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2013-10-11 Friday NewsFriday News Mendota Heights Weekly Report on City Activities Mendakota Park Playground features. The ne bridges and four playground also wood fibers. Mendakota Park playground is open! The past four weeks, Landscape Struc- tures Inc. refurbished the existing play- ground equipment and added new play w equipment includes two climbing structures. The includes new engineered Stop by and enjoy the playground before the snow flies. Mendota Heights Par 3 As the season changes, the Par 3 will be open from 10 :00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., weather permitting. Fall is a great time of year to play golf. Fall rates are only $8 for weekdays and $10 for weekend. Stop by for a couple more rounds of golf before winter comes. For additional information, contact the clubhouse by calling 651.454.9822. Fire Prevention Open House Saturday, October 12th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. J )J Dates to Remember: October 12, 2013 Fire Department Open House 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. October 15, 2013 City Council 7:00 p.m. October 22, 2013 7:00 p.m. Planning Commission Attachments: Pipeline, Just the Facts City Council agenda packets and Planning Commission agenda packets are available online by visiting www.mendota - heights.com and clicking on the agenda /minutes link. Mendota Heights City Hall 1101 Victoria Curve www.mendota - heights.com (651) 452 -1850 Facebook.com /MendotaHeightsMN Twitter.com / @mendota_heights N E W S LETTER Public Works Engineering Code Enforcement Public Works 'he Pipeline October 11, 2013 b ' The Parks installed new hockey boards at Wentworth and Marie Parks. Pea gravel was hauled out of Mendakota Park that was left over from the playground equipment. Trees were trimmed around the concession stand at Kensington Park South. The sprinkler systems were drained and blown out with an air compressor at the fire hall and city hall. The Utilities Crew checked the lift stations daily which includes pulling the pumps out of the wet well, checking the oil, checking the inside of the motor, and checking the inside of the electrical control panel. All the stations looked good except the storm lift station. A muskrat had chewed a hole in the power cord and the problem was repaired. All sanitary sewer manholes in the Hunter and Orchard area were checked. Dirty manholes were cleaned by Northdale Construction. The sanitary sewer lines along Brookside Lane were cleaned. A sanitary sewer inspection was done on Ocala Lane where a repair had been done. The Streets Crew helped the Parks Crew move the access pea rock from Mendakota Park to the city's staging area. Blacktop patching was done in the Bunker Hills area. Street overlay work was done on Mendota Heights Road from Dodd Road to Delaware Avenue. They helped Gartsky Construction load up with gravel, rock and black dirt for use at Maple Park Drive and for other projects Gartsky is doing in the city. Engineering City Projects (construction year) Dodd Road /Highway 110 Intersection Pedestrian Improvements (2013) - The project is substantially complete except minor punch list items and a resolution to the trail realignment. Some signal lighting and timing issues remain as well. Hunter Lane /Orchard Place Neighborhood Improvements (20131 - The project is substantially complete. Asphalt wear course has been placed on Culligan, Glenhill, and Orchard Circle, Veronica still does not have a base course. Sod and boulevard grading should be near complete on Monday. Wear course will be placed on Hunter Lane and Orchard Place in the spring. Crown Point & Overlook Neighborhood Rehabilitations (2013) - This project is substantially complete. The contractor will be repairing the punch list items during the remaining construction season. An assessment hearing is scheduled for the October 15th City Council meeting. Sanitary Sewer Cleaning and Televising (20131 - This project is underway. The contractor is working in the area of the city west of I -35E and north of Highway 110. Center Pointe Business Park is also included in the project. Minor traffic impacts should be anticipated. Mendota Heights Road Sanitary Sewer Force Main Replacement (2013) - Bids were opened on October 9th. The force main has broken 5 times in the past 6 years and is in need of replacement. Staff is recommending the project be completed this fall versus waiting until 2014. GM Contracting would be the low bidder for the 2013 project. Highway 13 Trail Connection (20131 - Notice to proceed with construction is anticipated as soon as the remaining easements have been secured for construction, and the project should be completed within three to four weeks from the start date. Construction is expected to begin in mid - October. County Projects (Construction Year) North Urban Regional Trail (NURT) Realignment /Greenway Corridor - County staff is progressing on the design of the trail realignment through the Henry Sibley property. The County Project Manager will be giving an update to the City Council on October 15th. The City of West Saint Paul is planning on reconstructing Marie Avenue from Delaware to Charlton in conjunction with the NURT realignment construction in 2014. Other Activities Traffic Safety Committee -The Committee will present their recommendations to the City Council at their October 15th meeting. SUPPORT STAFF Kim Henning 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 OOL RESOURCE OFC. Jennifer Fordham INVESTIGATIONS Mario Reyes Chad Willson SERGEANTS Neil Garlock Brian Convery Eric Petersen RESERVES Randy Pentel Jim Knox Jeff Parker George Castillo CHAPLAINS OCTOBER 11, 2013 FV1la�ag��g Did you read last week's article about October —Cyber Security Month? Well, in timely fashion, Henry Sibley High School released a video at the end of September that lends local support to the topic of internet safety: Managing Your Digital Footprint @ http/ /www.youtube.com /watch ?v = 3 pDHz -e5xrs Their purpose was to educate students and parents on the implications their present online interactions can have on their future. It's a lesson we all can take to heart. In partnership with this project, they interviewed many people, including two of our own Men- dota Heights Police Department Investigators, Mario Reyes and Chad Willson. We fully support this project, as we see many incidents here that involve negative activity posted online or on cell phones that are adversely affecting our children and our citizens. People often don't under- stand the ramifications of the actions that seem funny now, appear harmless, or satisfy that temporary need for revenge and are often blind to the potential for damaging side affects of their behavior —to themselves and to others. Watch the video, watch it with your child and spark some conversation on the topic. You will be glad you did. �U Di Ves Ka"d Sice Police Sued 8Y Neil ergean Ci N ITI O N I NTU- ZLOCK, ca'rlock What is an Ignition Interlock? It is a device that is connected to the starter of your vehicle. The driver must blow into the device in order for their vehicle to start. If the driver has been consuming alcohol and the device measures an alcohol concentration greater than .02, the vehicle will not start. The information is then recorded and transmitted to the monitoring authority. Frances Cuenca Who is eligible for Ignition Interlock? Joel Detlefsen First time offenders who were arrested with a blood alcohol concentration level of greater Lynn Liberman Butch Millett than .16 must install the interlock to regain their driving privileges or face a 1 year license Sue Plucker revocation. Offenders with three or more offenses must install the interlock for 3 -6 years in John Snider order to regain their driving privileges. The cost of an interlock is $344 per day. David Wick Has the program been successful? CHIEF The devices have proven to be effective in preventing repetitive DWI offenders. Less than Mike Aschenbrener 1% of Minnesota's 10,664 DWI offenders who have used the interlock have reoffended since the program began in 2011. Currently, 7,381 drivers are using the interlock device while to date, 3,283 drivers have graduated from the device by not re- offending. How many states are using Ignition Interlock? 32 States, including Minnesota. Source: MN Office of Traffic Safety @Tdgu000 � Traffic Stop — Warrant Arrest Friday 1855 Hours While on patrol, Officer Fleming ran the plate on a vehicle; he soon found the owner had a misde- meanor warrant. The traffic stop was initiated, the driver was the owner, but he couldn't make the bail. He went peacefully to Dakota County Jail to satisfy the warrant. Vehicle towed; officer cleared. Traffic Stop Friday 2056 Hours I While on routine patrol, Officer Peyton Fleming stopped a vehicle who failed to yield to oncoming traffic. There were five young people in the vehicle: the driver had only an instructional permit and three juvenile passengers in the backseat were not wearing seatbelts. This was an instructional permit violation as you are only allowed up to 3 passengers without a parent or guardian present. Fleming heard a possible AOA aired, so he determined the kids would get a break this time. He told the pas- sengers to put their seatbelts on and directed the driver to a close, safe location to call for a valid driver and they were released on scene. While en route, no request for aid came thru so Officer Fleming decided to see if they complied with his instructions. He soon found them, heading in the opposite direction. A short while later, Fleming located the vehicle again, same driver, still non- compliant. Since the juveniles did not comply with Fleming's instructions, the driver was cited for Instructional Permit Violation. Officer Urmann arrived to help out, and found one very uncooper- ative, belligerent juvenile trying to hide the fact that he was not wearing his seatbelt. He was cited I for no seatbelt violation. Suicide Threat Saturday 2042 Hours Officers Fleming and Shepard were dispatched to a local park on a call from a woman who reported her boyfriend had walked away from her and stated he was going to kill himself by jumping in the lake. Officers sent the woman back to the PD and searched the area with negative results. They re- I turned to MHPD and found the man waiting there with his girlfriend. The man has been depressed over their poor living situations and he agreed to be seen at the hospital. If you or anyone you know seems to be suffering from depression and /or expressing suicidal thoughts, please seek help right away. http: // suicidehotlines .com /minnesota.html DWI #1 Sunday 0223 Hours Officer Steve Meyer stopped a vehicle that was not only traveling the wrong way on the highway but I I also nearly missed a collision with his squad car. It took awhile for the driver to stop, but when he did finally stop her, she had no idea she had been in the wrong lane. He soon detected the odor of alcohol and after conversing with her further, determined sobriety testing was in order. She failed these tests and was arrested for DWI. She provided a test sample, remained cooperative and she was ' given a ride to the Dakota County Jail for a book and release. Charges pending test results. DWI #2 Sunday 0408 Hours I Officer Denise Urmann was dispatched to a local gas station on a call of a man who drove his vehi- cle up over a curb and was now straddling a downed light pole. Upon arrival, she found the man with paramedics; he appeared dazed and disoriented and smelled of alcohol. The man did not know what happened and stated he thought he was in Inver Grove Heights. The man failed all road side tests along with his PBT and was arrested for DWI. He submitted a test sample and was escorted to `Dakota CountyCail. Charges pending tee results. o QQ ° � @Td@U000 0 Burglary Monday 0927 Hours Officer Lambert responded to a location where management reported the key box had been forcibly removed I and stolen. Other recent suspicious activity was also reported, but nothing has so far been reported as sto- len. Forwarded to investigations. I Burglary Monday 1016 Hours Officer Lambert responded to an after the fact report of a burglary. Property management informed him over the weekend illegal entry had been made and some property had been stolen; they provided some evi- dentiary information to follow -up on. Case has been forwarded to investigations. Marijuana Tuesday 1145 Hours Officer Fordham was notified of a truant student on school premises and went in search of him. When she found him, she located marijuana in his backpack. The student was apathetic about being charged, about his multiple truancies and about his suspension from school. Citation was given to the student; case to be I forwarded to DC Attorneys office for charging. Hit & Run Tuesday 1540 Hours Officer Patrick responded to MHPD to take an after - the -fact report of a hit and run. The victim reported his I car was side - swiped by a vehicle. The driver initially stopped, but the victim went to grab a pen from his car, the suspect driver took off. The incident had occurred very early that morning, around 0630 hours. Await- I ing surveillance footage to assist with suspect identification. Open Bottle Wednesday 1901 Hours Officer Petersen checked out a report of a suspicious, occupied vehicle and upon arrival found two adult fe- males inside. He also found the driver was suspended and that not only had the girls been drinking, but one of them was under 21. Beer was found in the car; two of the six bottles were empty, so a PBT was given to the underage female passenger. When it showed a positive result, she was cited for underage consumption and open bottle in a motor vehicle. The driver was cited for DAS and Open Bottle and both were released at the scene. Domestic Assault Thursday 1604 Hours Officers Todd Rosse and John Larrive responded to the area of a local motel on report of an in- progress as- sault. While en route, they learned the suspect had left on foot and Officer Larrive spotted him nearby. He I was detained and the parties were all interviewed. The victim reported being both physically and sexually assaulted by her ex-boyfriend. The incident was called in by a third party. The suspect was ultimately arrested and held at the Dakota County Jail for Burglary, Criminal Sexual Assault and Domestic Assault. Ramsey I County was also looking for him to satisfy a warrant, so he might be in jail for awhile. The case is under in- vestigation and pending felony charges by the County Attorney's Office. Suspicious Activity Thursday 2054 Hours Officer Steve Meyer responded to the Mendota Bridge on the report of a young man running down the road with no shirt on who had jumped off the bridge. After checking the area, Officer Meyer spoke with the origi nal caller for clarification. The young man only jumped the rail onto the side walk and kept on running. I Funny how those littel details make a big difference in the urgency of the call. 4 Todd sourced out the If you are a Mendota Heights resident and you are going out of town or on right tools and soon he vacation, you can notify MHPD of your outing and we will be more than happy to was able to fish them keep a watchful eye on your home while you are away. The House Check out with some creative Request online form is available on our website; we have similar forms in the thinking. MHPD lobby and we will take your info over the phone. The grateful pastor was % on his way with a spe- cial blessing for Todd, , I'm sure. MHPD offers monthly Car Seat Safety Checks. To schedule an appointment, call 651.452.1366 to contact Officer Jennifer Fordham. Please send us your positive feedback on our staff to: pdrecords@ Take it to THE BOX mendota- heights.com Tour feedback is greatly MHPD has a Medication Disposal Box in the lobby of the PD where Dakota appreciated and helps boast County residents can safely and anonymously dispose of their prescription drugs the morale of our staff. and over - the - counter medication. stave a sp fe weed! Topic: Costumes: Minnesota Crime Prevention Association's Crime Prevention Tips The MCPA strives to bring current information regarding prevention topics to its members. Please use these prevention tips to promote safety to the citizens of your community. These tips are great for brochures, newsletters, e- mails, etc. Halloween Safety Tips for Kids My costume is short and snug 6 Baggy sleeves, big capes, puffy skirts can trip you up and catch fire if they brush against jack -o- lanterns or candle flames. My shoes fit Big Floppy shoes (clown shoes, adult shoes) that are hard to walk in may make you fall. My costume props are flexible Costume props can hurt you badly if you fall. Make sure swords, knives, are made of flexible plastic or rubber. The eyeholes in my mask are wide enough Make sure if you wear a mask that it fits you properly and the eye -holes allow you to see fully. Don't wear a mask that is too loose; it can slop and block your vision. Even better, paint your face instead of wearing a mask. Make -up is a better option over masks. Streets: Drivers can see my costume in the dark 0 Be original with a glow in the dark costume by attaching some reflective tape and stickers. Attach glow sticks to your costume. I'm trick or treating in a group 0 r Don't go it alone while trick or treating. Kids, if you're under age 13, make sure you go with an adult. Older kids should always go with buddies. I cross the streets at crosswalks and intersections 0 Stop at street corners. Look left, right and left again before crossing, and don't cross between parked cars! Remember, never step into the street without looking to see if a vehicle is coming. Treats: I make sure my parents check my treats before I eat them T Pick only wrapped candy when you trick or treat. Ask your parents to check all treats to make sure they are safe. BE SAFE and HAVE FUN! %�