2016-01 Experience EaganExperience Eagan • January/February 2016 • 1
January/February 2016
Experience EaganExperience EaganExperience EaganExperience EaganExperience Eagan
In the final installment
of Experience Eagan’s
five-part series on the
history of the Eagan
Police Department, we
take a look at the term
of current Police Chief
Jim McDonald as the
Department wraps up its
50th Anniversary.
Back in 1988, when
James (Jim) McDonald
considered Eagan for his
first Police position, he
drove around the com-
munity and immediately knew it was a place poised
for great growth and opportunity. He clearly remem-
bers the roads. “Pilot Knob and Yankee Doodle were
narrow and hilly and jammed with traffic. You could
tell this place was just bulging at the seams on the
verge of expansion,” he said. “I knew right away this
was going to be a vibrant place to be.”
At the time, all new Eagan Police hires started as
community service officers (CSO) then, typically
spending about six months learning the community,
and training. McDonald recalls, “I was only a CSO
about three weeks before they handed me the keys
to a squad. We were just that busy.”
McDonald was one of the last hires made by Eagan’s
second chief Jay Berthe, and the former chief is
pretty proud of that, noting, “We always found good
people to hire…but I didn’t know then that I was hir-
ing a [future] chief. That’s one of my better accom-
plishments,” he chuckles.
Through 50 years and five chiefs, hiring good people
has remained a top priority. Chief McDonald points
to the strong foundation set by Eagan’s first chief.
“What we look for [when hiring] is strong values…
someone who will do the right thing even when no
one’s looking—that hasn’t changed since Martin’s
time,” says McDonald. “In the beginning, Martin
didn’t have a manual, but what he had was a strong
moral compass and I think it still guides this depart-
ment. He’s the cornerstone.”
When McDonald was selected as chief in 2006, he
says he was honored to be sworn in by “his mentor,”
retired Police Chief and Mayor, Pat Geagan. One of
his priorities as chief, he said at the time, was to con-
tinue to build the geo-policing program, one begun
under his predecessor, Chief Kent Therkelsen. Geo-
policing relies on the use of technology, tools such
as crime mapping and data trends, to assist officers
in identifying crime and quality of life issues in their
patrol areas.
McDonald, true to his word, grew that program
greatly and expanded the department’s use of tech-
nology overall. In 2008, he created the Computer
Forensic Unit. “There is so much crime now that
can be tracked on computers, cell phones, Xboxes,
EPD’s Fifth Decade Puts Technology Forward,
Strong Values Above All
You’ve written your thoughts in chalk. Ideas have
been shared in focus groups and one-on-one. Eagan
visions have been captured on Facebook, Twitter
and the Web. So now what happens? Let’s launch
the plan.
Rebecca Ryan, a futur-
ist and economist
with Next Generation
Consulting, the firm
hired by the City to con-
duct the Eagan Forward
visioning project, has
been charged with cre-
ating the strategic plan.
She’s taken our dreams,
visions and concerns for Eagan’s future and trans-
lated them into specific strategies for implementa-
tion. As a dynamic, TED Talk-style speaker, Rebecca
brings passion, and enthusiasm to her presentations
and to everything she does. She will be at the center
of an exciting evening designed to inform, engage
and illuminate the community about how Eagan
can move from the top-notch community of today,
toward an even brighter future.
And what better way to roll out a plan for the future
than to gather the community, toast our successes
and begin dreaming up ways to put our plan in
motion. Come take a look into Eagan’s future, as
we celebrate together and move Eagan Forward,
forward:
Thursday, January 28
Eagan Community Center
◗ 6:30 p.m. Social
◗ 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Presentation
◗ 8:00 - 8:30 p.m. A very special toasting to
the future (you won’t want to miss it!)
If you’ve been a part of this process, wish you’d
been, or simply like a good party and want to get
fired up about the plan, register at www.cityofea-
gan.com/Forward and don’t miss the fun.
you name it,” McDonald says. “The success in the
recent arrests in the Town Hall arson case would
not have happened without solid police investiga-
tion augmented by tracking activities of the sus-
pects through a variety of technology.”
“When I started, I carried a notepad, we had a 5
channel radio, a map, mace and a revolver,” he
said. “Today our squads are equipped with comput-
ers with internet capabilities; they connect to local,
state and national databases. Officers have cell
phones and all of the best technology available.”
The Computer Forensic Unit goes well beyond that.
They process crime scenes and uncover digital evi-
dence in the first critical moments of an investiga-
tion. The unit has uncovered text messages, GPS
data, audio and video evidence, hidden files, com-
munications, documents, social media posts, user
files, IP addresses and much more to help track
down criminals. It’s the team we need to beat the
criminals of today,” says McDonald.
“The City Council has always been very supportive
of what we do and has invested in training and
equipment. What we have is some of the best
around and we’re very appreciative they continue
to invest in us,” says McDonald.
But above all he credits the residents of Eagan.
“I want people who live here to feel safe and for
those who interact with this department to leave
with the feeling that we are an asset and not a
detriment to this community,” says McDonald.
“We enjoy very positive ratings in surveys and in
national rankings…but I never want to take that
for granted.”
Moving Eagan Forward
Forward – Illuminating
the Future
Airport Questions?
On January 14, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Eagan
Community Center, Eagan’s Airport Relations
Advisory Commission will host an Airport Town Hall
meeting. The meeting will include a panel of experts
from the FAA, MAC and the airlines. Residents can
come and learn about why the Minneapolis/St. Paul
International Airport operates as it does, ask ques-
tions or share concerns about aircraft noise. All are
welcome.
Rebecca Ryan has
been called one of
the most dynamic
and progressive
thought leaders in
America, by the
Municipal Research
and Services Center.
Eagan’s Police Chief’s, past and present, are (L to R) Jim McDonald, Kent Therkelsen, Pat Geagan, Jay
Berthe and Martin DesLauriers. The men had a chance to catch up and compare notes about their time
leading the department at the Police Department’s 50th Anniversary celebration in May.
Chief McDonald and his department make it a priority to interact
with as many residents as possible during the annual National
Night Out. Last year, a record 180 neighborhoods participated.
Experience Eagan • January/February 2016 • 2
During the Eagan Forward project, many resi-
dents indicated they would like to feel more con-
nected with their community. One great way to
connect is to serve on one of the City Council’s
advisory groups. The four commissions and a
watershed management organization each focus
on a specific topic area or function within the
community to advise the City Council on related
issues impacting Eagan.
Residents interested in being considered for a
commission appointment should apply by March
18 for these commissions:
◗ Advisory Planning Commission
◗ Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission
◗ Airport Relations Advisory Commission
◗ Energy and Environment Advisory
Commission
The City Council also appoints members to
the Gun Club Lake Watershed Management
Organization.
Most commissions have six to eight members
serving staggered two-year terms, and an alter-
nate.
Applications are accepted throughout the year;
however, a majority of appointments are made
annually in April. Approximately 15 appointments
will be made. Candidate interviews will be sched-
uled in mid-April.
Commissions meet every one to two months,
depending on the commission. Descriptions, gen-
eral meeting schedules and applications are avail-
able at www.cityofeagan.com/Commissions.
Whether a streetlight is
blinking or completely out,
it can become a nuisance.
Streetlights allow us to get
around in the dark and are also
a safety precaution against
crime and accidents. But what
should you do about a burned
out street light?
If the street light is out in your
neighborhood, a good rule of
thumb is to call the company
that manages your electricity—
Dakota Electric, (651) 463-6287
or Xcel Energy, 1-800-960-6235.
You can also make a report
to the Eagan Maintenance
Facility at (651) 675-5300 or
at www.cityofeagan.com/
CitizenSupport. In turn, the City
contacts Dakota Electric or Xcel
Energy to make the repairs.
Within Eagan, Dakota Electric owns over 3,000
of the streetlights, the City owns about 400 (not
including lights within parks), and Xcel Energy owns
about 250.
For more information or to see a map of which areas
Dakota Electric and Xcel Energy generally own, visit
www.cityofeagan.com/Streetlights.
Commissions Help
Connect Community
Spotlight on Streetlights
Budget Up Slightly; Still Below 10-Year Average
How much does it cost to run a city of the size and
caliber of Eagan? Eagan’s 2016 budget (General
Fund) was set at $32.1 million, by the City Council on
November 30, following a public hearing. That aver-
ages out to about $2.59 per day in City taxes for the
owner of an average value Eagan home. This funds
all City services including police, fire, snow plowing,
grass mowing, administration, etc.
The overall spending increase of 2.75% is below
Eagan’s 10-year-average. Driving the increase is the
costs of holding elections every two years (approxi-
mately $90,000) and a pilot program of maintaining
standby firefighters at the ready at stations during
daytime hours for response when paid-on-call fire-
fighters are not as available (about $24,000).
City taxes on the average value home ($258,272) in
2016 are going up about $50 a year. That’s a 5.6%
increase, even with no staff additions.
OK, enough numbers. What is the City of Eagan
actually trying to accomplish this year, besides
keeping streets plowed, providing public safety,
and parks programs?
◗ The Police Department has added a patrol
officer position for increased enforcement.
◗ The 40-year-old Central Maintenance facility
will receive its first significant upgrade in 22
years to more efficiently access and repair
needed equipment, and resupply salt trucks.
◗ In certain parts of the city, fire response times
need improvement. Three outdated fire sta-
tions will be closed and one new centrally
located station built for better access and
quicker call response.
◗ To help guide City Council decision making, an
independent random sample survey of resi-
dents will be conducted to measure how well
City services are being delivered and what
residents want.
◗ Work is beginning on a legislatively mandated
Comprehensive Guide Plan update to guide
future land use needs and decisions.
Then there is the stuff that cities have to do that
few of us ever consider:
◗ 242 miles of streets, nearly 350 miles
of water main and 130 miles of trails still
have to be maintained.
◗ The Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive spe-
cies attacking ash trees in Dakota County,
has been detected in Eagan and the City is
obligated to help deter its spread.
◗ Animal Control costs about $81,000 annually
to respond to domestic and wild animal com-
plaints, pick up strays, handle licensing, etc.
Residents wanting to know more about budget
priorities are encouraged to watch three informa-
tional videos prepared for Eagan’s virtual budget
open house in November. In the one-hour Budget
& Beyond program, more than 20 resident-submit-
ted questions were answered and other budget
and service topics were discussed. To see this pro-
gram, selected video segments or the November
30, budget presentation, visit cityofeagan.com/
AskUs.
Editor’s note: The videos contain a $2.55 estimated daily
cost of government service delivery because final tax rate
information had not yet been set by Dakota County.
$79/month for City Services
Public Safety (Police/Fire) $29.80
General Government 14.14
Parks & Recreation 9.36
Public Works (Street/Trail Maintenance) 7.60
Major Street Construction 6.70
Major Capital Equipment 3.92
Community Center Bonds 3.19
Government Buildings Maintenance 1.53
Parks System Development & Renewal/Replacement 1.15
Facilities Renewal/Replacement .83
2016 Capital Improvement Plan Bonds .45
Parking Ramp Maintenance .15
Total $ 78.82
for $258,272 home (Eagan average)
City Portion of Property Taxes
On a $258,272 Home
West St. Paul
South St. Paul
Hastings
Brooklyn Park
Inver Grove Heights
Apple Valley
Burnsville
Bloomington
18-City Average
Coon Rapids
Rosemount
Maple Grove
Lakeville
Eagan
Mendota Heights
Minnetonka
Woodbury
Eden Prairie
Plymouth
$1,746
$1,581
$1,552
$1,474
$1,212
$1,143
$1,140
$1,131
$1,122
$1,102
$1,054
$955
$954
$946
$910
$910
$880
$812
$694
Experience Eagan • January/February 2016 • 3
Keep Eagan’s Lakes Clean, Starting in Your Garden
Eagan Civic Arena &
Dakota Valley Recycling
Shoot for Zero Waste
The Eagan Civic
Arena, along with
several other area
arenas has a game
plan to shoot for
a zero waste goal.
New waste con-
tainers can now be
found at the spec-
tating areas, concessions, and locker rooms at the
Civic Arena, many of which include a green organics
bin.
An Environmental Assistance Grant was awarded
to Dakota County from the Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency to implement organics collection
at public sporting venues including the Eagan Civic
Arena. This grant covers the cost for the new con-
tainers and communication efforts.
The concession stand now uses serving items that
are either recyclable or compostable. For example,
nachos are served in paper trays, and all fountain
drink cups, cutlery, and straws are made from com-
postable corn-based plastic. Photos displayed on
the bins make disposal quick and easy so you can
get right back to the game.
Snow Season Reminders
Strategic Clearing Can Reduce the Amount of
Snow Piled in Driveway
Plows are angled to the right for plowing from
the centerline of the street toward the outside
street edge. A certain amount of snow is bound to
be deposited into driveways abutting curb lines,
but this diagram shows how property owners can
reduce the snow that piles up at the end of the
driveway by clearing a spot ahead of time.
Garbage & Recycling Placement
Keeping garbage and recycling containers clear of
the plow’s path helps too. By placing them at least
3 feet behind the curb as designated by City code,
containers can still be reached by the automated
arm of garbage vehicles. This keeps them safe from
being struck by plows and leaves room for the plows
to clear streets well.
Each winter, the City of Eagan’s snowplow fleet is
out in force keeping our roadways safe. Allowing
more space between the plow and your vehicle can
prevent accidents. Stay Back and Stay Alive! To get
a first-hand view of what a snow plow driver sees,
watch “A View from a Plow” at www.cityofeagan.
com/plow.
Tired of being on your yard’s schedule during the
summer? Want to help prevent nearby water bodies
from turning green? Register today to attend a free
introductory workshop called Landscaping for Clean
Water and learn about low-maintenance native gar-
dens, raingardens and native shoreline stabilization
projects that can help keep Eagan’s waters clean.
During the workshop you will see dozens of afford-
able designs that transform conventional urban
yards into beautiful and beneficial landscapes. You’ll
also learn about financial incentives that are avail-
able. After the introductory workshop, you can
sign up for a $25 advanced session, where you will
receive help designing a plan for your property.
In the past eight years, more than 300 of your
Eagan neighbors have attended workshops like this
one, hosted in conjunction with the Dakota County
Soil and Water Conservation District. These sessions
provide an overview of water quality challenges in
Dakota County and demonstrate beautiful, practical
ways of reducing runoff pollutants.
Attendance at the introductory course is free and
open to all Dakota County residents, but registra-
tion is required. The free March 7 workshop will
be held from 6:15 to 8:00 p.m. in the Eagan Room
at City Hall, 3830 Pilot Knob Road. Other sessions
are available throughout Dakota County. Register
now or find out more by visiting www.dakotacoun-
tyswcd.org or by calling (651) 480-7777.
Arsonists Charged in Town Hall Fire
Building Reconstruction Completed to 1914 Style
Following two years of intensive work by the Eagan
Police Department and especially its detectives and
computer forensic specialists, two adult brothers
have been charged with arson at the Historic 1914
Town Hall. One of the men was already in custody
on an unrelated crime. The other man was arrested
and is being held on bail until the trial, expected
later this year.
“The Eagan Historical Society members are so
thankful for the hard work done by the Police
Department in investigating this crime,” says
Historical Society Chair, Mary Ellen Voracek. “Saving
this important piece of Eagan’s history is primary
but finding the people responsible for this damage
brings some relief, too.”
Eagan Police Chief Jim McDonald commented:
“This arson of one of our City’s historic landmarks
was a significant crime in our community and we
are pleased that these criminal charges have now
been filed.”
Repairs Substantially Complete, Recreating
Displays Continues
Repairs from the arson fire at Eagan’s Historic
1914 Town Hall are nearing completion, at a cost
of $340,000. Insurance covered only $86,000, but
because of donations from community organiza-
tions and a historical grant totalling $117,000, the
City has been able to restore the Town Hall to its
1914 condition. Substantial repairs of both structural
damage and smoke remediation were required.
During repairs, by uncovering the deepest paint
layers, the original 1914 paint tones have been redis-
covered. New site landscaping will also reflect the
plantings and materials used in that era.
Additions for security, climate control and acces-
sibility were also made to improve the long-term
preservation and use of this important landmark.
More work remains, since most all the furnishings
and displays were damaged or destroyed in the fire.
“We’re looking forward to getting back into the
Town Hall to begin the work to reassemble displays
and make the building welcoming again,” says
Voracek. “We hope this building can continue to tell
the stories of Eagan for another 100 years.”
The Eagan Historical Society hopes to be ready to
invite the public back to the Town Hall to view the
transformation and its collection, in spring 2016.
Anyone wishing to donate to the ongoing restora-
tion efforts may do so by writing a check to the
City of Eagan being sure to put the words “Town
Hall Project” in the memo line. Donations may be
dropped off or sent to: City of Eagan, 3830 Pilot
Knob Road, Eagan, MN 55122
PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGEPAIDTWIN CITIES MNPERMIT NO. 4902* * * * * ECRWSS * *Residential Postal Customer3830 Pilot Knob RoadEagan, Minnesota 55122Page 1
Moving Eagan Forward Forward –
Illuminating the Future
EPD’s Fifth Decade Puts Technology Forward;
Strong Values Above All
Airport Questions?
Page 2
Connect with Community as Commission Member
Spotlight on Streetlights
Budget Up Slightly; Still Below 10-Year Average
Page 3
Arsonists Charged in Town Hall Fire
Keep Eagan’s Lakes Clean, Starting in Your Garden
Eagan Civic Arena & Dakota Valley Recycling Shoot
for Zero Waste
Snow Season Reminders
Page 4
Get Hooked on Ice Fishing on January 16
Great Skate Debate
Yes! Fresh Produce at Eagan’s Winter Market
New Youth Camp Teaches Healthy Eating
Jobs at Cascade Bay
Youth Represent Eagan in Ambassador Program
Mayor
Mike Maguire
Councilmembers
Paul Bakken Cyndee Fields
Gary Hansen Meg Tilley
City Administrator Dave Osberg
(651) 675-5000 • (651) 454-8535 TTY
www.cityofeagan.com
Page 1
Experience Eagan
Got a kid? Like to fish? Bring that kid ice fishing in
Eagan during the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources annual Take-A-Kid Fishing weekend on
January 16 at Blackhawk Park from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Minnesota residents fish for free when accompa-
nied by a child age 15 or under. No experience nec-
essary.
The City of Eagan provides ice fishing equipment
and bait, while supplies last, or you can bring your
own. Event features include:
✔ pre-drilled holes on the ice for easy fishing
✔ experienced staff and fisherman volunteers to
show ice fishing techniques
✔ a bonfire with s’mores and hot cocoa
Attendees are encouraged to bring a bucket or lawn
chair to sit on, wear layered winter clothes, espe-
cially a hat and scarf, gloves and insulated or water-
proof boots with thick socks to stay warm.
For more information or to register contact Eagan
Parks & Recreation at (651) 675-5500. The event is
free but pre-registration is required as there are a
limited number of fishing poles for families to share.
Yes! Fresh Produce at
Eagan’s Winter Market
Get Hooked on Ice
Fishing on January 16
Jobs at Cascade Bay
Great Skate Debate
FunFest Ambassador
Program for Youth
To answer one of the most asked winter market
questions, yes, farm fresh produce is available at the
Eagan Market Fest’s Winter Indoor Market. In its
third year, the indoor market is open twice a month
through February from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. inside the
Eagan Community Center.
Remaining 2016 Market dates are: January 16 &
30 and February 13 & 27. Produce includes apples,
cabbage, carrots, potatoes, onions, winter squash,
golden beets and more. You’ll find much more than
produce, too, like honey, jam, handmade greeting
cards, baked items, spices, sauces, soaps, meat
and the list goes on. Visit www.cityofeagan.com/
MarketFest for a more complete list of offerings
and information.
Though it’s winter, it’s time to start making
plans for a great summer job. Cascade Bay,
one of Minnesota’s best water parks, is look-
ing to hire a solid team of 140 great people
this summer. Candidates must be at least
16 years old. Applications are being accept-
ed through February 29. Positions include
Lifeguards, Pool Attendants and Coordinator/
Supervisors. Apply online at www.cascadebay.com.
With November and December’s higher-than-
average temperatures, it’s possible the 2016 skating
season may not be typical.
Visit the City of Eagan Web site for rink opening and
condition updates. Crews will strive to maintain as
many rinks as possible. If weather conditions remain
challenging for ice, the Class A rinks at Goat Hill,
Bridle Ridge, Quarry, Rahn and Skyhill Parks will be
given maintenance priority.
Information and rink schedules are posted at each
location. Typical hours are Monday-Friday, 4:00 p.m.
to 8:00 p.m., Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00
p.m. and Sundays from noon to 8:00 p.m. Call the
Recreation Hotline at (651) 675-5511, option #3 for
Outdoor Rink information. The hotline is normally
updated one hour prior to opening times and updat-
ed throughout the day.
Take it Inside
If conditions are not favorable for outdoor ice, or
if you want to opt for indoor skating, visit www.
eagancivicarena.com for a schedule of Open Skating
and Club Sk8 events offered weekly.
Do you have a young person in your life who enjoys
doing community service projects, likes meeting
other people, wants to build confidence and could
use an academic scholarship for future school
plans? Then encourage them to become an ambas-
sador for Eagan. Eagan’s July 4th Funfest is seeking
local boys and girls ages 10-19 as candidates for the
Funfest Ambassador Program.
The program starts in May and culminates with
the coronation of the new Funfest Ambassadors in
July. Visit www.eaganfunfest.org/ambassadors/.
New Youth Camp Teaches Healthy Eating
School is out on Friday, January 22, for ISD 196 students so the City of Eagan is offering a half day health
and wellness camp for children ages 8 to 12. Partnering with a local organization called Health is Love, the
camp combines nutrition education with hands-on learning activities. Youth will explore nutritional con-
cepts, in cooking demos, sample healthy recipes, and go to create a few healthy recipes of their own.
For more information or to register, contact Eagan Parks & Recreation at (651) 675-5500. The deadline to
register is January 15.
facebook.com/CityofEagan
@CityofEagan March 11 & 12, 2016
Save the Date!
Jobs at Cascade Bay
one of Minnesota’s best water parks, is look-
ing to hire a solid team of 140 great people
this summer. Candidates must be at least
16 years old. Applications are being accept-
EaganCivicArena.com