2014-01-31 Friday NewsFriday News
Mendota Heights Weekly Report on City Activities
State of the City Address
Please join us Thursday morning, February 6,
2014 as Mayor Sandra Krebsbach provides the
State of the City Address. Hosted by the
Chamber of Commerce, this event is open to
all businesses and residents. The State of the
City will be held at City Hall, starting at 7:30
a. m.
Welcome Home Engine 11
-- The City Council,
1 L�
Fire Department
staff and retirees,
and cit y staff held a
_ Truck Housing
Ceremony for
Engine 11 on
Sunday, January 26th. The traditional ceremo-
ny involved pushing Engine 11 into the station,
washing and blessing it.
An Open House for residents will be held on
Tuesday, March 11th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00
p.m. This will give residents an opportunity to
see Engine 11 up close. More information on
Engine 11 and the Open House will be
featured in the February Heights Highlights.
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it
Dates to Remember:
February 3, 2014*
City Council 7:00 p.m.
*Council meeting is scheduled for Monday because of
the precinct caucuses on Tuesday.
February 6, 2014
State of the City Address 7:30 a.m.
February 11 , 2014
Parks Commission 6:30 p.m.
February 12 , 2014
Airport Commission 7:00 p.m.
Attachments:
Pipeline, Just the Facts
Mendota Heights City Hall
1101 Victoria Curve
www.mendota- heights.com
(651) 452 -1850
Facebook.com /MendotaHeightsMN
� Twitter.com / @mendota_ heights
Engineering
Code Enforcement
Public Works
Pipeline
January 31, 2014
The Parks Crew did their daily trash pickup and checking of the warming
houses. The light fixture was repaired at the warming house in Marie Park.
The lamps were also replaced. They continue widening the trails throughout
the city with the snow blower on the bobcat. They plowed the cul -de -sacs,
parking lots, ice rinks and trails. The plow ram was replaced on truck 503.
They attended the Highway Patrol seminar at Scharber and Sons the topics
covered were the new driving and trailer laws.
The Utilities Crew plowed the middle area of the city on Friday night into
Saturday. The cul -de -sacs were plowed on Sunday and Thursday, and
helped plow the south end of the city on Monday. The lift stations were
checked, plowed and shoveled. Anew lock cover was installed at the St.
Thomas lift station. They attended the annual collection system operations
conference. The topics discussed were sewer cleaning, lift station
maintenance, sewer relining, cyber security for lift stations, inflow and
infiltration in sewers, and electrical safety.
The Streets Crew plowed the 3.5 -inch snowfall on Sunday. They came in
early on Wednesday to plow blowing and drifting snow. They plowed snow
again on Thursday during the 6 -inch snow storm. They also worked on
pushing back the snow banks and clearing snow around fire hydrants. They
fixed the parks plow truck. Sand and salt was mixed.
Engineering
City Projects (construction year)
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.
Crown Point &Overlook Neighborhood Rehabilitations (2013) -The
contractor will need to finish the final punch -list items in the spring.
Highway 13 Trail Connection (2014)_-Construction will not begin until the
spring. A utility conflict with Saint Paul Regional Water Service needs to be
resolved prior to construction.
Victoria Road Reconstruction &Rolling Green Neighborhood Rehabilitation
(2014/2015) -The consultant is working on the design plans and
specifications, and the City anticipates bidding the project in the April /May
timeframe. The project will be constructed in phases. The first phase,
scheduled for 2014, will reconstruct Victoria from Lilydale to Marie Avenue
and rehabilitate the Stratford /Walsh/ Rolling Green neighborhood. The
remainder of Victoria was put off to a future date, but it is anticipated for
construction in 2015. The City of Lilydale has asked that the portion of
Victoria from Caren Road to Highway 13 be included at Lilydale's expense.
Wentworth Avenue &Pilot Knob Road Trail Rehabilitation Projects (2014) -
The trails on Wentworth (Wachtler to Dodd) and Pilot Knob Road (Mendota
Heights Road to Highway 13) are scheduled for rehabilitation in the coming
year. Projects will reclaim the existing pavement and install ADA compliant
ramps along each trail. Construction is anticipated in June /July.
County Projects
Delaware Avenue Resurfacing (2014) - Dakota County is planning on
resurfacing Delaware Avenue from Highway 110 south to I -494. This
project will not widen or otherwise alter the lane alignment of Delaware, but
will provide a new asphalt driving surface and new striping. Construction is
anticipated to begin in late June.
Lexington Crosswalk at Victoria (20141 -The median and crosswalk are
scheduled for installation this summer. Construction will likely take place in
conjunction with the Delaware Avenue Resurfacing project. This project will
install a center median in Lexington on the north side of the Victoria
intersection and provide for a crosswalk to connect the trails on the east and
west of Lexington. The left turn lane from southbound Lexington to
eastbound Victoria will be removed as part of this project.
State Projects
Highway 110 &Lexington Avenue Signal Replacement (20141 -The existing
signal will be replaced this summer with a new LED signal with flashing
yellow arrow for the left turn lanes on Lexington.
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 (2017) -Dodd Road is scheduled to
be resurfaced from Highway 55 in Eagan 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. The project may be
delayed until 2017 to be constructed in conjunction with the Highway 110
resurfacing project. Due to the project delay, Dodd Road will receive
another sealcoat (chip seal) in 2014.
Highway 110 Resurfacing (2017) - Preliminary project scoping has begun.
This project will not reconstruct or alter the alignment of the state highway,
but modifications to access points, traffic signals, shoulders, drainage, and
pedestrian facilities are likely.
Other Activities
City Engineer Association of Minnesota (CEAM) Annual Conference -Staff
attended the conference held at the Earle Brown Heritage Center in
Brooklyn Center this week. Topics discussed were pond maintenance
programs, pavement management, sign reflectivity requirements, and
updates from State Agencies.
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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
Lenny Andrie
IANUARV 31, 2014
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Respectfully Submitted By:
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Have you been wondering, "What is the deal with all this marijuana legalization talk ?" With a dual
role as Police Officer and School Resource Officer, I am routinely asked my position on this de-
bate. I usually just say I do not agree with legalization, but I never really considered, "Why not ?"
I decided to do some research and educate myself on the topic as it approaches closer to home.
There are a lot of persuasive arguments out there on both sides of this issue.
My article focuses mainly on the effects of marijuana use and "youth." In states like Colorado,
where recreational marijuana is legal at age 21 you may wonder why I worry about "youth." M
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one basic reason: I feel legalizing a substance sends a message that, "It is not a big deal," or, "If it
is 'legal,' it can't be bad for you!" Is that the message we want to send to our kids? With that in
mind, here are some Pros /Cons to consider:
PRO: It will generate income for states in the form of tax revenue and boost the economy
with new business.
CON: State Income vs. Cost to Society? The Office of National Drug Control Policy states, "While
taxing marijuana could generate some revenues for state and local governments, research suggests
that the economic costs associated with use of the drug could far outweigh an benefit gained from an
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increase in tax revenue. Research has also found that 1 in 11 users will become addicted to mariju-
ana AND if a person starts using before the age of 18, that number changes to 1 in 6! So yes, is
there money to be made, absolutely, but at what cost?
PRO: Marijuana is not harmful or addictive. I
I CON: Marijuana producers have increased THC, the addictive substance in marijuana, four-
fold since the 1970's. This isn't the same marijuana that was being smoked at Woodstock. We
j all probably know people who have used marijuana in their younger years recreationally and
maybe even into their adult life. It didn't appear to have effects on their health jobs,
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personal life, etc. However, ...MARIJUANA USE IS THE #1 REASON ADOLESCENTS ARE ADMITTED TO
I SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PROGRAMS IN THE US TODAY! We consider illicit drugs such as co-
caine, heroin and methamphetamine and prescription addictions as being the most alarming con- r
cerns. However, while they are extremely harmful and accessible, they do not create the majority
of adolescents seeking treatment for substance abuse. Consider the taxpayer impact on costs to
cover public safety, healthcare, insurance, schools and treatment programs.
I
While this article may be one - sided, my intention was to avoid complacency, empower you to do
I
your own fact finding. Be informed, take an educated stance! I hope we, as a community, as a state,
as voters and stakeholders, don't just "go with the flow" because I personally and professionally
FEAR what will come from that kind of thinking, as well as policy and law changes and the nega-
tive effect on our children and our grandchildren that will follow.
CHIEF See the flyer on the next page for an informative seminar in February registration deadline is
Mike Aschenbrener 2/12/14! Check it out and sign up!
BE EDUCATED! n
♦ http: / /www.marrch.org
♦ http: / /www.whitehouse.gov /ondcp /marijuanainfo/
♦ htt www.rand.or search.html #e xdWV eSI6Im1hcml dWFuYS 9
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February 13, 2014
1:p.m.
Registration istration and Resources
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Keynote Speaker
Kevin in abet, Ph.D.
4:3p.m.
Closing Remarks
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Registration
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Group * Goodhue County Drug Free Coalition * Partners in
Prevention * Partnership for Change * Renville Alliance •
Steele County Safe & Drug Free Coalition * TON KA Cares
* Working Together Coalition of Cass County *
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BE SURE TO BE AT THE MOOSE COUNT"' TOMORROW, 2/I, BETWEEN 1 -4 PM, TO
WITNESS THE 3LAZIN' CHAP I ENGE BETWEEN MHPD & MHFD! YOU WOULDN'T BE-
LIEVE THE FABULOUS RAFFLE PRIZES WE HAVE TO GIVE AWAY FOR THIS FUNDRAIS-
ER! LET THE GAMES BEGIN!
Damage to Property Thursday 1104 hours
Officers Scott Patrick & Sergeant Neil Garlock responded to a local business on report of an out -of- control em-
ployee who had left the building. Sergeant Garlock found her and brought her back to the work site.
Management informed officers that while giving her a verbal reprimand, the situation escalated as the employee
became angry. She left the room, throwing open the door so hard she pushed the protective rubber stoppers into
the wall and put a nice hole in the wall. Citation issued; cleared by arrest.
Property Damage /Accident Thursday 1749 hours
Officer Peyton Fleming responded to a crash scene on property of a local gas station. Manager there stated the
involved party, who had backed into another car, had been trespassed from the location on suspicion of theft.
The victim driver provided the appropriate info, but the offending driver did not have valid insurance. Officer
Fleming instructed him to 1.) Provide insurance info within 24 hours or get a citation, and 2.) Stay off property
or be charged with trespassing. The gent agreed. Report made, officer cleared.
Thefts from Auto Friday 0704 hours
Officer Scott Patrick received two separate phone calls from owners of vehicles who found items missing. Owner
#I found an undamaged car but also found his paperwork, driver's license, gift cards and some cash was missing.
Driver #2 also found his car undamaged but he was missing his Bluetooth and an Whone charger. No video
available, no witnesses, no suspects; case inactive.
Found Property Friday 0748 hours
Officer Bobby Lambert responded to a business on report of a suspicious, unattended suitcase in the parking lot.
Upon checking out the suitcase, he was able to locate an owner, but contact was difficult until he reached the
owner's grandma, who was ecstatic! The owner ultimately arrived and happily took possession. Closed.
Crisis Friday 1408 hours
Dispatch aired a report of an intoxicated, suicidal female who was with a friend now but was also homeless.
Officers Bobby Lambert and Officer Scott Patrick arrived and checked out the party. She was immediately put on
a crisis hold and transported for care. Officers cleared.
Marijuana at School Friday 1430 hours
Principals notified Officer Jenny Fordham that they could smell marijuana in the hallway and soon determined
the offending locker from whence the smell came. Within the locker they found marijuana and a pipe. The stu-
dent was ultimately escorted to the officer and the student admitted it was his, the remainder of a $120 purchase
he had recently made. Citation was issued and a discussion was had with the parents on options for next steps.
Accident /Fail to Yield Friday 1620 hours
Officer Todd Rosse was called to an accident with a possible injury. Upon arrival, he found one of the party's ex-
periencing some pain and HealthEast was called. He reviewed the scene and discuss what happened with both
parties. The striking vehicle's driver informed Officer Rosse that she underestimated the road conditions and was
unable to stop, colliding with the other vehicle who had the right of way. A citation was issued for Failure to
Yield Right of Way to a MV and the scene was cleared.
5
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Theft —Gas Saturday 1800 hours
Yet another gas station was the victim of theft of gas. The reporting party gave a good description of the male who
stole the gas and provided the license plate also. Officer Mike Shepard took the information and is following up
on tracking the owner and the suspect. Pending.
Damage to Property Sunday 2120 hours
Officer Mike Shepard met a complainant who found the window of his vehicle was smashed out while it was
parked in a parking lot. Luckily, nothing was reported stolen. No suspects or evidence, case is inactive.
Assist Public Monday 0944 hours
Dispatch requested officers to respond to a medical where the complainant had not been feeling well and believed
she had symptoms similar to carbon monoxide poisoning. Officer Lambert arrived, followed by MHFD and
HealthEast; they did find her 14 year old detector was not working and needed replacing. She did not wish to be
transported, but did wish to borrow & /or purchase the CO2 detector unit they provided. Officers cleared.
Forgery Monday 1153 hours
A victim of forgery came into the police department to make a report. Officer Bobby Lambert learned that charg-
es were made from her checking account at a Walmart in a city she had not been in. She had been contacted by
the bank and learned they had returned the forged check to whomever passed it. She recently had sent out a cred-
it card payment via the mail, but never saw the payment noted on her statement and she was charged a late fee.
She contacted the credit card company and they were issuing her new cards. Case has been forwarded to Superi-
or, WI police department for follow -up since that is where the fraudulent occurred.
Accident Tuesday 0933 hours
Officer John Larrive responded to complaint of an accident where a driver, backing out of the driveway, collided
with an oncoming car. Both vehicles sustained heavy damage, but neither were towed. Report taken, officer
cleared.
Accident Wednesday 1339 hours
Dispatch aired report of a driver who ran off the road and struck a power pole, severing the pole in half and se-
verely damaging the vehicle. Officer John Larrive and Officer Bobby Lambert soon located the vehicle and found
the driver had a diabetic reaction but was otherwise uninjured. Meanwhile, the road nearby was shutdown and
Sergeant Neil Garlock handled re- directed traffic until Xcel responded and was able to lift the downed power lines
and safely clear the scene. Reserve Officer George Castillo also responded to relieve officers with traffic detail.
Suspicious Vehicle Thursday 1119 hours
Officer John Larrive was on routine patrol in a neighborhood when he saw a vehicle with four occupants driving
slowly; when they save Officer Larrive and made eye contact, they immediately changed tack and "casually" at-
tempted to lose him. He turned and followed it, but was flagged down by another driver with a question, and he
lost it. Soon afterwards, a caller reported a suspicious vehicle that didn't belong (yep, the same one) driving slowly
in another area. Vehicle was GOA, but a plate was obtained and information was noted for patrol shifts.
Assist Public Thursday 1455 hours
A resident called to see if someone could help her neighbor who had gotten so stuck in the driveway, he couldn't
move or get out of the car. Officer John Larrive responded and helped the gent out, getting the vehicle moved and
out and then shoveling out the entrance. The reporting neighbor called back later to thank Officer Larrive for
being so prompt and helpful. 0
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Witness the glory at the:
FD
MHPD vs MHFD
sew ING EATING CHALLENGE!"
THE MOOSE COUNTRY < Mi
857 HIGHWAY 13, LILYDALE., MN 55178
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY f, 2014
f PM = 4 PM
PRIZE RAFFLE proceeds & a percentage of all FOOD SALES
during the event will benefit their chosen charities:
Special Olympics MN 8 the MHFD Fire Relief Fund
PRIZE DONATIONS STILL NEEDED!
Ccill 6 5 1 -a 452.0 13 6 6 to make a tax - deductible donation!
In the spirit of competition, we at MHPD would like to inform you that this past summer,
MHPD vs MHFD Kickball Competition, MHPD was the clear winner in that challenge. We are just
as confident that we will maintain our champion status in this event. Come & cheer us ALL on!
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Calls for Service 135 652
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Officer
Bobby Lambert
I Citations 27 171
received an email from I
Warnings 16 85 I
a resident thanking
him for his assistance police Reports 11 66
in his recent fraud case. I p
The resident was fully
i I Response Time Average 4.31 4.81
reimbursed for the
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fraudulent transaction! I
Check out the MH Crime Map! Click below to search your neighborhood: I
httl2://mendota.j2roj2hoenix.com/CS/CrimeMapping.aWx
Officer John Larrive FORD s
&
Sergeant Neil .
Garlock
received kudos from a
resident for their
speedy, efficient help
on the Lexin ton Ave If you are a Mendota Heights resident and you are going out of town or on
g
hill at Hwy 13, where vacation, you can notify MHPD of your outing and we will be more than happy to
vehicles were off the keep a watchful eye on your home while you are away. Make your House Check
road and skidding all Request online at , visit us in the MHPD lobby to
over the lace. The a y
p y complete a form or call us and we will take our info over the hone.
rounded up some plow p y p
and tow trucks and
soon the area was clear
and safe again.
Way to Go!
MHPD offers monthly Car Seat Safety Checks. To schedule an appointment,
call 651.452.1366 to contact Officer Jennifer Fordham.
Please send us y our
positive feedback
on our staff to:
M
pdrecords@
Take It to THE BOX
mendota- heights.com
2''our feedback zs greatly
MHPD has a Medication Disposal Box in the lobby of the PD where Dakota
appreciated and helps boost County residents can safely and anonymously dispose of their prescription drugs
the morale o f our staff. I
� 1. and over - the - counter medication.
t-f2ve a safe we6z!
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