to designate a No Parking area along the west side of Delaware (West
Saint Paul would designate the east side). If this requirement is forwarded
form MnDOT, City Staff will bring an Ordinance before Council.
Residents can learn more about this project at:
littp://www.co.d a kota. mn. us/ EnvironmentRoads /Road Con struction /Future /63 -22. htm
Wagon Wheel Trail Reconstruction - Staff is continuing to work on grading
and elevations for the project area to ensure positive drainage and to
calculate the cut and fill areas. This project is anticipated to be under
construction in early summer 2011 with substantial completion by the end
of September 2011.
Knollwood Lane Neighborhood Rehabilitation - Staff has prepared the
Feasibility Report for the Rehabilitation of the Knollwood Lane neighborhood
streets. The Feasibility Report to be before Council at their January 18th
meeting. The project is proposed to resurface the streets in the
neighborhood either by pavement replacement, mill & overlay, or crackseal
& sealcoat.
Gun Club Lake Watershed Management Organization (GCLWMO) - Staff
attended a meeting of the GCLWMO with appointed Citizen Representative
Larry Craighead. The main area of discussion at the meeting was the Grant
Tracking and project update for the Schwanz Lake Rain Garden project in
Eagan. Staff informed the GCLWMO of the City's efforts for water body
maintenance and that the topic would be discussed at the upcoming Goal
Setting Workshop.
1/14/2011
r e latestnews 16-g,,n tiieXvz, ,,ta #eiy�ts Peyartyiceyit
The
Suspicious Activity Thursday 1637 hours
Mendota
Caller reported the neighbor's door standing open. The neighbor is
Heights
on vacation so they have been checking the house daily. The door
was not open yesterday. Sergeant Brian Convery arrived and
Police
checked the house nothing was out of place. The neighbor stated
Department
that workers have been there and they could have done it. What a
Support
great example of "Neighborhood Watch" knowing what is going on
Staff
next door and taking some personal responsibility.
Kim Henning
Sandie Ristine
Civil Issue Thursday 2255 hours
Susan Donovan
Officer Peyton Fleming responded to a call of a man refusing to
Cathy Ransom
leave. The caller reported to 911 that his brother wouldn't leave or
Becky Pentel
Police Officers
pay his rent. As Officers are extremely familiar with the residence
Jerry Murphy
extreme caution was used as they dealt with the very dysfunctional
Scott Patrick
family one of whom is a registered predatory offender. After a brief
John Larrive
intervention the brothers agreed to spend the rest of the evening in
Bobby Lambert
separate parts of the house.
Tanner Spicer
Todd Rosse
Chad Willson
Suspicious Activity Friday 0251 hours
Jeff VonFeldt
Caller reported that a dark colored sedan drove into the cul -de -sac
Jennifer Fordham
part of the way and then stopped. Officer Peyton Fleming located
Denise Urmann
the vehicle that appeared unoccupied as he drove up. He checked
i\/fichael Shepard
the area and located no one on foot and returned to the car. As he
Peyton Fleming
School Resource
approached two heads popped up in the back seat. The twenty year
Officer
West St Paul resident and the twenty year old Mendota Heights
Steven Meyer
resident couldn't come up with a good reason for what they were up
Investigations
to. Hum?
l/fario Reyes
Tanner Spicer
Medical Friday 1609 hours
Sergeants
Neil Garlock
Officer John Larrive responded to 911 call for medical assistance for
Brian Convery
a person who fell off of a step ladder........ she was a 96 year old
Eric Petersen
female who was doing some post holidays organization /cleaning.
Reserves
She reported that her shoulder, wrist and elbow hurt but otherwise
Randy Pentel
she was not seriously injured. She was transported to the hospital
Gino Messina
for closer examination.
Jesse Meaner
Andrew Quinlan
Chief
DAS /Speed/ Warrants Saturday 0133 hours
Mike
Officer Denise Urmann was driving on Dodd Road when a car
Aschenbrener
traveling at a high rate of speed caught her attention. The car was
-1-
1/14/2011
clocked with radar at 15 mph over the posted limit. Once the car was stopped and
contact was made the man, he immediately began asking for a break. After some
discussion it was learned that he didn't have a license or insurance. An in -squad
computer check revealed that he also had three active warrants for his arrest. Any
thought of a break should have been gone by now. The man was arrested for the
three warrants as well as Driving after Suspension, No Insurance, and Speed. 1 have
always wondered why when you don't have a license you would drive as fast as you
can and then expect a break. (Hey look at me I need some attention over here!!!!)
After the drunken passenger found a safe ride the car was towed and the driver was
taken to jail.
Civil Assist Saturday 1450 hours
Caller wanted to arrange an officer stand by for several hours while she moved since
there was an active Order for Protection against her and she was prohibited from
being at the house. Officer Larrive referred to Sergeant Petersen (since her request
was for someone to standby for such a long period of time) who was privileged
enough to hear the 28 year old woman's dysfunctional life story. She was advised
that MHPD does do civil stand -bys when time permits but we are subject to call and if
the two parties need our undivided attention they would have to hire an officer. Over
the weekend the two required far more time than was available. It was very clear that
they should not share a home. At least one theft report was filled out while officers
watched the party remove property.
Brainwashing Saturday 1638 hours
Officer John Larrive received a call from a parent with custody about the other half
brainwashing the 10 year old into living with them. After listening to the story it was
determined to be a West St Paul PD call and they were referred there for advice.
Assault Sunday 0148 hours
The State Patrol transferred a call to the DCC about an assault. The caller stated
that another woman punched her in the face out on the dance floor of a local bar.
The suspect was not around any longer and the caller had no idea who she was.
The victim didn't answer the phone when Officer Willson attempted to call her back.
Civil Problem Sunday 0320 hours
Parents called 911 on behalf of son who was in a cab at the bar and really couldn't
explain what was going on. Coincidentally, the same cab company called about a
fare that was refusing to pay at the same location. The cab driver who needed
assistance and the confused young man who called his parents for help were parked
outside of a Lilydale bar. While the officers were dealing with the situation, the dad of
the fare arrived. Officer Urmann assisted to ensure the cabbie was paid his $57
dollar fare. The report didn't indicate but who would like to wager on the amount of
alcohol involved in this call?
DUI Sunday 1915 hours
Sergeant Eric Petersen spotted an SUV driving towards him on the shoulder of Hwy
-2-
1/14/2011
13. Due to moderate traffic it took a moment to safely turn around and follow the
vehicle. He caught up with the SUV on Wachtler Avenue and watched for other
troublesome driving behavior. He initiated the traffic stop on Dodd Road as the driver
was still having serious problems staying on the road. After contact was made, it
was obvious the driver had been drinking. He was asked to do sobriety tests which
he failed. The last test, which was the preliminary breath test, revealed a breath
alcohol concentration of .202. The man was arrested and transported to MHPD
where he was read the MN Implied Consent Advisory after which he agreed to test.
After about a half an hour the man was re -read the advisory and asked for a blood
sample which he provided. The man was transported to the Dakota County Jail.
STATUS: Pending, awaiting results of blood test from the MN BCA before formal
charges are filed.
SRO undoes it all Tuesday 1035 hours
In the words of Officer Steve Meyer, "Just when you think you have seen it all ..."
On Tuesday, while he was on duty at Sibley High School his assistance was
requested in a classroom to deal with a young man whose got his finger caught in a
hole in his desk. Officer Meyer and countless other school staff tried everything to get
him undone, taking the desk apart etc. Eventually, after no progress was made,
Officer Meyer had to call the fire department so the desk could safely be cut in order
to free the young man. He was not injured from this incident and did not require any
other medical assistance. His only ailment was that he suffered from an extreme
case of embarrassment!
Fraud /Theft by Swindle - Attempt Wednesday 1112 hours
Officer Jennifer Fordham took a report for an attempted theft by swindle in regards to
the "Grandparent Scam ". The reporting parties were an elderly couple who received
a phone call from someone claiming to be their grandson. The grandson even
identified himself by the correct name and called his grandma "nana ". His voice was
relatively similar and this actor was very good because Grandma was certain this
was her grandson. He claimed to be in Canada and was in jail and needed money,
$11,000, for bail. After speaking with the grandson, an alleged police sergeant got on
the phone and gave detailed directions for grandma and grandpa to go to their bank,
withdraw the $11,000 in cash and then go to a Western Union and wire the money to
an "international bail bondsman." They were also directed to call this sergeant back
with the confirmation number of the money transfer so the cash could be picked up.
Luckily, this couple was smart enough to try and verify the whereabouts of their
grandson before completing the transaction. They quickly found out that he was safe
and sound, here in Mendota Heights, was not in jail and did not need any money ...
well not for bail anyway! Officer Fordham reported this fraud to the Canadian Anti -
Fraud Centre as that agency has been tracking these cases and have made one
arrest so far back in November 2010. Don't become a victim of these scams,
never WIRE money anywhere without 100% verification that you know who you
are dealing with!!
ff� a p�aat wueard.��,P,�
-3-
Volume 6, Weeks 30 to 31
December 27, 2010, to
January 9, 2011
Featuring Sheriff's
Sworn Operations
and Detention
Services Deputies:
Commanders
Wm. Blair Anderson
John Grant
captain s
Brad Jeska
Dan Scheuermann
Brad Wayne
Sergeants
Dan Bianconi
Jennifer Cho
Scott Durdall
Pat Enderlein
Tim Ernst
Jim Gabriel
Bruce Kammen
Joe leko
Brian McGinn
Mitch Penny
Jim Rogers
Rob Shingledecker
Special Duty
Deputies
Brad Billmeyer
Terry Ecker
Steve Forrey
Kevin Henriksen
Booker Hodges IV
Rob Hosking
Coreen Kulvich
Chris Melton
Rick Schroeder
Rebecca Sherman
Dave Sjogren
Deputy Sheriffs
Scott Bensen
Lonna Broze
JoAnne Calhoun
Rhonda Doheny
Sandy Dose
Mike Fendrick
Tim Gonder
Amber Hentges
Bryan Hermerding
Tom Hooper
Jim Iliff
DAKOTA COUNTY SHERIFF
The Front Row
".4 front row seat to the greatest show on Garth..."
Dave Bellows, Sheriff
Tim Leslie, Chief Deputy
A Well Earned Retirement...
Last week Special Duty Deputy Jim Schnoor was honored for his 17 years of
service to the DCSO. Jim worked a variety of assignments during his career and
was promoted to Special Duty Deputy in October, 1999. Prior to his service to the
Sheriff's Office, Jim
was a member of the
White Bear Lake
Police Department.
Over the last ten
years Jim was
assigned to the Civil
Division, working
primarily in the north
end of Dakota
County. Jim will be
missed by the DCSO
staff, but will not be
leaving law
enforcement or the
protection of others
entirely. On the
Monday after
receiving his plaques
in front of co-
workers, he started
with Thomson
Reuters in their
security division.
Jim, thank you and
good luck in your
new career.
Congratulations...
Go to Commander William "Blair" Anderson on his appointment to Chief Deputy
Sheriff by Carver County Sheriff Jim Olson. Blair began his career with the DCSO in
1995 as an intern and was promoted to full -time general duty deputy nearly a year
later. Blair held a variety of assignments and rank during his career with the DCSO.
They included working as a detective and being assigned to the Drug Task Force, and
promotion to sergeant in 2001 and captain in May of 2006 as Jail Administrator. In
November, 2006, he was promoted to Commander upon the retirement of
Commander Greg Peterson. Blair was instrumental in introducing a number of
cutting -edge programs in the jail. They include the Jail Outreach Program and
Resource Fair, which prepares soon- to -be- released inmates with services on "the
outside." He also discovered several inmates with artistic ability to draw a mural on
the wall of the gym which depicts a positive message for other inmates to constantly
Volume 6, Weeks 30 to 31
December 27, 2010, to
January 9, 2011
�.4 frotit row seat to the _q neatest- show ow earth...,'
Dave Bellows, Sheriff
Tim Leslie, Chief Deputy
see. Blair will assume his new role with the CCSO in early February. A cake and
coffee will be held this Thursday in his honor. Blair, everyone at the DCSO wishes
you the best as the new Chief Deputy with the Carver County Sheriff's Office.
Thomas Jacobson
The early retirement being offered by Dakota County has resulted in a number of
Sidney Jones
DCSO staff announcing their retirements. The group includes Program Services
Krystal Johnson
Assistant Fran Bakke with 35 years of service, Detective Steve Forrey and
John Kane
Jeff Leopold
Sergeant Tim Ernst both with 28 ears Captain Brad Wayne with 27 ears
g years, p y years,
Jen Lenarz
Correctional Deputy Al Ochocki with 24 years, Program Services Assistant Fay
Brent Lohmann
Wallin with 24 years, Correctional Sergeant Kathy Reineke with 22 years, and
Bruce Lohmann
Correctional Corporal Sheila Hamilton with 15 years.. This group of eight has a
Merle se
Kim Mays
combined 203 years of service to the DCSO. This list has a potential of expanding
Mark McKnight
depending on other employees announcing their retirements.
Lester Mitchell
Jon Napper
A cake and coffee is scheduled for the end of February for all the members, so stay
Ryan Olson
tuned for the event. While we are happy for all, it is not without some angst for the
Blake Pederson
rest of us. This group, including Jim Schnoor, takes with them an incredible amount
Sean Qualy
Matt Regis
of experience, not to mention their collective work in making the Dakota County
Tim Samuelson
Sheriff's Office a premiere law enforcement agency. Congratulations to everyone and
Josh Sannes
we plan on keeping you on our speed dial.
Matt Schepers
Bryce Schuenke
Congratulations also to Retired Dakota County Sheriff Rod Boyd who, on
Matt Schuster Dan Siebenaler
Thursday, will celebrate his 81st birthday. Rod retired as Sheriff in 1994.
Brian Smidt
Phouthaivanh
Can you Help Me?
Sourignavong
Gordy Steffel
Deputy Jim Iliff recently had an unusual experience while at the Hampton Pump.
Steve Theriault
A man approached him and let Jim know that he had an active felony warrant for his
Dmitriy Vecherkov
arrest. Just to make sure there was no question of the reliability of his information,
Mike Vikesland
Matt Wayne
he also presented Jim with a print -out of his warrant and his photo from the county
Todd West
website. We always appreciate the painstaking work involved in tracking down
Dawanna Witt
wanted individuals but, hey, we will take a chip shot arrest too. Jim transported the
man to jail so he could update his photo.
Questions?
Comments?
Behind the Bars...
Please contact the
Dakota County
Over the past week the jail held an average of 212 inmates in jail per day. Women
Sheriff's office at
boarded at the Ramsey County Workhouse averaged 20 per day.
651.438.4700 or any
of the following by
Get Well Wishes...
email:
Our best wishes to Retired Commander Greg Peterson and current police chief of
dave.bellows@
Clear Lake, Iowa, for a speedy recovery after a recent illness.
co.dakota.mn.us
julie.ecker@
co.dakota.mn.us
Click here to subscribe to this newsletter electronically. Page 2
Pride hi pubfic set' cea Redux
Conlin red fr•ornpage 7
By Craig TF'aldron, Oakdale City Adynhiistrator
Myth #4: Private sector employees are
simply much more efficient than public
Once again, I am sitting here approaching the "boiling point" as I
employees.
listen to the attack on public employees.
reality: Not so —since 2002, local prop -
For those of you who were around during my presidency of the
erty taxes in Minnesota, inflation adjusted,
MCMA, I made "pride in public service" and "making a difference"
increased by $1.7 billion while state aid
my general theme. I spent a substantial part of my time pointing out
declined by $2.6 billion. Miraculously,
that, as public administrators, maybe it is not "better" to run our gov-
local government public employees were
ernments like a business. (Would you prefer the British Petroleum
able to find $900 million in new efficien-
model or the Bear Stearns model at this point ?)
ties! This is truly a group that has devel-
Now, I have sat here and listened to an ongoing bashing of our
oped the ingenuity and capacity to do
alleged overpaid, bloated bureaucrats who will be easily floating
more with less. (Source: Jeff Van Wychen,
through their retirement life on big, fat, public pensions.
Minnesota 2020.)
1 can take it no more!
Additionally, while public employees
I believe that it is time for a little truth serum and a little fact-
in Minnesota were effectuating these
checking, as opposed to simple platitudes. Unlike many of today's
new efficiencies, state and local govern -
pundits, I will actually offer some citations and research behind
ment revenue dropped as a percentage of
my statements!
one dollar of income: in 1996, 17.7 cents
and in 2009 down to 16 cents. (Source:
Myths and realities
Minnesota Department of Finance.)
Myth #7: Working in the private sector requires much more edu-
#5: Well, know there's been
cation and training than is required to work in the public sector.
a hug the number of public
a hug e growth in n t
Reality: Not so —only 23 percent of private sector employees have
employees in Minnesota as the bureau -
completed college as opposed to 48 percent in the public sector.
cracy continues to explode.
Additionally, 70 percent of the public employees are defined as
"knowledge workers" as compared to only 32 percent in the pri-
employees per 1,000 general popula-
vate sector. So much of what we do is based on our competency
tion, the total number of state and local
and advanced degrees such as masters, certificates, credentialing—
employees in Minnesota has declined
even doctorates —which demonstrates that public employees are
highly competent in their field. (Source: Center for State and Local
by 3.4 percent over the past few years.
Government Excellence.)
(Source: Census Bureau.)
Myth #2: Public sector employees make far more in wages and
Myth #6: Cities just keep spending
salaries then comparable private sector employees.
money and refuse to consider cost -
effective approaches and reasonable
reality: Not so —when actual comparable earning determinants
cost - cutting strategies.
such as education and experience are utilized, state workers actu-
reality: Not so— public per capita
ally earn 11 percent less and local public workers earn 12 percent
spending in Minnesota has dropped
less than their private sector counterparts. Plus, we ask our
while it has increased nationwide. In
public sector employees to do difficult and dangerous jobs like
inflation adjusted dollars, Minnesota
those of police officers and firefighters. (Source: Center for State
expenditures have declined by 10% from
and Local Government Excellence.)
2002 to 2007. This is 5.5% below the
® Pyth #3: Well, okay, maybe public employees do make less, until
national average. (Source: Census of
one adds on the "lavish" benefits such as health care and pen-
Governments 2002 vs Census Bureau,
sion. Then, public employees net out much more compensation
Jeff Van Wychen, Minnesota 2020.)
than do employees in the private sector.
Once again, as I did a number of years
Reality: Not so --even though benefits do make up a slightly
ago, I urge all of you to continue to take
larger share of public employees' compensation, even after
great pride in the work that you do in your
accounting for the value of the respective benefits, state
chosen profession and do not hesitate to
employees earn 6.8 percent less and local public employees
periodically "punch" back at those who
earn 7.4 percent less than private sector employees. (Source:
choose to rail against the public sector and
Center for State and Local Government Excellence.)
all that we do. You are making a positive
difference each and every day —I continue
Continued on page H
to salute all of you for doing so!
7 MCMA Newsletter Winter 2011