Document - Historical information/data - Tom Egan key accomplishments. 20 pages total. - 7/26/1998&AN, TROMAS
(MyoR)
Egan, Wachter
honored for
years of service
Friends reminisce about past 20 years
By Jon Fure
Minnesota Sun Publications
he last City Council
meeting of 1998 was
also the last meeting
for Mayor Tom Egan
and Councilmember Ted
Wachter, who have served on the
council together for the last 20
years. Each received a plaque for
their years of service — Egan has
been on the council since 1978,
and Wachter began serving on
the township planning board in
1958 before becoming a charter
member of the City Council.
They also got their share of
good-natured teasing and words
of appreciation from friends, rela-
tives and coworkers during a re-
ception Dec. 17 at Royal Cliff in
Eagan.
Egan said he has mixed feel-
ings about retiring from the coun-
cil. While he looks forward to
spending more time with his fam-
ily, he looks back on many fond
memories. After receiving his
plaque at the Dec. 15 meeting, he
thanked his family, the city staff
and all the people who have sup-
ported him over the years. And
after pausing for a few moments,
he added, "You've put more faith
in me then I've put in myself"
City Administrator Tom
Hedges described some of the
major changes in Eagan by read-
ing statistics from 1978 compared
to the present. Eagan has grown
from 7,000 households in 1978 to
24,000 today, he said. The Police
Department had 14,000 calls in
1978 and has had 43,000 in 1998.
The city's general fund budget
was $1.3 million in 1978, whereas
today's is $16 million. The city
water system pumped 800 million
gallons of water from seven wells
in 1978, and today it pumps 2.9
billion gallons from 19 wells.
Hedges also estimated that
Egan and Wachter have each read
about 144,000 pages of memos
and reports in the council packets
since 1978. And in meetings
alone, he estimated they have
each spent the equivalent of 135
24-hour days on the council in the
last 20 years..
Alyce Bolke, who was appoint-
ed township clerk in 1961 and be-
came city clerk when Eagan was
incorporated, described the meet-
ings in the old Town Hall. She said
they sat on wooden chairs and
benches — sweating and swatting
mosquitoes in the summer and
huddling around a potbellied
stove in their coats and boots in
winter. She said she remembers
Wachter and other charter council
members approving the first zon-
ing map, discussing the contro-
versy of incorporating as a city, ap-
proving plans for Interstate 35E,
defeating a proposal to annex into
Burnsville and many other major
decisions in Eagan's history.
"It's been a great pleasure for
me to work with you, Ted. Thanks
a lot for all you did for the city," she
said.
Rep. Tim Pawlenty, who was
an Eagan council member for two
years, said Egan and Wachter
have both been good role models
for him. He said the recent elec-
tion of Jesse Ventura indicated
that people are tired of politicians
bickering, and they are looking for
elected officials who will get
things done.
"They had Ventura's message
before being like Jesse was cool.
You look around at the city and
you see their handprint all over.
They can be very proud that they
led us to this point. These are good
people who have done good things
for a good city. We owe them a
great debt of gratitude," he said.
Many people referred to
Wachter as "Mr Tree" because of
his efforts in preserving trees
throughout Eagan's development.
When Mayor -elect Pat Awada pre-
sented his plaque, she pointed out
that it has a small cross section of
the lone oak tree.
"As much as he has given to
Eagan, we felt we should give part
of Eagan to Ted," she said.
"What can I say? It's been a
wonderful trip from beginning to
end. I take great pride in the city's
46 parks, over 92 miles of trails,
Apple Vall :y/Rosemount, Eagan Sun•Current/Wednesday, Dec. 23, 1998 11 A
Jan Abbott/Staff Photographer
Eagan honored retiring Mayor Tom Egan and Councilmember Ted Wachter Thursday evening at Royal
Cliff. They are looking at a 1957 map of Eagan at the spot of Wachter's contour farming techniques.
Egan (below [eft) has been on the council since 1978 and Wachter (below right) began serving on the
township planning board in 1958 before becoming a charter member of the Eagan City Council.
two ice arenas, a library that is
second to none, and now with an
aquatic facility, the future of ac-
tivities for our youth is assured,"
he said.
Egan described some of the
ideas that seemed radical when
he first ran for election, like
widening Pilot Knob Road, in-
creasing the number of off -sale
liquor licenses from three to four,
allowing companies to build gas
stations without service bays and
purchasing compact cars or cars
with diesel engines for the Police
Department. He said not only has
the landscape changed in Eagan,
but people's perceptions of public
officials have also: changed.
"Expectations of elected offi-
cials has increased immensely.
Submitted Photo
Back then people were very for-
giving if they felt you were at-
tempting to do the right thing.
Now many people have become
downright cynical. We're con-
stantly faced with distrust, suspi-
cion and cynicism, the likes of
which we've never seen," he said.
Farm fields have been re-
placed by neighborhoods and of-
fice buildings, and the rapid
growth has created demand for
services and amenities, Egan
added. Throughout the changes,
the constant demand has been for
the council to keep taxes as low as
possible, and he said he is proud
that Eagan's taxes traditionally
have been low. He thanked
Hedges and each of the city de-
partment heads for their leader -
Submitted Photo
ship. He also gave advice to Paul
Bakken and Peggy Carlson, who
will take office in January, and to
anyone else who will seek election
to the council.
"You have to listen, listen, lis-
ten. Listen intently to your con-
stituents with your ears, listen
with your eyes and listen with
your heart and listen with your
mind. And after you listen you
must act. Eagan has a represen-
tative form of democracy, which
means most of the decisions are
made by [the five -member coun-
cil]. There is no room for arro-
gance. You have to act decisively
but without arrogance.
"It's been a privilege and an
honor to serve this unparalleled
community."
12A •' Apple, Valley/Rosemount,,Eagan Sun•Current/Wednesday, Din: 23, 1998
oolittles New- Year's . Eve
bash supports DD
Doolittles restaurants hold
alcohol -free party, benefit
- By Kim -Johnson.
Minnesota Sun Publications
Next week,'people allover the Twin
Cities will be ringing in the New Year
— dining,_ dancing, drinking, or maybe
even sleeping.
For'its-third year, Doolittles Air Cafe
will offer an 'alternative to what is ar-
guably the biggest bar night of the year.
Its alcohol -free New Year's -Eve
party will take place at all four Doolit-
tles-'locations:Eden Prairie, Eagan,
-Golden Valley and Coon Rapids.
• RestaurateursBarb Olson and her
brother, Lynn -Reimer, have made some
changes to this year's'event, which they
hope will attract 200 guests to each lo-
cation. But the party still will serve as
a fund-raiser for. Mothers- Against
Drunk Driving (MADD).. '
= All net profits from the evening will
go to MADD, Olson. said. In the past
two years, Doolittles has raised more
than $3,000 for the nonprofit.organiza-
tion.
Olson hopes to collect $1,000 for
MADD this year, and emphasized the
restaurants also will accept `donations
for the organization. In the past,
Doolittles 'has received checks for $500.
to go -to the fund-raiser, she said.
"That's amazing," Olson said. "When
that happens, all of us are just grateful.
,We don't expect it:" ,
In the past, the parties -offered buf-
fet dining and dancing for $20 to $30, a
head, and was geared more- toward
adult.couples.•.Wine' and'beer. were
available. '
This year, the event' is tailored to-.
ward families,Olson said. Ticket prices,.
are down to $10-for adults and $5 for
. children 12 and under Ali -you -can -eat
appetizers will, replace, the prime. rib'
dinner buffet, and pop, coffee and water:
will -be the drinks of choice.
"That late,most people are just
wanting to graze anyway," Olson said. ,
The party starts at 10 p.m., but din-,
`People thought we closed
down the restaurant for the
party last year.. We just want
people to know they can still
come early and sup
we're doing.': _ -
port what
.— Barb Olson
restaurateur'
i
ner specials before the New Year's Eve
festivities will be partofa two -fold pro-
motion, Olson said. -
"People thought we closed down the
restaurant for the -party last year,".she
said. "We just want people to know they
.,can still come early and support what
we're doing " •
-
A balloon,drop is -scheduled for mid-
night, with prizes for all ages inside
many:of the balloons, Olson said. A'dee-
jay from KOOL 108 will set the stage
-for dancing, and will play a variety of
music, including requests, she said.
Former middle linebacker for- the
Minnesota Vikings, Jeff Siemon, :will be
at Doolittles in Eden Prairie for the
event, along with his wife, Dawn, and
Olson and her husband, Dan. _
-"It's a great alternative on New
Year's," Siemon said, adding that he
wants to support the restaurants' fund-
raising efforts and his friends, the 01-
'sons.
Siemon played for the Vikings be-
.• tween 1972-1983, under coach Bud
Grant. He now lives and works in
Edina:
"I'm excited," Olson said. "I'm really •
hoping we get a good response."
The event might attract some young
people,too, but minors must be accom-
panied by an adult — which could be an
older brother or sister, *Olson said.
"It's 'a good way for parents to.know
that (their kids] can come "down and -
have a good time, and be safe," she said.
•
SERVICE
• Navy Seaman Recruit Daniel Pa-
cholke, whose parents are Randy and
Jody Pacholke of Rosemount, has: com-
pleted basic training in Great Lakes, Ill:
Marine Staff Sgt. Michael Nimtz,
whose parents. are Scott and Marlys
Nimtz of Apple Valley, received a Merito-
rious Mast. - .
Navy Seaman - Recruit Brandon
Mitchell, whose, parents are • William
and Jackie Mitchell df Rosemount, has
completed basic training in -Great Lakes,
Ill. He is a 1998 graduate of Rosemount
• High School. • - - .
Army National Guard Pfc. • Michael
Slag, whose parents are Joan Slag of _
. Devils Lake, N.D., and Jeff Slag of Rose_.•
mount; has graduated from the wheeled
vehicle repairer course at Aberdeen Prov-
ing Ground, Aberdeen, Md.•
-
Navy Fireman Recruit Christopher
• Budde; whose parents are Paul and Bon-
' -nies Budde of Rosemount;.has completed
basic training at Recruit Training Com-
mand, Great Lakes; Ill. He is a 1994
graduate of Rosemount High School.- •
Air National .Guard Airman Vaughn
Hanson, whose parents are -Richard and.
Sandra Hanson ofRosemount, has grad-
uated from basic military -training at
Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, -
Texas. He is a 1992 graduate of, Rose-
mount High School and in 1994 received.
an 'associate degree from Minnesota
Bible College, Rochester.
Army Pvt. Joel Jacobson, whose
"parents are Lawrence and Susan Jacob-
son of Rosemount, has graduated from
One -'Station Unit Training i>a Fort Ben
• ning, Columbus, Ga. He is a 1997 gradu-
ate of Rosemount High School.'
Army Pvt. Chad. -Morris, whose par=
ents are Jean Smith of Apple: Valley and
Dan. Morris of Farmington, has graduat-
ed from the Bradley fighting vehicle sys-
• tem turret mechanic course at Fort Knox,.
- Ky. He is a 1997 graduate of Apple Valley
HighSchooL - .
Staff Sgt: Synita Loyd of Rosemount'
has 'received the Meritorious Service -
Medal as. a: result of being instrumental
•
HONOR ROLL
. in the -management: of the annual train-
ing budget at the 88th-Regional 'Support.
Command at Fort Snelling. Loyd has an •
ll=year career in the military. Part of this
career- includes two;:years in the. active
Army and -one year in the Army Reserve. '
In 1990 she joined the Active Guard Re-
serve program and :had positions as an
`executive assistant prior to her assign-
ment at the, 88th--RSC. She currently
works for the operations directorate:
Air Force Airman Chad Jacobson,
whose parents are Cheryl Jacobson of -
• Rosemount and Steve Jacobson of Farm- '
• ington, has ,graduated from basic train-
ing in San Antonio, Texas. He is a 1998 `
graduate of Rosemount High School..
- . Maurice Young of Eagan performed
at the. National Veterans Creative Arts
Festival in Houston, Texas. Young, 50, is_ -
one of more than 100-U S.-military veter-
• ans fromacross the nation who was in
Houstonfor a week of workshops and re-
- hearsals leading up to a gala stage per-
formance and art exhibit at the Univer-
sity of Houston's Cullen Performance
Hall. Young won- first place in the na-
tional music' competition, Vocal Group
Jazz/R&B. category and also won in the
Vocal Solo category. Young, together with
his•two fellow "Bachelors," Sonny Knight i
and Monroe Wright, sang "Up' a Lazy a
River." The Bachelors have won this -com-
petition for the past three years, howev-
er, this is Young's first time to win a
medal as a soloist:
•
Army National Guard Pvt. Samuel
Holl, whose parents: are Mark and
Katherine Holl of Burnsville, has -gradu-
ated from basic training at Fort Leonard
;Wood, Waynesville, Mo. He is a 1998 .
graduate of Burnsville High School..
Army Pvt. Charles Auld, whose par-
ents are :Charles and Jackie Auld of '
Burnsville, has graduated from basic;
training. at Fort; Leonard Wood, Way`, ..
nesville, Mo. He -is a 1997 graduate ofai -
Burnsville High School. - —
•
Army National Guard . Pvt. Bradley ?.
McGraw, whose - parents are Timothy ,_.
and Roxanne McGraw of Burnsville, has
entered basictraining at Fort Jackson, •
Columbia, S.C: He is a 1998 graduate of
Burnsville High School. -
A honor roll named at
EVHS for first: quarter
The following students were named to
the Eastview High School "A" Honor Roll*
for the first quarter of the 1998-99 school
year: _
•
Lindgren, Rachel Lucas, Molly Maistrovich; Ashley.
Martens, John Maturen, Laura Mazurk, Sarah McCann,
Elisabeth Heiss, Brian Henk, Barbara Henninger, Sarah
`
Henningsen, Jaymeson,Heppelmann, Nicole-Heppner,
Scott McGregor, Allison McKay, Ann McKenzie, Ashley- Mark Hines, Adam Holten, Marietta Hoogs, Shen Huffs-
McNamara, David Meacham, 'Sara Mesarchik, Mitchell • tutter, Courtney Hugstad-vaa, Bryce Hutchins, Michael'•
Meyer, John Millea, Knsti Millman, Michael Miserendi- Iverson, Keith Jasken, Lindsey Johnson, Nathan John -
no, Andrew Morgan, Nicole Moulzolf, Andrea Mueller, son, Sarah Johnson, Kevin Kane, Jenelle Kasdorf, Sara - "James Scoville, Anna Shogren; Timothy Slu-• -Joshua
Christie Mueller, Katey.Munson, Megan Murphy, Colan Keller, Ashley Kite, Brooke Kile,•Mark;Kmgsbury, Justin : •
'Solberg, Ryan Sommers, granNicholas Thompson; Jennifer
Neese, Matthew Nelson, Emily Nichols,. Brent. Nicholson; Knoepfler, Breanna Korsman, Mackenzie Kristoff, Leah
Katherine O'Sullivan, Benjamin Olson, Lexington Paiko; Krizak, Kristina Kurcinka, Lynne Kurdael, Kelly Laramy, Tomes; Kathryn Toscano, Rebekah Towner, Kelli Tsu- .
Matthew Lattemer, Cassandra Lawin, Uo , An ..rusaki, Cortney Urbach, Nadezhda Verenich, Amy
Andrew Panchenko, Danielle Patterson, Courtney Paul; Ryan 1rd
Jessica Pederson, Joel Peterson, gela Lucas,. Anne Marden; Sarah' Marquart, Nicholas Waldera,Jody Ward;,Efias Way; Joshua Werner, Abigail.
David Martin, Kathryn McCabe, Christopher McKenzie, Jacque White, Danielle Wiklund, Ashley Williams, Amber Wilson
gregor, Carolyn Miler, Annika Moe, Nicolas Moreno, .
•- Kristy Morse, Nicholas Napolitan, Megan Pauli, Meagan
Rasmussen, Janet Reece, Andrea Reiter, Courtney Ries,
Allison Romano, Samantha Saldm, Katy Sathre, Matthew
• Sawka, Michael Schauerhamer, Jennifer Schneewind,
A QUALITY CITY is of prime importance to your family and mine. The
development of Eagan should carefully follow the long-range Compre-
hensive Land Use Guide giving first priority to the impact of such
development on the people of Eagan. The growth must be controlled. It is an
investment in our future. We must carefully continue to expand the services
offered to the people of Eagan without jeopardizing our low property taxes.
Dear Neighbor:
It's been a good eight years. Together
we have faced many problems and had to
make a lot of decisions. Eagan is the
fastest growing city in the state and
because of this, it is absolutely
imperative that consistent and strong
leadership is present on our City Council.
I believe I have demonstrated these
abilities while representing your interest.
I ask your support on November 5th as
I promise to continue to support you for
the next four years.
RE-ELECT
TOM ELAN
EAGAN CITY COUNCIL
TOM ELAN FOR CITY COUNCIL
PERSONAL GLANCE
Married: wife -Betty, daughter -Shannon
Raised in Eagan
Chairman: Cystic Fibrosis Eagan Bike-a-thon
1981-Present
Member: St. Peter's Catholic Church
Eagan City Council since 1978
Airport Joint Safety Zoning Board
Cable T.V. Advisory Committee
Eagan Ad Hoc Sign Committee
Eagan Special Assessment Advisory
Committee
EGAN'S GOALS
FOR EAGAN
Control Development in
Eagan
Update Land Use Guide
Reduction of Airport
Noise
Completion of Eagan's
Park Goals
Traffic Safety in
Neighborhoods
Protect Property Taxes
PROFESSIONAL GLANCE
Graduate: College of St. Thomas and William
Mitchell College of Law
Member: American Bar Association
Minnesota Bar Association
Dakota County Volunteer Attorney's
Panel
Dakota County Bar Association
EAGAN'S
PROGRESS
WITH EGAN
SINCE 1978
Development of Land
Use Guide
Adopted Master Park
Plan
Achieved MN Star City
which increased:
Job Opportunities
Commercial &
Industrial Businesses
Drafted Airport Safety
Ordinance
ISSUES
BUDGETING is an ever present problem today
I will work to eliminate sudden and unexpected expansion of Budget expenditures.
I will promote future expansion of city services while keeping property taxes in line with assessed
valuation.
PLANNING is one of the most important issues facing our city
I have participated in every meeting and public hearing in development and revision of Eagan's Land
Use Guide.
As a participant in the 1985 National Organization to Insure a Sound -controlled Environment
(NOISE) Conference, I have studied and represented Eagan residents on vital airport noise issues.
PARTNERSHIPS between city officials and residents of Eagan is our future
I will work to develop planned neighborhoods which are compatible with proper zoning.
I will continue to support completion of the Cable TV System for those who wish to subscribe.
Prepared and paid for by the Egan Volunteer Committee, Doris Wilkins, Chair, Eagan, MN.
°ruler
mayor receive
distinguishe
leader:, away
Former Eagan mayor Tom
Egan received the ` Southwest
Area YMCA Distinguished
Leader Award at `tle `142nd' an=;`
nual meeting . of tteYMCA of .
Greater St. Paul held recently.
Egan served the",YMCA=in a
number of positions in the,_last
10years,- including the capital"
campaign " and as a.'.;member of
the planned giving committee.
"Tom was. a key: figure• in the"
creation of.:our.:'riew;':teen: `cen ..
ter," ..- said "Southwest -YMCA,
Executive: Director':; Tim Staley. •;
"He ¢as 1heled build positive .?
partnerships between 3 ' non-
profits; . corporations"1 and. public;
entities. He isialso_;a'great.ex
ample of -the core values ;that:
the YMCA holds;:so
are thankful`' for Tom s contiT
ued supporta and advocacy. for:;:
the Southwest,; Area YMCA.::
Retirements mark e
• 2 outgoing members
of Council look back
at years of service
AMY SHERMAN STAFF WRITER
Ted Wachter's first encounter with gov-
ernment was when a pack of cars
showed up at his family's farm in Rose-
mount in March 1942. Federal govern-
ment hacks said they needed the land for
a gunpowder plant and the Wachters had
two weeks to pack their bags.
Wachter told himself that if he ever
worked in government, he would try to
help folks. He got the chance when he
joined Eagan Township's advisory plan-
ning board in 1958.
Tom Egan's earliest experience with
local government was less bitter. His
neighbors recruited him to get involved
with meetings about the proposed
upgrade of Pilot Knob Road in 1977.
Residents were concerned about the
county's plans to transform the rural
two-lane road into a major thoroughfare.
Neighbors liked the way Egan handled
himself and encouraged hin
City Council. He won.
Decades later, the two ve
City Council members are
end of their terms. Both h
supporters and critics throw
But there is one point tha
argued: When Wachter an
their terms this month, the
will lose a big part of its
memory.
Wachter is the city's elde
He graduated from the planr
the village council in 1972.
later, when Eagan incorporal
he joined the City Council.
Last week, Egan and Wa
the council table together
time and were sent off with
city named a conference
Wachter. The Eagan Histoi
unveiled a display about Wac
City Hall. The duo received
typically reserved Egan even
Both have loved serving tJ
ty, but it hasn't always been
There have been bitte
ha
nd of an era for Eagan
to run for
teran Eagan
nearing the
• attracted
gh the years.
t cannot be
d Egan end
City Council
institutional
✓ statesman.
ling board to
Two years
ed as a city,
chter sat at
for the last
fanfare. The
room after
ical Society
hter's life at
plaques. The
choked up.
ae communi-
fun.
✓ lawsuits,
EAGAN CONT
NUED ON 2B
SCOTT TAKUSHI/PIONEER PRESS
Eagan City Council Member Ted Wachter, left, has served in city government for 41
years. Tom Egan, the city's mayor, has served for 20. Both are retiring from their gov-
ernment posts at year's end.
- ou ow, om, we cou vo e
for you that first election as
mayor because you were responsi-
• ble ... for throwing tomatoes at
our car." I said, "No Dorothy
no. Maybe later than sooner, we're
getting this straightened out. It
was my brother Johnny that actu-
ally threw the tomatoes at your,
i era y e up o eir doorsteps.
People were concerned they
would have dust, noise and heavy
traffic and ' safety problems right
up in frontof their living -room
windows. So what we did was
come in with a .reasonable : com-
promise by removing most of the
center medians . . the service
>s en with your ear
with your mind: Then act. There is
no place at City Hall for arro-
gance — you have to listen.
.Amy Sherman covers Eagan, Inver Grove
Heights and Rosemount. She can be
reached at •
asherman@pioneerpress.com or at
(651) 228-2174.
enter eeting Facilitator. Call
(651) 438-8272. •
• Rosemount Partnership
Program needs volunteers for its
programs and services. The pro-
gram works to enhance the quality.
of life for the community. Call
(651) 423-4391.
Lakeville Police Department
•
David- Luick appointed to the Lakeville City Council
■ New member will
replace outgoing
Mary Liz Holberg
1. KA VANG STAFF WRITER
David Luick is an avid hunter and
a whiz on environmental issues. .
And early , next year, , he'll
become a ' member of the
Lakeville 'City Council.
'Luick, 40, will replace Mary Liz
Holberg, who was elected to the
state House • of Representatives in
November.- -
Luick, an environmental real
estate manager for Minneapolis -
based Target, will be sworn in at
+the City Council meeting Jan. 4
after Holberg officially gives up
her seat . during the meeting.
A former member of the
Lakeville Planning Commission,._
Luick was chosen unanimously by
the current City Council during
Monday's meeting. Holberg
abstained from the vote because
the law does not allow her to vote
on her successor.
Because of his knowledge. of the
city's growth and development,
Luick edged out 16 other candi-
dates , who applied for the position.
Mayor Duane Zaun said Luick
was more qualified because of- his
experience, on the city's planning
commission. He served on that
body from 1993 to 1997 and was
'its chairman from 1995 to 1996.
"His knowledge about develop-
ment in the city, particularly how
it relates to the. comprehensive ,
plan, played an important part in
my decision, Zaun said. "He is
also very knowledgeable about
other issues; and sharp to a
degree. He really analyzes things."
Luick, who is married and has
two daughters, said . his biggest chal-
lenge will be convincing residents
that he will work hard for them
even though hewas not elected. '
Luick was chosen after 'a two-
month search that included two
special work sessions in which two
finalists were interviewed by y
council members. .
The second finalist; Dave
Bellows, said the council made the
right decision.
"I was pretty convinced that
David Luick would win. He is very
qualified for the position," said
Bellows, a pastor at the Fellowship
Bible Church in Lakeville. •
Bellows said he is not sure
whether he will run • for election
next year. Luick echoed Bellows'
feelings, saying he has not decided
to run for election in 1999, when
the. position expires.
And is there any advice from
the current council? •
"Have a good sense of humor,"
Zaun said. .
Ka Vang covers Apple Valley and
Lakeville. She can be reached at
kvang@pioneerpress.com.or at (651)
228-2173.
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LOTTERY 38
BRIEFINGS 3B, 7B
DEATH NOTICES 7B
WEATHER 8B
;ROVE HEIGHTS ■ LAKEVILLE ■ ROSEMOUNT
felines sought
'eiled The recommendations will be
presented to the state Legislature
atory and the Board of Peace Officers
every Standards and Training. If
approved, the proposal would
with overhaul the state's standards for
rips" police pursuit techniques for the
eing first time in a decade and affect
7,500 law enforcement officers
ula- across Minnesota.
"We think it's very important
rom to have mandated training," said
nta- Delmont. "There's only so many
iefs resources and money available
sot a for training. If this is not manda-
sota tory, this may not be the kind of
oci- training cities want to spend their
Itrol, training dollars on."
ninal The report comes on the heels
sota of a rash of deaths resulting from
lards
CHASE CONTINUED ON 4B
WHIPPLE/PIONEER PRESS
wing it," Bergeron says of her Santa
seeing the joy they get from receiving."
SECTION B
State
Carlson
fill
Ventura
appointments,
should
says
can't
n
make
official
that
his own
decides
DENNIS LIEN STAFF WRITER
Gov. Arne Carlson's eight -year stint as Because
governor started with a brouhaha over
botched vetoes. And it's ending with a snafu the terms
over appointments. for those
Armed with an opinion it requested from
the Minnesota attorney general's office, the positions
Secretary of State's office on Tuesday start the dzI
returned to Carlson seven appointments for Y
state -agency positions that he had made Gov. -elect
earlier this month. Jesse
Because the terms for those positions
start Jan. 4, the day Gov. -elect Jesse Ven- Ventura
tura takes office, the appointments belong
to Ventura, the opinion said. takes Office,
"Gov. Carlson is not authorized to make the appoint -
the appointments referred to in your letter
and, as a result, you are not obligated to menu belong
accept the appointment notices," the attor- to Ventura.
ney general's office wrote.
The Secretary of State sought the opinion
to clarify a situation that didn't look quite right, according to
Joe Mansky, election division director for the Secretary of
State.
"When we saw the first four notices of appointment coming
over, it just kind of raised a question in our minds that perhaps
these were appointments more properly made by Gov. -elect
Ventura," Mansky said. "Just to be sure, we wanted to get the
attorney general's view on this."
POSTS CONTINUED ON 4B
HealthPartners'
in
Maplewood's
Woodbury
expands;
closes
clinic
TOM MAJESKI STAFF WRITER
Rapid growth in the East Metro area is prompting Health -
Partners to construct a major addition to its 2-year-old clinic
in Woodbury, company officials say.
At the same time, the company announced it is closing its
Ramsey Clinic in Maplewood on Feb. 26 and converting its
Skyway Clinic in Minneapolis to a dental -only facility on March
1.
HealthPartners will keep patients informed of their doctors'
new clinic locations, said spokeswoman Sara McFee.
Nevertheless, the clinic's closing will be a major blow to
patients such as Andy Decker of St. Paul. Clinic doctors diag-
nosed his kidney problem 10 years ago and referred him to
specialists who successfully treated him with dialysis and then
a kidney transplant. His wife also had a difficult pregnancy
that was expertly handled by clinic staff, he said.
"We will very definitely miss this clinic," Decker said. "The
care we've had has just been fantastic."
After the Maplewood clinic closes, the health plan will have
22 primary -care clinics in the Twin Cities metro area, four
owned by Regions Hospital and 18 owned by HealthPartners,
said Mary Brainerd, executive vice president of care delivery
for HealthPartners, the second-largest HMO in the state.
Construction at Woodbury will provide more space for pri-
mary care, obstetrics/gynecology, pharmacy, laboratory and
CLINIC CONTINIJFf ON 7R ►
SAINT PAUL
SOUTH S
. SERVING, APPLE VALLEY s, EAGAN ■ INVER
EGAN
v CONTINUED FROM 1B
marathon council meetings — and
plenty of tough decisions. The two
have witnessed comical mistakes
the city made, such as purchasing
diesel squad cars in the early
1970s that were so noisy criminals
could clear out longbefore the-.,
cops could nab them.
There have been the individual
blunders: One time „Egan backed
through his : own garage by acci-
dent en route to a meeting because
he was.so focused on an upcoming.
vote about a controversial develop-
- ment. Wachter accidentally sawed
off part of three fingers during the:
1980s when he was run ragged by
council meetings that routinely
lasted until 3 a.m.
But ..the accomplishments out-
weigh` the problems. The duo can
• take credit for helping Eagan
secure the things residents now
take for granted, such as paved
roads and :full-time city staff, and.
the things that make the suburb a
community, such as the library
and the ice arena. Egan helped
woo West Publishing,. one of the
largest taxpayers in the city.
Wachter helped save and restore
the old town hall.
Neither council member is an
Eagan native and .neither envi-
sioned a life in politics. •
They come from different back-
grounds. Wachter - was the first in
his family to graduate 'from high
school. He spent his life as a
farmer and a carpenter. Drop by
his home, and the 75-year-old will
show off -his boyhood toy train, his
woodcarving :collection and his
wife Anne's .intricate dollhouse.
He's quick to crack a joke and
chuckle.
Egan is more of 'a mover and a
shaker: After bouncing around the
' Twin Cities , and South Dakota, his
family' moved to Eagan •Township
when he was 14. Egan earned a
political science degree at the
University of St. Thomas and then
went to William Mitchell Law
School: He moved back to Eagan
with his wife Betty in 1976. , '
Liz Witt, .the longtime former
city clerk' describes the 51-year-
old Egan as a quiet, but fair lead-
er., "Tom certainly followed his
- conscience, his' value system of
fairness and honesty. He gives
everybody an opportunity to give.
their opinion."
- Many will remember Wachter's
passion for local history. He has a
map of Eagan's past ingrained in
his mind. If you need to know
whom a particular farmer mar-
ried. or. the location of the 1920s
foundation of the moonshine still
buried -in the woods,. Wachter is
your man. • .
"The experience these two gentle-._
man have will sorely be missed,"
Witt said:, "It will be a void that
will be very difficult to fill."
As their terms draw to a close,
'Egan and Wachter reminisced
about their tenure. The following
are excerpts from .several.inter-
views:
Q: What was 'Eagan like when
you first moved there?
Egan: Oh it was a township : =
. very -rural.. There; were spot
parcels of residential development
: serviced by local septic systems
and wells The population was
perhaps 5,000 at the .time. I lived
right next to a •(relative) of Ted's
actually, theCordes, at 2 River
Ridge Circle. It was a little gravel
road just off of. Lone Oak Road
about three . blocks up from
Highway 13. '
(One time many/ years later)
Carl and%Dorothy (Cordes) said,
car." roads . . pedestrian overpasses.
•Q: What does the neighborhood By the time we were done, we
look like today? ' had worked out what I 'considered
Wachter: Bulk mail facility. on to be an excellent plan.
the farm, office building in. the ' On Interstate 35E, which was
neighborhood' to the north, office built"inthe 1970sand 80s: .
and warehouse in the neighbor- Wachter: I was v_ ery much con
hood to the east. To the south is cerned about my farm because
our Promenade shopping center. 35E was .going to come through it.
It's different, no doubt about that: I had established some wildlife;,
If •our forefathers were to come .planted trees and contoured the
home they wouldn't know where farm for better conservation ,of
they were. topsoil. • •
Q: How did that make you feel At' first I was opposed to it
about government whenyour fami- because I didn't know. what was
Iy's farm was taken? all going to take place. Being a
Wachter: I guess that was farmer, you're concerned about
always in the ,back of my mind; taking your livelihood away. But
and I said if I ever had a chance then after 'a while I realized what
to do something for people from a it meant for the city of Eagan.'
government angle I would try to This was the • so-called key to
do my best to help them. I didn't opening those big doors to Eagan.
pursue it at the time. But then Egan:. And it did. You could
when I was asked by Herb Polzin erally hear- the "for sale" signs
(who was active in Eagan govern- rising' from the ground. The whole.
ment) to be on the planning board community had a "for' sale" sign
for Eagan, I accepted. • on it. The community just 'started
Q: What was your first reaction to developovernight almost imme-
to learning the name of the town- diately when 35E was developed.
• ship was the same as yours? . A gentleman by . the name of
Egan: Believe it or not, I wasn't John Klein formed a' group called
very concerned about that as a the .Urban Council on Mobility.
teen-ager.. I ,was more concerned And John was town board chair -
about the fact that I seemed to be man for' the township. He spear -
out .in no man's land. When you're headed the completion of 35E. We
too young to have a driver's all, took for granted the fact that
license, living out in a township . . 35E would come but there was a
. I felt somewhat isolated. very strong question. about
Q: How did you decide to get whether it was necessary with the
involved with local govemment? completion' of .35W and the exis-
• Egan: I came home from work tence of Highway 13. John Klein
one evening in June of 1977 and it took Tom Hedges to .Washington,
was a bright sunny day. My next- D.C., Tom's first month or two in
door neighbor saw the pull in the' ;office as city administrator. He
garage.. She said there was a great went and lobbied hard with our
concern about a project, a county congressional delegation and
road project. It was coming in ,at begged them to please keep
Pilot Knob Road and ,they would- 'money in the budget for: 35E.
like me to attend the meeting. I. think what :almost killed John,
We sat down and discussed the though, was when a group of
preliminary plans for the upgrad- .'Eagan residents wantedto pre-
ing of Pilot Knob Road. One 'of ' serve the - area. In particular they
the real drawbacks to our decision were very concerned_ about pre -
to move to' Eagan at the time was serving Blackhawk Lake.
- the condition of the streets. We • 35E was going to go right over
just didn't feel there was• any safe the narrows of Blackhawk Lake.
or adequate street in Eagan, and . The residents objected and they
Pilot Knob was one • of• those eventually filed an environmental -
streets rwas concerned about. ist lawsuit to prevent if from
Pilot Knob at. that time was a being built that way. Actually the
two-lane rural ditch road that city of Eagan is better off by the
went all the way from the knob in ' fact that the freeway went around
Mendota Heights to Farmington '.. it because we have probably one
r But what was being proposed -of Eagan's prettiest parks down
was not only upgrading the road there. The court ruled there was a
from two lanes to four lanes but prudent ;'and feasible alternative to
to put in divided medians, going right through the middle o
frontage roads. There were 'even the lake —you can go around it.
pedestrian,crosspaths,. overpasses:- %, On; airport noise,, an,i issu
My neighbors- were very con: Wachter and' Egan predict wil
cerned about that. . never be resolved:
I think what. I'm describing to ' Egan: I've been so actively
you is the dawning of the develop- involved in that issue ... it's one
ment of .Eagan. It may have been of those things that will never go
the first time a large segment of away. It's one of those things that
the then -Eagan, population became ' you have to continue and assert
`aware of the fact that' Eagan was yourself and make sure your pres-
in fact developing and. they want-' ence and your views are known.
ed to be more actively involved in* (In 'the' 1970s) you had • stage 1,
the process. • stage.2 and stage 3 aircraft. Most
Q: What did you learn from that •of the airplanes flying back then
first campaign? • were stage _1., which were
Egan: I .became rather shocked extremely noisy., 0There were just
to'find out the cause we were try- not many quiet planes at all.
ing to protect was not universally Wachter: •(Airport officials)
accepted. The cause was to try weren't concerned about it. Even
and slow down progress. I can tell if people complained they •let it go
you I'm not an obstructionist: - because they didn't feel it was
I worked . very hard' 'during the necessary: Now they look at it in
early months of that first term a different light and they are will
trying to come up with a reason-ing to cooperate now.
able compromise, which -we ' did... Q How did you learn to disagree
. What we started to use almost and still be friends?
immediately was the expression Wachter: Tom and I, we dis-.
"`controlled . growth": Instead of agreed a few times. It never both
having •rampant, ill-advised.. ered our friendship.
growth, let's try and professional -Egan: Ted and I would end the
ize this. day as cordial as we began it.
Q: Can you give me an example? What advice would you give to
the new,council?
. Egan: Let's. use, Pilot Knob Egan: Listen, listen, listen.
itself. The fear that the 'residents Listen' to everyone involved all
along Pilot . Knob' had was if the sideson every issue.: Listen .with
road was developed as wide as your -eyes, listen with your ears, I
what was being nr000sed. it would
Retirements mark end of an era tor E,
• 2 outgoing members
of Council look back
at years of service
AMY SHERMAN STAFF WRITER
Ted Wachter's first encounter with gov-
ernment was when a pack of cars
showed up at his family's farm in Rose-
mount in March 1942. Federal govern-
ment hacks said they needed the land for
a gunpowder plant and the Wachters had
two weeks to pack their bags.
Wachter told himself that if he ever
worked in government, he would try to
help folks. He got the chance when he
joined Eagan Township's advisory plan-
ning board in 1958.
Tom Egan's earliest experience with
local government was less bitter. His
neighbors recruited him to get involved
with meetings about the proposed
upgrade of Pilot Knob Road in 1977.
Residents were concerned about the
county's plans to transform the rural
two-lane road into a major thoroughfare.
Neighbors liked the way Egan handled
himself and encouraged him to run for
City Council. He won.
Decades later, the two veteran Eagan
City Council members are nearing the
end of their terms. Both have attracted
supporters and critics through the years.
But there is one point that cannot be
argued: When Wachter and Egan end
their terms this month. the City Council
will lose a big part of 'ts institutional
memory.
Wachter is the city's elder statesman.
He graduated from the planning board to
the village council in 1972. Two years
later, when Eagan incorpi-rated as a city,
he joined the City Council.
Last week, Egan and Wachter sat at
the council table together for the last
time and were sent off with fanfare. The
city named a conference room after
Wachter. The Eagan Historical Society
unveiled a display about Wachter's life at
City Hall. The duo received plaques. The
typically reserved Egan even choked up.
Both have loved serving the communi-
ty, but it hasn't always been fun.
There have been bitter lawsuits,
EAGAN CONTINUED ON 2B
Eagan City Council Member Ted Wachter, left, has
years. Tom Egan, the city's mayor, has served for
emment posts at year's end.
wL3, U - °-fi r
SERVING APPLE VALLEY • EAGAN ■ INVER G
EAGAN
CONTINUED FROM 113
tarathon council meetings -1.and
lenty of tough decisions. • The two
ave witnessed comical mistakes
ie. city made, such as purchasing
iesel squad cars in the'early
970s that were so noisy criminals
ould clear out long before the
ops could,nab them.
There' have been the individual
lunders: One time Egan backed
hrough his own garage by acci-
ent en route to a meeting because ,
e was so focused on an upcoming
ote, about a controversial• develop-
ment. Wachter accidentally sawed .
ff'part of three fingers during the
980s when he was run ragged by
ouncil meetings that routinely
asted until 3 a.m.
But the accomplishments out -
neigh the problems. The duo can
ake credit for helping Eagan-
ecure the'. things residents now
ake forgranted, such as paved
pads' and full-time city staff, and
he things that make the suburb a
:ommunity, suchas ttie library
ind the ice arena. Egan helped
von West . Publishing, one of the
argest taxpayers in the city..
Wachter helped save and. restore
:he old town hall. •
Neither council member, is an
Eagan native, and neither 'envi-'
sioned a life in politics. 'They come from different back-
grounds. Wachter was the first in
his family to graduate from high
school. He spent his life: as .a
farmer and a carpenter. Drop by
his' home, and the 75-year-old will •
'show off his boyhood toy train, his
woodcarving --collection and his
wife Anne's intricate dollhouse.
Ile's quick• to crack a joke and -
huckle.'
.Egan is more of a mover and
Maker. After bouncing around the
Twin Cities, and -South .Dakota. his-'_
family .moved: to Eagan Township
When • he was. 14. Egan earned a
political science degreeat the%
University of St. • Thomas and then
went to William Mitchell Law
School. He .moved back to Eagan
with his wife Betty in 1976.. - .
Liz Witt, the, longtime former
pity clerk, describes the..51-year-
)ld Egan as a quietbut fair" lead-
er. "Tom certainly 'followed his
:onscience, his value system of
fairness and honesty."fie gives
everybody an opportunity to give
their opinion."
• Many will remember Wachter's
passion for local history. Eleime'a
map of Eagan's past ingrained in
his mind. If you need to know
whom a particular farmer mar-
ried or the location of the 1920s
foundation of the moonshine still
buried in the :woods, Wachter is
'Four man. •
'The experience these -two gentle-
man have will sorely be missed,"
Witt said. "It will be a void that
wilt be very difficult to fila" •
As their terms draw to a close;.
Egan and Wachter reminisced
about their tenure -The The following
are excerpts from several inter-
views: ••
Q: What was Eagan like when
you first moved there? •
car..,
Q: What does theneighborhood
look like today?
Wachter. Bulk mail facility on
the farm, office building in the
neighborhood to the north, office
and warehouse in the neighbor-
hood to the east. To thesouth is
our Promenade shopping center.
It's different, no doubt about that.
If , our 'forefathers were to come
home they wouldn't know where
they were. ` -
Q: How did that make yoh. feel
about govemrent when your fami-
ly's farm was taken?
Wachter: I guess that was
always in the back of -my ,was
and I said if I ever. had a c!!ance -
to do something for people from a
government angle I would try' to
do my' best' to help them. I: didn't'•
pursue it at the time. Bu`,;then'
when I was asked by' Herb Polzin
(who was active in -Eagan govern
ment) to be on the planning board
for EaganI accepted.
Q: What was your first reaction
to learning the name of the' .own
ship was the same as yours?:
Egan: Believe it or not, I wasn't
very concerned about that as a
teen-ager. I was, more concerned
about the fact that I seemed to be
out in no man's land. When you're
too young to have a driver's
license, living out in a township ..
': I feltsomewhatisolated.
Q: How did you decide to get"
'Involved with local government?
Egan: I came home from work
one evening in June of 1977 and it
was a bright sunny day. My next•,.
door neighbor'saw me pull in the
garage. She -said there was a great.
concern about . a project, a county
road project It was coming in at
Pilot Knob Road" and they would
like me to attend the meeting;
• ,We sat down and discussed 'the
preliminary plans for the upgrad-
ing of .Pilot:,Knob Road. One[of,
the real drawbacks to our decision
to move. to Eagan at the time was-
the••conctifinn.of-the .s.trc ;,We`
just didn't feel there was any safe
or adequate. street in Eagan, and
Pilot'Knob;was one of those
streets.I was concerned about.
Pilot -Knob at' that time was a
two-lane rural ditch road, that
went all the .way from the knob in
Mendota Heights to; Farmington . .
Butwhat was being proposed
was not only upgrading the road
from two "lanes to four lanes .but
to put in divided medians,
frontage roads. There were even
pedestrian crosspaths, overpasses. -
My neighbors were very con-
cerned 'about that. - •
I think' what I'm describing .to•
you.is -the dawning of the develop-
ment of Eagan.. It may have been
the 'first time a large segment. of
the then -Eagan population became
aware of the fact that Eagan was
in fact developing, and they • want-
ed to be more actively involved; in
the ,process. .
• • Q:: What did you learn from that
first campaign? •
Egan: I became rather shocked
to find out the cause we were "try-
ing to protect was not universally
accepted. The .cause was to -try
and slow down ;progress.. I. car. tell
you I'm.not an obstructionist:
I worked -very hard during the
early ;months,.of that first' term
4...:.:n 4.. .......n ..n ,n:4h .n ..•.v.o..n:
roads . .. pedestrian overpasses.
By the time wewere done, we
had worked out' what I considered
" to be an excellent plan.
- On Interstate 35E, which was
• bulltIn the 1970s and 80s:
Wachter. I was very much con-
cerned about""my farm because
35E was-going'to come through it.
I had established some wildlife,
planted trees and contoured the
farm for better conservation of
topsoil.
At first I was opposed to it
because 3 didn't know what was
all going to take. place. Being a
farmer, you're concerned about
taking your livelihood away. But
then after a while Irealized what
it meant • for the city of Eagan.
This was the -so-called key to
opening those big doors to Eagan.
Egan: And it did. You could lit-
erally hear the "for sale" signs
rising from the ground. The whole
-community had_ a "for sale" sign
on it. .The community just started
'•"to."develop'overnight almost imme-
diately when 35E was developed.
• A gentleman by the name of
John -Klein formed a group called
the Urban Council on Mobility.
And John was town board chair-
man for the township. He spear-
headed the completion of 35E: We
• all took for granted the tact that
35E would come but there was a
very strong question about
whether it was necessary with the
- completion of 35W .and the exis-
tence of Highway •13. John Klein
took Tom Hedges to Washington.
• D.C., Tom's first month or two in
office as • city; administrator. He
went. and lobbied hard with our
congressional delegation and
begged them to. please keep
money in the budget for 35E.
I think what almost killed John,
'though, was when a group of
Eagan residents wanted to pre-
serve 'the'area. In particular they
were very concerned about pre-
serving BlackhawkLake.
35E..vas: go i g'tc ge•.r ght over
the narrows. of Blackhawk Lake.
The residents objected and they
eventually filedan environmental-
ist lawsuit to prevent• if from
being built that way. Actually. the
city of Eagan is better off by the
fact that the freeway went around
it because we have probably one
of Eagan's prettiest parks down
there. The court ruled there was a
: prudent and feasible alternative to
going right through the middle of
the lake — you can go around it.
On airport, noise, an• Issue
Wachter and Egan predict will
never be resolved:
Egan: I've been so actively
involved in that issue '.. it's one
never
•
SERVING APPLE VALLEY ■ EAGAN ■ INVER G
EAGAN
' CONTINUED FROM 18
iarathon council meetings --and-,
lenty of tough decisions. The two •
ave witnessed comical mistakes •
ae city made, such as purchasing
iesel squad cars in the early
970s that were so noisy criminals.
ould clear out long before the
ops couldnab them.
There' have been the individual
lunders: One time Egan backed
trough his own garage by anci-
ent en route to a meeting because
e was so focused on an upcoming
ote about a controversial develop-
neit. Wachter accidentally sawed`
ff part of three•fingers during the
980s when he was run ragged by
ouncil meetings that routinely
asted until 3 a.m. •
'But the accomplishments out-
reigh the problems. The duo can
ake credit for helping Eagan
ecure the things residents now
ake for, granted, such as paved
Dads and full-time city staff, and
he things that make the suburb a
:ommunity; such as the library
Ind the •ice arena. Egan helped
boo West Publishing, one of the
argest taxpayers in the city.
Nachter helped save and restore
:he old town hall.
Neither council member is an. -
Eagan native and neither envi='
uioned a life•in politics.
They come from different back-
grounds. Wachter was the first in
Ws family to graduate, from •high
school. He spent his life as a
farmer and a carpenter. Drop by
Ms -home, and the 75-year-old will
ihow off his boyhood toy train, his
woodcarving collection and his
wife Anne's intricate ,dollhouse. •
He's quick to crack a joke and
:buckle.
Egan is more of a mover and: a-
;haker. After bouncing around the
Twin Cities and_South Dakota. his
family moved to Eagan Township
when -he was 14. Egan earned a
political science degree at the
University of St. Thomas and then
went to William Mitchell Law -
'School. He .moved back to Eagan
with his wife Betty in 1976. • ,
Liz Witt, the longtime former
aty clerk, 'describes the_ 51-year-,
,ld Egan as a quiet but fair' lead
�r. "Tom certainly followed his
-onscience,- his- value ,system of
fairness and honesty.. He, gives.
veiybody an opportunity to give
their opinion."
Many. will remember Wachter's
passion for local history. He has a
map of Eagan's past ingrained in
his mind. If you need to know
whom a particular farmer mar-
ried orthe location of the 1920s
foundation of the moonshine still
auried in the woods, Wachter is
your man. '
"The experience these two gentle-
man have will sorely be missed,"
Witt said. 'It will be a void that
will be very -difficult to fill."
AS their terms draw to a close,
Egan and Wachter reminisced --
about their tenure - The The following
are excerpts from several inter --
views: • '
Q: What was Eagan like when
you first moved there? •
car."
Q: What does the neighborhood
look like today?..
Wachter: -Bulk mail facility on
the farm, office building' in the
neighborhood' to the north, office
and .warehouse. in the neighbor-
hood to the east. To the south is
our Promenade shopping center.
It's -different, no doubt about that.
,If our forefathers were to come
home they wouldn't know . where
they were.
Q: How did that make yo. feel
about government when your fami-
ly's farm was taken?
• Wachter: I guess that was
always in the back of my 'mind,
and I said if I ever had a chance
roads ... • pedestrian overpasses.
By the time we were done, we
had worked out what I considered
to bean excellent plan.
• On Interstate 35E, which was
built In the 1970s and 80s:
Wachter.. I was_ very much con-
cerned about my farm because
35E was going to come through it.
I had established some wildlife,
planted trees and contoured the
farm for better conservation 'of
topsoil.
At first I was opposed to it
because I didn't know what was
all going to -take place. Being a
farmer, you're concerned about
taking your livelihood away: But
-then after a while I realized what
to'do something for people frum'a : 'it : meant' for' the city of Eagan.,
government angle I_ would try, to''. This was the so-called key to
do my best 'to ;help them.. I didn't:' 'opening those big doors to Eagan.
pursue it at the time. Bu :alien Egan: And it did. You could lit-
when;I was asked by' HerbPolzin 'T erally hear the "for sale" signs
(who was active in Eagan govern'' rising from the ground. The whole
ment)-to be on the planning board community had a "for sale" -sign
for Eagan, I accepted. on it. -The community just started
Q: What was your first reaction' to develop overnight almost imme-
to learning the name of the .own- diately when 35E was developed.
ship was the'same as yours? • - A gentleman by the name of
Egan: Believe it or not, I wasn't John Klein formed" a group called
very concerned about that as a the Urban Council on Mobility.
teen-ager. I was, more concerned And John was town board chair -
about the fact -that I seemed to be man for the township. He spear-
- out in no man's land. When you're headed the completion of 35E. We
too young to have a driver's all took for. granted the fact that
license, living out in a township .. 35E would come but there was a
I felt somewhat isolated. very strong question about
Q: How did you decide to get whether it was necessary with the
involved -with local government? completion of 35W and the exis-
- Egan: -I came home from work tence of Highway •13. John Klein
- one evening -in June of 1977 and -it took Tom Hedges to Washington,
wasna'bright"sunnyday: My next',.. D.C., Tom's first -month or two in
door neighbor saw me pull in the office as' city administrator. He
-garage. She said there was a greatwent and lobbied hardwith our
concern about a project. a county congressional delegation and
road project. It _was coming in.at,.begged them to please keep
Pilot Knob Road and they would money in.the. budget for 35E.
'like me to attend the Meeting. ` .I think -what almost killed John,
We sat down and discussed the though, was when a group of
preliminary plans. for the upgrad-. Eagan -residents wanted to pre-
ing of • Pilot Knob -Road. One of.; serve the' area. In particular they
. the real drawbacks to our decision..' were very concerned about pre -
to move to Eagan at the timewas: -serving Blackhawk Lake.
__the : condi+I^"-af th�strea!,a.:We'- ,35E-,c5as-goung to ge-^p t evcr
just didn't feel there was any safe ,the?'narrows of Blackhawk Lake.
or, adequate street in Eagan, and• The residents objected and they
Pilot Knob was one of those'" eventually filed an environmental -
streets I was concerned about. ' • ist lawsuit to prevent if" from
Pilot Knob at that time was a being built that way. Actually the
two-lane rural' ditch road that city of Eagan is better off by the
went all the way from .the knob infact that the freeway went around.
Mendota Heights to Farmington .. it because we have probably one
But what' was being proposed of Eagan's prettiest parks down
was not only upgrading the road there. The court ruled there was a
from -two lanes to four lanes .but ' prudent and feasible alternative to
to -put in, divided medians, , going right through the middle of
`frontage. roads. There were even the lake — you can go around it.
pedestrian crosspaths, overpasses. On airport, noise, am issue
My neighbors were very con- Wachter. and Egan predlct,will
eerned about that:. • never be resolved:
I think- what I'm describing -to• Egan: I've been so actively
you is the dawning of the develop- involved in that issue it's -one
ment• of Eagan. It may have been of those things that will never go
the first time a `large segment. of away: It's one of those'things,that
the then -Eagan population became, you' have• to continue and assert
aware of the fact that Eagan was: yourself and make sure your pres-
in fact developing. and they -want- ` ence and your views are known.
ed to be more actively involved in (In the 1970s) you had .stage 1,
the process. stage' 2 and stage 3 aircraft: Most
•Q What did you leam from that of the airplanes flying back then
first campaign? • were ' 'stage 1, •which were
Egan: I became rather shocked , extremely noisy. There were just
to find out the cause we were try,... ' not many quiet planes at *all. •
ing to protect•was not universally:- Wachter: (Airport officials)
accepted. The .cause •was to -try ; weren't concerned about it. Even
and slow down progress..I can'.tell if°people complained -they -let it go
you I'm not an obstructionist. ' because they didn't feel it was
• _.: I worked • very hard during '.the' nor'• Now they look at it in
earl months of 'that first term a different light and they are will-
i� GL4171 CRYc March i ► , Iov
Mayor responds to redevelopment questions
The Feb. 18 issue of the Eagan
Sun Current included a letter to
the editor from Dr. Bruce Hansen
of the Eagan Pet Clinic concern-
ing the potential redevelopment
of the Cedarvale commercial
area. I wanted to share com-
ments with the public as well.
First of all, some comments I
made were perceived as being
negative about the Pet Clinic
property. My comments referred
to the need to revitalize and re-
develop the Cedarvale area
overall and were not intended to
suggest that the Eagan Pet Clin-
ic is poorly maintained or that it
is not valued as a part of the
community. To the contrary, the
Eagan Pet Clinic is one of the
businesses that obviously has
reinvested in itself and its prop-
erty and I consider it to be very
important to the community.
_ There are, however, parts of
the Cedarvale area that have not
been able to reinvest in them-
selves as successfully as the
Eagan Pet Clinic has. The revi-
talization and redevelopment of
this area is something the city
believes to be important. The ap-
proach that we have taken has
been to engage the Cedarvale
area businesses and business
property owners in discussions
of how to respond to these chal-
lenges. They have been invited
to numerous meetings. We ap-
preciate their participation.
Through these meetings,
area property owners asked the
city to explore the feasibility of a
tax increment district as a fi-
nancing tool for redevelopment.
A feasibility study was conduct-
ed and results will be reported
at 7 p.m. March 26 in the City
Hall Community Room.
Separate from the tax incre-
ment study, Delta Development
acquired the rights to a number
of the properties on the south
side of Beau D'Rue Drive and
submitted an application to the
city to reguide the area for a
townhouse development. Adja-
cent property owners were in-
formed of the proposal and a
number of them attended the
meeting. As a property owner
within the area, Mr. Parranto of
Delta Development was also
aware of the tax increment fea-
sibility study. At the time of his
application, he indicated an in-
terest in using this financing
tool to assist with some of the ex-
traordinary costs that would be
involved in preparing the area
for redevelopment.
Because of the condition, size
and shape of some of the other
properties in the area, the City
Council advised Mr. Parranto
that it would consider a develop-
ment plan that would incorpo-
rate as much of the area south of
Beau D'Rue as practical. He was
asked to pursue that possibility
and report his progress to the
council. He did so at the recent
workshop. At that time, the City
Council said that it would con-
sider a proposal but stressed
that it would be necessary for
Mr. Parranto to submit the ap-
propriate applications to permit
the public and affected proper-
ties to be properly noticed and
involved in any decision. I regret
that a newspaper article did not
mention this important fact, but
it was the primary message from
the council to Mr. Parranto.
I want to make clear that no
decision has been made by the
city to acquire any particular
properties in the area. Many peo-
ple in the community have con-
cluded that parts of the area will
need to be reshaped and replaced
for it to become vibrant again.
I would encourage residents
and businesses to recognize that
there are a number of issues
that converge in this one situa-
tion. Certainly, there are the in-
terests of the existing property
owners both within and around
the area. There is also the issue
of the appropriate land use for
this part of the Cedarvale area.
There is the issue of how to en-
courage the orderly develop-
ment of a number of small and
unusually shaped parcels.
There is the issue of whether
public financing assistance will
be necessary to bring about re-
development regardless of
whether it is commercial or res-
idential. There is the interest of
the larger community in seeing
the city's tax base remain
healthy and continue to expand.
There is the issue of how best to
take advantage of emerging op-
portunities to respond to all of
the other issues.
I believe that the facts show
that the situation that is evolving
in the Cedarvale area has and
will continue to involve a lot of
public input. I would hope that in-
terested persons will attend the
March 26 meeting to learn more
and to share their thoughts on
how best to revitalize this ar.">:
4Bw. Wednesday/November 8/1989/Star Tribune
Election '89
Eagan's Egan defeats Mayor
Ellison; Lakeville newcomers win
By Gary Harvey
Staff Writer
Popular 10-year Eagan City Council
Member Tom Egan defeated Vic Elli-
son for mayor Tuesday in what was
viewed as a mild upset. Egan re-
ceived 3,512 votes to 2,539 for Elli-
son. Raymond C. Nutzmann got 248
votes.
Two years ago Ellison had received
more than 60 percent of the vote in
wresting the mayor's chair from Bea
Blomquist after a bitter campaign.
Egan said his polling had showed he
could win, but he said he was sur-
prised at the margin.
"What this indicates to me is that
there has been a substantial reaction
to what happened two years ago,"
Egan said. "I just think that Vic
made so many promises and raised
expectations of so many people, but
people came away with such an emp-
ty feeling.
"You have to have the humility of
representing the people," he said.
"People are sick and tired of the
overcommercialization ... and the
lack of sensitivity to neighborhood
issues."
Two Ellison supporters won election
to the Eagan council. Tim Pawlenty
received 3,808 votes and Council
Member Pam McCrea, who had been
appointed to fill Ellison's seat when
he was elected mayor, received 2,998.
Other candidates were Sandra A. Ma -
sin, 2,444 votes; Mark Olson, 1,411;
Jim Wade, 661; Renee N. Herzog,
458; and Curt England, 258.
Ellison had asked voters to give him
another two years to complete what
he said was a four-year job. He had
stressed a commitment to quality
growth rather than rapid growth and
Tom Egan
emphasized his record as mayor.
In Lakeville, Mayor Duane Zaun,
who was unopposed for reelection,
received 1,934 votes. Elected to four-
year council terms were newcomers
Lynette M. Mulvihill with 1,150
votes and Wenzel Ruhmann, 1,129
votes. Defeated were incumbent
Robert Nelson, 905, Sandi Goetze,
795, and incumbent Nancy Enright,
706.
In Shakopee, developer Gary Lau-
rent ousted 1 7-year council member
Dolores Lebens for the mayoral seat,
2,274 to 1,497. Allan Hastings was
third with 199.
Lebens, elected mayor two years ago,
had twice been taken to court by the
City Council after she attempted to
block a bridge project that is expect-
ed to ease some of the city's traffic
congestion. A council member who
frequently supported Lebens, Gary
Scott, also was defeated. Scott re-
ceived 1,262 votes, giving up his seat
to Robert Sweeney with 2,942.
Vic Ellison
Council Member Gloria Vierling was
reelected with 2,661. Running fourth
in the council race was Richard Ke-
chely with 424.
"I just hope that in the next ,few
months the community can pull to-
gether and focus on the future," Lau-
rent said. "Once we do that, then me
can start moving together.
"A mayor has to be mayor for the
entire community," he said. He add-
ed that he hopes Lebens' supporters
will feel comfortable calling him
about their concerns.
In Rosemount, City Council Member
Vernon Napper, who was unopposed
for mayor, got 641 votes. Elected to
four-year council terms were Sheila
Klassen with 418 votes and Harry R.
(Bob) Willcox, 406. Vote totals -for
other candidates were not available.
Results were unavailable for city
elections in New Market, Prior Lake,
Savage and Farmington.
ah7Y�is
eK
Egan
(Continued from front page)
Awada announced May 17 she
will run for mayor.
Egan said he did not want
Awada to have to run against
him or announce her candidacy
before he made clear he would
not seek office again.
"I think Pat Awada would
make a good mayor," said
Egan. "If you have a person
who is bright, caring and vi-
sionary such as Pat, it seems
like an appropriate time to step
down. I'm trying to be courte-
ous and encourage her to run. I
know she would do a good
job."
Awada, a two -term council
member, has served on the
council for seven years.
"My goal is to put the finish-
ing touches on the work that
has been done over the past 20
years to build one of the most
vibrant and vital communities
in Minnesota," Awada said.
"Twenty years ago Eagan was
Mayor will not seek re-election
Egan endorses Council Member Awada
By MARK LARSON
Tom Egan, mayor of the city
of Eagan for eight years, an-
nounced June 16 he will not
run for re-election.
• Egan said he will give his
family and professional career
the attention thcy have long
been denied.
"For as long as 1 am alive, 1
will thank the good Lord and
the people of Eagan for the op-
portunity to serve this great
city," Egan said.
The decision came aftcr sev-
eral months of talking with his
wife, Betty, whom Egan said is
his "No. 1 concern and No. 1
constituent."
"My family is growing and
I'm still young, healthy and
TOM EGAN
energetic," Egan said.
Egan's daughter, Shannon
Herrera, has a 15-month-old
son and is expecting another
child.
"This feels like a fitting time
to step down and allow some,
fresh blood to come forward,"
Egan said.
Egan, a partner in the Ahl-
berg, Egan, Stewart & Lauer,
P.A. law firm in Apple Valley,
served on the Eagan City
Council from 1978 to 1989 be-
fore he was elected mayor. He
said he will step down to make
room for the vision of new and
creative minds that will be
"vitally important in bringing
Eagan into the 21st century."
"I already know there is tal-
ent which desires to provide
Eagan with new and positive
leadership, and that talent de-
serves every opportunity,"
Egan said.
Council Member Patricia
(See Egan, p.14A)
farmland. Now it is a thriving
suburb. For several years dur-
ing that time it was the fastest -
growing community in the
state. Now it is time to make it
the most exciting, livable
community in Minnesota."
Awada said that as mayor,
her priorities would be to keep
Eagan's taxes among the low-
est in the metro area, protect
the park system and open
spaces and expand "amenities
for our citizens and children
without raising taxes."
Awada is president and CEO
of Capitol Companies, a multi -
divisional corporation with
headquarters and operational
facilities in Eagan. She lives in
Eagan with her husband, Mi-
chael, and daughters, Alexan-
dra, 5, and Katie, 16 months.
Over the 22 years Egan has
lived in Eagan, he has served
on several municipal commit-
tees. He has been a member of
the Association of Metropoli-
tan Municipalities since 1991
and has served as president. He
is currently president of the
National Organization to Insure
a Sound -Controlled Environ-
ment (NOISE), which he
joined in 1985.
He is a past president of the
Municipal Legislative Com-
mission and served on the
Minnesota Valley Transit
Authority board from 1990 to
1992. Egan is currently serving
as public -sector co -vice chair
of the Metro East Development
Partnership.
Egan said some of the proud-
est moments he has witnessed
in Eagan were the relocation of
the West Publishing headquar-
ters to Eagan, the development
of the Promenade Shopping
Plaza on Yankee Doodle Road
and the construction and suc-
cess of the first ice sheet in
Eagan.
"We've had so many suc-
cesses in Eagan, one phe-
nomenal success after an-
other," said Egan. "Eagan is a
first-class city in which to live
and work. I will always have
tremendous interest in Eagan
and I'm honored to have been
able to serve here."
In the community, Egan has
been active as a charter mem-
ber of the Eagan Rotary Club,
where he formerly served as
secretary, club service director
and international service direc-
tor.
In 1994 Egan coordinated the
Jail and Bail event for the
March of Dimes, and is a long-
standing Jail and Bail partici-
pant.
He chaired the Eagan Cystic
Fibrosis Bikeathon from 1981
to 1985 and is a former treas-
urer of the regional Cystic Fi-
brosis Golf Tournament.
Egan is also a former mem-
ber of the Burnsville Chamber
of Commerce, a member of the
Northern Dakota County
Chamber of Commerce -Eagan
Chapter and a member of the
Apple Valley Chamber of
Commerce.
Although Egan said he will
now concentrate on spending
time with his family and at
work, he said he would not rule
out returning to politics some-
day.
-
Egan will
not seek
4th term
as mayor
= By Sue Hegarty
Minnesota Sun Publications
It won't be
nearly as easy
for Eagan resi-
dents to remem-
ber the name of
their next mayor
following elec-
tions this fall.
Mayor Tom
Egan (no relation
to Patrick Eagan
whom the city was named for)
announced last week that he will
not seek re-election to a fourth
term. He has been mayor since
1990, having been a council
member before .that. is o- `
'� ipaVpohtical;`tareerThpanne
more than two decades during a
period of time when Eagan expe-
rienced tremendous growth.
During his years of public ser-
vice, Eagan grew from a popula-
tion of 18,000 to a community of
more than 60,000.
"Yes, Eagan has made dramat-
ic strides. However, much remains
to be done. While a significant por-
tion of Eagan remains to be devel-
oped, it is the area of redevelop-
ment which I believe provides
Eagan with its greatest challenge,"
Egan said in a press release.
Tom Egan
EGAN: To Page 9A
allan Stnn Correvit
Jun�
Egan: Term as mayor ends in January 1999
From Page 1A
He was in Duluth late last week attend-
ing the League of Minnesota Cities meeting.
To bring Eagan into the next century,
Egan said he looks forward to the vision
of new and creative minds.
"To make room for those new and cre-
ative ideas, I have made a decision not to
run for re-election as mayor of Eagan."
He will now be able to give his family and
career "the attention which they have
long been denied," he said.
An attorney, Egan is a partner in the
Apple Valley law firm of Ahlberg, Egan,
Steward & Lauer.
He served on the City Council from 1978
to 1989 and never finished an election
lower than in first place. In 1990 he defeat-
ed incumbent Mayor Vic Ellison by nearly
1,000 votes. He captured 13 of the city's 1z
precincts during his first bid for mayor.
He has served as president of the Na-
tional Organization to Insure a Sound.
Controlled Environment and with the
Association of Metropolitan Municipali
ties. On a local level, he is a charter mem
ber of the Eagan Rotary Club and is in
volved with various non-profit organiza-
tions. An avid bicyclist, he was chairman
of the Eagan Cystic Fibrosis Bike-athor
from 1981 through 1985.
His term as mayor expires in January
1999.
The day following Egan's announce-
ment, Councilmember Pat Awada an-
nounced her bid for mayor. Awada is com-
pleting her second term on the council.
She recently relocated her business.
Capitol Companies, to Eagan.
(A[0(1 -rnI.s VJCb
\liAki Zia) loW
Mayor Egan misrepresented conversation
To the editor:
Mayor Egan should be
ashamed. At the July 7 council
meeting he admonished citi-
zens to discuss only the fiscal
analysis of the aquatic facility
and then launched into an
"anecdotal" conversation de-
scribing supposed verbal abuse
in a phone conversation.
Perhaps the mayor does not
know, but I was a third party to
that interaction and his rendi-
tion is simply false. Shame on
him.
There were no expletives un-
less you count "politician." In .
truth, his filibuster did not al-
low for normal discourse. The
rage and scolding on his part
were conveniently left out of
his report. If the conversation
had animus, it was on the
mayor's part. He is elected,
and paid by the citizens. When
we call to discuss issues, we
should not be subjected to first,
his intimidating behavior, nor
later portrayed on local cable
as unstable as we deal with the
loss of a loved one.
Should the mayor choose to
misrepresent citizen conversa-
tions in the future, he should
make sure there are no wit-
nesses. He owes us an apology.
Shame on him.
PAULINE HIGDON
Eagan
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
NEWS
2"
Eagan gymnasts set
school record in win
14A
People are finding
fitness innovations
District 197 to hear
community center plan
-Y-' /A-9: u EiliGAN inside
Nournmstordr—
Heil*"
Sun'Current
Vol. 21, No. 6
2 Sections
January 31, 1996
Mayor Egan delivers state of city address
By Sue Hegarty
Staff Writer
For Eagan, the one constant
is change, said Mayor Tom Egan
in his state of the city address
Jan. 18.
Egan talked about several re-
cent changes in city operations and
touched upon upcoming changes.
Communication
Improved communication
methods ranked high in priority
among off gals and staff last year.
For example, new green signs
have been posted on properties
that have development applica-
tions pending before the council.
"This will increase neighbor-
hood awareness of proposed de-
velopments beyond the legal no-
tice system," Egan said.
Also in the area of communi-
cation, city offices have added
voice messaging services beyond
normal business hours.
Last fall, a series of outreach
meetings brought city officials
and the business community
around a common table and
this winter, public information
meetings allowed residents an
alternative to the more formal
public hearing process.
Later this year, a survey of
residents' attitudes about public
services is expected to further
communication between city of-
ficials and residents.
Eagan Promenade
A March ground -breaking is
scheduled for a new shopping
center in the northeast corner
of Interstate 35E and Yankee
Doodle Road. Opus Develop-
ment Corp. and Eagan's City
Council have approved prelimi-
nary plans for streets and util-
ities. The center will combine
small retail with "big box" an-
chor stores, such as a Byerly's
grocery store. Included in the
overall plan is a 294-unit hous-
ing complex.
Civic Arena
More than 1,200 hours of ice
time have been rented since the
new Eagan Civic Arena opened
Students feel right at home at Prairie Creek
By Melissa Bergquist
Staff Writer
last October. More than 400 peo-
ple registered for the first session
of public skating lessons and rink
operators said more than 500 are
registered for the second session.
Municipal Center
Dedication of the remodeled
Municipal Center and of the new
Police Facility included tours for
300 residents. Construction was
finished under budget and without
using property taxes, Egan said.
CITY: To Page 5A
Campaign
increases
olice;
Apple Valley/Rosemount, Eagan Sun•Current Wednesday, Jan. 31, 1996
5A
City: Key accomplishments, future plans revealed
From Front Page
Budget
Historically, Eagan has been
one of the lowest spending cities
per capita in the metropolitan
region, Egan said. Council mem-
bers certified a $12.6 million tax
levy for 1996 to support a gener-
al fund budget of $15 million.
"This keeps the property tax
capacity rate flat, and in fact it
actually went down slightly from
1995," Egan said.
Airport noise
Following studies and recom-
mendations from three city advi-
sory commissions, the City Coun-
cil recommended expansion of
the current Twin Cities airport
facility based on three conditions.
First, it supported land
preservation at the proposed al-
ternative site in Dakota County
in case air traffic exceeds cur-
rent capacity. The council insists
that substantial funds be set
aside for sound insulation. No
expansion should occur until
there is an all Stage III, quieter
airline engine fleet.
Public facilities
City officials expect to study
several options in the next few
months for the acquisition or
construction of a municipal golf
course. At the same time, they
will be asked to amend the city's
Comprehensive Guide Plan
amendment for a proposal that
would change Carriage Hills
Golf Course to residential devel-
opment.
Residents can expect to hear
more this year about a proposed
park bond referendum. If ap-
proved by voters, the funds
would be used to acquire park
property and to preserve natur-
al areas.
Due to the icy road conditions
Jan. 18, few people got to hear
the mayor's address. Egan and
Safe: Holiday DUI cases down
From Front Page
improved from 1994.
Johnson said 17 people were
arrested for DUI in 1994 com-
pared to 10 DUI's in 1995.
Sgt. Dwayne Kuhns said four
people were arrested for DUI in
Rosemount.
It's unclear whether that
means fewer people are drinking
and driving, he said.
"We like to think so, but it
could've been a fluke," he said.
The next period of enforce-
ment will begin on weekends in
April and extend through the
months of prom and graduation.
city staff plan to deliver the
same address at 4 p.m. Feb. 1 in
the City Council Chambers,
3830 Pilot Knob Road in Eagan.
The message will be broadcast
live on Channel 16 and residents
are encouraged to check cable
listings for rebroadcast times.
may be changed, Magnuson said.
019 M Mtnncwra State Loonlottery *tears mot be 18 rears of age or older
LOWEST MILK AND EGG PRICES IN TOWN !
4195 Nichols Rd., Eagan
(Diffley St Cedar)
LOWEST GAS AND CIGARETTE PRICES IN TOWN !
IFS ENOUGH
TO
UR HEART
aPITTER.
FIATTF.