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2013-12-06 Friday News December 6, 2013 Dates to Remember: December 7, 2013 Mendota Lights at the Village 4:00 p.m. December 10, 2013 Parks Commission 6:30 p.m. December 11, 2013 Airport Relations 7:00 p.m. Commission December 16, 2013 Planning Commission 7:00 p.m. December 17, 2013 City Council 7:00 p.m. Attachments: Pipeline, Just the Facts Friday News Mendota Heights Weekly Report on City Activities NDC4/Town Square Television to Host Focus Groups You’re invited to join NDC4 in a series of focus groups scheduled January 14 through January 16, 2014. Interested community members will have the opportunity to learn about franchise renewal and to share opinions about future services that should be available to our community through the Comcast cable system. To learn more and reserve your seat, visit: www.townsquare.tv/franchise-renewal.cfm Mendota Heights City Hall 1101 Victoria Curve www.mendota-heights.com (651) 452-1850 Facebook.com/MendotaHeightsMN Twitter.com/@mendota_heights Parks and Recreation Commission Opening We have an opening on the Parks and Recrea- tion Commission for a full three-year term starting in February 2014. The Parks and Rec- reation Commission advises the City Council on matters pertaining to parks and recreation programs. It makes recommendations relating to the acquisition, development and improvement of the city's parks and recreational facilities and advises the council on the establishment of written rules and regu- lations for the use and management of city parks. The Parks and Recreation Commission meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month beginning at 6:30 p.m. If you, or someone you know, is interested in serving, feel free to contact the City Administrator Justin Miller, or Recreation Program Coordinator Sloan Wallgren by calling 651.452.1850. Interested parties should submit a letter of interest and a current resume to Justin Miller no later than January 10, 2014. Public Works The Parks Crew started flooding the hockey rinks. They plowed the cul-de- sacs, parking lots, pedways and skating rinks. The new aerator system was set up at Rogers Lake. The old baffle unit was removed and a new unit installed. New hoses were also installed on the aerator. The Utilities Crew checked the lift stations daily. He helped plow the streets. The sump pump was changed out at the main lift station. A sanitary sewer inspection was done after a demolition on First Avenue. The sanitary sewer line and water line was capped. On Monday, the Streets Crew salted all city streets. Hydraulic hoses were replaced on the salt spinners on truck 312. All wings on the plows were greased. Salt was delivered and pushed up in the storage shed. During the snow fall on Tuesday and Wednesday (4.1 recorded at the airport) they plowed all city streets twice and main lines three times. Leaky hydraulic hoses are being worked on truck 308. A few mailboxes have been repaired. Engineering City Projects (construction year) Dodd Road/Highway 110 Intersection Pedestrian Improvements (2013) – The project is substantially complete for 2013. Hunter Lane/Orchard Place Neighborhood Improvements (2013) –The project is considered substantially complete and the final lift of wear course asphalt will be placed in the spring. Assessment amounts not paid off by November 1st have been certified to the County and payable through annual property tax statements. Crown Point & Overlook Neighborhood Rehabilitations (2013) – The contractor is finishing the final punch-list items. Assessment amounts not paid off by November 18th have been certified to the County and payable through annual property tax statements. Sanitary Sewer Cleaning and Televising (2013) – This project is substantially complete. Staff will review the data when the final report is received from the contractor and determine which sections of sewer require lining in 2014. The Pipeline N E W S L E T T E R Public Works Engineering Code Enforcement December 6, 2013 Sanitary Sewer Lining (2013) –This project will install a liner in place on sections of sanitary sewer main that have been identified as having multiple root penetrations. All lining activities this year were identified by the 2012 cleaning and televising contract and will be on the north end of the city. Minor traffic impacts should be anticipated while the contractor accesses manholes. Lining is expected to add up to 25 years to the life of the sanitary sewer main. Mendota Heights Road Sanitary Sewer Force Main Replacement (2013) – The new main is in service and functional. The days of force main breaks are hopefully behind us. Highway 13 Trail Connection (2013) – The contractor is ready to mobilize for construction. As soon as MnDOT State Aid office gives the City permission, a notice-to–proceed will be given to the contractor. A utility conflict with Saint Paul Regional Water Service needs to be resolved in conjunction with the construction. Victoria Road Reconstruction & Rolling Green Neighborhood Rehabilitation (2014/2015) – Council ordered Victoria Road from Highway 13 to Marie Avenue to be reconstructed in 2014 as well as the rehabilitation area of Rolling Green Curve, Stratford Road, Walsh Lane, Coventry Court, Windwood Court, and Oxford Court. Staff will begin designing the project this winter with anticipated bid opening in May with construction beginning June 2014. State Projects MnDOT Commisioner/Met Council Open Houses - Minnesota Department of Transportation Commissioner Charlie Zelle and Metropolitan Council Chair Sue Haigh invited the public to attend town hall meetings on transportation, including transit, on several dates in December. All meetings are from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3 at Minneapolis Public Library, Pohlad Hall 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN Wednesday, Dec. 4 at Anoka/Ramsey Community College, Coon Rapids Campus, Legacy Conference Room, 11200 Mississippi Blvd. NW, Coon Rapids, MN Tuesday, Dec. 10 at St. Paul Union Depot, Veterans Gallery, 214 E. 4th Street., St. Paul, MN Thursday, Dec. 12 at Century College, 3300 Century Ave. N., Room #2315, White Bear Lake, MN Tuesday, Dec. 17 at Burnsville High School Theatre, Mraz Center for the Performing Arts, 600 East Highway 13, Burnsville, MN, Zelle and Haigh will lead a discussion about transportation, how it affects quality of life, its link to Minnesota’s economy and the importance of investing in this state asset. The officials will also take feedback and answer questions about Minnesota’s transportation system. Local MnDOT officials will be available to answer questions, as well. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend. Additional information is available at www.mndot.gov/minnesotago/. Highway 13 Reconstruction (2015) – The section of Highway 13 that was not rehabilitated in 2012 is scheduled for reconstruction in 2015. This section is from I-35E south and west to 2nd Street in Mendota. This section will receive a widened shoulder, curb, gutter, and storm sewer to help alleviate drainage and erosion problems in Lilydale. Highway 149 (Dodd Road) Resurfacing (2015) – Dodd Road is scheduled to be resurfaced from Highway 55 in Eagan north to Annapolis Street in 2015. At this time, there are no plans to widen the State Highway, but some alterations for drainage and public safety are possible. Curb, gutter, and storm sewer will be installed where drainage and erosion issues exist. Highway 110 Resurfacing (2017) – Preliminary project scoping has begun for the resurfacing for Highway 110 in 2017. This project will not reconstruct or change the alignment of the State Highway, but modifications to access points, traffic signals, shoulders, drainage, and pedestrian facilities are all likely. Other Activities Future Cities Competition - Staff is once again assisting 6th through 8th grade students at Friendly Hills Middle School with their entries in the Future Cities Competition. This competition challenges middle school students to conceptually develop a city of the future addressing issues and needs municipalities will face in the coming years. This year’s theme is, “Tomorrow’s Transit: Design a Way to Move People In and Around Your City,” so the students will be looking at how people, materials, and products move throughout a developed community. The students have completed their computer models using the popular Sim City game, and have begun researching their essays. There are some very unique and innovative ideas being proposed by the student groups. Friendly Hills Middle School should, once again have some very successful teams in the competition. 1 The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department SUPPORT STAFF Kim Henning Trista Miller Becky Pentel POLICE OFFICERS Jerry Murphy Scott Patrick John Larrive Bobby Lambert Tanner Spicer Todd Rosse 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 Jim Knox Jeff Parker George Castillo CHAPLAINS Frances Cuenca Joel Detlefsen Lynn Liberman Butch Millett Sue Plucker John Snider David Wick CHIEF Mike Aschenbrener NOVEMBER 29, 2013 Submitted by: Mike Aschenbrener Personal Safety Over the past few weeks there have been news reports of women being assaulted by “fake” Police Officers. While this may sound unnerving, keep in mind these basic crime prevention tactics when dealing with law enforcement: Be aware of your surroundings; pay attention when jogging or walking and avoid distractions like loud music or phone conversations - enjoy it! You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Your gut is God.” If something feels or sounds not right, it probably is. Walk away/hang up with authority—crooks don’t like to deal with confident people If you find yourself about to become a victim, yell, scream, kick and fight. Always be willing to give up your property, the loss of a purse or wallet - personal effects can be replaced, unlike your health or life. When in unfamiliar surroundings make mental notes about where you are and the direction you are going. People in groups are far less likely to be victimized so go out with a friend. If dealing with a police officer always feel free to ask to see their ID/Badge. If you are driving and a car attempts to stop you with red lights & siren but is not a fully marked police car, stop somewhere very public (a 24 hour gas station/ restaurant) and/or call 911 on your cell phone and confirm the unmarked car is actually a police officer. More info at:: U of M Police or Mankato Police websites. The Mendota Heights City Council approved a donaƟon of bikes to the Minneapolis based non ‐profit, Free Bikes for Kids, who have an office in Mendota Heights. The bike donaƟon filled a U‐Haul van , donated by Allina Health for the Sunday giveaway. These bikes will be cleaned, fixed and ready the annual Holiday give away. The group started collecƟng, fixing and giving away bikes in 2008; they have given away over 5,000 bikes since 2011. They are always look‐ ing for volunteers (even if you’re not mechani‐ cally inclined. If you’re interested, go to: hƩp://ĩ4k.com/volunteer/. **They can use help as early as this weekend, since the giveaway is Sunday. Pictured from left to right: Mark Eumurian, Brad Lindberg, Chad Willson & Mario Reyes Free Bikes for Kids DonaƟon 2 Negligent Driver Tuesday 1813 hours Officer Steve Meyer was N/B on Lexington in a fully marked black and white squad car when a car traveling in a group activated its left turn signal and slowed to turn left on Orchard. The car behind it veered right, crossed the grass and put its passenger side tires onto the bike path to get around the turning car. Luckily, no walkers were near! Officer Meyer activated his emergency lights and stoppe the car. The driver was identi- fied by MN picture DL and he was soon found to be revoked. He also had a habit of missing court dates for traffic violations— in 2013 alone he missed 5 court dates. He was cited for DAR, driving off the road and no insurance and transported to the Dakota County Jail to get those fines resolved. DUI / Texting Thursday 0103 hours While on patrol Officer Steve Meyer pulled up to a red stoplight and noticed the driver of an SUV, illumi- nated by her phone, was texting, her eyes never leaving her phone. When the light turned green, she re- mained at the light while Officer Meyer began to pull through the intersection. There was no other traffic, and he watched her, until the light nearly turned red again and she finally pulled out and completed her turn. Officer Meyer pulled in behind the car and activated his emergency lights. She didn’t have insurance for the car, and learned she had been having a few at a friends. She performed SFST’s and gave a PBT which showed a BAC of .92. She was arrested and Officer Urmann who read her the implied consent and ran an evidentiary test which revealed a .09 BAC and she was booked and released at the DC Jail. DUI Friday 2310 hours While on patrol Officer Tanner Spicer spotted a car tucked into the far side of a motel parking lot, running. He watched and waited for about 15 minutes with no activity; he headed back to the lot to investigate. The car had just moved out, but the driver must have spotted the squad, as the car stopped in the middle of the road and made a quick turn into the adjacent neighborhood. The car was located parked in front of a garage door. Contact was made with the driver, Officer Spicer immediately noted the ignition was busted and hanging loosely with no key. On the front seat were two vodka bottles and on the floor was an empty whiskey bottle. The driver was confused and not making much sense. When Officer Spicer told her he felt she had too much to drink and drive, she replied, “Honestly, you’re right, I am I’m sorry.” The driver did fail all of the SFST’s and her car was towed out of the driveway (which was not hers). After being read the MN Im- plied Consent Advisory and attempting to call an attorney , she refused to provide a test and was taken to the Dakota County Jail and held on 3rd Deg DWI—Refusal charges. Semaphore Violation / Possession of Marijuana Saturday 2013 hours The car in front of Officer Peyton Fleming (in a fully marked black and white) made a U-turn on a red light. The car was stopped a short distance down the road. When the car window opened it was immediately obvi- ous they were smoking marijuana in the car. Officer Fleming first inquired why the ran the red light—they replied they were in a hurry as they were lost. He asked where the marijuana was—they pointed to it marijua- na was laying on the floor at the passenger’s feet. Citations were issued and both were released. Burglary Sunday 1017 hours Owner of a local business called to report that they had been burglarized overnight and they were missing money and electronics. There was no physical evidence on scene to process. Referred to investigations for follow up. Crisis Intervention Monday 0154 hours Officers Urmann, Meyer and Spicer responded to the call of a female who was attempting to kill herself by cutting. Officers requested an ambulance to be staged and moved into position. When they arrived they spotted the woman standing in the street and made contact with her. After securing her the ambulance was 3 called to deal with her lacerations. There were multiple knives laying around in the house. The officers spoke with the woman’s mother for background info. A 72-hour Health and Welfare hold was filled out. Mom re- fused medical help but offered up the daughter’s phone as evidence that the ex was repeatedly contacting the daughter, in violation of a no contact order. She was transported to the hospital for evaluation. Fraud Monday 1707 hours Resident called for help after finding fraudulent checks listed on her statement. Sergeant Neil Garlock re- spond to the home and spoke with the victim. The victim was reconciling her account when she noticed an e- check was passed at a drug store. She checked with her husband and the bank who verified it was fraud and immediately closed the old account. Investigations will see if they can determine where the check was passed. Fraud Tuesday 1229 hours Owner of a local contracting business reported that they found many checks written fraudulently against their business. They had begun the process with the bank and attempted to report the thefts in each city where the activity occurred without any success. Sergeant Garlock started the process with them that will likely be a long drawn out case based on the size, nature and number of suspects involved. After meeting with the victims, Ser- geant Garlock met with the investigators and passed the case off. Domestic Tuesday 2339 hours The DCC received a 911 call with a domestic in progress with one party threatening to get a gun. Officers Meyer, Fleming and Urmann responded to the home and after assessing the situation made contact with the residents. After stabilizing the situation everyone was separated and interviewed. It was learned that the two adults living in the home had been drinking and then arguing about holiday visitation with non-custodial chil- dren. The female had decided to go to bed and let it go until later. The male came up later and re-instigated the argument, threatening to kill himself and slapped the phone out of the girlfriend’s hand when she tried to call 911. The daughter called 911, the man confirmed the story and he was arrested and taken to the DC Jail. Theft Tuesday 1428 hours Officer Scott Patrick responded to a local apartment building to take a theft report from the maintenance work- er. Officer Patrick learned the man had started a job earlier in the morning, parked the UTV with the tools on it, was called to fix something else and when he returned all the tools were gone from the back of the UTV. The area is covered by video cameras. Referred to investigators. Warrant Arrest Thursday 1126 hours Brooklyn Park PD requested that Officer Bobby Lambert attempt to arrest a party who was working in Mendo- ta Heights. The man had apparently spent the night in a home was helping remodel. The warrant issued by the MN Department of Corrections was a body only warrant. The man has a past history including assaults. Officer Lambert and Patrick along with Investigators Reyes and Willson positioned themselves around the house before making contact. The mans partner at first denied knowing the suspect that was very quickly re- solved the arrest warrant was quickly executed. The man was transported to Dakota County and Brooklyn Park Police were notified. Have a great weekend! 4 Please join us in helping ensure that every child can experience a wonder-filled Christmas in 2013. The Mendota Heights Police Department is sponsoring drop boxes for toys at City Hall; you will find them on both levels. Officer Denise Urmann, along with Police Reserves, will drop the Toys at KARE 11 on December 19th for the 6:00 pm news. MAKE YOUR DONATION AT MH POLICE OR CITY HALL LOBBY FOR: 5 On Friday afternoon, a resident stopped in to thank Officer John Larrive for responding and checking out the sus- picious man at his house - himself. He was impressed with the profession- alism displayed by Officer Larrive as he confirmed that he was the homeowner. He also wanted us to let the neighbor know how much he appreciated him keeping an eye on his place while he was gone. 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! 11/28—12/5 2013 YTD Calls for Service 173 7853 Citations 33 1,445 Warnings 23 1,191 Police Reports 23 992 Response Time Average 5.43 5.21 Check out the MH Crime Map! Click below to search your neighborhood: http://mendota.prophoenix.com/CS/CrimeMapping.aspx 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; we have similar forms in the MHPD lobby and we will take your info over the phone. MHPD offers monthly Car Seat Safety Checks. To schedule an appointment, call 651.452.1366 to contact Ofϐicer 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.